It was a beautiful evening completed by a lovely dinner as the Rotary Club of St. Thomas held our changeover event at Pinafore Park in St. Thomas. Begonias graced the tables and President-Elect Mark Holmes presided. Mark welcomed everyone and introduced Gerry Janssen, Assistant Governor and his wife, Rotary member, Catharine Janssen. Suzie Dennis and her husband Derrick Dennis were also introduced as Suzie represented Doug Tarry Ltd.Mark opened with a quote from Doug Tarry Jr. Doug told Mark that he was raised by a father who reminded his children to “always leave the campsite better than we found it”. That is a motto that has carried Doug and the company through many years in the construction industry.
Mark led us in the singing “O Canada”, toasts to King and Country and Rotary International, followed by recitation of the 4-way Test.
A time of quiet reflection by Malcolm:
As Rotarians face a new Rotary year
Our Challenge is to - CREATE HOPE IN THE WORLD.
As Rotarians face a new Rotary year
Our Challenge is to - CREATE HOPE IN THE WORLD.
Reflect
What gives us a sense of hope?
Sense of security in a very troubled world
What gives us a sense of hope?
Sense of security in a very troubled world
How can we create hope in the lives of others, globally?
Focus on …
One person/family/village at a time
One community/community at a time
Going on doing good as we have been doing
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water and sanitation
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
Caring for the environment
Focus on …
One person/family/village at a time
One community/community at a time
Going on doing good as we have been doing
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water and sanitation
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
Caring for the environment
Let us commit to being hopeful people, ourselves
And engaging in activities that
Create hope in the lives of others.
And engaging in activities that
Create hope in the lives of others.
For this food and all the other blessings of our lives
We are thankful.
We are thankful.
Thank you.
After dinner, Mark thanked Trudy, Nick and the serving staff for a wonderful gastronomic experience.
Suzie remarked that she often attends events when Doug is unable to do so and was very pleased to be there. Mark gave a tribute to Doug Tarry Ltd and Doug Tarry Jr. in recognition of their contribution over decades to the community in St. Thomas and in support of the fundraising efforts of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas, especially, the Rotary Discovery Tour and the Dictionary Project. Doug Tarry and the company have made many behind-the-scenes contributions to worthy endeavours. Suzie Dennis received the Certificate of Appreciation from the Rotary International Foundation. See pic above.
Mark listed a few of these causes that Doug Tarry Ltd. has generously supported:
1-Elevated Park (end-to-end challenge) – Doug Tarry Ltd. donated $100,000 to help the project move from one end to the other while asking other community partners to help. This park is privately owned by a not-for-profit organization. It was built totally with community donations and volunteer efforts. No tax dollars were used.
2-Community Trails – Doug Tarry Ltd has been instrumental in working with the city and the Health unit to connect the trails in the City of St.Thomas. Including Doug Tarry subdivisions.
3- “PROJECT HOPE”. Summer 2018 saw the unfortunate passing of Johnny Nooren, a local area building official and well-known person throughout St. Thomas & Elgin community. From the soccer pitch to pitching in with helping a friend with their home, Johnny was well-known, loved and respected. While we as a community are saddened by his passing, the loss to his wife Angela and his two beautiful babies, Luke and Aleida has been personally devastating. At a time of incredible grief, they are also challenged financially and they need our help. Angela has said that Johnny loved big crazy ideas. And that is what HOPE truly is, a BIG CRAZY IDEA. On June 9-11, we are going to blitz build a Net Zero Ready home over three days, not three months, THREE DAYS. Our goal is to gift the profits of this home to the Nooren family. We cannot ever replace Johnny, but we are asking for your help in making HOPE a reality.
4-HOPE Aqua Vita (Puerto Rico) Doug and a team of volunteers went there and help rebuild.
5-Tiny HOPE YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is thrilled to be partnering with Sanctuary Homes and Doug Tarry Homes to create new affordable housing in downtown St. Thomas. Our collaborative project is known as Project Tiny Hope and we are committed to building tiny homes that foster community and a sense of belonging.
6-Elgin Hospice We are the only region in Southwestern Ontario without one. Doug Tarry Homes donated $500,000 to the project
7-Imagine Build – an Oneida Nation of the Thames working with them to build accessible homes for families. We have worked with the design on the projects as well as working with them for their next project in building homes.
8-Bird Studies Canada – the Tarry family donated to this project in long point, a bursary fund was created and sponsors a young ornithologist workshop, as well as lands donated
1-Elevated Park (end-to-end challenge) – Doug Tarry Ltd. donated $100,000 to help the project move from one end to the other while asking other community partners to help. This park is privately owned by a not-for-profit organization. It was built totally with community donations and volunteer efforts. No tax dollars were used.
2-Community Trails – Doug Tarry Ltd has been instrumental in working with the city and the Health unit to connect the trails in the City of St.Thomas. Including Doug Tarry subdivisions.
3- “PROJECT HOPE”. Summer 2018 saw the unfortunate passing of Johnny Nooren, a local area building official and well-known person throughout St. Thomas & Elgin community. From the soccer pitch to pitching in with helping a friend with their home, Johnny was well-known, loved and respected. While we as a community are saddened by his passing, the loss to his wife Angela and his two beautiful babies, Luke and Aleida has been personally devastating. At a time of incredible grief, they are also challenged financially and they need our help. Angela has said that Johnny loved big crazy ideas. And that is what HOPE truly is, a BIG CRAZY IDEA. On June 9-11, we are going to blitz build a Net Zero Ready home over three days, not three months, THREE DAYS. Our goal is to gift the profits of this home to the Nooren family. We cannot ever replace Johnny, but we are asking for your help in making HOPE a reality.
4-HOPE Aqua Vita (Puerto Rico) Doug and a team of volunteers went there and help rebuild.
5-Tiny HOPE YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is thrilled to be partnering with Sanctuary Homes and Doug Tarry Homes to create new affordable housing in downtown St. Thomas. Our collaborative project is known as Project Tiny Hope and we are committed to building tiny homes that foster community and a sense of belonging.
6-Elgin Hospice We are the only region in Southwestern Ontario without one. Doug Tarry Homes donated $500,000 to the project
7-Imagine Build – an Oneida Nation of the Thames working with them to build accessible homes for families. We have worked with the design on the projects as well as working with them for their next project in building homes.
8-Bird Studies Canada – the Tarry family donated to this project in long point, a bursary fund was created and sponsors a young ornithologist workshop, as well as lands donated
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Mark introduced Past District Governor Diane Chantler who came to help with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition and induction of our new President. Diane thanked us for making a difference in the community and in the lives of others. She stated that donors become a Paul Harris Fellow for every $1000 in USD that is given to the Rotary International Foundation. In addition, the club collects points for our club donations and these can be used to recognize an individual or company who has made a significant impact in improving the lives of people, whether here at home or around the world. Diane let us know that $1000 USD can provide potable water, food and shelter, health care in a community where there is none, school books for thousands of children, cows to provide milk and an income for a family and can buy immunizations against polio and other devastating diseases for children around the world.
Mark introduced Past District Governor Diane Chantler who came to help with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition and induction of our new President. Diane thanked us for making a difference in the community and in the lives of others. She stated that donors become a Paul Harris Fellow for every $1000 in USD that is given to the Rotary International Foundation. In addition, the club collects points for our club donations and these can be used to recognize an individual or company who has made a significant impact in improving the lives of people, whether here at home or around the world. Diane let us know that $1000 USD can provide potable water, food and shelter, health care in a community where there is none, school books for thousands of children, cows to provide milk and an income for a family and can buy immunizations against polio and other devastating diseases for children around the world.
Malcolm Rust spoke about Gerry Janssen's contribution to Rotary and our club. Not only has Gerry contributed significantly to the Rotary International Foundation, but he has also been the president for 2 years and is now completing his 3rd year as Assistant Governor, of Area 10. Gerry is also a Bequest Society member.
See Paul Harris Fellow, Gerry Janssen below:
Inductions
Diane Chantler, PDG, inducted Mark Holmes as our new President for the 2023-2024 Rotary year. AG Gerry Janssen presented a President's pin to Mark (see pic)
Diane Chantler, PDG, inducted Mark Holmes as our new President for the 2023-2024 Rotary year. AG Gerry Janssen presented a President's pin to Mark (see pic)
Gerry Janssen, AG, inducted the new Board for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year: Mary Morin, Treasurer; Adriana Balderas, Youth and Environment Director; Cindy Benning, International Director and Social Media; Nancy Lovelock, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director and Membership; Ron Somerville, Sergeant-at-Arms; Pat Martyn, Community Director; Trudy Kanellis, Youth Director; Trish Shouldice, Club Director; absent were Stew Shouldice, Secretary and Webmaster and Barbara Warnock, Past President. Mark indicated to Gerry Janssen that he would like Gerry to be part of the Membership committee. See pic of board:
Announcements:
Meetings: there are no meetings on July 28 and August 2; We will not meet at the Seniors Centre again until August 30th. We will meet in members’ homes until then. Hosts for July 26, August 9, August 16 and August 23 are needed. Our new District Governor, Sonja Glass, will be visiting on August 30th.
Meetings: there are no meetings on July 28 and August 2; We will not meet at the Seniors Centre again until August 30th. We will meet in members’ homes until then. Hosts for July 26, August 9, August 16 and August 23 are needed. Our new District Governor, Sonja Glass, will be visiting on August 30th.
Golfers Needed: 2 additional golfers are needed for entry into the London Hyde Park event on August 23.
Jackpot Time: Barbara and Cindy are covering July 8 at 10 p.m. Two volunteers are needed for July 21 at 12 noon.
Nostalgia Night – Volunteers are needed for the 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift to sell Discovery Tour tickets and to pass out business card reminders for the Discovery Tour.
50/50 was won by Malcolm Rust (and deserved since he often gives the speaker a ticket!).
Happy Finns:
Malcolm – Doug Tarry Ltd for the good work in our community and elsewhere
Gerry – Mark as President and Doug Tarry
Mark – Doug Tarry and support from members of the Club
Suzie – the opportunity to be present for Doug Tarry Ltd.
Derrick – grateful to Suzie for attending and seeing what happens at events she attends
Cindy – new President
Diane – Congratulations to Doug Tarry Ltd, Mark and the Board and Gerry for PH
Ron – for Mark as President “glad you stepped up”, Lois has had serious health troubles and is moving to Royal Oak, Steve from Bocca Rattan getting the new electric vehicle, Father’s Day – sons celebrated with him, daughter-in-law in Calgary came through surgery; for our guests tonight
Pat – Doug Tarry Ltd. and Suzie and the support is shown, Mark, Gerry for PH and George
George – the whole crowd, a group that is interested and opening their wallets to help
Trudy – Doug Tarry, Mark, Interactors, Nick and staff and a great evening
Gerry – Mark as President and Doug Tarry
Mark – Doug Tarry and support from members of the Club
Suzie – the opportunity to be present for Doug Tarry Ltd.
Derrick – grateful to Suzie for attending and seeing what happens at events she attends
Cindy – new President
Diane – Congratulations to Doug Tarry Ltd, Mark and the Board and Gerry for PH
Ron – for Mark as President “glad you stepped up”, Lois has had serious health troubles and is moving to Royal Oak, Steve from Bocca Rattan getting the new electric vehicle, Father’s Day – sons celebrated with him, daughter-in-law in Calgary came through surgery; for our guests tonight
Pat – Doug Tarry Ltd. and Suzie and the support is shown, Mark, Gerry for PH and George
George – the whole crowd, a group that is interested and opening their wallets to help
Trudy – Doug Tarry, Mark, Interactors, Nick and staff and a great evening
Mark’s Comments as New President:
Farewell Address by Barbara Warnock on club meeting June 14, 2023
Hard to believe that it was 2 years ago in Rotary Park in Aylmer that I became president of this club. I took the torch from Gerry’s capable hands and, with the support of every member, have managed to keep it alight. What we as a club have accomplished is remarkable from two Rotary Discovery Tours under Catharine’s capable guidance to picking up garbage at Adriana’s instigation. Our Interactors have flourished with Trudy and Adriana at the helm and the future looks bright with such impressive young people as members. Meetings have been blessed with informative and interesting programs thanks to Malcolm’s attentive leadership. Gerry has kept his hand on the tiller as AG and has steered our club and the others in Area 10 on a steady course of cooperation and collaboration. Cindy brought her enthusiasm and technical prowess to the club to our great benefit. Mary managed our club funds in the transition to Libro with aplomb despite the challenges that kept popping up along the way. We can be grateful to Bill for bringing Maggie to our meetings and, while it was much delayed, we delight in her membership. Bill’s knowledge of our club’s history has made him an effective navigator guiding us around obstacles that have already been mapped by our club in the past. Every week, like clockwork, we come to our meeting and the flags are up, the 4-Way Test banner is in place and Ron is at his table keeping order.
Our presence in the community continues to influence and support the citizens of St. Thomas. Pat’s strong ties to our community have enhanced our service and spread the Rotary name to both those we traditionally support and to new projects. Her strength and determination are an inspiration to us all. The ongoing efforts to be inclusive and diverse have received Nancy’s heartfelt embrace. And her partnership with St. Hilda’s/St. Luke’s has brought us a new and exciting project in the Heroes’ Lunch. Her support has been most appreciated. One of the elements that needed improvement, according to the Fireside Chat, was communication. Stew has done a Herculean job of communicating on a weekly basis through ClubRunner as well as sharing Board minutes. No one in this club spends more time on Rotary work than Stew. Social events and special club meetings, projects like the Spring Extravaganza have all been the recipient of the attention and care that Trish has also lavished on the President – for which the President is eternally thankful. We welcomed another new member, world traveller Joanne, and look forward to engaging her in the coming year. One acquisition we made has proven to be a fundraiser
extraordinaire, as does, a go-getter, and our incoming President. I am so grateful to be passing the torch to such an enthusiastic, capable, and dedicated Rotarian as Mark.
Now for a couple of clichés. I can’t thank you enough, each and every one of you, for the support, encouragement, and inspiration I have received during my tenure as President and I look forward to continuing as a proud member of the best Rotary Club in RI.
Thank you all.
Thank you all.