President Jim Madder welcomed a healthy crowd of members and guests today: notable of the latter: Dan Brown (Nipigon Rotary Club and ADG), Stephen Margarit (Past President Fort William Rotary Club and current co-chair District 5580 Public Image Committee), Alyson MacKay (Lakehead University and guest of Mark Tilbury), Rita Komandent (prospective new member), Karissa (past president Rotaractor Club of Thunder Bay--- direct from Tübingen, Germany).
O Canada was played (from Jurassic park Toronto 2019).
A land acknowledgement was read by Jim Jim Madder.
Co-hosts thanked today: John Stephenson, Matt Villella, Jim Madder, Kevin Hollloway
GUEST PRESENTATION
The distinguished MLA (for Thunder Bay-Superior North), Michael Gravelle returned to our virtual podium for a very fulsome update on a huge spectrum of challenges facing our Thunder Bay area. He is currently the Critic for Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. His knowledge and expertise on all these areas of importance, garnered over many years, is nonpareil.
https://michaelgravelle.onmpp.ca/biography/
Video
Michael has always been very generous of his time and fondness for (all) Rotary clubs in Thunder Bay: his overview today and kind words about Rotary were much appreciated.
(Hear his recorded presentation)
Major topics reviewed (including those raised in the question-answer period):
GUEST PRESENTATION
The distinguished MLA (for Thunder Bay-Superior North), Michael Gravelle returned to our virtual podium for a very fulsome update on a huge spectrum of challenges facing our Thunder Bay area. He is currently the Critic for Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. His knowledge and expertise on all these areas of importance, garnered over many years, is nonpareil.
https://michaelgravelle.onmpp.ca/biography/
Video
Michael has always been very generous of his time and fondness for (all) Rotary clubs in Thunder Bay: his overview today and kind words about Rotary were much appreciated.
(Hear his recorded presentation)
Major topics reviewed (including those raised in the question-answer period):
- the plethora of challenges and changing world in Covid times with emphasis on this part of Canada.
- specifically, the local opioid epidemic and mental health crises, highway road maintenance, inadequate child care, public service wage gaps, long term care restructuring necessity, communication with elected officials.
- LU (and Sudbury) and NOSM , the local District Jail and Corrections Facility, the TB Expressway, upcoming election issues
- and more!
Michael will be seeking re-election. This area has been blessed by his ceaseless toil in public service over the years.
He was generously introduced and thanked by Jim Madder
ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
1. Following procedure protocol, the new President -Elect-Elect is Shelley Crawford (Krysta Logozzo-Daniele). The club congratulated her.
2. Rotary Radio Day: The home stretch sees 643 ads tallied as of this meeting: the goal is 700 and members are urged to push to meet this goal (Matt Villella)
3. Catch the Ace: the jackpot is at $7000. Important recipients are beneficiaries and the prize is still out there (A.Brulé)
4. The One Summit 5580 Rotary took place this last weekend. Several members attended. Jim Madder spoke of positive outcomes. Small projects are perfectly desirable and attractive-they needn't be massive.
Stephen Margarit lobbied for members to self promote Rotary for enhancing our public image.
5. The (virtual) anniversary dinner is slated for February 25th (End Polio Now remains top priority). Auction items are requested (contact Jim or Don McDonald at Lakehead Club)
6. Happy Dollars were encouraged with success by a thankful Brenda Winter.
He was generously introduced and thanked by Jim Madder
ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
1. Following procedure protocol, the new President -Elect-Elect is Shelley Crawford (Krysta Logozzo-Daniele). The club congratulated her.
2. Rotary Radio Day: The home stretch sees 643 ads tallied as of this meeting: the goal is 700 and members are urged to push to meet this goal (Matt Villella)
3. Catch the Ace: the jackpot is at $7000. Important recipients are beneficiaries and the prize is still out there (A.Brulé)
4. The One Summit 5580 Rotary took place this last weekend. Several members attended. Jim Madder spoke of positive outcomes. Small projects are perfectly desirable and attractive-they needn't be massive.
Stephen Margarit lobbied for members to self promote Rotary for enhancing our public image.
5. The (virtual) anniversary dinner is slated for February 25th (End Polio Now remains top priority). Auction items are requested (contact Jim or Don McDonald at Lakehead Club)
6. Happy Dollars were encouraged with success by a thankful Brenda Winter.