Bulletin - April 27 2017 - #39
Posted by Graham Kennedy on Apr 28, 2017
Our President, George Darte called the meeting to order; Grace, with an explanation of the Biblical roots of curling, was said by Graham Kennedy The Club sang ‘O Canada’, (led by Rick Evans),
and toasted the Queen (and the people of Canada).
Head Table:
Liz Palmieri, Doug Geddie, (Speaker), George Darte (our ever so shy and humble President),Vicky Rudachuk (SAA), Wade Stayzer, and Tom Arkell.
Welcome to Visitors:
Wade Stayzer introduced today’s visitors:
Lynn Kowalski - guest of RaRa Asaro; Danielle Mitchell - guest of RaRa Asaro
Superintendent George Bench - guest of Larry Iggulden
Celine Parent - guest of George Darte; Alex Geddie - guest of George Darte; Keith Shaver - guest of ClubCassidy Fenton - guest of Liz Palmieri
Our Club accorded them all a warm welcome.
Program:
Liz Palmieri introduced Doug Geddie, well known to our Club for his membership here, and years of years of service at Rib Fest and the TV Auction, (and a past president as well). Doug told us the
inside story of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts; he was one of its three leading organizers, together with Keith Shaver and Daniel Frans. Doug said that the lasting memory of attendees at the
Scotties was simply that of being there, whether as a curler (young or old, veteran or first-timer), spectator, parent, volunteer or member of the national executive. Some 60,000 spectators took in the
ten day event, aided by 400 volunteers (100 were from this Club!) televised for over sixty five hours (TSN) as ‘live from St. Catharines’. All hotels in the city were full, and monies were raised to augment
the Sandra Schmirler telethon. Spectators tended to be middle aged, with higher education and above average incomes! Some 9-11 million dollars were added to the city’s economy and downtown
bar owners were delighted .
There were challenges without funding from either the Provincial government or the department of Tourism. The lounge was a long way from the Meridian Centre and parking pointed to a divide between
city folks and local people. The out-of-towners thought parking was inexpensive, while the locals couldn’t find a place to park!
Local businesses stepped in to help pay the bills. The city didn’t charge rent for the Meridian centre, while substantial contributions were received from Tom Rankin, the Meridian Credit Union,
John Nitsopoulos, and others.
Doug felt that the event helped put our city on the map as capable and enjoyable for conducting future major sports competitions, and encouraged our club to continue to contribute to public spaces in our community.
He praised all those who had helped make the Scotties into a triumph for St. Catharines and Niagara.
Tom Arkell thanked Doug for his leadership and vision in bringing the Scotties to town,
and Paul Harris Fellowships were bestowed on both Keith Shaver and Doug Geddie.
BIRTHDAYS:
Joel Chatterton (A25)
Anniversaries:
Robert Gosselin (1 year, upon his return to our Club), sponsored by Cindy MeWhinney.
Announcements:
David Darby is looking for suitable candidates to attend RYLA’s upcoming week-long workshop.
Happy Dollars:
John Travers, looking well tanned is back from central Florida where a large ice facility has been built, with hockey, figure skating and curling
possibilities. A thousand people use the facility daily
Jean Armitage promoted the University house tour (five homes will be visited), with a ticket price of $25 (See Jean…)
Rick Evans enjoyed a visit from an Australian friend whom he met for the first time some 45 years ago.
Terry McDougall is back from Barcelona, and paid her birthday dues!
Jennifer Hansen thanked April and Jean for their help with the joint Rotary Club Holiday Inn meeting (last week): it was worth all the effort!
Rick Vanderkuip asked us all to continue our search for new members, and offered his thanks to Doug Geddie and friends.
Sandra Holloway has returned from Guatemala (dental trip) and is looking for Rib-Fest sponsorships.
Lezlie Murch related recent activities of the Interact Club, and a building project they have begun (for $100,000). Hand-made dishcloths are available from Lezlie at two for $10
(pick you favourite colour!); she was delighted at the arrival of a new grandson, Thomas; mother and baby are doing fine.
Norma Medulun Burke has returned from her Florida vacation. She took to the beach while her husband played golf…
Jackie Van Lankveld is home from Africa, where she visited the proposed school site in which we are involved in Uganda; she will have more to share with us at an upcoming meeting.
Liz Palmieri thanked club members for their sponsorship of the sing-a-thon, Niagara choral event, and also for donations of furniture. Phantom of the Opera will be presented on May 3.
George Darte reflected on the appropriateness of the name George for male children or grandchildren of the future!
The 50/50:
Draw was won by Dave Stevenson: that is, he drew the winning number, but not any of the missing Aces!
Next week, (May 4, 2017), our speaker will be Elizabeth Zimmerman, director of the YWCA Building Project in St. Catharines.
President George then adjourned the meeting with a memorable quote: Coming together is a beginning…..
Club members donations to Niagara Furniture arranged by Liz Palmieri
Seen at the meeting:
