President’s Message October 2017
Fall is upon us! Where did the last nine months go? It feels like we just got through our cool, wet winter and the longest, hottest summer on record and now we’re already talking about Halloween and…. Christmas.
Before I go on though, I want to make sure everyone remembers – the October meeting will be October 13, not the 6th. This will allow many of us to share Thanksgiving weekend with friends and family.
OK, that being said, September continued our incredible roll; wasn’t our speaker, Terri Mack, someone special! Her presentation was not only down to earth, but so informative, insightful, educational and real. She didn’t shy away from tough questions and most importantly – she gave us facts that really opened up many eyes to native issues and an aboriginal history that left us all wanting to know more.
Last month also saw a few of us catch a full moon experience while kayaking around Nanaimo, while others took in another great performance at the Chemainus Theatre and in October, there are even more great events planned. I need to take a moment to thank Kim Rasmussen (and all those who have stepped up to lead) for the amazing list of ‘Out and Abouts’ this year – simply incredible. These events, along with our strong speaker list, really make a difference.
As the October speaker, I’ve been asked to talk about the Calgary Stampede; not as you might expect – this isn’t an advertisement, but a look behind the scenes on how we produce the rodeo for network television broadcast and live streaming around the world. For the last 20 years I’ve been one of scores of people who pull the show together, and for any of you who might wonder – How does it all happen – prepare to hear the details of how the logistics, choreography and timing all need to work, because millions of people are watching. But as with any live show – the unexpected can and does happen!
October is also the precursor to our Annual General Meeting that will take place in November. As always, it’s a time for us to look forward and consider who will or who would like to step up and help your Management Team. We will have some vacancies and will need to have your support in keeping our leadership strong so we can continue to provide the quality of programs and events that you’ve become accustomed to. The workload isn’t too demanding and the rewards are fabulous. We have more than 130 members and our success is because people have stepped up. Take the time to consider volunteering to be part of something that is fun.
See you at the meeting.