Our meeting was called to order at 18:15 by President Jim Richards. We sang O Canada, toasted Queen and Country and sang Rotary Grace. There were only two guests, summer regular Moran Woods and Wendy Gray, introduced by Art Ward. Wendy attended to provide feedback on the recent emergency fund raising conducted on behalf of a young cancer patient. During a period of 60 hours, Wendy and her Moose Radio associates were able to co-ordinate $55,000 in pledges, far surpassing the $23,000 target. Congratulations Wendy and let’s get her on our volunteer list or potential member list.

The Sergeant at Arms tonight was Don Popple. Brian Menton was implicated in a matter involving lobsters and sex – since no details were provided, we didn’t know whether to feel sorrier for the lobsters or Brian. Drew Carey was fined for taking his vacation dollars to Mexico. The final fine went to John Beachli since he invited members to join him at the bar, and we’re not talking as lawyers here.

President Jim informed us of two recent passings, Russell Woodcock and Lorraine Varty. He also read letters of resignation from Paul McCallum (moving) and Dale Robinson (losing enthusiasm after 25 years). Thank-you to both Paul and Dale for their support during their time as members.

President Jim reported on that the Car Draw winner was Martha Waind of Minden, who purchased her ticket from Brian Black. Martha chose money over metal, saving us several thousand dollars in tax payments. The final report is not compiled, but we sold roughly 2,900 tickets.

President Jim read thank you notes from CUSO (re Daniel Ignali) and Ian Services (re Haliburton Camp Fund) acknowledging our donations.

Brian Menton reported that the incoming Group Study Exchange will be arriving about September 26 and that nominations for outgoing GSE leader are due the week of August 19.

President Jim announced that the Rotary Foundation golf tournament is being held in Coldwater on September 18 – contact him if interested. District is asking for a $100 contribution from each club to paint a transport trailer with information about the Polio Plus campaign. Final note – Janet McLeod of the Kawartha Club has requested an opportunity to be guest speaker on September 5.

John Beachli introduced himself as the guest speaker. In consideration of the cultural significance of a small group of rock stars known as the Rolling Stones practising and performing in Toronto this week, John brought along some of his favourite stones and rock stories to share with us. For example, he has seen some pretty impressive marble, 40 by 20 feet in size. And he has also found rocks on his world travels and dragged them home for carving and polishing. John told us how sometimes he knows what a particular rock will become and other times the rock reveals its own inner self. One thing was very clear, you shouldn’t take carving for granite – there’s a lot of work and artistic ability involved.

John hopes to travel to Thailand, New Zealand and Switzerland to pursue his carving interests. With all that travel and potential for motion sickness, don’t forget to take you gravel, John.

Upcoming meetings:

August 22 – Board Meeting at 4:00 and program by Sean Hawley and Donna MacDonald

August 29 – Program by Curry Bishop and Troy Austen

The meeting was adjourned by President Jim at 19:03.