President Adrian welcomed all to this our meeting of the 29th week of our 100th anniversary year!
Visiting Rotarians
Elena Shpinel, Rotary Club of Moscow International
Club Announcements
Catch The Ace
Week 10 of Catch the Ace saw James D. as our lucky winner. He picked card #44, revealing the 4 of Hearts and won the weekly prize of $278. James D. lives near Ottawa and he heard about Catch the Ace when he was online and looking for interesting games in the Home Lottery News. He saw our recent ad and was also interested in supporting KidsAbility.
Still no Ace of Spades so there is still time to get your tickets for the next weekly draw on Thursday January 27th.
Coldest Night of Year
Members are encourage to donate and or sign up for this community support event. Announcements and links to participate have been sent to all members by Louise Gardiner and Kelly Miller. Paul Rostrup, Hubert Singh and Madu Kingsley will be doing a walk in Victoria Park on February 4 at 2:00 p.m. and all members are welcome to join them. Contact Paul for more information.
Car Lottery
Full details are not yet available but Dave Chatson provided a preliminary report on our recent Car Lottery.
Over all it was successful and positions us well to move ahead next year.
Our proceeds won’t be as high as targeted but we should clear at least $10,000
WE now have a significant data base of individuals interested in participating in this kind of fundraiser.
We have learned a lot about how best to use social media.
We also have a better idea on how to contact our traditional Car Draw supporters, i.e., those who purchase in support of KidsAbility.
Indigenous Relations
Lew Ford reported on the recent Indigenous training program provided by Family and Children Services. The program involved viewing of three videos followed by a full day of discussions and presentations. It was extremely informative and worthwhile. About 20 Rotarians participated. The information provided and issues raised will assist the committee in moving ahead with our three-year plan.
A Celebration of Women In Rotary
All members will have received an invitation to this event from Louise Gardiner. This will be a joint event with the Rotary Club of Grand River on Tuesday, February 8 at 7:45 AM in place of our regular Monday meeting.
Program Highlights
Our program today was Who AM I presentations by two of our recent inductees – Boyd Pendleton and Marissa Watkins.
First up was Marissa:
Where I’m From
Born in Mount Forest, ON to high school sweethearts
Raised in Waterloo, my true home
I attended Bluevale Collegiate Institute
Family is very important to me!
Where I’ve Been
Travel has been a huge part of my life and has included Taiwan, New York, Cuba, Costa Rica and Budapest
My next destination goal is Greece!
Sauble Beach is my home away from home
I began learning Mandarin while I was in Taiwan
What I’ve Done
Graduated with Honours from the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Conestoga College
Was awarded with an Emerge Media Award for my capstone project
Began working towards my current career goals
Completed my investment courses and insurance courses over the pandemic
Where I’m Going
Taking on a larger role in my career after nine years in the industry
Working towards my Certified Financial Planner professional designation
Excited for what the future has in store!
Facts About Me
My eyes are two different colours
If there’s sunshine and water, I’m a happy lady
I’m a dog person!
I love all things food-related and you’ll often see me doing the “happy dance” when food arrives
I was a Bridesmaid for the first time on Friday!
Why Rotary?
Fellowship and Friendship
Making a difference in the community
Having an opportunity to use some of my “fun” skills outside of the workplace
Next Up was Boyd:
A little about me
Born in Huntington Beach California
Attended the University of Arizona (Tucson AZ) 1992-1995 Studied Hydrogeology and Engineering
Met my wife Colleen in Arizona when she was working at Conestoga Rovers in Phoenix 1996 while was working for CH2MHill in Phoenix (formerly Gore and Storie)
Transferred to Waterloo office for work opportunities and be with my wife's family in 2000
We liked it and stayed
Passions outside of work and family include Outdoor Activities, Cycling and Adventure Travel
My Family
My wife is Colleen Dietrich P. Eng.
She was born and raised in Waterloo and is a UofW Graduate
She is an Engineer with GHD (formerly Conestoga Rovers) and has been with GHD for over 25 years
My daughter is Sydney Pendleton (19)
Born and raised in Waterloo
Currently at Queens University (Life Sciences)
Student Athlete (Fast pitch)
My son is Ben Pendleton (16)
Attends St David’s high school (like his sister and mom did!)
Plays on the Waterloo Wolves Major Midget AAA hockey team
My Mom Dad and Brother (Nat, Suise & Nat) live in Huntington Beach CA
Colleens Mom and dad live in Waterloo (Frank & Virginia Dietrich)
My Business
Lotowater is located in Paris Ontario and I have been there since 2003
Lotowater specializes in the Design, Construction and Maintenance of Municipal & Industrial Water Well Systems
Our biggest client is the Region of Waterloo
Why Rotary?
I’ve always enjoyed volunteering in kids sports and I am looking for other ways to give back and make Waterloo a better place to live and work
How can I contribute?
Still learning about Rotary and what it does. Thanks Louise, Adrian and others!
I hope to be able to support existing initiatives and projects where I can best
My areas of particular Interest include Youth Exchange, Kids Ability, Environment & Water and Nogales & Caborca
I am very interested in the possibility of working on some Cycling based initiatives
Closing Remarks & Reminders
President Adrian reminded everyone abou the next meeting on Jan 31 when Martin Jones will be hosting a live event from Kenya, with our RAWEF students who will update us on their educational progress.
Where I’m From
A little about me
