There are 14 to 16 members, 12 of whom act one per month – the remainder act as ‘fill-in’ duty as needed.

The Sgt. is essentially the President’s slave for the duration of the meeting with responsibility for: the smooth running of the meeting, banner and flag display, proper operation of the audio equipment, collecting from early leavers and birthday contributions, receipt of Happy Dollar proceeds and administration of the 50/50 draw. The Sgt. Counts all the money collected during the meeting and turns it over to the Treasurer. (The real reason they all volunteer is to ring the bell for the opening and closing of each week’s meeting.)

Birthdays:

July 22 - Bob Thompson;
July 24 - Sangeeta Hollo (on a leave of absence);
July 26 - Bob Hamilton, Norman Kreger (on a leave of absence),
Peter Mahoney;
July 28 - George Irvine.

George Irvine

Announcements:

Honourary Member Chuck Coome passed away July 19, 2007. Chuck was a President of our Club 1971/1972. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship 1982/1983. Chuck has been an Honourary Member since July 1997.

Dutch Erling is not well; he is suffering from a vascular brain tumor that has affected his balance and mobility. His two daughters are back home with him helping him while a course of treatment is determined and undertaken.

At our Board meeting this week we accepted with regret two resignations: Jean Girgenti and Carol Stymiest. We also granted two leaves of absence: Sangeeta Hollo and John TeBrake.

Liz Palmieri asked for a volunteer to help Gene Gillies with the Rotary Info desk for Rib Fest. We have 2 weeks to go and there are still a few holes on Saturday and Sunday evenings. We have Rib Fest T-shirts for new volunteers. If anyone has recycled coffee trays kicking around, please bring them to the meeting next week – we will reuse them for trays of beer.

Liz Palmieri

District Governor Bob will be attending Rib Fest on the Saturday afternoon.

The Rotary Club of Rochester will be hosting a dinner themed, “A Salute to Canada” – Wilf Wilkerson will be the speaker. Date: October 23. Info at: http://www.rochesterrotary.org

District 7090’s 2007-2008 catalogue of World Community Service approved projects is now available on the District website. You may view or print the catalogue by visiting http://wcs.rotary7090.org/WCSCatalogue2007-2008.pdf or just go to the District website www.rotary7090.org and follow the WCS link.

50/50 Draw:

Oraine DeRosa had the winning ticket but drew a 5 of hearts in her quest for $399.50

Happy Dollars: Collected by Terry Kellar

Terry began by paying $2 and explaining that a truck driver was driving one day when he saw a car pulled over with its hood up – it was his parish priest. He stopped to pick him up and take the Priest to his destination. On their way they came upon another car pulled over with its hood up (must have been a rainy day in England) and when he realized that it was his banker, he floored the accelerator and aimed right at him. Then, realizing that he had his Priest with him and this action would definitely fall under the category of “sin”, he veered just in time to miss the banker but heard a whopping “whump”. His priest grinned and remarked – “We got him anyway with my door!”

Terry Kellar

Lumpy was happy to relate another joke.

Chris ‘Biker’ Bangham reminded us that the Great Niagara Circle Route Ride would embark following Rotary on August 9 following our regular meeting. The route will take riders to Fort Erie via Port Colborne on Thursday; stay overnight in Fort Erie and complete the circle on Friday via NOTL. So far the riders include the Banghams, the Feasby’s, the Delaneys, Doug Geddie, Phil Porter, Mark Zammit and I suspect the Crossinghams. This ride will not be a race, is obviously not a guy’s ride and will probably include a satisfactory ration of suds. Contact ‘Biker Bangham’ so that he can book motel rooms and bring in the appropriate number of kegs.

Patricia Rooney announced that she is placing the minutes from the first Program Committee meeting in cubbies at the sign in desk. She also wanted to thank everyone for their inquiries and good wishes for Watson and his battles.

Program:

Ambassadorial Scholarship

Introduction: Doug Geddie.

Doug explained how the RI Foundation funds the Ambassadorial scholar program that has a value of $26,000 to each recipient. Doug has been involved for many years including chairing this District Committee. He related that it is always a very tough task to choose one from 8 or 9 excellent candidates.

Doug Geddie

Karl attended Grimsby Secondary School and the area of expertise that he is developing is Political Communications. He attended University of London’s Goldsmiths College to pursue this interest.

Karl explained that there were 12 students in the program from 10 countries outside of the UK. While in London he spoke at many Rotary Clubs including one in Chigwell, County Essex. (From the Internet: Chigwell, "the first village in London", so close it has an Underground station and an outer London telephone number. Mainly a residential area and famous as the fictional setting for the BBC series "Birds of a Feather". In fact in the past it was very much a country area, with historical links to Epping Forest. Reminders of these links can be seen in its older buildings, with 18th century houses and a village atmosphere. A good example is the timber-framed 17th century inn "The King’s Head", used in the 18th century for the ancient Forest Court of Attachments meetings.) He gave a Rotary presentation in Chigwell in a 500 year-old pub. Following his presentation, the President took him upstairs to a room where Winston Churchill frequently held meetings during WWII. Living in Central London, Karl was amazed by the extreme multiculturalism of the city and the rapidity of change to their society.

Karl Baldauf

Karl explained that Political Communications is an emerging field that studies the relationship between the media, the politicians and the citizens. In fact, Goldsmiths College is one of the few schools in the world offering this course of study. (From the internet: Goldsmiths is all about the freedom to experiment, to think differently, to be an individual. They bring creative and unconventional approaches to all of their subjects, but everything they do is based on the highest academic standards of teaching and research.) Karl’s thesis is “Political Marketing and its Impact”.

Karl related that his Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship made the difference between his being able to go or not go to London for post-graduate studies. He thanked us very much for our support and asked that we continue the program for other students. Upon completing his dissertation, he will explore (to his parents relief) job opportunities. In addition to the knowledge he has gained in his field of study, he has learned how move about and be independent in a large multicultural society.

Thanks to the Speaker: Art Wing

Art has known Karl for the past year through email correspondence and met him face to face for the first time today. He thanked Karl for representing us in London and for presenting to us today. Art also thanked Doug Geddie for his work and dedication to this committee. He pointed out that Doug always recommended that we send more than one student each year – this year we will send two!

President Tom thanked Karl and presented one of our dedicated dictionaries.

Karl Baldauf and President Tom

Next Week: Kate Cassidy – Youth University

Other Announcements:

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

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

• The annual MS Bike Tour takes place in Niagara on August 26 th . There are 40 and 75 km routes along the Niagara Parkway . Call 1 800 268-7582 for more details, or register at msbiketours.com

Rotary Theme
2007-2008