Club Secretary Suzanne Ferguson advised that a new version of the name badge used to identify Club members will be forthcoming, and that Davey will have his as soon as possible.  Community Services Director Dave Payler stated that the Club will once again support the Strong Kids and bussing of children to camp programs at the YMCA.

Youth Director Trudy Kanellis noted that a newspaper picture was taken recently of the Interact Club’s presentation of a donation of $1000 to Violence Against Women Services Elgin County.  (You can see the picture on the front page of the May 5 issue of the St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News.)  The money will be used to purchase inside and outside toys for children who will be staying at the new women’s shelter on Princess Ave.  A student (Olivia) is currently in Ottawa, participating in the Adventure in Citizenship program; she will return on Wednesday.  Three students will take part in the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders on the weekend following Mother’s Day.  Both Olivia and the Seminar students will make presentations to the Club at our May 30 meeting.  The Interactors are making coasters from decommissioned fire hose for Southwold Fire Chief Don Crocker’s retirement on June 16, and will find something to make out of bunker gear no longer needed by the Southwold Fire Department.  A tour of the Fire Station may be arranged in a few months’ time.  The Club is certainly aware that May is Youth Services Month in Rotary.

 

International Service Director Pat Martyn is awaiting word from Shelter Box Canada before proceeding with a donation of funds (perhaps $1000) and finalizing details as to the best use to which the money could be put, whether water filtration equipment, mosquito netting or some other needed supply.  The District may also make a donation to ShelterBox.  A card will be sent to the family of Daniela (Dani) Cimera to notify them that this donation has been made.  Condolences have been received from the Aylmer Rotary Club on Dani’s passing.  

 

Club Service Director Ron Somerville said that the Board would soon report on what is planned for the Food Trailer this summer.  Public Relations/Media Director Malcolm Rust was pleased to note the pictures on the Club’s website and on its Facebook page and that coverage for the Music Festival was good in the local media.

 

THANK GOD IT’S MONDAY….President Nancy welcomed Maggie Horn and Visiting Rotarian Paul Farrow from the London East Rotary Club as our guests today.  Paul (shown at left welcoming new member Davey Moffatt) told us that it was 43 years today that he joined Rotary….Next week’s meeting (May 9)  will be a surprise!  Trish Shouldice and President Nancy are working on something but you won’t know what it is until you get here.  The May 16 meeting will be the presentation of Service Above Self awards to four St. Thomas high school students.  We will meet in the bar area and guests, as always, are welcome.

 

 

The next Rotary Leadership Institute seminars are to be held at King’s College (266 Epworth Avenue) in London, Ontario on Saturday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.  Pre-register with Al Hardy at al@allanhardy.ca, specifying whether it is Part I, II or III you will be attending.   It’s an “amazing” way to learn about Rotary, whether you are new or old to Rotary, and, even better, the Club will pay your registration fee.  Please advise President Nancy. She and Trish Shouldice will be attending….The Railway City Rotary Club Fish Fry takes place on May 7.  Tickets available online or from RCRC members…. Bill Horn was winner of the 50-50 draw, and it just so happened that Bill was Fine Master too.  Among the adages he shared with us: “A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you’re in deep water.”