Rotary Echo October 10, 2018 (Oct 11, 2018)

New Members Welcome, Come Join Us

Service Above Self

First Wednesday of the month @ 6:15 PM, all other Wednesday's 12:15.

Boston Pizza Huntsville

7 John Street
Huntsville, ON P1H 1H2
Canada

District Site

Venue Map

Guests and Visitors

Speaker

DG Sue Davidson

GUESTS & VISITING ROTARIANS

Ramona Sullivan with Doug

Scott Mackinnon a guest of Kim

Tom Hampton a membership prospect

Jennifer Fahlgren from Chartwell - checking us out

Jen Pfrimmer from Rogers Cove - checking us out

Birthday and Anniversaries

Lynne Thompson - October 8

Gord Mitchell - October 11

Gord & Fran Mitchell celebrated 49 years on October 11 (Gord's Birthday!!)

Tim Lutton - joined 2 years ago October 5

Mary Rashleigh - joined 8 years ago October 13

Club Announcements

Pres Kim brought our attention to an article in the TO Star and copied onto our Facebook page highlighting the illustrious career and accomplishments of member Doug Sullivan. In a 40 year career (that is likely not over yet) the article highlighted Doug's many accomplishments; The first non-GTA President of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Assoc; in 2017 he was President of the Canadian International Auto Show; a top five finalistt for the prestigious CADA Laureate Ambassador Award among many other. It also mentioned a few examples of the times Doug went above and beyond to serve clients or simply people (in one case an entire basketball team) in need.

On the Rotary front it mentioned his multiple Paul Harris Fellows and his work on various key committees.

Brandy reminded us about the upcoming District Conference and advised she would be passing around a sign up sheet for anyone who did not get a chance to volunteer to help out.

Nickie gave a report on the auction - just 116 items as of last weekend (34%). She asked you to size up your donors and if a donation is very unlikely and it looks like it could be futile in future years, to advise her and the name will be removed from the lists. They will be starting input this weekend and will be at the train station on Saturday Oct 13 from 10am until noon for anyone who can bring in items.

Try and put as much detail on your white sheet, including any exclusions or expiry dates so that the inputters (is that a word??)have as much info as possible.

Kim reminded us about the service projects aspect of the District Conference. There will be a focus on building food hampers during one of the breakout sessions as well as the creation of seasonal 'shoe boxes' that will contain items for a number of single moms and women in need. ADG BRandy has sent out a separate email with additional details on this project. It was very successful last year and with the Conference support and focus should be even more impactful.

Our Speakers

Past DG Ron Strickland introduced our speaker, current DG Sue Davidson, with a nice power point and some kind words. Sue joined Rotary in 2001 following her husband who had joined the BEL Club many years earlier. She found her passion in the Youth Exchange area and by 2003 she was on the District Youth Exchange committee and in 2004 she was Vice Chair. Sue joined the Board of her club in @005 and was President for the 2006/07 year. In 2009 she joined the Asst DG training . She also took time to assist our club with one of it's recent visioning sessions.

Sue and her husband Tony have 2 children and two grand children. She is a muli PHF and a member of the Bequest Society of the Foundation

Sue addressed the club and presented an excellent power point that highlighted the many projects and investments Rotary has made in our community as well as around the world. She acknowledged that Huntsville would be a very different place without the footprint of Rotary in it.

She had special comments for the importance of the youth exchange support and the club's participation in student bursaries and the various adventure programs and RYLA.

Sue reflected back on why she joined Rotary. Originally she was skeptical when her husband joined, it was a male only club. However a couplf of years in they hosted an exchange student from Australia who effectively became a member of their family and a sister to their daughter. A few years later Sue was on a teaching year in Australia and they were able to attend the wedding of their former exchange student and Sue realized the power of the program and the reach of Rotary.

Sue stressed the need to be out there telling the Rotary story, don't be afraid to brag. We are competing for members and $$$ with many other service and charitable organizations.

The District exists as a support organization to the clubs but the District needs to be supported with new blood so don't be shy to get involved.

She reminded us about the International Conference in Hamburg next June and our District conference in a couple of weeks time at Deerhurst.

Sue wrapped up by telling us that as a young girl she was caught up in the Joh n Kennedy assassination. She remembers a quote in the eulogy presented by his brother Robert that stated 'Some men see what is and ask why. My brother saw what could be and asked 'Why Not'. She encouraged us to continually ask 'Why not' when we look at challenges and opportunities

Kim thanked DG Sue on behalf of the club and presented her with a lovely Lindgren Pottery plate.

Happy Bucks

Mary attended her daughter's 50th Birthday celebration and commented on what a great dinner it was, complete with Duck Confite and Tenderloin among other specialities

Pamela announced that Tuesday Oct 9 was National Beer and Pizza Day. While enjoying the celebrations she decided to play Rotary Bingo and guess what? She won the second game - $200

Brandy thanked DG Sue and recognized what an inspirational speaker she was. Her second dollar was recognizing a potential new member who already is asking about attending the District Conference and who has collected some auction items!!

Nickie indicated she has successfully moved her parents into Chartwell

Jen S announced the Fellowship Committee would be taking on the Santa Claus float but may be looking for help to build it.

Jen J announced they have added another puppy to their home life. Ned is 9 mos and Steve is 8 weeks (Steve came to the Board meeting and was a big hit). Her second HB was to announce that she and Brent will be going to Ireland in a few weeks with incoming Pres Drew and his wife Janet

Foundation Funding: Doug S had the lucky ticket number but did not draw the joker.

After the Four Way Test, the meeting was adjourned.