Welcome and Introductions:  President Paul Snack welcomed the guest speakers Victor and Miriam Ratzlaff and visitor Troy Killick. Our exchange student Fede was also in attendance.
 
President’s Updates:

 

President Paul reminded us of the upcoming District Conference at Whiteoaks, NOTL, October 27-29^th
Please check the website http://www.districtconference7090.org/ for registration details.  

October 24th has been designated World Polio Eradication Day and the Niagara Region Clubs have arranged 
for the Falls to be lighted in Rotary Colours at 10pm that evening. All members are invited to attend this event and also
an event in Fonthill earlier in the evening if the town council agrees to light up the Fonthill arches. President Paul is going 
to meet with the council to request approval.

October 24th is also "hard hat day" at the Pelham Centre where members may attend a viewing at 2pm. Please speak with President 
Paul or Mel Groom for more details.

Pat has asked the Interact Board to attend our meeting next week.

Annie was asked to give an update on the TV Auction and she reminded everyone that the last date for entering items into the auction 
web site was October 20th. Even if you do not have the item, but have the commitment, please enter it into the wizard. Also remind
donors that the new online bidding format gives them an extra week of exposure.

 

Hugh provided details of the funeral and memorial services to be held on Saturday October 14th at St. Alexander’s Church, and Pleasantview Memorial Gardens to honour Doug Burr.

Anyone who is able to attend is asked to wear something to identify them as Rotarians.

The Pelham Mudfest has been renamed to the Niagara Mudfest and business style cards with the new name and information on next year's event were 
provided for everyone to take and use to prompt the event and Rotary. There is also a new web site niagaramudfest.ca which will come online in

the near future.

 

Guest Speaker: Victor and Miriam Ratzlaff from Victors Farm Shares 

 

Lance introduced Victor and Miriam who both come from a farming background and both attended the same Bible College. They shared a dream of owning a farm and have bought one near the intersection of Metler street and Effingham road. Victor grew up on a dairy farm and has always wanted to farm. They purchased this farm to run as a farm share program and they are part of the Ontario CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) program. They have about 15-20 participants who purchase shares in an 18 week program which runs from about June to October each year. Every week participants come to their farm and get a basket of whatever produce is in season. This provides them with locally grown food that they know is fresh. 

When Miriam was growing up her dream was to have a farm with animals but Vic convinced her to adjust that to produce.  Running such a farm has its challenges, especially as they are trying to be as organic as possible, with weeds, bugs, heat, too much or too little rain, rabbits etc. But the early morning harvests more than make up for all or that. Their food is fresh and free of pesticides. It is financially difficult to run such a farm and they both have other jobs to supplement it and allow them to live their dream.

This year they will be starting a winter program, from today October 11th and every second week until Christmas, participants can still enjoy fresh produce. The CSA program where they receive payment in advance has an advantage over taking their produce to market and hopping it will be sold. If anyone wants to volunteer to help with the weeding and other jobs around the farm they will be welcomed.


Happy Loonies: This week the majority of happy loonies were used for tributes to Doug Burr.