Rotary Club of Kitchener Bulletin - Date 04/12/2017 (Dec 04, 2017)

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

The meeting was called to order by president Dave at 12:30 pm. Dave welcomed all members & our guest speaker.

BELL RINGER(S)

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Dave recognized all members who are participating in the Forest Hill P.S. Snack program through Nutrition for Learning and taking shifts every Thursday and Friday!

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS / GUESTS

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Dave Smith regaled us with a humourous short fishing story that was appropriate for the times. He welcomed our guest speakers Monica Reid and Gerhard Griebow.

BIRTHDAYS

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Secretary Cam congratulated member Jack Ball on not only having his birthday on December 2nd but for the fact that he joined our club in 1962.

50/50 DRAW

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Today's Pot to date is $1,129.00 with only 6 cards to draw from!

None of Howard Pell, Ray Taylor or Mike Pollard were able to find the elusive Jack of Hearts. Next and FINAL draw will take place on December 18th at our AGM with only 3 cards left!!

HAPPY JAR

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Barry MacLeod was delighted with his trip to Toronto last week. He and his wife were especially pleased with the courtesy of passengers on the train who lent them their seats on the very crowded train. He is now happy to plan a trip south in the near future.

Cam Yule was happy to inform members that he now a grandfather. Congrats Cam.

Ernie Ginsler was happy with his cataract surgery that was very successful. He also related the differences between 20/20 vision and wearing of glasses after surgery.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Darren Sweeney announced that our club is now in the beer business as we have authorization to sell a Rotary Local Lager in our region. This is conjunction with Wellington Brewery. Presently we have 6 locations and $0.50 per can is donated by Wellington Brewery to our local foundation and Rotary International's water project.

Cheryl Ewing spoke of our commitment to the New Year's Eve event at city hall. WE need 3 or 4 volunteers to look after the rotunda area cleaning tables from 5 to 10 pm.

Cheryl also presented a plaque to President Dave from Nogales Fire Department for our matching donation for kitchen equipment & supplies with the Kitchener Conestoga club. She was in Nogales for the dedication of a new Fire Hall last week.

Cam Yule outlined the In Vino date for this year as April 19th at the Tannery from 7:00 pm.

Dave Chatson announced that a new membership proposal has been put forward by Brent DeKoning for Christie Reid from the satellite club.

Dave also read two letters of thanks from the staff & students of Forest Hill P.S. For our efforts with the snack program. Pictures drawn by the student were also displayed.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Posted by Neil Swayze on Dec 04, 2017

Dave introduced Monica Reid the president from the Chriskindl Market. Monica began her advertising career in Germany where she learned her trade in graphic arts, photography and business marketing. When coming to Canada, she and her husband started Reid Group and became involved in community volunteering with the Chriskindl market twenty years.

She began her presentation with a short video on the 20th anniversary of the Market that boosts of 100+ vendors this year, many volunteer entertainment groups and over 40,000 visitors per year. The market has become an important part of the holiday festivities in downtown Kitchener. The Chriskindl Market was created to keep German folklore traditions alive and well in Kitchener by the strong German population. The ancient festival has strong cross-cultural appeal which inspires joy and the making memories for families. Folkloric characters, such as, Knecht Ruprecht offer traditional German ideals around Christmas celebrations by handing out chocolates to all members who were “good” and offered a switch to those who were “bad”. The Market enhances the partnership between the city of Kitchener and its citizens and the festival. Many of the festival sponsors are charitable organizations that raise money thru the festival for other activities throughout the year. Toy maker artisans offer “one-of-a-kind” wooden toys for sale. Kids can take part in the “Kindereche” which is an activity for kids to make their own wooden toy on Saturday and Sunday. A model train called the “Garden Railway” is set up in the rotunda of city all for all to see; put on by Fred and Jenny Alfred. A mini-train runs outdoors to take the kids around the square. The festival not only has many vendors but lots of entertainment as well with volunteer groups offering music, choirs, traditional dances etc. On Saturday, Dec. 7th from 7 to 10 pm the Handel's Messiah will be live streamed from the Centre in the Square with live audio provided by Christie Digital. Also digital images will be projected on city hall from the outside. Gerhard Griebow announced that this year the German Consul will attend with his family for the opening ceremonies. The Philharmonic choir will lead a candle lit procession from Victoria Park to Karl Zehr Square for the ceremony. It is an event for families with 2 or 3 generations attending. Members Richard Bruckeder, Bill Krohn and Lew Ford for their contributions to the Market.

Richard thanked Monica and Gerhard for bringing this wonderful festival to our attention and presented her with a certificate for 100 polio vaccinations in her name.