Guests: This week Rotarians were joined for dinner by guests Tom Gallacher, Bill Wasson, Lisa Lacombe, Nina Hilger, Ryleigh Sparkes, Chris O'Connell, Alex Bonham, Kyla Shuttler and exchange student Giogio Pezzotti.
Items of Interest
President Kevin Smoke opened the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement, Garry Flood led us in the 4-Way Test and Jeff Partridge welcomed our guests.
President Kevin inducted Jessica Cole and Victoria Cacioppo as new Rotarians and members of our club.
Amber Kosubovich, youth exchange officer requested rides for exchange student Giogio Pezzotti to the April 24-26/26 weekend in Jamestown, NY.
Jeff Kleven provided a Ribfest update and encouraged everyone to watch for their opportunity to sign up for volunteer shifts.
Karen Matthews announced that the Jersey Mike's fundraiser on March 25 donated $17000 to Food4Kids Hamilton. She also said that the Taste Buds program at Flamborough Centre School is going well.
Diandra Camilleri said that there are 6 applications for the community grant and 2 students have applied for bursaries so far. She reminded everyone of the committee meeting on Zoom the following evening.
Giogio presented her Italian club banner and it is now hung in the clubhouse.
Program
Diandra introduced the guest speaker Kyla Shuttler, the secretary of the 2347 Cadet Support Committee, a dedicated team of 13 volunteers who keep the corps running through fundraising, logistics and hands-on support. Warrant Officer Sparkes, Sergeant O'Connell and Corporal Bonham are dedicated musicians who proudly represented their corps when they paraded with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Pipes and Drums at the Garrison Parade in November. They are also active community volunteer. They support poppy campaigns in Waterdown and Stoney Creek, participate in Red Day and help with tagging and bagging initiatives. Kyla thanked our club for the support. Our club donated $500 to the learn to play better and faster workshop and for the workbooks they can use to practice at home. She said that over 80 youth attend the armories weekly on James Street North in Hamilton.
The musicians played outside while Rotarians and guests arrived. They also played during the meeting inside and provided everyone with earplugs! Brenda Jefferies photo.
Sergeant Chris O'Connell (left) is a 3rd year cadet and snare drummer. He earned the Most Improved Drummer award last year. He attends Glendale Secondary where he is also studying music and plays the tuba and baritone. Corporal Alex Bonham (centre) is a 2nd year cadet and he's earned the Most Improved Piper award, Commanding Officer's award and multiple medals. Alex performs with the Hamilton Police and Ontario Youth Pipe bands. He told the club that his math and reading scores have increased an entire grade level due to his involvement in the cadet band. Warrant Officer Ryleigh Sparkes (right) is a 4th year cadet and Drum Major. She is a tenor drummer and natural leader. She has earned multiple top awards and has represented her corps in drill competition as part of the Flag Party. She said that her confidence has increased and she is a graduate of the Pipe Band Leader course. Amber Kosubovich photo.
Sgt. at Arms
Happy $ - Birthdays/Anniversaries/Good news
Bob Allen celebrated a birthday
Jeff Kleven is enjoying hosting Giogio for a few days.
Melissa Halliwell was happy to see the youth and their talents.
Wendy Hickey is happy her grandson is turning 13 and is in the Air Cadets.
Victoria Cacioppo was happy to participate in the baptisms of her niece and nephew
DRAW: Wilf Arndtwon the draw, but picked the 10 of clubs. He also donated a happy buck. The pot is at $283 for the winner
Don't miss!
Club meeting : Monday, April 27 - potluck
Club Leadership training online: May 4,5,6,7, 6-8 PM. RSVP for which session(s) you plan to attend.
Our Flamborough Food Bank night is May 27 - contact Diandra Camilleri if you can help!
Flamborough Open Golf Tournament May 27.
Jessica Cole and Victoria Cacioppo with Kevin Smoke. Brenda Jefferies photo.
