President LeeAnn Mytz had a commitment and sent her regrets. Past President Cathy Skene chaired the club meeting, gave the Land Acknowledgement and called for the national anthem. Sarge Mike Dudar introduced the human handlers and therapy dogs in attendance as guests.

Saturday was the Concert to End Polio - Cathy was very happy to see members Jack & Joyce, Lloyd & Peggy, Dawn and Glenn at the concert, as well as many Rotarians, members of the Post-Polio Network and friends. Gord and Deb LeMaistre even came from Kenora. They were entertained by the Ecco Singers, Connor & Haelyn and Baltimore Road. There was also a 50/50 draw and a bag raffle with some happy winners.

TransCanada Brewing event in support of mental health is coming. Please, save the date: February 16th. That is a Tuesday and it’s the day after Louis Riel Day. Big Daddy Tazz will be entertaining and inspiring us.

CJNU Radio's annual pledge drive is this weekend. Charleswood Rotary is a member now. It’s their 20th anniversary so this is a biggie, Cathy reminded everyone. Please, if you’re caring for someone, remember to take care of your own needs as well. You can’t take care of someone else if you don’t take care of yourself. She is pledging to CJNU in memory of her cousin Susan, and for another reason.

Longtime CJNU member, and amazing Winnipeg philanthropist Bob Williams will be matching pledges on the morning of October 30th. But it’s a limited time offer - so plea help spend Bob’s money! CJNU supports so many worthy causes in the community, and are so deserving of support themselves. You can e-transfer to admin@cjnu.ca

Alex Regies made a return visit, this time to tell us about the Manitoba Transit Heritage Association. He also took the opportunity to share that it is his birthday.

The MTHA collects antique buses and restores them to operable/display status.They currently have 18 buses in their fleet.

When the two founders of the association went looking for their first bus, they found a 1937 Twin Coach that seated 22. It was being used as a chicken coop in Ladywood MB. Winnipeg Transit supported the project and the group was incorporated as a museum and charitable not-for-profit. They currently have about 77 members.

Buses that are headed for the scrapyard are intercepted for the museum One bus is a ‘museum bus’ with display cabinets holding old uniforms, badges, tickets and ticket punches. There is also a TV that acts as a mini-theatre, telling the story of transit’s history. Retired drivers take the buses to places such as schools, seniors’ centres, and the Pony Corral car show. They also sell calendars and books, and produce a newsletter. The buses attract a lot of interest at car shows. They bring back many memories.

They also go outside Winnipeg for events and are also used by the film and TV industry. Members of the public can buy a membership, or merchandise which includes t-shirts and caps. The budget of approximately $100,000 comes from memberships, merchandise, grants and donations. Their goal is to acquire a warehouse to park the buses in.

Currently buses are stored at the Winnipeg Transit garage, at New Flyer on Kernahan, and rental space in a storage compound. They are insured for scrap value, and receive antique license plates. The oldest bus is a 1934 Dodge, and the museum has a sample from each decade.

There were many questions for Alex.

Learn more and check for events at: www.mtha.ca

David thanked Alex.

50/50 draw

Lyle had the lucky ticket and asked Andrea to pull the marble and she got the lucky blue marble. And Lyle won the draw for the prize that Alex provided, a book and calendar from MBHA.

Coming up

June 15 Brian Froese will talk about the history of the Canadian Mennonite University.