! President Laureen Speaks! Laureen began by thanking Gail and Keith for their assistance in the powerpoint pointers as she shared her thoughts and ideas for the 2020-21 year. She began with her family history showing a photo of her mom and dad in the 30s at a Rotary Christmas party. When her dad began the Marpole club she asked him what Rotary was about; he replied "a bunch of do-gooders". Her family includes eight siblings with her 106 year old mother now residing in a care home. Laureen then relayed some of the ideas she formulated at PETS (President Elect Training Sessions) where she was urged to start a revolution of thought and ideas as well as action. This revolution has come sooner than expected thanks to COVID-19. Following District Governor Dave Hamilton's theme of Rotary as Family she took on her own theme focusing on the importance of health, even aside from the pandemic. Laureen is thankful to have a board of directors with +260 years of Rotary experience and a club composed of nine past presidents and three district governors. She then called on the directors to introduce their areas : Club Administration Judy McLeod The activities here include much of the behind-the-scenes activities that make the club run including: front desk and record keeping, speakers, meal control, Sunriser, roster, special occasions, locker/trailer and criminal records check Foundation Linda Ding The year will continue many of the Polio Plus activities that have traditionally taken place. the first of these being the District Foundation Dinner scheduled for Monday Oct 19 Fundraising Tom Yingling In a prerecorded video from the shores of Osoyoos Lake Tom indicated that he and his committee have many ideas for raising funds that "are going to crush it"
International Liz Ellis
With the Tekera project scheduled to be completed this year, the International committee is now looking to funding other activities including Home of Angels, Project Amigo, Shelter Box and Kiva. Application is being made for a district grant to further other projects. Membership Jako Krushnisky Starting the year down fourteen members the committee has formed a focus group emphasizing; recruitment (Laura Dixon) retention (Tom Smith) and mentorship (John Anderson). All ideas in fostering membership are welcomed Events / Community Leslie (for director Graeme Peck) The full-sized plywood cut outs should be ready for a painting party in October. Also on deck is the Story Book Trail which, while not official yet, will be described later Public Relations John C (for director Yvonne Anderson) A major thrust will be the collection of Rotary photos from the past 28 years. Identification, collating and presentation should keep the committee busy. Also initiatives will be taken to publicize the club through Facebook and in the promotion of our weekly speakers. Youth Wayne Connorton With the core of a strong Interact group many activities are possible. Next year we look to introduce the students to the KIVA programme and assist them in creating their own support group. Also the scholarship programmes will continue and an initiative to provide food to needy students is under discussion. Treasurer Roger Pryke With 64 members taking on the fixed costs of running the club it looks to be a financially challenging year. In addition, our fundraising will also be made difficult with the cancelling of our activities such as the Soap Box Derby ($20,000). A reminder that the yearly fees are still due for some members and that all requisitions are to be routed through the appropriate director. Sergeant at Arms This year will rotate the position with the trio of Henk Veldhuis, Benno Bucher and Joan Hansen. Jokes will be replaced by tasteful quotes and historical references. Secretary This position will also be shared with the duties being taken on by Joan Hansen and Jill Moore. President Elect Greg Muirhead Greg is learning the many activities that take place within the club. He is looking forward to being invited to committee meetings and receiving their minutes to further familiarize himself Vice President Tom Smith Tom is looking to chairing a new strategic plan and being part of of a newly formed crisis advisory team with Garry Shearer ad Joan Hansen Past President Gail McEwan Claiming the she now holds the most coveted position in the club, Gail is now chairing our charitable society. One of her goals is to make the society's status better understood in terms of what is restricted or not and how tax receipts are issued In a two-minute wrap-up Laureen thanked the officers and directors for taking on their positions to make this what refers not as "her" but "our" year. |
