Guests: This week, 19 club members and exchange student GioGio attended the meeting, which was a brown bag dinner followed by desserts and coffee.
Club members toured a vacant unit at Rotary Garden Court following the Jan. 12 meeting. Left to right: RGC chair Nick Brown, Kim Piper, former RGC chair Nan Bruce. Photos by Amber Kosubovich
Program
Club members enjoyed a presentation about Rotary Garden Court by RGC Chair Nick Brown. Nick outlined for us the relationship between the club and the RGC corporation, and he called on former chairs Nan and Bob Bruce to highlight some of the history of the non-profit affordable housing complex, which was built entirely by volunteer Rotarians and has been serving the community since 1973.
As units have been vacated over the past 15 years or so, they've been updated for new tenants; currently Unit 1 is undergoing upgrades. Following the meeting several club members toured the unit.
Nick Brown shares information about Rotary Garden Court with club members at the Jan. 12 meeting. Brenda Jefferies photo
Items of Interest
President Kevin Smoke reminded members that we are raising money for polio this month. Donations will be accepted at the Jan. 12 and Jan. 26 meetings. Those who give $20 or more will receive a tax receipt and the total raised will be matched by the International Service Committee (up to $1,000).
Amber Kosubovich provided an update on the Public Image committee's activities. which include creating business cards to hand out at community events, regular email updates and meeting reminders, and upgrading our website and social media presence - watch for a club LinkedIn page and YouTube channel!
GioGio Pezzotti asked members to provide items she'll need for the February District exchange student trip to Algonquin. She needs wool socks, long johns, crocs and waterproof inserts for her boots.
Karen Matthews made several announcements:
A Community Service meeting followed the club meeting, and there will be a Feb. 3 Zoom meeting to discuss the student awards program.
The Family Day Food 4 Kids breakfast is on Feb. 16; volunteers are needed.
Eagles Nest sent a thank you note for our recent donation.
The club donated $1,000 for the "Tase Buds" pilot program to provide healthy food to students at Flamborough Centre.
Sgt. at Arms - Bruce Treacy
Happy $ - Birthdays/Anniversaries/Good news
Margot Rae had a nice Christmas despite the flu; her mom is home now.
Kim Piper was sad that her car was written off.
Karen was happy that her new windows and doors have been installed.
Nan Bruce was happy to be at the meeting to talk about Rotary Garden Court.
Nic Freeman also had a sad buck thanks to an auto mishap.
Nick Brown (belatedly) celebrated his 20-year Rotary anniversary.
50/50 draw Nic Freeman won the draw, but picked the 7 of hearts. The jackpot this week would have been $216.
Don't miss!
Regular Club Meeting Jan. 26 - bring your own dinner, plus a donation for Polio!
Community Service committee Zoom meeting Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. Those who want to check it out can log in - email Diandra at diandra.camilleri@outlook.com for the link.
Food 4 Kids Pancake Breakfast - Feb. 16 at Waterdown Legion - those who want to volunteer can email diandra.camilleri@outlook.com or goalies3mom@gmail.com.
January POD: Nic Freeman (leader), Steve Valeri, Wendy Hickey, Margo Rae, Karen Matthews, Brenda Jefferies, Bruce Treacy, Gerry Aggus.
January 19 Board Update
Russ Powers is organizing the Watershed Cleanup in the spring; it will tentatively be in Waterdown this year. Details to follow.
The club collected $215 for polio at the Jan. 12 meeting.
Community service has approved several grant requests/projects:
Student Sarah McAllister is participating in the Live Different program on March Break - approved $500.
