President Neil did not have a quote from a Rotarian but rather one from the 18th century statesman, scientist and writer Benjamin Franklin...And Neil is sure that had he lived long enough he would have become a Rotarian. He said: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”.
President Neil reminded us that June is Fellowship Month and noted that Club in a Pub, organized by Jim Force, is a great success in Fellowship and introducing new friends.

O Canada was sung a cappella and Don O’Coffey stepped up to the plate and recited grace.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

June  9 Windsor Park: BBQ for members, family and guests.
June 16 Teen centre: Casual meeting with pizza and other assorted delicacies.

Announcements:

1. The next Rotary meeting is at Windsor Park Pavilion. Families and friends are invited.

2. Will Carter reminded us of the sign up sheet for the Oak Bay Tea Party this weekend. Please ensure you make your shifts.

3. Peter Lawrie reminded us of the Home and Garden Tour on August 16th. This is our major fundraiser of the year; everybody needs to contribute by committing to a shift.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Next meeting, June 9, will be a BBQ at the Windsor Park Pavillion.

Guest Speaker was Lesly Cobus, Coordinator of Monterey Recreation Centre, who was introduced by David Philip. Lesley has been involved with Oak Bay Recreation since 1992 and has contributed significantly to families’ and seniors’ activities in our community.

Lesley Cobus and Mary Canty

Monterey Centre has been open since 1971 and has day programs for seniors including crafts, bowling, art, pottery, languages, card games, etc. They also have evening programs for anyone over 19 and many of these involve adult education and skills' upgrades. Membership is $40 per year and gets you the best deal on meals in Victoria. There are currently 2500 members and 200 volunteers. Among these is our own Bill Sharlow, (pictured below with Ian Gilbert and Peter Lawrie) who has been a volunteer for decades.

Volunteer Ian Gilbert shared with us how the space allocation allows so many activities to occur every day. He then followed up with a tour of the Monterey Centre. He noted that this centre is arguably the best in its category on Vancouver Island. In answer to a question, members do not have to reside in Oak Bay but in fact come from all over greater Victoria and even beyond.

The speakers were thanked by Rod Sim.

Taking the Tour: Perry, Ian Gilbert, Joan P., Peter L., Leslie R-W, and Mary Canty

Introduced by George Pritchard:

Lesley Cobus and Ian Gilbert, from the Monterey Centre and our guest speakers, were the guests of Lorna Curtis.

Betty Pitt was the guest of her daughter Vicky (below).

Sergeant-at-Arms:
Perry fined people for just about everything. Among the fines were two to Will Carter & David Philip (pictured below parting with his looney via John Edgell) for being late; those who did not shake the hand of the phantom hand-shaker, David Sills; John Snively for sporting some fungus on his face (your Editor thinks he is hairy enough already).

Photo by Neil R.

Birthday cards were handed out to Vicky Pitt, David Maxwell and Henry Minto. The draw was won by Tav Mac, who put it back in the pot.

Important Announcement:

The Installation Dinner is June 30th at Uplands Golf Club. We will say good-bye to Neil and welcome Vicky. More details to follow.

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