We had a pleasant social time, chatting with each other and with Heather Taylor, joining us from Ingersoll, Ontario. During a break in the conversation, guess who intoned, “According to my timepiece, it’s two minutes to go.” So we had two minutes and ten seconds more for talking before the meeting was called to order.
Leon’s O Canada this evening was played by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and it was easy to sing along. However, looking at the screenshots, you’ll see most were just listening. Check those photos dated March 11, 2021 to find someone’s camera out of focus, someone else with a new hair colour, and discover who is hiding behind Heather’s message.
Announcements: We are living our theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities; this is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month (check out the Peace Arch Journal for great information); PE Leon is conducting an online survey on our areas of focus for next year; training for Rotary members will be held in April; Doug Dyer will be speaking about international housing opportunities at the Langley Central club meeting next Wednesday; the Foundation Gala will be held in May; a four-club meeting will be held on April 15, beginning at 6 p.m.; and Music Bingo is coming on April 16.
Foundation Chair Wayne read the Rotary Moment for this week, answering the question Why is SHARE called “SHARE”? You may read the short and sweet announcement for yourself.
Veronica introduced our guest speaker, Heather Taylor, who spoke about Adventures in Citizenship. This program has been going on for seventy years and will be held virtually this year. Heather is Chair of the Adventures in Citizenship Committee and is in her third year of studies at the University of Ottawa. She has been a Rotaractor for three years and is a co-district coordinator for her district. AiC will extend the age limit to nineteen this year to accommodate those who missed out last year when COVID cancelled the event, and will have break-out rooms for discussions, complete with moderators and facilitators. Participants will play games lead by Rotaractors, hear and learn about the judicial system in Canada, hear and speak with the Speaker of the House of Commons, hear and learn about indigenous issues and learn about citizenship and immigration law. Sounds like fun!
Club members are reminded to send their baby photos to Lana well in time for our meeting next week. So far most members have been playing shy.
As is our custom, happy and sad dollars for Polio Plus were announced and recorded, and we closed the meeting with a toast to Canada. Cheers!