A Busy Club Assembly
President Dianna presided over the Assembly and gave a fine invocation quoting Mother Theresa
Elena provided a Rotary Moment:
- On February 23 we celebrate the 117th World Understanding and Peace Day. Quite a Milestone!
- She also noted that our International President asks us to lead by example, to be a good tenant in the world, and to support women’s needs.
- He also presented us with a challenge: for each member to bring one person to Rotary. That does not have to be our club but it would be nice.
President Dianna invited us to start with our “happy bucks” for the week.
Here are some of the good things reported:
Teddie is back from her stay in the hospital and is all smiles; Grant is blessed with a son who did well on his report card. He also says he has spoken to Shail again; Lawrie is cheerfully grateful for the spring flowers and budding trees; Elena is excited that her company’s start-up is close to launching; Leigh and his wife had a happy first sleep-over with their granddaughter; Yoonhi shared the location of the best doughnut shop ever – in Port Alberni, and gave a nod to Bare Bones Fish and Chip shop too (Yum, we’re all over those travel tips!); Jean is thrilled that her exercise classes have resumed and has registered for the Rotary Convention in Prince George; Bill pushed for a restart to in-person meetings and stated he is passionately in favor of looking after the environment.
On to the Business of the day … There was Lots of it!
Membership:
Chair Hans reported that he has been speaking to 2 people who are interested in joining us. Well done, Hans.
The Projects committee has been busy:
Lydia reported that we have Lord Roberts Elementary on board to do a 2 week donated book drive, in early March, for our 1000 x 5 Project. This gets more books into the hands of kids up to 5 years of age. Members are also using emails, social networks and other means to get gently used books donated. Ron reported that we still have approximately $2,000 available to buy new baby books too.
Ron also gave us details regarding the cheque presentation for Surf Riders, to be held on Kits Beach, where shore line clean ups happen annually. Thank you Joy for championing this.
Yoonhi described attending the donation presentation at “Helping Families in Need Society” with a good contingent of members. (The ‘giant cheque’ looked great!) Yoonhi took photos of the impressive operation and will lead the way for us to do some hands-on volunteering there.
Draft Constitution Accepted:
Though we have society status through our Rotary Arbutus Fund, our co-presidents made a good case for also formally applying for society status for the Club itself. A formal constitution was needed. The Club members agreed to use the constitution written by Rotary International to expedite the matter. A motion was presented to “accept the Draft Constitution as circulated and to initiate Provincial Society Status”. It passed to that effect. Co-Presidents Dianna and Grant are taking care of the paperwork.
Policy Committee of District 5040
Leigh is our very capable representative on this hard working committee. He reported that the District by-laws were done last year, and policies are now under consideration. The Board of 5040 will deal with their passage. A procedure manual is also being created. And they are working on a Privacy Policy. Leigh reminds us that input is always welcome. He notes that the District Committee meets for 2 hours every week getting the details right and that he is busy and happy about their progress.
In Person Meetings:
There was considerable discussion about re-launching our luncheon meetings at Seasons Restaurant as well as our socials at various places and times. After discussion it was decided to have at least one Zoom meeting each month should be maintained for those whose work lives make it hard to attend in person. Dianna and Grant will issue a schedule to all members. Check your emails. I think there is a Dim Sum lunch social planned. The most important thing will be attendance at Seasons.
And remember, ‘hybrid’ meetings (Zoom for those unable to attend lunch in person) are always available when we’re at Seasons. They have the tech and Grant knows how to use it! So join us and hear some great speakers.
Next up is Colleen Dickie on the 25th.
(But remember there is no meeting on Family Day this month.)