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A humble and simplified Grace was said by Liz Palmieri.
Don Shaw pitched us into O Canada.
A water Toast was offered by President Rick to Her Majesty Queen of Canada and Canada
President Rick acted as the Lost and Found wicket for a set of keys with questionable pedigree that was ultimately claimed by Marg Jarrell.
President Rick introduced the Head Table:
Peter Mahoney to introduce our speaker Rob Reid, The President himself, Sergeant at Arms Bob Lawler, Member in the Spotlight: Alex McKee
Scott Heelis introduced the guests and they were suitably recognized by the club with a rousing round of applause. If I had remembered to get the list I would have added it here. Sorry.
Member in the Spotlight Alex McKee spoke about his participation at a Rotary Club monetary presentation to the HMSC Haida Foundation to assist in the ongoing education of students regarding WW II. 75 Grade 10 students and three history teachers attended the assembly where they were explained the stark realities of being on board the Haida at a young age and watching their friends ‘disappear”. By way of background, during his years as an educator Alex was dismayed at the lack of learning regarding Canada’s role in WWII and other wars. After meeting Bill Green who is with the HMSC Haida, an opportunity to help change that came about. Plans are underway to disseminate the history and role of the Haida to secondary school educators. Tours of the Haida, located in Hamilton On start May 19 2007.
Birthdays: Ron Fast and Jacqueline Bradshaw were obviously out celebrating elsewhere. Liz Palmieri paid her “donation” and received the Rose as a visible sign of her important day. The club members tried their best with another round of Happy Birthday… practise makes perfect one day we hope.
John Snowling introduced new member Bob Thompson who has the distinction of being member # 150. Bob hailed from Toronto, received his education from East York College, Brock University and quite possibly other places but the scribe was slow ( apologies). He moved to The Garden City in 1972 has two children Doug who works at TRW and enjoys tennis with his dad, and Wendy, the Mayors outgoing (intended double entendre) Executive Assistant. Sadly, Bob’s wife Alaina passed away three years ago. Bob is the VP of Beacon Financial in Port Dalhousie enjoys time with his grandchildren, boating and skiing. He is now on the Rotary Golf Tournament Committee.
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Rick Merritt, Bob Thompson and John Snowling |
John Snowling remained at the podium to announce that due to the number of new members to the club since September that an Induction would now take place. Harold Nash presided. The following members stood proud during the process: Serge Paquin, Ted Usick, Karen Deroche, Brian McMullen, Bob Thompson. Our Club has the distinction of being the second largest club in our district, second only to Buffalo.
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Harold Nash |
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| Bob Thompson, Serge Paquin, Karen DeRoche, Ted Usick and Brian McMullen |
President Rick introduced Betty Lou Souter Chair of the Major Grants Committee. Following the 10 day notice period, a recommendation to provide a $20,500 scholarship fund from our Capital Fund to Niagara College to assist a deserving student was made. The capital portion will remain in perpetuity and is expected to generate an annual investment of approximately $1,970.00. The scholarship fund is to be known as the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Scholarship Conflict of Interest was declared by Dan Patterson, Rochelle Delaney, Blair Stewart. The motion was passed.
Earl Alton made a plea on behalf of the Golf Tournament for individuals to play/ sponsor/ donate prizes. Things are a “bit behind schedule”. Proceeds from the tournament support the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Center and the Niagara Health System Foundation. Fore!
President Rick announced that the Civic Affairs Committee will be doing a walkabout with Mayor McMullen on Saturday May 4, 2007 at the Rotary Park. Purpose of the walkabout is to hear and learn of the intended plans for the park. Everyone is welcome, please remember to check the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Ron Sloan started us off with a story about an unemployed acrobat finding work at a zoo as a gorilla. The poor soul took the admonishment to “stay in character” seriously, was swinging about when he fell into the lion’s den. Frightened, he began to scream for help only to realize the “lion” was an out of work actor who reminded him to stay in character or everyone would lose their job. Perhaps they need to check on workopolis!
Dan Patterson graciously thanked the Club for the Scholarship Fund.
Peggy Davidson gleefully stated it is almost Spring but too soon for the tomatoes.
Rachel Delaney wondered about ‘toilets on the floor” as part of a Bike and Barge trip planned soon with Brian.
Oraina De Rosa thanked Alexis De Wolfe for her tireless behind the scenes work on the Gossip Sheet and Auction.
Liz Palmeri sang the praises of the Club members who generously anted up to the tune of $1,345 sponsor her at the Niagara Chorus singathon next weekend.
Liz also wondered if there was Freedom at 55?
John Snowling thanked Bob for joining the Club and reminded the membership Committee of the upcoming meeting Tuesday at 5 pm George Darte Funeral Chapel. He is on a mission we think.
Ed Silver celebrated good news of his wife’s health and expressed appreciation to the Niagara Health System for the First Class care received.
Wendy Southall expressed appreciation for the Special Olympics event and the support of the NRPD to the event. Art Weaver’s son Kyle received an award for Most Improved.
Art Weaver announced that his son won the weight class event at the Special Olympics and was involved in the Northern Ontario Power Lifting event.
Gregory Bodogh Darte wanted to know who the Clown, seated at the far table was.
George Doty was in the pink because the cherry blossoms are blooming at Brock.
President Merritt revealed the identity of the Clown: Doug Foss who came in costume from his gig at the McMaster Children’s Center.
He also announced that our exchange student Becky is performing at the upcoming Laura Secord Spring Concert. Given that we are her collective family, everyone is invited to go in support of her.
50/50 Rachel Delaney won a chance but that was it. The pot grows.
Peter Mahoney introduced Rob Reid with some side kick banter that 1`lawyers seated together at the head table was the work of a banker ( JP). Peter stated that to do Rob’s C.V. would be a classification talk so it was decided to forego in the interest of time.
Rob chairs the District Harassment and Abuse Committee and basically drafted the policy. Unfortunately people who prey on the vulnerable populations often do so via a service club membership. Rotary is taking a leadership position to establish a policy in response to this. The protocol is implemented at the District level as Rotary International requires clubs certify that they have protocols in place to be involved in youth exchange.
The power point presentation was very well done and is attached (Click here) for the reader’s information. Should you require a hard copy please see Joyce.
All Rotary Club members will be asked to submit to a risk assessment and criminal reference check to assist the club in compliance. Norma Medulun has agreed to be the Coordinator and holder of all confidential information with respect to this. Wendy Southhall will assist in arranging for the application process to be done during upcoming Club meetings. The Rotary Club will cover all expenses related to the application process. All new members will be required to have a risk assessment and criminal reference check as part of the membership application.
We are doing this to ensure no one is hurt as a result of any action of harassment or abuse. It is also a prevention and liability reduction strategy.
Why Now? It is actually quite commonplace for service clubs to do this.
Everyone involved in youth exchange, including non Rotarian host families will have to comply. Greater planning lead time will be necessary.
Some questions about process, scope and costs were asked and answered.
Norma Medulun thanked the speaker for a clear, concise and commendable job of the presentation.
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Rob Reid and Rick Merritt |
Announcement: Ecumenical service will be held at the District Conference this Sunday morning at 8 am: G The Late George Howard and Dr. Blair to be remembered.
Next Week: Operation Eyesight
Meeting Adjourned.
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