Meeting minutes
January 6, 2021
Birthdays:
Wedding Anniversaries
Club Anniversaries
- Joe MacDonald – Honorary, 34 years
Business:
- We have a unique opportunity next Monday. Rotarians across our country are very proud to have a Canadian as the first woman President of R.I. We have a chance to meet our future R.I. President - Jennifer Jones, the Rotary International President Nominee for 2022-23, will be speaking at the regular ZOOM meeting of the Rotary Club of Brampton on January 11 at 12 noon. – see Jack’s email from January 4th for the link to preregister
- Three new 2021 / 2022 Board members – Bill Green, Jake Thomas, John Vickery
- Fund Christmas Party
– Thanks to Chris Ainsworth and his Fellowship team
- Club’s 40th Anniversary – March 2021
The Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount's Board of Directors, through the Public Relations Chair Maria Greco and committee has invited John Thompson to publish a modest history book commemorating 40 years of "Service Above Self" for the club.
One of the objectives is to have highlights, photos and memories for each of the 40 years, with special comments, when available and appropriate.
- Rotary International has added Environment as a 7th area of focus – stay tuned new opportunities to serve.
- The District 7080 District Conference -Saturday, May 29 with the Environment as the Theme. There will be some outstanding speakers and presentations in this virtual event. More details to follow.
- Mac reminded all of us to buy a Catch the Ace ticket
Other news: Dr. Willis Bengnew – potential new member introduced by Karin Voisin.
Speaker:
Andrew Williams introduced Jim Coffey – Esprit Whitewater Adventure and Training
Esprit was voted National Geographic’s #1 whitewater rafting outfitter in 2008.
The company’s goal is to provide the ‘world’s greatest river trips’.
Esprit reflects Jim’s personal philosophies as a vocal social and environmental advocate. He was a key voice in the “I Speak for Canadian Rivers” campaign which brought attention to the importance of Navigable Waterways in Canada.
He is trained as a ambassador for the Climate Project under the direction of Al Gore and Dr. David Suzuki. He has worked with Alexandra Cousteau on a series of videos to protect his beloved Ottawa River and is proud to be both an allay and friend of the Ottawa River Keeper Meredith Brown.
Jim has an infectious spirit. He knows and lives “adventure” both professionally and personally. He motivates people to challenge themselves, to connect with the nature, to spend time outdoors. His expertise and enthusiasm, which is shared throughout all aspects of Esprit, allows you to enjoy, experience and discover YOUR Spirit of Adventure!
Jim commended Rotary and commented that he often see the Rotary sign at projects during his travels in various countries.
Jim spoke about the Seven Pillars of Outdoor Leadership:
- Communication – for safety, and maximizing the experience
- Competency – paddling, climbing, sailing
- Vision and Action – rescue used as an example
- Expedition Behaviour – punctual, care for equipment
- Judgment and Decision Making – adapting to circumstances
- Tolerance for Adversity and Uncertainty – fires, floods, for example
- Self-awarness – park you ego, embrace humility
Jim also shared some personal experiences about emergencies that occurred on his adventures, plus that he was recently diagnosed with cancer and the challenges related to that.
