President Jim opened the meeting for the last time under his Presidency, all in attendance  were in good spirits - high top tables and lots of fellowship.

 Jared read the 4 way test and Noah a concise invocation.

 

  SAA Noah reported that we had  19 Rotarians in attendance , 3 Guests  - Sue Lockett and Lisa Short from the CMH Foundation and Kim - who is more of a member than Chad's Guest.

 

Everyone always looks healthy with a glass of wine or a beer in their hand!

Saw Gary Hauser on the weekend - he is doing very well,  happily retired- he is heading out to see Bob Thiesburger this summer out in BC.

Both Gary and Bob were Past Presidents and fabulous Rotarians of our club.

Joe Gowing - reported on golf tournament in support of Cadet Youth Development that his father is hosting and has done for years.  GRAND VALLEY GOLF COURSE - please support by either a prize or golfing in the tournament.

They are in desperate need of prizes as all got destroyed in a house fire.  Please call Allan Gowing at 519-212-3560 if you can play donate a prize or simply just donate to an amazing cause.

Linda B and her husband Guy had a great time at the Rotary International Convention held in Toronto -they were happy to host Mike and Karen-see Mike's good news. Linda is really looking forward to start her new year - make sure you attend next meeting to see what is in store for this new rotary year - 2018/2019.

Mike Thomas - happy to have had a place to stay as their booked accommodations were unknowingly cancelled. Both Mike and Karen had a great time working at the Convention

Todd Very generously donated to good news as he will be missed for the summer months being at the cottage with his three girls...won't be back until September.

Caitlyn - met some Rotaractors who are willing to help out at Best Bites this year - whoo hoo - thanks Caityln !!

SOON to BE Past President Jim - also had a great time with Linda at the conference and listened to a guest appearance by Justin Trudeau - for some reason he always reminds me of Cayley R and the curling bonspiel...

Jim was very generous and used the 50/50 funds he won and purchased a new Gavel and Brass Bell for income President Linda. VERY thoughtful.

 

Our highly Esteemed Joke meister was actually at Rotary and as I understand the jokes had to be vetted so who would want to be the jokester when that happens....

We did have a great Scottish joke  - 10/10 - clean and funny.

It involved a kilt, 1st prize, a blue ribbon but it wasn't tied to an oak tree.

We will all miss the jokes - thanks Paul for always making people laugh - that is truly a great gift.

 

Sue Lockett and Lisa Short were in attendance for a chq presentation that our club made to the hospital for $15000.

In conjunction with Best Bites we have donated direct back to the hospital over $30000 and have helped with the MRI as well as other equipment.

Lisa an Sue thanked our club for all of our efforts that we put forth in making Best Bites such a great success every year. We have in total raised close to $750k in our joint fundraising.

The Reveal of the new wing will not be until likely some time in October. Lisa reminded us that is stage one - the next stage will be the renovation of the old B Wing.

The new wing and technology is quite amazing - if you would like a tour please get a hold of Lisa or Sue.

KEEP IN MIND -

 

Jim did a fabulous job taking us through his year with an amazing slide show provided by all the shots that Brian takes throughout the year- GREAT job Brian.

Jim started out his year at the Rotary Convention in Atlanta with Chris W., Gary D., Cayley and myself - Atlanta marked the 100th Anniversary that our Rotary Foundation was in existence. He showed some shots of Jim getting some much needed meditation in before his big start to the year.  Paul reluctantly passed the gavel to Jim and Jim's year/theme of "Rotary Making a Difference" started. The Fun 'o meters -  were the pins given at the beginning of the year -not only did Jim build on Paul's fellowship events he wanted to add a few more to ensure we have more engagement with every member of the club. There was also a large figure of both Paul and Jim - Linda will you be getting a life size shot made...I feel like we will need a room a Madam Tusaud's dedicated to this if it becomes a trend.

WE did a great job in the area of recruitment - new net growth of over 20% Fantastic membership committee - congrat's to Kaylee, Jim and Todd. We were the only club in the district to win the membership award and we should be very proud. We held some wonderful Fireside meetings for new members to become more acquainted with Rotary. New KidsAbility building in Cambridge doubled its size to serve the kids specifically in Cambridge - Kidsability larger donation this year - a board room is named in our honour.  Jim likes large Chq's - who doesn't !!

Chad came up and spoke a bit more about Camp Enterprise and what an impact it has on the kids that attend.

In Jim's year the club donated to the Veteran's through the second annual very successful sold out golf tournament, Bridges, Kids and the Y camp, Big Brothers and Sisters, Links Across Boarders, Amerkh Society, Allianza , Dominican Project-and others.

Jim acknowledged that the year went fast and his year was filled with providing more information to the club from board meetings, engagement of all members and many successful events. He was pretty shy when he started (really??) and very happy to pass the new gavel and Bell to Linda. He acknowledged Brian as Rotarian of the year and Dean as New Rotarian of the year and thanking all the club members and his board.  Incoming Prez Linda thanked Jim for a fantastic, successful year-and mentioned she has big "booties" to fill.

THIS weeks meeting is one to attend to listen to what the Theme is for 2018/2019, what Linda's plans are for the club and welcome Linda as the new Grand Poobah!

(We do need an editor so keep in mind you can add as much "colour" to the bulletin as you like when you are the editor....and they can't really be fired)