Friendly conversations before the meeting begins are always enjoyable. We heard about the great basketball game last Saturday (the Bandits won) and the delays in getting out of the parking lot afterwards. Our doctor reported that he had dealt with a possible case of monkey pox today. We heard via some grapevine that Veronica is moving to Victoria, that she’s sold her house and is looking for a place in our capital city. (After the meeting ended, Nora confirmed the rumour.) The 50/50 ticket sales went well at the Fort Langley Farmers’ market. Nora is looking after her son’s dog and feels it is really her dog now.
At 7:04 Stephen called the meeting to order and we sang O Canada together. “A beautiful rendition!” exclaimed one of our members. The singers included Wayne, Brendan, John, Byron, Stephen, Anthony, Allan and Nora, and possibly Kadonah singing at home. Lana joined the meeting later. We had no birthdays or anniversaries to announce. Stephen has received verbal assurance that we will have the use of the RIC for meetings on the third Thursday of each month, but is awaiting official confirmation before we make any changes at Timms. The Arboretum needs volunteers to assist with weeding, and Nora advised that the Langley Garden Club will assist, but this has not yet been organized. Someone stole roses from the Bev Clay Garden, and a number of trees donated by Les are in danger of dying due to lack of watering. Speaking of Les, Allan and Rudy hope to visit him next week. Other Rotarians are encouraged to visit Jackman Manor to see our old friend. Then we heard about all the wild animals different members have spotted this year.
Ribfest (Aug. 12-14) is quickly approaching, and club members are encouraged to sign up as volunteers for the event. Pocketbooks, especially those for children, would be appreciated for the used book sale at the event. Stephen reviewed the scholarships our club provides, including one in honour of Eric Bysouth. This led to much reminiscing about our beloved Rotarian friend Eric, and his wife Helen.
It’s time to sign up for our Rotary Club BBQ at John and Elizabeth’s place on August 20th, 4 p.m. John will order the steaks (that we indicate we want) , and we are to bring pot luck items for the social event. Call Lana, or email her, to tell her if you will be attending, how many will be attending, and what you will be bringing to share with others. Oh, and bring insect repellent.
As we had no guest speaker, John stepped forward to share Jeff Foxworthy’s views about “You may live in Canada.” Call Wayne if you’d like a copy of Jeff and John’s comments. Nora shared information about dandelions, and there were actually many points in their favour. Allan, Stephen and Brendan told of vacation plans in the upcoming weeks, so we will be somewhat short-staffed for some time.
Rotary Moment with Wayne
Wayne read the Rotary Moment, reviewing Rotary’s Guiding Principles. These principles have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.
Object of Rotary
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Four-Way Test
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings:
Of the things we think, say or do
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Avenues of Service
We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.
Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. Learn more in An Introduction to Vocational Service and the Code of Conduct.
Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest. Learn more in Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects.
International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
Happy and sad dollars for Polio Plus were donated for: the judge awarding $4 million in damages in the Sandy Hook case; Marina taking her bold stand; being away for a month in Ireland; having a young granddaughter enjoy LOFT Country’s summer camp; “putting up with me” and being late; family member passes away, but now all those siblings are together; having a great time at the FV Bandits game; appreciating Dr. Martin’s social justice beliefs; attending the basketball game; having the pope apologize in Canada; having a son, his wife and three children arriving from Boston; 50/50 sales; and for getting together with fellow Rotarians tonight.
We closed with a toast to Canada and wished each other a good evening. We will continue with hybrid meetings, but hope more members will start attending in person again.
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