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THE MUSIC MAN
Gerald Vreman Gives his Classification Talk
 
The Rotary International theme for 2017-18 is “Rotary: Making a Difference.” Gerald Vreman has been making a difference in the world of music for decades. The talented pianist and organist has achieved many personal distinctions in his career, including performing three times in Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, but considers his greatest satisfaction to have come from the positive impact he has had on youth as a teacher.
 
“Young people are always inspiring,” says Gerald, because not only do they meet expectations, they often exceed them. One student (from Aylmer) was provincial finalist and seven went on to become music teachers themselves. But Gerald has had many opportunities to influence students. Not only has he been a music teacher since 1981 (in addition to his duties as music director of Centre Street Baptist Church), he has also been an examiner for Conservatory Canada (since 1990) and an adjudicator at many service club music festivals across Canada, including one in Grand Falls, Newfoundland where he was “screeched in.” He has had a long association with the Rotary Club of St. Thomas Music Festival (he’s a former Silver Tray winner) and recalls with gratitude how the Club made donations to assist him in studying in France and Coquitlam, B.C. Former Rotarian Allan Harrington gave him organ lessons for years at no charge. Gerald is proud to be a Rotarian now and looks forward with great excitement to chairing the 2018 Rotary Music Festival.
 
Gerald allows that, in addition to music, he also has a passion for his motorcycle. He also noted that he was on a panel from across Canada who will be examining music students in China in the not too distant future. Inspired by his father’s lifelong love of music, Gerald’s musical road still has a long way to go.
 
 
WE’RE HAVING A HEAT WAVE….President Nancy welcomed guests Kathy Willson, wife of Ed, Maggie Horn, wife of Bill, and Visiting Rotarian Paul Farrow to this week’s meeting. Welcome, all!...
Our thoughts are with Pat Martyn who is at home following an accident not far from home that totaled her car. While Pat is alright from a physical standpoint, she does need to take some time to recover herself; hence her absence from today’s meeting. We hope that she will soon be able to return to her friends at Rotary.
 
Next week, our regular June 19 meeting is cancelled in order that we may convene on Tuesday, June 20 at the CASO Station from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for our annual Volunteer Recognition Evening. There is no cost, but there will be light refreshments and entertainment (“The Ukes of Hazzard,” a group of musicians who play ukuleles) and an opportunity to thank the many volunteers who assist the Club in its many activities during the year. Please contact President Nancy if you are coming and if you are bringing guests.
 
The Club’s annual Changeover Meeting will take place on June 26 at Merriview, home of Brenda and Mike Merrifield. Brenda and Mike have graciously opened the grounds of their property for this event. Merriview is the former Sandam and is located at 6331 Fairview Road. It’s on the west side of Fairview, south of Fruit Ridge Line and north of Sparta Line. There will be signs at the head of the drive. Time is 5:30 p.m. (social) for 6 p.m. (dinner). Price is the same as last year, $25. While steak is preferred by most diners, if you would like a chicken or vegetarian dinner, please let Trudy know (the price is the same). Let Trudy know if you are coming and if you are bringing guests. We are usually joined by the Aylmer Rotary Club and the St. Thomas Interact Club. District Governor Diane Chantler is expected to preside over the installation of the three club boards.
 
President-Elect Trish Shouldice once again urged Club members to sign up for duty at three events taking place in the next few days and weeks. The Club will be selling hamburgers this Saturday, June 17 at the Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum’s “Co-opalooza” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Food Trailer will not be required. The Museum is in Copenhagen, though its address is 48075 Jamestown Line, Aylmer. Directions can be found using the “Visit Us” link on the Museum’s website: www.dairyheritagemuseum.ca. The Food Trailer will, however, be at Pinafore Park on Canada Day (July 1) and at the “Day Out with Thomas [the Tank Engine]” event July 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 behind the Memorial Arena at 80 Wilson Avenue.
 
Trish noted that there would be no meetings of the Club on July 3, 17 and 24 and August 7 and 21. The Club will meet at the Wayside at its regular time on July 10 with Malcolm Rust in the chair. For details of other summer meetings and events, be sure to check the Club’s website: www.rotarystthomas.org.
 
Club members showed their support for the Club Board’s recommendation that a “friendship bench” be placed at Locke’s Elementary School in St. Thomas to mark the 100th anniversary of The Rotary Foundation. Cost of the bench, to be installed by the Thames Valley District School Board, is $2000. The bench is for pupils who have been bullied or who suffer from other personal issues and who therefore need comfort and support. A project to mark the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation will be considered by the 2017-18 Board.
 
There is a special advance price of US$295 for the June 24-27, 2018 Rotary International Conference in Toronto that is in effect from June 10-14, 2017; the price thereafter is much higher. President Nancy has already registered.
 
Gerald Vreman was winner of the 50/50 draw. Of course, he drew his own ticket (that’s another one of those Club traditions) but, even better, he had nine tickets, thanks to some generous friends. In the absence of the Fine Master, President Nancy levied the loonie fine anyway. That’s another tradition.
 
Last week, Malcolm Rust advised the Club of the reworking of the Chapel on the main floor of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital. His full report may be read on the following page.

 
 
REPORT TO THE CLUB ON THE HOSPITAL CHAPEL
 
When the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Elm Street was opened, the Rotary Club of St. Thomas furnished a chapel on the 1st Floor, just west of the main entrance. The stained glass windows on the north side depict scenes from the healing ministry of Jesus and one panel depicts St. Luke, patron saint of physicians and surgeons.
 
The chapel has been used regularly by patients, their families and staff as a place in which to pray at any time of day or night. For years, people have been able to write their prayers in a special binder, a very touching record of their hopes and fears in the face of medical events. Occasionally, it has been used for a wedding or a memorial service for a staff person. For several years a supply of booklets was offered without charge and dealt with topics relevant to patients and their families.
 
Times have changed! We live in a world that is multi-faith and in a country that is proud to be accepting and respectful of people whatever their religious affiliation or of none.
 
The space is currently being renovated. The stained glass remains but other distinctly “Christian” symbols have been removed along with the carpet, pews, organ and most of the other furniture. The platform remains, the terrazzo floor had been restored and the oak panel walls have been painted a light color. New chairs are ordered. The lectern will remain to accommodate the special Prayers Binder and other features can be added at the request of users.
 
Now called a “Prayer Room” it will be a space that can be utilized in various ways by people of any faith or by those who prefer to call themselves “spiritual not religious”. Mostly the chairs will be arranged around the room with ample space for wheelchairs. There will be a CD player for those who like to bring their own recordings for quiet meditation and reflection. Clergy visiting in-patients will still be able to use the office and cloakroom area. A poster will remind users that all of the major faiths, in their own words, advocate the Golden Rule for life that we should treat others as we wish to be treated.
 
Donations for this renovation have come from local churches. The historical plaque will be deposited with the Elgin County Archives with other hospital memorabilia.
 
Malcolm Rust
STEGH Multi-faith Chaplain 1989-2001
 

 
HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation – Annual Programs Fund – credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwen Lowe, a member of the club.
 
Gerald Vreman (1) – He is excited to have won the 50/50!
Kathy Willson (2) – It is nice to reconnect with people like Gerald who went to school with her kids; Ed has received a good report from his surgeon.
Ron Somerville (2) – Gerald’s impressive career has made St. Thomas proud of him; Ron is glad that Gerald is the new Chair of the Rotary Music Festival.
Malcolm Rust 2 – To welcome Gerald to the Club and as Chair of the Music Festival
Bill Horn (2) – For Gerald’s becoming a member of Rotary and the Club and for his becoming Chair of the Music Festival
Brenda Merrifield (1) – Her eldest daughter (from Texas) has sold her house.
 
Monday, June 19 – Meeting Cancelled
Tuesday, June 20 – Volunteer Recognition Evening
At the CASO Railway Station, 7-9 p.m.
Please let President Nancy know you are coming & if you are bringing guests
 
 

ASAA

Greeter

Fine Master

Monday, June 19

No Meeting (Volunteer Appreciation Evening June 20, 7-9 p.m. @ CASO)

Tuesday, June 20

Gerry Janssen

Trudy Kanellis

No Fine Master

Monday, June 26

Ron Somerville

Ken Ferguson

Malcolm Rust

Monday, July 3

No Meeting (Canada Day weekend)

Monday, July 10

Ron Somerville

Brenda Merrifield

Adriana Balderas

 
Photos: Microsoft & Malcolm Rust

PEB
Upcoming Events
Holiday-No Regular meeting
Sep 06, 2017
 
Club Assembly and Board meeting
Wayside Dining Lounge
Sep 13, 2017 12:15 PM
 
Sandra Westaway-In Out of Cold & Poverty Action
Wayside Dining Lounge
Sep 20, 2017 12:15 PM
 
Regular Meeting Food trailer following
Sep 27, 2017 12:15 PM
 
Club Assembly - Board Meeting
Wayside Dining Lounge
Oct 04, 2017 12:15 PM
 
Holiday-No Regular meeting
Oct 11, 2017
 
All Club Breakfast
Wayside Dining Lounge
Oct 18, 2017 12:15 PM
 
World Polio Day and Social Time
Oct 24, 2017 11:00 AM
 
No Regular meeting
Wayside Dining Lounge
Oct 25, 2017 12:15 PM
 
Club Information
Service Above Self
Changes to regular meetings see "Upcoming Events"
We meet Wednesdays at 12:15 PM
Wayside Dining Lounge
10680 Sunset Road
Talbotville, ON  N0L 2K0
Canada
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Rotary Club of St. Thomas
P.O. Box 20042-RPO Edward
St. Thomas ON
N5P 4H4
Club #: 2887
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