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. Guests this evening included Don Downey and co-op student Bob Bullock working now at Curry Motors.

The Sergeant at Arms tonight was Jim Miners. Since it was his first time delivering fines, he gave himself one to begin. Then on to Jamie Cowan, first time bitten on the arm by a saw, Ted Brandon, who saw his son off to school for the first time, John Gunning, first time back in a year, Greg Bishop, who took his family to a brothel for the first time and VP Steve Roberts for his first club assembly. Next a fine for backed up inventory to Andy Salvatori. And a fine intended for Sean Hawley for disrupting a thriving agricultural business, taken by Brian Black in Sean’s absence. Last, but not least, and under mild protest, a fine to Maureen O’Hara for late birthday notices.

Maureen then proceeded to wish happy birthdays to Bob Nichol, John Gunning, Greg Bishop, Jim Richards, Steve Roberts and Curry Bishop. Happy birthday to the lot.

President Jim announced that the Barrie club would like to drop in for lunch on October 10, either going to or coming from Algonquin Park. They would like to be our program for that week and the idea received unanimous support. Don Popple will make the necessary arrangements.

Brian Menton announced that applications for outbound GSE team members will now be accepted until November 12. Brian also distributed profiles for the incoming GSE team members and indicated that we are still short one billet for their visit.

President Jim has information about upcoming district seminars. Contact him if you are interested.

President Jim announced that the Board had approved asking the club to provide $800 in support of a local individual’s acquisition of a power scooter through the assistive devices program. Drew Carey put forward a motion to this affect, it was seconded, and there will be a vote next week.

VP Steve Roberts led his first club assembly.

We are roughly $14,000 short of finishing our commitment to the hospital. Brian Black moved and Don Popple seconded a motion that we pay that amount from the Community Account to fulfill our obligation. All were in agreement.

Ted Brandon spoke about the car draw, our diminishing returns over the past three years, and asked us to consider a mass mailing to target previous purchasers and county residents. Lively discussion with varying points of view followed. We’ll probably talk again about this one.

Ted also told us about a company that runs Dragon Boat Festivals for a fee. A recent one in Parry Sound netted the club $60,000. Move over canoes, here come the boats.

Barb Bolin recently made a presentation to the Board about the new campus of Fleming College, and at the same time asked whether Rotary could help with her fund raising campaign. Following discussion, Brian Menton moved and Dave Bishop seconded a donation of $10,000 per year over 5 years, with no mention of which year would be year one. A vote will follow next week.

VP Steve reminded us that RI wants every club to build something in their community by 2005. A pavilion has been mentioned, and so has a sculpture of some sort. It was also suggested that minimal future maintenance should be a consideration.

Ted Brandon put the question to the club, do we really want to continue to serve drinks at the Highland Games? It was clear from the discussion that the answer was no, but President Jim will offer to continue raising the tent for the Games committee.

Once again we discussed meal quality and cost. The Board has been asked to give both their attention. In a possibly related matter, we are losing members faster than we are gaining them. We need some fresh ideas, as well as members.

September 19 – Brian Menton and Art Dawson will be holding a wine tasting evening – bring guests if you like. The Board will meet at 4 pm, prior to the wine.

September 25 – Quad-Club Meeting

The meeting was adjourned by President Jim at 19:45.

Jim Miners