B.E.L. Rotary Club Bulletin – 21 Nov 2011

Posted 
on Nov 21, 2011
 

 By: Ruth Kuchinad

 

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President Brad opened our meeting tonight with the customary toast to France, Mexico , Brazil and Canada.  Give Devitt  gave the 4-Way Test and Dave Rook-Green the blessing.  John Taylor introduced our guests, Susan Mackle from the Peterborough Club, Dave & Gord Kilnor, Dawn Bronson and our speaker, Lorrie Polito.  Sue Davidson won the 50/50, to her partner Tony’s dismay.  Brian Parks collected fines with whacky trivia.
 
Rotary Information
Sue Davidson advised us that Chris Tworkowski has been admitted to hospital and will have a triple bypass operation on Tuesday.  Sue will purchase a card for us all to sign.  Updated information is that he is in Toronto General Hospital and will be out of intensive care today (Fri) into a room.
Since this is Foundation month, Brin Styles, Director-elect to RI and PDG 2004-5 sent a message regarding Foundation.  It is the engine to change the world through education, humanitarian projects, Polio Plus and the Group Study Exchange (GSE).
Girv Devitt spoke about having raised $288 at our Beer Store effort which will go to Foundation.  We have also donated $1000 for wheelchair distribution in Ecuador and we have a possible new project with the Kawartha Club to equip a school in Haiti with computers.
Don Thornton reported that our new outbound Youth Exchange student will be Alicia Kensit, 15, from Grade 10 at Lakefield District High School.
 
Speaker
Dave Tilley introduced his Lorrie Polito, from A Place Called Home, the homeless shelter in City of Kawartha Lakes. 
The shelter is a 24 hour facility in Lindsay which has noticed many more homeless seniors and  youth from 16-17.  In order to best assist these folks, they have organized a network of people to assist in their work.  And the neat thing is that people who use their services, when they get on their feet, they often come back as volunteers.
They currently have a shelter with 19 beds which is mostly full, a staff of 20 and about 20-30 volunteers.  Their funding comes through the Province (80%) and the municipality (20%).  They do receive United Way funding and raise about $100,000 per year.  Ruth Kuchinad thanked Lorrie for her and enlightening presentation.
President’s Word
Brad Filman told us about the details of the Christmas Hampers which will be going to Curve Lake.  We have $1500 to spend which will give us 30 baskets.  It seemed like Dec 15th is the best time to  pack and deliver the boxes.  Brad will coordinate with Curve Lake Social Council.
Our 35th anniversary dinner is coming next week.  Brad will Chair and Sue will host.
Our Christmas party will be on Monday, Dec 19th at the home of Sue & Tony Davidson.
 
Announcements
Bob Ash reported that Andrea & Mike Brown are again running the Pan Fish Festival on Feb 18th in Ennismore. 
Lorne Kelsey spoke about the District 7010 Ball Hockey Jerseys and he will e-mail everyone about the details  The deadline to order them is Nov 30th.
Sue handed out new roster pages which Chris Tworkowski had prepared.
Ruth Kuchinad indicated she has started a BEL Rotary Facebook page.
We missed you Reg Downs, Spence Tucker & Chris Tworkowski.
Brad closed the meeting by thanking the speaker and our guests, especially Honorary Rotarian Dave Kilnor.