The singing of our National Anthem and Rotary Grace today was certainly an experience. I’m still working on descriptive terms.
The Sergeant introduced our guest Garry Burns, a former member of Oshawa Rotary Club.
President John told us a story of a young physician learning about the power of observation as a tool to be used in becoming a good diagnostician.
Announcements:
Next week is a club assembly. On the agenda is election of board members
December 14 is our Christmas meeting. Please contact Sharon to let her know numbers for attendance. highpoint@xplornet.ca
John Bennett told us about a letter of appreciation for The Rotary Club of LIndsay Student Bursary at Fleming College. It is one of 545 donor sponsored bursaries at the college and since its inception in 2006, $7,430.00 has been awarded to qualifying applicants. Last year, close to 40% of Fleming college students applied for financial assistance. Our club has not contributed to the fund this year due to financial constraints.
Next Week Duty Roster:
Sergeants at Arms - Charlie and Jill
Thanker/Fines - Anna (note: Anna needs a substitute)
Greeter/Prize - Al G.
Humour will be supplied by Don fox.
Anna won a single malted door prize today. And a hushed murmur followed from the scotch lovers in the room.
Our finemaster Christine, was kind today and did not levy any fines. There were many happy bucks to fill the basket though.
Christine was happy to have had a great visit with her sister.
Charlie was somewhat happy for the Ottawa football team. (He would have been happier for Hamilton)
John Hunter was happy that today was St. Andrew’s Day but sad that no one sang “Flower of Scotland” However, he declined to take the microphone from President John.
Blair was happy that he had good weather and a great cruise.
John Hagarty was happy about the benefits of the hockey fellowship night. The proceeds of the ‘sale’ of the tickets that Anthony provided, were donated to the club. Thank you Anthony.
Rohan is happy to mark the birthdays, in the week ending November 30, of John Hagarty, Bob Puffer, and Anthony Polito, and the Rotary anniversaries of John Bennett (24), Ron Cork (23), Bill Crawford (43), Sheryl Wallis (3), and Bob Puffer (34). (For the benifit of younger members, both Bob and Bill continue to support Rotary as honorary members after many years of active service.)
Erin is happy that her Buckeyes beat Michigan and she is happy to be back having missed some meetings.
Lynda is happy to tell us that Rotanza tickets will soon be printed. She was also happy that her grandchildren visited and, that today is Lucy Maude Montgomery’s 140th birthday. (Ms Montgomery apparently visited Lindsay periodically while she and her husband lived in Leaskdale)
Marcus Tully won the 50/50 draw, and here’s a surprise. He pulled the Joker out of the deck and picked up $126.00! Marcus decided to donate to the Rotary Foundation.
Program:
Our speaker today was the chair of the membership committee, and a Past President of the club, John Hagarty. John spoke to us today about membership.
He mentioned that he had served in three different clubs (his tenure in Lindsay being the longest), and he pointed out that each club has diverse ways of doing things. This fact has contributed to his experience favorably. He cited examples of different responsibilities of officers, different practices for weekly activities at meetings and proposed that education of our members is key to a rewarding experience as a club member.
John illustrated his talk with a power point presentation using information he had previously forwarded to members via e mail.
John explained the three types of membership in our club; regular, corporate and associate and opened the floor to questions. The discourse covered make-up meetings, attendance requirements, recognition of contributions to the club as well as attendance being a good reason to support ‘corporate’ membership.
John detailed how to do an on-line make-up, pointing out that it is also an educational opportunity.
John showed us the flow chart for a new member application and approval as well as a breakdown of potential costs for new members
If you have a person in mind to propose, John suggests that you contact him for the forms and further information.
There are many ways to learn about Rotary. John provided a hand out detailing 4 Ways to Learn about Rotary. They are Rotary 101 and District Learning Academy, both available at www.clubrunner.ca/7010 . You can contact Lynda Rickard for information on the Rotary Leadership Institute, and take advantage of opportunity to attend the annual Rotary Leadership Weekend.
On a question about Happy Bucks and the proceeds from the 50/50 draw, it was explained that those moneys are presently contributed to the Polio Plus campaign. Additionally, when you purchase the token ‘happy bucks’ in amounts greater than $20 over the course of the year, you are credited with a donation which qualifies for a proportional matching by the club on an annual basis. The matching amounts vary according to the number of donors and the amounts.
Since, for the second time, the presenter was also the thanker, John was left to heap praise upon himself for providing such an illuminating presentation.
Thank you John for illustrating this information. (and Charlie stayed right to the end!)
And speaking about Rotary Foundation, Bernie reminded us that he and Dave Harvie would like to tidy up donations for fiscal 2015. Make your cheque to Rotary Club of LIndsay with a memo to Foundation, and make sure that either Dave or Bernie get it before December 14th. If you decide to donate on line, please make sure you inform Dave or Bernie so that records are kept. If you would like to find out what amounts you have donated so far, call Bernie or Dave.
There being nothing further for the good of Rotary, the meeting was adjourned.
Scribe: Jim Mackey