Gossip Sheet # 14 - October 7, 2004
Editor: Brian Stewart

Today's meeting began with grace said by Nancy Ferris-Hostick, followed by Rob Reid leading the club is O Canada.

Nancy Ferris

President Betty Lou Souter introduced the head table which included: Jen Feasby, Margaret Corbett, Betty Lou, Heather Combe, Bill Finley and Jaquelyn Bradshaw

Today's guests were introduced by Jacquelyn, they included: Diane and Joanne Heritz, Bill Hallett and Dr Berchmans all guests of Betty Lou; April, Don and Joanne Feasby all guests of Dave Feasby; Ron Dubciak, Margaret Corbett and Jackie Herman.

Bill Finley

Bill Finley was the member in the spotlight today. Bill's biggest contribution to Rotary over the years has been with his involvement in youth exchange. Bill has hosted 25 international students and remains in contact with many to this day.

Birthdays: Bob Lawler, Rusty Kruty and Larissa Brodsky all celebrated birthdays this week. Unfortunately Bob was in attendance and our club did its rendition of happy birthday.

Bob Lawler

Oct 14 No Meeting
Oct 15 Bill Orr's Gala
Oct 21 Eric Moog -Port Dalhousie Redevelopment Plan
Oct 28 Peter Partington-Issues & Challenges Facing Regional Municipality of Niagara
Nov 4 Jos Nolle - Land Mine Presentation - Night of 1000 dinners (luncheon)

Happy Dollars

Mike Michaud

Mike Michaud led happy dollars by saying he was enjoying our recent warm weather, and was happy that his daughter returned from her honeymoon in Hawaii.

Harold Nash was happy to see that more people are wearing jackets and ties. Harold is going to bring in some samples next week and promises to do alterations on the spot.

Dave Edwards was happy to announce that 4200 people took place in the Run for the Cure raising approximately $400 000.

Norm Kreger announced that there is a new venture in our region called Toys on Wings; it is similar to Wings of Hope in which trips are offered to qualifying disabled kids.

Rob Reid is learning to appreciate his son working on a cruise ship since he found out family members can travel really cheap.

Doug Geddie

Doug Geddie was happy to report that a recent youth exchange student has become a medical school student in Germany.

Betty Lou welcomed Diane and Joanne Heritz to the meeting.

50/50 Draw

Dave Feasby had the right ticket but drew the wrong card.

The Program
Dave Feasby - Rotary Exchange Students

Margaret Cobett

Dave Feasby introduced Margaret Corbett and Jen Feasby as our speakers for today. The subject for today was: Rotary Connected Student Experience Internationally.

Margaret was a youth exchange student who spent her year in Austria. She spent most of time in the city of Lindz, which is the 3 rd largest city in Austria.

Margaret's first experience was to spend time in a German camp were she learned the German language along with other exchange students. The few problems that she experienced seem to all involve the transportation system.

Some of her highlights included: celebrating an Austrian Christmas with their custom of decorating the tree with ornaments, chocolate and candles. Margaret also learned some standard ballroom dancing and enjoyed traveling to every state within Austria. Her travels also included a Euro tour with all the other exchange students.

Margaret's international experience taught her how independent she was along with the importance of family. She was very appreciative of her opportunity to experience how other people live in different parts of the world.

Jen Feasby

Jen Feasby spent two years as a volunteer in Belize. After graduating from university, Jen wanted some real life experiences so she volunteered with the Jesuit Volunteers International. This is a Catholic organization based out of the US and is made up of four components. These include: community, simplicity, social justice and spirituality.

Jen went to Belize which is a small country bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea. Jen worked in the field of youth enhancement with a goal to empower women to lead an independent and fulfill life. This was accomplished by teaching marketable skills to young women.

She spoke about her experiences and she relied on many aspects of her past training to accomplish a range of varied tasks.

Alex Elliott thanked our speakers for today.

President Betty Lou, Jen Feasby, Margaret Cobett & Dave Feasby

Where's Chigusa

Chigusa Yoshida

Chigusa Yoshida - Our exchange student from Japan.
She is currently staying with Marg Jarrell
Please consider contacting her via Marg Jarrell to include her in your next outing.

Note: Our Pocket Rosters are out and already there are changes
Chris Bangham office # 682-2651 Ex 251 Fax 905-688-4094
Henry Becker Fax-905-688-9680

Next week: No meeting on Thursday. Bill Orr's Gala on Friday October 15th at Club Roma.