Some things are becoming predictable (or is that dependable) this year with Wayne as the club president. We are allowed time to socialize, we get called to order, we sing O Canada, and he reminds the club about this year’s Rotary theme: Rotary Connects the World. Usually he has some words of welcome to follow that.
The topics for discussion are stated and the club members are invited to add to them. Then we proceed through that list with ample opportunity for members to ask questions and share. Sometimes the discussion gets a little off the official topic, but rarely is the gavel used, and the president guides the discussion back to the agenda.
Tonight we heard from the Social Committee, received an update about the arboretum, were reminded about the Groups of Five (get your $100 US payments in for TRF’s Annual Fund), were told about the Foundation Dinner, were given an invitation to an event at Gateway of Hope, and listened to “Readings” from Wayne, quoting our RI President.
Our guest speaker was Karen McDiarmid. Karen works as a Consultant with ASTTBC, wearing many hats including, among others, Coordinator of the TechAbility project which she spoke about tonight. She is also a cat lover and volunteers fostering cats/kittens with Cat Therapy and Rescue Society. Karen has been a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Vancouver Yaletown since 2011. Her presentation captured our attention, and her power point graphics were great. Allan presented her with a book to sign to be placed in the Nicomekl Elementary School library on her behalf.
We contributed happy and sad dollars for Polio Plus, and closed the meeting with a toast to Canada. Then the executive members regrouped for their own Executive Meeting. What fun!