(For Print Version of September 2 Bulletin click here)

DISTRICT GOVERNOR, NORM WATTS. (Photo by Brannan Petrie).

Program for September 2, reported by David Philip.

President Jack began the meeting by welcoming District Governor Norm Watts and his wife Marion. Jan Stirling played for O Canada & The Star Spangled Banner and Lynne Murray said Grace.

Announcements:
President Jack Petrie gave Ola, the visiting student from Poland, a name tag so she will no longer be considered a guest.
Mary Canty, reporting on the health of the club, told us that Ted Harrison was not well.
President Jack Petrie announced that he is encouraging members to bring a young person to the club to let them see what Rotary is all about. He also announced that there is to be a Garage Sale at Mark Bedford’s house on Foul Bay Road on 29th of September. He encouraged members to bring good, saleable items. Remember, this sale is to empty Mark’s garage, not fill it up again. He then let loose our Sergeant-a-Arms, Brian Lamb. Brian indicated that because of the visit of the District Governor, time was of the essence and he was to keep the fines to a minimum. He fined anyone who had not read an article in this month’s Rotarian magazine. He also pointed out that Neil Madsen had lost the green collecting pot for fines. When the draw was made, Past President Tav McPherson won $18 and did not draw the white marble, which he did the last time he won the prize. President Jack Petrie then thanked Brian Lamb our Sergeant at Arms for the work that he puts in collecting fines. His effusiveness makes one wonder whether he was sucking up to the Sergeant at Arms.

DG, Norm Watts, and President Jack. (Photo by Tom Croft)

Jack then introduced the District Governor of Rotary District 5020 and his wife, Marion, also a Rotarian. The following is a synopsis of his bio: Norm joined the Rotary Club of Wolfville, N.S., in 1985. When he moved to Vancouver Is. he joined the Qualicum Beach Club, was President in 98-99, and became Assistant D.G. of District 5020 in 2,000. He has a history as a teacher in advanced education. He taught at Acadia University in Atlantic Canada, and, prior to that, at Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia. In whatever community Norm found himself he worked diligently as a volunteer. He met his wife Marion in Lakeshore, Québec, where he was raised. He married Marion in 1962. They have a daughter who works in Vancouver. He enjoys golf, curling and ice hockey. He likes to play with his train in his backyard. He was welcomed with a standing ovation.

DG, Norm Watts, Gary Nazar, and Jack Petrie. (Photo by Tom Croft).

Norm conducted the induction of our new member Gary Nazar. Gary’s Bio has already been circulated to all members via e-mail. He received a warm Oak Bay welcome and his sponsor, Don O’Coffey, was presented with a sponsor’s pin. Multiple Paul Harris Fellowship pins were awarded to Joan Peggs, Jack Petrie, Jim Force and Nels Granewall and they were congratulated by D.G. Watts. DG Watts outlined the size of District 5020 and stated it was the largest in North America. He recommended that every member should make the effort to visit as many clubs in the district is possible. He outlined some of the highlights of his visits to the clubs in British Columbia and Washington. He stated that he was proud to be a Rotarian. The organization brings Hope and Health to many. He applauded Joan Firkins for her outstanding efforts while District Governor of 5020. She was responsible for raising $695,000 for the Foundation during her watch. He proceeded to outline the many great achievements of Rotary worldwide. He used the analogy of the train in his backyard, which had 86 different cars. The cars are joined together for the benefit of all, as are all Rotary Clubs. He mentioned that the first project by Rotary in Chicago, was a provision of an outdoor toilet. He strongly suggested that every member should take the time to thank the person who introduced them to Rotary. His dream is that every club will continue to care for the welfare of others. The eradication of polio has been a major thrust by Rotary International. He also outlined the fact that politicians fall down on their financial support of health projects such as malaria, which is making a resurgence and suggested it was up to Rotary to apply pressure in this area. The Foundation is making a major effort to use its funds to eradicate poverty and disease. If we all care enough then world peace is realistic. District 5020 has purchased 100 shelter boxes. Some have been shipped to Chile to alleviate the suffering after the earthquake. He said he hopes his dreams will become reality. He finished with this observation: That which we do for ourselves dies with us. That which we do for others lives on forever.

Rod Sim thanked the speaker and Jack gave him a Rotary mug and H.P. sauce to fill it.

SPEAKERS - SEPTEMBER through NOVEMBER 20

ROSTER: September