COMOX VALLEY PROBUS CLUB

February Meeting

THANKS TO GREETERS & TICKET SELLERS:

Betty & George Stainer

Barb McGovern

Karen Franzen

LUNCHEON: Flying Canoe Pub, 1590 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay

INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBER: Jean Douglas introduced by Sandra Gray and President Bob welcoming Jean to the Club:

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bob Thiesburger mentioned that the membership had received

a thank-you note for the donation made in Louise's name for the Parkinson Society of

Canada. In addition, we received a thank-you note from Diane Brady, daughter of Ollie

Acorn, for the donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her mother's name.

Bob Thiesburger suggested that we all wear green in honour of St. Patrick's Day at the

March meeting and he particularly singled out Dave Hysert, vice president, who will be

the Chairperson for that meeting.

Bob then told a few of his own jokes and the membership suggested he find better jokes

or bring back the resident joke master.  ( Sounds like a Hired Gun or would that be joke?)

PAST PRESIDENT: Joan Collinge, as Past President, has the duty of recruiting

for the executive positions for the club. She requests that if any member feels that they

can contribute in a positive way to the management group they should step forward and

help her with this task. Joan stated that the executive is a fun group to be associated

with and encourages new members to consider stepping up.

TREASURER REPORT: Has been tabled in Treasurer's absence. ( I guess our treasures are safe)

SOCIAL DIRECTOR/CLUBS and ACTIVITES: Liz Datoo indicated that the current

Clubs Report was sent out to all members via email. She reminded everyone that there

are sign-up sheets for events including suggestion sheets for new activities. Liz

mentioned that Golf and Walking groups will be resuming soon.

Sharon Hysert announced that she is stepping down from the wine group as she has been

Director for some time now. Tim Rabbitt spoke at this time to explain how all of our

groups are on a volunteer basis. The wine group is not a group of oenophiles. In the

words of Alexis Lichine, “the best way to learn about wine is in the drinking.” There are

limited spaces for this group so sign up quickly.

Ron Webber suggested a Dining Out Group to alternate with the Wine Group for the

future. What better way to get us all out of the house!

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Tim Rabbit reviewed the results of the survey regarding

the Christmas event, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Some of the members

gave very insightful comments, which were much appreciated by the executive. The

number one reason for smaller attendance was conflicting activities and the number two

was the cost.

Your executive will continue to work on planning the Christmas event and will keep

you apprised throughout the year with your concerns in mind.

SPEAKER NEX MONTH: Joanne Schroeder of the Child Development Centre.

DRAW PRIZES: Won by Diane Middleton and Iris Vansterkenburg.

The President adjourned the meeting at noon with one more parting gem:

...''When you get to the end of your rope,tie and knot in it and hang on.''

''Thank you all for coming out, drive safely and we will see you next month!''

SPEAKER: Dave Hysert, Vice President introduced Col. (Retired) Ken O'Brien, who

gave an interesting talk on some of the problems in Southern Asia. Ken had extensive

experience in the area and refers to the time as “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back or

Visa Versa.”

His talk certainly enlightened many of us of the complexities of that area and how it is

the fastest growing region of the world which we cannot ignore. Ken discussed many of

the characteristics and challenges of this region..

Several thought provoking questions and statements were offered by the Probus

members. We hope that we will hear from Ken again sometime in the future with an

update. Ken was thanked for his presentation by Bob Mortimer.

Ken has requested that we make a donation on his behalf to the Transition Society of

Courtenay.