South Mouth, April 16, 2012

April is Magazine Month. Please be sure to share your rotary magazine with at least one other person this month.

12:15 p.m. Call to Order    

National Anthem: Kris Akilie

Toast to the Queen & Canada: Jean Stewart

Invocation: Cathy Henry

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND VISITING ROTARIANS

Ron Kozub introduced Bradley Thachuk and Adrienne George from the Niagara Symphony, and Dr. Ben Cecil from Niagara College, guest of Roseanne and a prospective member.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

Jason Pollock, serving as Sergeant-at-arms, paid a happy dollar and accepted other happy dollars from:

• Jean Holbert-Leighton

• Don Beard

• Cathy Henry

• Jean Stewart

• Kris Akilie

• Ron Kozub

• Jim Hooper

• Dan Toppari

• Najeeb Syed

• Paul Massuet

• Peter Snodgrass

• Sheila Bristo

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Sheila read a thank you letter from Gillian’s Place for our $500 donation.

The District Assembly was held on April 14. President Sheila and Roseanne attended from the club. It was a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary and meet other Rotarians. Roseanne led a seminar entitled, “Connecting for Growth: Best Social Media Practices for Rotary”. If you haven’t attended an assembly or conference, it is highly recommended.

April 28^th Bingo – John Teibert asked for one more volunteer. The April 13^th bingo went well thanks to Jean Stewart, Jean Holbert-Leighton and Greg McDonald.

RYLA and Slapshot – Tom Schulz announced four students for Slapshot 2012: Devon Roberto from West Park Secondary School, John Cho from Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. Jessica Librock from Thorold High School, and Emily Burkholder from Denis Morris High School. RYLA 2012 will be held from June 10-16th, 2012 at SUNY, College in Fredonia, New York. To date, we have one application.

Strategic Planning Update - President Sheila advised that we will be discussing our draft strategic plan at the May 14^th General Assembly. A package will be emailed to all members in advance to review. The goal is to have our plan approved in time for July 1st, the next Rotary year.

May 6^th Explore Niagara Car Rally – President Sheila has $300 pledged.  Who will beat Sheila for a gourmet dinner prepared by her own hands?

Jim Hooper reported 16 vehicles registered for the rally. Jean Stewart also noted that the club is seeking prizes for the prize table. Please confirm with Jean if your business or a business you know can contribute gift certificates or other items. 

May 14^th General Assembly – at Dom’s Restaurant. Details to follow from Tom Schulz.

November 10^th Final Take it to Heart Gala – Cathy Henry noted that the club is looking to raise $50,000 from this final gala. It will be very celebratory. Please plan to attend or to advertise in the program.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday was sung to Kirs Akilie, who celebrated her birthday April 12 and to John Teibert, who celebrated his birthday April 15. Born into Rotary, Kris, 4 years and David Cooperman, 38 years.

50/50 DRAW

Jim Hooper had the winning ticket but failed to draw the Black Ace.

EARLY LEAVERS

Paul Monoghan, Najeeb Syed, Jean Holbert-Leighton, and Don Beard.

 
GUEST SPEAKER, Music Director & Principal Conductor, Bradley Thachuk

Dan Toppari introduced Mr. Bradley Thachuk, the 7^th Music Director of the Niagara Symphony. Previously, Mr. Thachuk was the Associate Conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic from Indiana, USA – a position he held for nine years.

As the Music Director & Principal Conductor in the Niagara Symphony’s 63-year history, his role will be key in revitalizing the Symphony’s relationship within the community as it awaits, with eager anticipation, its new home in the St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre.

Mr. Thachuk identified Niagara as one of the cultural jewels of Canada, and stated that the Niagara Symphony has a prominent place in completing the cultural picture.

Mr. Thachuk commented that the Niagara Symphony Orchestra has not reached its full potential. To date, it has been largely a St. Catharines Symphony. Now their main mission is to expand into the region.

The Niagara Symphony has give Master Works a year, but there are now a host of pop concert opportunities, many in partnership with well known musical talent. The Niagara Symphony has performed at Jackson Trigg’s Summer Twilight Series with Chantal Kreviazuk, which garnered a TV special and an international CD.

The Niagara Symphony has a new executive team in place and feel fortunate to have partnered with the City of St. Catharines and Brock University in the new Performing Arts Centre.

Currently, earned revenue in ticket sales is 52% - this is higher than other symphonies, who average revenue in ticket sales of 38%. Adrienne George is actively seeking community sponsorships.

Next year, the Niagara Symphony will be re-introducing a Family Concert Series – almost POP concerns for kids – a good model.

The Niagara Symphony has a history of working with the children of Niagara – The Summer Music Camp continues at Ridley College and Composer in the Classroom is a truly regional program, where the Niagara Symphony performs what the students compose.

In future, the Niagara Symphony is planning some multi-media events.

The Niagara Symphony is relevant to our community, and the Niagara Symphony is seeking ways in which to better serve the community. They want to hear from us!

John Teibert thanked Bradley for his presentation and noted that he and Evelyn frequently attend performances of the Niagara Symphony and thoroughly enjoy how the orchestra loves to have fun!

ATTENDANCE REPORT

Ron Kozub reported 18 members, nine make-ups and three guests for 85% attendance.

NEXT MEETING

New members will give their Classification Talks.

ADJOURNMENT

Before adjourning the meeting, President Sheila wished everyone a good week in Rotary and left members with this thought for the day:

“Titanic, name and thing,” will stand as a monument and warning to human presumption.” – The Bishop of Winchester, preaching in South Hampton, 1912