Neil Swazye and Leda Schupbach were inducted into our club at our meeting by Martin Jones.
Howard Pell introduced Neil, a retired elementary school principal. As a student Neil enjoyed sports. He followed through by getting a degree in Physical Education and teacher qualifications. Most of his teaching career has been with the WRDSB. He has also officiated in basketball for 40 years.
Hubert Singh introduced Leda a real estate agent in Kitchener. Leda was born in Nicaragua and experienced the poverty after the civil war. She has lived in Canada for 30 years and has a degree in Spanish. She is certified to teach English as a Second Language. She is married and has two daughters. Currently she is training for a half marathon.
The club has recently introduced a new policy that will involve the appointment of mentors for new members. Candi Harrington will be Leda’s mentor and Gary Parker will be Neil’s mentor.
Hi to all. I have now moved into my new residence: Unit 201, 141 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo, ON., N2L 6N9, Tel # is new: 519-783-3272. This place is called Luther Village on the Park, so you can also phone the main office: 519-783-3710 and ask for unit #201. I have an apartment with a bedroom, a den, small kitchen, and a bathroom. I get my three meals per day, and the food is pretty good. I get free parking for myself and visitors. Hope to see you soon, and you can stay and eat here. I just have to book it all in advance.
Past President Tom Mennill called the meeting to order at 11:36am by reminding members that the District 7080 Turnover Meeting will take place tomorrow evening. Howard and Pat are attending and are willing to have others join them for carpooling.
Tom was President of our club in 2011/2012 and he offered recognition to the presidents before and after him for making his year effective. Hubert preceded Tom and was able to get the club more excited about Rotary. Martin followed Tom and was effective at finishing a number of initiatives that were started during Tom’s term. Some of those include the $90,000 gift to the House of Friendship in recognition of the club’s 90th Anniversary; recognition of Audrey Wipper for her generosity; the club visit to the Peace Park; Ernie’s urging and the resulting establishing of the Peace Scholarship; and the Youth Forum, Youth Exchange represented by Marten Martinson and his unique personality. He also noted the induction of 10 new members; the promotion of Women in Rotary Theme; recognition of Mike Carty who was President when women were first invited to join our club, and the development of a Strategic Planning process.
Guests for Monday's meeting were: Prospective member Neil Swayze, guest of Howard Pell, and prospective member Leda Schupbach guest of Hubert Singh, and our guest speaker, Bob Rennie.
Acting President Tom introduced our surprise guest speaker, Major General Isaac Brock (in full uniform). He used the opportunity to deliver his Proclamation to his troops and the citizens of Upper Canada. The proclamation made everyone aware that war with America was about to happen and that we were greatly outnumbered but not in commitment and determination. Little help could be expected from England because England was at war with Napoleon. Many of the Canadians in Upper Canada had been born in America but choose to leave America and settle in Canada.
Bob Rennie, the man behind the image, spoke to us of Brock’s strong ability as a military leader and the skill with which he motivated his troops as well ash gaining the support of the natives living in the area. He had anticipated the war and had laid in a lot of supplies and fortifications and was ready for battle.
The Natives were very important to the successful outcome. They:
added strength
generated fear in the opponents
where fighting for their very existence avoiding annihilation
lost a large number of participants
Thanked by: David Martindale
Closing Remarks:
No meeting next week Turn over meeting at Golf’s restaurant in two weeks
Ed Fowler informed the club that that our Japanese partners are coming to visit our club for Octoberfest and that he is looking for volunteers to assist with the program for our guests.
Brent indicated that there has been dialogue with Forest Hill principal, Peter Brant, after the school representatives spoke to our club. In an attempt to assist the school, it is suggested that volunteers from our club take turns one day a week setting up the schools food bank. Please contact Brent if you can help.
Karen Redman is looking for volunteers who can provide transportation from the Pearson Airport for our inbound Exchange Student as she returns from the Eastern Canada bus tour.
Cheryl was happy to announce that she had a birthday party Saturday night with friends and family who collectively donated $1200 to our Club’s Nogales effort.
