This week Rob Lutts gave an update on the club's financials as well as a presentation on attractive investment themes for the coming year. Rob started with a brief history of the Scholarship Foundation Endowment Fund. The fund continues to grow, both in terms of market value and additional contributions. This year, the fund crossed the $1,000,000 threshold. Over the history of the scholarship fund, more than $343,000 have been given away.
Rob then went into five themes that he considers to be game changers on the cusp of great wealth creation. These themes are productivity tools, artificial intelligence, transportation systems, digital enablers, and energy storage. Technology obviously plays a role in all of these themes. As technology has an even greater impact on our lives, it will lead to more and more productivity by replacing human labor and cognitive effort. Rob listed several companies leading in innovation in many different fields. He closed reviewing his belief that the innovation cycle will accelerate over the next five years.
THE DCF HOLIDAY EVENT
Photos from this year's DCF Holiday Event
The Four Way Test
Since Claire was unable to attend, some members of the club attempted to nominate Mark Shaw as this week's presenter. It was decided that this was unfair and in violation of one of the critical components. Claire Kallelis will present next week.
We have volunteered to help at Lifebridge dinners once every other month. The next event is in January. For now, cooking can be done at Lifebridge, though this is subject to change. More details to follow.
ROTARIAN NEWS
Mike McLaughlin was surprised to discover that buying a used car can actually cost more than buying a new car. He made this discovery while shopping for a car for his mother who will now be getting a custom made RAV4.
Bruce Whear wrapped up his tour as Santa last week. The final stop for Chris Kringle was in Milton where he received extra attention from a youngster at a Burger King who promised that she has been good this year.
Bill Henning will be paying a fine for having his phone go off at Rotary. He was excited to learn that there is a printed lifestyle article in a Bermuda newspaper recognizing Thomas's book.
Jim Dillon piggybacked on Mike's car discovery by disclosing he received an offer on his car, which he traded in and had his car payments go down. More importantly, he shared how his son and daughter in law just got custody of a child they had fostered four years ago. Congrats!
Viktoria Talebian is anticipating that her daughter will hear back from six of the eleven schools she applied to. She has already been accepted to Arizona State University.
Gerrit Bradley was relieved that the calendars are at the printer and might be available next week! He also was proud that his sons picked out some of the gifts needed for the YMCA.
Club Announcements
Dickens Classic Trolley Ride
December 15 at 6:45 pm
December's social calendar is filling up, so save the date. We will begin the evening with appetizers and drinks at Finz at 5:15 before this classic ride! Snacks will be provided free of charge, and individual Rotarians can buy their own booze. Bring a mask and be sure to dress "average" according to Bob Anthony (meaning that the trolley is heated).
Click the link below to log into the weekly club meeting via Zoom.
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.
In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.