|
|
|
GENERAL NEWSLETTER
|
|
(A photo of our magnificent west-coast, credit to Michael Lawrence)
|
|
This Newsletter is going to all VRMNC Paid-Up Members.
|
|
|
|
February is a short-Newsletter month...
Wikipedia tells me that 'February' is derived from the Roman month 'Februarius', which was named after the Latin term 'februum', which means "purification". Perhaps that has something to do with keeping those New Years resolutions beyond January? February is also known for Valentines day, Groundhog day, and others. Having only 28 days in common years, February is the only month of the year that can pass without a single full moon, although this year we already had ours on the 16th.
|
In keeping with the short month, we also have just a short Newsletter - dedicated to Activities Updates only.
|
However if anyone wants to contribute an article... well there's a big Newsletter planned for March. Just drop me a line.
|
Stay safe, Covid is not quite done with us yet!
|
|
|
|
Activities Updates
The Bons Vivants Group is still on hold but in the meantime, Gerry Delval, the Group Coordinator, will share another great recipe from the world famous yet reclusive Chef Gérard.
|
Tuesday Nine-Hole Golf Group: The Mt Doug golf course is expected to reopen in March, with play initially to be booked on a week to week basis. We hope to arrange full-season booking by April. Last season, we had about 24 people on the list, and Mt Doug assigned us five tee-times on Tuesdays at 1pm. We rarely filled more than three tee-times. I will inform the group of developments as they happen. Coordinator: Alan Breakspear.
|
The Wednesday Nine-Hole Golf Group: Demand for golf remains high. Currently we have 35 members in the group vying for 20 spots each week so, unfortunately, we cannot accept any new members at this time. We appreciate the patience of those who are on our waiting list and hope we can accommodate at least some of them in the not too distant future. Coordinator: Rick Holm.
|
Pub Lunch: Every second Thursday, averaging 15 attendees, see website > News > Newsletter for latest date & location. Coordinator: John Pierce.
|
Tuesday Hiking: Tuesday hikes are now led by volunteers. Roger Love keeps the notice list and coordinates the hike schedule. Our thanks go to Don Fedora for his many years of leadership, which is already missed.
|
Ramblers: We meet at 9 am on Mondays for 2 - 3 hours, led by various members. Since May 2021 we ventured to return after COVID restrictions lifted somewhat, and have enjoyed an outing rain or shine from then on with the exceptions of when the Provincial Holidays fall on Mondays. From 35 registered interested members we generally have 6 – 12 each time. Coordinator: Michael Randerson michaeldiana@shaw.ca
|
Billiards and Russian Billiards: We are playing on Tuesdays and Fridays respectively starting at 11:00 AM on both days. The numbers have decreased slightly for billiards due to health and Covid issues, ie. members are playing it safe and waiting for restrictions to ease. We currently have two tables on the go on Tuesday. Friday Russian billiards has one table playing. Peter Czypyha for (Coordinator) Paul Copus.
|
|
The Wine Club has just finished bottling 15 batches of wine which included 8 batches of Amarone wine that was aged in an oak barrel for 8 months. Preliminary taste test were very positive; the wine is ready to drink! Several members suggested that we make another 10 batches aged in a barrel. If any other VRMNC members are interested in joining the group to make wine, please contact me. Our next wine making session will be in early March. Summer is just 3 months away and you can make some nice light wines to serve your family and friends at the patio. (ie. Cherry Sangria). If you think that 30 bottles of wine is too much to store, ask a friend or family member to split a batch with you.
|
|
|
And here we are: all busy with the bottling!
|
Wine Club Coordinator: Peter Czypyha.
|
Investment Interest Group: Our February meeting will be on Friday the 25th at 1 PM via Zoom. Ian Johnson of Oak Bay Capital will speak on the importance of tail risk strategies in uncertain investment markets. Coordinator: Rick Cyr.
|
Field Trips: We are currently planning a field trip to Ross Bay Cemetery in mid March. A guided tour will be given by the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria. The tour, which is approximately 75 minutes, is a general history tour of the cemetery. Once details are finalized, registration information will be sent out to all members. Coordinator: Keith Knowles.
|
Lunchtime Speaker Series: The speaker series has restarted successfully with our first Zoom in January by Hugh Stevens presenting on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Future. The next speaker on Zoom will be B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie, on Feb 24 (12:00 pm). This is your opportunity to ask the Seniors Advocate questions such as:
|
- Do we have an adequate range of services for seniors in BC?Does she have any advice for seniors who do not have a family doctor?
- Is the Health Care system letting down seniors in BC?
- What needs to be done to improve personal care homes?
|
Electric Bike Brigade: Cam Berry led our group through Broadmead, Camosun Burnside, and Colquitz Creek to the Red Barn Market on Feb 14th. All riding was mostly on beautiful bike paths. What a special ride! Open to all members and partners with electric bikes. For more information contact: Orlie Reese: orliereese@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
VRMNC Webmasters' Corner
Did you Know?
- Changing your email or phone or home address? Update your records via Membership Director Bruce Thomson at Membership@VRMNC.ca.
- Yes we have forms! See Resources > Forms for IT guide for New Joiners, Activity Group Coordinators contact details (needs updating), etc.
- New to Victoria, see Resources > Useful Links.
- Correction needed with website, just email John Pierce at Webmaster@VRMNC.ca.
- Obituaries, as we hear of them, are posted in Resources > Obituaries, contact John or Bruce to add.
|
|
|
Parting shot:
One of our Activities... in action...
|
|
|
Tuesday Hiking Group... with "Tree-huggers in action" photo courtesy Hugh Stephens.
|
|
|
|
|
|
