Debbie S. beamed with proud-mom energy this week. Her daughter Nicole has started her marine industry bridge watch program and is already making waves — literally. During lifeboat drills, Nicole launched herself in so quickly and smoothly that the instructor said she “got in like a fish.” Fastest in the class and one of only two women among twelve trainees. Way to show ’em how it’s done!
John is gearing up for sunnier days, counting down to the Dominican Republic. He’s already downloaded the resort app and is strategically booking restaurant reservations. He may miss our tasting… but promises plenty of “research” on tropical cuisine.
Dalbir is traveling from the 12th to the 19th and is only missing two important dates — Valentine’s and an anniversary. He’s optimistic this will somehow work out at home. We wish him luck… he may need it.
Jeanette has been in full Rotary-mode: attending a global grant seminar, a district membership forum, and polishing plans for an upcoming Philippines project — plus a three-week Vietnam trip. Busy doesn’t begin to cover it.
Sandra squeezed in airport pickup duty but still caught the most important part of the football game — the final quarter — and is now prepping to host a Super Bowl gathering.
Melinda also enjoyed the big game and a visit with the grandkids. Her birthday taco dinner didn’t quite land with the younger crowd, who swapped tacos for cucumbers and celery. Toddlers: the toughest food critics around.
Maryam completed a five-stop hot chocolate walking tour (with 2 km between each stop — impressive stamina!) and is now nervously coaching her school basketball team into their first game. Go team!
Garth planned to ski but found icy slopes instead, so he pivoted to painting the house. Turns out repainting doubles as a step-counter hack — thousands of steps just climbing ladders.
Larry shared a heartfelt and honest update. After some encouragement from Joyce last week, he received tough news that his cancer has returned. Despite a rough stretch (including a fridge dying at the worst possible time), he expressed deep gratitude for the support and friendship of the club. A reminder of how much this community matters.
Joyce is juggling travel and family time — off to see her granddaughters, then Mexico — while still lifting others up, as she clearly did for Larry.
Pat enjoyed exploring Cypress’s new waterfront pop-up village and has taken up studying bridge more seriously. Lifelong learning in action!
Chris M. celebrated a delightfully unconventional “monthly anniversary” with a romantic Richmond Garden Club meeting, followed by champagne and a handmade sticker card from Eleanor. She’s also on an 800+ day Duolingo Spanish streak and recommends a charming Spanish-language vet show for lighthearted viewing.
Lawrence avoided a court appearance thanks to a settlement but is battling a more urgent crisis: broken glasses and a questionable new prescription that somehow makes things blurrier. The optometrist saga continues.
Marylou survived a frigid Toronto trip filled with jazz, concerts, galleries, and PATH tunnel adventures — capped off by miraculously escaping 50 cm of snow to fly home. She’s now heading to a big CFA dinner to celebrate a founder’s lifetime achievement award.
Marg prepared for her “80-year-old driving test,” only to discover it was essentially a quick medical check and friendly chat. No memory quizzes required — much to her relief. She also saw a fascinating local play and shared concern for a friend displaced by a house explosion (everyone safe, thankfully).
Bill reported their 15-year-old dog is slowing down (with equal parts love and realism), while he continues an epic tour of Canucks games from every possible seat — from row two behind the bench to champagne-and-oyster boxes. Rough life, Bill!
Sam delivered one of the night’s best stories: Justin bought a vintage San Jose Sharks jacket and had to memorize three team facts before wearing it (house rules!). What started as homework turned into true fandom — complete with wearing a Sharks jersey to a Canucks game and quietly celebrating goals to avoid the boos.
Graham popped in between early-morning UPS runs to Whistler and Pemberton, shared sports takes, and casually mentioned delivering packages to homes of NHL stars — including a certain Sharks standout. Not a bad route perk.
Amanda wrapped things up with birthday cheer: a brand-new phone (after 10 years!), a peaceful Scandinave spa getaway, virtual golf plans, and the important update that her cat still loves her. Truly the wins that matter.
Another week of travels, sports, family, resilience, and Rotary friendship — never a dull moment around this group.
