Photographer: Pam
Dale was in the chair and launched into a tale of his experiences as a student in 1967 on a summer job at a pulp mill on Vancouver Island. A friend persuaded him to go sailing in a boat about twice the size of a bath tub. His job was to lean away out to prevent the boat from capsizing. The friend assumed that Dale could swim and called for a practice capsizing of the boat. Just at that point, time was called and we were left with a cliff-hanger.
Gold Mine Winner: Beth Steeves was on hand to accept her winnings of $1,219 from Erin.
Gold Mine Presentation: Eric-Tusz King received from Erin a cheque for $609.50 on behalf of the Open Sky Co-operative.
Visiting Rotarians: Sharon, South Lake County Club, Florida.
Birthdays: Wynn will be a year older on the 19th.
Financial Report: Darrell was appropriately wearing new shoes as he presented the financial statement for 2017-18 and budget for next year. $30,550 went to various projects in the past year. The budget includes a new computer, one that works ($700) along with new software ($500). Dale moved, Pam seconded approval of the budget; carried.
50-50 Draw: Darrell’s number was drawn; he failed to pick the Queen of Spades, so the pot of $102 carries forward to next week.
Happy Dollars: Pam reported that PDG Mike Walsh had a successful kidney transplant with the donor being a Rotarian from the U.S. The surgery was carried out in Vancouver, and everyone including the surgeon wore Rotary pins. A great Rotary story ! Patricia is having the girls over again for an open fire BBQ (in a Fawcett stove). Pat was ecstatic at the purchase of a new truck. Dale was happy he would have something to talk about next time he is in the chair.
Next Week: 21 June 2018: Annual BBQ, at Dianne’s, 5:30 for 6:00 p.m. Parking in the university lot across the street (not overnight). No morning meeting.
Stacey introduced the speaker, long-time friend Leanne Laracey, who is a qualified teacher (B.Ed. Queen’s), a Nava Yoga instructor and part leader of the local Wild Wonder program which helps kids build connections with the natural world, and learn through unstructured play in the open air. Children learn to encounter and assess risk by participating in archery, tree-climbing, using real tools like saws and knives, and lighting fires. 12 children, ages 3 to 6, participate at a time, with two adult leaders and other helpers.
A long-term site for the Wild Wonder program is being developed at Beech Hill Park in co-operation with the Town since the program fits in well with the Town’s master recreation plan. They are about to acquire a yurt, 21 feet in diameter, which will be insulated with wool and have a stove, so that it can be used for winter programs. They are looking for funds to purchase the platform/floor. A sign will acknowledge the financial assistance received from a variety of local organizations. The site offers a diverse landscape and is conveniently situated near town.
Wild Wonder wants their programs to be as inclusive as possible, and Rotary has helped by donating towards the cost of bursaries.
Pam expressed thanks to the speaker and suggested that the program might qualify for a Rotary Young People of Action award.
The meeting closed with the Four Way Test.
