Hightlights October 6, 2015

 
Highlights from the meeting October 6, 2015
By Andrea Serink
 
The head table was marched in to music played by Manon on violin and Michael on the piano. President Rob commenced the meeting by thanking David Holden who pinch hit for him last week. Bob Ermter delivered the invocation along with a piece of notable history that it is believed the origins of Thanksgiving in North America can be traced back to 1578 in Frobisher Bay. Dave Hiller was the Sgt. at Amrs. Volunteers Tony Howard, Bob Ermter, Bob Junker, Sophie Serafino and Dr. Dionysius David were thanked.
 
 Bob Ermter gives the invocation




 
Hayden Smith celebrates his Birthday
       
Myrna Dube updates Greenway Project
 
 
Bill Ptacek informs 2015 library month at Your Daycare
 
 
 
Carmen Goss introduced the visitors, guests and birthdays. 
 
Myrna Dube, Rotary/Mattamy Greenway
Myrna Dube took to the podium update us on the status of this project. Myrna explained with the help of several dedicated Rotarians and volunteers there is only 13.7 kilometers left to build. This is in 5 different sections which are challenging areas to build. When complete there will be 138 km of pathways and natural wetland areas and up to 20 specialized parks accessible to everyone 365 days of hte year. The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway will connect to 55 communities with more than 400,000 residents. The project is currently working towards raising the last 10 million dollars for completion.
 
Bill Ptacek, Library Month at Daycare
Bill explained it was their goal to get out of the library and into day cares around the city. He explained the library was able to make 478 visits to 92 day cares around hte city. Through these visits his staff has interacted with 11,000 children. Their goal is to be able to leave collections at all the daycares across the city. Previously his staff relied on books from the library, however now with growing donations it is allowing them to actually purchase books for the daycares.  His team also seeks to ensure even unlicensed daycares have access to books. Bill highlighted that this project is just another example of how Rotary is making a difference in our city.
 
Ron Esch, East Village Seniors
Ron was thrilled to announce the first seniors dinner and dance was very well received and a good time had by all who attended and volunteered. According to staff the residents were very pleased. Ron wanted to thank Julie Visser for coming out to help and for bringing a large group of volunteers. Also receiving honorable mention were volunteers Lorne Larson and Bob Pearson. The next event is October 29, 2015. President Rob thanked Ron for all his hard work on organizing this event and congratulated him on the success of the project. 
 
Big International Event, Nov 24, 2015
Charles Pratt reminded us about the exciting Big International Event that is upcoming on November 24, 2015 at Telus SPARK. There will be a silent auction and a wine raffle. If members want to help you can donate a bottle of wine. If we all donated a bottle we will have over 200 bottles in the wine cellar to raffle off.
 
Charles Pratt updates wine raffle