Technology Works!
President Grant did a great job of melding the Zoom format with our in-person meeting on October 01. He is a genius (thanks in part to the instructions provided in the latest Rotarian Magazine). Grant arrived early and had pretty much worked out the kinks of this system before others joined him. No wonder he is President!
Zooming to be with us were Lawrie [and Yoonhi??] from home, Jean from Anderson Lake and Ken from Ottawa. Those able to come to Seasons in The Park in person were able to chat back and forth with them. It was brilliant.
Kudos to Joy, who had to go all the way back home to get her Vaccine Card (left in another phone) and then returned to be with us.
And more Kudos: to Bill who made his way by transit and an energetic walk. Also to Lydia and Hans who carpooled: both looking mighty fine.
HAPPY BUCKS INDEED
Ken gave us the happy news that he will be back with us – in person – by mid-November. His pacemaker is working a treat and he feels like a young man again. He speaks very highly of the good doctors and nurses at St Paul’s Hospital for making him feel so well and so optimistic.
Jean and hubby are also about to close the cabin for the winter and she will join us in person soon.
Co-president Dianna was still labouring away at Elections Canada clearing away the last duties before closing the doors … until next time.
Grant mentioned that his assignment – managerial of course – at ‘Elections’ was perhaps a little above his pay grade and therefore rather stressful. He is happy to be back to normal life.
Hans said it was great to have a reason to dress up in a real suit for a change. (pretty spiffy, Hans)
Report on Room #2 at Seasons in the Park
The second dining room that we are considering using for meetings is on the level of the main restaurant and just to the NE of it. It is larger than the fireplace room we tested recently, has a nice open feel and view to the north: lots of windows and a high ceiling. The acoustics are better than in the smaller room and so would be preferred when we have a speaker. The service, again, was excellent and friendly. It is definitely a good value. Both rooms at Seasons are places in which we could be proud to welcome guests and speakers.
BOOKS PROJECT REPORT 1000x5
Lydia gave a short report on the Project Committee meeting with the Vancouver School District, held earlier this week. We are now working on the formal agreement necessary to launch the next phase of this project. This phase will focus on books for the very young children, ages 0 to 2 year old. These will mainly be new board books suitable for small hands. We have set aside $5,000 of our Lotteries grant to fund the purchases. We have several publishers who are providing 40% discounts for the program. The School District has space for us to use to put our gift stickers into the books (ie this book is a gift of the Arbutus Rotary Club) and is also willing to deliver the books to the locations where they will be distributed through the Early Childhood system.
Project Chair Ron Fulton is in the process of ordering books now. School District Early Learning staff have agreed to help vet the order list for appropriateness. Other committee members are working with the School District on approvals for graphics and partner logos.
As we are still in a COVID situation, we cannot yet start the school-based recycling bin plan. Neither parents nor outside visitors can currently access school buildings making this part of the program unworkable. We were advised that by January we may be able to launch this work as schools hope to be accessible by then.
In the meantime, the District is fully supportive and excited to partner with us.
May The Socks Be With You!
In other Project news, The Sock Project will proceed again this year. Ron feels that the “leg work” was done last year and now more Rotarian volunteers will be able to gather and stuff socks with good things to give to people living on the street or in other dire circumstances.
A Sanctuary for First Responders and Military Personnel is Saved from Wildfires
Lydia was happy to report that Honorary Colonel of the Armed Forces Allen DeGeneras, will be our guest speaker on October 22. He will tell us the story of the fires that surrounded the town of Ashcroft and how the town and staff of Honour Ranch worked to save the facility from wildfires.
It inspired us to donate $10,000 to their efforts to upgrade fire-protection infrastructure for their much-needed facility.
Be sure to invite guests to hear what it was like to be at the centre of the worst fire season in BC history and the work it took to protect Honour Ranch.