Southmouth June 23, 2008

Call to Order : President June Manning

Anthem : George Fitzpatrick

Toast:     Don Beard

Grace:  Matt Taylor

Visitor Introduction : John D'Ambrosio welcomed Don Fraser and Ross Macdonald from the Downtown Club.

Sargeant-at-Arms :  John Klassen made the rounds and collected many happy dollars lead by President June Manning thanking the club for sending her and President Elect Greg Macdonald and sandy to Los Angeles for the Rotary international Convention. Jim Hooper took advantage of a good insurance policy and is having his car fixed after going through a hail storm! Don Beard  and John paying heavily for special anniversaries. Jim had a birthday but missed our singing so we sang again. Ross thanking Jean for the fast sale of their house.

Announcements:

June added some initial impressions of her convention. She was proud of the women in healthcare roles that spoke on the progress of the polio campaign. She was also proud of the Canadian element to the convention with Wilf Wilkinson, Dalt Mcguinty, and Steven Lewis all on stage . The level of organization with 18,000 in attendance was excellent as was the spirit.

June acknowledged Roseanne's letter to our club thanking us for our thoughts on the passing of her mother.

June read a certificate from Rick Dykstra celebrating  the occasion of our Fortieth Anniversary.

Sheila made a plea for assistance for Saturday's Bingo. Volunteers spoke so quickly that Jim Hooper made his plea for two weeks from now, July 11, as we are now doing two per month. He still is in need.

Ron Kozub passed around the attendance summary for audit. Please check with Ron as missed meetings can affect your dues bill next month.

Paul Massuet announced that he was still collecting pledge money for the fantastic Bike Trek. He then reminded us of the picnic at his house Sunday June 29 at 3 p.m. Please register online by opening the event announcement on the homepage.

Lataetia is asking for submissions of international projects to her committee for consideration.

June reminded us that there will be a meeting next Monday, June 30, as the holiday is Tuesday. It is her last meeting as President.

50/50 Draw   Honorary member and favourite guest, Don Fraser had his ticket drawn but could not turn the Queen of Hearts.

Guest Speakers: Sheila Morra and Paula      , made a presentation today on behalf of the Green Committee and their Merritton Cenotaph project.  They both sit on the City of St. Catharines Green Committee, a committee of council that sits for the same four years as our council. Paula represents the city's Recreational Services department and was here to explain the technical or design side of the plan She went through every component of the drawings on display giving us meaning to the individual plants, textures or colours present in the concept.  Sheila gave us some background as to the whys of the plan and its benefits to the community of Merritton. One of the simple benefits is that typically this type of project encourages like behaviour from neighbours and a gradual improvement in general neighbourhood appearance.

Sheila was asked about fund raising progress and she explained some large and small sources of funding. She went on to explain that some of the site upkeep will be done in partnership with students at closeby Pineridge Public School. The project will result in a lasting memory of Veteran contributions to our country, a place to host Remembrance Services and a functional city park.