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A NATURAL HIGH
On Track a STEP Closer to Elevated Park
 
Gerry Janssen, Harris Bear & Serge Lavoie
You can’t blame On Track President Serge Lavoie for being excited about the prospect of Canada’s first elevated park right here in St. Thomas. A lot of people in the community – and across Canada - share his enthusiasm for the St. Thomas Elevated Park (STEP) scheduled for its grand opening on August 27 and completion of both phases of the project in 2018. Half of the park will be constructed in phase one, plus a ramp on King Street leading up to the entrance of the former Michigan Central Railway Bridge. More than half the $150,000 in funding needed for this phase has already been received.
 
We might say that they’re ―on track‖ except that the double tracks that used to run over the bridge, constructed in 1929-30, aren’t there anymore. Instead, the 900 feet by 30 feet expanse will be a park with flower beds, trees, benches and public art. Walkers, runners and cyclists will enjoy a trail along the park. A partnership with the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society will result in a stumpery garden leading to the entrance of the park. Two 30-feet by 80-feet programming areas will be created on the bridge so that special events can take place there. But any rocks and stones already there are going to stay there. About 90 feet at its highest point, it’s going to be a natural high.
 
Yes, there are concerns about its great height. But while there is no defence against a determined jumper, organizers have ensured that the bridge is structurally sound and protected by steel railings to remove the risk of accident. Donors have been convinced. For $2500, an eight-foot by sixteenfoot section of the park (including decks, railings or green space) can be sponsored; for $2000, an all-metal park bench can be sponsored. Both gifts, or any gift $2000 or over can bear your family or company name on a plaque. To receive a charitable receipt, donors are asked to make their cheques payable to the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation/Elevated Park Fund. Boosting the community’s profile is a STEP in the right direction.
 
 
Though the 2017 Rotary District 6330 Conference was officially hosted by the St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club, the St. Thomas Rotary Club was an active participant both at the Conference on May 26 and 27 and before. In the picture at top left, some Club members were on hand to join the throng on the steps of St. Thomas City Hall on Tuesday, May 23 as Rotary Week began in the city. Moving clockwise, the short ceremony included raising the Rotary flag (seen just below the Canadian flag). Excluding the host Railway City Club, our Club had the highest percentage of members attending the Conference (52 %) as seen in the certificate held by President Nancy. Nancy also accepted a District Gold Literacy Award, one of 15 Clubs to have completed 15 or more literacy projects in the past year. Every club was invited to display a"Brag Board". The St. Thomas Rotary Club has pictures highlighting "7 Unique Things About Our Club". The Teddy Bear Auction event was chaired by President Nancy. Bear #22 was the Interact Club’s "Marshall" and Bear #23 was the St. Thomas Rotary Club’s "Bruce". Both were ransomed by Nancy along with a third (Youth Exchange) bear, as yet nameless; all three bears will go to the Interact Club. Finally, the Conference provided an excellent opportunity to meet people from across the District – and the world. A Rotary Youth Exchange student from Thailand shared the Club’s Saturday lunch table with President Nancy and Adriana Balderas.
 
“Rotary’s Here – Something Good is about to Happen”
 
Trish Shouldice declared that her favourite moment in the Conference was hearing Rotary International Representative Tom Bennett tell the story of children in a developing country cry, "Rotary’s here—something good is about to happen!" Friday afternoon’s sessions were full of stories of how The Rotary Foundation has been "doing good in the world" for a hundred years and will continue to do good in the world for at least another hundred years. TRF Trustee Bryn Styles highlighted the history of that illustrious century, noting that by 2016, $3 billion had been put to work in projects around the world. Over $2 million had been contributed to the eradication of polio by District 6330 alone.
 
Ann Lee Hussey, a Past District Governor from South Berwick, Maine and a polio survivor, has been a champion in the fight against polio her whole life. In 2001, before she joined Rotary, she went to India to take part in a National Immunization Day and was touched by the story of a little girl she encountered there; in December 2016, Ann Lee completed her 28th NID. She is encouraged by the fact there were only 37 new polio cases in 2016 and only five cases so far in 2017. In keeping with the Conference’s railway theme, we are on track to eradicating polio and Rotary’s work in fundraising and raising public awareness can only help to bring this largest public health effort in history to a successful conclusion. The future is bright. "The polio program changed Rotary," says Ann Lee."We have just begun to tap into Rotary’s strength."
 
ALL ABOARD….In the absence of President Nancy, President-Elect Trish Shouldice was in the chair today. Next week (June 5) will be a Club Assembly followed by a Club Board Meeting, and on June 12, Gerald Vreman will give his classification talk. The meeting that would normally take place on June 19 is cancelled in order that we may convene on Tuesday, June 20 at the CASO Station for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no cost, but there will be light refreshments and entertainment and an opportunity to thank the many volunteers who assist the Club in its many activities during the year.
 
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 (the former Sandam) for this event, enabling the Club to revive a happy tradition. 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). Everyone should 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.
 
Pat Martin announced that the Rotary Tour of Homes now has three homes and the CASO Station lined up for the 2017 Tour, but would like the help of Club members in identifying a fourth home. Please contact Pat if you can help…Trudy Kanellis was winner of the 50/50 draw. Fine Master Trudy (filling in for Bill Horn) alerted us to two Rotary conferences coming up next year: the 2018 District 6330 Conference at the Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend, May 4-5, and the Rotary International Convention in Toronto, June 24 to 27, 2018. Incidentally, the RI Theme for 2017-18 is "Rotary: Making a Difference."
 
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.
 
Malcolm Rust (4) – He was impressed by the two Global Scholars who spoke by video at the District Conference on Saturday morning; they have been in the workforce for a couple years and can see the benefits of their scholarships; for the Rotary Peace Fellow who also spoke; for next year’s District Conference and RI Convention; to commend Trudy for her ―excellent‖ work in catering at the Conference on the weekend.
Ron Somerville (3) – His son has returned home safely; he and his son have come up with a summer job list that will keep him busy; Ron’s dog has come through major surgery very well.
Ed Willson (1) – Kathy and he enjoyed the Conference very much: it was ―super-duper!‖
Pat Baker (1) – To commend Ron Somerville and the Rotary Music Festival Committee for their outstanding work, as the chairmanship transfers to Gerald Vreman. Pat is among those already at work on the 2018 Festival (February 26-28, March 1-2). She has designed a striking poster that’s sure to attract attention.
Pat Martyn (4) – For a well-run Conference with excellent table service; for the presentation made by Serge today: the elevated park is an exciting addition to what the area has to offer; the success of former Music Festival participant Ruby Watson: she won her category in a Stratford competition and then went on to seek further laurels in Hamilton; Pat attended a 50-year Central Elgin Collegiate Institute reunion – as a teacher.
Paul Blower (1) – For a family gathering held to honour his parents’ 70th wedding anniversary.
Trish Shouldice (2) -- For the success made by President Nancy Lovelock and Adriana Balderas at the Conference’s Teddy Bear Auction. 54 of the 58 bears on offer were sold and $2005 was raised; for Serge’s presentation today.
 
Trudy Kanellis (1) – Glad the weekend is over! It was so busy that she didn’t have time to hear Interactor Nathaniel Chabot speak on Saturday.
The photo at right shows the St. Anne’s Centre prior to guests arriving for Saturday evening’s gala dinner which concluded with a dance to the ―Sounds of the Stork Club.‖ While French cuisine was featured at this affair, the cookery of other nations took centre stage on other occasions: Italian at Friday’s opening luncheon; North American at Friday evening’s Murder Mystery Dinner (performed by Aylmer Community Theatre); Belgian at Saturday’s breakfast; and Greek at Saturday’s luncheon.
 
 
Monday, June 5 – Club Assembly, followed by Club Board Meeting
At the Wayside, 12;15 p.m.
 
 

ASAA

Greeter

Fine Master

Monday, June 5

Ron Somerville

Dave Rock

Stew Shouldice

Monday, June 12

Stew Shouldice

Bill Horn

Adriana Balderas

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

 
 
Photos: Trudy Kanellis, Bill Chantler, & Malcolm Rust

PEB
Upcoming Events
Holiday-No Regular meeting
Aug 07, 2017
 
Regular Meeting-followed by Food Trailer committee
Wayside Dining Lounge
Aug 14, 2017 12:15 PM
 
Regular Meeting-Cancelled-It's summner
Aug 21, 2017
 
Social-Dave and Gwen Moffatt-Menuha B&B
Menuha
Aug 28, 2017 12:15 PM
 
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
Sep 27, 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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