A Busy and Exciting Meeting

 “An accountant tells you about a problem you didn’t know you had, then charges you to fix it,” said George Agar, lightheartedly explaining his role as partner in the firm Agar, Schneider and Lett. In Vernon since 1996 and a partner since 1999, George values the extensive background of his partners, semi-retired Patrick Lett, who has worked in Vernon since 1964, and James Schneider, whose experience includes working with industry and the auditor general. George invites all Rotarians to come by for a coffee in the morning or something stronger in the afternoon.

 Rotarian John Hogarth (aka Cowboy Poet Jesmond Jake) dropped by to read his moving historical poem honouring the Vernon Rotary Club at their 90^th celebration evening. The poem reviewed the history of the Vernon Rotary Club. See below:

 

 

 

BACK IN THE YEAR OF TWENTY FIVE

WHEN MOST OF US HERE WEREN'T EVEN ALIVE 

A NEW CLUB WAS FORMED IN VERNON TOWN               

AND NINETY YEARS LATER IT'S STILL AROUND

 

THE VERNON ROTARY CLUB WAS ITS NAME

THE FIRST IN THE VALLEY ITS CLAIM TO FAME

 A CLUB FROM VANCOUVER HELPED PAVE THE WAY

 FOR TWENTY EIGHT MEMBERS THAT APRIL DAY

                                      

CLUB "NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN"

IT WAS BEYOND PAUL HARRIS'S WILDEST DREAM

WHEN HE AND THREE FRIENDS MET TO CONTRIVE

THE FIRST ROTARY CLUB IN 1905

 

TWENTY YEARS LATER VERNON'S CLUB GOT ITS START

 THE GROUP OF NEW MEMBERS WITH VISION AND HEART 

 SET OUT TO MAKE VERNON A MUCH BETTER PLACE

PIERS, PARKS, POOLS AND BEACHES GOT A ROTARY FACE

 

BACK IN THOSE DAYS THE TOWN WAS QUITE SMALL

JUST OVER 3000 THE CENSUS RECALLS

J. S. GALBRAITH WAS VERNON'S TOWN MAYOR

AND MR. ART GODFREY FIRST ROTARY CHAIR 

 

VERNON NEWS WAS THE TOWN'S LOCAL RAG                                                         

THE CANADIAN RED ENSIGN OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG

THE HUDSON'S BAY WAS  ' THEE ' BIGGEST STORE

WATKIN MOTORS WAS SELLING MODEL T FORDS

 

THE GREAT PADDLE WHEELERS WERE STILL ON THE LAKE

YOU GOT OFF AT THE LANDING, THERE A TRAIN YOU COULD TAKE

SHIPS AND TRAINS WERE THE BEST TRAVEL MODES

THE HIWAYS AND BYWAYS WERE ROUGH GRAVEL ROADS

 

ROTARIANS MET AT THE KALAMALKA HOTEL

IT STOOD THREE STORIES AND LOOKED PRETTY SWELL

NOON LUNCH WAS A DOLLAR, DUES WERE 25 BUCKS

IF YOU MISSED MONDAY MEETINGS YOU WERE JUST OUT OF LUCK

 

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AND THE FOUR WAY TEST

AND 'ONE PROFITS MOST WHO SERVES BEST'

FOR NINETY LONG YEARS THESE MOTTOS HELD SWAY

MAKING THIS CLUB A GREAT ONE TODAY   

 

 

 Kalamalka Rotary Director at Large Peter Moore and Club President Greg MacKinnon officially welcomed back Andy Betschler to Rotary after an absence of several years. Andy was supported at his induction by Ken James, who serves as both Andy’s sponsor and his mentor. (photo left to right shows Peter, Greg, Andy and Ken)

 James Mayne presided over the Red Ribbon Ceremony congratulating new members George Agar, Bill Spencer and Jacqueline Rivard (absent) on successfully fulfilling the eight requirements, such as visiting another club and attending a club social event, for removal of their ribbons. (photo left to right is George, Bill and James)

Roger Perry presented the Paul Harris Award to Carolyn Laidman-Betts in honour of her donations to the Rotary Foundation. Roger congratulated Carolyn on her assistance to others and on keeping Rotary such an important part of her life. He expressed thanks from the Foundation and Kalamalka Rotary for her commitment and generosity.

 

Roger presented a second Paul Harris award to Annette Sharkey, fondly known as the “Sharkey sandwich” to travelers who shared a jeep with her during a recent trip to Ethiopia where she and Roger were visiting several Rotary International projects funded by Kalamalka Rotary. “Annettte’s life exemplifies the humanitarian and educational values of Rotary,” said Roger, noting in particular her tireless, exacting and exemplary work in preparing successful matching grant applications.

 Kevin Poole, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Vernon, updated club members on growth statistics for Vernon and the Okanagan area. He highlighted several important commercial building permits including new premises in Vernon for Okanagan Spirits, Catherine Gardens Seniors Residence, Central Animal Clinic and BC Hydro. New items on his agenda include the renewal of the 2% hotel tax for 2015 to 2020, innovations in hotel guest accommodation tracking, and the annual Vernon Tourism Guide. Kevin is currently looking for volunteers interested in serving on the Economic Development Advisory Committee and would welcome participation from Rotary members. Contact Kevin at 250-550-3249. More information about this can be found at: http://www.investvernon.ca/    or  http://www.vernon.ca/services/pde/economic_development.html    (photo shows Rotarian Morgan Roney (left) with Kevin)