Meeting: September 16th, 2025
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month
20 Members present. Rob led us in O Canada and Cara gave the invocation'
Guests: Joyce Clarke ( widow of former member and past president Craig Clarke) and Paul Glaab (Exchange student from Switzerland)
Colin's Rotary Minute:
"EVERY ROTARIAN AN EXAMPLE TO YOUTH”
In much of the official literature of Rotary International relating to service to young people, a special slogan will be found -"Every Rotarian an Example to Youth." These words were adopted in 1949 by the Rotary International Board of Directors as an expression of commitment to children and youth in each community in which Rotary clubs exist. Youth service projects take many forms around the world. Rotarians sponsor Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, athletic teams, handicapped children's centers, school safety patrols, summer camps, recreation areas, safe driving clinics, county fairs, child care centers and children's hospitals. Many clubs provide vocational counselling, establish youth employment programs and promote use of The 4-Way Test. Increasingly, drug and alcohol abuse prevention projects are being supported by Rotarians. In every instance, Rotarians have an opportunity to be a role model for the young men and women of their community. One learns to serve by observing others. As our youth grow to become adult leaders, it is hoped each will achieve that same desire and spirit to serve future generations of children and youth.
The slogan accepted years ago is just as vital today. It is a very thoughtful challenge, "Every Rotarian an Example to Youth."
PAUL HARRIS PRESENTATION
Perry presented Joyce Clarke with several new Paul Harris recognition awards ( 3 ruby awards which brings her total donation to over $9,000) . Thank you Joyce on behalf of Rotary for your continued support.
Announcements:
Rod invited a member or members to attend the Island joint club International Service Committee meeting on Saturday at the Golf Club 10 - 2pm with lunch . There will be 2 speakers and it is an important meeting but Rod is unable to attend.
Paul reported on the RYE Bar-B-Q which was a finacial success . Raffle tickets are also being sold with a draw on Nov 4th at 7.30 pm at our meeting at the Golf Club.
The Inbound students on the Island had their Orientation Session last weekend at Mt Washington and as usual immediate friendships were made among the students. Because of the situation in the US the students there are having their own separate events.
Jim reported on the upcoming Fundraiser - the Garage Sale
Jim also commented that he is glad the 55+ games are over and he and Vicki are taking a well deseved rest with a trip on the Frances Barkley. Congratulations to Ian Thompson on his swimming medals.
Ed advised that the repair work at Hospice House is underway with power washing. Work parties are set for next week.
Ed also reported on the Family Fun event last Sunday at Maffeo Sutton . Unfortunately it was cold and wet and the event was sparsely attended. However we did make a little money.
Don attended a meeting of the Area 40 clubs last night and reminded everyone of the Social Bar-B- this Saturday.Cost is only $20 and there will be lots to eat. Cash Bar. Come and meet the Rotarians from other clubs.
Sheila advised that the $1000 had been paid to Project Amigo for a student sponsorship but hasn't heard back on who we will be sponsoring.
Rob asked if we wanted a social pub night on the 5th Tuesday of September ( September 30th) There was support - Rob will arrange with Piper's .
Larry reminded usthat next Tuesday, September 23rd is our night to sort at Loaves and Fishes.
Program:
Derek introduced Elspeth Erickson VIU Advancement and Alumni Relations. Elspeth talked passionately about OUR university and the needs of local youth. VIU strives to make education available and affordable to all and has many prrograms to help students financially to complete their education.
Birthdays: Cara ( who did not want sung to!)
Anniversaries: Colin and Lynette - 50 years on September 27th!
MEMBER PROFILE - DON DEMPSON
I was born in Regina, but moved to Ottawa before I got to even see my first candle on a cake. Over the next 16 years I raced through school (skipping grades 3 and 6) while enjoying an unusual childhood. That included playing ‘hat hockey’ in the rotunda of the parliament buildings, finding senior cabinet ministers playing poker with my dad in our living room and being introduced to people I didn’t know but later found out – they were quite famous.
I was a reasonably good athlete and as a teenage baseball player go to play on a traveling team that played in Canada and the US, culminating with two years of games at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
I moved to Toronto in 1965, and by 1970 had Journalism and Science degrees in my back pocket and was ready to hit the road.
From the time I was about 10, I was fascinated with cameras and picture-taking. On a trip to Rochester, NY, in 1958, I was introduced to Kodak…. where pictures came to life – little did I know that 133 years later, I would be working for them.
My career with Kodak spanned 26 years and took me from being in their corporate area to sales, marketing and eventually management. During this tenure, I was lucky enough to head up their sponsorship area and was involved with several Olympics, Disney, NASCAR, Expos, major events – the Calgary Stampede, and the introduction scores of new product launches.
In 1997, after several moves across the country (from Halifax to Calgary), I left Kodak and moved back to Calgary. Over the next 11 years I was a consultant with the evolving gaming/casino world, spent four years with the Calgary Olympic Development Association and worked on the 2010 Vancouver bid and ended my working career as the president of the Calgary Tower/Palliser Square area in downtown Calgary.
I was married to the love of my life, Nancy, and we had a wonderful (and exciting) life. Not only were we busy because of work related opportunities, but we got to travel the world and explore areas and meet people on virtually every continent. Unfortunately, Nancy passed in 2022, but her legacy and our love remain strong through our two daughters and four grandkids, who live in Calgary.
Over the years, I got to be a Rotary guest many times in various cities and although I strongly believed in the philosophy, I couldn’t do the weekly meetings because of travel. It was only when I retired to Vancouver Island (2008) and was introduced to Nanaimo North’s Breakfast program at the 7/10 Club that I knew ‘I was ready’. Rotary is so much more than just a vision or an event – it’s people in action, making a difference and helping others that fuels my passion for our club. Volunteering and stepping up energizes you …. and the community.
Life is a journey and it’s the people you meet, the chances you take and the effort you put in that makes it all so rewarding.
