Rotary Club of Langley

RoteNotes for December 1, 2022
Hybrid meetings...
  Sadly our attendance was down for the visit from Raj Rajagopal, our district governor.  It’s too bad because Raj spoke well and had a great message to deliver.
 
  Able to attend in person were Stephen, Anthony (and Brielle), Allan, Nora, Sonia, John and Leon alongside AG Bev Dornan (Aldergrove) and DG Raj Rajagopal (White Rock).  Checking in via zoom were Lana and Wayne, the latter suffering from a cold and cough he didn’t want to share.
 
  President Stephen called the meeting to order at 7:01 and those assembled sang their version of O Canada.  O Canada, the “we’re not going to cut a record version.”  June Martin is celebrating a birthday and the Brynjolfsons are celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary.
 
  Our club Christmas party will be held on Dec. 11 at the Richmond residence and participants are to arrive around 4:30.  Allan has gathered sheet music so is hoping voices will be in fine form for caroling.
District Governor Visit
 Bev introduced our DG and the list of his credentials is truly impressive.  Born in India, Raj joined the Rotary Club of White Rock in 2014 with the classification of water resource development.  I was unable to capture the list of his achievements, but you could ask Bev if you wish to find out.
 
  Raj asked about Wayne’s rock, and explained to the club about the engraved rock his club presents as a gift when our DGs make their official visit to his club.  He then asked us what we would be interested in hearing, and offered the topics of Environment, Peace and Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
 
  He actually spoke about all three, informing us that the newest club in the district is the Rotary Club of Nature Celebrators, dedicated to environmental issues.  He included national security within this topic.  Raj’s presentation touched on middle income families joining the food lines, increased divorce, homelessness and violence resulting from or alongside the COVID pandemic, and Rotarians forming new clubs focused on peace, often with war veterans as members.  He told about his experiences in Afghanistan and easily held our interest during his talk.
 
  He then recognized three Rotarians selected by President Stephen as worthy of special recognition for the work they do for our club.  Certificates will be forthcoming for Allan, Anthony and Wayne.
 
  The early bird special registration rates for the district conference have been extended to Dec. 31.  The conference will be at the Sheraton Hotel Guildford and Raj told about a bevy of inspiring guest speakers who will be attending. 
Other updates
  Allan spoke about the Gabyong Rock ceremony held earlier this week (see coverage in the local paper) and $31000 has been raised for enhancements including a reflective pool.
 
  We moved on to happy and sad dollars, with eight people contributing this week.  Money was pledged for: glad to be back from Vancouver Island; Royal Canadian Artillery wanting membership cards; not feeling well, and thankful for special recognition; an oncologist friend and new drugs for some cancers; wonderful guest speaker; Langley Arts Council Christmas market; outdoor Christmas lights display at Williams Park; falling at Gabyong Rock ceremony; and our District Governor’s excellent presentation.
 
  We closed as usual with a toast to Canada and wished each other a good evening.  This was followed by an Executive Meeting with DG Raj.  Next week we will have our first call for elections.  Also, Zosia Ettenberg from Langley Pos-Abilities will be our guest speaker
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102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7
 
Your Thursday Evening Club – 1845 until 2000
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