Vol. 101 No. 05
Brian Street, President
Joan Posivy, Secretary
Next meeting: Tuesday August 7, 2018 Dr. Max Cameron, Director, UBC Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions Politics and Practical Wisdon
Maxwell A. Cameron in his capacity at UBC runs an annual Summer Institute for Future Legislators. His research focuses on
comparative democratization (especially in Latin America), constitutions, and the role of wisdom and judgment in politics. His most recent book is entitled Political Institutions and Practical Wisdom (Oxford University Press, 2018). As part of a research cluster on the “Global Challenges to Democracy,” funded by the Vice President for Research and Innovation at UBC, Cameron is currently preparing an edited book on The Survival of Defective Democracies in the Andes. Cameron is a frequent contributor to the media on topics like electoral reform, money in politics, and political ethics. He is the recipient of a UBC Killam Teaching Prize.
Upcoming meeting: Tuesday August 14, 2018 Jamie Houssain, Principal, Elemental Energy Corp. The Future and Present of Renewable Energy in Canada
Mr. Jamie Houssain is responsible for discovering new business and investment opportunities and setting the strategic direction of Elemental Energy. He has been in the renewable energy business since 2009. He has worked for Elemental performing a variety of roles since 2010 and worked at Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital before that. His first career was in the film business, where he was President and Co-Founder of The Collective Films, an award winning documentary and commercial film production company.
Elemental Energy Corp. is committed to projects that generate long term financial returns, environmental benefits for the planet, and positive social impacts for the communities in which we work. They accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy by investing in, developing, and managing renewable energy projects that generate long-term value for our shareholder, our partners and the planet.
Upcoming social: Monday August 27, 2018 W&A Farms, Member Adriana Zylmans' Family Farm 17771 Westminster Hwy (corner of #8 & Westminster Hwy), Richmond
Everyone is welcome for an enjoyable evening on the farm. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Carolyn (admin@rotaryvancouver.org) if you can attend. Thanks.
In the spirit of Halloween, grab platform shoes, bell bottoms or polyester leisure suits and boogie the night away at the Red Carpet Ball on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 at the Seaforth Armoury. The most famous nightclub in the world, Studio 54, will be revived as you enter this historic site with a glamorous red carpet entrance, valet, paparazzi, flowing champagne, funky dance moves, entertainment, auctions, and more — with music pumped out by none other than legendary Studio 54 DJ and SiriusXM show host Robbie Leslie.
What promises to be the disco party of the decade, Red Carpet Ball is being hosted by the Rotary Club of Vancouver with all proceeds going to providing at risk youth recreational, social and educational opportunities.
All event proceeds will benefit the at risk youth of Vancouver through the Rotary Club of Vancouver's Youth Programs, including leadership and literacy programs, and Ray-Cam Co-Operative Community Centre Youth Mentorship Program.
Please join us, have a great time, all the while knowing you are helping some of Vancouver's most vulnerable youth to a brighter future.
This will be a very special evening that will combine a unique and scenic rail trip around Squamish with wonderful food & beverage. This will be a "white glove service" with an 8 course dinner, optional beverage pairings, and live entertainment throughout the evening. Cost is $125 pp. It is already 80% sold so if you are interested, call for tickets quickly.
President Brian Street chaired the meeting and gave the invocation.
Don Evans accompanied us on the piano for the singing of O Canada.
Joe Lopushinsky, Sergeant-at-Arms, introduced visitors and guests.
President's announcements:
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac!
Check out the Rotary Club of Vancouver's YouTube page; the speaker videos are broadcast live and posted for future reference the moment our meetings adjourn. CLICK HERE to access the channel, and the subscribe!
Everyone is also encouraged to follow our Facebook page; share with your friends to spread the word about Rotary and about our upcoming October fundraiser! CLICK HERE to access the page.
If you haven't already, please submit your volunteer hours for July to Carolyn (admin@rotaryvancouver.org). The tech committee is working on creating a super easy method for this task, but for now it's manual labour for everyone, including Carolyn.
Joe Lopushinsky, filling in for Joan Posivy, provided the secretary's announcements:
reminders of upcoming events/meetings (see above);
birthdays:Don McPhee Aug01, Ralph Towsley Aug06 (92 yrs!)
member anniversaries:Franz Gehriger 33 years, Wilf Wassersleben 44 years
wedding anniversaries:Charlene & Larry McDonald 45 years Aug04, Fred & Eva West 48 years Jul25
Special announcements; presentations, and members' moments:
Gerry Glazier, co-chair of the Community Service Committee, let us know that there will be a meeting to kick off the 2018-19 year on Tuesday August 21st (changed from August 14th) at the Terminal City Club after lunch. This will be a formation meeting, rallying the troops for the year, setting the objectives. Everyone is welcome, especially members who have not been involved with the Community Service Committee before; this is a great opportunity to come and check it out. Bring your voice to the table, new ideas and energy will be most welcome.
Franco Gallo, chair of the Networking and Vocational Services Committee, is encouraging all members to provide a "Tales from the Trenches" presentation. There are specific parameters, including the length of the presentation. Please contact Franco for more information. Today Franco introduced Amin Eskooch of Abana Capital made a presentation.
Amin Eskooch's presentation, What is Driving Housing Prices in Vancouver, was very interesting - quite a feat: a 60 minute presentation reduced to 10 minutes. CLICK HERE to view a copy of his presentation.
RED CARPET BALL - A NIGHT AT STUDIO 54 LAUNCH
After some technical difficulties, Brian Street and Terry Gunderson officially launched this year's major youth fundraiser. This event will serve to create a new annual event to raise money for the Rotary youth programs as well as, for 2018, partnering with Vancouver's Ray-Cam Co-operative Community Centre's Youth Mentorship Programs.
Why Studio 54 as the theme?
This event will be one for fun, one to attract the attention of the wider community. This theme provides for something bigger than life - a legend.
Studio 54 used to be the emblematic hot spot of ‘70s disco nightlife. Then a nightclub, Studio 54 opened its doors to A-list stars like Diana Ross (in the photo), Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Cher, Andy Warhol, Grace Jones and so many more. The club stood as a symbol for the extravagance of the ‘70s disco scene, lest we forget when Mick Jagger’s (now ex-)wife Bianca memorably entered the discotheque on horseback for her 1977 birthday bash. The club's legacy has attained a near-mythical status. (courtesy of www.billboard.com)
So far, there's been a lot of background work done, thanks to Brian.
The venue is iconic, the Seaforth Armoury, has been secured at no cost to us! It is capable of hosting up to 1000 people. We are hoping for 600-800 attendees.
The Master of Ceremonies will be Kevin Evans, who some may know from the District 5040 conference. Kevin is a former broadcaster with CBC and is a Rotarian himself.
Legendary Studio 54 DJ and current SiriusXM radio host, Robbie Leslie, will ensure everyone gets on the floor to dance
In keeping with the disco theme of great lights and atmosphere, Showmax Events, will be setting the tone. They are familiar with the venue having provided the lighting and audio for other events at the Armoury
The event planner, Aiden Henry, has created the floor plan and is helping on all other fronts for the event
We have a flashy poster ready to go (will get some printed very soon)
Search lights have been arranged for the outside of the venue to bring attention to it the night of the event
A promotional video will be produced by the end of the month thanks to Mass & Franco that will be for the benefit of potential sponsors.
There are some lofty goals:
raising net proceeds of $100,000
selling 600-800 tickets
making this event one Vancouver talks about
Your help is needed. What can you do? There are some important tasks.
Sponsors - is there anyone you know we can approach? As we know, personal relationships go a long way in securing support and funding. We are looking for individuals or businesses to sponsor:
catering
beer service
wine service
dance floor
lighting
and more
Live auction items - we are interested in experiential items. Suggestions: event tickets, limo rides, hotel stays, restaurants, sports (skiing passes, snowshoeing, zip lining), airline travel, exotic holiday vouchers, etc., etc. Only one's imagination is the limit. We will bundle items to provide fantastic auction items so don't think anything is too small.
Volunteers - many are needed from now right through the evening of the event. People to:
help contact potential sponsors
help log & organize auction items
help distribute marketing materials, e.g., posters, and spread the word
help the night of the event with registration
be a member of the organizing committee
Purchase tickets - available through EventBrite (CLICK HERE).
For a limited time, members have the opportunity to purchase tickets at a reduced early bird price of $125 per person.
We are helping our Club's members save on the processing fees for their tickets by providing a "FREE" ticket option through EventBrite. The details of how to access them will be sent by email to all members. Once the order for tickets is received you will be contacted for payment confirmation.
Wayne Fraser and his wife are generously providing some of Rose's Shortbread to the 1st 10 members who purchase tickets, as mentioned in the July 20th Rotor.
Members have requested to have the ability to reserve tables. The committee listened and have arranged to do this. A limited number of tables can be reserved by purchasing 10 tickets and making the request when contacted for payment confirmation.
Finally, please save the date, Saturday October 27, 2018, and get ready to boogie!!!
Meeting adjourned with a toast to a happy and safe holiday weekend.
Maxwell A. Cameron in his capacity at UBC runs an annual Summer Institute for Future Legislators. His research focuses on
