Guests:  Ruth Thorpe.

 

INVOCATIONS AT CLUB MEETINGS
In many Rotary clubs, particularly in Christian nations, it is customary to open weekly meetings with an appropriate invocation or blessing. Usually such invocations are offered without reference to specific religious denominations or faiths.
Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. The religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual from being faithful to such convictions.
Usually all Rotary International board and committee meetings begin with a few moments of silent meditation. In this period of silence, Rotary demonstrates respect for the beliefs of all members who represent the religions of the world.
Since each Rotary club is autonomous, the practice of presenting a prayer or invocation at club meetings is left entirely to the traditions and customs of the individual club, with the understanding that these meeting rituals always be conducted in a manner which will respect the religious convictions and faiths of all members and visitors.

Reports:

From Jim: Fundraising committee report for April 15
There is a fundraising committee meeting on tomorrow April 16 at 1:30 at Ed’s. The agenda items include organizing for the June 22 Beer and Burger, an update on the Family Fun Fest happening on August 31, looking at a proposal for an online auction fund raiser, a funding request from Harbour Noise Foundation (a group of musicians who are doing a concert with proceeds going to the VI crisis Society), and an update on the Loudon Park legacy project. 
Jim will start listing items on Market place when he gets back from his travels  in June. Some of the items that will be listed are 2 sets of chairs, a lazy boy chair, a chest of drawers with a mirror, a china cabinet, and several other items.

From Rob - Pub night on April 29th.

There wil be a pub night at Pipers - sign up with Rob so that the Pub knows how many are attending.

We are not doing any more family dinners but Bayview has asked us to cater at their 75th Anniversary on May 29th. More from Rob later.

From Don - remember the Earth Day garbage pick up this Saturday. Sign up.

Next Night for Loaves and Fishes is April 22 - i.e. next week.

Health of the club - Bill Robinson is doing well and making good progress with his recovery. 

Program: 55+ BCGames 

Derek introduced Leanne who came to promote the 2025 55+ Summer Games being held in Nanaimo September 9 - 13.

This is a BIG event and volunteers are needed ( as well as participants) . Too much info to copy here so visit the website.

 

Our Honorary member Ann Northwood told ius tha she and husband Roger won a gold medal at Bridge some years ago! 

 To find out more and sign up visit:  https://55plusbcgames.org/nanaimo

 

Birthdays: Paul - April 20.  Don was told that he sang off key!

 

 

Brenda was born in Guelph, Ontario and grew up in Edmonton. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University. 

Brenda started her career with the federal government working for Employment and Immigration Canada in Vancouver. She moved to the Island in the late 1990s and started working in the non-profit sector with fishing and First Nations groups interested in salmon restoration and marine management. She returned to working for the federal government in 2001 in Port Hardy, eventually, becoming the area director for the central coast for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In 2009, she completed a three year interchange working as the executive director of the first nations fisheries council of BC. She has worked in a number of capacities for DFO, including policy, indigenous programs, and most recently as the area director of the south coast, director of strategic science initiatives, and the senior director of the agriculture management division. Her duties currently include responsibility for the regulatory management of aquaculture in BC, and coordination of work related to the open net pen transition plan. She plans to retire from the public service later this year.