Rotary Meeting
Accursi Room, MCC
December 18th, 2019
Oh Canada, Toast, 4 Way Test, Invocation
In the absence of President Mike Taylor, Mel Groom chaired the meeting. Mel welcomed two guests to the meeting - John Cappa and Doug Smith.
Board Update
Mel informed the members that the Board has approved $5000 to go to support the Bandshell Committee. This money - which will be part of next year's budget process will cover the cost of three benches (total $4500) and have remained funds ($500) to support additional expenses. A motion will follow once next year's budget is tabled.
Purse Bingo
Our next Purse Bingo will be held at the MCC on April 3rd. Please save this date. We are seeking 10 individuals or organizations to sponsor purses for $250 each. As well, we are seeking a sponsor for the pizza ($400) to be served at intermission. Please let Mel, Angela or Ann know if you have sponsors.
Funfest Planning
Paul Allen has sent out emails regarding the planning for this year's Family Funfest on June 20th. First planning meeting is on Tuesday, January 14th. Everyone is invited to be part of the committee to plan
a great event.
District Grant
This year we will be advertising for applications for community groups to apply for up to $5000 for projects in line with Rotary goals. Please be sure to share on social media the news articles which will be printed shortly.
Dues
A reminder that dues of $150 are due January 1st and again July 1st. Please be sure to pay your dues promptly.
Trivia Night in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Paul Snack invited people to contact him if you wish to be part of a Rotary table for the upcoming Trivia night on January 18th. This will be held at Casa Dante.
Guest Speaker
Mel introduced our guest speaker - our own Angela Carter. Angela is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Fonthill but was previously a member of the Welland and e-clubs. Angela hosted Greti for three months last year and then spent six months travelling the world.
Angela shared with us a summary of her six months of solo travel - Rotary Connects the World.
Angela shared that she had dreamed of this trip and then over a period of time put her dreams into words, then planning and then action. To do the trip, she indicated she shared her fears with colleagues as she took a Executive Coaching qualification. Articulating her vision for her trip with others helped her to address her fears and supported realizing her dream. In the end, she found the entire experience quite spiritual.
Over the course of travelling in 12 countries ( Spain, France, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Wales, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand) Angela made numerous connections with family, friends, Rotarians and strangers all of whom welcomed her and supported her. In 12 weeks in Europe she was on her own for only 4 - staying with people the other 8 weeks. While at first she thought her staying with others would be an imposition, she realized that frequently, her presence was a gift to them.
Angela met up with Greti and her family in Hungary, with a family friends in England, with former exchange families in The Netherlands and was even able to welcome our outbound exchange student, Victor in Switzerland.
Throughout her travels, Angela saw signs of Rotary and soon realized that if she every needed help or support she could call on fellow Rotarians. She shared that she was able to attend a Rotary meeting in Schauffhausen, Switzerland as well as in New Zealand. She attended community events while she traveled and then learned they were Rotary events. She also saw the spirit of Rotary in unexpected places such as the Peace Bell in Christchurch, and the "Service Above Self" arch in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Throughout her time away, Angela truly learned the "Rotary Connects the World" and benefited from the camraderie, friendships and generosity of others.
The club members thanked Angela for her presentation.
