“Read all my book, enjoying my wine & dessert with my friends, Ahhh – Life is Good!” - Gayle hosting this month’s Spirited Book & Wine Club: 
Rotary RIPS (Removes Invasive Plant Species) - 16 soggy souls pulled 38 bags of Blackberry and Ivy on Shoreline Trail in Rocky Point Park on Sunday! Innervisions, Heritage Mtn students, Port Moody volunteers and Rotarians made up the team with the City and our wonderful Cleone leading them all – Yeah team!
Fellow members, Brian D, Cleone, Melissa, and President Alison visiting together – looking like Brian had a wonderful 2 week holiday touring Italy with family!
Fellow members, Brian D, Cleone, Melissa, and President Alison visiting together – looking like Brian had a wonderful 2 week holiday touring Italy with family!Jim & Tom chatting over coffee:
Al Stjernegaard will be speaking on the “Intercountry Committee, USA/Canada/Guatemala/Honduras/Belize” that was held Oct.11, 2025:
Our two guests this week was Brian Lott, Director of Fundraising and Adrienne Ward, Event Planning, both from the Langley Central club. Brian was our speaker and the title of his talk was: “My Experiences with the great Nelson Mandela” Brian was born in Birmingham, England and as an adult, moved to Victoria, Canada where he owned and operated several pubs. He then relocated to South Africa and built up a very successful catering company that operated for over 25 years. Brian shared his experience of being the Executive Chef for Nelson Mandela during his time as the President of South Africa, the first African to be elected in fully representative democratic polls. Brian described Mr. Mandella as “one of the greatest leaders of our century”. While wearing a shirt that was gifted to him by the president, he described a humble leader, one who focused on peace and helping his people - putting other individuals’ needs ahead of his own. He treated all people the same – whether they were rich or poor. Mr. Mandela respected and felt a very strong connection with Rotary. One of his top priority’s was the health and safety of all children and he focussed on the importance of education and immunization for children. He was a man who thought before he spoke, built trusted relationships, and gained loyalty.
Major Prizes & Awards:
Nobel Peace Prize (1993): Awarded jointly to Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk for their role in peacefully ending the apartheid regime in South Africa.
United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize: An honorary award presented every 5 years to two individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity, particularly in promoting reconciliation and social cohesion.
World’s Children Prize (2005): Honored for his lifelong struggle for the freedom of children in South Africa and his support for their rights.
Upon visiting Canada, Nelson Mandella was made an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in 1998 and received honorary Canadian Citizenship in 2001.
Thank you so much Brian for your talk and sharing your wonderful story about this truly remarkable, inspirational leader.
Tomorrow Morning’s Speaker:
Our very own Vida Peterson & Cleone Todgham - Topic: Days For Girls