Vol. 102 No. 9
Bill Davidson, President
Parisa Adrangi, Secretary
Next meeting: Tuesday September 03, 2019
Joan Posivy, speaker, entrepreneur, author A Peek Behind the Curtain of: The Way Success Works
As a shy, timid 16-year-old, Joan gazed longingly at her local bank’s, “part-time
teller wanted” ad. “Even if I could muster up the courage to apply,” she thought,
“would I have a chance?” Not only did she apply, but by age 22, had become the
branch manager.
She had discovered a set of principles which also showed her to buy her first
house at age 19, travel the world, and so much more. Through study and
practical application, she learned that anyone can live the life of their dreams,
they just need to be shown how. Joan reveals that guidance in her award-
winning, bestselling book, The Way Success Works: How to Decide, Believe,
and Begin to Live Your Best Life.
Wanting to pay it forward, Joan has shared her message in 7 countries with tens
of thousands of people. "If anyone understands success,” says Bob Proctor,
bestselling author and world-renowned personal development expert, “this lady
does...follow her advice to the letter."
Joan Posivy is a Paul Harris Fellow recipient, an enthusiastic supporter and
instructor at RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards for 23 years, a member
of the Vancouver Rotary Club and is thrilled to be our district’s Rotaract Chair.
Upcoming meeting: Tuesday September 10, 2019
Dr. Michael Byers, Department of Political Science, UBC Who Owns the Arctic?
For decades, Canada has asserted the right to control activities in the straits and channels within its Arctic archipelago, which it claims as internal waters. This claim has rarely been put to the test. However, with rapidly melting ice and growing interest in Arctic shipping, Canada’s claim to the Northwest Passage will likely soon be physically challenged. Dr. Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law, is analyzing the legal weight of Canada’s claim to the Northwest Passage, the likely effects of changing ice conditions on navigation and the potential that other countries can be persuaded to support Canada’s claim or cooperate in regulating the Northwest Passage’s use by vessels from all countries. Byers’ work brings together the Law of the Sea, sovereignty, international law, Canadian foreign policy, diplomacy and the science of climate change and sea ice. A great deal of attention is also being paid to the possibility that the Arctic Ocean contains vast deposits of hydrocarbons. Canada is mapping the seabed along its northern coastline so that it can submit the necessary information to the United Nations’ Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The United States, Denmark and Russia are doing likewise. As part of this process, Byers is examining several outstanding maritime boundary disputes that must be resolved before Canada can submit its information and is providing detailed recommendations. Byer’s research is highlighting the importance of the Arctic to Canada and is providing key evidence that Arctic sovereignty matters more than ever.
(Source: Government of Canada website, Canada Research Chairs,
Our Monday Night Curling Group is looking for people interested in curling, whether you are a novice or know the game, to join us at the Marpole Curling Club every Monday from the fall to the spring.
This year our tentative dates for curling are Monday September 30 thru December 9, which will be the Turkey Shoot and Christmas dinner, then approximately mid-January thru mid-March.
We curl at 4:45 pm so curlers should arrive at 4:30 pm. It is a 2-hour game and many of us stay afterwards for socializing.
Please contact Bill Dauphinee at 604-687-6620 for details or email bill@dauphinee.ca. Myron Kuzych is also on the committee and you can contact him at 604-291-6341 or mkuzych@shaw.ca.
Learn more about investing through discussions and guest speakers at our monthly meetings. On the last Thursday of each month a group of 20+ people get together for fellowship and a shared interest in stocks and trading (recommendations to buy, sell or hold), as well as considering new opportunities in publicly listed companies.
Meetings start at 6:30, with a no-host bar from 6:00 and an excellent three-course dinner with wine at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club on Point Grey Road. Annual dues cover the monthly meals with a portfolio buy-in required.
Come as a guest to one of our meetings and then decide if it is a club for you. The guest fee is $75.
Please contact John Sullivan, Chair of Membership, Promotion and Hospitality at 604-714-4773 for more details, or email johnws@telus.net.
Without members we have no club, no resources to do the great work that our Club does both within our own community and beyond on the global scene. How do we keep our Club vibrant and relevant to all of our members, both for seasoned Rotarians and potential new Rotarians?
Fresh outlooks and ideas combined with tried and true approaches are vital to ensure that our club continues to grow. A challenge to be sure in the current social and professional climate. The committee is made up of individuals with varied backgrounds and interests, including four Past Presidents who can bring Rotary experience to the table.
We meet the last Tuesday of every month at the SwissReal offices on Howe St., at 8:15 a.m. Enjoy authentic Swiss coffee and a light breakfast.
Consider joining the membership committee to see if it's something you would enjoy being involved with. Contact Franz Gehriger at fgehriger@swissreal.com for more information.
Bill Davidson, President, chaired the meeting and gave the invocation.
Kayo Otake accompanied us on the piano for the singing of O Canada.
Peter Clarke, Sergeant-at-Arms, introduced visitors and guests.
Chair's Announcements:
Franz Gehriger received a Paul Harris Fellow +7
Allan Cheng & Thomas Reppchen received their membership plaques and name badges. You will note that they have red ribbons attached to their name badges. This signifies that they are new members and require extra support from all members, especially their assigned mentors, to familiarize themselves with our Club and all things Rotary. Once they have completed their orientations tasks, the ribbon will be removed.
Parisa Adrangi, provided the Secretary's announcements:
reminders of upcoming events/meetings (see above)
birthdays:Sandra Low Aug 27th, Bill Dauphinee Aug 29th, Carolyn Dueck Aug 29th, Katherine Copeland Sep 1st
member anniversaries:Kim Lepp 2 years, Leo Allas 29 years, Des Verma 29 years, Bill Dauphinee 36 years, Myron Kuzich 36 years, Malcolm Hunter 39 years
wedding anniversaries: Kendall & Sharon Jessiman 7 years Sep 2nd, Ryan Crean & Jennifer Kauppila 10 years Aug 29th, Chris Motion & Stephanie Bertels 18 years Sep 1st, Adrian Mastracci & Candice Harman 22 years Aug 31st
Program: CLUB DAY!!
Franz Gehriger made an appeal for the Membership Committee. He pointed out that:
Being a Rotarian is fun but also hard work. One gets out of their membership as a Rotarian what one puts in.
The Membership Committee is the most important committee, for without members there is no club.
Our club is currently growing, we want to continue this trend.
The membership committee needs new members to ensure we continue to grow and support our members. Come out to a meeting; see if this committee is a fit for you.
Franco Gallo was interviewed by Bill Davidson. We got to know Franco a little better…
What do you do for a living? Franco’s background is in finance with a B.A. in Economics, CEFA (Certified European Financial Analyst), and CIIA (Certified International Investment Analyst). Franco started his own company two years ago helping, primarily young companies find investment capital. He typically works with 1-2 clients at a time and travels the globe sourcing out what is needed. Franco’s passion is connecting people.
A bit of personal info? Franco is married to Candice Claassen, has a 2-year old daughter and another on the way (due in December, so early days). Candice is from Vancouver, they met in Argentina, and the original plan (took some time for Candice to agree and choose Franco over her plan to return to Canada) was to stay in Argentina and raise a family there. The stars aligned and as it happened Franco’s professional life took a turn directing him to Vancouver, whereby they have now settled here to raise their family (much to Candice’s delight).
What about Rotary? Franco joined as a Rotaractor when he was 21 in Argentina responding to a request to start a Rotaract Club. He discovered that Rotary is a very powerful organization connecting those who want to give with those who need.
Adrian Zylmans and guest, Eric Van der Ven, provided information about the Dutch Liberation 2020 celebrations and the work being done leading up to it.
The Dutch Liberation 2020 Canadian Society was formed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion in 2018 to thank and honour Canada and its soldiers, sailors, and airmen. 2020 will mark the 75th anniversary of European liberation and the end of WWII.
To help raise awareness of the sacrifices made by so many, tulips (“Canadian Liberator” and “Strong Love” varieties) have been chosen. The goal is to plant as many red tulips across the country as possible – in cities, towns, villages, parks, and home gardens. You can purchase a box of tulip bulbs by contacting Adriana (604-816-3243, azylmans@telus.net) or on-line CLICK HERE. Net proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Legion.
Help is needed in developing a virtual memorial giving faces to Canadian War Graves. The Canadian War Graves Groesbeek Foundation was set up by three members of the Royal Canadian Legion. The Faces to Graves website tells the story of the project and gives details on how Canadian families can contribute, CLICK HERE.
There are a number of commemorative events planned starting in May 2020, including candlelight tributes across British Columbia. For more details, a listing of events, and sponsorship opportunities, CLICK HERE.
Verona Edelstein invited all the ladies in the club to an XX celebration evening hosted and sponsored by herself, Barbara Welsh, Stephanie Lawson, and Anne Lippert. The event will be at Verona’s home, October 1st. More information will be forthcoming.
Rene Abi-Rached & Gerry Glazier, representing the Community Service Committee, presented cheques to two organizations:
Domestic Abuse Services Society, $6,000, accepted by Daniela Gismondi & Susan Schembri. The funds were used for repairs to a storage shed and for a play area in the yard for the children staying at their safe house (Eva’s House). For more information about Domestic Abuse Services, CLICK HERE.
Burnaby Safe House, $4,000, accepted by Merle Baker. The funds were used for new mattresses and window coverings in their safe house. For more information about Burnaby Safe House, CLICK HERE.
Miguel Rozo, our Peace Fellow candidate, provided a brief update on what he has been busy with over the last while. Miguel was the President of the UBC Rotaract Club. His most recent work had him in Columbia with the U.N. He is a TEDx speaker and was one of only four Canadian youth to be chosen to attend the G7 youth summit in Italy. CLICK HERE to learn more about Miguel and his adventures, including links to his speaking engagements.
Meeting adjourned with a toast to doing our best as a club, working together to make the world a better place.
As a shy, timid 16-year-old, Joan gazed longingly at her local bank’s, “part-time
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
