President Iain Scott opened the meeting with the club's land acknowledgement and the singing of O'Canada.

Guests tonight were Anya, David Soper's mom, Gwen (a friend of Sharon Jasper) and soon to be members Bernard Akinyemi & Sannar Ndams.

Chair Announcements

As this is Iain's last meeting as President he had one thing to say about this role and the elephant in the room… The accent. "I am sure you all agree that understanding one another can take patience. Try as I have, It's been the hardest part understanding most of you."

Over the past year I owe a huge thank you to everyone who as members have supported Charleswood Rotary with their time as volunteers and outwardly in the community promoting the club.

I would like to thank all of our guests over the past year who have made the meetings special and have added interest to each Monday meeting.

To all our new members, thank you for your engagement and volunteering over the past year. The community we support and the club is a better place for each one of you.

Ed Werbowski Memorial Scholarship - This morning, I had the pleasure of presenting the Ed Werbowski Memorial Scholarship to a graduating student of Shaftesbury High School at the Convention Centre. It gave me great pleasure to do that on behalf of Glenda who is here this evening.

Portage La Prairie Club - On Tuesday June 18th President Iain, Cathy Skene and David Soper visited the Portage la Prairie Rotary club, at the invitation of their president elect, Tosha (see photo of David and Tosha). There was a lovely meal, induction of a new member, and guest speaker Jeff Bereza, MLA for Portage. And, they were interviewed by Portage Online.

Agape Table - Nancy Hansen informs us that Agapé Table is suffering from an overwhelming demand and as such is in need of supplies. They take deliveries between 8am and 2 pm. Please spread the word and help if you are able. Thank you.

Camp Firefly - Peter Tonge encouraged members to support Camp Firefly, a "grief camp" for at-risk youth from Manitoba. It's very much a grassroots organization and relies greatly on personal donations. Check out the link here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/camp-firefly/

Before we go to dinner - A man rushed into a doctor’s surgery, shouting, “Help me, please! I’m shrinking!” The doctor calmly said, “Now settle down a bit. You’ll just have to learn to be a little patient.”

President Iain took great pleasure to welcome incoming club President, Cathy Skene and incoming President Elect, David Soper. He encouraged all to show their appreciation and support.

Cathy and David took us on an enjoyable voyage on the SS Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Charleswood. They attended pirate training at 'Russell by the Sea', learning how to rock the boat in the world of Rotary in our community and throughout the world. District Governor, Peter Tonge, was part of the fun, agreeing to be held hostage and released for protection booty.

They also spoke about Captain Warren, President, Assiniboia Rotary Club, and the upcoming 'Green Spaces Golf Tournament'. The tournament is organized by our 2 clubs and we've been challenged to recruit the most golfers. More information and a tournament poster is available on the club website at: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1000/SitePage/rotary-green-space-golf-tournament

Cathy and David gave a well deserved tribute to outgoing President Iain which was followed by a sincere show of gratitude from those in attendance. Well done, indeed!

Ed Thompson, Membership Chair came forward to induct new members Sannar Ndams and Bernard Akinyemi. He was also very pleased to announce that Glenda Werbowski has been named an Honorary member of the club. Congratulations all!

Happy Dollars

• LeeAnn was happy because it was the first day of her life, since she was 15, that she wasn't on anyone's payroll. Fully retired.
• Jack D put in $2 because his new car arrived a month early and he sold his old car to his niece.
• Nancy was happy about the article in the Free Press featuring Len van Roon Sr.
• Paul was pleased about a wonderful day in Selkirk with family.
• Jim Forestell enjoyed a free round of golf at Kingswood, when he and Warren Thompson went to check out the course for our upcoming golf tournament.
• Gwen (guest) was happy to be here with her friend Sharon.
• Glenda was happy to be here.
• Bob reported that his granddaughter has graduated high school.
• Cathy was happy that Evan Duncan made an appearance at her condo's annual BBQ, and he promised that he would help with Lobsterfest 2025.
• Iain put in $2. One was on behalf of Caroline, who hosted a baby shower for her daughter, and one because Iain's daughter Hannah has arrived back in Winnipeg after completing her medical residency and will spend the next six weeks in their basement.

Sarge – there was no draw. It was agreed to donate the raffle ticket income to a good cause. And there were no fines.

Next week there is no meeting as it's Canada Day. The following week is Monique Levesque-Pharoah of Peer Connections.

Before we go… In Honour of our successful fundraiser: Why was the Lobster embarrassed? He saw the ocean's bottom.