The Rotooter
July 4, 2002
President Jim Richards opened his first meeting of the new year by inviting all members and guests to rise for the National Anthem, the toast to Queen and Country and the Rotary Grace at 18:20. Since this was a designated spouse night and we had a fantastic program lined up, guests were there in record numbers. In fact, there were too many guests for the recorder to remember, so none will be listed. The unofficial count was a bit over 60 (members and guests), which also kept the Delta staff hopping.
Don Popple, newly appointed Sergeant at Arms, began with an appeal to all who attended last week’s meeting without paying to pay now, or at least soon. Two other fines related to last week’s meeting – Brian Black and Art Dawson were fined for bringing another member to the event in a very happy condition and Derek Knowles was fined for not remaining low key. Finally, anyone who hadn’t sold 20 car draw tickets was asked to make a contribution. Good beginning, Don.
Only one birthday this week –Dorothy Menton.
Lynda Porter spoke briefly regarding the car draw. Roughly 800 tickets have been sold to date, which means we haven’t quite paid for the car yet. 3 words – sell! sell! and Sell! The car is available for pickup at Emmerson’s if not signed out. Editors Note: Please ensure that the car is locked when you return it and the sunroof is closed ! - Kim
Past President Andy Salvatori spoke regarding the upcoming Highland Games (July 13). He needs bar tender volunteers for 3 shifts of 3, each for two hours between 11 and 5. He also needs several volunteers to help set up the tent on Thursday at noon. Call Andy to add you name to either list.
President Jim referred all to the website to confirm their committee roles and program commitments.
If it was mentioned, the recorder missed it, but dues are likely due.
Program
President Jim introduced Brian Menton, known to many of us as Dorothy’s spouse. He recently took on the added responsibility of leading the Group Study Exchange to South Korea, and he had pictures and stories for us. Darren and Kate were also at the meeting, but Robert and Melanie could not attend.
Brian started by explaining that his long stay in the Northwest Territories and the resulting lack of involvement in international projects made him interested in the South Korean visit. He thanked the team for their participation and Luke Schell for his assistance with photographic services.
Although Brian prepared his slides and presentation on a Theme basis, the themes all started to run together due to the difficulty of separating Rotary from the people from the culture from the geography etc. Imagine being parachuted into another culture with vastly different customs and an entirely different language. The common bonds were Rotary and a desire to learn from one another, but there were many instances where left hands and right hands worked without the knowledge of what the other was up to. The pace was frenetic, the hospitality and warmth immense and the list of new friends endless.
One noticeable difference – South Korean Rotarians tend to donate rather than raise money for their projects. Also noticed, an emphasis on safety and security for the team while they were guests in South Korea. Although vocations were emphasized in previous visits to Canada, this was not possible in South Korea due to the interpretation needs of the team.
From Brian’s descriptions, the team often wasn’t quite sure where they were, what they were eating, what was being said, where and when they would be allowed to sleep, and what new use of Soju would be revealed. The culture was a mix of centuries old customs and belongings with modern customs and trappings. Brian saw his first golf course operating on a ski hill and his first ocean liner built on a rock. And he was happy to report that Rotary in South Korea does include women – although the clubs meets separately.
Darren added some of his photos and comments to support Brian’s descriptions of the beauty and diversity of South Korea. He also expressed his thanks for being chosen as a team member.
President Jim said thanks.
District Governor Sue will be our guest next week and the early bird draw will be held on Friday – get all sold stubs to Lynda.
Program on July 18 – Bob Stinson and Maureen O’Hara.
Program on July 25 – the golf tournament
Meeting adjourned at 19:23.
Jim
The Rotooter editors will stop at nothing to get a scoop ! Here is the untold photos that you did not see! Kim
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