Guests: This week Rotarians were joined for a potluck dinner by guests Christina Birmingham, Miklos Kanalas, Amar Saini and exchange student Giogio Pezzotti with her host mom, Kerry Mason
Items of Interest
President Kevin Smoke welcomed everyone, Norm Reed gave the Land Acknowledgement, Bob Allen led us in the 4-Way Test and O Canada.
Kevin announced that a major project committee has commenced looking at the paving of the Borer's creek trail (3.5 km).
Jeff Kleven and Christina Birmingham provided a Ribfest sponsor update. They have a record $96,000 in sponsorships and $5000 in ticket sales for the sponsor tent. There are 7 new major sponsors. Volunteer shifts are only at 60% so please sign up and encourage others to take another shift.
Giogio gave an update on the year-end activities she participated in including Senior Lunch and Skip day, the athletic banquet, and the Niagara-On-the-Lake trip which was a farewell for all Rotary exchange students. She will be graduating with other Waterdown District High School students and then returns home to Italy July 14.
Diandra Camilleri announced the support for 12 Community Grants including: Radiant Girls Camps, Friends of Alexander Place and a stone installation in the Souharissen natural area. Also, 16 applications were received for student bursaries and a motion was made to approve $8000 for 8 x $1000 and this passed. A motion was also made to support Telling Tales with $2500 and this passed. Support will also go to the Waterdown Library for $900 and for $600 for reading buddies programs in Waterdown, Freelton and Carlisle.
Darryl Kirkland announced that healthy snacks would be given out to students at WDHS before exams and volunteers were asked to contact him. He also asked everyone to save the date for the Senior's Corn Roast which will be held on August 24th.
Karen Matthews announced that we would be supporting A Run For Chris with a donation and also potentially partnering with the Flamborough AM club to volunteer in the BBQ area. Please watch for an email and let her know if you can help.
Program
Norm presented the club service budget which was approved. Secretary Kim Piper prepared a slide show of the Rotary Year in Review which was very well received. Outgoing President Kevin inducted new incoming President Karen and she introduced the new board:
President – Karen Matthews
President Elect – Nic Freeman
Secretary – Kim Piper
Treasurer – Norm Read
Past President – Kevin Smoke
Community Services – Diandra Camilleri
International – Darryl Kirkland
Club Services – Wilf Arndt
Foundation – Jeff Kleaven
Membership – Amber Kosubovich
Public Image – Brenda Jefferies
Fundraising – TBD
Rotary Garden Court – Nick Brown
Youth Services – Jessica Cole
Outgoing President Kevin Smoke presents Karen Matthews with her President's pin
Fortinos Franchise Owner, Miklos Kanalas spoke about his journey from studying to become a doctor in Hungary to owning the award-winning Waterdown Fortinos.
Sgt. at Arms - Jeff Kleven
Happy $ - Birthdays/Anniversaries/Good news
Kim put a plug in for her sons Connor and Justin who are available for summer work including private lifeguarding and yard work.
Nan and Bob Bruce both celebrated birthdays and their 61st wedding anniversary
George Tadross also celebrated a birthday and was happy that Egypt and Belgium tied in the World Cup match
Jessica Cole received a promotion at work and her canoeing certification
Christina Birmingham congratulated Jeff Kleven for cycling in the Ride to Conquer Cancer again and she was also happy that after 28 years Scotland is back in the World Cup.
Norm celebrated his 33rd club anniversary and 75th birthday.
Kevin had a club anniversary and enjoyed his year as president.
GarryFlood was happy his grand-daughter graduated from Guelph U.
Pete Ronalds is happy his daughter is working for Parks Canada in Alberta and got her boat captain licence.
Amar Saini was happy to feel welcomed as a guest and to make connections since he runs the local Jersey Mike's subs.
Karen is looking forward to being President and having fun, but feels she has big shoes to fill.
Jeff Kleven was happy daughter Shelby graduated from biomedical and chemical engineering and that he cycled for the 18th time in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Sue Collins was happy for her grand-daughter's graduation from Guelph U and son-in-law's graduation from medical school.
DRAW: Petewon the draw, but picked the 2 of Clubs.
