February 24, 2009

Chair - Ralph Thompson completed his schooling in Prince Edward Island.  Following a BA from UPEI and a law degree from Dalhousie, he practiced law for twelve years before being appointed to the Bench.  He then spent 20 years as Provincial Court Judge in Summerside.   After taking three years off, he was appointed to the position of Commissioner on Land and Local Governance.  Ralph and his wife Karen have three children.

Singsong - With the help of Gabe Chaisson on the piano, David Anderson led the singing of Grandfather's Clock, and Happy Birthday to whoever celebrated their birthday this week.

Visiting Rotarians - Fred Kitson of the Charlottetown Royalty Club.

Queen of Hearts Draw - Katie Irwin handled the duties. Luck was on Greg Burton's side when he cut the QUEEN OF HEARTS. Greg wins half of $1,111, congratulations!  The process will start over next week with a new deck of cards.

Attendance - Ron Gallant reported an increased attendance of 83%.

International Toast -

Gerald Arsenault toasted the Rotary Club of Liechtenstein.

Rotary Minute - Leo-Paul Arsenault shared some facts about coco and supporting Fair Trade to eliminate abusive child labor.

Sunshine Reports

Ralph Thompson just arrived from two weeks in Florida, the second being in the Florida Keys where he tasted deep-fried alligator and enjoyed great weather. Bill Kendrick spent a week in sunny Manitoba on a tourism best practices mission. Dale Sabean reported that school was cancelled again on Tuesday.

Estefy reported that she had been hoping school wouldn't be cancelled because she was looking forward to rugby practice.   She did enjoy Monday's snow day. They made a home-made snowboarding ramp at home and her first snowman.  He was so cute they called him "Johnny Depp". Last Friday, she went to a school dance in Kensington and on Sunday she had a perfect day snowboarding.  Next Sunday she leaves for the NYC trip and is very grateful to Rotarians for having made this possible.  She is quite certain her next sunshine report will be a happy one.

Committee Reports

Karla Flynn reminded everyone of the Easter Seals Telethon on Sunday at the Confederation Centre, and the pool tournament on March 7 at 1:00. She also needs door prizes for the pool tournament, if anyone has any they wish to donate.  Les Chipperfield reported that cooks are to be at the pancake breakfast for 7:00am on Saturday, and everyone else between 7:00 and 7:15.  If anyone has a pancake griddle at home, please bring it along.  Heather Matheson distributed Discover Rotary invitations.  It will take place on March 24 and there will be no morning meeting on that Tuesday.

Launch of Rotary

Celebration Garden  

Steve Cudmore officially launched our Club's newest fundraising effort.  The Rotary Celebration Garden will be made up of brick and provide a way for members of the community to permanently recognize family members, loved ones, events, etc.  A video has been created and will be available on the website.  A display booth and brochures have also been developed as marketing tools.  Members were divided into teams and each team will be asked to sell 36 small stones and 18 large stones.  As an incentive, Bill Kendrick has generously offered dinner at BriarCliff to the team with the highest sales.

President's Report

President Sandy Rundle went over the minutes of last week's executive meeting.  A copy of the minutes will be posted in the Members' section of the website, under "View Club Documents". See: http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/DxDocuments/admindocuments.aspx?cid=4107

Sargeant at Arms  

Sgt-at-Arms Richard Wedge left the meeting early so no fines were levied.