Program: The Rotary Foundation / TO BE RESCHEDULED
Messages this week from our Club President, Tracey Curtis
Regrettably, our weekly meeting today was "Zoombombed" by Internet mischief-makers who took over both our screen and sound. This was our club's first experience of this horrid phenomenon, and we are immediately taking steps to avoid it as much as possible in future. It will mean a bit less convenience in order to achieve a safer environment and we'll let our members know the changes.
With vey quick thinking today, our leadership team closed down our usual zoom room, immediately sent out a club email with an alternate zoom address, and almost 40 members immediately signed back in to the new address! But by then, our scheduled program on The Rotary Foundation was severely disrupted. This is such an important topic that it will be rescheduled, most likely for December 11th. Next meetings will be confirmed by email, along with new instructions that will improve Zoom security.
Before this interruption occurred, we had already covered several important announcements, and afterwards, several members were able to share some lovely Happy Bucks that restored our spirits. Read on ...
________
Next week's 100% Attendance Meeting -
Dec 4, 2020, starting at 12:15pm
We're hoping for almost EVERYONE to join this special meeting with special announcements and fun in store. Please note the earlier start time. In fact, we are going to start ALL our future meetings at 12:15pm to ensure we have more time to share Happy Bucks and stay connected with each others' lives.
________
On Thursday morning, November 26, several of us attended the online Quarterly Update Meeting of the Integrated Youth Services Network. It was SO inspiring to hear about the amazing progress on so many fronts, and we're super-proud of our Rotary involvement in this. Special thanks to our Rotarians Cyndy Forsyth and Paul Dredge for their tireless work.
________
Ben McCarl invites sign-ups to our next Virtual Paint Night - Christmas Edition on Sunday evening, December 13, from 6-8pm on Zoom. Great for family and friends! Details are on our website here. It's free, and all you need is a canvas, paints (red, blue, yellow, black and white), brushes and a festive attitude. You'll be guided through the painting of this adorable Santa. Sign on on our Facebook page here.
________
Tracey proudly showed us the framed Name A Star certificate she purchased for a special family member. Here's the link to consider ordering them for your own special ones.
________
Rotary Centennial Books are still available. Contact Dianne Dance or Tom Funk.
________
Sparkles in the Park planning is charging ahead! Volunteers will be testing lights on the displays on Saturday, Nov. 28. Actual set-up in the park takes place mainly on December 17 and 18 in time for the December 19 opening. Communications about volunteer opportunities will be coming out soon.
________
Our new Christmas Bags initiative is also going gangbusters. Over 230 bags have been ordered already. Here's where to order them online. Keep on spreading the word. These bags are helping to boost local businesses as well as raise funds for local charities.
________
Our Electoral Committee is looking forward to receiving volunteers and nominations to join our Rotary Club's board of directors from July 1, 2021. Please get in touch with Nanita Mohan or Sean Yo.
________
Jaya James expressed thanks on behalf of HOPE House for our club's donation of $3,500 in support of mental health counselling. Read more here. Also, she is very happy that HOPE House's annual CHRISTMAS JOY TOUR is online ... and you can visit for free up until December 1. www.christmasjoy.ca
Irene Szaboshared a wonderful idea that she is personally using to connect neighbours near her. She dropped off introductory notes with a small gift of "Positive" tea and provided a way for neighbours to introduce themselves and start helping each other. It's working, and she is very happy about that!
Ab Moore reminds us about the opportunity of signing up to make regular online donations to The Rotary Foundation on MyRotary.org.
Sue Ricketts expressed gratitude to the team of Rotary colleagues who have stepped up to form "Sue's Driving Team" to help her get to her medical appointments!
Murray Taylorthanked President Tracey and other team members for their quick thinking and fast action today when our meeting was zoombombed, especially for Tracey's calm and reassuring demeanour!
________
Program this week - Nov 27
Demystifying The Rotary Foundation
Due to the unexpected disruption today, this program will be rescheduled, probably for December 11, 2020.
________
Program next week:
Fri, Dec 4 at 12:15pm
A special meeting of announcements and fun is planned, and we're aiming for 100% attendance. It will include our club's AGM with our treasurer's financial report for Rotary year 2019-2020. Looking forward to seeing everyone there! Watch for an email to arrive.
Ben McCarl invites sign-ups to our next Virtual Paint Night - Christmas Edition on Sunday evening, December 13, from 6-8pm on Zoom. Great for family and friends! Details are on our website 
Rotary Centennial Books are still available. Contact Dianne Dance or Tom Funk. 
