Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, December 9, 2021
President Chris welcomed Rotarians to the Rotary Christmas lunch.
Club Business
Christmas Social
Gerry reported on the December 14th Christmas social. This will begin with a social gathering between 5pm to 7pm at the home of President Chris. The social time will be followed by a concert at the RAC starting at 8pm starring Wendy Woodland, Bob MacDonald, and Brian Way.
S.A. Toy Drive
During the meeting, Paula was busy collecting $25 gift cards donated by Rotarians to be used as gifts for children over 12 years in the Christmas Hampers donated by the Salvation Army. She thanked everyone for their donations
Donated Rotary Quilts
Gerry spoke about possibilities for an in-Rotary fundraiser for the two donated quilts. Discussion followed including the donating of a quilt to another service group to help that club raise money towards a community project. Discussion followed and it was decided that Chris would send out an email to the Club membership to gather everyone’s opinion.
Program
Program-chair Ann introduced guest speaker David Smallwood. David spoke about the Rotary Arts Centre, RAC and the impact of the Centre on the Corner Brook community. He was pleased that the RAC was only closed for three months during the pandemic. The RAC had invested in an antiviral spray system to help clean and sanitize the RAC thoroughly. For 2 years the RAC has operated at 40% capacity and through government funding could maintain programming and patrons have been very loyal. He is hoping that in 2022, 100% capacity will be allowed in the theatre. He noted masks need to be always worn in the RAC.
He is proud that the RAC has been nominated for three Music Newfoundland Awards.
The Art Auction fund raiser held last month was very successful. Now artist Jane Reagh is exhibiting in the Tina Dolter gallery and Grenfell Campus, MUN, Master’s students are exhibiting works in the open gallery.
David spoke of the agreement the RAC now has with the MUN music department and the jazz group from main campus recently held an amazing in-person concert at the RAC.
He was pleased to report that through the help of government grants, local young musician Noah Hamilton is the first RAC music theatre intern.
Over the covid restriction time there has been 60 nights of music and drama at the RAC theatre.
David thanked Rotarians for their support
President Chris then presented David with a cheque of $5000 to support the work being done by the Rotary Arts Centre.
David was thanked by Gerry for his talk and for his help in arranging the Rotary tickets for the concert on December 14th.
The meeting was adjourned
Christmas Greetings to all Rotarians and Good Wishes for 2022.
NOTICE Re-Next Rotary Meeting.
The first in 2022 is planned for January 6th at the Glynmill Inn at 12.30pm. The guest speaker will be the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development. Jackie will send out further details after Christmas, but she wanted to give everyone advance notice. She also wanted Rotarians to consider bringing a guest to this lunch meeting.