President Rudy Storteboom called the meeting to order at 7:10 with an acknowledgment that we are meeting on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo First Nations. This was followed by acknowledging that the Rotary Club of Langley was established in 1958 and that we have a proud past and a bright future, plus, we are home to Past District Governors Stafford, Armstrong and Wiebe.
Then, we stood to sing O Canada together. President Rudy reminded the group that this year our theme is provided by Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally who has directed Rotarians to “Create Hope in the World”. Gordon tells us that “Peace is the soil where Hope takes root.”
This evening’s guests were Victoria Biggs, formerly with Rotary Club of Langley Central, and Wayne Crossen who is currently with Rotary Club of Langley Central. We welcomed each of our guests with a round of applause.
Navnit Shah advised that there were no birthdays or anniversaries in the recent past or in the week to come. Rudy reminded the club of RibFest volunteering opportunities and he advised that he promoted Rotary and recruited volunteers for RibFest at New Directions English Language earlier in the day. New Directions English Language School will be presenting at Rotary Club of Langley at our next regularly scheduled meeting.
Wayne Wiebe was recognized for his tremendous efforts to coordinate and sell 50/50 MegaDraw tickets. We were reminded that some help may be needed this coming weekend.
President Rudy sent around a signup sheet for the club’s BBQ/Pool Party on Saturday, August 26 to be hosted by Jorda Maisey at 367-198 Street. Note: this is Jorda’s new address. Dr. John Brynjolfson agreed to coordinate the acquisition of beef and chicken from his source at Bonetti’s Meats (who happen to be celebrating 50 years in business this year).
Medical Update with Dr. John
In keeping with Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally’s directive to focus on mental health initiatives and for Rotary members to offer hope to those affected by mental health challenges (a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic), Dr. John Brynjolfson, one of our Rotary Club of Langley past presidents and a longtime member, presented the club with a comprehensive but concise talk with PowerPoint about depression. Dr. John identified the need for greater awareness and psychiatric treatment for different conditions with pharmaceuticals. He included excellent resources including books and links. To learn more, please click on the following link to see his presentation. A time of questions with discussions and answers followed. LINK TO FOLLOW
Rotary Moment with Rudy
President Rudy delivered the Rotary Code of Conduct in place of the Rotary Foundation Moment. Along with the Four-way Test, our Motto and the Object of Rotary, we have a Code of Conduct.
As a Rotarian, I will:
1. Exemplify the core value of integrity in all behaviors and activities,
2. Use my vocational experience and talents to serve in Rotary,
3. Conduct all of my personal, business, and professional affairs ethically, encouraging and fostering high ethical standards as an example to others,
4. Be fair in all dealings with others and treat them with the respect due to them as fellow human beings,
5. Promote recognition and respect for all occupations which are useful to society,
6. Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community,
7. Honor the trust that Rotary and fellow Rotarians provide and not do anything that will bring disfavor or reflect adversely on Rotary or fellow Rotarians,
8. Not seek from a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.
The Light Touch
Then, Wayne Wiebe was invited to share three terribly punny jokes…everybody laughed!
What is the opposite of irony? Wrinkly.
When you die, what part of the body dies last? The pupils – they dilate.
I was horrified when my wife told me my six-year-old son wasn’t actually mine. Apparently I need to pay more attention during school pick-up.
Other updates
Wayne Wiebe joined the meeting via Zoom with one of his lovely granddaughters, after attending a successful strata meeting at his building.
Dr. John was asked to sign a book about “How I Feel” to be introduced into the Nicomekl Elementary School library in recognition of his excellent presentation.
Visiting Rotarian Wayne Crossen advised that Yashar Taheri-Keramati, who was a Ambassadorial Scholar and now works as a medical doctor in Cuba, will be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo meeting next Thursday, August 3rd. The meeting is to be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Rotary Field house in Surrey. As his Rotary Club of Langley Central and the Rotary Club of Langley each made significant contributions to this container shipment, through Rotary World Help, he suggested that it would be nice to have both of our clubs represented at the event.
A round table with happy and sad dollars expressed gratitude for Dr. John’s talk; ongoing work and adventures with the Langley Field Naturalists; a successful AGM and disappointment in a very short-lived dishwasher; the passing of an Irish singer; a colleague passing away; a family reunion on Vancouver Island (rained all weekend); an attentive audience; and other things. President Rudy advised guests that happy and sad dollars are collected and forwarded to Rotary’s International End Polio program.
Then, President Rudy asked if there was anything else for the good of Rotary. Seeing none, the meeting concluded at 8:10 p.m. with Rotarians being commissioned to “Go and Create Hope in the World” as we all toasted together, “To Canada”.
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