GRAPEVINE SEPTEMBER 18 2014
Vice-President Clarence chaired the meeting in the absence of President Bob.
Registrars Report
Rotarian Marshall reported that there were 18 Rotarians present at the meeting, exchange students, Jo Anne and Gabo, and three guests Gary Aikema, Colleen Laverdiere and honorary Rotarian Paul Murphy.
Happy Bucks
Harry -was in Edinburgh last week and experienced the mood leading up to the vote first hand.
Michael- reported that it is 5 years since his last motorcycle accident.
Jim M- little cool for golf today and now making plans to go south.
Jeanette- Booked winter Cruise.
Shirley- went of school field trip with young grandson to Balls Falls. Impressed with what kids know.
Clarence- left in charge of young granddaughter for the first time.
Grant- Daughter in Calgary reported that recent snow in Calgary was not a problem as her car still had snow tires on.
Roger-Old friend from Military College days visited.
Marty-Also booked late fall vacation.
Wayne-Happy that only one day of campaigning left this week.
Others- mostly happy
Announcements
Jim H reported that members have now been provided with their contacts of existing sponsors for upcoming Fantasy of Trees being held November 21 to December 7th. Members are encouraged to reach out to potential new sponsors.
Grant reported on the success of the Festival Of Art that was held on September 6th and September 7th and thanked members for their outstanding support in staffing the festival and helping with the set up and cleanup.
Program
Thomas introduced Paul Murphy and Gary Aikema from The Amethyst for ALS .This is a signature Fundraiser in support of the Dr John Turnball ALS research and for patient services at the Hamilton Health Sciences for ALS. Paul became involved with fundraising for ALS after he lost 4 close friends to ALS. They were all diagnosed and treated by Dr John Turnbull who is Professor and Head of Neurology at McMaster University. He is a renowned researcher of the disease and also runs the clinic for ALS at McMaster. Paul mentioned that the “water bucket challenge” has raised the awareness of the disease in addition to raising much needed money for research. The McMaster Clinic is one of only 5 clinics in Ontario for ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Gary Aikema lost his wife of 33 years to ALS and shared his personal experience with the progression of the disease on his wife. After his wife was diagnosed they were able to travel extensively even through his wife was gradually becoming physically challenged. He mentioned that both him and his wife wanted to raise awareness of ALS and he is now very involved with fund raising for research and for patient care.
Paul encouraged his Rotary colleagues to help out by attending The Amethyst Fundraiser on Friday October 24,2014 at Liuna Sation, Hamilton.
Don thanked both Paul and Gary.
Upcoming events:
The Rotary District 7090 Bash is being held on October 25-26 and President Bob would like to see good representation from our club.
The Coles/Rotary Pumpkin Drive is from Saturday October 18 to Friday October 31.
The Amethyst for ALS event mentioned above is Friday October 24,2014. Cocktails 6:30, Dinner at 7:00PM at Historic Liuna Station, Hamilton. For tickets call 905 521 2100 Ext 76365 . or visit www.amethystforals.ca
Duty Roster
Please visit Club Runner
Recorded by Jim Howden