Gossip Sheet # 33 - February 27, 2003
Editor: Brian Stewart

Program: Classification Talk - Kevin Vallier

Debbie Slade said grace.

Larry Ross led the club in the singing of O Canada.

The head table included: Doug Geddie, Kevin Vallier, President Earl Alton, Henry Becker, Debbie Slade and Ross MacDonald.

Head Table with Doug Geddie, Kevin Vallier, President Earl and Sergeant-at-Arms Henry Becker

Today’s guests included: Rick Hunse guest of Rick Vanderkuip, Nancy Geddie guest of Doug Geddie, Bill Cade Rotarian from Lethbridge, Elsa Cade Rotarian from Lethbridge East, Tom Fletcher guest of Dave Butler, George Robertson and Max Kaminsky guests of George Shepherd, Patrick Noonan guest of Rick Merritt and Glenn Stewart Rotarian from Kitchener Grand River and father of someone (I didn’t catch the name).

Birthdays:
Mar 4 Len Fenig & Ian Elmes,
Mar 6 Don Shaw,
Mar 7 Roger Segalin

Announcements

President Earl announced that the Children’s Committee would meet on Monday March 3rd at 5 pm. The location will be the YMCA building on Church Street.

President Earl also announced that there would be a ski day in Ellicottville – see Earl for details.

Art Wing and Jacquie Herman

Art Wing was happy to announce that he will be a District Governor nominee and would be proud to represent our club.

John Bird was happy to support Art. Informed our club that the 7 Rotary Clubs in our area have agreed to make April Rotary Awareness Mouth. Several events are planned to raise public awareness of the work that rotary does in the community. To help with this John is looking for people to help sponsor an advertisement in the Standard – please contact John by March 19th.

Alex Elliott is looking for people to act as hosts for members of a group study exchange team coming from India between April 15 to May 15.

Happy Dollars

John Bird

John Bird was happy to see Bill Cade back amongst friends. John was also happy that he has sold his first add space for the Standard.

Jim Denham told us that lawyers have a unique anatomy.

Bill Finley was happy to be back in Canada and that George W did not alter his travel plans.

Chris Bangham was happy to announce that his “bar” club has doubled its membership. The official two-way test is first it must make it down and second it must be held for the remainder of the meeting without a washroom break.

Bill Cade was happy to be back in St Catharines and visiting old friends like Angus Adams.

Angus Adams was also happy to see Bill back but didn’t want to be referred to as old.

Art Wing was happy that as of July 6th he would officially be a nominee for District Governor.

George Doty was happy to recognize and pay tribute to fellow Rotarian and community supporter Frank Branscombe.

Norm Kreger announced that the MS Society is having a silent auction at the Fairview Mall. Norm has a display set up and invites everyone to come and visit and donate.

Mayor Tim Rigby was happy that St. Catharines received money from the Ontario super build fund.

President Earl was happy to announce that his daughter successfully graduated from McMaster and is now seeking employment as an RN.

50/50 Draw: Roger Segalin unfortunately drew the 10 of diamonds.

Program
Classification Talk - Kevin Vallier

Kevin Vallier

Doug Geddie introduced Kevin Vallier, to give the club his classification talk.

Kevin began his talk by recognizing Mayor Tim and wishing him success in his upcoming bid for re-election. Kevin then when on to give his nominating speech for his upcoming bid to seek the Mayoral position in Sarnia.

Kevin was born in Sarnia and put to rest any suggestions that Sarnia was the armpit of Ontario (it only smells like an armpit from the American side). DOW chemical has a large facility in Sarnia where it manufactures the key ingredients of several popular under arm deodorants to help suppress any odors.

Kevin attended Brock University and eventually graduated with a BA in psychology with an uncertain future, Kevin decided to attend Niagara College for postgraduate studies in public relations. Kevin recognized and thanked Doug and Nancy for their mentorship.

The St Catharines Stompers provided Kevin with his first taste of public relations work. The former Toronto Blue Jay farm team offered exciting challenges and opportunities. The Shaw festival offered further but different opportunities.

George Irvine

Eventually Kevin ended up in health care at his present position as Manager of public relations at the Hotel Dieu Hospital. The current management changes and fundraising challenges has meant for a very busy and at times stressful year.

Kevin balances these challenges with his wife Karen, a high school teacher, and their new puppy Simpson. Kevin enjoys Jimmy Buffet music, which is good because he needs to drown his sorrows in margaritas while watching the Habs on TV.

George Irvine thanked Kevin for his talk.