President Gerry spoke of the Booklet "History of the Rotary Club of St Thomas".

300 people attended the charter event 24 May 1950. Among those in attendance was the Lt. Governor and 2 premiers. 10 large scrapbooks were created. 1951 saw the first Adventures in Citizenship presentation and 1952 the first Music Festival. By 1953 entries into the Music Festival increased to 600. The club hosted the District Conference at the Grand Central Hotel. The Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B Pearson spoke to the club in 1959. UN week was celebrated. By 1961, the travel program was started and the club funded a chapel at the hospital. The club gave support to a skating facility and the Pioneer Museum and supplied a 2-way radio so the ambulance could notify the hospital to prepare for emergency patients. "Today's actions make tomorrow's history".

 

Announcements:

Malcolm reported that Habitat for Humanity would like to speak to the club about the 2 upcoming builds in St Thomas. They are looking for support.

 

6Oct20 is the date set to plant a tree in memory of Hazel Wilmots, wife of Ken. It will be a "Hazel" nut tree. Please contact Donna Atkinson-Wilson at 519-860-5238 if you wish to participate.

 

Stewart reported that he received a call from Gabe Keenleyside requesting a reference to the Service Above Self award he received in 2008. He contacted Mike Baker Curator, Elgin County Museum who within an hour sent out the following to be forwarded to Gabe. Gabe plans to apply to medical school. I am extremely pleased with the way that the club's documentation has been handled by Mike. (see bellow) There is also a record of Gabe's bio.

Stewart received a picture of the Rotary Club of St Thomas 50th anniversary from the Estate of Edward Willson. Malcolm forwarded the names of members in the photo to Stewart. Both will then be forwarded to Mike at the Elgin County Museum.