Gossip Sheet # 42 - May 1, 2003
Editor: Wade Stayzer
PROGRAM - Group Study Exchange Team from India
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| President Earl Alton, George Irvine and George Robertson |
Our meeting was called to order in the usual fashion by President Earl Alton who asked Mark Zammit to say Grace, followed by the National Anthem and a toast to the Queen and Canada.
Head Table: Art Wing, who introduced one of our guest speakers, Naresh Ghandi – representing the delegation form District 3090 India, President Earl Alton, Sergeant of Arms George Irvine, one of our newest members George Robertson, and Ian Elmes, who introduced our guests.
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| Sara Ballero |
Guests: Sara
Ballero, Rotary Exchange Student
Naresh Gandhi, Mayur Jhala, Hiral Dholakia,Vishakha Dave, and Dr. Noel
Britto – fellow Rotarians from District 3090 India and Group Study
Exchange team members
Anthony Cabrera, guest of Eugene Gillies
Judy Leach, guest of Judith Barker
Dr. Ron Mergl from the Niagara Falls Rotary Club and spouse Dr. June Mergl
Kristine Douglas, guest of Rick Merritt
Richard Kent from the Lakeshore Rotary Club, andKate Palmieri, guest of
Liz Palmieri
Birthdays
May 5 Liz Palmieri
Announcements
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| Art Wing |
Earl Alton announced a TV Auction Meeting (yes it's that time again) on May 06, 2003 @ 5pm at The Alzheimer's Society offices.
Earl reminded the group of the Rotary Golf Tournament coming up on June 20, 2003, and encouraged support via golfing in the tournament, sponsoring a hole, or donating a prize – see Earl for details.
Earl announced a Children's Committee meeting on May 06, 2003, and a World Community Services Committee meeting to be held May 07, 2003 @ 7pm at The St. Catharines Tennis Club.
Art Wing thanked, and asked the club to recognize all those Rotarians who assisted at the recent District Conference – it was a success. Art also recognized Rick Evans for his involvement with Youth Exchange, and congratulated Rick on receiving a special citation from the District Governor formally recognizing his contributions over the years. Rick will be stepping down from this District Committee.
Art continued by announcing that Elizabeth Forsyth will be joining the District Group Study Exchange Committee, and thanked her and Dave Stark for all of their continued efforts and support of youth exchange.
Art also remarked that the district conference again highlighted just how much our own Alex Elliott does for Rotary.
Sara Ballero, Rotary Exchange student reminded the club that she will be riding for Polio, and asked everyone to get their wallets out.
The auction committee meeting will be taking place in the 3rd floor board room of The St. Catharines Standard at 5:00 (change from Alzheimer's Society). Also that the building closes at 5:30 to public access.
Happy Dollars
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| Rick Evans |
Eugene Gillies did the honours this week, and thanked Marilyn Gomme and Sam Walters for their great work at the district conference. Eugene was also happy for the arrival of a new precious granddaughter.
Rick Evans was happy for the award he received recognizing his involvement with youth exchange, and even happier that Elizabeth Forsyth will be involved with the district exchange committee. Rick also announced the graduation of his daughter from York University, and that she will be attending McGill to commence her Master's Degree.
Pat Rooney thanked those involved for their help at the District Conference, congratulated Rick Evans on his award, and shared that she finally had some success getting Sara (our exchange student) out of the cold and into the hot tub.
Elizabeth Forsyth again paid tribute to Rick Evans, and also mentioned upcoming Camp Enterprise at Brock University and the merits of the program.
Howard Lackie was kind enough to share some pharmaceutical industry humour…..does anyone have an aspirin?
John Crossingham shared his view on SARS, and his comfort in being closer to Buffalo……..again – does anyone have an aspirin?
Larisa Brodsky talked to the merits of CAIPS, and asked for support from club members.
Chris Bangham congratulated Art Wing on receiving a citation from the District Governor at the recent conference, and also advised that next week's program topic is beer (better bring the aspirin), and shared that he does his best each and every day to "Sow the suds of Love"
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| Alex Elliott |
Alex Elliott was happy and thanked Rick and Jayne Evans for their involvement with youth exchange. Alex was also happy to have had the opportunity to spend time with the GSE team from India.
Ross MacDonald was happy for his nephew who is expecting (we always knew you were a "great" guy Ross).
Ken Wright let the club know that he had visited John Thompson, who is unfortunately not well.
Jagdish Mehta was happy to be able to spend time with the GSE team from India.
George Robertson wanted to the correct the record of his introduction – because "He is Canadian" (Don Cherry would be proud).
50/50 Draw: Better luck next time Dr. Taylor.
Program
Group Study Exchange Team from India
Art Wing introduced our guest speakers from Group Exchange District 3090 India, and recognized those Rotarians who have graciously hosted our guests from India. Art also summarized the activities of the delegation – definitely an action packed agenda.
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| Naresh Gandhi |
Naresh Gandhi presented first, and started off by saying “Namaste”, which means “hi to everyone”. This is Naresh’s third visit to Canada, and has found the visit to be a wonderful experience that he will cherish for the rest of his life.
Naresh proceeded to give a brief personal background – Naresh is a Mechanical Engineer and owns his own company in India. Naresh is heavily involved in a number of Rotary initiatives, including serving as President of his local club, and Assistant Governor. Naresh presented a brief introduction and photo tour of India.
Mayur Jhala presented next, representing the Rotary Club of Anand Mid Town, Gujarat State. Mayur resides in Anand, the milk city of India, and works as a Research Scientist in the area of microbiology. Mayur discussed India’s geography, currency, national sports and animals, and noted that the hallmark of Indian culture is a wide diversity of accepted languages and religions. India is also one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
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| Mayur Jhala |
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| Noel Britto |
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| Hiral Dholakia |
Hiral Dholakia was our next presenter, representing the Rotary Club of Baroda. Hiral is from Baroda, also known as the cultural capital of Gujarat. She works with The Times of India as a feature writer. Hiral presented a review of traditional Indian dances, which are a form of worship and expression of profound emotions. Hiral also discussed traditional Indian cultural festivals.
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| Vishakha Dave |
Vishakha Dave was the final presenter, representing the Rotary Club of Baroda Metro, Baroda. Vishakha resides in Barada, Gujarat, where she works as an Executive in Tech-Pacific India Limited. Vishakha discussed the rich heritage, architecture, art, tourist attractions, and famous monuments found in India.
At the conclusion of the presentation, President Earl and our presenters exchanged Rotary Club flags, and Alex Elliott thanked our visitors for the presentation, and for spending time with us here in Niagara.
Our meeting was brought to a close by our presenters singing India's National Anthem.
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| Noel Britto, Mayur Jhala, President Earl Alton, Naresh Gandhi, Vishakha Dave, Art Wing and Hiral Dholakia |