December 12, 2005 South Mouth

Reporter:  R. Morissette

OPENING THE MEETING

Call to Order: President Bob McKay
National Anthem: Rob Welch
Toast to Queen and Canada: Andrew Bowles
Invocation: Rich Cavers

GUESTS AND VISITING ROTARIANS

Norris Brown welcomed the following guests and Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Doug French, our guest speaker, representing the Child Advocacy Centre Niagara; Mr. Frank Parkhouse, fellow Rotarian, and guest speaker, also representing the Child Advocacy Centre Niagara; Mr. Julio Batres, proposed new member and guest of George Fitzpatrick; Roger and Debbie Garneau, proposed new members and guests of Matt Taylor; Mr. John D'Ambrosia, United Motor Collision, proposed new member and guest of Ian Forbes.   

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

Doug Foss, serving as Sergeant-at-Arms, accepted Happy Dollars from:
Bob McKay, for Laetitia who efficiently organized the President's Christmas party on December 9th, 2005, for everyone who attended, and for Rich Cavers who celebrated his 65th birthday that same evening.
George Fitzpatrick, who just returned from a holiday in Barbados.
Elizabeth Spaan, who recently had a wonderful family vacation.
Rich Cavers, who thanked President Bob for a superb evening at the President's Christmas party and reported that it was his goal to play hockey until he was 65 and that he played a game on December 9th, 2005, the date of his 65th birthday!
Don Hetherington, for an observation - if smart cars are so smart, why do people look so stupid driving them!
Frank Parkhouse, who advised all Rotarians that the St. Catharines a.m. Club and the Fonthill Club will be meeting this week to assist Community Care with collecting food.  
Dan Toppari, who reported that he shook hands with the next Prime Minister of Canada!
Matt Taylor, for President Bob and Laetitia for being great hosts and for a great evening at the President's Christmas party.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bob McBride announced that the Club had its first meeting of the Diamond Studded Gala on December 9th, 2005. While small in number, the members who attended were eager in spirit. The next meeting is January 6th, 2006 where the committee will go over all aspects of last year's gala and decide who will do what and when. The objective this year is to get as many people involved as possible to make the load lighter. New members Jim Hooper and Andrew Bowles will take part. Bob McBride and June Manning are Co-Chairs. Bob asked that if members are approached to help, they should be prepared to say "Yes!" Please look to see if you are on the committee list already. The list was circulated by Ron Kozub in the summer.    

Greg McDonald announced that bingo was successful on December 10th, 2005. John Teibert, Norris and Patty Brown volunteered their time. At the end of October, our share of the pooled fund is over $7,000. The next bingo session is January 14th, 2006. Matt and Georgette Taylor have volunteered to help. One to two more volunteers are needed. Please contact Greg ASAP.

President Bob announced the following:

There is a Board meeting on Friday, December 16, 2005, 7:30 a.m. at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club. Next year's board needs to be finalized.

There is a Skating party at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club on December 18th, 2005.

The Annual Rotary Family Christmas Party is Monday, December 19th, 2005, 12 Noon, at the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club. Cost is $17.50 per adult, $9.00 for children under 12, and no charge for children under six. Price includes a hot turkey dinner buffet. Those interested in attending should email Elizabeth Spaan at spaane2@tdcanadatrust.ca and confirm the number of adults and children attending ASAP. Please bring gifts for your children and a donation of non-perishable food for Community Care.  

There will be no regular meeting on December 26th, 2005 and January 2nd, 2006. 

Fireside Chats will start in the New Year. Dates to be announced.

Keep working on recruiting new members. We should be able to attract at least 12 new members this year. 

St. Catharines Inner Wheel Club is hosting a Starry Night Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 4th, 2006 at 91 Lakeshore Road in St. Catharines. Tickets are $50. each. Proceeds to the Niagara Health System for breast cancer research and kidney dialysis. For tickets, contact Thelma 905-892-0896 or Patti 905-732-6975.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday wishes were extended to Greg McDonald and to Rich Cavers. Have a great year, Greg and Rich!  

50/50 DRAW

Matt Taylor drew the winning ticket and took home the wine.
 
EARLY LEAVERS

Jim Howes, Andrew Bowles, and Don Hetherington expressed their regrets to the President and Guest Speakers and took early leave. 

GUEST SPEAKER

Matt Taylor introduced our guest speakers, Mr. Doug French and Mr. Frank Parkhouse, who addressed the club on the Child Advocacy Centre Niagara. See related story for details.   

ATTENDANCE REPORT

Norris Brown reported seven guests, 31 members, and six make-ups for 100 per cent attendance! 

ADJOURNMENT

As there was no further business for the good of Rotary, President Bob adjourned the meeting at 1:20 p.m.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!