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Miscellaneous

 
 
Repeat from last week or until no longer relevant or until I delete it or it bears repeating:  

The proposed  evening social schedule for the next three months is:

  • Thursday, October 29 – Halloween-themed social at the funeral home venue.
  • Thursday, November 26 – TBD
  • Thursday, December 17 – The Cannery, where we'll return for our annual Christmas gathering. This one will be a 7:00 a.m. breakfast meeting, featuring a breakfast buffet rather than individual meal orders. The usual Christmas gift exchange or other festive activity will also be part of the morning.

 

 

OUR THURSDAY BREAKFAST MEETING IS ACCESSED THROUGH THE LINK BELOW.
 
 
Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
 
 
1) Mute your microphone if you aren't already muted. Background noise is distracting. 
2) If you are not engaged in the presentation, turn off your camera. 
3) Chat function should only be used to address the speaker, not for Club member remarks during the presentation
4) Unmute when harassing the Sergeant at Arms or taking your turn during Sergeant at Arms.
5)Get your nominations in!!!! 
Please direct any questions or concerns to the President or a board member of your choosing and the board will discuss any and all questions or concerns during a board meeting. Also please refer to the members committee anyone who may be interested in attending a meeting or joining the club. 
 
 
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
 
 
 

Happiness is your current condition absent expectations. Lawrence

 
 
   VISITORS     
 
 

Shannon Crofton

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND 

CLUB BUSINESS

 

Kal please pay your dues. Eleanore asked if those who haven't yet please pay. A reminder will be sent.

We experienced the induction of Eleanore Matthew by Marg. Welcome to officially becoming a member.

Gordon update, he had slipped and fell and hit his head. This caused confusion and he has gotten much better and after further testing he may be discharged soon.

 

 

 

 
Speaker
 

Aspire Richmond: Building a Community Where Everyone Belongs

We were pleased to welcome Shannon Crofton, Chief Executive Officer of Aspire Richmond, who gave us an enlightening look at an organization that has been quietly making a remarkable difference in Richmond for more than four decades.

Aspire Richmond was originally founded in 1982 as the Richmond Society for Community Living by a small group of parents who wanted better services for their children. At the time, families often had to travel outside Richmond to find the support they needed. In 2022, the organization changed its name to Aspire Richmond, reflecting the tremendous growth and evolution of its programs and its broader commitment to helping people live full, meaningful lives in their own community.

Shannon has been with Aspire since 1991 and became CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to expand its programs and services, with a strong focus on inclusion, belonging and community participation.

Today, Aspire supports more than 1,200 individuals and families in Richmond, with approximately 20 locations throughout the community. What makes Aspire particularly unique is that it remains focused exclusively on Richmond, allowing it to develop deep connections and partnerships within the community.

And the range of services is impressive.

The journey begins with the youngest members of the community. Aspire’s Infant Development Program supports babies and young children who have, or are at risk of, developmental delays. Consultants work with families in their homes, helping parents understand their child’s development and providing resources—including a lending library of toys and equipment designed to encourage learning and development.

Aspire also operates childcare and supported-child-development programs, helping children with developmental disabilities participate alongside their peers. Its childcare centres provide everything from infant and toddler care through preschool and out-of-school care. One of the organization’s longstanding facilities, Treehouse Early Learning Centre, has even served two of Shannon’s own children!

For older children and youth, Aspire provides programs that bridge the gap between school and adulthood. These programs offer recreational activities, life-skills development and support for young people as they prepare for greater independence.

For adults, Aspire’s Community Inclusion programs provide opportunities to develop practical skills and participate meaningfully in the community. Activities can include cooking, budgeting, yoga, volunteering and other life skills. Participants aren't simply being supported—they are encouraged to contribute to the community themselves.

Employment is another important part of Aspire’s work. Employment specialists and job coaches help individuals identify their interests and abilities and then connect them with employers. Shannon emphasized that the benefit works both ways: employers gain dedicated and capable employees while creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Aspire has also developed its own employment initiatives, including HandyCrew Cooperative, which provides landscaping and cleaning services around Richmond. Aspire even has its own cleaning crew that looks after some of its facilities.

Creating Homes, Not Just Housing

Housing is becoming increasingly important as people with developmental disabilities reach adulthood and seek the same independence that most of us take for granted.

Aspire offers several housing models, including staffed homes providing 24-hour support, independent living arrangements and Home Share, where an adult with a developmental disability lives in the home of a support provider. Aspire also has affordable housing units where people live independently, with support available when needed.

Shannon also described Aspire’s Family Resource and Respite programs, which help families navigate the often complicated network of services and benefits available to them. Respite services provide families and caregivers with much-needed breaks while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive appropriate support.

A Community Effort

While government funding provides the foundation for Aspire's work, Shannon explained that fundraising and community partnerships are essential. Donations help fund needs that government programs don't always cover—including vehicles, accessibility improvements, equipment and upgrades to facilities and playgrounds.

Aspire also benefits enormously from partnerships throughout Richmond. Shannon emphasized that the organization's philosophy is not simply to provide services to people, but to work with them so they can participate fully in the community.

That philosophy is reflected in Aspire’s vision: “Thriving, connected, happy lives.”

It was clear from Shannon’s presentation that Aspire Richmond is about much more than programs and services. It is about helping people with developmental disabilities and their families build relationships, develop independence, find meaningful employment, participate in their community and, ultimately, live the rich and fulfilling lives we all want for ourselves and our families.

For more information about Aspire Richmond and its programs, visit:

Aspire Richmond

 

 

 

 
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits

 

Chris M.
Chris started the morning by sharing her dream of coming this morning as Sergeant at Arms and forgetting everyone's name.  She seemed to get everyone's name right but it could have been just a fluke.

Lawrence
Lawrence reported that there has been a change in leadership and some restructuring at work, which unfortunately meant losing some good colleagues. He expects to be away for a couple of Thursdays, and although things are very busy, he sees the changes as positive.

Melinda
Melinda reminded everyone to get their turkey, ham, lamb, chicken or roast orders in. She also enjoyed some special time with her youngest granddaughter, who is clearly very excited about the upcoming celebrations.

Bobby
Bobby thanked Chris for remembering his name—a comment that may or may not have been directed at a few fellow Rotarians! He is enjoying a great week and was particularly pleased to have his daughter visiting from Toronto. They have enjoyed a couple of nice dinners and are looking forward to his nephew Michael’s engagement celebration. He offered Shannon the Grand Ballroom for their next fundraising gala.

John
John had a busy week, including plans to sell a Miata he had previously given Sandy for her 50th birthday, assuming the buyer actually shows up with the money! He also won’t be making his usual purchase from Newman’s, as he and the family are heading to Kelowna to spend Thanksgiving with daughter Kate. He is coming out of retirement and offered his services as a lawyer to Shannon should she or Aspire need any legal advice.

Dalbir
Dalbir apologized for having to leave early, as his mother-in-law is in hospital. He and Kal have been making frequent trips back and forth to Richmond General, including early-morning and lunchtime visits. 

Blair
Blair has been travelling extensively for work and recently headed to Toronto and Burlington with his brother. The trip also provided an opportunity for some family closure following the passing of another brother. They managed to fit in 18 holes of golf, a Greek dinner and an evening at a bar where a brother-in-law was playing in a band. After all that, Blair was back on a plane!

Marg
Marg reported that things are going well and mentioned her continuing interest in the Canucks. She also enjoyed a mystery/heist experience involving 100 clues—although she admitted she only managed to solve about two of them! Still, it was entertaining and, most importantly, life is good.

Judy
With grandchildren playing hockey and soccer, Judy’s weekends are pretty full. Rather than trying to squeeze in a traditional turkey dinner, the family has opted for an Oktoberfest-style feast featuring German roast, warm potato salad, pasta, beer cheese dip and sausage rolls. Sounds like Thanksgiving with a German accent!

Debbie M.
Debbie had a good week, including a particularly enjoyable book club meeting with what she described as one of their best discussions in a long time. She is also looking forward to the Thanksgiving celebrations. Debbie offerred her services as a Realtor to Shannon and any of her friends and relatives.

Kal
Kal was back from a trip that included San Diego and temperatures around 90° in Santa Barbara. Unfortunately, hurricanes disrupted the cruise, leaving some people unable to get off the boat. Despite the travel complications, it sounded like an eventful trip. He promised to pay his club dues - eventually. 

Mary Lou
Mary Lou had just returned from an amazing month in the UK. The trip included time on a farm with family, London, the British Museum, several charming towns and two weeks walking on the Channel Islands. One highlight was the help of AI: each day, she sent photos to her travel companion, who created a daily page with photos, maps and historical information. The result is a complete digital album of the trip. She also learned plenty about the Channel Islands, including their unique history during WW II and financial importance.

Elena
Elena enjoyed the presentation and appreciated hearing about the work being done in Richmond. She is looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner—but fortunately for everyone else, she admitted she doesn’t cook turkey! She has also been busy with volunteer activities, discussions involving nursing opportunities in the Philippines, and even found time to spend half a day cleaning up her backyard.

Jeanette
Jeanette reminded everyone that respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, are circulating and encouraged members to be careful and consider vaccination. On the brighter side, she enjoyed a visit to a beautiful dog park in Delta and some quality time with family and their dogs. She offerred Shannon her services as a nurse should Aspire need it.

Peachy
Peachy was excited about an upcoming first-time experience watching something in person after 20 years. Unfortunately, she had been dealing with a cough and cold the previous week and missed the meeting, including Peggy’s presentation. With a home care business she offered Shannon care aide services should she need them.

Peggy
Peggy reassured everyone that since her heart attack is doing fine! She was promoting her handy keychain containing three aspirin—her own little emergency “infomercial.” She has also been enjoying time with her grandson and continuing her recovery.

Sandra
Sandra has been enjoying spending time with her new granddaughter and making the most of those precious early weeks. She also had some thoughts about employers and opportunities for those who are retired.

Eleanore
Eleanore has been cooking Thanksgiving turkey for decades—since her son Jeff was born in 1989, in fact—so she is clearly a veteran of the Thanksgiving kitchen. She also enjoyed a mystery/heist experience and was surprised by the ending. There was plenty of family activity, including a first birthday celebration with about 120 guests, and she somehow managed to return home with no leftovers!

Larry
Larry is taking some time to deal with health issues but remains optimistic and determined. His surgeon told him that he is healing better than most people, which was very encouraging. He is looking forward to Thanksgiving, particularly because his son will be doing the cooking. Larry also entertained everyone with a rather questionable turkey-cooking story involving a relative who may have been attempting to cook a turkey without fully understanding the concept!

Garth
Garth offered his services to anyone who knows Shannon and might be going through a divorce. He also arrived dressed and ready for golf—but with the fog being so thick, he joked that finding his ball might be considerably more difficult than finding his golf clubs! He is unlikely to hit the fairway.

Debbie T.
Debbie admitted she needs another week to recover from everything she has been doing. More importantly, she hasn’t seen her grandchildren for about a month and is very much looking forward to getting together with them over Thanksgiving—and especially giving the newest grandchild a very big hug. She offered Shannon insurance services and asked Shannon to vote for her in the upcoming municipal election.

Susan
Susan’s Thanksgiving plans are once again centred around a family tradition that began during COVID. Her mother-in-law is currently in hospital, so much of the holiday will involve visiting and helping keep her spirits up. Susan recalled how the family started having a Thanksgiving picnic during COVID when indoor gatherings weren’t possible. The tradition has continued, complete with turkey, potatoes and the essential pumpkin pie. This year’s picnic is planned for Sunday. Although she had nothing to offer Shannon she did admit to assisting Aspire to get its first Costco Card.

Shannon
Shannon thanked the club for making her feel welcome and revealed that tomorrow is her birthday. She has had a very busy work week, including a staff recognition event featuring some memorable entertainment—and a rather unusual Catwoman appearance! She is looking forward to spending time with family over her birthday. Also she plans to take advantage of all the wonderful offers made by the Rotarians on international Self before Service Day! Wait What? 

Michael
Michael had perhaps the longest story of the morning! He explained the annual staff party tradition and the ongoing debate about whether to hold it at Riverside or somewhere else. After considering options such as Boston Pizza, he checked out the River Rock Casino buffet and quickly decided it wasn’t the answer. The visit did, however, produce a wonderful blast from the past: a River Rock employee recognized Michael from the old Richmond Sunrise Rotary meetings and even showed him a photo of a former server who had won $100,000 in the lottery. Michael also has a busy weekend ahead with a family engagement celebration.

Overall, it was another classic Sergeant-at-Arms—a little family news, a little travel, plenty of Thanksgiving planning, a few health updates, some golf, a couple of mystery stories, and just enough questionable turkey preparation to keep everyone entertained!

 

 

MEANDERINGS 

I hope you bring your best grouchy self next Thursday, October 15th, because it is National Grouch Day. Read on Gerta and Gaylord Grouch.

National Grouch Day is a fun, lighthearted observance dedicated to celebrating grouches, inspired by Oscar the Grouch from "Sesame Street" who first appeared in 1969 . The day encourages people to embrace their grumpy side, complain freely, and even wallow in misery for a little while, highlighting that expressing negative emotions can be cathartic. It’s a reminder that no one can be happy all the time, and sometimes letting out a groan or a sarcastic remark is perfectly acceptable.

How to Celebrate

  • Be a Grouch: Complain, grumble, or share your irritations in a humorous way.

  • Social Media Fun: Post memes, jokes, or funny photos about being grumpy or cynical.

  • Oscar the Grouch Tribute: Watch episodes of "Sesame Street" featuring Oscar, or share clips of his iconic "I Love Trash" song.

  • Cynical Humor: Show off your dry sense of humor or backhanded compliments, which are hallmarks of a true grouch.

Fun Facts

  • Oscar the Grouch was originally orange but turned green after a vacation at Swamp Mushy Muddy.

  • Grouches are happiest when others share their misery, and they rarely admit to being happy themselves .

  • Complaining occasionally can have a psychological benefit, helping to process negative emotions.
    National Grouch Day is a playful celebration that allows everyone to unleash their inner grouch for a day, while also appreciating humor, sarcasm, and the quirks that make grumpy characters like Oscar so beloved.

 


 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
Thursday, October 29 – Halloween-themed social at the funeral home venue.
 
November 12,2026, District Governor visit and our own AGM so we can find out who the next victims are - oops I mean president elect, secretary, etc. 
 
May 7th, 2027 Gala mark it on your calendar.
 
 
 
 
 

 TODAY'S CHUCKLEs     

 

 

10,000+ Free Funny Emoji & Emoji Images - Pixabay

 

We're trying to appeal to golfers; they are the swing voters.

 

My friends think I'm addicted to brake fluid, but I can stop any time I like.

 

If this tumble dryer pops open one more time, that's it; I'm throwing in the towel.

 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Maryam Bawa
October 5
 
Danilo Salcedo
October 6
 
Micheal Ghirra
October 22
 
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Malcolm Brodie
October 11
 
Anniversaries
Bobby Ghirra
Neeta Ghirra
October 23
 
Join Date
Dick Wagner
October 2, 1992
34 years
 
Chris Pughe
October 7, 2003
23 years
 
Jeannette Patacsil
October 24, 2022
4 years
 
Maddie Pughe
October 24, 2016
10 years