President’s Night

Head Table:  Helen Robinson Assistant District Governor, Rotarian Dorothy Menton, Past District Governor Brian Menton, Dan Donaldson, Vanessa Donaldson, Lauren Donaldson, John Coxon, Sharron Coxon, Margot Cork, Ron Cork and grandson Cam

Honorary Members in attendance:  George and Gwen McFadden, George Trent, Garnet Powell, Bruce Faulkner

Guests:  

Rotary Club of Fenelon Falls President Wayne Hutchinson and his wife Allison, Rotary Club of Fenelon Falls Past Pres. Christine Keenan, Andy and Mary Vanderstarren and Helen Robinson, President Elect FF and Assistant District Governor.

Elaine Hamilton, Rotarian from Australia

Dr. John Rodway, Rotarian from the Villages of Florida and his wife Em.

Valmay Barkey

Rotarian Spouses in attendance:  Ina Currie, Jane Crockford, Pauline Hunter, Gillian Wilcox, Betty Goard, Betty Fox, Lillian Nickerson, Pat Clark, Gilles Charbonneau, Ken Nicholls, Glen Coons, Rick Rickard, Clint Gage, Deb Hagarty, Ron Swain, Christine Willock

Following the signing of O’Canada and a toast to the Queen, Carol Timlin led Rotarians with a toast to Rotary Spouses, partners and family members.  This was followed by a joke from our able MC Ron Cork involving police officers and a freshly mopped floor.  A singing of Rotary Grace was followed by dinner.

Commencing the evening’s program, Dan Donaldson introduced Brian Menton who officially became Past District Governor this month.  Brian noted that Lindsay would look like an entirely different place without the Rotary Club that has been in existence since 1922.  He stated that Dan had made the club stronger and was an “influence of change”.  He also commended the club for their strong membership noting we had 2 experienced Assistant District Governors in our membership.  

Paul Harris Fellows were given out by Bernie Nickerson and Brian Menton.  First time recipients were Gilles Charbonneau and two others not present.  Multiple recipients honored were Maria Bennett +3, John Bennett +4, Gillian Willcocks +4, Gary Traill +6, Gary Clarke +7 and John Coxon +7.

Assistant District Governor Helen Robinson gave President Dan a 2014-15 Presidential Citation noting he was the only one to receive it at our District this year.

Perfect Attendance pins were given out as follows:

One year:  Derek Denson, Dan Donaldson, John Hagarty, Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Lynda Rickard, Sheryl Wallis, Jason Willock

Two year:  Sharon Chambers and Barb Swain

Eighteen years:  John Coxon

Al Cripps announced this year’s winner of the Rotary Vocational Award was Wally Nugent.  Over the past 30 years Wally has been involved with numerous projects including Kawartha Youth Incorporated, Wilson Fields and the Big Bike.  Unfortunately Wally was unable to attend but will be suitably honored at a later date.

A new award from the District was given to Bernie Nickerson for his work and dedication raising funds for the Rotary Foundation.  

President Dan reviewed his past year accomplishments.  Two objectives were to increase membership and have a new fundraising project.  Membership went from 34 to 41 and the Ron McLean event was our new fundraising project.  Other accomplishments from the Board included setting new donation criteria, sending 3 students to RYLA, a bursary to each high school, the student of the month program and donations to Five Counties, the United Way and the Food Source.

Dan thanked his Board of Directors:  Erin Coons, John Coxon, John Hagarty, Barb Swain, Al Goard, Sharon Chamber, Bernie Nickerson, Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Greg Evans and Jason Willock.  He also noted a special thanks to Marlene Hargreaves from BDO who does the Rotary bookkeeping.  

Dan completed his talk with his word of the week.  “Ultimate” noting it had been an ultimate pleasure serving as President.  Dan was thanked by John Coxon who presented Dan with his Past President Badge and pin with sapphire and a refurbished Presidential Gavel Plaque that noted Dan’s three stints as Rotary President.  Dan was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellow +1

In turn, Past President Dan turned the Chain of Command, medallion and gavel over to John Coxon.  Newly appointed President John introduced his board:  Past President Dan Donaldson, Treasurer John Bennett, Secretary Blair Bailey, Club Service Director John Hagarty, Vocational Service Director Bernie Nickerson, Community Service Director Erin Coons, Fundraising Director Carol Timlin, International Service Director Lynda Rickard and New Generations Director Sharon Chambers.  John also noted the following chairs:  Al Cripps- Vocational Service, Michelle Gage – Program and Road Cleanup, Marcus Tully- PR, Jason Willock –Wilson Fields, Brad Owens-Youth Exchange, and David Harvey – Rotary Foundation.

John thanked all those attending and was surprised by Sheryl Wallis who read out congratulations to John from his son, daughter and granddaughter.

The 50/50 draw of $85 was won by Lillian Nickerson

The Basket Raffles were won by:

Coffee Basket – Grace Popovik

Spice Basket – Donna Storey

Handy person Basket – Christa Chaisson

Next week’s Duties

Sgt at Arms:  Ian Crockford, Barb Swain

Thanker/Finemaster:  Teresa Fleming

Greeter/Prize: Mark Fisher

MC Ron closed the meeting with the thought of the day:  Life is short so smile now before you lose your teeth.

Meeting adjourned

Your scribe,

Carol Timlin