President Iain called the meeting to order with the land acknowledgement and the singing of O’Canada

Rotary Moment: President Iain and Ed Thompson spoke about the recent passing of Ed Gramiuk, long time member and respected contributor. Ed joined the club in 1998. He supported RYLA and was involved in the lobster dinner. He loved golf and spending time in Arizona. In recent years, Ed would invite members to golf at Breezy in advance of the club meeting. Ed was instrumental in the manufacture of the lobster cooker and trailer. He did not want compensation, suggesting a donation be made to the Rotary Foundation. He was a Paul Harris donor, plus 1. Ed took on many of the tough jobs to construct the boardwalk at Eve Wierer pond. Ed was well thought of at Crane Steel. Not only did they manufacture the lobster cooker, but they stored and maintained it. In summary, he was a true Rotarian.

Sarge Mike Dudar introduced guests Jack and Joyce Decorby, Karl Gomph and Phil Jenkinson (speakers), Dan and Dawn Trobiak ( guests of Glenn). Claire Comeman (guest of Len), Anya and Sharon Jasper, Honorary Member.

President Announcements

Board Meeting - 4:30 pm on Thursday. Contact Iain if you wish to attend.

Special Board meeting - held earlier to approve the lease of new space for Bridge of Hope Ukraine.

New Members - the Board will consider 3 new member applications.

Student Event - Cathy Skene and President Iain attended a student event to promote Rotary. There was interest in joining Rotaract and volunteering for the club.

Dec 18 - annual Christmas party. Support the event by reviewing the handout on your table. See elsewhere in the bulletin.

Bridge of Hope Ukraine - Mandy thanked everyone who helped move furniture to the new location at 3257 Portage Ave. She is thankful to CMU for the space we used for the past year which allowed us to support over 130 families. Seeking volunteers for this Saturday. Please visit www. to pre-register for a shift. Contact Mandy if you aren't on the volunteer email list and you want to be added.

Assiniboine Forest - met with the city about next year's Green Team, thistle control, etc. Directional signs will hopefully be installed soon. The Forest continues to have a lot of visitors.

On December 18th our Christmas party will take place. We are again supporting Canadian Footwear “Fit Feet for The Street" program and Westgrove School breakfast snacks program. Please when shopping, consider picking up something from the list.

CHARLESWOOD ROTARY CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNER DONATIONS - 2023.

Last year we collected approximately $1,600.00 worth of food and socks. This year the need is as great as ever. It would be wonderful if each member could donate to both programs.

Canadian Footwear Fit for the Street: Warm socks for men and ladies.

Westgrove School Breakfast / Snacks:

• Cereal – Rice Krispies,
• Cornflakes (Frosted and Original),
• Cheerios (Honey Nut and Original).
• Granola Cereals,
• Wow Butter,
• Strawberry Jam,
• Granola Bars (no Peanuts),
• Nutragrain Bars,
• Pudding Cups (Chocolate and Vanilla),
• Apple Sauce Cups,
• Fruit Cups,
• Ritz Crackers,
• Cookies (Oatmeal or similar),
• Cheese Strings,
• Yogurt Tubes,
• Apple Juice,
• Cheese Whiz.

Club Christmas Party, Dec. 18 - Chuck circulated a list of items for Westgrove School. Warm socks are a priority.

Cash (or donate on the ‘Square’!) would also be appreciated as we could spend that on most needed items.

Karl Gomph and Phil Jenkinson said that the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association was established 20 years ago and Friends of Harte Trail in 1999. Why Connect the Trail to the Harte Trail? No formal connection currently, high volume of trail users cross between the trails, barrier to active transportation, demand will increase with the new Forest Grove development and will connect two parts of the Trans Canada Trail.

Recent progress (2022-2023): HGTTA and Friend of the Harte Trail collaborated on Infrastructure Canada, Active Transportation Fund proposal. Dillon Consulting engaged to prepare functional study including high level estimates of options, numerous meetings with stakeholders and media awareness. Stakeholder input included feedback on: future widening of perimeter highway, drainage, safety/ accessibility, resident impact and cost. The consensus is to build an underpass.

The evaluation of an underpass found benefits such. as: flexibility according to current or future changes to the perimeter highway, minimal impact to residents and lower expected construction costs. The limitations include pump station operating costs and safety/ vandalism concerns inherent to enclosed environments.

The benefits of the connection is the increased use of both trails, complete a link on the Trans Canada Trail, increase active transportation options to and from both communities, and improved safety at this heavily used informal crossing site.

Next Steps included future work to refine costs for construction proposals, focus on funding and provincial sponsorship for a capital project, continue with and expand partnerships.

President Iain thanked the speakers for the presentation and looked forward to future collaboration. .

Happy Bucks

• Len shared that his Dad had made a presentation about Remembrance Day to Charleswood School, and the students honoured him by creating plaques featuring photos from Len Sr's archives.
• Rod was pleased that the Bridge of Hope move went well.
• Chuck was happy to have acquired an Oak Park game worn jersey.
• Al Roberts added to Iain and Ed Thompson's remarks about Ed Gramiak, that Ed was responsible for both iterations of the forest boardwalk
• Sharon was in line at the Safeway in Osborne Village, and was delighted to find Brady Oliviera waiting behind her. (Brady graduated from Oak Park High.)
• Ed Toews was happy to see the Blue Bombers qualify for the Grey Cup playoffs, and happy that he was in Palm Springs, and while there attended a Rotary meeting.
• David S. was also happy about the Blue Bomber's success. And very happy for the nice weather which will make putting up his Christmas lights more pleasant.
• Jagdish was sad to report the loss of a friend and neighbour.
• John was very happy that he received a 'humble' phone call from Regina acknowledging the Blue Bomber's win.
• Chuck was happy to see Nancy M. at a meeting and looking well.
• Iain was happy that Raman (his neighbour and president of Winnipeg West Rotary Club) brought Diwail treats to share with them yesterday evening.

Next Week - Scott Saedal & Anders Swanson, Winnipeg Trails