It was indeed our ultimate meeting of the Rotary year, with President Stephen completing his third term as our president. We had a full house at the Rotary Interpretive Centre with special guests galore, and Gertrude sent her regrets.
Following this year’s usual opening we sang both O Canada and The Star Spangled Banner as incoming DG David Lukov drove up from Mount Vernon, Washington to join us. Our many guests were introduced.
Rotary and Other Announcements:
Only one member from our club is signed up for selling 50/50 tickets this weekend, and Wayne Wiebe will be working three shifts. (Note: Brendan Martin later volunteered and worked one shift with Wayne).
No Rotary birthdays or anniversaries to announce, though both Canada and United States will be celebrating birthdays in a few days.
This was the last club meeting with Lana Hart as our member. She will be moving back to rejoin the Rotary Club of North Delta, which she previously left to join us. She really gets around, that gal, and we will miss her.
Our club barbecue will be held at Jorda’s residence on August 26th.
Stephen was thanked (later in the program) for serving his third term as club president.
Bill Clemas, John Brynjolfson, Jorda Maisey, Brendan Martin, Lana Hart, Anthony Ball, Allan Richmond, John Aldag, Stephen Richardson, Rudy Storteboom, and Wayne Wiebe were joined by many guests, including AG Bev Dornan, Joan Richmond, June Martin, Rick Davis, Terry Metcalfe, Michael Storteboom, Joan Brown, Peter and Charlene Fassbender, Carole Metcalfe, Nathan Pachal, Michael Pratt, Ron Bergen, Sharon and Gerry Anglin, James and Jane Pratt, Katina Davison, Cameron Reeves and DG David Lukov. That’s 20 to 11 for the guests, if you’re counting.
A Short Installation
As PDG Wayne reminded the audience (repeatedly) Rudy had asked him to install the executive as a whole in a short ceremony. As a result, Wayne was unable to go into all the details he would have shared in a full ceremony, but did highlight a number of facts and stories that he wouldn’t be expanding on. He wanted to honour Rudy’s wishes, so he did not tell everything about the ceremony conducted ten years ago, or about some of our members who held different positions then, or some of our members who continue to hold the same positions, or others who have left the executive, or others who have left the club. He did share an interactive exchange he had had with the incoming Foundation Director in 2013, but that was it. The other stories would have to wait for another time.
Our executive for 2023-2024:
President: Rudy Storteboom
President-Elect: vacant Vice President: Allan Richmond Secretary: Bob Lukie Treasurer: Anthony Ball Directors (5): Nora Truman, Leon Jensen, John Brynjolfson, Merle Fisher Boonij, and Wayne Wiebe Sergeant-at-Arms: Byron Cooke Past President: Stephen Richardson
President Rudy addresses the gathering
Nearly President Rudy then spoke at length about his family, the guests, about Rotary, how honoured he was to be chosen as our president, and also thanked Stephen and other club members for the work they have done and the contributions they make. I did not take notes during his speech (I got a few photos) but his brother noted to me that Rudy spoke longer than the installer had. You realize, of course, that the installation was short.
Pall Harris Fellows
Almost DG David Lukov was invited to hand out the pins while Wayne read the names. Recognized tonight with PH recognition pins were John Brynjolfson, Lana Hart, Allan Richmond, Bill Clemas, Jorda Maisey, Anthony Ball and Brendan Martin. Some received more than one pin as we have missed holding an in-person ceremony for this since COVID affected our lives. Bill Clemas was also recognized with an extra one for his tremendous contributions working at the arboretum. We still have a number of pins to present to members who were not in attendance this evening.
The Light Touch
This was followed by The Light Touch, which featured four short ones.
Some people think prison is one word, but to robbers it’s the whole sentence.
My girlfriend treats me like a god. She ignores my existence and only talks to me when she needs something. Sad.
What did 0 say to 8? Nice belt.
I have a joke about time travel, but I’m not going to share it. You guys didn’t like it.
Other updates
Happy and sad dollars for Polio Plus were pledged for: our installation and a great year; a wonderful turnout for this meeting; sorry to leave, having enjoyed being a member of this club; enjoying tonight; the installation and a successful year completed; gifts of PH recognitions; Wayne’s short presentation; fake news about all his office’s doctors retiring; and seeing Rudy’s friends.
We toasted Canada and adjourned a very enjoyable meeting. All were invited to enjoy light refreshments of sandwiches, veggies, and dessert treats, along with juice and coffee, and continue socializing. Wayne presented Katina with her $1500 scholarship cheque and posed with her for yet another photo. She has a great attitude and sense of humour.
Note: Wayne will be away next Thursday at another function so we need someone to take notes to be included in our RoteNotes next week.
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