Luncheon Jan 19,2017

Jeff very capably presided at today's meeting and will for the next 3 weeks while Pres Brian is doing good deeds in S. Africa. He introduced our 3 'frequent visitor' guests Dale, Robert and Richard and YE inbound Carlo to the 15 members attending. What he did not do was even casually reference his curling victory on the weekend in the Osoyoos Mens Curling Bonspiel!

Giselle LeClaire was introduced as our speaker and she proceeded to thoroughly entertain us with a well prepared, informative summary of her trip to India. Giselle and a good friend spent 29 days travelling this incredible country last fall starting out on October 12th. Lots of travel as they maxed 2-3 days in any one spot. A guide and driver was a requirement in all the cities mainly due to the sometimes overwhelming traffic and congestion and noise and then offsetting those times were the wondrous quieter times such as those in the tea plantations and religious sites.

She was energized when talking about the markets, the artisans, shopping, festivals and some of India's history. It was evident to her that India is an ancient country but a very young Democracy, strongly influenced by religion and family ties. Her slides were amazing as were the stories that went with them - apparently Indian beer and wine are very acceptable too. 

Giselle may have prompted more than a few in the room to think about putting India on that bucket list. Well done!

The S. African team should be arriving in Capetown about now and we hope their travels went well...maybe some reports/pictures soon? Ongoing Rotary programs that team members  either initiated or support are in good hands. The Backpack for School (Marize) food program is in Sandy's capable hands with Jim always handy and the Rotary After School (Brian) tutoring program is very successful with 19 students regularly attending - 8 teachers are available to instruct. 

The Coyote beer garden schedule is full for the remainder of January...thanks Doug,, and this is your reminder!

It was eventually discovered that Roger held the winning 50/50 ticket - can only surmise it will go to his Honduran water project!