Last Meeting February 19, 2019
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:
- With sadness, relaying a message from D'Arcy Warner: David Truman, former Treasurer of the Rotary World Help, has passed away. Celebration of Life will be on March 16th. In lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf can be made to Rotary's EndPolio initiative. See above notice for more information.
- We have received a call for silent auction items for the District Foundation Dinner on March 9th. The message from Frank Peabody includes:
- original artwork
- high-end cookware
- stylish luggage
- luxurious bed linens
- theatre tickets
- hockey tickets
- The cut-off date for the special hotel rate for the upcoming District Conference in Sun Peaks is March 1st so book your room quickly.
- District Governor Darcy Long reports that 25 clubs have stepped up to support the Vocational Training Team or teachers who will be traveling to Kenya. $1,050 will be contributed from our Club.
- Thanks to all who organized and participated in the ski weekend!
- John Hayto
- Barbara Welsh (Friday dinner)
- Kaz Kadono (Barefoot Bistro Dinner)
- all those members who hosted fellow Rotarians in their home
Joan Posivy, provided the Secretary's announcements:
- reminders of upcoming events/meetings (see above)
- birthdays: John Wiggins Feb21, Franz Gehriger Feb25
- member anniversaries: Fred West 4 years, Milton Kiang 4 years
- wedding anniversaries: Franco Gallo & Candice Claassen 4 years Feb25
Special announcement and member's moments:
- Bill Schulz was presented with a Paul Harris +3
- John Bathurst asked everyone who can to please attend the District 5040 Foundation Dinner. Only 4 people from our Club has registered to date. The cost is very reasonable at $60 per person ($480 for a table of 8) if you register before the 25th of this month. CLICK HERE to register.
- John Hayto thanked all who helped support and attended the ski weekend, making it another great experience.
- The District will, from February 16 - March 9 in celebration of The Rotary Foundation, give 500 Paul Harris Fellow points to anyone who donates US$500 to the Annual Fund. As thanks and in recognition of your donation, you will receive your first or next level of Paul Harris recognition. Contact Don Evans for more info.
- Thanks to Peter Clarke for the life-size Oscar statue and mini for our Speaker.
Program:
John Hayto introduced Blaire Trenholme for An Afternoon at the Oscars circa March 28, 1977.
Blair is still very active in Rotary, having joined a Club on Vancouver Island where he now lives enjoying his retirement. He attended our recent ski weekend, and plans on being at the bike-a-thon this summer.
Blair introduced Harry Keys who was an alpine guide also worked on the Off the Edge documentary. Harry spoke briefly about some great memories doing the film.
Blair started his skiing, self-proclaimed addiction of skiing, as a little one skiing in his home's back alley in Northern Quebec. He progressed to a tiny hill in the States when his family moved there and then on to Whistler when they relocated to Vancouver.
His skiing journey followed his inspirational person, Jean Claude Killy, to Val d'Isere in the French Alps. This was where he met Jeffrey Campbell and Michael Firth. They stayed together in the resort for the winter, forging relationships that would last their lives.
In May of 1973 Blair received a telegram from Michael Firth saying he had acquired sufficient funding for a skiing documentary film and asking Blair to be part of it with Jeffrey. It took all of a few seconds to agree! In July 1973 Jeff & Blair arrived in New Zealand for some spectacular skiing in the virgin snows around Mt. Cook.
Jeffrey introduced the idea of hang gliding to the group taking them out of their comfort zone but ultimately providing fantastic experiences.
The film was nominated for an Oscar in 1977. Though it didn't win, the experience of making the film and then attending the Oscar ceremony was something amazing!
The movie, Off the Edge, is no longer available. However, Blair, via Harry Keys, will make copies for anyone interested. In return he asks for a donation to the Rotary initiative of your choice, EndPolio or Rotary Foundation or Bike-a-thon. Orders can be made by contacting Carolyn providing information about your donation.
Meeting adjourned with a toast to living life's dreams.
