Luncheon Nov 20, 2014
Posted by John Robertson
on Nov 21, 2014
Lots of good news and dates to remember from a busy meeting so pay attention!
Pres Judy introduced guests Gary Doi, todays speaker, Geri Harker, Roger's wife and Keith Lacey of the Times. She then introduced Gary and he eloquently entertained us with a success story of his hopes and his passions. His talk today was on what has transpired since he retired 4 years ago from the public school system as Superintendent for 18 years out of Penticton. It started with his blog which was intended to build/promote hope and inspiration and became very popular (80,000 visitors) and led to his publishing two books of stories written by contributors of that blog. They are all around 'hope' as Gary defines it which is the belief and aspiration to be better. Hope gets you through life challenges and gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The first book he compiled was 'Inspiring Hope', a compilation of 74 stories published in 2013 and the second is 'Fly Like an Eagle' which is what he shared with us today. The 28 stories are of real life from contributors around the world and Gary's hope is that enough readers will enjoy and be inspired to spread 'hope'...not like Matt's pyramid schemes (!) but exponentially all the same!
Gary was a Rotarian for 12 years and recognizes the analogy of the intent of these books to Rotary's Service above Self and suggested that members could use the books for recognition, clients and give-aways. They cost $20 each and the proceeds of the second book all go toward SORCO (South Okanagan Rehabilitation Center for Owls). It is a beautiful book and obviously appealed to several members. There will be a third book!
And speaking of Hope, Lynda brought us up to date on Judy S who now has her new kidney (Kenny?). She is recuperating well and will be test driving it for the next 6 mos in Vancouver. Absolutely the best news!
Lynda also let us know more about the Adopt a Family for Christmas in which our club will do just that with food and gifts once we know the number, ages and gender of a family...it will all be anonymous and we all can participate.
Gail announced she is recruiting for an Ambassadors Team for Destination Osoyoos. Volunteers will work for DO in projects, events and activities as hosts and ambassadors ...should be easy and fun! Let Gail know if you are interested.
Roger and Geri advised us of their last fundraising event for the school in Honduras. It will be an open house at the Rustic Roots Winery in Cawston this Saturday from 10 to 5 and everyone welcome. They will be selling 'building bricks' at $10 each to reach the $15m goal (they now have some $11m towards that).
Reminder that the Festival of Trees is this Saturday at Spirit Ridge at 10 am...a tad early for wine but Bailey's and coffee work!
Harold updated the membership on the Scholarship Foundation for OSS students of which Rotary is a partner. Scholarships are being given, it is growing and we currently have over $3m in the bank.
Another reminder for the Olive/Osoyoos Hospice fundraiser at Frank Venables Theater in Oliver on Saturday at 7pm...Cheryle has tickets.
Whew!
Lynda won the 50/50 AGAIN and also again, donated it to the S. African project.
A good meeting!
John
Pres Judy introduced guests Gary Doi, todays speaker, Geri Harker, Roger's wife and Keith Lacey of the Times. She then introduced Gary and he eloquently entertained us with a success story of his hopes and his passions. His talk today was on what has transpired since he retired 4 years ago from the public school system as Superintendent for 18 years out of Penticton. It started with his blog which was intended to build/promote hope and inspiration and became very popular (80,000 visitors) and led to his publishing two books of stories written by contributors of that blog. They are all around 'hope' as Gary defines it which is the belief and aspiration to be better. Hope gets you through life challenges and gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The first book he compiled was 'Inspiring Hope', a compilation of 74 stories published in 2013 and the second is 'Fly Like an Eagle' which is what he shared with us today. The 28 stories are of real life from contributors around the world and Gary's hope is that enough readers will enjoy and be inspired to spread 'hope'...not like Matt's pyramid schemes (!) but exponentially all the same!
Gary was a Rotarian for 12 years and recognizes the analogy of the intent of these books to Rotary's Service above Self and suggested that members could use the books for recognition, clients and give-aways. They cost $20 each and the proceeds of the second book all go toward SORCO (South Okanagan Rehabilitation Center for Owls). It is a beautiful book and obviously appealed to several members. There will be a third book!
And speaking of Hope, Lynda brought us up to date on Judy S who now has her new kidney (Kenny?). She is recuperating well and will be test driving it for the next 6 mos in Vancouver. Absolutely the best news!
Lynda also let us know more about the Adopt a Family for Christmas in which our club will do just that with food and gifts once we know the number, ages and gender of a family...it will all be anonymous and we all can participate.
Gail announced she is recruiting for an Ambassadors Team for Destination Osoyoos. Volunteers will work for DO in projects, events and activities as hosts and ambassadors ...should be easy and fun! Let Gail know if you are interested.
Roger and Geri advised us of their last fundraising event for the school in Honduras. It will be an open house at the Rustic Roots Winery in Cawston this Saturday from 10 to 5 and everyone welcome. They will be selling 'building bricks' at $10 each to reach the $15m goal (they now have some $11m towards that).
Reminder that the Festival of Trees is this Saturday at Spirit Ridge at 10 am...a tad early for wine but Bailey's and coffee work!
Harold updated the membership on the Scholarship Foundation for OSS students of which Rotary is a partner. Scholarships are being given, it is growing and we currently have over $3m in the bank.
Another reminder for the Olive/Osoyoos Hospice fundraiser at Frank Venables Theater in Oliver on Saturday at 7pm...Cheryle has tickets.
Whew!
Lynda won the 50/50 AGAIN and also again, donated it to the S. African project.
A good meeting!
John