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P.O. Box 48358, Bentall Centre
Vancouver, BC V7X 1A1
admin@rotaryvancouver.org
www.rotaryvancouver.org
Vol 111 No. 27
January 16, 2026
Joan Posivy, President
Ally Potel, Secretary
The Future of Business: Smart Money, Smart Media, Smart Leadership

In a rapidly shifting economy, the companies that thrive are the ones that combine financial intelligence, powerful storytelling, and strong, adaptable leadership. This panel brings together experts in tax strategy, multimedia communication, and business growth to explore how organizations can stay competitive, visible, and resilient. From optimizing financial performance to building influential brands and leading teams through change, this discussion offers a practical roadmap for businesses looking to succeed in the next era of growth.
 
 
Interact Adviser Course Available

The Get Ready: Interact Adviser Essentials course is available in My Rotary’s Learning Center and is designed to help you better understand the role of an Interact adviser and enhance your impact. 


This 15-minute course provides essential tools, guidance, and resources to help you be a successful Interact adviser. 

Complete the course today! 
 
SAVE THE DATE
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

Contact: Joan Posivy, RCoV President
Phone: 250-551-5626
Email: rotary.joan@gmail.com

 

New at Rotary
Inclusion Labs are interactive sessions designed to help club members build digital and technology skills—closing the gap in tech literacy across the club.

These labs, like the upcoming one focused on Otter.ai, provide hands-on guidance and support so everyone can confidently use new tools and resources, promoting inclusion and participation for all members. 
 
Organized by Ally Potel, led by our Young Professionals! 
 
 
 
Maximizing LinkedIn w/Janice Porter!
Terminal City Club
Jan. 27, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 
One World Committee
Virtual
Jan. 29, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
One World Committee Meeting
Virtual
Jan. 29, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
Community Service Committee Meeting (contact community@rotaryvancouver.org)
Terminal City Club
Feb. 10, 2026 1:45 p.m.
 
RCoV Board Meeting
changes each month
Feb. 12, 2026 5:30 p.m.
 
Youth Committee Meeting
Terminal City Club
Feb. 17, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Food on the Corner
Vancouver Courthouse
Feb. 21, 2026 11:00 a.m.
 
Rotary International Anniversary
Feb. 23, 2026
 
International Service Committee meeting (contact international@rotaryvancouver.org)
Sandra Lowe's Office
Feb. 23, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
 
Membership Committee meeting
Swissreal office
Feb. 24, 2026 8:30 a.m.
 
Membership Committee Meeting
Swissreal Office
Feb. 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
 
One World Committee
Virtual
Feb. 26, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
 
View entire list

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

 
Mass Abedi,
January 18
 
Sean Chan,
January 18
 
 
Anniversaries at our Club
 
 

None this week
 
 
 
 
 
Kim Lepp,
49 Years
 
 
 Come in person to celebrate your birthday with Purdy's chocolates!!
 
 
Let us know what you think about our last meeting.
Scan the QR code below and fill out the short survey
.
 

This Rotary year, we’re adding a dose of humour to our Secretary announcements. Have a good clean joke? Send it to jokes@rotaryvancouver.org — yours might be featured at an upcoming meeting!
Who do you know that is remarkable?  Someone whose story or expertise would captivate a room full of experienced business and community leaders?

Do you know of a remarkable headliner speaker to invite to our upcoming Rotary Club of Vancouver meetings? 
Think thought leaders, change makers, or trailblazers in business, sports, innovation, public service, or philanthropy.
 
Take a quick scroll through your LinkedIn connections. You might spot someone you haven’t thought about in a while who would be perfect.
 
If someone comes to mind, please connect with Bill Davidson at billd@davidson-co.com
 
 
New Membership Application
 
We are pleased to let you know of a new Membership Application submitted by Lisa Chen.
 
Sponsor: Sean Chan
Seconder: Min Kuang
Mentor: Franz Gehriger
Classification: Investment
 
If no written objection for the above proposed member is filed in writing with the Secretary (secretary@rotaryvancouver.org) within 7 days of today, January 16, 2026, (by January 23, 2026), the suggested new member, 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.
 
If a written objection is received by the Secretary within the 7 day period, the Board shall vote on the matter at the next scheduled Board Meeting.
 

Save the Date - Whistler - February 6-8, 2026

Fellow Rotarian John Hayto highlighted plans for the Annual Whistler Ski Weekend, one of RCoV’s most anticipated fun fellowship events. Members were reminded that the weekend offers:

  • A full schedule of optional activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, village walks, and relaxed social gatherings.

  • Group dinners and informal meet-ups, providing time for members, families, partners, and guests to strengthen connections outside regular meetings.

  • Flexible attendance options so members may join for the full weekend or individual events depending on availability.

  • A continued focus on fellowship, with the weekend serving as an opportunity for both long-time members and newer members—to build relationships in a relaxed setting.

Change Further details regarding accommodation options, registration timelines, and meal arrangements will be circulated in the coming weeks.
Interested? Email Johnhayto@gmail.com

 

The Rotary Foundation

 
Have you ever wondered how to make donations to "The Rotary Foundation (Canada)"?
 
If members have a My Rotary account:
  • Go directly to "My Rotary" https://my.rotary.org/en and sign in
  • Once signed in, click on the "Donate" button and proceed with your donation
  • For annual giving, we recommend the Annual Fund Share, however, donations to Polio are welcomed
If members do not have a My Rotary Account, ...this is how to set one up:
  • Go to https://my.rotary.org/en/signup
  • Use the same email account as used for all other Rotary communication
  • Complete your information
  • Last Step:  Sign into your new "My Rotary Account" as outlined above to make your donation.
Step by Step visual guide to set up your account needed?  We got ya!
Click here!
 

Dear Rotarian and Peacebuilder,

Warm greetings and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling 2026.
May this new year bring you and your loved ones peace, love, good health, recovery, joy, and abundant blessings.

You are specially invited to join us as a Special Guest at the upcoming 2026 Peace Begins at Home – International Mega Meeting.

 Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
 Time: 9:30 PM (AEST)
 Registration: Click here to register

This International Mega Meeting will feature distinguished global peace and Rotary leaders, including:

• Mark Daniel Maloney – Past President, Rotary International (2019–2020)
• Steve Killelea – Founder & Executive Chairman, Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), and Founder of the Rotary–IEP Ambassador Program

The 2026 Peace Begins at Home – International Mega Meeting is designed to mobilise peace advocates, families, community and faith leaders, multicultural associations, Rotary leaders and members, civil society organisations, and global changemakers from around the world.

The meeting seeks to reinforce a vital truth: sustainable global peace is built through daily actions, shared values, and strong relationships—beginning at home.

Today, rising violence, conflicts, family violence and abuse, along with increasing youth gang and community-related violence globally, highlight the urgent need to strengthen social cohesion, youth belonging, and family-level prevention. These challenges call for Rotary-led, community-driven initiatives, hybrid peace events, and strong collaborative networks.

While policing and security responses remain essential, lasting peace and safety depend on preventive, community-led approaches that foster positive identity, inclusion, and resilience—particularly among young people and families most vulnerable to alienation and peer-driven violence.

Moments like these remind us that peace cannot be taken for granted. 

They call us to renew our commitment to grassroots peacebuilding, starting within families, groups, and communities—where values are shaped and a sense of belonging is nurtured.

Why Peace Begins at Home Matters

Sustainable peace starts locally. Many wider conflicts are rooted in:
• Broken relationships
• Intolerance and exclusion
• Violence within homes and communities

Through this Mega Meeting, we aim to:
• Shift peacebuilding from theory to daily practice
• Empower individuals and families as first peace actors
• Strengthen community cohesion across cultures and generations

Thank you for your continued commitment to peace and humanity. I sincerely hope you will be able to register and join us for this important global gathering.

Learn more about The World is My Country Rotary collaboration and join the weekly People-Powered Planet Podcast:
Click here to explore

 
 
Weekly Meeting Summary
January 13, 2026


President Joan opened the meeting by welcoming members and guests, reflecting on gratitude for their community amid world challenges, and sharing inspiration from Jim Rohn: “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.”
She encouraged everyone to embrace small, consistent improvements for lasting impact.
 
 
Board Meeting Updates - also by President Joan!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joan reported strong member satisfaction at 92%, increased meeting attendance, and high engagement rates. The club exceeded its fundraising goal with $234,000 in new contributions. A major website update is underway, with 43 pages being reviewed by board members. The next quarterly member satisfaction survey is planned for early March to maintain ongoing improvements.
 
Member Spotlight
Our Member Spotlight this week highlights Dr. Maggie Aron, dedicated otologist at St. Paul’s Hospital and President of the BC Otolaryngology Society. Dr. Aron shared insights into her busy life, balancing advanced clinical work, leadership in ENT, and family—often bringing her young son to early morning rounds. She spoke passionately about her mission to improve dizziness care in the province by developing innovative assessment tools for family doctors, making specialist referrals more accessible. Driven by her love for science and commitment to helping others, Dr. Aron values Rotary’s spirit of service and connection, finding inspiration and fulfillment through both her medical practice and her involvement in the club.
 

Program Portion
In the final part of the meeting, members sparked lively table conversations by sharing why they joined Rotary, their latest personal or professional accomplishments, and what projects they’re currently working on. This interactive segment encouraged members and guests to connect, celebrate achievements, and learn more about each other’s motivations and goals within and beyond the club.

 

 
Closing Remarks
 
The meeting concluded with a Toast from President Joan Posivy:
"To Healthy Conversations"
 
 
 
January 16, 2026

UNITE FOR GOOD

Joan Posivy, President 
admin@rotaryvancouver.org  
Ally Potel, Secretary