|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Editor: Past President Robbie Larocque Meeting Called to Order at 6:30 PM: by Vice-President David Mankiewicz Grace: led by Bob Stewart “Oh Lord, The Giver of All Good, We Thank Thee for our Daily Food, May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to Serve Thee All our Days” Toast to the KING : Robbie Larocque Land Acknowledgement: by Vice-President David Mankiewicz We respectfully acknowledge that the Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood is meeting on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations, within the jurisdiction of the Williams Treaties. We are committed to our responsibility of stewardship, in these relationships and for this land on which we learn, share and live. Toast to Canada: Camille Miquel Farfan Visiting Rotarians and Guests : Welcome to our visiting guests John Babaloo and Farzana Ali (friends of Shashi Bhatia) BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha to Camille Miquel Farfan on April 26 
ANNOUNCEMENTS / REMINDERS: David M. – reminds the Club of the upcoming Environmental Symposium being held on April 24, 2025 David M.– the Rotary Club of Port Perry is hosting a Gala on April 26th (Mill Run Golf Club). David M. – reminded the Bingo Buddies of April 22nd – (Hilda F, Al F, Ted M, Brady B) Dale Duke and Lennis Trotter have agreed to attend so that Hilda and Al can be relieved of their duties. David M. – reminded the Club of the upcoming Peony Festival being held on June 6, 7 & 8. David M. – noted that a new order of Manure has occurred for 2025. 750 bags are on order and will remain priced that same. We will have on-line order this year. Delivery is available upon request. Lennis Trotter – gave us an update on the Kids Safety Village Easter Eggstravaganza – On April 18 and 19 – some 5000 people attended the village. All comers appeared to have a good time except the BOY’S as the takeaway toothbrushes were only pink in colour!! Thank you to all volunteers who were in attendance. Dave M - APR 26 – Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup – We will join the Oshawa Rotary Club, and the Courtice Rotary Club , and perhaps other area Rotary Clubs, Friends of the Second Marsh and our civic leaders as we help clean up the Second Marsh. Save the Date. Details will follow. 10 am to 2 pm. Be there about 9:30 am. Colonel Sam Drive, east of Harwood Ave. Are you going? Only 3 people have signed up so far. We need about 20 from our club. Please let Dave Andrews know if you are going as soon as possible. Thank you to those who have signed up. As of April 1, We still need about 10 to 12 more volunteers.. Dave Andrews - MAY 12 – 11AM Join the Rotary Club of Oshawa , In place of their regularly scheduled lunch meeting. Where: Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe Street North Google Maps link ACE Who: Rotarians and Guests are welcome to attend. All names must be submitted to Amber Derby, Past President by Monday, May 5th Parking Information: When you arrive to the campus, The Automotive Centre of Excellence is on your right as you round the curve. Please park in Founders Lot 2 which is the parking lot on your left at the first stop sign. Enter the gated lot by obtaining a ticket and we will provide a chaser ticket after check-in at ACE. Enter the ACE building via the north entrance doors, pass the elevators, turn right and follow the signs to the ACE security desk. Let security know you are meeting with Heather Nelson. Please wear closed toe shoes, you will not be admitted to the tour otherwise. Sign up with Dave Andrews before May 5. Dave A – reminds us of the fast approaching Reverse Draw. We have just over 150 tickets out now however our Goal is 200 (same as last year). Members should start thinking about who they sold tickets to last year. Members were encouraged to think about possible sponsors for this event too. The more the merrier. May 8 will be here before we know it. Ted – We have about 40 or so silent auction items but we need about 60 to 70 more items. Send Dave A. a photo of the item and description and a Value and Dave will create a poster and post to our Facebook page. Dave has supplied everyone with the silent auction items and ticket sales lists from last year, and sample “ask” letters, and promo posters for this year. May 8 will be here before we know it. Dave A – reminded the club of the upcoming District Assembly. The assembly will be held on May 10, 2025 at Centennial College. This event is good for newer Rotarians and those who are looking to be on the Board. Dave noted that those who do choose to join the admission fee will be covered by the Club. 
REMINDER: Ted – updated us that the Maple Syrup Sales Fundraiser has been a great success so much so that fewer and fewer bottles are left. If you would like one, please be in touch with Ted as soon as possible. REMINDER: Shashi Bhatia – WEDNESDAY JUNE 4 - 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM . NOT AT OSHAWA GOLF CLUB Tour of Ontario Tank Museum and Dinner at 420 Wing, 1000 Stevenson Rd N, Oshawa, ON L1J 5P5 is fast approaching. (Wednesday June 4). Open to your family and friends. Sign up sheet will be going around soon. SGT AT ARMS: Ted Morrison ACE OF SPADES: The draw was won by Tess P. The 7 of Hearts was drawn. One less card left, for next regular weekly meeting. The pot grows even bigger!! HAPPY BUCKS: Thank you to Ted Morrison for collecting our Happy Bucks. Tess P. – is very happy to report that she rang the bell at Lakeridge Health this morning. Camille – is happy to have assisted with the Safety Village and it is her birthday on Saturday. Shashi B – feels bad for Hilda and is thinking of her at this most difficult time. Larry P – is proud to announce that this might have been his 40th time at the village. He was surprised to meet one of his former patients (who has grown up since his last visit) John B – is happy for the beautiful day. Dave A – is looking forward to the two Craft Talks Lennis – is happy to announce that his granddaughter is starting work this summer Dave P – is happy to announce his son took the initiative to have much of the fallen brush which was going to be David’s summer project and had the material chipped  Craft Talk No. 1 Camille Miquel Farfan
Camille was born in Mississauga and moved to Mexico as a young girl at the age of 3-years. Camille grew up in Mexico and lived in a few cities in Mexico. Camille has had a few jobs in her live so far most were short assignment working as a volunteer in a prison, in and animal shelter and at a summer camp. The summer camp work was in Seattle where she worked with special needs children. She described a passion for working with children. Camille spoke of moving to live in Canada (Saskatchewan) when her father moved for work. She spoke poorly of Saskatchewan mostly because her time there was during the winter! Too cold! Camille spoke fondly about making ‘friendship bracelets’ during university as a side hustle. However, she spoke that the side hustle soon expanded which she put aside to focus on her studies. During university she was introduced to Rotary through the exchange student program. Her student exchange was in Brazil where she spoke fondly about many of her hosts who foster her growth. She also spoke of many great relationships which she still communicates with several friends and her hosts. Camille has completed her undergrad in Psychology from Mexico. Camille spoke very passionately about travel; she has travelled to many countries in the Americas. Camille also shared that she loves shopping and enjoys dinner with friends. Tying into Camile’s passion for travel was how she came to know Rotary. In speaking with her cousin who was also an exchange student she decided to apply, and history was made with her exchange thereafter in Brazil. Again, Camille noted that her hosts were amazing people, and Rotary is an excellent community to belong to. She suggests that her Rotary family is her family. One of her exchange student advisors was especially well liked as they included the exchange students in any and all events available. Great memories. Questions: Robert K. took exception to Camille’s interpretation of Saskatchewan. Robert grew up only a few miles away from where Camille lived. He quite likes Saskatchewan in the winter. Dale Duke asked Camille about the drug cartel. Camille noted that the cartel is everywhere and you do not know who they are so generally they are noted talked about in public. Craft Talk No. 2 Don Igbokwe Don was born in Nigeria, the first son of 13 children. In his youth Don witnessed War in Nigeria as an 8-year-old boy. Living through a War don understands first hand the issues which are being experienced today in Ukraine and Gaza today. This part of his life, experiencing War at such a young age, formed who Don has become today. As Don approached an age where he would continue his studies at university, which to his family’s expectation would be in the United States in November that year. Don learned of an opportunity to study in India through a friend of a friend. In July of that year Don found himself in India and attended university there, much to the surprise of his family (father). While in India Don’s eyes were opened to the concepts and issues around Social Justice and Advocacy. His time in India opened his eyes.
 During his time in India, he rented a room from a family, Shashi B family in fact, that is why he has a sister in Shashi.
While in India he was married, which Don offered ended his studies. Don has two grown children with whom he is proud of his lawyer daughter and his firefighter son. After university Don moved to Canada. Don resided in Markham when he first arrived in Canada and took up door to door vacuum cleaner sales. This craft was a short-lived career for Don for without the convenience of a car his travels by public transit to and from Markham to the far side of Toronto were not productive. Don quit this employ after 3 weeks without selling one single vacuum. He later held the role of a material handler where he rose through the ranks to become a manger. This role led him to the world of Insurance getting a job at Crawford & Company. During his training in Georgia (USA) Don had a bad encounter with law enforcement when he was cuffed and taken to a distant location and brought to the complainant who indicated to the police that Don was not the culprit. Don was released and said was ‘free to go’ Don protested this release as he was far away from his familiar location in Georgia where his training was taking place. Another encounter of social justice. From Crawford Don has been employed at Prudential and Liberty all in the insurance world. Don has volunteered extensively during his career and life, a few notable volunteer efforts include: In 2006 the World Aids Conference in Toronto Team lead for Ajax during the Pan-Am games in 2015 Office for Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto, for Re-settlement of Refugees trips to Jordan in 2015 and Lebanon in 2016 Member of Durham Region Police Services Board, DEI committee, 2009 to present President and Chair of the African Canadian Culture Council Foundation Active Rotarian, but to name just a few!
Questions: Shashi thanked Don for his efforts to gather peoples of different faiths and regions and guiding their path forward. Dave A, thanked Don for his efforts and his extensive volunteerism in the past. David M thank both Camille and Don for excellent craft talks. David M. adjourned the meeting shortly after 8:05 pm.  
MORE INFORMATION IN THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Be sure to check out our Calendar for details.!! IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, YOU CAN MAKE UP: Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Secretary Janice Coupland, or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting.
|
.png)
