1. Jess Moat, our exchange student from New Zealand, was happy to announce how well she enjoyed her Hot Air Balloon ride over KW. Her host family also took her to visit New York city recently which was a real experience for her in such a big city. Lastly, she was happy to take part in KCI Drama presentation which was a totally student run event.

 

2. Howard Pell was happy to announce how his blood donation event went last week. He didn't reach his goal of 50 donors but got close with 35 and still counting. He was thankful for the support of 19 members in his drive.

 

3. Russ Newkirk spoke to his trip to visit the War Memorials in Europe. He was especially thankful for their guide who was a military historian and added a lot to the event. He also had good weather during his visit which made it doubly interesting. The laying of wreaths on Remembrance Day was very emotional.

President Richard recognized Jim Phillips and his team for their contributions and efforts on the Online Auction that wrapped up on the 17th.

Q: How many sponsors were we aiming for the Online Auction?

Ans: 10 or 6. There are 10 sponsors, 4 are in kind donations and 6 are paid.

1. Bill Proctor drew our attention to the coming scheduled events in our meeting program; Dec. 3 Christmas Social, Dec. 10 AGM.

 

2. Jim Phillips gave an update on the Online Auction noting that we had 145 items put up which was almost a 50% increase. He thanked the membership for their efforts in obtaining the items. Only 7 items were not bid on and those were put in a "Fire Sale" that ends Tuesday at 10 pm to see if they can be sold. Total bids on items was approximately $15, 500 but will be adjusted when expenses on consignment items are taken into account. Lastly, he would like members to collect any signs they put out and return them at next meeting as we reuse them next year. As well, Neil & Gary will need volunteers to assist with the distribution of items on Saturday, Nov. 24th from 9 to 5 pm. Contact either Neil or Gary to sign up for a morning or afternoon shift of approximately 3 hours.

 

3. Paul Rostrup reminded members that he will be circulating ballot for voting on Board members for the 2019 - 2020 online this week and to have in sent in by December 3.

 

4. Howard Pell spoke to the final event for the Car Draw which is to be held on Friday, Nov. 30th at the Aud. Seventeen members have signed up but more could be used. Please bring in any tickets sold with cheques by Nov. 26th meeting.

Richard, Howard and Jim Phillips all tried their luck at the draw but no winners today. Pot is $173.00 and growing.

 

Richard introduced, Andrew Thompson, our guest speaker for today. Andrew comes to us from the Political Science Dept. at UW as an adjunct professor. He is also a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance & Innovation an officer of the Balsillie school of International Affairs and a specialist in the fields of International human rights, civil society movements and fragile states. 

 

Andrew spoke to his thanks for Rotary's Peace scholarships and Ernie Ginsler's involvement in the Peace project at UW. He believes it is a terrific investment in world peace initiatives. He heads up the cybersecurity division and is researching how Canada can strengthen how artificial intelligence [AI] can be used in ways to benefit humankind rather than the more advertised negative affects. Many feel that AI can disrupt economic, social and political structures. He hilited several threats that he sees to democracy which has created uncertain times. These uncertain times are created by climate change which has meant extreme weather and mass devastation; growing inequality amongst nations; the war on terror campaign and the rise of popular nationalism. These elements have created a refugee crisis in several areas of the world; along with anger and resentment. AI can revolutionize life if you follow Elon Musk's philosophy and alter global issues and problems for the better. But Andrew warns, such issues as, Cambridge Analitica's impact on voting; the use of drones as weaponry; facial recognition's ability to track and control populations are not good for human rights. He believes that for democracy to survive that we need to vote in governments to regulate and curb the negative uses for Artificial  Intelligence. Use International law, such as the Montreal & Toronto Declarations on the uses for AI. Ban certain types of weaponry that uses AI or robotic mechanisms and limit the exploitation of AI for improper uses.

 

Richard thanked Andrew and presented him with our certificate for the immunization of 100 children against polio.

Closing Remarks & Reminders