Fireside 0909

There were three presentations asking for support from the Rotary Club of Midland.

Tim Jenkinson and John Farager are teachers at MSS who have been working with their students as they learn more about those who fought on our behalf in the two World Wars.  They are taking 45 students to Juno Beach, Vimy and Antwerp in May of 2010.  The students have been researching individual veterans, talking to the Legion members and raising funds for the trip.  Each student needs to raise $3,500.00 for their own travel.  They will be wearing windbreakers, hats and t-shirts and carrying umbrellas identifying them as part of this group and they will cost about $6,000.00 for everybody.  Transport from Midland to Pearson and back is another $2,000.00.  They thought they would take about 12 but 200 indicated interest.  45 is what will fit in a European bus.  Tim and John did not have a specific amount in mind, they wanted to present the project to Rotary, ask for an opportunity to return after the trip with a report by some of the students and to give Rotary the information so we could decide whether, and for how much, the Club would support them.

Markus Baumann spoke for the soccer fields being built behind TRW.  Soccer is now the most popular sport in Canada and there is only one field in the Penetang/Midland area and it is not enough to support the interest.  Besides soccer at several levels there is growing interest in Ultimate Frisbee, a game played by teams of 7 with no refs and, theoretically no contact, with a frisbee on a soccer field.  Funding has been received from the Provincial and Federal levels to the amount of $500,000.00.  The Lions Club has committed $75,000.00 and the fields will be named after Edwin Walker.  Each minor league has committed $25,000.00.  There is still a shortfall of $75,000.00 and Markus suggested the Club support the fields at $25,000.00.

Bill Molesworth said that Libraries still have a role in the community as evaluators and distributors of information in a cost effective way, and providers of access to technology for the many who do not have it, as well as promoters of literacy, learning and general reading.  The Midland Library has not been expanded in 40 years while the number and scale of services has grown.  Rotary, as a supporter of Literacy and of general growth and promotion of the community, is a logical supporter of the current expansion and he suggested a naming opportunity at $25,000.00.

After dinner Tim and John left and there was discussion regarding all three proposals.  The consensus of the trip to Europe was that the kids had been doing a lot of work, were showing a major commitment in undertaking to fund their costs and that it was important for these young people to learn more about the sacrifices made by preceding generations.  Fred Hacker moved the Club consider paying for the clothing costs, which was seconded and agreed to by the membership.  Dave Mink added that the group is not looking for a free ride, they are prepared to help with things like the food drive or Party on the Dock.  Joyce suggested they approach a Club in Europe too, to twin with.

Markus and Phil went upstairs.  Club consensus was that there was an obvious need for fields in the area but that the groups involved should be looking at lights as it would extend the useable hours of the fields and stands.  Aaron thought one field was to be equipped with bleachers.  The Town has agreed to maintain the fields so operating costs should be low.  A show of hands indicated a large majority in favour of recommending the Club consider supporting the project.

Bill went upstairs.  Writing from notes supplied by Patricia, it appears there were questions regarding where the other funding was coming from, whether it was all in place or whether there was shortfall and whether the donation would be eligible for a matching grant from the District.  There was discussion regarding the scale of the project and whether the 25 was sufficient or whether the Club should contribute 50.  It was agreed to recommend the Club consider supporting the project.

Bruce Thompson presented the Budget.  All invoices are paid up to date.  There are some outstanding dues and he and other Board members are hoping to work with members to reduce these.  He is trying to establish a procedure for advance billing but he has been playing catch up.  It may seem, when the next invoice comes, that they are too close together, but the intent is to get us ahead and then establish that payment is due 30 days after mailing.  Don't forget to get a cheque recquisition and receipts if you expect to be reimbursed.  Steve thanked Bruce for working so hard to get the accounts in order - it was a bigger job than had been anticipated.

Phil said he had been working with Ralph to develop a long term plan.  He has conducted a survey and the results broke down into two areas the Club seems to be interested in - hands on  and funded projects.  Hands on are things like the Rotary Trail, a roof on the band shell, a bike path to Tiny Beaches and a adopt a road.  Funded would include fitness stations on the Trail, International and Polio,Children's water play area and outdoor skating.  Other ideas included buying land and building our own facility, building or contributing to an art performance space, a fair grounds, a shelter for homeless, an outdoor community pool and working with the museum on their expansion project.  Phil suggested working towards a play area for all, including those with disabilities, maybe in Harbourfront Park.  It is expensive and would have to be contracted because it has special construction requirements but there is nothing like it anywhere around here.  A Committee of Steve, Jamie, Dwayne, Tara, Sandie and Phil was struck to research the matter.

Sandie reviewed the questions of changing venues again.  After some discussion and the distribution of a non binding ballot, 32 of those present voted to stay at the BW, 5 wanted to move and 1 abstained.  It appears there is a level of satisfaction with the new menus and the upstairs room.  Ralph thanked Sandie for her work.

Fred said the Club's Constitution, which discusses the Principles under which the Club operates and names the Club's commitments, is primarily described by International and does not change much.  The Club's Bylaws, though, describe how this Club does business and describes our Practices over the years.  Joyce reviewed them in 2003.  Fred is reviewing them again and trying to bring our practices into the bylaws and to group them by subject so they will be up to date.  He will be bringing recommendations to the Club.

Steve said the Trip of the Month fundraiser pretty much died when a couple of the major ticket sellers decided it was time to cut back and the rest of the Club expressed some discontent with trying to sell hundred dollar tickets for a 1200 dollar prize.  A sub committee has met but has not come up with a new idea.  Because of the success of the Party on the Dock the 12 - 14,000 dollars has not been missed but we can't count on that forever.  A second Committee of Rob, Brett, Fred, Mike Thor, Sue, Tara, Mike Proulx, Bruce Thompson and Brent was struck to examine new ideas and bring a recommendation to the Club.

Mike Proulx said this had been the most successful year ever for Music in the Park, thanks to the sponsors.  Attendance at the finale was over 500 people.  This is an example of giving back to the community and he has received many complimentary phone calls.  8 sponsors means that the Club only sponsors 6 or 7.  Mike inquired whether the Club wants to repeat the program next year.  Neil moved that we do, Pauline seconded and the motion carried.

Fred repeated that we are required by International and practice to have any member and their spouse who deals with an exchange student or any other member of a vulnerable group have a Police Check.  Many have not been submitted and it is required.  Please get them in to Fred.

Phil and Aaron are co-chairing the auction and they hope to start soon.  Any who want to help them get in touch.

Bob Campbell said the College of Knowledge had been great and congrats to Joyce and Jamie and to Fred, Dean, and Ron and that this evening had been great too, well rounded and lots of energy and he felt the Club was moving in the right direction toward real projects but fun too.  Ralph seconded and thanked the Board and the Club in general for all their work and hopes for a great year.