A small but enthusiastic group gathered this noon at the Redwood. Judy Miller greeted 15 Rotarians and three guests: our speaker Kurt Charland and youth exchange students Romane from Belgium and Hikaru from Japan.
President Jack started us off with the Pledge and the Star Spangled Banner. His inspiration, paraphrased, was to make friends with people who aren't your age, chat with those who don't speak your language and get to know those who aren't in your social circles - that is how you can see the world as it is and grow.
Announcements: The Rainbow Trout Derby is coming soon! Please sign up to help if you can and share the announcements with friends and on social media! * The District Learning assembly is 4/11, 8:30am to 12:30pm at Waterloo HS. It's free and we go out to lunch afterward! * The District Conference is 5/1- 5/3 at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville. Both are great opportunities to learn more about Rotary, meet our colleagues in different clubs and have fun! You can register at the District Website: rotary7120.org. More info is in the District Grapevine emailed on 3/11/26. * See Jack for free tickets to the Monte Carlo Night for Hospeace House on 4/18. * March is Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month - the perfect time to hear from our speaker today!
Kurt Charland is the President of the Canandaigua Lake chapter of Trout Unlimited. He is a civil engineer, a storm water specialist and a licensed guide for NYSDEC for four years. Originally from the north country, he has lived in the Finger Lakes - Victor and a camp in Springwater - since 1995 and is an avid outdoorsman. Trout Unlimited focuses on keeping local waterways, Naples Creek and the Cohocton River, in good shape for the fish who reside in them. Our tributaries are special due to the cold clean water, unique topography with waterfalls, lots of public access and a diverse population of species including wild brown, brook and rainbow trout. With Ontario Co. Soils and Waters, they have been working to correct problems in Eelpot Creek near Garlinghouse Rd. The culverts are often a block to fish swimming upstream due to eroded pools and height of water levels. Plans were designed and implemented to create step pools and streambank enhancements that enable the fish to reach their spawning beds. Trout Unlimited chapter plants trees (willow, river birch, oak and sycamore), removes trash and enhances streambanks. TU biologists used thermal drone studies to identify other culverts in need of correction. CLTU also assists the DEC in stocking young fish in the Cohocton River from Atlanta to Avoca over the next month. More info can be found on their website: canandaigualaketu.org or on FB.
Romane told us of her Rotary trip to Hawaii where she enjoyed the beach, hiking and meeting other exchange students from around the country. She is playing on the Naples softball team. Hikaru told us he will be leaving for home in Japan this week. We wished him well and safe travels.
The Ace of Hearts was $151. Ticket #9733 was held by Denise. Her card was the King of Diamonds. The pot grows again!
Happy Bills were given for Kurt's great and informative program and for the good work that TU does in our area. Jack and Sharon spent the week with their grands who were sick most of the time. Judy enjoyed her grandsons home on spring break. She joined both daughters, Carrie and Aimee, for Rotary President Elect training in Syracuse over the weekend. Jo Anne thanked Denise and Liz Bailey for all their work on raffle baskets for the Trout Derby. Albie fell and hurt his knee. Cindy enjoyed bridal dress shopping with her future daughter in law. We look forward to seeing the school kids at the trout shocking on Thursday morning!
Jack led the Four Way Test and adjourned at 12:54pm.
