We marked the beginning of a new year with eight members and two guests attending at Timms, and two members tuning in via zoom. Len Scrivener and Byron Cooke joined Wayne, Augustino (a budding politician), John, Nav, Brendan, Anthony, Jim See and Rudy in our meeting room. We are invited to tour Foundry Langley next Tuesday from 4-5 pm. Anthony got things hooked up more expeditiously with his zoom connection and VP Allan called the meeting to order. We sang to O Canada and actually sounded quite good!
Our executive meeting will be held on the third Thursday in July (21) and will be at Timms as the RIC is booked on Thursdays until that date. We hope to have meetings there on the third Thursday of the month starting in August. Allan’s son has drawn up plans for the kitchen in RIC and intends to leave space for a full size fridge, not just for a small one. The wood will be white with grey, shaker style. Right now the tables and chairs are being stored where the kitchen is to go. The tables are supposed to be stored under the stairs, but that hasn’t been happening.
Club Updates
President Stephen checked in on zoom as he is attending a national convention for city planners. Allan attended a Ribfest committee meeting and was impressed with how big the project is and how well run the committee is. Volunteers for the event (many needed) should register at the Langley Volunteer Bureau. Ribfest runs from August 12 to 14 and we expect 30 000 people to attend. Linda Mross is organizing to sell used pocketbooks at the event, so if you have some you could donate, great. The 50/50 sales have now passed $96 000. Plans for the children’s playground have faced difficulties as the equipment was stored on Sumas Prairie and the flooding caused extensive damage. Something called tap will be used to encourage folks to donate $2, $5 or $10 simply by tapping a machine.
We heard that Allan used to be able to multitask, but now not so much. It took him 45 minutes to get into Clubrunner which brought a smile to Anthony’s face, as he recognized the frustration. Then we were on to the program, which featured Stephen screensharing and showing photos of his recent trip to Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The presentation was often from the perspective of a city planner and showed some beautiful architecture. As I was at the meeting in person, I was unable to capture screenshots of his presentation. Perhaps a photo or two of the large screen will show some images.
Our Rotary Club summer barbecue at John’s house will be held sometime in mid to late August. Sadly, Jim Armstrong is resigning from the club effective August 1st. On another sad note, Allan read a message from PDG Sean Hogan. “Poor Carol”, Sean’s lovely, outgoing wife, was diagnosed with cancer on June 14th and passed away on June 28th. On a much happier note, RI President Jennifer Jones will be visiting our area on Sunday with a meet and greet event planned for White Rock near the pier. Jennifer was Wayne’s choice to be the RI President’s Representative at his district conference back in 2011 and now she is our international president!
Wayne shared the schedule for our 50/50 ticket sales from now to the event and is looking for volunteers to fill the eighteen shifts. {Late news: one has been filled by Nora, three have been filled by Jorda and one by John Aldag. We have thirteen more to fill.
Happy and sad dollars were pledged for Stephen’s presentation, a trip to Clinton, the passing of a friend, a granddaughter attending a leadership camp, 51st year anniversary of moving to Canada, humanitarian crisis in the horn of Africa, Anthony’s health (help?), Carol Hogan, trip to Boston with lovely weather but short-staffed at the airport, and “I’m back” (Jim See).
We closed with a toast to Canada and wished each other a good evening. We are using Anthony’s work zoom link this month as we look to purchase one for our club. Come down to Timms to join the fun in person! Next week Vanessa Duthie will be stopping by to receive her scholarship cheque.
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