This was the first dinner of 2010 and it was nice to see familiar faces again – thanks so much for visiting!
We enjoyed delicious fare and began with a garden salad complete with creamy Italian dressing. This was followed by very tender pork, with an unusual attribute in that it had a tasty prune stuffing, and complemented the mixed vegetables and creamed potatoes. Dessert was a chocolate cream cheesecake, all rounded off with tea or coffee. A great way to start the evening!
Our guests included council members Bill Harper, Bob Osterman and Jaimie McEvoy, with Ken standing in for Betty McIntosh!
Muriel introduced the head table, which included the President of the Justice Institute, Mr. Jack McGee. Our guest speaker this evening was Dr. Scott McAlpine, President of Douglas College in New Westminster, and Hazel Postma, Associate VP, External Relations, Douglas College, who joined those present at the head table.
Muriel also reminded the Board of Directors of the next meeting at 7 p.m. at the Plaskett Room in the New Westminster Library, on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.
Following dinner we went to the Theatre where we were treated to an excellent presentation by Dr. McAlpine. Referring to a slide presentation and without notes, Dr. McAlpine focused on demographic changes in the environment through to 2036 and stated that Douglas College is in a strategic planning mode regarding post-secondary education for now and the future. From the demographics it is evident that China and India will pave the way as world super powers, based on projected population growth. It is these two nations that Canada in general and BC in particular need to consider as major trading partners if Canada wishes to maintain its development and economic growth now and throughout coming decades.
Dr. McAlpine’s presentation was an eye-opener; very well prepared and documented, we were treated to facts and figures that made you think. It is hoped that Dr. McAlpine will continue with this and other presentations, as he leads Douglas College in the coming years. Thank you so much!
The next dinner will be Tuesday, February 23, 2010 when our guest speaker will be Lt.-Col. Doug Poitras, Commanding Officer of the Royal Westminster Regiment. Lt.-Col. Poitras has spent assignments in Afghanistan, so we very much look forward to his visit and to hear of his experiences in this war-torn country.
Thanks for visiting and look forward to seeing you on February 23.
Best wishes,
