South Mouth, June 18, 2012
National Anthem: John D’Ambrosio
Toast to Queen & Canada: Ian Forbes
Invocation: Jean Stewart
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND VISITING ROTARIANS
Ron Kozub introduced the students receiving Rotary medals.
Thorold Secondary School: Ashley Bellamy and Michael Gretzinger
West Park Secondary School: Abigail Green and Devon Roberto
Denis Morris High School: Andrea Nolan and Matthew Coppola
Sir Winston Churchill: Evan Vassallo and Min Jung
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Jean Stewart, serving as Sergeant-at-Arms, accepted happy dollars from Paul Monaghan, Jim Hooper, Ron Kozub ($10), John Teibert, Matt Taylor, Sheila Bristo, and Don Beard ($10).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rotary Tour du Lac – Ian Forbes advised that we have raised $24,000 in pledges and that we have 17 riders. July 8th is the send off.
Bingo – June 23rd. We have three volunteers – Ian, Roseanne, and Don. A fourth volunteer is needed. John Teibert also circulated the schedule of bingos for the first half of the new Rotary year and asked for consideration of help.
Updated on Merger with Sunrise Club – the old and new Boards of both clubs met on June 13 at President Sheila’s house. We reviewed the committee structure, yearly schedule, and weekly agenda for the coming year. There will be more information on that to come. A meeting is being arranged to discuss the financial and legal due diligence and a Memorandum of Understanding is in the process of being drafted. The energy was amazing and the instant friendship connected us all. We have an exciting year ahead with exciting news to come on our expanded presence at Rib Fest.
July 2nd – No Meeting in recognition of Canada day. The induction of the new board and beginning of Roseanne and Lynn’s year as Co-Presidents will be recognized on July 9.
BIRTHDAYS
Happy Birthday was sung for Ron Kozub who celebrated his birthday on June 7th. Many happy returns, Ron!
50/50 DRAW
Ian and John both drew, but the pot still grows!
EARLY LEAVERS
None to report.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
Ron Kozub reported 14 members and eight make ups for 78 per cent attendance.
INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKERS
John D’Ambrosio introduced the schools and recipients to receive Rotary medals. John explained that we are proud to be Rotarians and we look to these young leaders to be future Rotarians.
DENIS MORRIS HIGH SCHOOL
Andrea Nolan – introduced by Matt – is described as doing everything with enthusiasm and a smile. She is involved in figure skating and piano. She has participated in plays and the school choir. Andrea is comfortable in her own skin. She plans to study music at Brock University.
Matthew Coppola – introduced by Andrea – is described as extremely tall, cheerful, an academic who is also sports minded. Matt is involved in hockey, swimming, track, football and rowing. Matt will be attending the University of Waterloo to study Engineering.
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
Evan Vassallo – introduced by Min – is described as most admired, well-rounded, and athletic. Evan rows, swims, plays the clarinet, led a literacy initiative, is student council treasurer, has outstanding charisma, and displays an amazing work ethic and time management skills. Evan will be studying Engineering at McGill University.
Min Jung – introduced by Evan – is being recognized for her Service Above Self. She is Captain of the Basketball team, and has degrees in Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo. She assists at a family clinic and participated in a 30-hour famine. She recently coordinated a very successful pep rally for the school.
THOROLD SECONDARY SCHOOL
Ashley Bellamy – introduced by Mike – is described as small with a BIG heart. She has served three years on Student Council, has participated in the Trillium and Cross Country teams, is a volunteer at Cobblestone.
Michael Gretzinger– introduced by Ashley – is described as amazing. He is very involved in basketball and helps the homeless and seniors.
WEST PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL
Devon Roberto– introduced by Abby – is described as passionate, loved and respected. Devon has been very involved on Student Council serving as a representative, then Treasurer, and now President. He is active in sports – volleyball, basketball, cross country. He is an honour roll student.
Abigail Green – introduced by Devon – is described as kind and loving. She is President of the Music Council and has organized many events. She plays the Ukulele and many other instruments. She is part of the book club, leaders in action, and student council. No one says no to Abby! She will pursue a career in broadcasting and media.
NEXT MEETING
June 25th – we will be inducting Jeff Thomas into Rotary and President Sheila will recap the year.
ADJOURNMENT
President Sheila wished everyone a good week in Rotary and before closing the meeting left us with this thought for the day in honour of our Rotary medalists: “When you give everyone a voice and give people power, the system usually ends up in a really good place.” – Mark Zuckerberg.