Pre-meeting chatter included stories about the PNE and how it was an agricultural fair, the Lynden fair, and Agrifair. Then Rudy called the meeting to order (promptly at 7, Les would be proud) with his usual comments. Following O Canada (“That’s the best we’ve had”) Rudy reminded us of RIP McInally’s message to create hope in the world, adding that peace is the soil in which hope grows.
We welcomed guests Niall McGarvey, Ron Bergen, Laura Girard, Paul Crump and Victoria Biggs. Wayne, Rudy, Allan, Nav, Leon, Anthony and Micheal represented our club, while regrets were received from Bill (ill), Merle (at Ribfest) and John (painting at Pemberton).
We shared information about containers being shipped, more signage at Ribfest, and that people will be able to meet those who have received benefits from Ribfest funds. Two tents have been returned to the Rotary Fieldhouse, but one is not in the best condition. We talked about the fires in Maui, NWT and BC and the need for assistance for the victims.
President Rudy briefly presented a cheque to Ron but then added that the official presentation would occur after the meeting when we would take photos outdoors. He then introduced Niall, a landscape architect with the Township of Langley, who spoke to us about his job and the developments at the Doubleday Arboretum.
Special Guest: Niall McGarvey
Niall told about wanting to design large public spaces and being given a willow orchard assignment. He has been working on the arboretum for a long time and feels that much of the success of this project is that it has been a slow process, never enclosed with construction fences, and always open to the public to see what is going on. Rotary’s involvement has been significant, from assisting with the Walk to Remember and the Afghanistan cenotaph, to landscaping and planting and the building of the Rotary Interpretive Centre (both financial and physical assistance). Features keep being added to the arboretum as individuals and groups see what is happening and see how they could become involved.
Over fifty groups have now used the RIC and the arboretum has been embraced by the community, both collectively and individually. Next on the to do list are finish paving the parking lot and install more parking lot lighting. Once funding is approved this will be done. An amphitheatre is planned to go in behind the building as well. We thanked Niall for his presentation, and offered our congratulations as he is getting married on October 7th.
Rotary Moment with Wayne
For the 14th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating - four stars - from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 14 consecutive 4-star evaluations.
“We are honored to have been recognized and to be among the top 1% of charities evaluated,” said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair John Germ. “Our donors can feel proud knowing that their gifts will allow them to make an impact in their communities and the world for years to come.”
The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness. We can be proud of our Foundation.
The Light Touch
Wayne followed this with The Light Touch, featuring a story he had saved especially for Rudy. It was called “We can not wait anymore” and involved a man inviting a girl to go to a dance, then having to wait and wait to rent a suit, to wait and wait to buy flowers, to wait and wait to get into the dance, and then discovering thee is no punch line. Okay, the shortened version doesn’t quite have the comedic appeal of the full version. Rudy complimented Wayne on having the courage to tell this story.
Other updates
Donations were made for: successful 50/50 sales; a wonderful presentation; nice to be here; Ribfest finally here; touring Derby bog; Niall’s presentation and the meeting in general; heading off to York Island for more work; and losing a mother-in-law and the loss felt by the family.
We closed with a toast to Canada. Next week we’ll be back at Timms for another great Rotary evening.
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