Rick Evans introduced our latest exchange student, Kenji Matsamuto, to the Club. Also introduced were Don, Dennise and Deanna Gemmell who will be Kenji’s first host family. Kenji comes from a family of six and is fond of baseball, football and pizza. All members are invited to help Kenji enjoy his experience his term in Canada.

President Tom and Kenji Exchange Banners

President Tom read an announcement from John Potts reminding us that September is Rotary Month and we should shoot for maximum attendance. President Tom suggests a target of 80%. Remember that committee meeting count for make-ups. Advise Joyce or use the new make-up sheet beside the sign-in sheet.

Art Wing

President Tom asked Art Wing to bring news from the Awards and Recognition Committee. Art reminded us that as Rotarians we are charged with the responsibility of improving the quality of life in our community. As Rotarians we played a large role in the establishment of Hospice Niagara. The Committee wanted to recognize several members who assisted by contributing their time and effort and fundraising in making this project a success.

Certificates of Recognition: were presented to the following:

Hospice Niagara Supporters

Recipients present and in photo:
Chris Bangham, Rachel Delaney, Ian Elmes, Doug Geddie, Graham Keddedy, Bob Lauler, George Park, Rob Reid, George Shepherd, Ron Sloan, John Snowling, Dave Stevenson, Art Wing, Mark Zammit.

Absent from Rotary today:
Judith Barker, George Darte, Dave Edwards, Bill Finley, Larry Iggulden, John Lehnen, John O’Connell.

50/50 Draw:

Bill McKay pulled the seven of spades – better luck next time Bill!

Happy Dollars :

Earl Alton

Earl Alton was happy to spend time in Brazil with Garcia’s (family of past exchange student)

Chris Bangham was happy to see daughter Nicola’s photo in United Nations Magazine shaking hands with the president of Liberia.

Ross Burns was happy to see Hospice awards and happy to report on Ribfest next week.

Eugene Gillies was happy.

Ron Sloan was happy to be told the difference between French fries and English Chips.

John Crossingham now knows that you must be careful with the word reception when it pertains to telephones or weddings.

Nancy Hostick-Ferris is happy to come through a bad inner ear infection and was very happy to have George there to help her.

Geoff Hughes

George Doty was glad to talk to guest Geoff Hughes from Bath as George was stationed there during WW2.

Oraine DeRosa was happy her daughter enjoyed her summer stint with The Standard.

Graham Kennedy was happy to diplomatically get a wedding back on track.

George Park also spent time in Bath and informed us that a “House Surgeon” in the UK is an “Intern” in Canada. Hey! You learn something when you read the Gossip Sheet!

Kelly Buckley is happy to have Kenji and 21 others over for dinner next week.

Program:

Sam Walters and Norma Medulun – The TV Auction Kick-off!

Sam Walters

Sam Walters reminded us that this will be our 27th TV Auction. Over this time span we have raised $2.5 Million. Sam took us through all the dozens of steps and tasks required to complete a successful Auction. As Sam pointed out if it looks like a complicated process –it is! Last year we made $90,000 while the year before we made $107,000. The primary culprit in the lower take was the delay in getting the items in for processing. The emphasis this year is to get everything in early so that the items can successfully processed.
The goal this year is to have $180,000 in retail value.

Norma Medulun

Norma Medulun, our Campaign Chair emphasized the importance of the team effort. We should work as a team and help one another. “Late is not good”, she emphasized, as it puts a “crunch” on Rotarians at the end. Because of the “crunch” we could not process late submissions last year. Norma vowed that this year she will cut off the campaign and not keep putting it off as in past years.

Norma took us through the “Kit” which everyone received then asked that each team name a person who has computer savvy to help those who do not have the skills to complete the forms.

Serge Paquin demonstrates auction wizard

Serge Paquin took us through the Auction Wizard link, which we must use to properly describe the items for auction. After filling in the forms, print a copy and attach to the item when it is brought in.

Next Week

Hillary Dawson – CEO of the Niagara Council of Ontario.

Other Announcements:

• ROTARY District Newsletter for June is now available at http://www.rotary7090.org/pdfs/districtnews/DN0706.pdf

• Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition, Community Solutions Conference, Four Points Sheraton, Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON. Evening of November 6 and all day November 7, 2007

• The 9th annual FACS Fall Gala is being held at White Oaks on Friday October 12th . For more info, or to book tickets, call 905 937-7731 ext 3304

Rotary Theme
2007-2008