President Elect Cathy Skene called the meeting to order with the land acknowledgement and the singing of O’Canada.

Rotary Moment

RI theme this year is 'Create Hope in the World'. Rotarians are people of action, so create we shall. As a retired teacher, Cathy reminded all about RI's work in education such as literacy projects, enhancing education systems and providing food and fresh water in communities and schools. In Charleswood, we support Westgrove School.

Our guest speaker and soon to be member, Paul Chapman was our only guest.

Chair announcements

Forest Committee - attended the golf tournament and raised $230. There was a draw from those who attended the display for a double hammock, donated by Iain Scott.

Golf Tournament committee - will hold its wrap up meeting on Thursday. There will be a final report circulated. Perhaps we'll do it again next year? Ed Thompson added that Westland Construction held a golf tournament and proceeds of over $26,000 donated to our Ukraine project.

Ed Thompson welcomed Paul Chapman as a new member of the club (previously a member in The Pas). Welcome!! Paul then took the podium as the guest speaker.

He thanked the club for the warm welcome. Born in Kapuskasing, Ontario which influenced his decision to earn a degree in Forestry. He 'bounced' around over the years given job opportunities in the public and private sectors. He developed an interest and expertise in the growth side of Forestry vs. harvesting. His career was quite diverse during his time in The Pas, including a program that planted 6-6.5 million trees a year, indigenous employment and management training, and environmental reviews/compliance .

Paul is married with 2 daughters. He moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family (especially grandchildren). Paul joined Rotary in 2018, around the time of his retirement. He also volunteered with the Clearwater Ski Club, enhancing trails and facilities. Paul ended his talk to a room full of interesting questions. The club is indeed blessed to have Paul as a new member.

Happy Bucks

• Jim - the golf tournament went very well this past Thursday. Thank you very much to those who served on the organizing committee and members who volunteered the day of the tournament. We estimate that the club raised $6500-$7,000.
• Paul - happy that he and his wife saw their daughter perform in the Toronto Jazz Festival and to meet with family while there.
• Rod - happy with a cycling trip in Minnesota where he met two bears on one of the trails.
• Cathy - had the best day on the golf course at the tournament. Because she didn't play! Her husband Moe is an avid golfer and likes to buy new clubs to improve his game even more.
• Chuck - enjoyed the golf too and time with his granddaughter.
• Elaine - giving away crabapple jam.
• Iain - used the wrong route home from Rochester, adding 2 hours to their trip.

The blue marble was not drawn in the 50/50 draw.

Sarge fined Len for arriving late.

Next week - local film industry workers will talk about the impact of job action in the film industry. President Elect Cathy encouraged everyone to help recruit guest speakers. She also reminded the group about collecting stamps.