South Mouth May 4, 2009

Call to Order : President Greg McDonald

Anthem : Kris Aikilie

Toast: John Teibert

Invocation: Sheila Bristo

Guests and Visiting Rotarians: Jason introduced Barb Bibij, Rotary Club Fort Erie and Elizabeth Zimmermann from the YWCA

Sergeant-At-Arms

Cathy requested happy dollars from everyone for the Gala. Jim thanked the Gala Committee, Bob and Laetitia had their first rided on the Harley over the weekend. June talked about the Hike for Hospice in Burlington.  Jason congratulated the gala committee. Ed on behalf of the entire happy table. Matt for the fact the Georgette was successful in 7/8 bids at the silent auction. Roseanne welcomed Elizabeth who is also a potential member.  Barb was happy to be at our meeting. .  Greg thanked the gala committee

Announcements : There are no regular meetings on May 11 or May 18.  Next regular meeting is May 25

·          Blasdell Meeting May 12 (8 members attending).  The cost is $13 US. We will be carpooling at 5:30 from the Tim Hortons at the Wendy's Plaza at Glendale and the QEW (Across the highway from White Oaks). Bring your passport.

·          Our club will be selling glow sticks and doing two 50/50 draws at Ribfest..keep some time open during the August long weekend to help.

·          The Hodown is June 20 tickets are $85pp. It will be a casual fun night with horseshoes, a fiddler, a mechanical bull and lots of food (ribs, chicken, salad, corn) proceeds to the cardiac cath lab.  If companies would like to sponsor an event let Cathy know.

·          Volunteers are desperately needed for this Saturday May 9 as well as the rest of the bingos till June. Call Jim Hopper and volunteer.

·          Barb from Fort Erie Rotary is looking for volunteers to host three couples in September.  Barb went to New Zealand on the Friendship Exchange and now they are coming here for exchange,   Hosts will provide three nights accommodation, 3 breakfasts and a maximum of three dinners, transportation to and from the start and end points each day (points to be determined). The dates are Sept 16-19.

·          Matt reminded the members to take Karen, our exchange student out.  She is here for a month and a half .  Call Dan or Anne at 905-562-4433 to arrange .

·          The District Assembly is Saturday May 9. Six members are attending.

Happy  belated birthday to John Tiebert.

50/50 Draw:   Greg drew the two of diamonds.

Guest Speaker:   Roseanne introduced Elizabeth Zimmermann, Executive Director of YMCA.  Elizabeth works with women and children  to support them during crisis, to find housing, and employment.  Elizabeth is on the Niagara Workforce Planning Board and is an advocate of reducing environmental impact.

Elizabeth thanked the club for inviting her to speak. A slide show was presented outlining the programs and information on the YWCA.  They provide two 20-bed shelters in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.  Last year they supported over 600 women. This year it will be closer to 800. Children live in poverty because their mothers are poor.  The YWCA supports those families through transitional housing in  buildings and apartments, with life skill programs and connections to community resources. Lease arrangements work well.  The apartment becomes their permanent home and the Y moves the lease arrangement to another unit.  Therefore the family doesn't have to disrupt their live and move. These exists in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls and soon in Welland. The YMCA has employment programs to support women in finding and keeping employment. 200 women used the program with 75% success rate last year. Currently they are looking at skilled trade options and working with NiagaraCollege. Child and Youth programs focus on choices, healthy relationships.  They are working with the United Way at the Manchester Terrace apartments and have a high school pilot program for teens. Elizabeth shared a success story of a woman who lost everything but through the help of the YWCA is on her feet again. The programs are turning points for the women.

Laetitia thanked Elizabeth on behalf of the club.  

Attendance :  Norris noted 22 members in attendance with 13 make-ups for 130% attendance.