Gossip Sheet # 38 - April 1, 2004
Editor: Foster Zanutto

Betty-Lou Souter

Graham Kennedy launched our April 01/04 meeting with Grace, followed by a respectful rendition of O Canada and our usual toast to the Queen and Canada. President Brian St. Hilaire introduced the Head Table, comprised of Betty-Lou Souter, speaker Doug Smith, Sgt-at-arms Ron Sloan, new member Art Weaver and Rick Merritt, who introduced guests Diane Taylor, Kari Beukema, Cindy Haines and Amy Leaming.

Birthday Rotarians Dave Butler, Bill Campbell, Chris Bangham and Nancy Ferris-Hostick were not present, so there was no further singing.

Announcements

Liz Palmieri

Next week’s meeting is joint with the other St. Catharines Rotary Clubs on WEDNESDAY, April 7, same time/place.

On Friday, April 02 at 10am City Hall will raise the Rotary Flag in recognition of Rotary Awareness Month.

Liz Palmieri spoke briefly on the “Rotary Family” theme with particular emphasis on the “Rotary Auction Family”, showing how over the years our Rotary families have been heavily involved in the Auction. It’s been a great introduction to Rotary for our children, our exchange students and to all the business families that support the Auction. Liz asked that we all thank our families and remember to involve them in this year’s Auction and that we all take a lesson from stalwart Auction families like the Walters and their famous “closing” performances, and enjoy some great family fun at the Auction.

The 2004 Provincial Senior Games takes place August 16-18, 2004 in St. Catharines. Call Bob James at 905 356-6999 if you want to get involved as a volunteer.

The 7th Annual Gift of Life Golf Tournament is being held on Monday, May 17 at The Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway. Contact Sat Singh if you are interested in playing.

April is Rotary Awareness Month

Flying the Rotary Flag at City Hall were President Brian St. Hilaire and Mayor Tim Rigby with other representatives from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines.

Happy Dollars

Rick Merritt

Rick set himself up with a story entitled “The Compassionate Lawyer”, and Rob Reid responded later on behalf of his profession.

Liz Palmieri was happy to announce Andea Krilick as the new chair of the Foundation.

Bill Finley was happy about a trip to Antartica, for an early diagnosis of an eye problem by optometrist Rob MacKenzie and immediate referral to surgery…then he tricked the Pres. with an April Fool’s joke.

Art Wing was happy about the Presidential Citation Award our President will be receiving at the District Conference, to which Brian responded that it is the club and committees behind him that helped achieve this award.

Margaret Jarrell announced the successful South Africa project through Chris and Anne Bangham, and the installation of a sign recognizing our club, in South Africa.

John Gleddie is happy to have a week off from the good ol’ boys at NASCAR.

Norm Kreger is happy to be finally moved. He also announced that Rick Wiley’s wife haa heart attack, but is doing well and in recovery.

Martha Abra is happy the Niagara Credit Union merger is done.

Jim Denham, expectant father, reminded us of the similarities between politicians and dirty diapers.

Dan Patterson is happy for another successful Seafood Gala which attracted over 450 diners last week; for student Jordan Harris who won the National Student Sommelier Competition, and now goes on to compete in France; and for excellent faculty like Albert Cyprik, famous husband of Margaret Jarrell, who help and counsel students like Jordan in their quest for learning.

Don Fraser is happy to be finished his radiation treatment.

Betty-Lou was happy for an excellent PETS training program last week, and to tell us not to miss the excellent presentation next week by Ron Mergl on the India PolioPlus Program.

Judith Barker was happy for having received $1500. from our club for Hospice Niagara, and thanked us profusely.

Rob Reid was happy for his son on a cruise ship, for some well-written obituaries, and for a story which got back at banker Rick Merritt, who started the fight in the first place.

50/50 Draw
Peter Banwell’s number came up, but his card didn’t.

The Program
Doug Smith - The Y's Guys

Doug Smith

Betty-Lou introduced Doug Smith, son of Chuck Smith, founder of the Wise Guys Charity. Doug is a partner in C.R. Smith Insurance and has taken on the torch of the Wise Guys Charity as father Chuck slows down a bit. Doug is an award-winning, active community volunteer who continues to be involved in numerous community organizations.

Doug gave an historical perspective on the original “Y’s Guys” which initially was constituted to support the building campaign of the Walker YMCA, some 15 years ago. One of the first activities was the Jimmy Flynn Comedy Concert, and this continues today. Now known as the “Wise Guys”, this group raises money in the community then gives it all back to the community. Last year they reached the million dollar level, and supported numerous organizations with donations, such as the Childrens Centre, Heart & Stroke, the Hospital Neo Natal Centre, Ice Park, Wellspring, the Niagara Police Crisis Unit and Community Care. One of the major projects, and a particular passion of Chuck Smith, was the Health Bus, for which $250,000. was raised. The group also sponsors drug awareness programs and brought in George Chuvalo to talk to youth about drugs, over a 2 year period.

This year Wise Guys Week runs from July 18-24, with a Ladies Night on Monday, Silent and Live Auction and Gourmet Dinner on Tuesday, the Golf Tournament at Lookout on Wednesday and Jimmy Flynn on Friday at the CAW Hall. The fundraising goal is $80-100,000 and commitments for funds raised have been made to the YMCA, Womens Place,Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Childrens Centre and several others.

Steve Butz thanked Doug and the Wise Guys group, not only for their fundraising, but for their leadership in the community, indicating that they are one of Niagara’s treasures.

Doug Smith, Betty-Lou Souter and Brian St. Hilaire