April 3, 2003
President Jim Richards started us off at 18:15 with O Canada, the Toast to Queen and Country and Rotary Grace. Art Ward led the 30 members present in a couple of good old standards intended to help us forget the snow and return of winter.
There were no birthdays and Sergeant at Arms Jim Miners listed off a number of potential fines that came courtesy of the snitch line. However, instead of resorting to the usual source of loonies, the Sergeant opted for a Happy Buck night. The happiest by far was Curry Bishop, newly appointed great grandfather. In fact, Curry was in such a happy mood that he volunteered a loonie for coming through the door after the meeting started.
On to business. Last week’s motion to send our second $3,000 to the Rotary Foundation was passed by a show of hands.
Dave Bishop announced that car tickets are selling, but that we still have a long way to go.
Art Dawson passed around a pledge sheet for Jane Selbie who will be bowling in the annual Haliburton Highlands Learning Centre fundraiser.
Ted Brandon announced that the member prospecting letter was updated and will be mailed to 141 potential members in mid-April. The information reception is scheduled for the evening of May 8 following our regular meeting.
Sean Hawley announced that the annual Steak and Seafood Dinner will take place on May 31 in the West Guilford Community Centre. The theme and other details will be announced at a future meeting.
President Jim announced that Minden Rotary has moved the location of their meeting to Marks Restaurant, still Monday night, now at 6:30. President Jim also announced that Karen Riley of the Echo had contacted him to get information for the free summer events guide. Jim will pass on our event list.
Although Don Popple and Greg Scheffee had arranged a speaker for the evening, she cancelled due to weather and road conditions. They called instead on Brian Menton to give an account of last Monday’s event in Barrie with past RI President Richard King.
The five who attended from our club were treated to an entertaining and informative evening arranged because of our District’s contributions to the wheelchair foundation. This is in no small way due to the work of Brian and Dorothy Menton who have funded 20 chairs themselves through their volunteer efforts. They’re still willing to do anything for a buck or two, so give them a call when you need help.
Brian also talked briefly about making maple syrup, helping us to understand why it will be so dark and hard to find this year. Unless, of course, spring begins again with better conditions.
Next week’s meeting belongs to Kim Emmerson and Greg Bishop.
The meeting was adjourned at 18:47.
Here is our exchange student Miki in Montreal recently.
Miki will be talking to the club this week. Yes Brian, there is sap in that bucket !