Rotary Bulletin December 6, 2012
Bulletin for December 6
Posted by Janet Canavan
I am sending this bulletin really quite late and for this I apologize to our faithful Rotary readers who anxiously await the e-bulletin and whom I have regrettably disappointed. If this means relinquishing my Scribe duties I will accept this justified fate…
I noticed right away that the podium was moved to the right side of the room but this did not deter Jamie and the meeting began on time with a warm welcome back for Robin as a staff server. Efficiently Mae R. said Grace, Karmel S. led the Toast and Anthem, Albert S. recited the 4 Way Test and Peter T. introduced our guests who included Mike Torsney, Hamilton Downtown; Abi Mackey outbound exchange student; Harrison Wheeler our guest speaker and Javiera our lovely exchange student. Imagine her experience of being a teenager and experience snow for the first time and skating for the second time? The joys of being Canadian.
The following news/updates are late but I will capture it for the archives. Andrew outlined the Poinsettia pick-ups after the meeting, Gerry recruited volunteers for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and it was announced that the Canadian Orpheus Choir would perform at the Performance Arts Centre with proceeds to the hospital. Our annual Christmas party (which was a lovely evening and special thanks go out to those involved in the planning!) was held at the Water Street Cooker on Dec. 13th. If this goes out tomorrow you may still have time to attend the Christmas Breakfast, 7 – 9:00 a.m. and please bring along a gift for our Seniors. Melanie S. is the contact if you wish to know more about this special seasonal event.
Bernie spoke about new member recruitment. We have 68 active members, 8 honorary members and -this may be important to some - 19 women or “power houses” as he called us which represents 36% of our membership. Thank you Bernie? The reality is we need 8 new members- male and female- in the next 6 months and encouraged us to hand out Be My Guest tickets.
The nominating committee, chaired by Kathy Thomas, and the 2013-2014 Slate of Officers include:
Past President- Jamie Edwards
President- Glen Warnica
President Elect- Catherine Brady
Treasurer- Peter Skoretz
Club Administrator- Tim Justice
Membership- Bryce Leggatt
Communication and Web- Jim Brindle
Secretary- Janet Gadeski
International Projects- Peter Thoem
Community Projects- Adam Doering
Youth Services- Sheila Whelham
Nancy Brady, SAA, congratulated Reni P. and Catherine B. on their birthdays and “well done” Marie C. for your happy birthday rendition.
Melanie introduced our guest speaker Harrison Wheeler, Author. He began his talk with the statement that “clowns are not cutting it these days”. And from that point he had our attention specifically when he slammed Ronald McDonald, shared that 1 in 5 people living with clinical depression in our society, and shared his personal journey with mental illness and our lack of human contact because screens are stealing our valuable time.
After this disclosure the question “How can Jesters help us?” was begging to be answered. Harrison, speaking from firsthand knowledge as his father was an original Jester, educated us that Jesters are original, spontaneous and from being in the room for about an hour noticed that we have a few Jesters in our club already. Who knew!?! His encouragement to go out and find ourselves a Jester might be as easy as attending a Thursday morning meeting!
Just for Jest-If you enjoy humor and speculative fiction, are curious to meet Vincent the stories main character and if you are an adult over the age of 12- consider reading Jesters Incognito as it is guaranteed to entice.
Ryan thanked Harrison for his engaging talk and wished him well with his book. And our meeting closed…