After our National Anthem, Ramsay Murray led us in his Scottish accented grace. We were delighted
to welcome Adrian Brien who was visiting us. We hope he will visit us again and maybe
become part of us.
President Giles reported that there will be a need for volunteers to assist in distributing food
at Craigflower School on Wednesdays, from January to June, 2019. This requires
only 1 to 2 hours of time and is a very satisfying form of service.
A letter of "thanks" was received from Disaster Aid. Mention was made that Peter Gooch
was one of the people who together with the late Jim Leamy helped establish this
important caring service.
President Giles made reference to the purpose of our meeting next week at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
As to whether we change our time and location of meetings, we will vote (secret Ballot)
Happy/Sad bucks brought some very generous donations as our response to the horrendous shooting
that occurred in a Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA.
Our visitor Adrian Brien was the lucky 50/50 winner. Unfortunately no black marble. After he had
drawn out the white marble, we realized that there were only 3 marbles left. Wow!!!
Sgt @ Arms, Jonathan Helm, with the threat of severe fines for those who interrupted proceedings by talking
out of turn, embarked upon a journey through some old James Bond movies. With some well prepared
lengthy questions, he managed to draw out a number of bucks.
DID YOU KNOW that Thomas Mann (novelist); Warren Harding (US President); Jean Sibelius (composer);
were Rotarians? Did you also know that President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin,
Dianne Feinstein (US senator) were not only Rotarians but also were Paul Harris Fellows.
At our Rotary meeting on Monday 22nd October, John Noyes presented a Paul Harris Fellow
to our own member Ernie Behm. Ernie, together with others who have attained a Paul
Harris Fellowship are in good company.
Through our continued giving to the Rotary Foundation may we continue to add to our list
of Paul Harris Fellows - and continue to add plus years that can be added to the award.
We were honoured to have Tyrone Pile, the Vice President of Operations and Administration, of
the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, with us as our guest speaker.
Ably assisted by good slides, he gave us a clear picture of the guiding philosophy of the
the Lester B. Pearson College; the purpose of which is to "Make education a force to unite people."
This was reinforced by a quote of Lester Pearson "How can there be peace without people who understand
each other and how can this be if they don't know each other."
The College has 200 students who come from 100 different countries. It was interesting to learn
that our current Governor General, Julie Payette and our Minister of Foreign Affairs
Chrystia Freeland are graduates of the World Colleges - of which there are now 17 around
the world.
Tyrone not only gave us a good picture of our Lester B . Pearson World College; but also
made us proud of this fine academic institution that is part of our area. We were assured
of a warm welcome if we were able to visit their campus.
NEXT WEEK (5th November) SAANICH ROTARY MEEETS AT
OAK BAY BEACH HOTEL
1175 BEACH DRIVE
You will be served by:-
Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Paterson
50/50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jonathan Helm
Flags & Bell . . . . . . . . . .Bill Bryant
Greeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Lee
Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wilton
Intro & Thnks . . . . . . . . Carlos Martins
Sgt @ Arms . . . . . . . . . .Harry Abrams
Yours in the bond of Rotary,
John
. . . . . . . . . . and now for something completely different
A man went to visit his 90 year old grandfather and while eating the breakfast of eggs and bacon, he noticed a
film-like substance on his plate. So he said, "Grandfather, are these plates clean?"
His grandfather replied, "Those plates are as clean as hot water can get them, so finish your meal".
That afternoon, while eating the hamburgers his grandfather made for lunch, he noticed little black specks on his
plate, so again he asked, "Grandfather are you sure these plates are clean?"
Without looking up from his burger, the grandfather said, "I told you those dishes are as clean as
hot water can get them, now don't ask me about it any more."
Well, later that day, it was time for the grandson to leave. As he was heading towards the door, grandfather's dog who was lying on
the floor started to growl and would not let him pass. "Grandfather, your dog won't let me out".
Without diverting his attention from the TV and the football game he was watching, his grandfather shouted,
"Hotwater! Get out of the way!"
Let it never be said that Saanich Rotarians were afraid to deal with important issues.
This evening's meeting was fortunate to have Dr. Geoff Strong, who addressed what must
be the greatest challenge facing our world - Climate Change; or as Geoff preferred to call
it "Global Warming".
Many of us were surprised to learn that the stratosphere, which surrounds
our planet is only 12 km deep. This thin layer which surrounds the earth is very
susceptible to damage. When damaged it is very difficult to repair.
Over the past 150 years the average temperature around our earth has risen by
one degree - and most of that increase took place in the past 25 years.
Dr. Strong placed special emphasis as to what Global Warming is doing to much of
Africa and the Middle East. The enlarging desert regions are forcing rural farmers
away from their land and consequently bringing people into the cities. The
effects of Global Warming in these areas is going to mean further hunger, mass
migrations and wars. The challenges for the future are immense.
It was a reassuring note towards the end of his address when he claimed that Vancouver Island
is well situated to deal with Global warming. He suggested that we may well
experience warmer and longer summers, and as well as wet winters. We could be moving
more to a Mediterranean type climate - similar to that of San Francisco.
A challenging, thought provoking address. A subject we must keep before us.
One of our very supportive members for many years Richard Fowler has just
celebrated his 90th Birthday. We wished him many more years of health and happiness.
Having just returned from a trip to Europe and United Kingdom Terry Daniels was not impressed
with having to wait a long, and expensive time in a taxi because traffic had been halted due to the visit
of the American President.
Bill Bryant told of receiving a letter from the District Governor as a recognition of his
service to Rotary. Naz Rayani also received a similar recognition.
This week 64 people had been assisted by the Food Distribution happening at Craigflower
School. Jim Sparling has been giving oversight of our involvement in this worthwhile cause.
Jim also happened to win the 50/50 - again no black marble.
It was overheard that our President, Giles Stevenson has now located all the charging stations
between Victoria and Toronto. Thus with electric cars you can now travel with peace of mind.
Another very worthwhile Rotary meeting all enriched by fine company and a great meal.
Next week (20th) you will be served by:-
Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathy Koshman
50/50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naz Rayani
Flags & Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rashna Charania
Greeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ernie Behm
Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wilton
Intro & Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Sparling
Sgt @ Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Abrams
In the bonds of Rotary,
John
. . . . . . . . . . . and now for something completely different
FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE STOCK MARKET!
The shares for Otis Elevators rose swiftly, while escalators continued their slow decline.
Fluorescent tubing was dimmed in light trading, while Dairy Cows steered into a bull market.
Light Switches were off while knives were up sharply. Hiking equipment was trailing.
Mining Equipment hit rock bottom, while diapers remain unchanged.
Weights were up in heavy trading, while pencils lost a few points.
Balloon prices were inflated while Scott Tissue touched a new bottom.
the flags were back. !!!! It gave the national anthem a new direction.
There were only two announcements:-
- 7th August will be our combined meeting with the District Governor. (No meeting on 6th August)
- 29th September, will be the 'Hero work' fundraiser.
50/50 was won by our guest Nicolas Chunky Onwaere - even though he tried his best,
even he was unable to draw out that elusive black marble.
Jim Sparling as our Sgt @ Arms extracted a number of bucks for such misdemeanours as
wearing long pants and not shorts!!!
Our speaker for the evening, Dr. Clayton Reynolds, was introduced by President Giles.
Dr. Reynolds is an Endocrinologist who works in Nanaimo and Victoria.
Rotary is the place where you learn something new - almost every week. Tonight's
meeting was no exception - as Dr. Reynolds introduced us to a recently developed
form of medicine, known as CRISPR. This was new to most of us.
As this is a term that has only been around for the past six years Clayton sought to
help us understand what the acronym CRISPR stood for.
C lustered
R egularly
I nterspaced
S hort
P alindromic
R epeat
Clayton explained how a gene can be spliced, and a damaged portion can
be replaced with a healthier portion. Thus an abnormality in a gene can
be corrected.
Clayton stated that this new development could impact our lives for years
to come. It could be the means whereby we even view disease differently.
An educational, challenging and fascinating presentation - all enhanced by good slides and
a delightful talk - at times laced with humour.
Serving you next week - 30th July
Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Noyes
50/50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard Fowler
Greeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Abrams
Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rashna Charania
Intro |& Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne MacDonald
Sgt @ Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan Helm
In the bond of Rotary,
John Wilton
. . . . . . . . . and now for something completely different
Some men in a pickup truck drove into a lumberyard. One of the men walked in the office and said, "We need some four-by-twos"
The clerk said, "You mean two-by-fours,, don't you?"
The man said, "I'll go check," and went back to the truck. He returned a minute later and said, "Yeah, we need two-by-fours."
"Alright. How long do you need them?"
The customer paused for a minute and said, "I'd better go and check."
After awhile, the customer returned to the office and said, "We will need them a long time. We're gonna build a house."
he found his horse had been stolen. He went back into the bar, then turned to face the locals.
TIME I FINISH, I'M GONNA DO WHAT I DID IN TEXAS! AND I DON'T LIKE TO HAVE TO DO WHAT I DID IN TEXAS!"
he found his horse had been stolen. He went back into the bar, then turned to face the locals.
TIME I FINISH, I'M GONNA DO WHAT I DID IN TEXAS! AND I DON'T LIKE TO HAVE TO DO WHAT I DID IN TEXAS!"
Itwas great to have President Giles back with us after his visit to England. (A highlight
was having a meal in the same place where Charles de Gaulle ate many years ago.)
If you are a person who wants to develop a more healthy life style -
If you are a person who wants to try and live a little longer -
If you are a person who notices the 'slowing down' effect of aging -
then you should have been at Saanich Rotary Clubs meeting this past Monday. (18th)
We were honoured to have Dr. David Docherty of the University of Victoria. He gave
an excellent talk that was factual, well illustrated and extremely encouraging in that
he highlighted a number of times, the very positive effects of regular exercising.
30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day for 5 days - can be most beneficial
Now if 30 minutes is too long - then 10 minutes of moderate physical exercise 3 times a day.
If more vigorous exercise is called for - then 20 minutes vigorous activity 3 days per week.
Dr. Docherty had some great practical suggestions:-
- don't just sit for long periods of time. Keep active
- walking is still one of the best activities
- buy a dog! It has been shown that dog walkers live longer then non dog walkers!
- purchase a "TheraBand". Ideal for resistance training.
In his talk he emphasized the importance of physical activity by stating that exercise
and activity is the 'fountain of youth' . . . . . . . . . physical activity is also one of the
strongest predictors of mortality. . . . . it was also noted that the number 1 reason people
are admitted to nursing homes is loss of leg strength.
A great talk, that was extremely practical and most helpful.
Our appreciation is expressed to the UVic Speakers Bureau - we have had some
excellent speakers from the Bureau. Tonight's was one of them.
President Giles referred to the meeting of the Board on Wednesday 20th. Board members
would still welcome thoughts and ideas as to how to make Saanich Rotary more effective.
The results of the Board meeting will become part of the meeting on July 9th.
Can you believe it - Peter Gooch won the 50/50 again this week. Again he was unable to
locate the black marble. He keeps trying!
Rashna reminded us that our annual dues are due. ($100 - 6 months; $200 - full year)
As Sgt @ Arms John Wilton raised some dollars by asking question re. two
prospective members. This demonstrated those who had got to know these two
individuals, and those who are yet to get to know them.
Serving you at next weeks "Installation of Officers" will be:-
Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Gooch
50/50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Lee
Greeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan Kuc
Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Ramsay Murray
Into & Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Sparling
Sgt @ Arms . . . . . . . . . . . .. Wayne MacDonald
(Some of these duties may not be required as the 25th is the Installation of
Officers. . . . . . also apologies for a slight mix-up of some names last week)
Yours in the bond of Rotary,
Jo
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . and now for something completely different.
A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation. There he meets an Australian farmer and gets talking. The
Australian farmer shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields
that are at least twice as large."
Then they walk around the ranch little, and the Australian shows his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately
says, "We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows."
The conversation has, meanwhile, almost died when the Texan sees a herd of kangaroos hopping through
the field. He asks, "And what are those?" The Australian replies with an incredulous look, "Don't you
have any grasshoppers in Texas?"
Acting President Jim Sparling got our meeting (2229 - for those who are counting) away to a good start with the announcememnt that the 'Food Rescue Program' was planning to distribute food, at the Craigflower school during the upcoming summer months. Volunteers are required to assist with distribution from 9:30 - 12 noon, Tuesdays. Email Jim if you are able to assist.
Jonathan Helm and Rob d'Estrube reported that they had visited Camosun College
and presented the Metal Working award, from Saanich Rotary.
A grand opening is being held by Our Place, as they introduce their
'Next Step to Employment' program - on June 14th, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.,
Bill Bryant made an important announcement that Operation Trackshoes, takes place this Sunday, 10th June, at UVic. A good number of past and present Rotarians will be assisting with this most worthwhile activity. Bill requested that those assisting should be at UVic by 8:30 a.m.
John Noyes reminded us that our Rotary Foundation was still aiming to reach $4,000
by the end of this month. Thus far we have attained $3,000. Not much further
to reach our target. All other funds have reached their goal - some have even surpassed it.
Acting President Jim Sparling won the 50/50, but was unable to reach the black marble.
Sgt@Arms John Wilton surreptitiously drew out a good number of bucks by a
sneaky reference to the upcoming Father's Day.
While singing the National Anthem, at the commencement of our meeting, a number of
us observed our special guest Andres Lagar Sanchez from Madrid, Spain; joining
with us in singing 'O Canada'.
Andres, a grade 11 high school student, had only been in Canada a few months, yet
knew the words of our national anthem, and joined in heartily. We knew then that
we were in for a treat, for Andres Sanchez was to be our speaker.
Andres gave to us one of the best speeches on RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award)
that we have heard. With excellent slides and video, all seamlessly put together;
coupled with a detailed description of his time at RYLA - we were given an excellent
presentation. (remembering that is was given in fluent English, which was not his mother tongue.)
It was obvious that RYLA is a powerful Rotary tool for developing young leaders. There
was a hunger to learn as well as a longing to develop lasting relationships.
Not only had Andres received information but he had processed it in ways that
would benefit him well into the future. This was a young man with a good future, all assisted
by his participating in RYLA.
Serving you next week at Rotary . . . 11th May
Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Paterson
50/50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Noyes
Greeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rashna Charania
Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wilton
Intro & Thanks . . . . . . . Cathy Koshman
Sgt @ Arms . . . . . . . . . Bill Bryant
Yours in the bond of Rotary,
John
and now for something completely different . . . . . . . . .
A young man who was an avid golfer found himself with a few hours to spare one afternoon.
He figured if he hurried and played very fast, he could play 9 holes before he had to head home.
Just as he was about to tee off an old gentleman shuffled onto the tee and asked if he could
accompany the young man as he was golfing alone.
Not wanting to say "no", the young man invited the old gentleman to join him.
To his surprise the old man played fairly quickly.
He didn't hit the ball far, but plodded along consistently and didn't waste much time.
Finally, they reached the 9th fairway and the young man found himself with a tough shot.
There was a large pine tree right in front of his ball - and directly between his ball and the green.
After several minutes of debating how to hit the shot and old man finally said,
"You know, when I was your age, I'd hit the ball right over that tree."
With that challenge placed before him, the young golfer swung hard, hit the ball up,
right smack into the top of the tree trunk and it thudded back on the ground, not a foot from where it had originally lay.
The old man offered one more comment, "Of course, when I was your age that pine tree was only 3 feet tall."
A number of members expressed 'delight' throughout or time together.
Bill Bryant was delighted with the amount of contributions received at the Vivian Eng Memorial service.
Robert Nemish was delighted to be back wth us after vaction and cruise.
John Noyes was delighted with the Rotary funds, 3 of which are now fully subscribed, the fourth half way complete.
President Giles delighted that application for two refugees has finally been approved.
John Wilton was delighted to return after several weeks away in paradise.
President Giles also expressed delight, and some surprise, when he won the 50/50.
Rayani reminded us of the World Partnership Walk on Sunday 27th May.
This is being held at UVic
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
The Walk begins at 11:00 a.m.
We were encouraged to participate (and have others to sponsor us) or we
can sponsor Naz as he participates in this event.
President Giles led us in a mini business session at which we decided:-
- Combined meeting with Rotaract will be once every 3 months
- Pub nights will focus primarily on fellowship, although at times this could include games.
(It was suggested by one member that as Marijuana will soon be legal, we could have
a joint meeting with the Rotaract club. .!!!!)
Harry Abrams extracted many fines by making us go back into our past and revive
memories of Robin Hood.
Our speaker for the evening we Ernie Behm, who brought a very informative talk about
Thank his journey of entering studies in medicine in South Africa - and thus delaying his
compulsory military training.
Work as a doctor soon led him to specialize in Radiology - which in turn led him to
consider emigrating to Canada. Several years working as a radiologist in Newfoundland,
was soon enriched by serving the town of Terrace, in northern BC, as a solo
Radiologist for the next 22 years.
Ernie also shared something of his love for his homeland of South Africa - and at the same time highlighted some of the political and social challenges that this country currently contends with.
- 7 million people are suffering from aids.
- a country where there are an average of 50 murders per day.
- a country where 400,000 are employed as security guards.
After telling of some of the social problems, Ernie showed some of the beauty of the nation;
especially around his home town of Cape Town. A truly beautiful and attractive country.
Our meeting concluded with the reminder that next Monday is a holiday
and there will be no meeting. . . . We meet again on Monday 28th May.
Yours in the bonds of Rotary,
John
. . . . . . . . . . . . AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
Two guys are walking thru the woods and come across this big deep hole. "Wow...that looks deep."
"Sure does... toss a few pebbles in there and see how deep it is."
They pick up a few pebbles and throw them in and wait... no noise.
"That is REALLY deep... Hey...over here in the weeds, there's a railroad tie.
Help me carry it over here. When we toss THAT sucker in, it's GOTTA make some noise."
The two drag the heavy tie over to the hole and heave it in. Not a sound comes from the hole.
Suddenly, out of the nearby woods, a goat appears, running like the wind. It rushes toward the two men,
then right past them, running as fast as it's legs will carry it. Suddenly it leaps in the air and into the hole.
The two men are astonished with what they've just seen...
Then, out of the woods comes a farmer who spots the men and ambles over. "Hey... you two guys seen my goat out here?"
"You bet we did! Craziest thing I ever seen. It came running like crazy and just jumped into this hole!"
"Nah", says the farmer, "That couldn't have been MY goat. My goat was chained to a railroad tie."
President Giles got our evevening underway with a National Anthem that seemed to have difficulty finding it's pitch, but by the last few lines we emerged into a great group of choristers!!!!
We were delighted to welcome Sukmani Virk to our meeting. Sukmani is interested in Rotary, and we hope she will become part of us.
Bill Bryant gave us instructions as to the delivery of Easter Plants. . . . .Those who were particpating in this could not but be impressed with the hard work done by those organizing this (especially Bill). Maps, photo of location where plants to be picked up, instructions, phone numbers etc. This was organzing par excellence.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Vivian Eng. For many years Vivian, together with George her husband, had been great supporters of Saanich Rotary - and were our longest serving members. We will always remember the Chinese dinners that Vvian arranged for us - together with those many gifts she and George brought back from their trips to Hawaii.
John Noyes updated us on the donations to our funds. The Rotary Foundation fund is lacking, and needs feeding; as well as does the Thrifty's fund. To participate in the Thrifty's fund, John Noyes has "Smile" cards which can be obtained from him. Fill it up with $100, spend it on your groceries, and our Club recieves 5% of what you spend.
John Noyes read a letter of thanks from a nursing student who was the recipient of a scholarship fund from our Club. As a solo mother, embarked upon further education, she was most appreciative of this financial assistancce.
Sorry to learn that Gordie Nickells is in hospital. We hope he will soon be feeling better. Gordie is a past President of Saanich Rotary.
This week it happened - it really happened . . . . . Frank Lee not only won the 50/50 but he managed to come up with the black marble. Well done Frank.
David Paterson was our Sgt @ Arms, and with just two questions from the latest Rotarian magazine, managed to obtain donations from almost everyone.
At the last minute Fawzia Alfarsi agreed to be our speaker. Fawzia who has recently started attending our Rotary was a delight to hear. She gave us a thumb nail sketch of her journey through her life that has led her to Victoria.
Fawzia was born in Bahrain, but later moved to Oman. Several decades ago Oman was in need of development. In recent years there has been a surge of development - hospitals, schools, very modern airport. It was in chemical engineering that she began her studies; but soon transferred to education.
She not only enjoyed her work in education but was able to contribute to her country - to the extent that from 1996 till 2003, she was the under secretary of education. We look forward to learning more about Oman, and getting to know Fawzia.
NO Rotary next Monday (Easter) however on the 9th April you will be served by:-
Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne MacDonald
50/50 . . . . . . . . . . . .Naz Rayani
Greeter . . . . . . . . . . .Bill Bryant
Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wilton
Intr & Thks . . . . . . . . .Cathy Koshman
Sgt @ Arms . . . . . . . . Jim Sparling
Yours in the bond of Rotary,
John
. . . . . . . . . . and now for something completely different
A couple were going on vacation to the Florida Keys. As the his wife was on a business trip, the husband went to the Florida destination first and his wife would meet him the next day.
When he reached his hotel he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately when typing her address, he mistyped a letter and his email was directed instead to an elderly pastor's wife whose husband had passed away only the day before.
When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint. At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the computeer screen,
Dearest wife, Just checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. . . . P.S. Sure is hot down here.
.png)
