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.

Sergeant at Arms Jim Miners began with a general fine for anyone who had not yet picked up a Unicef box from President Jim. He then attempted to collect additional fines by giving each table some little object to identify. Since someone at each table correctly identified the table’s object, there were no fines.

President Jim notified us that Lynda Porter had resigned from Rotary.

Linda Beachli spoke about the Christmas Dinner/Dance. There was some discussion about the $60 per person charge and whether the entertainment warranted the cost. There was general agreement that the band had a good reputation and that people would likely stay closer to the cutoff time of 1 a.m., making it a good value. Get your ticket as soon as they are available in case space runs out.

Peter Forgrave spoke about the upcoming Christmas Auction. Actually, he asked about the auction – specifically who volunteered to help. Nancy Bishop wrote down the names for Peter in case he forgets again.

Andy Glecoff asked whether the club would donate $300 to the Christmas Parade (November 17 this year). Don Popple moved, Drew Carey seconded and the club agreed.

Dues are past due.

A day prior to the program beginning Andy Salvatori wasn’t sure about a speaker, and by showtime he had two. First up was Jamie Cowen doing his classification.

Jamie spoke of his humble beginnings in 1977, which doesn’t seem like that long ago. He grew up in Haliburton and was very active in sports while attending school.

Andy was recruited into the family wood products business at the age of 15 due to the death of his father. In the following 20 years Jamie has helped his mother run the business and he told us about their core products.

In response to questions, Jamie told us that about 80% of the wood they process and ship to Quebec mills is maple. The going rate for the product is $300 - $400 per board foot, depending on quality.

Although related in no way to his classification, Jamie also told us that he married his wife Kim earlier this year.

Second up was Jerry Walker, fresh from a Ducks Unlimited meeting in Western Canada. Apparently on the same trip Jerry met some ducks as well.

Jerry has been involved locally in DU for 9 years and was happy to report that their recent fundraising dinner netted $17,000. Most of this money will go towards wetland preservation in one way or another. This is particularly important to the waterfowl, ducks and geese, that use these areas for breeding purposes.

Although most of our local birds are classed as "resident", our area does see the occasional "migratory" bird in the spring and fall.

Although the birds, and some hunters, do benefit from wetland preservation, DU would like to remind us that we all benefit from healthy wetlands because of their purifying capabilities. To demonstrate this, local DU members and the high school biology class will be testing the marsh below the Dysart landfill. We look forward to a presentation on the results of this test.

In response to a question about ownership, Jerry responded that DU only buys land when it is necessary to have access to all of the land in a particular wetland area. Most of their work is accomplished through longterm wetland management agreements. So, if you have some wet land, maybe you should talk to Jerry and his DU associates.

Andy thanked his two speakers.

Next week the Board will meet at 4 and the rest of us will meet at the regular time. Kim Emmerson and Greg Bishop have the program. Ed note: Kim is still looking for a speaker

October 31 – Hugh Nichol and Len Pizzey have the program.

President Jim sent us home at 18:59.

Here is a copy of an e-mail that was forwarded by Ted Brandon: