March 20, 2006 South Mouth

ANNOUNCEMENTS

April 6th:
Rob Welch announnced that there will be a combined Rotary Awareness meeting on April 6th, 12 Noon at the Quality Inn/Ramada Parkway Convention Centre on Ontario Street. Four Rotary clubs will be represented. Please let Ron Kozub know if you are attending.

April 7th:
Bob McKay noted that there will be a Board meeting on April 7th at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

April 10th:
Bob McKay announced that there will be an Assembly on April 10th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Port Dalhousie Yacht Club. $20 per person and a cash bar. Please confirm your attendance with Ron Kozub.

April 17th: No Meeting (Easter)

April 24th:
David Cooperman announced that the 30th anniversary meeting of the South Shore Buffalo (Blaisdale) Club will take place on April 24th, 6 p.m. at Queenston Heights Restaurant in Niagara Falls. Rob Welch confirmed that the Guest Speaker is Mr. David Wilkins, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Spouses are welcome. Please RSVP to Ron Kozub.

Thirty years ago, representatives of the Blaisdale Club met members of our club at a District Conference and extended an invitation to meet. Our longstanding association is one of only a few international districts.

Bingo Update:
Greg McDonald reported that the March 11th bingo session was once again successful - $826 was raised. In the last two months, $1,750 has been added to the bingo fund. Thank you to Ron Kozub, Ian Forbes, Linda Baiano, and Kim Payne for volunteering. New volunteers are needed for the April 8th session.  

May 13th Diamond Studded Gala Update:
Norris Brown advised that there are 54 days left before the May 13th gala. The committee has a job jar and most tasks are underway. Our goal is to raise $20,000. Silent auction items are needed. All members need to get their forms in for the auction items (three auction items per member is expected) and more tickets need to be sold (eight tickets per member is also expected). If you have any questions, please speak with your Committee members: Bob McBride, June Manning, Andrew Bowles, Jim Howes, Norris Brown, and Bob McKay.    

Update on the March 17th Board Meeting:
Bob McKay advised that President Elect Matt Taylor has been meeting with other President Elects on a joint fundraising proposal: a Home and Garden Show. Matt advised that the proposal is just in the planning stages, but is based on a successful Kinsmen model. Matt may be arranging for a local Kinzmen to address our club on their experience with the Home and Garden Show.   

Update on Pubic Relations activities:
Ed Telenko explained that he is still actively promoting the recruitment of new members. The experience has been great, and the club has benefited with the addition of new faces, thoughts, ideas, and energy.

Ed noted that during the District Conference, our club will be featured in a Community Profile page within the Standard. The cost is $2,600 (normally $3,600). Ed would like to include photographs of all the members. The proposed cost per person is $25. A motion was duly moved and seconded that all members be represented in this profile page and that they contribute $25 toward the cost of the promotion. The floor opened for discussion. It was felt by some that there shouldn't be an assessment on numbers, and that it is a club activity to get recognition for the club. John Teibert stressed that the club does not have the funds to cover the cost of the ad. Ed put the motion to a vote-- 21 for/ four against. The motion was carried. Ed will attempt to photograph all members during regular meetings. 

Howard Etherington Award:
Mr. Rick Rochon expressed his appreciation for the club's recognition of the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines. Thirty-five years ago, representatives from the ethno cultural communities of Niagara joined together and pooled their resources to present the first St. Catharines Folk Arts Festival. From that inaugural Festival in 1969 was born the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines, which was chartered and incorporated in the Province of Ontario on April 30, 1970. Since that time, the Council has grown to become a vital Multicultural Centre in the community, moving beyond its local boundaries to provide a wide range of essential services for newcomers to Canada throughout Niagara, as well as continuing to play a primary role in the preservation and advancement of our unique cultural heritage.

Update on Fireside:
Keith Shaver noted that there will be a Fireside in mid April. Details to follow.

Rotary People Updates:
Bob McKay advised that Rich Cavers has had surgery. The board has approved a uniform for our GFC, Elizabeth de Verteuil.   

Paul Harris Fellowship Award:
Ian Forbes explained that our club traditionally awards two groups: Past Presidents and individuals within the club or community who have distinguished themselves through Service Above Self. The cost of the award is $1,000 U.S. which is made as a donation to Rotary International's Foundation. The award ceremony will take place the second or third week of June 2006. Ian would like to receive nominations over the next four to six weeks. A committee will evaluate the proposals and make a recommendation to the Board. For further information on the history of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, please visit the RI website.     

Update on the Gift of Literacy Program:
Doug Foss explained that the club has partnered with the Canadian Federation of University Women on the Gift of Literacy Program. The club's donation of $500 has bought $2,500 worth of books, which have been distributed to 18 centres. 

The Canadian Federation of University Women is holding its annual fundraiser - the 32nd Annual House Tour - on May 7, 2006, 12 Noon to 5 p.m. Seven beautiful and varied homes are toured in the St. Catharines area where fascinating details of history and decor are provided by informed guides. Funds from this event are earmarked for post-secondary school scholarships for women attending Niagara College or Brock University. Doug encouraged all Rotarians to come out to this event or to purchase tickets.       

BIRTHDAYS

President Bob McKay was recognized for his birthday in March. Health, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead, Bob!   

50/50 DRAW

Ross Elliott drew the winning ticket, but did not win the draw.

ATTENDANCE

Norris Brown reported 25 members, 10 make-ups, and four guests for 85 per cent attendance.