March 11 Weekly Bulletin
Minutes of RCO Meeting: March 11, 2013
President Ralf called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.Mari said Grace and Frank Morewood led the singing of ‘O Canada’
Joe Joseph reported on Attendance: 20 Rotarians, 2 guests, Terry Scott soon to be a new member and Suzy Ethier, who has requested an application to join and Bonnie Anderson, a visiting Rotarian from RCOW.
President Ralf thanked Past-Pres. Wayne Snyder for standing in for him last week. Ralf also reported that another 22 sewing machines had been successfully shipped to the Dominican Republic last week. The good work continues.
President’s Minute: Ralf acknowledged Rae Townsend, a true ‘Behind-the-Scenes” Rotarian who gives of his time and his professionalism with no search of the limelight. Rae is a real asset to our club.
Announcements:
Phyllis Kingsley advised that we are sending 4 students to RYLA this year, 3 university students and 1 person who is taking a ‘gap year’ and working before attending university in the Fall. Phyllis also shared with us that RCO is hosting the Rotary Meeting on Tuesday, April 30th and encouraged our members to attend. This is a great meeting to attend as not only is there usually an excellent speaker but it allows the membership to appreciate our work in progress. It is a pleasure to meet and to share in the enthusiasm of the participants!
Linda Hill requested volunteers to assist at Camp Enterprise as chaperones. The chaperone requirement is 2 male/2 female per night plus a back-up in each category. This is an opportunity for some of our newer members to experience Camp Enterprise. The dates are April 18th to April 21st. This project is shared by the 7 Rotary Clubs of Oakville/Burlington.
Liz Behrens brought the suggestion to the club that we get a team together for BBBS of Halton ‘Bowl for Kids Sake’ fundraiser on March 22nd at Classic Bowl from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. A sign-up sheet was passed around with the option of bowling for $20 or making a donation of $20.
Finemaster/Happy Bucks was carried out by Andrew Caird. He successfully collected some decent coin from the membership and entertained us well in the process. Great to have Andrew back doing what he does so well!
Janice Tobia introduced Oakville Town Councillor Pam Damoff. Pam Damoff has been a resident of Oakville since 1992 and has a son who is 23 years old. She has served on Council since 2010.
Pam acknowledged the work of Rotary in the local community as well as worldwide. She shared with us that she had three major influences in her life, they were her Father, Jack Burghardt, former MP from London West and Terry Fox and she has chaired the Terry Fox Run for a number of years. As a reminder of Terry Fox’s commitment and perseverance, she refers to a quote of his; “Today I got up at 4:00am, as usual it was tough” He was living proof of the ability to do something against all odds. As well as her work as a councillor, her own career and chairing the Terry Fox Run she also Chairs the Oakville Santa Claus Parade. She participates every year in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip…..brrr! Oakville Cyclists and the Day of Mourning to name a few!
Some of the highlights of her time as a councillor have been that she and her fellow councillor Max Khan are responsible for successfully bringing to Town Council free transit for Seniors on Mondays, as well as minors being banned from using tanning beds….Oakville was the first municipality to pass this.
Pam encouraged the club to get involved with the Terry Fox Run on April 17th. This is a no fee event and would be an opportunity for some publicity for Rotary.
Ralf thanked Pam for coming out and speaking to the club, which was very much appreciated.
50/50 Winner was Doug Lang who won $31.00
President Ralf announced that our speaker next week will be Karen Hewson from the Royal Canadian Golf Association and adjourned the meeting at 8:00 pm.