2015 MLK Celebration at Valparaiso University Dec 14 - 20, 2015
Posted by James (Jim) Ferguson
Greeter this week: Jean-Michel Crepin
The E-Club of Canada One recently approved funding for the support of a group Syrian refugees being welcomed by the community of Stratford. This is a worthwhile endeavor and one where funding will be welcomed while the major efforts will likely be required on their resettlement and adaptation to our Canadian Environment. This initiative brings back memories of the arrival of Vietnamese refugees in our community in Edmonton. The welcome, the flowers, the smiles and the hugging of babies were a great first step. Soon after we had to face a number of issues related to cultural immersion. My involvement at that time was to accept 7 adult members in the workforce of our company. The major benefit was to create a small Vietnamese community in our midst. While the culture of our company was strongly inclusive we had to face a number of unplanned issues. One was their refusal to wear the lab coats because the material resembled shrouds being used in Vietnam to wrap the dead before cremation. Soon after, they requested a separate lunchroom because their coworkers objected to the odor of sardines and fermented fish been heated in the microwave. Those were resolved quickly to the satisfaction of everyone but one issue that remained for a long time was enforcing English in the workplace. We offered English classes at work and realigned workgroups to avoid friction. Over time, we had to resolve other cultural or religious matters such as allowing prayer time on Friday for our Muslim workers. All our efforts were appreciated and they became some of our more loyal and hardworking employees. Although the majority were on the lower pay scale, they also were the first one to purchase shares in the company and register them as RRSP. I will always remember the smile of one of the original refugee who usually came to work at 4 AM to grind soil samples, when he realized that his investment had tripled upon the sale of our company.
Certainly, the community of Stratford is better prepared than we were for the arrival of their families of Syrian refugees.
The E-Club of Canada One recently approved funding for the support of a group Syrian refugees being welcomed by the community of Stratford. This is a worthwhile endeavor and one where funding will be welcomed while the major efforts will likely be required on their resettlement and adaptation to our Canadian Environment. This initiative brings back memories of the arrival of Vietnamese refugees in our community in Edmonton. The welcome, the flowers, the smiles and the hugging of babies were a great first step. Soon after we had to face a number of issues related to cultural immersion. My involvement at that time was to accept 7 adult members in the workforce of our company. The major benefit was to create a small Vietnamese community in our midst. While the culture of our company was strongly inclusive we had to face a number of unplanned issues. One was their refusal to wear the lab coats because the material resembled shrouds being used in Vietnam to wrap the dead before cremation. Soon after, they requested a separate lunchroom because their coworkers objected to the odor of sardines and fermented fish been heated in the microwave. Those were resolved quickly to the satisfaction of everyone but one issue that remained for a long time was enforcing English in the workplace. We offered English classes at work and realigned workgroups to avoid friction. Over time, we had to resolve other cultural or religious matters such as allowing prayer time on Friday for our Muslim workers. All our efforts were appreciated and they became some of our more loyal and hardworking employees. Although the majority were on the lower pay scale, they also were the first one to purchase shares in the company and register them as RRSP. I will always remember the smile of one of the original refugee who usually came to work at 4 AM to grind soil samples, when he realized that his investment had tripled upon the sale of our company.Certainly, the community of Stratford is better prepared than we were for the arrival of their families of Syrian refugees.
As we welcome everyone to this weekly meeting of the E-Club of Canada One, I also encourage all Rotarians to get involved with providing assistance to the Syrian refugees. Being with them in their new journey will most likely make us a better society.
Canadiana
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ron Hynes, Newfoundland and Labrador's "man of a thousand songs," died Thursday, November 18, in St. John's. He was 64.
Hynes long referred to himself as the "man of a thousand songs," a moniker he coined in an endearing folk song that speaks of the lonely, shabby side of being a singer.
But he is perhaps best known for his song "Sonny's Dream," written in 1976, a lament about a mother losing her son to the sea.
Comments from our Guests and Members
Members and guest attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you send us your comments please?
Members and guest attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you send us your comments please?
The statement of power and the addiction to it and what it does to people. What insecurity we find in ourselves and how we treat it is due to the lack of power we have in ourselves.
Lorne Kay, RC of Chilliwack/Fraser, D-5050
It is a wonderful thing having the opportunity to have one's mind opened to new ways of expression, new ways of thinking. This happens a lot in the programs we offer. Most profoundly this week, the Inspirational Moment gave me the key to all adversity in a way that seems so pure and scares the heck out of me in its potential and implications. One must consider carefully how these thoughts are used and be careful to not misuse them.
Chris Langley, Rotary E-Club of Canada One, D-5370
Chris Hadfield is a marvel. He is also a resident of our city /Sarnia. I always enjoy his wisdom and positive attitude.
There is no problem so bad that you can't make it work...as he said.
Adelle Richards, Rotary Club of Sarnia, D-6330
Announcements
I personally invite you to join me in Seoul to connect with new friends and new ideas, and be inspired to "Be a Gift to the World."
Remember to take advantage of early registration savings by 15 December and register today.
See you in Seoul!
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New Members Corner
Rotary Jukebox
Donate to our E-Club below and request a song.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song displayed!
Donate to our E-Club below and request a song.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song displayed!
Submitted and Donated by Jim Ferguson
This officially ends this week's meeting
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Thank you for joining us, we appreciate your feedback, and hope you will return and invite a guest.