January 27, 2009

Because I chaired the meeting, this week was all about me (Yolande Richard).  I was born in Summerside in 1978. I completed my high school education at Evangeline and then attended U de M where I obtained a BBA and an LL.B.  I articled with Cox & Palmer in Summerside and I worked there as an associate for three years after being called to the bar in 2004.  I then worked at the Human Rights Commission, and since last November, I have been a staff lawyer with PEI Legal Aid. 

Singsong - With the help of Gabe Chaisson on the keyboards, Ralph Thompson led the singing of I've Been Working on the Railroad and a not-so-easy-on-the-ears rendition of Edelweiss.

Makeups -none.

Visiting Rotarians - none.  

Guests - none.

Queen of Hearts Draw - Katie Irwin handled the duties.  Wayne Thompson was close with the Queen of Spades but missed the jackpot of $846.  The Queen of Hearts remains.

Attendance - Donna MacKay reported an attendance of 70%.

International Toast - Wayne Thompson toasted the Rotary Club of Toyama-Toyama, Japan.  It is the Club of the District Governor where our District is sending a GSE team in the spring.

Sunshine Reports

Phil Jost and his three brothers are having a reunion in March for the first time since 1999.  They are meeting in Switzerland for ten days of skiing in the Alps. Steve Cudmore and his family are going to be sailing in the British Virgin Islands for the next two weeks. Estefy is missing the hot weather.  She had a quiet week.. went to school, to a hockey game and hung out with friends.  On Friday, she met Bernice (Nelson's girlfriend's) sister and her baby and enjoyed spending time with them.  On Saturday she enjoyed the Three Oaks pancake breakfast.  Her snowboarding lessons on Sunday were cancelled because of the cold weather.    

Committee Reports

Ted Cross reminded Rotarians of the Winter Weekend for exchange students.  Billets are to pick up students at 8:00 pm on Friday at the Silver Fox and drop them off at the Boys and Girls Club at 9:00 am on Saturday. He needs a few drivers for Saturday morning to transport the students to the PoliceAcademy, and the students from NL need a drive to the airport Sunday afternoon, if anyone is heading to Charlottetown.  Paul Matheson indicated the curling will be Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.  Anyone interested in helping out can attend.  No curling experience is required.

Wayne Thompson read some correspondence from RI regarding Bill and Melinda Gates' pledge of 100 million dollars to eradicate polio.  The Gates have increased their pledge by 255 million dollars on the condition that Rotarians raise an additional 100 million dollars by 2012.  This would mean a total of 555 million US dollars for the eradication of polio.

He further reported that he is organizing a hockey game for March 1 (Sunday).  Mark your calendars and sharpen your skates!

Introduction of New Member

Derek Key introduced Roy Riddlington who has transferred to our Club from the Hillsborough Club.  Roy was born in England and raised in Quebec.  He attended Mount AllisonUniversity and UNB.  Roy was a member of the Canadian Forces and then practiced law with Veterans' Affairs, from where he retired only days ago.  He lives in Summerside, is married to Susan, has four daughters, and two grandchildren.  Roy has been a Rotarian since 1988. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Summerside Roy!

Business Meeting

President Sandy Rundle and various committee chairs reviewed the minutes of the latest executive meeting. 

The pancake breakfast is coming up on February 28. Members are reminded to sign up on the website!!

President's Report

President Sandy Rundle reviewed some correspondence from AIDS PEI regarding their cell phone recycling program (see story below business meeting minutes). A thank you letter was received from the Salvation Army for this Club's gift of $1,500 to the Christmas Hampers Program. Sandy also advised that Bob Moffatt of the Charlottetown Rotary Club is District Governor Designate for the 2011-2012 Rotary Year.

Sargeant at Arms  

Nelson Snow fined Wayne Thompson for having made a bigger deal of the hockey game than the Polio Plus campaign.  He also fined all Rotarians who did not have facial hair... but then he changed it to the men who had no facial hair, since that would discriminate against women.