Westerner for December 9, 2013

 
Meeting:
Chair - Duane Evans;
Music - Jerome Martin;
Grace - Frank Boodram;
 
Attendance / Guests: 26, including Guest speakers, Major McClellen and Warrant Officer Richards (Air Cadets), and John Nypiuk, Visiting Rotarian from the Mayfield Club.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo: Shows guest speaker Major Andrew McClellan giving an update on our sponsored air cadet squadron.
 

The head table was piped in by Warrant Officer (1st Class) Heather Richards.  

Announcements:

  • President Duane again mentioned the passing of Sandon Cox and announced that the memorial service will be held on this coming Thursday at the Knox Metropolitan United Church (8307 - 109 Street) beginning at 2 pm.
  • Duane also updated all that Carol Turner's postponed eye surgery was to take place today and set good wishes to her.
  • Bob Lamourex reminded everyone of the upcoming club Christmas Party on Friday, December 13th at the Royal Glenora Club with cocktails beginning at 6pm and dinner beginning at 7pm.  The signup sheet was circulated.  Tickets are at the door and it is no too late to sign up.
  • Bob also explained to all the 'Fellowship Dinner' program, where club members get to know each other better by hosting and sharing meals in each others homes.  Anyone who is interested in joining the program should talk to Bob Lamoureux.
  • President Duane then reflected on the passing of Nelson Mandela - Duane was in South Africa in 1986 and explained what a testament it is to see South Africa as it is today compared to then.
  • Ingrid reminded everyone of the Grandview Christmas Concert on December 10th @ 6:30 pm and encouranged as many members as possible to come out and enjoy a great evening of music.
  • Chris Gowers announced that next weeks speaker is Doug Roche who is an ex senator, ambassador and MP and will be speaking on World Peace and Security.  Please bring any and all guests who would like to listen to this very important presentation.

Presentation:

Danny Chau introduced the guest speakers, Major Andrew McClellen and Warrant Officer 1st Class Heather Richards who wanted to give an update on 395 Squadron.

Major McClellen was happy to report that the squadron has been growing by aproximately 10% per year since 2006 and they currently have 160 active members which is the 20th largest squadron in the country.

Activities that are currently occurring include Survival training, Gliding, Power flight preparation, volleyball, basketball and new this year, biathlon (in which one member placed 2nd in the province in competition.

The Department of National Defense provides the basic support of the squadron, but it the funding that is currently provided by rotary that makes the club an attractive option to new recruits.  Their annual operating budget is between $80,000 and $100,000.

Major McClellan also was proud that 395 squadron is now in it's 68th year thanks to Rotary and this allows programs like military history training as well as civic and community involvement.

The closing of the city centre airport is a new challenge, as this is where the squadron flew out of, but it is a challenge that they are up to.  The power familiarization training has now been moved to the Villaneuve airport which does cause some logistical challenges.

At this point, Major McClellan has to leave, but not before Al Holmes congratulated him on his very recent promotion to Major

Major McClellan was thanked by Sherry on behalf of the club.

The presentation continued with Warrant Officer Richards explaining more of the activities in detail.  These included:

  • Battle of Britain Parade
  • Change of Command ceremony on Sept 17
  • Remembrance Day Activities (8 different activities in 3 separate locations)
  • Band Training
  • Biathlon training
  • We are the only unit in Canada that provides martial arts training
  • Volleyball & Basketball
  • Drill team
  • Marksmanship
  • Field training exercises
  • Gliding
  • Power Familiarization training
  • and 2 annual parades
Annual General Meeting
President Duane call the AGM to order
Mike Henry presented the audited financial statement on behalf of Treasurer Brian Thompson. The Audit committee consisted of Mike Henry, Dave Turner and John Blimke.  Acceptance of the financial statement was moved by Mike Henry, seconded by Rob Dunseith. passed.
Motion to appoint Mike Henry, Dave Turner and John Blimke as next years audit commmittee by Mike Henry, Seconded by John Blimke.  Passed.
Audit committee wanted to make special note that doing the audit was made easy by the excellent and exacting work by our treasurer, Brian Thompson.
Rob Dunseith took the podium as chair of the nominating committee.  
Due to work committments, our current President Elect is having to step down from this postion at this time.
New nominations were voted on and accepted. New executive members are:
  • President Elect - Ingrid Neitsch
  • Secretary - Darrel Ripley
  • Treasurer - Brian Thompson
  • Past President will be Duane Evans
Rob put forward a motion to defer the election of the remainder of the board positons until the january 20th meeting, Secondend by Ben Doz - passed.
Motion to Adjourn the AGM Mioke Ryan, seconded by Ben Doz.  passed. 

50-50 Draw

Jerome Martin and John Blimke did not match playing cards and therefore did not share the $115 pot.

Finemaster: 

Dan Graham filled the fine basket on challenges of whether people were wearing the Rotary pins, if they had not yet shoveled a walk, if they were a snowbird and an NFL challenge.

Golf Tournament Update

John Reported that the final numbers from the golf tournament are in and we set a new fundraising recored of $47,928.81.  Thanks to all that assisted in making this happen as these are 'unrestricted funds' that allow us to do a lot of good.  We have now raised a grand total of $384,483 in the modern era of the Golf tournament.

President Duane thanked John and the tournament team for all their hard work and dedication.

 

Chair Duane Evans then adjourned the meeting.