South Mouth November 14, 2010
President John called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m.
National Anthem: Jim Hooper
Toast to the Queen & Canada: Matt Taylor
Invocation: Cathy Henry
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND VISITING ROTARIANS
Norris Brown introduced Dan Patterson, President of Niagara College and our guest speaker; Derek Tomlinson, guest of Don Beard and prospective member; and MariettaSnetsinger from the Cambridge North Rotary Club.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Arie Vrugteeven serving as Sergeant-at-Arms accepted happy dollars from:
Cathy Henry - glad to see that President John is a great Polka dancer;
Jim Hooper - glad that his Christmas lights are up;
John Teibert - had a wonderful time at the Take It To Heart Gala and enjoyed the Bishop's Installation;
Kris Akilie- her house is ready for her parents to move into;
Ernesto Carrillo - happy his wife's surgery went well;
Chris Michael - glad to move into his new home;
Matt Taylor - had a wonderful time at the Take It To Heart Gala and thanked Cathy and the Gala committee for all their hard work;
Dan Toppari - glad that John Teibert danced the Polka with his wife and the house is now empty with Chris and his family moved into their new home;
Paul Monaghan - enjoyed the Gala;
Bob McKay - happy that Ed Telenko was not there and happy that the Argots were moving on to the CFL Eastern Finals against Montreal;
Rob Welch - glad that the District Governor and Assistant Governor will be attending the Paul Harris luncheon on Monday, November 22nd
Marietta - happy to be at our meeting and is looking to start a Baskin Robbins Franchise in Niagara.
ROTARY MINUTE
Beth Cockcroft read about Rotary and Business Partners for a Polio Free India. See November 2010 Rotary.org leader.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Take it to Heart Gala was a great success. Cathy thanked all members who so graciously supported the gala by attending the evening, selling raffle tickets or purchased ads in the program. Further details will follow after the wind up meeting. Cathy also emphasized that the Gala Committee needs full club support if we are to meet our goal.
November 17th - "Bigger, Better, Bolder Clubs" Membership Forum. 6pm to 9pm @ Mohawk College STARRT Campus in Stoney Creek. Cost is $20. Please see President John if you are interested.
November 22nd, Paul Harris Fellowship Awards. Meeting will be hosted by the Foundation Committee.
November 25th Fireside at Cathy Henry's starting at 7pm, the topic will be Vocational Services and New Generations. New members should attend, others are welcome or those that haven't attended one in the past. An online registration has gone out, so please complete so that we know how many will be there.
November 26th Bingo - volunteers are needed. Thanks to Laetitia de Witt, Bob McKay and Ron Kozub for assisting on November 13th.
November 28th Christmas Open House at the Teibert's 2pm - 5pm.
November 30th is the deadline for applications for the Group Study Exchange to South Korea. Also Ambassadorial Scholars/Peace Scholars.
Ron Kozub announced his club fundraiser of key chains- sales for $15.00 with a portion coming back to the club. He will bring a sample on Monday.
BIRTHDAYS
November 14 John Klassen, who shares his birthday with rapper RUN DMC and Prince Charles.
November 16 Don Beard, who shares his birthday with Diana Krall and Burgess Meredith.
50/50 DRAW
$2/ ticket. Dan Toppari drew the Queen of Spades. President John asked for trinkets from members going forward so that each Monday, someone can take away a little prize.
GUEST SPEAKER, DAN PATTERSON, NIAGARA COLLEGE
Chris Michael introduced Dan Patterson, President of Niagara College. As Chair of Academic Studies at Niagara College, Chris spoke of Dan Patterson's tremendous strides in improving the reputation of the College and was very proud to be a member of staff.
Dan Patterson spoke of how deeply the College is committed to the growth and prosperity of the region and how they consider themselves woven into the fabric of Niagara, both its life and vision.
Dan spoke of the tremendous accomplishments of Niagara College - increasing student population from 4,300-9,000, to being voted tops in client and student satisfaction for the past six years throughout the province, to the capital expansion offering many new and exciting programs to continue the growth of the college, and having an Alumni of over 50,000. Visits by Prince Charles, Prime Minister Harper, and the Vietnamese Prime Minister were highlights of 2009-2010.
There are 800 international students from over 60 countries, 500 second career students, 91 programs and over 15,000 continuing education registrations in over 400 course offerings. There are three campuses - Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Ontario Street with a $100 million operating budget. It is very important that all staff be involved in economic development to some degree throughout the region - Rotary, Chambers, etc., to learn .. so that Niagara College can have programs to meet the labour market needs.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake campus offers programs in Greenhouse Technology, Niagara Waters Spa, Wine Visitor, and education center and a newly transformed Benchmark restaurant. The Welland campus has had a complete transformation. There is a 40-acre working vineyard, golf simulator, and a Center for Advanced Visualization.
College students have gone out into the community to relate their learning to the realities of life - building six homes with Habitat for Humanity, Shiny Smiles - a dental program, and Many Hands Project.
Dan stated that college graduates drive the economy and ensure future prosperity. With the new technologies, 70% of all new jobs will requre post secondary education.
Ron Kozub thanked Dan Patterson for the very informative and exciting talk on the College progress and how Rotary, education, and youth are important partners.
ATTENDANCE REPORT
Ron Kozub reported 25 members, three guests, and 12 make ups for 100 per cent attendance.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business for the good of Rotary, President John wished everyone a good week in Rotary and before adjourning the meeting at 1:20 p.m. left members with this thought for the day:
"Few things are more satisfying than seeing your own children have teenagers of their own." - Doug Larson