Southmouth Dec 10

Call to Order:   President June Manning  

Anthem:  Jim Hooper

Toast:  Paul Monahan

Grace:  Jean Holbert-Leighton 

Guests and Visiting Rotarians:

John D'Ambrosio introduced Chris Bangham, from The Rotary club of St. catharines, and Soren Harrison, a Past president of our club.

Sergeant-At-Arms:   George Fitzpatrick began by graciously returning paul monahan's pen....for a price! George gave $5 happy dollars for his recent trip to China and then gave us advice on how to keep track of your spouse while she shops in a crowd.John D'Ambrosio was happy for a wonderful trip to St. Marten, a trip he bought at our gala Evening at Club Roma this past spring! Laetitia was happy to remind us all of the Christmas luncheon on the 17th - always a fun day! Jean was happy or her luck...John broght a letter of humour... Chris Bangham happy to give us an update on the South African project for early childhood education. Don Beard enjoyed a vacation in Florida... Paul Massuet happy to pass hid driver's test and last but not least, Soren Harrison just happy to be in attendance!

Announcements:

A thank you note from Lucy Snodgrass was read. She is recovering from her surgery.

Ross Elliott is recovering from his surgery...best wishes again to Ross and family.

Matt Taylor will be hosting a Fireside Chat on January 17.  This is a great forum for newer Rotarians to informally meet with a few senior (experienced!) Rotarians in a casual environment.

No meetings Dec 24, 31 and Feb 18 due to holiday conflicts.

John Teibert gave us a Youth Exchange update. It appears that we, the four local clubs, will be hosting three inbound students. The outbound parents will host an incoming for a part of the school year but the committee is actively seeking hosts for the rest of the year. The incoming students become part of your family , normally for a three or four month period. Please see John with any questions or opportunities.

Paul Monahan announced the first meeting of the 2008 spring Gala committee at 4 P.M. Dec 19 at the George Darte Funeral Home.

Tom Schulz updates us on both RYLA and Slapshot. We sponsor young people in these great programs. Guidance Counsellors at local schools assist us in finding candidates for Slapshot but we nominate those for RYLA The Information for these programs are located on the club website Home Page and are downloadable Word Documents that you can print or resend to potential candidates.

June Manning presented our slate of Club Officers for the Rotary year 2008-2009. [This process of preparing, reading, printing, accepting additional nominations and then approving by vote in the month of December is all part of a club bylaw. Please participate.] The proposed slate read by June is as follows:

President                  Gregg MacDonald

President Elect          Paul Monahan

Treasurer                   Debbie Garneau

Secretary                   John Teibert

Past President            June Manning

Directors

Club Service               Jason Pollock

Community Service     John D'Ambrosio

International Service    Jim Hooper

Vocational Service      Sheila Bristo

At Large                     Cathy Henry

Don't forget our winter coat project. Bring any available to next week's meeting.

Birthdays

Rich Cavers and Gregg MacDonald were seranaded by the club.

50/50 Draw

Cathy Henry's ticket was drawn but no cigar...

Attendance: John D'Ambrosio announced that we had 21 members present with 5 guests.