Guests: This week 20 Rotarians were joined for a potluck dinner by guests Patti Beam, Megan Tewksbury, Donald Boyer, Ali Rhaya (visiting Rotarian from Cyprus), Melissa Godin and Rebekah Hill from the Dream Centre and Melissa Alzaeim
Items of Interest
President Karen Matthews opened the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement, Brenda Jefferies led us in the 4-Way Test and the invocation and welcomed our guests.
Darryl Kirkland announced that posters and flyers are available for Trivia Night.
Diandra Camilleri asked for volunteers for the Treat and Pet Walk on Oct. 24th and announced a Community Service committee meeting on Zoom on Oct. 21st.
Brenda Jefferies, announced that the Flamborough Food bank is looking for volunteers at the Rockton Fair Thanksgiving weekend.
Karen reminded members to check when they are assigned POD duties and if they are not available to find a replacement.
Jeff Kleven announced that this year Ribfest made a profit of about $125,000. He said to watch for an email for volunteer commitment for 2027 Ribfest shifts. If we continue to be short volunteers then we will have to decide if it is reasonable to continue with the event. He also made a motion to hold our Paul Harris event in the spring combined with the Flamborough AM club and this was approved.
George Tadross reminded members to bring their wine bottle donations for Trivia Night for the raffle. He is also looking for more volunteers and for anyone that has a contact at Weeks to request a donation of a wagon or wheelbarrow.
Wilf Arndt will be making assignments for brief classification talks for each member to tell everyone about themselves so we can get to know each other.
Program
Diandra introduced the guest speakers from the Hamilton Dream Centre. Rebekah Hill is the Executive Director and Melissa Godin is in charge of fundraising. They are located in the Main and Sanford area and have provided grocery support for over 20 years. There was a catastrophic fire in May of this year and they have now had to relocate to a church in the area and are facing the task of rebuilding. They also provide an outreach to seniors in the area and cook healthy meals for them as well as play Bingo and other activities. They are looking for toy donations for their Christmas program. One of their values is in providing dignity by allowing those living in poverty to choose their own groceries, clothing and toys for their children. The program is open to those that are working or in school or seniors, not those on Ontario Works or other programs. Our club supported them with a grant of $1000.
Rotarian Diandra Camilleri, Community Service Co-chair (right) presents Rebekah Hill (centre) and Melissa Godin with a cheque to support the Dream Centre.
Sgt. at Arms - Nic Freeman
Happy $ - Birthdays/Anniversaries/Good news
Norm Read was grumpy that he cracked a molar and had to have it extracted.
Nick Brown had a club anniversary of 21 years.
Karen Matthews had her 3 year club anniversary and was happy to visit Irene Carr in Newfoundland who sent her greetings.
Brenda Jefferies was happy for a free ticket to see Alice Cooper in concert.
Jeff Kleven was happy that his neighbour Patti was a guest and that he got to see his "Little Brother" from the United Way program recently in Thunder Bay. He is now 41.
Bob Allen enjoyed a week on Manitoulin Island and his 50th wedding anniversary.
DRAW: Guest Don Boyer won the draw, but picked the Jack of Clubs. Pot is about $391
Don't miss!
Club meeting: Monday, October 5th - Megan Tewksbury and Donald Boyer from Cashin Mortgages will be inducted as Associate Corporate Members
