It was another lively round of Sergeant-at-Arms, with members reporting on everything from international travel and family milestones to concerts, hockey, theatre, banking frustrations and the ongoing mystery of why everyone in the club suddenly seems to have something to say about Bruno Mars!

Debbie S. returned from an amazing trip to Africa and was now heading off to see her dad. Clearly, one continent at a time is not enough.

Dalbir also had Africa on his travels and confirmed that it was definitely worth the trip. Back home, he was busy taking his grandson to school while Kal was visiting her mother in the hospital. Dalbir is attending a three-day trial concerning custody of his grandson. A busy schedule by any standard.

Chris M. was having one of those weeks where dealing with three different banks somehow created more questions than answers. On the brighter side, there was a clothing sale, lunch at Coast Capital, a visit to Hycroft, and time for mahjong, bridge and golf. Banking may be complicated, but at least the recreation schedule is solid!

Garth admitted that having only one bank apparently puts him at a significant disadvantage in the banking-comparison department. He did, however, discover a theatre in Olympic Village and enjoyed the play Big Stuff.

Elena reflected that she wished she had learned years ago how to turn “bad debt” into “good debt.” Her sister is visiting from the Philippines, and Elena was also celebrating the success of the homemade gifts she received. Her sister loves reading and has already taken books back to the Philippines, so Elena issued a plea: if you have books you no longer need, don’t throw them away—give them to Marg! Apparently, there is a very appreciative reader waiting for them.

Peachy was one of several members caught up in the Bruno Mars phenomenon. She and her son attended his concert and had a wonderful time, although their short stature made it difficult to see once everyone stood up to dance and sing. She also attended the Columbus Residents Ghana Gala and declared our gala “the best.” 

Jeanette provided a detailed update on her mother, who has been dealing with a lengthy medical surveillance and testing process before travelling. What began as a routine requirement turned into sputum tests, chest examinations and eventually bloodwork before her mother could be cleared. Jeanette also reported encouraging news about Gordon, whose mobility is slowly improving. He is medically stable and is expected to move into further rehabilitation. He sends his regards to the club and knows that members have been visiting him.

Melinda started by thanking Peggy and Tracy for the delicious quiche, but the real news was much more important. John has been dealing with serious heart problems and underwent a TAVI procedure at St. Paul’s Hospital. Happily, he came home the day before the meeting and is now beginning his recovery. Their holidays had understandably been cancelled while they waited for treatment. Melinda was also busy with visitors and had attended the Ghirra fundraiser, where she praised the them for doing such an amazing job.

Sandra thanked Peggy for breakfast and Chris for helping all three of her children become homeowners. She said they couldn’t be happier with the help they received. Otherwise, she has been enjoying time with her grandchildren—which sounds like a pretty good week to us!

Amanda had her physiotherapy appointment moved to Wednesdays and had the dubious pleasure of undergoing needling treatment. She could certainly sympathize with Larry’s sciatica! The good news is that Graham will be returning to work in early November, meaning he will finally escape the house after two months. Amanda also reminded everyone to vote.

Chris P. returned after missing a few weeks and explained that being self-employed means having “lots of tabs open”—both literally and figuratively. She is serving as a judge for the Richmond Chamber’s business awards and has helped select the top three finalists. The next step is visiting each business, touring their operations and conducting interviews. She signed an NDA, so unfortunately the club will have to wait for the results!

Peggy had an especially busy week involving theatre, birthdays, quilting, public transit, Uber and even a connection to Garth. She enjoyed an intimate improv show at Olympic Village, attended five year old's birthday party, and discovered that the birthday boy’s family has a connection to Garth dating back to their university days. She also squeezed in a quilting retreat with Tracy, where they selected a quilt that Peggy hopes to donate to the gala—assuming she can get it finished in time. After all that, she was finally looking forward to driving again!

Eleanore did not attend Bruno Mars or Owen Riegley, but she did have her own musical adventure. Her sister and brother-in-law visited for 45 days, and she attended a performance by the East Pointers from Prince Edward Island at the Hollywood Theatre. Even though she considers herself an introvert, she spent the entire three-hour show standing, stomping and enjoying the music. She also bought tickets to Big Stuff after reading about the play—and revealed that her husband’s desire to sell everything and live with nothing made the subject particularly relevant!

Maddie introduced the club to a new term: the ambivert—an introvert/extrovert combination. She has been taking it relatively easy while training a new teller at work, but Ben Dixon invited her to Bruno Mars, and she accepted. She doesn’t usually attend concerts, but admitted that Bruno Mars knows how to put on a show.

Sam lost a rock-paper-scissors contest with Maddie and was therefore assigned responsibility for the meeting slides. At home, Sam and the family are now fully settled in their new house and have embraced Halloween decorating. Their theme is witches, complete with a battery-operated broom that actually walks around and makes noise. Their house is apparently the only decorated one in the neighbourhood, so passing children are stopping to stare. Sam also noted that last week’s Sergeant-at-Arms bulletin apparently suggested that he had “visited Canada,” despite the fact that he already lives here—an excellent example of what happens when ChatGPT fills in the blanks! (Ed. Note - it is an AI hallucination!! - it meant upper Canada).

Danny had just returned from Hawaii, travelling across several islands and enjoying everything from Maui and Waikiki to Honolulu and Jurassic Park. He also attended a Rotary exchange event in Kona and, naturally, managed to fit in the Bruno Mars concert. With friends from the Philippines and Hawaii joining him, Danny said it was a great concert and gave Chris credit for doing a great job.

Bill remembered the Hollywood Theatre, where he grew up nearby and remembered going there as a child—when Saturday matinees featuring the Three Stooges cost a dollar and popcorn was only 50 cents. He also had a hockey story. During a game, Bill and Sam were on the ice playing defence and both came off for a change at the same time. Bill realized nobody had replaced them—and the opposing team was now enjoying a wide-open breakaway and goal. Apparently, communication remains an important part of hockey!

Kal was looking forward to the Richmond election finally being over, describing the campaign season as something of a “shit show.” With the voting behind us, he was clearly ready for a little peace and quiet.

Debbie M. did not need to attend Bruno Mars because she has apparently been getting the concert for free from her neighbourhood! She is heading off for three weeks with her daughter and granddaughter, travelling to Paris and Spain to visit family. She is looking forward to the trip—even if the weather is cold. Back home, she has also started winter paddling and reported that the water is now cold enough to make her fingers feel as though they might snap off. Time to bring out the gloves!

Judy had a week that demonstrated just how complicated life can become when dealing with banks and estates. She spent an hour and a half trying to get Ralph’s name removed from her Costco account following his death, only to discover that she needed additional documentation, including a copy of the will. The process involved phone calls, conflicting instructions and plenty of frustration. Her Costco membership dates back to 1992, but apparently longevity counts for very little when paperwork gets involved. On the family front, her six-year-old grandson broke his wrist in two places playing hockey, while her 14-year-old grandson was diagnosed with celiac disease. And, in happier teenage news, her 17-year-old grandson apparently has an official girlfriend—although Judy jokingly noted that she probably wasn’t supposed to know that yet nor the club! But who is going to tell.

Marg had 17 people for Thanksgiving dinner, including one guest who arrived feeling under the weather. Marg herself had been recovering from a chest cold and discovered that sleeping while coughing is considerably overrated. She also enjoyed Big Stuff and agreed that the improv performers were brilliant. Next up is a vintage dance featuring Jamie Taman’s band, where Marg expects everyone to be on the dance floor from 7 to 11. Apparently, sitting down is not part of the program.

Joyce was disappointed to be missing the upcoming social and asked everyone to take plenty of Halloween costume pictures so she could live vicariously through them. She even considered wearing a costume herself—but admitted that it might end up looking more like a funeral!

Larry had taken a week off and spent some time at Birch Bay, where he had a gardener move his potted flowers into the ground to make life easier. Unfortunately, his back did not appreciate the effort and he is now dealing with significant pain. Work is extremely busy, making time off difficult. Larry also shared concerns about Steve, who is facing surgery and significant mobility challenges. At home, Larry is contemplating yet another round of redecorating, although he admitted he is not quite ready to start moving everything around again. One project at a time!

John provided the latest update on the younger generation, noting that his nine year old grandson has already had a girlfriend, broken up with her and is now considering getting back together. Apparently, romance moves quickly these days. John also praised Mike for organizing the monthly social gatherings, admitting that he had initially been cynical about them but now thinks they have worked extremely well. Unfortunately, he will miss the next one because he is attending a UBC Thunderbird football Wall of Honour event inducting a player from 50 years ago.

Marg also shared a lovely update about Pat Atkinson, saying she had a conversation with her over Thanksgiving weekend. Pat read all the cards members had sent her and was deeply touched and delighted that the club remembered her. Marg is confident that she will eventually be back with the club.

Bobby admitted that he did attend Bruno Mars! He also thanked Peggy for breakfast, Marg and Don for hosting the board meeting and Chris for his presentation. He wished brother Michael a happy birthday and noted that he will miss next week’s gathering. He is heading to Montreal with his son for some time away. He skipped Bruno Mars but apparently ended up serving as Uber driver for his family after the concert. 

Blair attended a dinner celebrating a friend’s induction into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, work means he will miss Michael’s Halloween bash, but he is looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Michael wrapped things up by thanking the entire Rotary family for supporting the fundraiser for his brother Victor’s Toy Drive. The first-year event attracted about 125 people and featured games, prizes, a 50/50 draw and a Rotary table. Michael expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who attended and supported his family and the Toy Drive.

He was also celebrating his birthday, although he apparently had no idea what his family had planned. He was simply told to be home around 5 p.m., with the party beginning at 6. Sometimes it’s better not to ask too many questions!

And with that, the meeting was adjourned—with a reminder that next week’s Rotary gathering will be an evening event at the Richmond Funeral Home at 6 p.m. on Thursday, rather than the usual morning meeting.