President Krysta Logozzo Daniele welcomed back into the new happier year 34 members and guests, thanked our co-hosts (Bob Tomlinson, Mary-Anne Mackett), and paid respects to a much liked Rotarian, Fred Baker who recently passed away after a lengthy illness. Others who knew and loved Fred well also paid tribute (Mo Nelson, Bill Everitt and Martti Tenander).
Special guests today included Dan Brown (Nipigon Rotary Club and Assistant District Governor 5580), Mal Balachandran (Rotoract president) and Dr. Paul DeBakker (prospective new member).
As per custom, O Canada was rendered and President Krysta acknowledged the land we are living on (Fort William First Nation).
Announcements:
- Mal Balachandran reported on the Rotoract Clothing et al drive for Teen Challenge, as well as the Deck your Biz Challenge: both very successful.
- Brian Walmark updated us on ROTARY RADIO DAY (Feb 15, 2021). Several prominent members (including Bill Everitt and Art Warwick) are promoting novel ideas for sales. It is essential that all members contribute in various ways to reach our goal ($27,000 last year was a benchmark). We do have a way to go. Over the next 2 weeks , members should reach out to a minimum of 5 prospects for ads.
- Rod Morrison on “membership”: the club is looking at welcoming Matawa Education Centre, Chartwell Residences, and Confederation College as potential members in several forms in the new year. Stay tuned. The club is paving the way to exciting partnerships in the community.
- David Silliman reported on our service at the Christmas Eve Dew Drop Inn: David particularly thanks all the volunteers there who do daily service throughout the year...quite remarkable.
- Rod Morrison previewed some novel social oriented meetings on the new year calendar; as much as one per month. This January 26th, the meeting will be in the evening—a Quiz Night...Rod confirms it will be a blast.
And also, Rod is looking at Zoom tutoring from Kevin Holloway to make his upcoming meetings more efficient and enjoyable.
Presentation 1
Warren Philp has his thinking cap on and is doing the heavy early lifting on proposals for our club’s 100th anniversary in 2024. He has a fine team already assembled under him.
He circulated to all members a fulsome list with a diverse spectrum of tangible possible projects , some with substantial price tags, but with many possible partnerships aiding the cause, examples, the City of Thunder Bay (with Werner Schwar), Magnus Theatre and the Waverley coalition (for projects at Waverley park) and many more.
Areas like the waterfront, the Salvation Army Field of Greens renewal, natural Rotary playground, splash pads and more are all under preliminary consideration. Integrating the club interest in Indigenous partnership is seen in others such as a monument to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
Kevin Holloway, Allocations Chair, reminded us that some funds have been awarded (to be ratified soon) for beautification project work.
Members are encouraged to read Warren’s full communique for all the other ideas. Warren welcomes all those who can contribute...sign ups have occurred already.
Presentation 2
President Krysta presented on the club: 2020 “A Year in Review”
Life is different: the club has done admirably, given the reality of Covid. She gave a thoughtful fulsome list of successful projects, engaging fellowship events and a commendation to those who aided us in the virtual interaction at so many levels that kept us motivated and grounded regardless of the new realities.
Her Power Point presentation summarized our year admirably.
Happy Dollars
Doug Shanks was Happy Dollars Facilitator today (not Sargent at Arms).
Numerous members contributed with a wide variety of personal, fond thoughts and thanks.