It was great to see such a large turnout today, an estimated 33 Rotarians, plus a healthy group of guests. Lunch was very tasty too!

 

Besides our Guest speaker and his military entourage, (to be introduced further on) we had an impressive guest list which included: 

 

 

We now return to WEEKLY Monday luncheons, except for holiday Mondays. A brief update on the Adventure in Citizenship was provided (sorry, I missed the details.) Edmond LANTHIER, a good friend of our club, representing the Rotary Club of Hull informed us of their Gala evening, which will happen on Thursday, May 11 at the French Embassy on Sussex Drive. Cost is $60 and there is some parking available.

 

 

Rotarian Michael Virr next introduced our Speaker, Major General Denis Thompson, who also brought some of his staff to our luncheon.

 

Our speaker described the mission as 'peace keeping in the presence of non state (I S I S and other) groups.'

 

Major Gen. Thompson is responsible for the Multi National Force and Observers, (M F O) some 1,600 personnel who are responsible for overseeing and supervising the 1979 Israel-Egypt Treaty for Peace in the Sinai region.

 

Sinai has a majority Bedouin (Arab) population, mostly nomadic and has very few settlements. It is divided into four zones, A B C and Israel. It’s a contentious area with considerably high risks from random attacks by terrorist groups. Improvised Explosive Device (I E D) incidents have been quite common, with many injuries and losses of life. 

 

The Peace Keepers are in a fluid situation, which requires adaptation and adjustment in order to stay relevant. There have been numerous violations of the Peace Treaty, with significant losses, mostly by the Egyptian army.

 

President Elect Charles thanked Major General Thompson for being with us to describe a challenging tour of duty.

 

Our successful winner was Patricia Murenbeeld;  kindly donor was Richard Shantz.

 

Andre Bourdon is happy to be back with us after a pleasant holiday in sunny Florida, also a visit with the Blue Jays in Dunedin. We’re very happy to have him back.

Tom Wilkinson, a Past District Governor, congratulated us on sponsoring the Rotoract Club. Tom enjoyed their dinner event, which included 50 ROTORACTORS on hand.

Rich Fisher, (also your humble e-scribe) was delighted with the large turnout today and also is looking forward to a visit with Colin Rousseaux in Wakefield a bit later this week. Colin has an unbeatable attitude and is recovering well from his leg fracture.

 

There being no further Rotary business, P-E Charles adjourned us at 1:40 P M with the a Capella singing of O Canada.

 

Next Monday, April 10th, our speaker all be Ms. Hilary Clauson of the Aga Khan Foundation. Be there if you can!

 

Rich Fisher, e-news Committee

                                                                                                            

ERRORS AND OMISSION TO BE EXPECTED!