President Elect Cathy Skene opened the meeting with a land acknowledgement and the singing of O'Canada. Guests were Olga, Pedro, June, Denise, Bernard and Sunnar.

Chair Announcements

Yesterday was Pride Day in Winnipeg. Rotary had a float sponsored by Vickar Ford, thanks to the committed work of Nancy Cosway. Peter Tonge, David Soper and Cathy walked for our club; Warren and Kelly Thompson walked for Winnipeg Assiniboia, and Frank and Nancy Cosway for the Winnipeg club. Sadly, David, Warren, Kelly and Frank had to leave before the parade started to attend to other commitments. There was a blockade set up by protesters saying that Pride was not doing enough that delayed the start significantly. But once it finally set off it was a great time. The streets were lined with supporters, and we were loud and proud. Peter, Nancy Cosway and Cathy walked and rolled all the way to The Forks.

Lobsterfest is now only a week and a half away so the final push for ticket sales is on!

The Green Spaces Golf Tournament is in August. It’s after Lobsterfest, but don’t forget to invite friends, family and neighbours to get registered for that too.

Rotary moment: Yesterday Cathy had a returning customer call for 15 Lobster tickets. They really miss the in person event so they are gathering their friends for a party of their own. One of them had a medical issue yesterday and they missed the Pride parade for the first time in 15 years. So when Cathy dropped off the tickets they invited her in to tell them all about it. Made her even more happy that she’d been there.

Committee reports

Jim reported that Lobsterfest sales are lagging behind last year's numbers and urged everyone to sell tickets as best they can.

Jack reported that all the wayfinding signs in Assiniboine Forest have been defaced. He passed around a defaced sign as well as a suggested, more resistant, alternative for all to see.

There are two new research projects (same as last year) being undertaken by students in the Forest, and another group is studying wasps throughout the city. The Forest Committee continues to seek grants.

Mandy reported that there will be one more furniture drive before summer break. Final date to be determined.

This evening we had a speaker who needs no introduction: District Governor Elect Peter Tonge. Peter told us about his plans for his upcoming year in the Governor role.

New Members - We have a ‘two in a row’ event tonight. Last week we welcomed Olga to club membership, and this week we welcome Pedro. Pedro, came forward to be welcomed to the club by Ed Thompson and LeeAnn, his sponsor.

Paul Harris Fellowship - Peter Tonge was recognized by those in attendance for his ongoing support of Rotary International. Thank you Peter!

There were no birthdays or anniversaries.

Happy Bucks

• Ed Thompson went to Treherne on Saturday where he discovered a huge building full of old cars and other antique-y stuff. He spent two hours there.
• Lloyd is excited that he and 14 of his closest friends will gather north of Gimli to enjoy lobster and chicken. They will be eating it on Saturday because there is a golf tournament on Friday.
• Lloyd was also happy to report that the club has made a $1,000 donation to the COACH program.
• Peter threw in $2 to be allowed an ‘ask’ on behalf of his wife who chairs the virtual satellite club: they are looking for pop tabs, stamps and donations to Books for Prisoners.
• Cathy was happy that she got a light sunburn on Sunday because it masks the bruising she has on her forehead.
• Lloyd was still happy. He reported that he and Jack attended an event at Little Forks where a new urban national park is planned.
• Dave Morris and Nancy enjoyed a tribute to Patsy Cline at Club Regent.

50/50 draw

The blue marble is still at large.

There was one fine. Sarge Lyle fined Jack Wilson for ‘dissing’ Peter’s Mac laptop.

And be sure to attend next week (June 10) when Olga and Pedro give their vocational talks.