Summer is a good time for travel, and from the empty seats at today’s meeting, we know that several members of the St.Thomas Rotary Club have taken advantage of the good weather to hit the road. How delightful, then, to receive an unexpected visit from Maria Novaes, the Club’s 2006-07 inbound Rotary Exchange Student from Brazil. She and her boyfriend, Vini Caccavali, recently motored from New York to attend the wedding of a girl in one of her host families, the Baxters, who had come to consider Maria herself a daughter.
So, what has happened in the last nine years? Both Maria and Vini are now lawyers in Brazil, she practising criminal law (specializing in white collar and environmental offences) and he tax law. Maria has the advantage of being the only one in her office who can speak English. Asked about the Olympic Games soon to take place in Brazil, she allowed that she would not be attending them, as she, like so many of her countrymen, feels that scarce economic resources are better spent elsewhere. But the Zika virus is not considered a grave threat and those athletes who have cited it as a reason for not attending are, in her opinion, disguising dissatisfaction at not being paid.
It was great to see Maria setting off so well on her life’s journey, and for the Club to have an opportunity to renew the warm well wishes that it gave her nine years ago when she completed her year as an RYE student.
Here is Maria surrounded by her host families, the Baxters and the Dales, at a Club meeting held to bid her farewell at the quondam home of Malcolm and Donna Rust on June 25, 2007.
THE ROTARY FOOD TRAILER
AT THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE
THE ROTARY FOOD TRAILER made an appearance at the Thomas the Tank Engine event last weekend, July 16 and 17, close by Memorial Arena on Wilson Avenue. Trudy Kanellis, who by all accounts was a whirlwind of activity, declared the two days to be “very profitable” and very likely to meet, if not surpass, the goal set for it in the budget, even when the “20% of total sales” fee is factored in. There were $2975 in gross sales on Saturday and $2865.50 on Sunday from a menu including fries, hot dogs and chicken fingers. Trudy had high praise for Rotary workers: “Everyone did a great job.” Thomas returns this weekend: July 22-24.
HOT FLASHES….Next week (July 25), we meet at the home of Trish and Stew Shouldice, 22 Russet Lane in St. Thomas, at (5.30 for) 6 p.m. Turn south onto Peach Tree from Elm Street (east of Fairview); Russet Lane is a left turning from Peach Tree, past Cherries and Pears and some other Orchard Park byways; if you reach Kumquat, you’ve gone too far. Cost will be $5 per person. Bring a lawn chair. Register online at the Club’s website: www.rotarystthomas.org. The website has information on other upcoming meetings, as well as a duty roster for the Food Trailer at this weekend’s Thomas the Tank Engine event. Check to see when you have volunteered and if there are other opportunities for you to help. There is no meeting August 1 (Civic Holiday).
Looking ahead, the Club will be meeting at the Shedden Fire Station on August 8, with lunch catered by the Wayside at 12 p.m., followed by a tour of the station at 12:30 p.m. On August 15, the Club will meet for its noon meeting at the home of Davey and Gwen Moffatt, 47376 Southdale Line. The main course is provided, but desserts and salads are potluck. RSVP to let Davey and Gwen know if you are coming and which dessert or salad you are bringing (davidmoffatt@live.com; 519-773-8988, 519-282-8969). You will also need to bring a lawn chair….The winning 50-50 ticket was held by Stew Shouldice. Fine Master Brenda Merrifield reminded us that World Polio Day is October 24 this year.
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.
Stew Shouldice (2) – For a successful two days at the Thomas the Tank Engine event.
Ron Somerville (1) – He was happy to see everyone working so well together on the Saturday he was there. They’re such good people!
Davey Moffatt (1) – A great time at the Food Trailer on the first weekend of the Thomas the Tank Engine. How will Trudy be replaced on the second weekend?
Trudy Kanellis (3) – For a great weekend at the Food Trailer: “Everyone did awesome!” Trudy will be in Greece this weekend; great to have Maria and Vini here today; happy that her mother is out of hospital and feeling much better.
Pat Martyn (2) – It’s nice to have Maria and Vini at today’s meeting. Pat was just coming into Rotary when Maria completed her year’s stay in St. Thomas; Pat is happy to have two grandchildren with her this week.
Trish Shouldice (2) – For two family birthdays coming up in the next week.
Monday, July 25 – Meeting at the home of Trish & Stew Shouldice
22 Russet Lane, St. Thomas, 6 p.m.
Register at the Club’s website: www.rotarystthomas.org
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