Our meeting was called to order at 18:15 by President Jim Richards with 30 members present. We sang O Canada, toasted Queen and Country and sang Rotary Grace. There were no guests this evening.

Art Ward led us in singing a couple of his favorite songs and then explained that his guest speaker would not be speaking, but that Kim Emmerson would.

Sergeant at Arms Jim Miners explained the process by which the team of sergeants prepares for the weekly assessment – and some members may have believed the story. Given the time of year, it was appropriate to relate the fines to the tax situation. Some were fined because they sell tacks, some because they file things, some because they don’t allow returns, some because they enforce and others because they deal in the currency of other nations, perhaps to avoid tax.

Ted Brandon informed us that the 60-60 outreach has resulted in 25 affirmative responses to date. Don’t forget to make your follow-up calls to confirm whether the individual received their letter and whether they will be attending the gathering on May 8 and to bring Rotarian magazines to the next meeting. If one of your contacts is attending, please plan to attend as well. Seven brief presentations will be made to the prospective members, who will then be encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting (groups of 5) to learn more about us and Rotary.

Dave Bishop announced that we have sold 740 tickets – a bit short of the 1000 by May 1 target. Curry Bishop and Andy Glecoff have each sold 141 tickets and the gold team is in the lead. Dorothy Menton expressed thanks on behalf of the club for Dave’s dedication to this project.

Jim Williams, past DG and present wheelchair coordinator, is looking for volunteers to help deliver chairs to Trinidad between June 19 and 26. The cost of the air fare is $570. Talk to President Jim if you are interested.

Derek Knowles spoke about the golf tournament, planned this year for July 24. Although previous announcements suggested limited space, this is not the case – there is room for 6 or 7 more foursomes, so get your group together. Derek’s committee is planning to double advertising on the day of the event – Andy Glecoff indicated this will be quite an achievement.

Donna MacDonald distributed information about the annual meeting of the Haliburton County Home Support Services organization – being held this year at Birch Point Lodge on May 29. Carol Edwards is the guest speaker – if you are interested, call 457-2941 to reserve a ticket ($25). Donna also mentioned that 30 emergency response systems had been purchased with money raised over the year.

Sean Hawley reminded us that the turf and surf dinner is on May 31, the theme is "Canadian" and the price is $25 each. Sign up with Sean for dinner or to help setup.

Art Ward pointed out that the weather prevented completion of the road cleanup. The second half of the job will be done next week at 3:00, prior to the meeting – please show up with your boots and gloves for this great outdoor experience.

Bob Nichol mentioned that Sir Sanford Fleming College is hosting a golf tournament on June 22 – talk to Bob if interested in playing for $175 and lots of prizes.

Fourth quarter dues are still due – Treasurer Jim Henwood will be happy to receive your cheque if he doesn’t already have it.

As previously mentioned, Kim Emmerson stood in for the speaker tonight. Kim and his wife, Linda, recently visited Italy with a large group of Kim’s business associates. Kim told us about their adventure, including one or two strikes, some high water, lots of architecture and history, a bit of wine, many wonderful people and an overall good time. If they ever turn this into a movie, it would have to be called "Arrividerci Rona", we suppose.

Upcoming Rotary Meetings:

May 8 – Club Assembly – no guests please

May 15 – Dave Bishop and Brian Menton

President Jim sent us home at 19:14.