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Catching up, Looking Ahead, and Fellowship
July 4 is celebrated in the United States as Independence Day, but on this day the Rotary Club of St. Thomas may be said to have observed an Independent Day, caught somewhere between the last Rotary year and the current one. Since the holiday weekend precluded the appearance of several important participants in the 2016-17 Changeover, that august occasion was postponed until next week. Instead, today we caught up with events of the past two weeks, noted some future events, and enjoyed each other’s company.
Past President Malcolm Rust was in the chair and was pleased to note the success of the Volunteer Recognition Evening on June 21 at the CASO Station, as well as the District Governor Changeover Evening at the same location on June 27, which saw Diane Chantler from the St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club become 2016-17’s DG, beginning July 1.
June 28 witnessed the induction celebration of the Rotary Satellite Club of London Centennial at the London Convention Centre. Rotary International states that “a satellite club functions as a short-term, transitional step on the way to becoming a full, independent Rotary club.” The sponsor club is the London Rotary Club, but the satellite club has its own board and officers; instead of a president, however, they have a chair whose occupant just happens to be the daughter of Barb and Bob Warnock from Aylmer Rotary. Membership of the Satellite Club currently numbers about twenty.
 Diane Chantler became District 6330 Governor for 2016-17 in a well-attended ceremony at the CASO Station on the evening of June 27. In attendance were many Past District Governors, including master of ceremonies Al Hardy, as well as current District Governor, Nancy Ottewell, and DG Nominee (now DG-Elect) Martin Ward, and many Rotarians, both from the local area and from far afield. Diane was a Rotarian in Bracebridge before she became a member of the St. Thomas Rotary Club in 2011 and later became Charter President of the St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club in 2014. The evening included an address by RI Director Julia Phelps and a marvellous dinner catered by the Wayside. The St. Thomas Rotary Club, sponsor of her DG bid, will welcome her official visit August 22.
SUMMERTIME NEWS….Next week, July 11, we will be in the East Pavilion at Pinafore Park for the Changeover Meeting to install the new Club Board (5:30 p.m., social, for a 6 p.m. meeting start; price $25). Please let Trudy know if you are coming and if you are bringing guests so that she can plan how much food to bring. The Aylmer and Railway City Rotary Clubs have been invited….On July 18, there will be a regular meeting of the Club at the Wayside at 12:15 p.m. On 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. Cost will be $5 per person. 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 the upcoming Thomas the Tank Engine event. Check to see when you have volunteered, or if there are other opportunities for you to lend a hand. You’ll have a chance to wear one of the new Rotary vests ordered by Suzanne Ferguson.
There will be a joint meeting of the Music Festival Committee and the Club Foundation Board on Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. at the Wayside….United for Refugees is conducting a number of fundraising Charity BBQs at the Hepburn Parkette (next to the CIBC) on Talbot Street in St. Thomas from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday July 8, August 12 and 26….The winning 50-50 ticket was held by Ed Willson, but he graciously gave his winnings to Brenda Merrifield. In honour of American Independence Day, Fine Master Malcolm Rust conducted a quiz on The Star-Spangled Banner, penned in 1814 by Francis Scott Key.
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.
Brenda Merrifield (1) – She appreciated Ed’s nice gesture in giving her his 50/50 winnings.
Ed Willson (1) – It was his 87th birthday this week; he hopes to have a few more!
Malcolm Rust (2) – Had a great time with two grandchildren: it’s delightful to see them grow up.
Adriana Balderas (2) – Had a nice time camping at Stratford; son Andrew received an award for perseverance and dedication when he graduated from Grade 8.
Ron Somerville (2) – Happy to have had a family get-together on Father’s Day, and for father, son and grandson to have had a round of golf together.
Trudy Kanellis (2) – A great fellowship meeting today! Impressed by Davey’s knowledge of U.S. history.
Monday, July 11 – Changeover Meeting
At the East Pavilion, Pinafore Park, 5:30 p.m. (social), for 6 p.m. (dinner), $25
Please let Trudy know if you are coming
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ASAA
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Greeter
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Fine Master
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Monday, July 11
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Ron Somerville
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Ken Ferguson
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Pat Baker
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Monday, July 18
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Davey Moffatt
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Trudy Kanellis
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Brenda Merrifield
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Monday, July 25
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Stew Shouldice
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Pat Martyn
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Dave Payler
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Monday, August 1
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No Meeting (Civic Holiday)
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Monday, August 8
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Ron Somerville
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Stew Shouldice
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Davey Moffatt
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Photos: Trudy Kanellis & Railway City Rotary Club
PEB
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