Meeting of (approximately) 25+ opened with O Canada and toasts to the Queen, Canada and our Club.

 

 

 

Tim Bradich’s father passed away. He hadn’t been well for some time. Please pass on your thoughts to Tim and his family.

 

Catch the Ace. Judy Nairn indicated that the current lottery will likely be won soon and the Committee of the 5 Clubs has decided that the next Lottery proceeds will go to a single recipient, to be decided. 

 

State of the Region. Paul Puopolo reported that our 2021 meeting will be virtual to be held Feb 21^st, with an 8:00am start, followed by Chair Redman’s address starting at 8:30am. Her talk will be followed by a “fireside” chat room. The platform for the event will be Hopin. Details to follow. Donations for the fireside portion will be accepted with proceeds to KidsAbility.

 

February is Black History month. President Jack encouraged us to Google Black History month in Canada and follow several links. 

 

President Jack reported that RI is adding a 7^th area of focus for 2021; environment. To that end District 7080 will be holding an event on April 24^th and our Region’s Clubs will be participating. Jack is looking for a member to be part of the local Committee for that event.

 

 

 

 

Antoine gave a wonderful video slide presentation. His theme, identified by Alison Scott in her thank you was “movement”.

 

 

Antoine was born and raised in the Netherlands. He has 2 sisters and grew up on a farm where he acquired his love of the outdoors and agriculture. His family was very active in cycling among many other physical activities. 

 

One of the most favourite celebrations in the Netherlands was the Sinterklaas.  Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is dear to the hearts of Dutch children. He can be recognized by his eye-catching red cape with red miter and his long white beard. The saintly man arrives each year in mid-November on a steamboat filled with gifts and together with his helpers, all referred to as 'Piet’ (Peter). 

 

For children, this means they can put their shoe next to the chimney or back door. At night, Sinterklaas rides across the rooftops on his white horse Amerigo and places little treats or gifts in the children's shoes, assisted by his helpers, the Peters. Traditional sweets are gingerbread men, spiced biscuits, marzipan and chocolate letters. Satisfy your sweet tooth and buy these sweets at any supermarket or bakery.

 

The holiday itself is celebrated on December 5th, when gifts are exchanged. Children sing songs to Sinterklaas at the top of their lungs until they hear a knock on the door. If they have been good, they will find a bag filled with gifts just outside the door. Since Sinterklaas and Peter are not real, adults throughout the Netherlands dress up as Sinterklaas or Peter, much to the pleasure - and often confusion - of small children. Antoine stated the event and build up to it teaches the children patience.

 

Other endeavors he undertook growing up included Boy Scouts and dancing. He is still deeply involved in dancing to this day.

 

 

Antoine is a Mechanical Engineer by trade. His first work assignment was in Louisville KY where he met what turned out to be his “current” (the members joked with him) wife, Connie, a Canadian as it happens. Note, she is his one and only wife.

Antoine is employed by a Dutch firm, Vanderlande, with offices in over 100 countries. His specialty is logistics automation / materials handling. He showed us a video of things they do; quite amazing. You could find out more by visiting their website: www.vanderlande.com Antoine’s work takes him all over the world.

 

 

In his free time Antoine and Connie love to travel, dance, cycle & hike. He also loves to garden where they grow foods they eat, cook and enjoys good wine and whiskey. The problem during COVID is that when they open a bottle of wine, they have to drink the whole thing, whereas he’d rather just enjoy a single glass. (Note, Members offered to do curbside pickup for the wine they don’t finish). He has also tried his hand at arts & crafts.

 

There were many questions following his talk. He was thanked by Alison Scott for his excellent presentation.

 

Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm.