President Bob Janes opened the meeting and welcomed guests Steve Ellis and Mila Skeeles. President-Elect Laurie Bienert shared a screen with a stunning O Canada by a children’s choir of at least 70 voices.
Geoff Poulton conveyed inspiration based on the coming spring. Bulbs are already sprouting greens, which boosted his spirit with thoughts of new beginnings, and hope for renewed hope and optimism.
Bob shared our club’s new mission statement, which will soon be on our website.
Announcements
Many thanks were conveyed to Dawn Hankins and her team for the recent pub trivia night. The event had a great turnout, much fun and some mischief. Tracy Makarenko announced the next social will be February 19 and features a cooking demo with Bees Knees owner Shirin F. Targhi.
John Heisterman announced that we have about 46 weeks until our next Bayview Elementary School Christmas lunch, which will be around December 18, TBC. Sadly, we missed this annual tradition in 2020 due to COVID.
Speaker
Norman Myden introduced our club speaker, long-time member, multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Past District Governor Ross White. Ross and Pam recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Their family of three children now includes six grandchildren. Ross retired in Nanaimo from the distinguished role of Superintendent and CEO of the School Board.
Ross spoke about his very personal Rotary journey, beginning in 1987. It’s a succession of leadership roles, local and international projects, and life-changing experiences in Rotary service. His Rotary roles included Club Director (1995), President (1997-98), Assistant District Governor (ADG 2000), District Governor (DG 2002-03).
Ross described the challenge and fun of visiting 81 clubs in District 5020, in all kinds of venues. Pam created two large rotary quilts from a unique “Rotary square” she received from each club.
Ross’s other Rotary commitments included planning and participation in pre-PETS, PETS (President-Elect Training Schedule), International Assembly, District Assembly, and District Conference. Ross remembered the gratitude, support and assistance he received from many Nanaimo Rotarians in these major rotary seminars and conferences.
In post-District Governor (DG) years, Ross kept busy with Rotary in the DG selection committee, Chair of the Clean Water Initiative (CWI), District trainer, PETS board/chair, Council on Legislation, Rotary International (RI), Director Selection Committee, trainer and RI zone 22 Literacy Coordinator.
Ross showed photos from some of his international project travels. Project Amigo, in Mexico, which our club continues to support; Thailand & Malawi for the Clean Water Initiative; and Ghana, where our relationship with the Sunyani primary school has grown over the years to provide major facility upgrades. Ross also recalls a little brainstorming session in Nanaimo with Ian Williams and Yvan Gosselin to plan our club’s first-ever Used Book Sale fundraiser! That baby has grown up to become a major and beloved community event.
In personal reflection, Ross noted that Rotary provides opportunities for all kinds of community action projects and fellowship. The key is to GET INVOLVED. Ross concluded by conveying his and Pam’s appreciation for our club’s many years of support, friendship and efforts.
Q & A
A few surprises. Club member Egon Holzworth was born in Germany near the CFB where Ross had been stationed.
Paul Manly noted that development work is fascinating, a way to go somewhere and do something positive.
Brenda Grice thanked Ross on behalf of our club, for all the time, energy and Rotary service he and Pam contributed. It really has been service to the world. Ross is the first and only District Governor from our club in our 100 years of existence.
Nothing less than a love-in followed, where many members enjoyed shared accolades and tributes to Ross & Pam White.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Bob announced upcoming birthdays for Yvan and honorary member Bruce Gordon.
Dave Hammond is celebrating 35 years with our club.
Egon has been a rotary member for 39 years, including 29 with our club.
Bob thanked the book sale team that continues sorting books and preparing for the next sale.
Next week we can look forward to a new member induction and Paul Harris recognitions.
