November 14, 2002
President Jim Richards called the meeting to order at 18:15 with the singing of O Canada, the toast to Queen and Country and Rotary Grace. Guests Howard and Frank were introduced by Steve Roberts, Maria by bob Nichol and Ron by Len Pizzey.
Songmaster Art Ward led us in singing Roll Out the Barrel and then helped us accompany a solo rendition by Don Popple in honour of his anniversary. Birthdays were recognized by Linda Beachli for Andy Glecoff, Len Pizzey and Jim Miners. Steve Roberts informed us that Mikey was celebrating her 18th birthday without us today.
Jim Miners, performing the duties of Sergeant at Arms, began by fining Art Ward for leading songs one-at-a-time. Don Popple was offered the option of a fine or a promise not to sing alone again. Following up on last week’s promise, all who had not yet returned their Unicef Boxes were fined. Finally, Dave Gray was fined for his firm’s support of an out-of-town Christmas Parade.
President Jim made us aware of two thank-you notes, one from the Alzheimer’s Society and the other from the YWCA, for our donations.
For those doing make-ups in Minden, please note that their meetings now begin at 18:30 – still Monday and still at the Wagon Wheel.
President Jim announced that Curry Bishop is willing to donate his Christmas trees for a fundraiser again. If you would like to help out, please contact Curry directly.
Steve Roberts introduced his brother-in-law Frank Wilson to tell us about the computer his company (Compaq) is donating for our auction. Thanks, Frank, and we’ll see you Friday night.
Peter Forgrave reminded us about the auction also. Viewing at 18:00, dinner at 19:00, pay your $25 each at the door. Bring your auction items to the Wigamog on Friday, leave them with Andy at Curry Motors, or contact Peter for pickup. Since Peter is not able to attend on Friday, Brian and Dorothy Menton will act in his place
Linda Beachli offered Christmas tickets – she has only 112 and the cost is $60 per person.
Brian and Dorothy reminded us that they still are available to work in exchange for a donation to the wheelchair fund. If you prefer syrup, they may have some left, if you move faster than syrup goes downhill on a cool night.
President Jim announced that there are openings on the Board. If you are interested, please get details from incoming President Steve Roberts. Nominations will be open on November 28, closing 14 days later.
Tonight’s Program
Our speaker for the evening was Don Watkins, District 7010 Chair for the Rotary Foundation. Not only has Don been a pharmacist, a fundraiser for the Cancer Society and a volunteer for Basic Literacy, but he has held numerous positions in Rotary.
During the first 85 years of the Rotary Foundation, a total of $1.5 billion has been either raised or donated. These funds have been used to enrich community life and alleviate problems besieging people worldwide.
During the 2000-2001 Rotary year, $90.2 million were issued from the fund for various projects. A portion of this amount was provided to World Peace Scholars, including 3 Canadians. $24 million were allocated in matching funds. Our own club has donated $13,000 over the past 6 years.
Don played a video about the work of the Rotary Foundation and then reminded us that it is possible to contribute in many ways, including quarterly and monthly payments. The goal for contributions in 2002-2003 is $63 million.
Don thanked us on behalf of the District and all those that we will never meet who have been helped by our contributions.
Thank-you Don.
Next week there is no Thursday meeting since the auction is on Friday.
Art Dawson and Nancy Bishop have the program on November 28.
President Jim sent us home at 19:07
Following the meeting, Maria (Wigamog Innkeeper) offered to place the Wigamog’s name and ours on a toy collection box in their lobby. We like the idea – so bring an unwrapped, new toy to the auction and put it in the box. All toys will be given to the 4C’s before Christmas.
Jim Miners
P.s. Art Ward called and wishes to emphasize how good the band will be at the Christmas Party on Dec. 7th. The band is called the Lincoln Heirs. I hope that I have the spelling correct.- Kim
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