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

Guests from Winnipeg West: Raman Talwar, Dan Sutton, Gord Johnstone, Winnipeg downtown Satellite Jorrel Camuyon, and District Governor Fred Wright - Kenora.

Following dinner, Gord Johnstone, Winnipeg West made special Paul Harris presentations to Mandy Kwasnica, Fred Wright, Jorrel Camuyon for their exceptional work in planning/ executing the District's General Meeting. Each recipient spoke briefly thanking Winnipeg West for the recognition.

Rotary Moment

Rotary defines its Alumni as persons who have taken part in one or more of the RI youth programs including Rotaract, Youth Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholarships. The goal of Rotary Reconnect Week is to invite alumni to take part in something that our Rotary club hosts, whether it is a club project, a club meeting, a party that celebrates the alumni, or just you having coffee with one alumnus.
A challenge is that our database of alumni needs to be vetted. We will begin this week. We will ensure that alumni are all receiving our club bulletin and other appropriate communication. Thank you to Elaine Thompson who leads this initiative at a District level. If individual members are in touch with an alumnus, please pass on his/her contact information.

Chair Announcements

President Glenn spoke about Darvin Jasper. Following a difficult struggle with Leukemia, long time and respected member of our Club, Darvin Jasper died on Saturday September 24, in the loving care of Sharon, his wife of 55 years, and his cherished family. His obituary said that Darvin was a "proud country boy" who worked hard right to the end. He lived life humbly, generously and non-judgmentally, freely offering his time, skills and resources to family and friends. Club members are invited to honour Darvin with an afternoon of music, song and stories:
Saturday, October 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Royal Ball Room at the Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave.

The next meeting of the club's Board of Directors is tomorrow on Zoom at 4:30 pm. The final agenda and reports will be circulated in the morning. If you are not on the Board and you wish to attend, please email or phone Glenn and he'll send you the Zoom link.

District pins - DG Fred left District pins at the registration desk. If you didn't get one, help yourself.

Peter Tonge introduced DG Fred who began his presentation with a review of the member survey conducted by the District, including results for the Charleswood club. The survey highlighted concerns about a drop in membership, engagement and attendance. The District used the results to establish an action plan, to be monitored over the course of this Rotary year. DG Fred highlighted several successful projects and clubs with high levels of engagement. He complimented our club for its high-profile projects and member involvement.

Jim Forestell thanked DG Fred, highlighting that Fred agreed to take on the task for a second time. In recognition of his visit, the club would donate to Polio Plus in his name.

Happy Bucks

There were several happy dollars including call from Mandy for furniture for a Ukrainian family (she will circulate a list). Jack Wilson is aware of another family seeking a queen size bed. Call to members to help.

Gord Johnstone was celebrating a birthday and was recognized with the singing of Happy Birthday. Jagdish Katter and his wife Brij celebrated 56 years of marriage, which resulted in a round of applause.

50/50

Dan Sutton drew a raffle ticket, won by Sarge, Lyle Miller. Another member could not unearth the dark blue marble, so the pot continues to grow. Sarge Lyle did not issue any fines.

Coming up...

Oct. 10 - No meeting - Thanksgiving
Oct. 17 - Cindy Driedger, Project Linus
Oct. 24 - recognize World Polio Day, with a special guest speaker, to be confirmed