President Charles Ramos opened the meeting, welcomed everyone for coming in spite of the snowfall and the meeting began with the members singing O Canada.
Inspiration
Behzad Forghani gave the day’s Inspiration. He expressed thanks that the Club is growing with the induction of two excellent new members. Behzad was also grateful for a good parking spot and today’s snowfall which will help provide even more moisture to minimise the summer fire danger.
Visitors
Susie Stephens called for the introduction of guests. The members welcomed our three international exchange students: Dorien Abbekerk (Netherlands), Ayu Fujiwara (Japan) and Juliana Metta (Colombia). There were no guests of Rotarians.
Health of the Club
Wayne Anderson said his “bionic” knee is doing well, improving with daily exercises and today feels about 75% of where it should ultimately be.
Inductions
Denise Wittkovski introduced the day’s inductees: Dawn and John Hankins. They are originally from England, have three children and immigrated to Canada in 2000. They moved to Nanaimo three years ago and are already well rooted in the community. John Heisterman conducted the ceremony assisted by Wendy Pratt and then all members welcomed the two newest members to the world of Rotary.
Left - Right: John Heisterman, John Hankins, Dawn Hankins and Wendy Pratt
Other Club Business
The Lantzville Club is sponsoring a student at a cost of $300 to attend Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa and has invited our Club to also participate. The initiative drew a favourable response. President Charles promised more information when it becomes available.
The Daybreak Club is fielding a team to take part in the “Coldest Night of the Year” event to raise money for the Island Crisis Care Society and invited us to join them. Behzad volunteered to lead a team from our Club.
Announcements
Janeane Coutu once again appealed for volunteers to help sort books. She said that the sign-up sheets for volunteer shifts during the upcoming book sale (starts April 5) will be available shortly and members will be notified by email when they are ready.
Donors of less than ten boxes of books will be asked to deliver the boxes themselves between 9:30 and 11:30 to our door at the mall. This will reduce the excessive number and frequency of pickups made by our volunteer van driver(s).
Joan Ryan, on behalf of the fellowship committee, circulated sign-up sheets for two events: appies and drinks at the Hammonds and bowling night.
Wayne Anderson said there were two places available at the next Wednesday’s bridge evening which will be at his house.
Denise Wittkofski, for the Public Image Committee, said that they will be having a regular pub night every month at the Coach and Horses. Details will follow. 
Denise also proposed that the Club should participate in the Silly Boat Regatta as a way of demonstrating active participation in the Community. The members warmly supported the idea of all Nanaimo five clubs entering a boat. The cost to our Club would be $600 if all five participate and the proceeds would go to the Child Development Centre.
Sgt-at-Arms
There was no time for fines, happy and sad buck, but Sgt Joan Ryan drew the cards. Esther Robson won the table stakes and Peggy Richardson won the card draw, but failed to pick the ace of spades.