Regular meeting January 9, 2014
Meeting called to order by Pres. Lance followed by O Canada, Rotary Toast, Rotary Grace.
Introduction of guests: Nerea Rosenthal (inbound short-term exchange student from Argentina), Hannah Reddering (outbound short-term exchange student to Argentina), Barry Devolin, Greg Metcalfe.
To accommodate schedule of speaker we moved right to program.
George introduced Barry Martin
Barry spoke of an exciting upcoming initiative about the performing arts. SPARC (Symposium for Performing Arts in Rural Communities will take place in Haliburton Apr. in Rural Communities will take place in Haliburton Apr. 24-27. This event is the first of its’ kind in Canada and maybe North America. Many speakers, performers, and participants will be meeting and will be learning, sharing and developing networks (some international) to sustain and promote performing arts in rural communities.Sponsorship from HCDC, Trillium funding Ontario, Canadian Heritage, Ont. Highlands Rourism among others have assisted in the planning of the event. Many local venues will be utilized and showcased including Fleming College, Canoe FM, Forest Festival, Kinmount Theatre to name a few, with a gala to be held at Bark lake leadership Camp. It is expected that 50 presenters, and 150 participants from all points of the globe will attend and participate. Anyone can register. See www.sparcperformingarts.com for more info.
Sergeant at Arms: Brian fined Ted for Bragging (via Facebook) of weather in Florida, Barry Devolin for no adversity in parliament recently, Océane for not having her Rotary Jacket, Richard for not coming through as Brian’s mole. Happy buck donors included Maureen for good Samaritans with snow plows, Ted for enjoying the Xmas lunch at no cost, Michele for a new grandson born Wed., George (sweet and sour) for being able to go and distribute bicycles in Cambodia and for missing Rotary for 6 weeks, Barry for the life-long impact Rotary exchange had on his life and glad of this club’s support of program.
Club business:
1. Pres. Lance presented Richard vanNood with a Paul Harris +2 pin. Well done Richard.
2. Rotary Summer Music Series. Andrew reported that the series will run for 6 Tuesday nights from July 8 – Aug. 12. It is hoped that event will be cost-neutral, through corporate sponsorship, and pass-the-hat donations. Tenders will be posted for performers. Sign-up sheets for volunteers will be prepared. Rotary car will be on-site.
3. Bandshell blow-out. Celebration of bandshell completion, and recognition of all contributors (paid and unpaid) will be held by way of a concert and BarBQ on Sun. June 22.
4. Correspondence. Letter from community member Shannon Billings praising Rotary for Community Christmas Party and for community contribution and involvement.
5. Océane went to Windsor (and Detroit to say she was there) over Christmas with her host family, She has also gone to Collingwood, went snowshoeing with Steve and Andrea Roberts, and tried skiing for the first time.
6. There will be brief Board meeting following tonight’s meeting
Adjournment at 7:00 p.m.
Card Game:
George(yes, again!) tried to make a selection that would win him $279 but it was not to be.
Minutes taken by: Maureen O’Hara
FYI:
1. The District Bicycle Distribution effort had a goal of 800 bikes to distribute in Cambodia, will be giving out 1275 bikes!!! Wow.
2. Steffy Ramos (former Exchange student) is studying International Studies and will be travelling to participate at UN in New York in April. Well done, Steffy!