1) Mute your microphone if you aren't already muted. Background noise is distracting.
2) If you are not engaged in the presentation, turn off your camera.
3) Chat function should only be used to address the speaker, not for Club member remarks during the presentation
4) Unmute when harassing the Sergeant at Arms or taking your turn during Sergeant at Arms.
5)Don't bet on the Eagles!
Please direct any questions to the President or a board member of yourchoosing and we will discuss any and all questions or concerns during our board meeting. Also please refer anyone who may be interested in attending a meeting or joining the club.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
There are two great days in a persons life – the day we are born and the day we discover why. William Barclay via Marg
VISITORS
Hah - Not a chance except maybe Brian Kirkham
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND
CLUB BUSINESS
Gilmore Breakfast is this coming Tuesday February 11 let Marg know if you can make it.
Criminal Record Checks are almost completed. 97% of us have a criminal record. At least I think that's what Sam said.
Bill has been a member for 31 years and Gordon 38. Fantastic.
Happy Birthday Cake for Marg.
Speaker
Good morning everyone,
My name is Melinda, and today I’m excited to share with you my story.
I was born in Seattle, Washington, and am now a proud Canadian. I have two sisters and one brother. I’ve been married three times, first in South Africa, and twice to John. We were married on Valentine’s Day with a JD and later had a huge wedding in the U.S. In 1987, we celebrated our marriage, and this year marks 38 wonderful years together. We have one son and three granddaughters.
Growing up, I enjoyed playing sports. My dad encouraged me to play volleyball, soccer, and many more. I have a deep love for all sports and even got into sprint car racing in the States when Heath was in high school. To this day, I remain a bit naïve, but I embrace life’s adventures. A close friend builds race cars in the U.S., and John has always had a passion for fast engines. I myself own a '65 Corvette convertible with a hard top.
For ten years, I was a stay-at-home mom. Due to John’s involvement in the logging industry, we traveled extensively throughout the province, either by driving or flying. However, Heath decided he didn’t want to work in log yards, so he pursued other interests. I recall a time when we planned a lovely picnic by a lake but were attacked by mosquitoes—an unforgettable lesson in wilderness survival!
As John traveled frequently, I decided to work at a children’s clothing store. I loved it and quickly moved up to become a district manager for Western Canada, opening eight stores. I was proud to be the top-performing manager for five consecutive years in a company with over 100 district managers. My philosophy has always been to treat people the way I’d like to be treated.
In 2007, we purchased Seafair Gourmet Meats. Heath, who was training as a helicopter pilot at the time, also worked in the butcher shop. With his involvement, the business flourished. Later, we were approached to expand into Tsawwassen Springs. While John was hesitant about opening Newman’s, I believed it was the right move. Heath and I handled the design and setup, and now I am trying to step back.
I love to travel and have been fortunate to explore many parts of the world with friends who share my adventurous spirit. I enjoy spontaneous trips without expectations, simply going with the flow. Growing up, I attended church every Sunday and have always believed that things happen for a reason—if life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
I joined Rotary in 2010 with Debbie Murphy and Brian as my sponsors. Coming from humble beginnings, I now take great pride in giving back. Through Rotary, I’ve made lifelong friends who have become family. When you give back to a club, it returns to you in unexpected ways. When a member is in need, the club circles the wagons and offers support.
Thank you all for your time and attention. I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey with you today!
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
Carolyn – It’s nice to see everyone. Carolyn is taking care of her little ones and that keeps her busy.
Debbie S. – Took the ferry to visit her dad and sisters. Her dad has been housebound due to the weather. Always great to hear from Melinda.
Susan – The next opportunity for a peace conversation is on March 19th. Hoping to talk in person about peace. Elena and Danny are now preparing for the dental heart mission on Sunday, where they expect to see about 3,500 children (ED: or, according to Sam, more than three, less than a million).
Amanda – Appreciated that Melinda’s giggle exudes tomboy energy. She had to wait in her car because she blew a tire and is waiting for BCAA.
Christine M. – Has been sick for most of January and now has a puffer. It’s wonderful to see Melinda’s transferable skills. She was in Victoria this week to see her niece and had high tea at The Empress. She also made four teddy bears out of a mink coat. (ED: She’s like the anti-Cruella DeVille!)
John - looking after his sister today and off to Mexico next week.
Dalbir – Just returned from a pickleball training camp in Mexico—no ex-spouses were involved! (ED: Yet.)
Brian – Went camping and saw a monster truck show. Went to the show with Adam and his dad and saw the "culture of Trump"—Daisy Dukes included. (ED: Clarifying this happened many years ago. And that thanks to Melinda, we all now have the image of Debbie Murphy in Daisy Dukes.)
Sandra – Has been cold, with freezing hands and feet. Came home to find that the boiler had gone out, so she went to bed fully clothed in a 14-degree house... and never thought to leave.
Chewy – His kids, ages 12 and 10, had a snow day. They went tobogganing, had a snowball fight, and shoveled snow at their parents' place. It was a good snow day.
Marg – When she was a principal, snowball fights were a common sight—it's a good day to be retired! She saw The Three Musketeers and thought it was great. She took her most senior friends: two were 90 years old, and two were 89. She's 79 this week.
Judy – Proud, beautiful, and strong. No details provided.
Kal – Tough week with his friend Jerry taken to palliative care and his friend’s sister-in-law passed away from a heart attack while driving, but thankfully had the presence of mind to put the car in park at a stop light. On the plus side, he has a check... just not for his dues. (ED: Kal and Marg are all-in on the Eagles this Sunday. Most are all-in on the refs.)
Bill – Played hockey and won because Sam didn’t play #dadburns. Jake loves industrial vehicles and monster trucks, but the show was so loud that Jake wanted to go home (ED: Again, this also happened many years ago. Jake is now an adult and only sometimes asks to go home due to loud noises). The district’s youth committee used to send out 45, but now they only send five. That number is now down to four because another kid wanted to go home (ED: not Jake, not due to loud noises).
Bobby – First met Melinda over lunch and she drinks a lot of coffee. Saw the Canucks game on Tuesday—it was a great game (ED: finally). Took his mom to her eye surgery, and the doctor asked him to come into the room. He’ll be away next week at Whistler.
Larry – Happy birthday, Marg! Saw a surgeon about his leg, which has finally healed, and will start treatment for osteoporosis. He is seeing a cancer surgeon about his head and is going back to work on Tuesday.
Peachey – After a long trip, is now back to work. She’s also looking for a new nurse to help in the Chilliwack region.
Michael – Coles Notes: While at Canadian Tire, got out of his car to see if an elderly woman needed help. Picked up fertilizer for her and he offered her a $5 tip (ED: To clarify, she offered Michael the tip; left as-is because this version is way better). Installed carpet in his new home—now up to six (ED: rooms, not homes) — and the house is all done. Went to celebrate with champagne. Outside a cannabis store, some homeless people were there. One man asked for 80 cents for a joint, and he gave him $1. The man said if he didn’t get it, he would do worse drugs. Thankfully, he gets to enjoy 25% more cannabis instead.
Debbie T. – The school district is bargaining with the union but did not know what it was like. Went snowshoeing last week and used plastic bags to slide back down the hill. Played with the dogs in the snow and washed their feet with warm water because of the snow buildup.
Melinda – Delivered a fantastic re-classification! Was late because she had to clean snow off her car. Her grandkids are sick again, so she hasn’t seen them because they are leaving for Hawaii and then South Africa. She is staying with her ex (ED: Dalbir’s eyes have yet to roll back into place). John had an injection to drain fluid, but they still don’t know what’s going on.
Pat – Did not announce last week that Maryam Bawa is the newest club member and, more importantly, is now in the computer (ED: Registered in the computer; she is not trapped in Tron). Had to pay taxes in Palm Springs.
Sam – Justin (ED: and Sam) was watching Con Air from the '80s (ED: the 90’s) and found it to be very racist (ED:very racist). It introduced the first gay character (ED: not the fist ever, just in that movie; unclear if there was more than one), but they treated him just like any other person.
Peter – Had a libation around the campfire in San Diego with unidentified acquaintance. He was in the service and flew drones in troubled areas, operating from Cheyenne, Washington.
MEANDERINGS
February 9th 2025 is National Pizza Day. I know who eats pizza and watches the Super Bowl - nobody. If you want to learn more just follow this link. national pizza day 2025 - Search
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 5, 2025 Next Gala Committee meeting at the Palace.
April 3rd, 2025 Cut Off date for prizes and Baskets.
April 7th Basket Making at Richmond Life Centre.
Friday May 2, 2025 Sunrise Rotary Gala Auction
Saturday June 14, 2025; Presidents Dinner
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Richmond Country Club,
Buffet Dinner
Approximately $90.00 per person;
TODAY'S CHUCKLEs
Having siblings is important because you learn the exact amount you can annoy someone before they try to physically kill you.
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