February 13, 2003

Tonight’s Program:

Drew Carey introduced Mike Bradley, out speaker for the night.  As many Rotarians are aware, Mike graduated from HHSS, where he was, among other things, a star on the football team. 

Mike told us that he was happy, and a bit surprised, to be asked to speak at Rotary – fame obviously has a cost.  He was clear about one thing – he came to talk football – and he did.

He talked about many aspects of his reaction to the past year in the CFL.  He has experienced a sense of accomplishment, following his dream from Haliburton to Waterloo and finally to Edmonton.  He expects that more satisfaction will come with time.  He feels pretty much the same as he did before his success, but gets asked more often to speak now.  He’s treated very well by his employer, the Edmonton Eskimos, and the people in his adopted community.  He really likes the idea that he’s now paid to do something he’s always loved, playing football.  We’d all like to get the 6 hour day his union arranges and the lunch and dinner wouldn’t be bad either.  Has he enjoyed himself?  Yes, and he has found it to be a bit of a cultural exchange given the international representation on the team.  The future will reveal itself, but Mike hopes to stay in the CFL for at least 5 years.

He finished by thanking us for our support.

Ted Brandon pointed out that he and Mike had the same football coach at HHSS, and then said thanks on our behalf.

Web surfers may view the official page regarding Mike at the link below:

http://www.esks.com/players.asp?xnumber=22

Car tickets will be handed out this week. Dave Bishop has gone on holidays and has the distribution organized. If you do a "mail out", go to the members only section and download a sample letter (in word format).

Business:

President Jim Richards called the meeting to order at 18:15 with the singing of O Canada, the toast to Queen and Country and the Rotary Grace.  There were 34 members present and two guests, Lance Edwards and Gary Brohman.

Sergeant at arms Ted Popple felt that Jim Henwood had gotten too much coverage in the local paper regarding his ramp request, so there was a fine.  A related fine was issued to Jerry Walker who may have turned down the request.  The rest of the fines came as a result of some Fine Dining at the home of Linda Beachli – the guilty might recall who they were.

Art Dawson spoke again about the upcoming Rotary Bonspiel.  If you are intending to attend for the meal only, make sure Art has your name – this is a makeup for the regular meeting that week.

Dave Bishop spoke about the car draw and handed out last year’s stubs, a ticket sample, a page of rules and regulations and promised tickets by next week.  He also wants each team captain to collect $10 from each team member for prizes.

Hugh Nichol spoke about the 60/60 Campaign for 2004.  He handed out a feedback form and asked each member to complete, sign and return to him to help with his planning.

Here is a photo of our exchange student Miki. She skates on Thursday evenings while we are at Rotary. She plans to join the figure skating club to two competitions this winter.

Upcoming meetings:

February 20            -            Troy Austen and Curry Bishop

February 27            -            Board Meeting at 16:00

-                     Club Assembly