Meeting of May 13, 2014
Today was a club assembly where the board gives a snapshot of the club's efforts over the past four months. There were 24 members and guests present. We welcomed Pete Dendekker and Charles Long guests of Bruce, and Sydney Van Bakel, Marnee's daughter who will use her architectural skills to help with the club's Eco Park project. We also welcomed back past president Joe Guedes who has been travelling with Anne for the past 10 months. This was the club's first opportunity to present Joe with governor Kevin's Head, Hands and Heart Award.
Bruce filled in as Sergeant-at-Arms with two jokes and then did a mini classification. We learned he was born in Ancaster, married in 1978 and started his business 30 years ago in 1984. We can also call him, "Stupid Canupid". Ask him why if you were not at the meeting this morning.
Ross also did a mini classification. He was born in 1944, attended Westdale High School and after a year at the University of Buffalo went into the insurance adjusting business. In 1979 he started Bannatyne and Company which grew to a staff of 15. Ross specialized in errors and omissions claims and sold the business in 2004. Ross and his grandson Thomas helped out at shredding day on Saturday.
Announcements: George needs more volunteers for this Sunday's fireworks. Please ask your friends to help out. Be at the park for 6:00 PM. Glen asks that you bring any unsold lobster rib fest tickets to next week's meeting. Also bring your money. He still wants more wine for the wheelbarrow draw. Bill is also looking for more items for the auction.
Happy dollars: Glen attended his grand-daughter's wedding; Joe is back; Wayne Massey played golf with his family; Bill was pleased Montreal beat Boston; and, Carl is back from New York City and his visit to the Brooklyn Bridge.
Club Assembly: Art reported the tailgagte party is planned for October 4 prior to the Ticat game. Tickets cost $50 each and will get you into the game as well as the bus there and back. This is an opportunity for the two Dundas Rotary clubs to raise $10 000 towards the Eco Park. Get you friends to buy tickets and share in the party. Bill reported that Community Services has given out $10 000 of its $12 000 budget. The last remaining donation will be made to St. Joseph's Villa Foundation at the Lobster Rib Fest. Rob had a written Youth Services report. The club has supported Slapshot, a student to the World Affairs Seminar in Wisconsin, Claire Harkeness' registration to the International RYLA conference in Australia, a student to Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa. As well, there are elementary school awards for June and the Ken Turner Award yet to be presented.
Barbara's International Services report was given by Jan (Barbara is in France). The $8000 budget has spent $1000 for disaster relief to the Philippines, $1000 for Wells in Haiti and $250 for a student linked with the Mercy Foundation. $3000 of the budget will be set aside with last year's $3000 to build up a sinking fund for a future international project that meets The Rotary Foundation criteria of $15 000 minimum club contribution for a matching grant. The club continues its support of the Ripple Program with a $2000 donation for a new school in Los Tarayes, Guatemala.
Vocational Services director Irene is on leave but reports two off site visits: the Dundas firehall and the Dundas Museum. Shirley reported that the club and members have now donated just under $12 000 to The Rotary Foundation. The Paul Harris Dinner was a success, awarding five community PHF and one to club member David Carson. She also indicated the club wants to be an EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) club which means not only must the club give an average of $100 per member (club donations included) but each member must make a personal contribution, even as little as $10.
Treasurer Ken reported this year's budget set at $40 000 was increased by $5000 to accomodate the Eco Park contribution. So far $28 000 has been committed. To date we raised $11 000 towards next year's budget. There is $8000 in the club's foundation account.
Ralph distributed a report on Public Relations and a Unique Value Proposition follow up summary of the Membership workshop from January. He reminded everyone that it is the individual Rotarian who suggests names of possible new members. Please use the Unique Value Proposition summary when looking for possible new members. Ralph also indicated that the recent shredding day netted over $1300 and along with last October's shredding day brought over $2100 into the club. The community likes the service and is waiting for the fall shredding day.