Lucheon February 25

A bright sunny day (finally!) for today's luncheon and ensuing Board meetings. Pres Marieze introduced guests Richard  (the Osoyoos Times),  Greg Sol (General Mgr OCU) and Rotarian Marilyn who is returning to Kamloops after 3 mos in Osoyoos  - a regular attendee at our meetings. 

Marieze also introduced our guest speaker Janice Perrino, Executive Director of SOSMF (South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation). Janice is a frequent and popular presenter and did not disappoint today, even though she always seem to be soliciting our money! The Foundation has committed to raise $20 million for the new Patient Care Tower at the Penticton Hospital. The Regional Health District is contributing $122 million and the BC Government the remaining $183 of the total $325 million. The SOSMF has half of the commitment already raised in cash or pledges. 

The first phase consisting of the new tower construction breaks ground this spring and will be completed in 2019. Phase 2 follows with renovations of the existing facility to allow for emergency services.  The existing infrastructure was built in 1953 when the population being serviced was 10,00 as opposed the the 91,000 supported now so Janice stressed this project is critically needed and about time! Attracting the 190 doctors and 80 specialists needed has already begun. She shared many more interesting facts and information in her entertaining style, one new one being that there will only be a net gain of 15-20 beds and that seemingly low number a result of the fact that 80% of surgeries are day surgeries. 

Janice appealed for individuals and businesses to think about making financial commitments and for our Club to join other Rotary Clubs in participating.  We had already committed to $20,000 over 4 years and by the end of this presentation and discussions by the Board, Pres Marieze will be asking for membership approval for a $30,000 support level over 6 years. 

Very doable!

Other updates included attendance by Marieze and Cheryle at the grant writing seminar in Omak on the weekend and also PE Karen and ADG Cheryle at PETS in Seattle this weekend. Also Cheryle and I presented trophies to Coyote players for scholastic and community achievement on the weekend. The Rotary beer garden was alive and well for the opening 2 games of the playoffs Tues/Wed, both won by the Coyotes. Stay tuned for more opportunities next week.

Jeff won the 50/50 and will use that (and more) to host Camille at Big White. 

Next week's meeting will feature Marieze speaking on the International Project/Exchange in South Africa next January...advanced seating recommended!

 

A good meeting!