As always, our Sergeant-at-Arms session reminded us that Rotary members never seem to sit still! From world travels and family celebrations to golf, grandkids, pets, and volunteer adventures, everyone has been keeping busy.
Debbie T. battled the infamous Sea-to-Sky traffic nightmare on the way to Whistler, finally arriving at 4:00 a.m. for a conference that thankfully made the journey worthwhile. She's also been balancing volunteer accounting with trying to squeeze in a little summer fun.
Chris M. said an emotional farewell to the family's beloved off-grid cabin after selling it, celebrating with champagne—and a few tears. Back home she's embraced life in the new house, hosted a backyard tie-dye party with family and neighbours, and is heading to Montreal for a conference.
Mary Lou has barely stopped moving! Between volunteering at FIFA, attending The Hatmaker's Wife in Ladysmith, preparing for Allan's birthday in Montreal, attending her conference, and a homestay in Sherbrooke, she's proving retirement can be busier than full-time work.
Dalbir proudly shared that another son is engaged after a carefully planned surprise proposal. He also let everyone know about a vacation rental near Kelowna—complete with pickleball courts nearby—for anyone looking for a summer getaway.
Judy M. enjoyed an unforgettable Alaska cruise filled with grandkids, birthday celebrations, pony camp pickups, and even a lumberjack show. She also shared one of those "small world" moments when a chance meeting on the cruise uncovered decades of Richmond connections.
Debbie M. has been hard at work completing her professional relicensing courses while helping granddaughter Amaya master her new bicycle before camp. She also reminded everyone to use her updated email address.
Debbie S. joined by Zoom, but unfortunately technology had other ideas, leaving the club unable to hear her update this week.
Kal thanked everyone for their support following a death in the family before enthusiastically praising John's Greek golf trip, declaring it some of the best golf he's ever played—even if getting to Kelowna seemed to take forever.
Bill entertained everyone with the saga of one very sick dog, one very worried wife, and a veterinary visit that thankfully ended with the dog coming home instead of the heartbreaking outcome everyone feared.
Jeanette shared how some quick thinking, lots of water (with a little sugar), and careful attention helped her dog recover, saving both her pet and a hefty veterinary bill.
Susan continues helping her mom downsize and declutter her apartment, a project that seems to require Olympic-level endurance. She also chimed in with more pet care stories, proving that caring for furry family members is a full-time job during the summer heat.
Blair has been "adulting," according to his grandson, by fitting in another golf outing and a trip to Calgary, where the 30-plus degree temperatures reminded him that sightseeing is much easier in cooler weather.
John shared that Sandy's ongoing knee problems may unfortunately affect their planned trip to Japan. On a brighter note, he also mentioned that Sandy's well-loved 1992 Mazda Miata is looking for a new owner.
Elena has been busy organizing a major Pride Business Association event that's attracting politicians, diplomats, and community leaders before rewarding herself with a well-earned trip to Las Vegas.
Melinda admitted life has become one long series of evening events, highlighted by a Canadians baseball game where she accidentally ended up with a giant order of nachos after standing in the wrong line—but decided it was too late to turn back!
Sandra is excitedly preparing for another family vacation while proudly sharing stories of Brian stopping to help stranded travellers change a flat tire, reminding everyone that simple acts of kindness still make a big difference.
Lawrence Chew is juggling a busy schedule of medical appointments but still found time to enjoy Shakespeare in the park and escort his teenage daughter and her friends through the Richmond Night Market—before accepting his fate as the dad waiting alone at the picnic table.
Bobby treated his maintenance staff to a FIFA match and dinner, saying that sometimes a simple meal together goes a long way in building team spirit. He also enjoyed a belated birthday getaway to Whistler with family.
Michael shared an impressive Costco hot dog statistic (the $1.50 deal lives on!), reported that the family has reluctantly cancelled this year's Cultus Lake tradition because of the water slide closures, and said the kids are happily enjoying summer camp.
Another Sergeant-at-Arms session proved once again that Rotary meetings aren't just about service—they're also about sharing life's adventures, celebrating milestones, supporting one another, and enjoying plenty of laughs along the way.
