Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, March 17, 2022
President Chris welcomed Rotarians and prospective member Brian Wheeler.
Club Business
Before lunch was served, Chris spoke of several business matters.
Sea Cadet Corps
Ron was congratulated by the Club on serving on the Sea Cadet Corps Rotary Liaison committee for 50 years. Ron had received a letter of thanks from Richard Edwards, Sea Cadet Chair, Western Director NL. Division Navy League for his service. Elaine has volunteered to be the new representative for the Club with Jackie assisting her.
Rotary Facebook
Carol will be the new Public Image Chair for the Club. In this role she will also look after the Rotary Facebook page.
Ghanaian Project
Chris informed Rotarians that money has been sent to Rotary Foundation to support the Water, Sanitation project in Ghana.
Rotary Read Along
Kathleen explained to the Club that money donated by Grenfell Campus for the Rotary Read Along will be given to Eastside Elementary School for classroom libraries. It is hoped in early May, Rotarians and volunteers will be able to spend an assigned time in the school to read from the donated books. The purpose is to help encourage reading.
Ukrainian Donation Fund
Rotary district 7820 is encouraging clubs and Rotarians to donate to the Rotary Disaster Fund. Discussion was held and it was decided that a donation be made
to the fund from the Club.
Wine Tasting Event
Chris has spoken to the NLC about the Club hosting a wine tasting fundraiser. Jackie had spoken to Canada House and after discussion on the possible dates Saturday, May 28th was decided upon. More details on this event will follow.
Adventure in Citizenship Conference
Lesley had found more about the 2022 Ottawa conference for high school students. The conference will be virtual again this year, so the Club decided not to participate.
Program
Program-chair Olaf introduced the guest speaker Dr John Bodner, Associate Folklore Professor, GrenfellCampus, and co-author of a book on covid 19 conspiracy theories. Today he spoke about conspiracy theories and the recent occupation of Ottawa by the trucker’s convoy and others.
Dr Bodner began his talk by separating the right of protest in a democracy as some truckers were to others whose ideas came from Facebook, the dark side of the internet and conspiracy theories, and all were protesting together.
He went on to speak of a couple of the leaders of the convoy and their main affiliations and aims.
He continued by talking of different conspiracy theories and the different acronyms used by the protestors.
His final topic was about the anti-vaccination supporters’ reasons and views. He mentioned the first vaccination given was for smallpox and even then, there was vaccination opposition.
Conspiracy theorists have theories directed to the heart of people which in turn can lead to violence and vengeance. He urged Rotarians to be properly informed from credible sources.
Dr Bodner answered a couple of questions before being thanked by Olaf.
The meeting was adjourned at 1.30pm.