Amanda
Amanda’s been moonlighting as a sommelier at Midland Appliance, pouring wine for Country Vines and rediscovering her catering groove. She ran into “lovely Brian,”(can't have meant our Brian 🤢) had a great time, and is looking forward to Sunday’s festivities — and she loved today’s presentation!
Debbie S.
Debbie was out on the town — specifically, at the Richmond Civic Appreciation event, attending as John’s “plus one” for his Scotch Pond Heritage Society role. It was an elegant evening of familiar faces, food, and drinks — all in celebration of volunteers who keep the city running.
Chris Marin
Chris is going full throttle with a Wright Brothers theme for the Sunday Halloween bash — pilot goggles, airplane cookie cutters, and all. She’s hosting a book club on Catherine the Wright Sister, complete with “plane Parmesan crisps,” helicopter pasta, and maybe even Shoo-Fly Pie. Oh, and big news: Chris and Colin are expecting a baby in April! (Boy did ChatGPT ever get that wrong.) Chris is looking forward to her second grandchild. Maybe that's the Colin?????
John
John recently had cataract surgery — and let’s just say seeing the procedure while it’s happening was an experience. He claims the world looks clearer now, but he was hoping you would all look prettier.
Joyce
Joyce has discovered a dangerously good Italian wholesale clothing source. Her new mantra: “Lord, save me from myself.” She’s heading back for round two — pray for her wallet.
Dalbir
Dalbir’s been wrangling cows in Morocco and now grandkids at home — and let’s just say the cows may have been easier. He’s even mastered braiding hair! But on a serious note, he shared a disturbing story about gun violence affecting friends in the local community, reminding us to value safety and compassion.
Mary Lou
Fresh from her first five-week trip since 1975, Mary Lou explored Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia with a crew of eight and a driver. She marveled at the resilience of people rebuilding from generations of conflict and came home deeply moved. Sadly, she’ll miss the Halloween party — but she returned with stories (and nails that can’t get it together).
Sandra
Sandra’s annual mother-daughter hiking trip to Palm Springs was “fantastic” — five days, lots of trails, and no dehydration thanks to electrolytes. She’s ready for more adventures.
Christine P.
Christine’s been everywhere: Ontario, Whistler, Vegas (where she saw The Eagles live), and soon Hamilton for a Halloween wedding, followed by another in Palm Springs. She’s embracing her “bougie” life, complete with a 19-room retro motel takeover for a poolside wedding. Expect her to be back home by… 2035.
Micheal
October is birthday overload in the Micheal clan — and this year, he turned 50! To honor his late father, he gathered 300–400 people at the temple for a beautiful family celebration. He felt spiritually renewed and plans a big Rotary-invited bash on Saturday, November 15 — mark your calendars for wine, dine, and dance night!
Pat
It’s her son’s birthday, but coordinating a family dinner with teens is like solving a Sudoku. She also shared a classic tale of Canadian healthcare bureaucracy — 14 months waiting to hear from an orthopedic surgeon. On the bright side, her shoulder’s better, and she’s back to bowling!
Peachy
Peachy’s juggling palliative care clients, a new downtown assignment, and prepping for a November 1 wedding trip to Ontario. Also, Filipino fans went wild in Vancouver for a visiting artist — a taste of home before her next adventure.
Jeanette
Jeanette’s son just moved into his new condo, leaving her with an emptier (and quieter) home — except for her mom and a mischievous little dog who pretends to sleep beside Grandma but secretly sneaks out. Meanwhile, Jeanette’s learned that sometimes being “that demanding patient” really does get results!
Susan
Costco chaos! A Richmond power outage had Susan leading a heroic response — generators, containers, dead phones, and cranky customers. The lights came back just as they finished contingency plans. She also spotted a few Rotarians at the Chamber nominee reception — maybe that counts as a makeup meeting?
Larry
Larry’s patience was tested — 55 minutes circling for a Costco parking spot in Bellingham! He survived without confrontation, came home from Bermuda (where milk costs $17 USD a gallon), and is bracing for a busy season at the funeral home.
Debbie S. (Encore)
Debbie’s grateful to Chris and Colin (thanks ChatGPT WRONGO) actually Larry (who are Chris and Colin anyway???) for hosting Sunday’s Halloween party — she’ll arrive early to help. And as for Costco? “My worst nightmare.”
Danny
Danny’s commute was an adventure — stuck behind a truck crash on the bridge for over an hour. He’s been keeping calm with meditation and exercise as he preps for another long trip in November.
Elena
Elena was invited to a Mexican dance performance at the Vancouver Playhouse by its director friend. But her real story was about helping two elderly neighbors with Alzheimer’s. Thanks to Joyce’s connections, she got them the community support they desperately needed. Beautiful teamwork, ladies.
Blair
Blair’s brother paid $3,200 for Game 7 Blue Jays tickets — proof that fandom has no price limit. While Blair attended a quieter event (where the Jays’ win interrupted the speeches), he later jetted off to Red Deer for a whirlwind business trip — private plane, same-day return, pure efficiency!
Bobby
Bobby’s recovering from vertigo and sitting out Sunday’s party for family soccer duties. He shared memories of his first running buddy, who sadly passed from cancer — a reminder to seize life now, not “after retirement.” He’s also discovered he’s not immune to curb rash — his car rims are now in for repairs (members get a discount if they mention his name at the repair shop next door or across the street or who knows - ask Bobby if you need rim repairs).
Marg
Marg’s been soaking up history — from poppy-themed street naming to rediscovered Chinese merchant ledgers in Steveston. She loved hearing personal stories tied to local heritage. Don, meanwhile, chose a baby shower over the Rotary Halloween party — but they’ll make up for it with dinner and dancing to the Vintage band Saturday night.
Debbie S. (Yes, Again!)
She added a sweet Remembrance Day note — Ladner now has banners featuring veterans’ photos, including Don’s brother-in-law’s father. A lovely local tribute.
Kal
Kal’s still flying the “Go Blue Jays” flag, but he’s also had it with ticket scalpers. As for the Halloween party? He’ll be missing it — but “for good reason”: Mexico!
Judy
Judy and Lindsay’s annual pre-birthday shopping trip was a success (and not at Costco!). She baked a train-shaped cake for Jack’s sixth birthday and is counting down the days until her Mexican getaway.
Debbie M.
Debbie’s week was full — grandparenting, hair braiding, and adorable “who’s-in-charge” debates with granddaughter Amalia. Spoiler alert - it's not Miles - he's not an adult. (Ed. note - couldn't agree more.)She applauded Dalbir’s stamina as a full-time grandparent and is off to Vernon next week for a family bonfire weekend.
Lawrence
Lawrence’s son lost a tooth (yay!) while his daughter rediscovered one she never cashed in with the tooth fairy two years ago. Debate ensued, but consensus landed at five toonies. Meanwhile, Rotary PR efforts are shining — follow the Club on LinkedIn!
Brian
Brian caught a Raptors exhibition game (surprisingly fun for a non-fan), while Adam’s off in Quebec on a French immersion exchange. He may need a plus-one for the Halloween party — and thanks to Chris’s text, we know his fly situation is now “secure.”
Mary Lou (Encore)
Small world moment: she ran into Jackie Gleeson — literally in Heathrow Airport — as Jackie was heading to Africa. Rotary connections everywhere!(Jackie who? don't know - ask ChatGPT.)
Debbie T.
Debbie attended the same Civic Appreciation event as Debbie S. — a lively evening full of humor and cheeky speeches. Meanwhile, her sons finally used their Dallas sports package — hockey, football, and a shooting range (when in Texas…). After a marathon board meeting till 11 p.m., she’s running on caffeine and Rotary pride.
