Bulletin - January 12 2017 - #25
Posted by Chris Bangham on Jan 13, 2017
President George opened the meeting.
He began with the very sad news that Jim Denham’s grandchild had passed away, 18 months old. We observed a moment of silence.
Grace was then said by Vicky Rudachuk
O Canada lead by Liz Palmieri
A toast to the Queen and Canada
The head table was introduced:
Wade Stayzer to introduce our speaker
Bill Burke, CEO: Niagara Ice Dogs our speaker
George Darte President
Jean Armitage Sergeant-at-Arms
John Burroughs Club secretary
Anne Atkinson to introduce our guests.
Guests:
Marla Smith - guest of Cindy Mewhinney
Sheryl Wherry - guest of Chris Bangham
David Mayers - guest of Kathryn Asaro
Colleen Lindberg - guest of Kathryn Asaro
Jaxson Wind - guest of John Crossingham
Dean Towns - guest of John Crossingham
Steph Basten - guest of John Crossingham
Amanda Styles - guest of John Crossingham
Erin Kearns - guest of John Crossingham
Charlotte Wegge - guest of David Darby
Rotary Story:
John Crossingham happily introduced the group of exchange students from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. After introducing themselves, they each had a quick word about their experience:
Jackson – an amazing time – “I now have another Father and Mother”
Dean – the change from extreme heat to extreme cold
Stef – always had an urge to travel, and this has given me the opportunity
Erin – so many thanks to Rotary
Amanda – the magic of living with a Canadian, not as a tourist out of a hotel room
Clearly a great program – many thanks John.
Speaker:
Wade Stayzer introduced Niagara Ice Dogs CEO, Bill Burke
As well as the usual bio, Wade referred to the great impact the Ice Dogs have had on St Catharines and Niagara.
Bill Burke started by suggesting that the brains behind the outfit was his wife Denise and he is sometimes referred to as the eye candy!
He reviewed with humour the early days of establishing the team – the support from the Mayors, the commitment to upgrading the Jack Gatecliffe arena, and the need to discipline the players. He recalled the firing of employees, and enforcing the rules for the players – to change and establish a new culture.
He is clearly very passionate about his team, saying he has 2 biological sons, and 22 adopted ones. Some of his other points:
• High school is so important – his goal is not to have the players reach the NHL, but for all of them to be eligible for university.
• “Players never forget how you made them feel”
• “Stop Bullying” is one of his focuses – team members visit schools with that message.
• Helping the community, philanthropically, is also a key objective
• He expects the team will make the play-offs again this year.
Questions came from - Ted Usick about the recent trade – answer, we lost 2 good players but are well set for the next 2 years – and from Betty-Lou Souter who commented with warmth about the philanthropy of the Ice Dogs, and the role-modelling by the players.
Rick Radowsky warmly thanked the speaker.
Announcements:
Birthdays were shared by Rachel Delaney and President George There were no anniversaries.
Election Results:
John Burroughs announced the results of the election of Directors for the years 2017 – 2019 (two Rotary years). They are Norma Medulun-Burke, Stuart Butler, Ted Usick and Peter Van Rooijen.
John also announced our president Nominee for the 2019-2020 Rotary Year – Terry McDougall. Congratulations to all, and many thanks from President George to all nominees for agreeing to stand.
A motion to destroy the ballots was made and accepted.
Major Grants:
Cindy Mewhinney announced proposals for major grants which the committee has approved, and which the club will vote on come January 26th:
- $50,000 to the Centennial Committee
- $75,000 over 2 years to the YWCA Family Housing complex
- $75,000 over 3 years (starting next year) towards Lakeside Park, and specifically the “Rotary Bandshell”
- $15,000 to the Jean Sauve French Immersion school (was Kernahan Park)
- $13,000 to be set aside for a yet unnamed project involving other local Rotary Clubs.
More detail will be forthcoming to club members by way of email.
Pub Night:
Kim Schwenker reminded all about Pub Night next Tuesday (17th)
Happy Dollars:
Rara Asaro carried the basket, and thanked Bill Burke for an inspiring presentation. Other Happy Dollars came from:
• Heather Combe - whose daughter passed her National Veterinarian exams. She also indicated that if people had questions about the YW project, she was in a position to answer them
• Liz Palmieri – who was happy she didn’t get a consulting job in Saskatchewan, where it is currently -45º
• Rick Radowsky - who is setting up an Ice Dogs night on March 16th for Rotary
• Margaret Jarrell – announced a Centennial Committee meeting next Wednesday (18th) at 5pm, location tba.
• Lenore Klassen – advised the club that Glen Sparks wife has undergone brain surgery – we keep her in our thoughts
• Jacquie Wing – grateful that she flew into Buffalo last night without a hitch, and hopes the same will apply when she goes back tomorrow
• Cindy Mewhinney – thanks the Ice Dogs for their philanthropic work, and in particular their contribution to renos to the Children’s Centre
• Ted Usick – most grateful for the speedy response to Rotary regarding the date of the Ice Dogs game
• Jean Armitage – Pia borrowed a garment bag from someone – would they collect it, as it’s cluttering up Jean’s garage. Also announced the Women and Wellness event at Club Roma on February 16th
• David Asaro thinks our club is great – thanks David!
50/50:
Popular winner, April Feasby was unable to draw an ace. Apparently there’s over $1,000 in the draw – got to go some time soon!
President George
Closed the meeting with his valediction – and an admonition “Don’t miss shots” We will remember that at pub night next week!
Don’t forget to bring in those TV Auction Lawn Signs to the meeting next week, or if you are not planning to attend the meeting please take them to Peter Kudreikis’ place of business - Promo Centre 330 Vansickle Rd Unit #3.