This was an in-person meeting and a recording is not available
President's Comments
President Dave welcomed all to the meeting today.
Guests
John and Rebecca Short, guests of Tom Mennill
Nicole Lup, guest of Lumi Mironescu
Saimi Hartikainen, our Exchange Student
Bell Ringers
President Dave declared all Toronto Maple Leafs fans as the Bell Ringers this week and implored one and all Not To Panic and to Keep the Faith!
Happy Jar
Louise Gardiner is happy to have been able to attend the District Club Leadership Training program on Saturday and presented a session on Running Effective Meetings, which was received very well.
Our exchange student Saimi is please to have recently run a one-half marathon, finishing seventh in her age/gender category in a time of one hour and fifty-six minutes.
Gary Parker is very happy to be walking on his new knee! He and wife Sue are also delighted that their youngest granddaughter has just graduated as a Medical Doctor from the University of Alberta and is starting a residency at the Calgary Children’s Hospital.
Club Announcements
Honouring of Dave Martindale
Martin Jones spoke about a plan to honour past member Dave Martindale. Dave was a long serving member of our club who initiated our club’s involvement in Rotary International service. He oversaw multiple global projects and was extremely effective at finding additional sources of funding for them. Many of the projects occurred in Africa and Martin is involved with another organization that is building a school in Africa. Martin brought forward a proposal to the Board to provide support for the school in honour of Dave which was approved. At the time of Dave‘s passing $3,400 was donated in his name to our Foundation, the board has agreed to donate $3,000 and the interest from our YFF funds for this year of $4,000, for a total (so far) of $10,400 which will be used for this. Members wishing to make a donation to add to this are welcome to do so through our foundation for which a tax receipt will be issued. Contact Martin if interested. We will have a meeting in November honoring Dave.
A Better Tent City
Neil Swayze reminded members that we will be putting together the raised gardens at A Better Tent City again this year. This will be on Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A notice and invitation to members has gone out and those able to assist with the project are asked to sign up.
Club Turnover / President’s Night – 2025
Rotary Bandstand In Victoria Park
We are delighted to let members know that the permanent plinth and plaque is now installed in front of the Rotary Bandstand in Victoria Park. This recognizes our club and all of those who made a donation to the project.
Program Highlights
Unfortunately, our speaker for today, Capt. Paul Elliott, had a medical emergency and was in the hospital, unable to join us today. However, several other items were presented that filled in the time.
We began with viewing a video called Dear Canada, which highlights many famous Canadians, events in our history, and factors that make us unique and special in the world. Member JB Moore brough this to our attention and thought it would be meaningful and inspiring to view in light of the current political situation with our neighbours to the south. It can be viewed by clicking here.
Next, Robert Shipley, who had arranged for today’s program spoke briefly about the topic and let us know that we will be rescheduling the program. Capt. Paul Elliott has been involved with the Candain Military’s support with domestic emergencies and disaster relief. He looks at the issue of how prepared are different levels of government for possible natural or other disasters and he askes the question: Is there a role for service clubs in response to wide=spread emergencies and disasters?
Several Club Announcements were made, see above, followed by the latest video of our exchange student Ella in Japan and her development as an archer! We concluded with another recent video from Rotary International letting members know that the Polio Plus project is still ongoing, that we have much of which to be proud with our success so far but that there is work still to be done and we must keep up the support and effort to finish the task.
Closing Remarks & Reminders
Please see the list below for details of upcoming meetings.
Kitchener Rotary e-Newsletter
