Hightlights October 13, 2015

Meeting Highlights October 13, 2015

By Michael Pierson

Our meeting began with no time for fanfare as the head table was marched in with the acoustic accompaniment of hand clapping. Manon & Michael are able to save their march for a future date. The duo scrambled to accompany “Oh Canada” as President Rob opened the meeting. Our most Revered (not reverent) George Brookman offered a homemade verse composed at his own hand just for today’s invocation. It only seems fit to reproduce it here:

My task today is to bless our food;

And to make you all feel blessed;

Whether you are quiet or noisy or totally rude

You are still some of Rotary’s best.

We’ve gathered here, in this gorgeous place;

For over a hundred years.

We’ve had speakers that would put a smile on our face,

And others who brought us to tears.

We are friends and colleagues from diverse walks of life,

And our goals are simple and clear,

To reach out to others who are facing some strife.

And help them stand tall without fear.

So God, take a moment with this Rotary group,

Send some positive vibes down this way

Add some love and some care with our meat and our soup.

And add joy to some life on this day.

Amen

 Manon and Michael with the anthem

Manon helps Bill Avery and Verna with song

Bev Gallagher promotes the BIE

Barb Young requests winter clothing for Syrian Refugees

Manon Mitchell on International World Polio Day

Ron Esch thanks our speaker

DG Harvey Martin

After dining on Chicken (not left over Thanksgiving turkey) and fish, President Rob reconvened the meeting. Carmen Goss introduced a variety of visitors and guests. Carmen also recognized this week’s birthdays, most notably Bob Junker, who with his wife, recently celebrated a 65^th wedding anniversary.

Poor Paul's Rotary Almanac Fellowship

Our foremost entertainer Bill Avery led our group in an interesting visual of notable calendars, all designed to keep one organized, some calendars worthy of pinning up. Bill also shared a variety of red letter days that might be found on these calendars. At our very meeting, Wednesday, October 14, 2015 we were also celebrating “Be Bald and Free” day in honour of all those who are follicly challenged. The presentation eventually moved to the important topics of Peace, Friendship and Goodwill. The time tested song sung by Elvis Presley has all the “dos” and “don’ts” of ensuring peace, friendship and goodwill in the world. Here is a snippet of the lyrics. The fabulous music sung by all in attendance is now but a memory:

Well, it's one for the money,

Two for the show
Three to get ready
Now go, cat, go

But don't you
Step on my blue suede shoes
You can do anything
But stay off of my blue suede shoes

Well, you can knock me down
Step in my face
Slander my name
All over the place

Do anything that you want to do
But uh-uh, honey…

Let's go, cat!
Ah, walk the dog
You can burn my house
Steal my car
Drink my liquor From an old fruit jar…

Of course there’s more chorus and uh-huhs, but you get the drift.

World Polio Day is October 23, 2015: Club members are invited to join organizer (and birthday girl) Manon at 11:30 at Bankers Hall where she will lead us in a peaceful march to City Hall to commemorate this special day. Did you know that the Country of Nigeria is now on the list of “Polio Free” countries? Did you know that the “Plus” in the Polio Plus Campaign is for the effort to increase immunizations against five other diseases prevalent in children: measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. It now also includes the added lifesaving health interventions of the distribution of vitamin A supplements. Brilliant!

Syrian Refugees in need of Winter Clothing: Barbara Young requested members consider donating winter clothing for Syrian refugees in Jordan who are facing the prospect of a cold winter in refugee camps. She and Ghada Alatrash are collecting winter jackets, boots, blankets and socks to be sent to them to help them stay warm. If you have any you can contribute, please either bring them to a Rotary lunch or call Ghada (587-581-3730) or Barb (403-286-7228) to arrange an alternative delivery point.

BIE (Big International Event):

Bev Gallagher gave even more information about the upcoming fundraiser for the International Committee. This year the event is on November 24 at the Telus Spark and will be a larger in scope. Other Rotary Clubs will be joining us, there will be a silent auction (bring your smart phone) and a draw for a huge collection of wine that has been donated. On behalf of Ghada Alatrash, Barbara Young announced an initiative to collect jackets, boots, socks and possibly blankets to send to Syrian refugees. Please contact either Barbara or Ghada for more details.

RI Honourees: Madeline King made a presentation to individuals who are honoured by Rotary International for bringing in new members to the Club.Congratulations are extended to Roy Boettger, Sid Mark, Garth Toombs, Ron Esch, Tony Howard and Rob Brookwell.

Family Skate: Dave Holden shared the details of the upcoming Family Skate which will take place on October 24, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Go to the website to register or call Ken Moraes at 403.271.4556.