* 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.
Club Excellence Award 2024/25
Under Franco Gallo’s and Paul Martin’s Leadership in the 2024/25 Rotary Year, our club has earned the Club Excellence Award, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve.
This past year, our club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which helps strengthen Rotary and shape its future.
A heartfelt thank you to all members for their dedication and service.
Fun Contest – Show Your RCoV Spirit!
Theme:Why are you a Member of the RCoV?
🎥 Format: 30-second reel
📅 Deadline: Aug. 26, 2025
🎁 Every entry wins a Purdy’s chocolate bar
🏆 Aug. 27: UBC Rotaracts pick the top 3
📢 Sept. 2: Winners announced!
📧 Email all Reels to: rotary.joan@gmail.com
Don't forget to submit your entries!
The Giving Truck!
.... a message of gratitude received by Rene!
Dear Rene,
Thank you for your generous donation to The Giving Truck. Because of your support and contribution, we were able to deliver care packages and prepare a meal for the residents of Luke 15 House (pictures attached in this email) as we celebrated Filipino Independence Day through food and stories. Inside the care packages were dental hygiene kits and hats for the sunny weather, and we prepared Filipino dishes such as Filipino BBQ, pancit (noodles), mango tapioca dessert, and fresh fruits!
We also were able to host another volunteer event where we delivered over 100 sandwiches to "NightShift", an organization that provides nightly outreach to those who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and social disconnection in the streets of Whalley in Surrey.
We are truly grateful for your support in our mission.
The first 2025-2026 ISC Business meeting will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 6:30 pm (not 7 pm as originally mentioned).
The meeting will be held at the home of Barbara Welsh.
The address is 1281 W. Cordova St., Suite 3202 - buzzer #247
Visitor parking is available on parking level #1 of “Callisto” Bldg.
Note: To enter the building, you need to use the buzzer for the Callisto Building NOT the Corina Building. Press number 247 to enter the building.
Note: To park in the parkade, you need to park in the visitor area of the Callisto Building and not the Corina Building. When you enter the parkade use the intercom for the Calisto Building and turn right to park in the visitor area for the Calisto Building. Her Suite number is 3202. Her buzzer number is 247.
As this is a Business meeting, cold drinks will be served but no food. Please have dinner before you come.
The ISC business meeting will commence no later than 6:45 and will end at 8:30 pm.
Adriana will send a Meeting Agenda and reminder a few days before the meeting.
Please contact Adriana if you plan to attend. azylmans@telus.net
Youth Committee Meeting
Please join us for a Youth Committee Meeting on August 26th at 11am at TCC
(in our meeting room for the day)
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Meeting Chair: Joan Posivy
Secretary: Ally Potel
Sargent-at-Arms: Sean Chan
NEW ----- Rotary Minute
Past President Peter Clarke was the first one to speak at the newly invented "Rotary Minute":
He highlighted the value of Rotary’s international fellowships, sharing his own experiences with tennis fellowships abroad. His story showcased how Rotary creates meaningful global connections while strengthening community and international understanding—core values at the heart of our organization.
Exploring the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories -
BY GUEST SPEAKER FARHAD DASTUR
This week, the Club welcomed Dr. Farhad Dastur, who shared highlights of his distinguished background in psychology, teaching, and public communication, including a TEDx talk.
Dr. Dastur opened with a riddle about historical events to illustrate how conspiracy theories take shape. Using well-known examples such as the death of Princess Diana, 9/11, the moon landing, and more, he showed how these beliefs typically share three features:
- deep suspicion of official accounts
- conviction that hidden &
- powerful actors are at work, and a self-insulating quality that makes them difficult to disprove.
He then explored the psychology behind these ideas, explaining how cognitive biases like pareidolia and apophenia make us prone to seeing patterns and connections, even in ambiguous or low-quality information. Everyday examples—such as seeing faces in clouds or images on Mars—demonstrate how the mind seeks meaning, especially in times of uncertainty.
Moving from analysis to solutions, Dr. Dastur emphasized the importance of empathy and respect when engaging with conspiracy believers. Dismissing, humiliating, or ridiculing them, he warned, only strengthens their convictions.
Instead, he recommended listening carefully, acknowledging shared fears and anxieties, and using common ground as a way to open dialogue. Education and critical thinking play vital roles, alongside practical strategies such as “debunking” false claims and “pre-bunking” to build resilience before misinformation takes hold.
His presentation left members with fresh insights into one of the most pressing challenges of our time: understanding the mindset behind conspiracy theories and finding constructive ways to respond.
Remembering Jim Evans:
Bill Evans, shared a heartfelt tribute to his brother Jim, tracing his life's journey from his birth in Victoria during World War II to his lifelong connection with Vancouver.
Jim's path led him through local schools like John Oliver, where he was known for announcing the J.O. news, and then to UBC, where he earned a commerce degree.
After graduating, Jim built a successful career in insurance and financial planning, working with numerous clients over decades. He married Diana Lamb, a PR professional who was well-connected in political circles, and together they were known for Jim's legendary storytelling - often meandering conversations that his wife would playfully try to rein in.
Throughout his life, Jim was passionate about Canadian history and deeply committed to Rotary, a organization he loved and which ultimately inspired his brother Bill to also become a Rotarian.
Bill's tribute painted a warm portrait of a man who loved conversation, community, and connecting with people.
Dr. Farhad Dastur presenting to the Club
Flag Exchange between Canada and Switzerland
William Evans talking about his brother Jim
The meeting was adjourned with a toast by President Joan Posivy:
