There are a lot of good reasons to shop at the Salt Creek Farm Market but, for many Club members, it’s the elderberries, and there’s no doubt that General Manager Steve Peters knows his elderberries. Yes, that’s the same Steve Peters who was lately (till 201l) MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London and before that, Mayor and Alderman of the City of St. Thomas. Earlier this year he took on the Salt Creek challenge, working for the Elgin Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) who have leased the store from the Sloan family. It`s working well.

 

It`s working well for clients of the CMHA who are learning work skills enabling them to get back into the economy. Products produced by clients at Talbot House are among the ``food to go`` items available in the store. ``Kelly`s Chocolate Chip Cookies,`` based on a recipe from a client store employee encouraged by Steve, also have shelf space. Tomatoes from an adjacent garden are picked and sold in the store. Steve says that he`s learned a lot about people over the years and he`s put that knowledge to good use at Salt Creek.

It`s working well for local producers whose fruits and vegetables, when in season, are stocked at Salt Creek. Most of the items come from Elgin County, but products from neighbouring counties are available as well. Pies and other baking are popular specialties at the store; they`re made by local area people as well. It`s all part of keeping the dollars in the community.

It`s working well for members of the community who are full of praise for the locally grown and processed products they find in the store and for the work that is being done on behalf of CMHA clients. Steve urges everyone to come out to the Salt Creek Farm Market which can be found at 11143 Highway Ave. S., just north of Ron McNeil Line. It will be open all Thanksgiving weekend. You might find a pumpkin shaped like a goose! There’s more than the berries.

 

 

WHAT’S THE GOOD WORD?.…President Nancy welcomed several guests to the meeting. Jennifer Babcock, Gerry Janssen, and Terry Young were invited by Suzanne Ferguson. Bonnie Kotnik was the guest of Brenda Merrifield, while Maggie Horn was the guest of husband Bill. Also to be counted among the guests were Carole Watson and Elaine Catchpole….Trudy Kanellis, Adriana Balderis and Bill Horn were guests at Elgin Court Public School this morning where they presented dictionaries to members of the Grade 3 class (see picture at left). There can be little doubt that the children know how to spell “Rotary.”

 

Trudy was happy to announce that the Interact Club has a new member and that the Interactors have completed their Car Wash and have now set their sights on Halloween for Hunger….Nancy advised that Mike Moore was back at work today following his recent illness but, with work piled high on his desk, he was not able to make it to the meeting….Next week (October 10), there is no meeting due to Thanksgiving Day. Check the Club website for information on upcoming programs….A Club Foundation Board meeting takes place October 11.

 

Don’t forget those auction items for the Tour of Homes. Check your email for an update of the list from Trudy. You can bring the collected items to her, along with a business card from the business, a piece of paper or sticker with your name on it, and a rough estimate of the value….President Nancy is still looking for Club members interested in attending the Foundation Training Seminar at the BMO London Optimist Centre (295 Rectory Street) on October 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At least two people need to attend in order for the Club to be eligible to access Rotary Foundation grants. Ron Somerville will be attending but at least one other person is needed. Contact President Nancy if you can take part….October 24 is World Polio Day and the Club will once again be meeting at St. Thomas City Hall at 11 a.m.

 

Malcolm Rust reports that Fabiana Baltazar and Adrian Zamfir are to be married on Thursday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church (55 Hincks Street), with the reception to follow at the CASO Station. Her gift registry is at the Bay. All Club members are invited, as she numbers Rotarians among her friends in St. Thomas, but please contact Malcolm if you wish to attend. Malcolm, Nancy, Adriana and Trudy (who is also catering) will be there. Fabiana plans to return to the Club after November 5.

 

One of our guests, Terry Young, was winner of today’s 50/50 draw; he very kindly donated his winnings to the Club. Ken Ferguson was Fine Master. He conducted a short Rotary history quiz which included the year the Rotary wheel was introduced (1909), the year the Rotary International Foundation was established (1917) and the names of the executive of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas in its first year of operation (Frank Sanders was Charter President).

 

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 Darwin Lowe, a member of the club.

 

Trish Shouldice (2) – For Steve Peters’ presentation; for her granddaughter’s birthday.
Malcolm Rust (1) – To celebrate the fact that he, Ron, Stew and Elaine have finally completed the revision of the Rotary Music Festival Syllabus which is now ready to be posted online.
Pat Martyn (2) – She is happy that she has found a new source for elderberries; for the 28th year, five women have gone retreating (this year to Paris, Ontario).
Ron Somerville (2) – For Brenda and Suzanne for bringing guests with them to today`s meeting.
Trudy Kanellis (3) – Last Saturday, Nick`s brother-in-law suffered cardiac arrest, but she is happy to report that he is doing better now; for all our guests today; for the new member of the Interact Club.
Bill Horn (4) – For a family birthday, and for the great trip he and Maggie made out west.
Carole Watson (1) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; she is an 18-year survivor.
Nancy Lovelock (2) – For all our guests; for Steve`s presentation (she too is glad to know they have elderberries).
Brenda Merrifield (1) – For her friend Bonnie being here today (whom she discovered has known Trish Shouldice for years).

 

Monday, October 17 – Regular Club Meeting
At the Wayside at 12:15 p.m.

 

 

 

	ASAA	Greeter	Fine Master
Monday, October 10	No Meeting (Thanksgiving Day)
Monday, October 17	Ron Somerville	Stew Shouldice	Pat Martyn
Monday, October 24	Stew Shouldice	Malcolm Rust	Dave Payler

 

Photos: Trudy Kanellis

PEB