MINUTES OF MEETING
November 2, 2022 Prepared by Bill Green
John Thompson has organized a community service event with the Rotary Club of Mildmay – used bike pick-up and delivery to the Working Centre on Thursday Nov. 10th. Contact John if you are able to help.
“Oh Christmas Tree" is back, 4 dates, 6 shows, more to follow.
Rotary night at Drayton is Dec. 3rd. See the e-mail from Everton and encourage friends to buy tickets.
Mac has an opportunity to volunteer at Tiny Home Take-Out, they need volunteers on Saturdays from 4 to 7 pm. Contact Mac if you are able to help.
Everton had a trivia question that stumped everyone – did you know there is a Four Way Test for “scooters”, members who come to meetings to eat and then leave before the guest speaker.
The 50/50 pot grows – Judy L2.
Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker was Dr. Len Friesen from WLU, History Professor, he was introduced by Ian Robertson.
His presentation focused on Mikhail Gorbachev, the last President of the USSR. His full presentation is attached.
Highlights – Len and his family lived in Russia for a year 1987 – 88 and has travelled there over 30 times. They lived in St. Petersburg (Leningrad). He quickly went through some of their experiences – no English spoken anywhere, lots of line ups for food and other goods, often people ling up without knowing what is available. Meat was rarely available, private farmer’s markets sold potatoes and other vegetables.
Kiosk’s sold newspapers, toilet paper, ice cream was available year-round. During their time there they took trips to Moscow and Uzbekastan. They often took weekends at the beach at the Gulf of Finland.
There were many questions about the fall of the Soviet Union and the Russia/Ukrainian war.
Many members expressed interest in inviting Professor Friesen back. Judy Nairn thanked our speaker.
MINUTES OF MEETING
October 26, 2022 Prepared by Bill Green
Yesterday Kelly Strome & Cathy Brothers had birthdays.2 Guests:
“Oh Christmas Tree" is back, 4 dates, 6 shows, more to follow.
Rotary night at Drayton is Dec. 3rd. See the e-mail from Everton and encourage friends to buy tickets.
John Thompson has organized a couple of Drayton fellowship events, please read his e-mails.
Paul Puopolo was the half winner of the trivia question.
The Visioning sub-committee is meeting tonight.
The special 50/50 pot grows.
Our guest speaker was Ashley MacSporran from Women’s Crisis Services, introduced by Rick Bolzon.
Highlights – Their mission is to empower women to a community free of domestic violence.
They operate 2 shelters – Anselma House and Haven House and a transitional home – Asper Place. They are looking to buy another transitional home.
They have extensive outreach services including a 24-hour support line, and multiple programs including music therapy.
They are funded 75% by Government of Ontario, 25% by community fund raising. They have their “Voices Empower” walk coming up on Nov. 19th. Registration is on-line.
They have a “#She is our neighbour” podcast that she encourages followers.
Everton thanked Ashley and presented her with a Gift of Sight certificate.
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