President Glenn began the meeting with the customary Land Acknowledgment. He asked all to rise, if able, to sing O’Canada.

Rotary Moment – On this day of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, President Glenn reflected on her life of service and this aligns with Rotarian’s virtue of service beyond self. May she rest in peace and our best wishes to King Charles III.

Chair announcements:

• President Glenn asked whether we could recruit 8 members to attend the Rotary Club of Ft. Garry’s anniversary meeting on Oct. 19. It was considered unlikely, but there was support to have our President attend.
• In August, next year, there is an intent to hold a golf tournament at Breezy Bend in collaboration with the Assiniboine Rotary Club. We are seeking 2-3 members to represent the club on the organizing committee. If interested, contact President Glenn or Jim Forestall.

Assiniboine Forest - Jack Wilson reported that new signage should be installed soon. The Forest committee is seeking volunteers to take a 2 hour shift to serve as an ambassador for the Forest, providing information and answering questions. Contact Jack or Wendy Hale.

Ukraine Project is still hopeful that the immigration process will allow us to bring a family to Winnipeg. In the meantime, there is another family that we may be able to help.

Reconnect with Alumni - President Glenn reported that Elaine Thompson is the District lead for Reconnect with Alumni celebrated from Oct. 3-10. Our club will update our list of alumni with the hope of maintaining better contact and to consider holding a special event, inviting alumni to attend.

Christmas Party - President Glenn gave an early notice for the annual Christmas party tentatively scheduled on Monday, December 19. Those with ideas for the program or wish to help, please contact Glenn or Lorraine Forestell. The club’s Board of Directors will confirm the date at the next meeting.

District Conference - Peter Tonge will be DG in 2024-2025 and our club has the opportunity (obligation?) to host the District Conference in early May, 2025. The Club’s BOD will consider at its next meeting and will discuss with current DG Fred Wright.

Iain Scott - Presented the following on Zoom:
The two-kilometre procession for Queen Elizabeth II on Monday was led by four Canadians, representing the country’s major role in her funeral. Arriving on horseback, they are members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) musical ride, a troop of riders who the Queen specifically requested be there for her funeral. Two of the Mounties were interviewed afterwards by the BBC and they spoke of how humbling and proud they were. Archbishop Of Cantebury said People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten. One of the highlights was hearing the Skye Boat Song. As the Queen approached Windsor Castle for the final time, the Pipes and Drums of the Scottish and Irish regiments struck up again playing “The Skye Boat Song”. The traditional 19th century Scottish song recalls how Bonnie Prince Charlie fled to the Isle of Skye to avoid capture by Government troops after being defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Charles Feaver, Trees Please - Nancy Morris introduced as follows: Charles focussed on various aspects of communications throughout his career. He has lived and worked in Manitoba for 40 years. He came here initially to advise the provincial government on telecommunications policy. After 10 years in that role, he completed an MBA, and moved on to manage market research in a database marketing company.  He then went on to lead customer research for an investment company. Since his retirement, he has been active in Bike Winnipeg, focussing on road safety and fundraising.  More recently, he has become part of the Trees Please Winnipeg coalition to lobby for better funding of tree maintenance and planting in Winnipeg.

Charles provided history of a successful pilot project in his neighbourhood that led to the establishment of the coalition. The group recognized there is a funding problem, and the focus is only on ‘managing the diseased tree problem’ and not long term sustainability. We are now losing an average of 5,000 public trees every year and only 19% are replaced (2019). The problem is worse on private property where many of the canopy of trees are located. Development vs. Urban forest is another problem. Infill is often done to property lines, without consideration of neighbouring trees. He compared the approach used in Oxford, England, where trees are protected and aligned with a set of standards (required with public projects for developers and trades). Tree counts by ward show where the loss of canopy is higher. Often, it is happening in low income neighbourhoods. Google Street view used to compare streets that go from a canopy to a bald spot. Climate Change adaptation is another factor. Trees help with extreme weather (flooding and heat). The City of Selkirk is a nearby community that proactively tackles the issue. They’re finding benefits such as longer lasting roads and less water going into storm drainage. Trees Please Pledge - all civic candidates. For every tree that is removed will be replaced by 2. Also regular pruning and watering and best practices for infill. How to pay? Move trees out of operational costs to natural infrastructure. More information / to help: www.treespleasewinnipeg.ca

Rod Delisle thanked Charles for his excellent presentation commenting that while we've all probably noticed examples of tree loss, it was eyeopening to see the data of the numbers of trees we are losing.

Sarge - Jack Wilson introduced and welcomed guest speaker, Charles Feaver and asked for Happy Dollars.

Happy Dollars

Rod - discovered that his old Honda van will begin a new life in Africa!!

Cathy Skene - in another volunteer role, she attended a dinner fundraiser for Ft. Whyte Alive. It was very successful, even if she got outbid with the silent auction.

50/50

Our guest speaker drew a ticket, won by Ed Gramiuk, but he was unable to unearth the dark blue marble. Sarge Jack also issued some fines.

Next week - Russ Edwards, Chairman, Wesman Group.