September 10, 2020

What a great meeting we had tonight.  DG Carol Tichelman joined us on her official visit and shared in the pre-meeting conversations.  We easily could have chatted longer, but Les announced, “Veronica, it’s time.”  So President Veronica called the meeting to order.

      Because Leon was having connection difficulties (he was not at his home station) he shared the screen with Claudia and Claudia played Ginette Reno’s version of O Canada, recorded at a Montreal Canadiens’ home game.  Some of us sang very well.  We delayed singing Happy Birthday until next week, when we can honour both Brendan and Jim, and spare Carol.

     Announcements: Rotary Opens Opportunities; we have a new member!  Bob Hillmer has paper tickets for the 50/50 MegaDraw.

     Veronica formally and happily introduced her mother-in-law, Nora Truman, as a member of our club and DG Carol performed the official induction.

     DG Carol and PP Wayne then presented People of Action pins to deserving Rotarians from the past year.  Wayne’s selections were Claudia Trigo and Leon Jensen, and he explained why.  Then Carol and President Veronica presented pins to this year’s recipients.  Veronica chose Anthony Ball, Trisha Evans, Jorda Maisey and Wayne Wiebe to receive these special awards, and she explained why.

     Carol Tichelman delivered an interesting, inspiring, and at times quite moving presentation as she spoke about herself, about the district, and Rotary International.  She quoted RI President Holger Knaack’s invitation to endless opportunities, and reminded that everything we do provides opportunities for others.  She asked us what should our club look like in five years, and advised us to select new members carefully to make sure they are a good fit for the club, and the club is the right fit for themselves.  Carol urged us to continue efforts to support polio eradication, and commended our club on its very generous support of Annual Fund and Polio Plus over the years.  She said Langley consistently donates above the district average, sometimes three times as much, and we should be proud of our accomplishments.

     We closed with happy and sad dollars for Polio Plus and a toast to Canada.  Carol and the executive members then stayed for our executive meeting. For more photos please visit September 10, 2020.