Grant welcomed Vancouver Area Assistant Governor Mary Anne Velayo who attended our Zoom meeting from Toronto – where it’s sunny!
Discussion opened with Dianna announcing that notes of committee meetings will now be available on ClubRunner. Grant expressed concern about privacy issues if just anyone could read the minutes but Dianna explained that one has to log in using username and password so that should be no problem.
Dianna also announced that PolioPlus day is October 24th. On that day, Vancouver City Hall, BC Place Stadium and Telus Science World will light up in blue or gold to salute Rotary and its fight to rid the world of polio. The PhotoOp (for club Presidents and Presidents Elect) is on October 22nd at 4:30 pm at the City Hall, and the lights will be lit on October 24th. There’s also a President’s Council meeting on October 25th, starting at 6:00 pm (via Zoom).
Grant asked whether anyone had news of several members: regarding Shail, sadly there is no news; regarding Jag, Michael Frost reported he sees Jag from time to time; and regarding Bishnu, Elena reported that he is moving homes at this time.
Assistant Governor Mary Anne mentioned that the Foundation fundraiser event will be moved to February. Mary Anne also congratulated our club on news of the Citation. District Governor John Hou is coming to our in person luncheon at Seasons next Friday, when it will be presented.
Dianna read out the Project Committee notes (found on ClubRunner). One of the items Dianna emphasized was that regarding bursaries, we’re looking for someone to assist Teddie, please speak up if you’re interested. Dianna also noted that we’re looking for good fundraising ideas so, again, please provide projects if you’re inspired.
Grant said that even if you’re not on the Project Committee we’d love to hear your input, please don’t hesitate to make suggestions.
Dianna read Ron’s email describing Hoopathon, for the benefit of newer members.
Grant announced Happy Dollars, the reports are as follows:
- Ken is in Ottawa, basking in sunny weather, still happy about having his pacemaker installed, figures it’s worth a $5.00 happy buck.
- Teddie reports that life is quiet at the moment.
- Jean is still at the cabin, in the process of closing, back to Vancouver next week.
- Michael Frost reported that he had family from Toronto visiting over Thanksgiving, found conversing with the young ones to be a revelation, though we’re sure he ‘like’d it.
- Yoonhi was busy helping with elections and is now back to her routine life.
- Bill recently had a big barbecue celebration with his sailing group, outdoors, had a great weekend. Sadly though, he’s missing his boat.
- Madhu reported that she and Ramesh will be grandparents next Christmas!
- Dianna is really excited to have finished working the Federal election and will be attending farewell ‘do’ tonight.
- Elena reported that she has hired a private coach (the author of a book called The Miracle Mentality) and has been inspired to start a new business!
- Michael Cowhig is heading to Churchill shortly for a 5 day excursion – he hopes to spy some polar bears, and maybe some solar flares! Michael also mentioned that he lives very near the Willingdon care home where 90 people are now infected with COVID. He’s rightly concerned about the fact that he may well have had contact with some of them at local shops and, once again, we all had to wonder why vaccinations hadn’t been taken advantage of.
- Mary Ann announced that her first grandchild had been born recently – always cause for celebration!
- Hans has been volunteering 4-5 days a week with Canadian Blood Service. Thank you Hans!
- Joy asked that we tell her our volunteer hours, she knows we've been busy! Also, Joy shared with us that her family had found a very nice assisted living situation for her former spouse, which is a great relief.
- Leigh's second granddaughter has arrived and is doing well.
- Grant reported that in September he worked on elections with Dianna and Yoonhi, now he’s enjoying the fact that his son and daughter have both returned to in-person learning in their schools, a big change, and very welcome.
Next Friday, October 22nd, our meeting is in person at Seasons in the Park. Our speaker is Col. Allan De Genova re Honour Ranch. An announcement has been shared with area Presidents but Grant asks that we remember we can invite others to join us, the room at Seasons holds up to 30 people. Register now please, and before the 20th of October at the latest as we’ll need to let the restaurant know how many to expect.
Dianna asked for feedback on the restaurant choice, we discussed again that the last sparsely attended meeting there was just prior to a long weekend which possibly reduced our numbers, also concerns with transportation and parking were voiced.