Vol. 100 No. 46
Philip Webber, President
Franco Gallo, Secretary
Next meeting: Tuesday June 5, 2018 Official launch of the 2018 Bike-a-thon
On July 8 th , The Rotary Club of Vancouver hosts its 34 th annual Bike-A-Thon to raise funds for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver. Last year 169 riders rode from Brentwood Town Centre to Harrison Hot Springs resort and Spa and raised over $150,000.
Over the past 34 years, thanks to the efforts of over 90 of our club members and their families and friends, the Rotary Club of Vancouver Hearing Foundation has raised over $3.2 million in support of research, clinical services, education and training to help those with severe hearing loss in British Columbia.
This is the Club’s biggest fund raiser of the year. Everyone is invited to take part whether as a
rider, a volunteer, fund raiser or donor. It is a full day of fun and enjoyment. After a (less than
grueling) 120km ride, riders enjoy a light lunch, the resort spas and pools, and dinner at our
Don Waters Celebration Banquet with gifts and prizes galore. At the end of the day, buses transport the riders back to Brentwood.
Co-Chairs Blair Trenholme and Jack Zaleski will tell us how we got started, why we are doing
this and what the future holds.
Upcoming meeting: Tuesday June 12, 2018 Professor Santo Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor, UBC "Servant Leadership"
Excerpts from the UBC Website, Office of the President page:
Santa Ono's relatively new job as president of UBC is a heartfelt homecoming. In many ways, his life has come full circle – he was born in St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver in 1962, when his father was a professor at UBC.
As a professor of medicine and biology, Professor Ono has worked at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, University College London, and Emory universities. He was also inducted by Johns Hopkins into its Society of Scholars, which honours former faculty who have gained distinction in their fields. He has been inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Inventors, USA.
As a university administrator, Ono is known for his vision beyond the laboratory. Ono is deeply committed to diversity, and his achievements have been recognized by the American Council on Education with an award that honours individuals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment on a national level to the advancement of racial and ethnic minorities in higher education. He also received a Professional Achievement Award from the University of Chicago Alumni Association in 2017, an honour he shares with such luminaries as Carl Sagan, Ed Asner and Kurt Vonnegut.
Upcoming meeting: Tuesday June 19, 2018 Dr. Peter Ross, VP Research "Ocean Wise", UVic & Vancouver Aqarium "Microplastic pollution threatens the world's oceans"
AND THE WINNER IS... News from the 2018 District Conference
All members of the Rotary Club of Vancouver are to be congratulated and thanked!
You have pulled together and performed so much in the way of humanitarian service, and been so vibrant, that we are a Rotary Club which people want to join so they can participate in carrying out our humanitarian missions.
On the first full day of the District Conference President Phil Webber accepted the following awards for the Rotary Club of Vancouver:
The 2017/18 Membership Award for the “Highest Net Number of New Members";
The 2017/18 Membership Award for the “Highest Growth Percentage in Women”; and
The Certificate of Achievement as a Peacebuilder Club for nominating Holly Elissa Dignard as a Peace Scholar candidate.
You have all played a role in the first two awards as a result of the efforts led by Franz Gehriger. But we are just beginning.
As regards the Peacebuilder Club certificate, special thanks go out to John Bathurst and Gerry Glazier for finding and advancing Holly’s application for the Peace Scholarship. I am certain that no stronger candidate could have been found.
Last but not least, I am very proud to announce that Min Kuang was singled out for one of 10 District 5040 People of Action Awards for her role in visioning, conceiving and heading the committee which carried out a very successful District 5040 Foundation Dinner. District Governor, Don Evans mentioned that the quality of the evening, including its multi-cultural character, the media wall, the sponsorships, the evening’s beauty and sophistication were all new to Rotary as was the raising of approximately $60,000 for the Rotary Foundation. Additionally, the evening has inspired growth in membership and has set a new standard for success of this event.
On behalf of all members of Rotary Club of Vancouver, including those of you who worked tirelessly to assist Min and to carry out her vision for the Foundation Dinner, President Phil Webber thanks and congratulates Min on her award.
Phil Webber
President
Rotary Club of Vancouver,
Canada
YOU DESERVE A PAT ON THE BACK FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO THANK YOU!
SLACK - please RSVP What in the world is that and why do you want me to learn about it? Before you discount it, read on...
Some questions quickly arise when asked to learn new technologies: why? what's wrong with the way we are doing it now? email works just fine, thank you. why do we have to change anything?
Well, it's great to ask all those questions. As a Club we are always striving to be better -- better organized, better communicators, better at including everyone who is interested. Members' time is valued; we want to ensure we don't waste it or take it for granted. Adopting SLACK as a tool for our Club & it's Committees (maybe not all) will, we hope, increase engagement, reduce the number of emails and lengthy email threads. Some other advantages:
all team (committee or other groups) communication is in one place
you can easily search for information previously discussed/posted
sharing files with everyone necessary is easy
it is accessible from anywhere, making it easier to participate in discussions
new committee members can peruse past conversations to quickly get up to speed
You are encouraged to join the SLACK info/training session after lunch on June 5th. Come with your questions; once you have more information YOU can decide if SLACK will improve how your committee works and how you engage with other Club members.
Please RSVP if you will attend so we can secure a large enough room,CLICK HERE, or email Carolyn (admin@rotaryvancouver.org).
VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO ORGANIZE
A YOGA EVENT ON JUNE 21
June 21 is World Yoga Day and PDG Shasha Varvandkar of RC Raipur Millennium will be in Vancouver and is looking to lead yoga sessions for Rotarians, their families & friends.
We need an organizer who will be able to head this activity up for our Club. Please see the meeting minutes below for more information.
CLICK HEREfor more information about the global event.
Contact Phil Webber as soon as possible if you are willing and able to help.
VOLUNTEER HOURS GET 'EM IN
As we near our year-end we want to ensure your volunteer hours are recorded.
Please get them in - you can email Carolyn with a monthly summary.
What counts:
Committee meetings
Board meetings
Preparations for events
What doesn't count:
Regular weekly member meetings
Training for the bike-a-thon
Time take choosing outfits for events
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
2018-19 DISTRICT GOVERNOR & TEAM
INSTALLATION LUNCHEON
ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT
Saturday June 16th, 2018
1 pm - 4 pm
101 Brewhouse & Distillery
1009 Gibsons Way,
Gibsons, BC
Cost $25 per person.
Money will be collected at the door - cash or cheques only!
Need a ride from the ferry - contact gerryandwilma@gmail.com
to arrange Rotarian chauffeur service.
If no written objection is filed with the Secretary within 7 days of June 1 2018 (by June 7, 2018), Pinar Cetin Efe, will upon payment of the dues and assessments determined by the Board, be declared elected as a Member of the Rotary Club of Vancouver recognized by Rotary International.
The classification that Pinar Cetin Efe will hold is "Graphic Design".
Proposed by: Tugce Irtenk
Seconded: Gabriel Kalfon
___________________________
If no written objection is filed with the Secretary within 7 days of June 1 2018 (by June 7, 2018), Victoir (Victor) Wu, will upon payment of the dues and assessments determined by the Board, be declared elected as a Member of the Rotary Club of Vancouver recognized by Rotary International.
The classification that Victor Wu will hold is "International Business Consulting".
Proposed by: Jason Boudreau
Seconded: Franz Gehriger
John Hayto will be heading off to have his a hip operation on June 19th. Speedy recovery John. Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of months moving about like the six million dollar man.
______________________________
Last Meeting May 29, 2018
President Phil Webber chaired the meeting and gave the invocation.
Kayo Otake accompanied us on the piano for the singing of O Canada.
Jim Evans, Sergeant-at-Arms Elect, introduced visitors and guests.
Chair's announcements:
Reminder that the District Governor Installation Ceremony is on Saturday June 16, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, for Darcy Long and her team at the 101 Brewhouse & Distillery, 1009 Gibsons Way, Gibson's, BC. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending (see information above).
The Bike-a-thon's organization is well underway - Blair Trenholme will be happy to take your name if you are interested in helping out in one form or another.
Secretary's, Franco Gallo, announcements:
reminders of upcoming events/meetings (see above);
birthdays:Jason Boudreau Jun03
member anniversaries:Pierre Adjoury 1 year, Aldo Brussoni 7 years, Michael Woolnough 17 years, Tom Crean 38 years, Richard Landahl 39 years
wedding anniversaries: Nick & Marnie Blom 51 years jun03
Special announcements; presentations, and members' moments:
Abana Capital Group was inducted as our newest corporate member, with individuals Amin Eskooch, Navid Morawej & Sean Chan. Their mentors are Franz Gehriger & Jason Boudreau.
Peter Clarke -- the District Conference, it's here!!
Program:
Youth Program Committee Report & Presentations
John Richardson spoke of our programs -- reading & breakfast that have been ongoing at Norquay school for many years. Vice-principal Teena Smith, and One to One Literacy Society representative Josee Thibault were in attendance. Unfortunately, Principal Timothy Krug was unable to join us.
John Hayto spoke to how rewarding working with such enthusiastic and open-minded young people really is. It's so much more than just reading with them, you walk away feeling so very good. Please consider volunteering, it takes 30 minutes per week. You can CLICK HERE for some more information about the One-to-One Literacy Society and the opportunities available. There is probably a school near you who would be thrilled for another volunteer.
John Richardson presented Teena & Josee with a cheque in the amount of $1,500 for ongoing support of this great reading program.
It is with sadness that we announce the discontinuation of the breakfast program. The Vancouver School Board made the decision very recently even though it is quite clear that there are many youths who need the program. We, the Rotary Club of Vancouver, will work with Norquay School to come up with some solution that will work. Our Club is committed to helping give students in need a healthy start to their day, so they feel good while they learn. Because of this unfortunate decision, we have held back the donation of $9,000 that was committed to help support this program for the upcoming school year.
Joan Posivy introduced Eric Young, the recipient of the 2018 Bill Richwa Award. He was presented with a $300 cheque.
By way of getting to know a bit about Eric, his Rotary journey began with RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) during high school, which led to his membership at the Rotaract Club at the University of Victoria, and then when he moved to Vancouver in 2014 he joined the Rotaract Club of Burnaby where he is currently a member.
He has near perfect attendance at all the club’s events, especially the community meal held several times annually at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House. There, Eric enthusiastically participates in preparing and serving meals for approximately 60 members of the Burnaby community.
Every year, Eric has participated in the PACE committee (Pacific Canada Experience), which provides a 10-day experience for 6 international Rotaractors to come and experience adventure, cultural diversity and an active lifestyle in and around Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler. Our club is one of many Rotary club sponsors. Every year Eric has personally sacrificed a week vacation from work to attend to the PACE’rs visit, ensuring that the project’s execution is a success, and that our visitors leave with nothing but loving memories of Canada and our district.
He was the 2015-16 District Rotaract Representative, which is no small task. Last year he was the Rotaract Club of Burnaby’s club president where he
was involved in planning and attending not only all club activities and
projects, but other District activities, and fundraising activities like the Bike-
a-thon. As past-president he continues to be a resource and inspiration to the
current executive.
“It’s really been a pleasure working alongside Eric on several occasions over the
year. He is very deserving of this award.”, says Joan, District Rotaract Chair
John Bathurst spoke about the Education Leadership & Development programs including the Stay In School Scholarships. There has been approximately $200,000 put into this program thus far with $17,000 in total committed this year. Of note and thanks go to our member, Mindy Tulsi-Ingram, who’s corporate donation of $1,000 has helped this program.
The Youth Exchange Program has been another large component for this committee over the years. Don Kavanagh continues to be the spiritual head with Kendall Jessiman having picked up the baton to ensure it continues. We are still in need of more host families – please contact Kendall if you can offer your home for a period of approximately 3 months or if you’d like more information.
It is an honour to have Kevin Kavanagh (Don’s brother) attend our lunch. He will be ensuring Don’s extremely generous legacy gift to our Club’s Youth Programs is carried out.
Networking/Vocational Service Committee
Franco Gallo provided a presentation that gave us the information as to what exactly this Committee is all about. Going back to the roots of Rotary, the mission of this committee is to create an environment that promotes networking and doing business with Rotarians, both inside and outside the Club.
A few things we want to promote:
Share your success. If you have accomplished something, e.g., a closed sale, a finished course, a challenging hike, share it via members’ moments or through the Sergeant at Arms.
Member business talks. Ideally new members will make a presentation to the Club within 6 months of joining. Other members can provide updated talks periodically or whenever there is a significant change in their business interests.
Meetups. Use meetups to gather like-minded members and friends to networks. This is just one way to do so. There are many different venues to network with both Rotarians and others. Share them.
Help co-organize network events. They can be social, they can be formal, they can be fun. Use your imagination to organize events that are inclusive and provide opportunities to meet people.
Advertise on our website and on the District 5040 Business Directory. The latter reaches a province-wide audience. Let all know what it is you do and what you have to offer.
Lastly, as this is a new Committee we need members. The only requirements are that you are enthusiastic and imaginative. Help us develop this part of the Club’s Rotary experience. Be part of the Networking/Vocational Service Committee Dream Team; contact Franco if you are interested.
Meeting adjourned with a toast to vocational & humanitarian service.
On July 8 th , The Rotary Club of Vancouver hosts its 34 th annual Bike-A-Thon to raise funds for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver. Last year 169 riders rode from Brentwood Town Centre to Harrison Hot Springs resort and Spa and raised over $150,000.
