PRESIDENT'S REMARKS "Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment Month"
President Natalie MacDougall
I want to start by telling you about the incredible Canadian story of “Service Above Self” I witnessed this past weekend, attending the “Come from Away” production in Toronto. This beautifully crafted story, based on fact, tells of the strength, resilience and hospitality of Newfoundlanders in Gander when faced with an influx of 7000 people whose flights were rerouted to Gander airport in 2001 because of the events of 9/11. It’s well worth seeing – great music, great story, and great actors including my husband Bruce’s cousin Lee MacDougall.
I want to formally thank Don Coutts for making the time to attend the Rotary Club of North Bay Nipissing on Thursday to present to the members on the Catch the Ace fundraiser. He hopes to hear back from the President of their club by the end of this week, about the level of commitment they can provide.
Next week’s program will be the election of officers for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. With Gerry Gaiser announcing his retirement from the board after 17 years of service, we will require someone to fill the position of Charitable Trust Account manager. He assures me that it is not an onerous job, and it does not require full-scale accountant knowledge to complete the work – anyone who isn’t afraid of numbers can fulfill the function. We will definitely miss him and his wisdom and experience, on the board. Jeff Rogerson, our current Secretary, will be stepping down from that position in order to stand next week as the replacement for Gerry’s position. With that, we may also need a Secretary!
For your information, the board meets once per month, and the meetings which are held at available boardrooms, last approximately 1.5 hours. We are seeking members with new ideas and members who are interested in knowing more about Rotary and in particular, our club’s achievements. The board of directors is an opportunity for great fellowship – I highly encourage you all to consider it. If you have questions or concerns about it, please feel free to speak to any of the current board members.
I look forward to seeing each of you and your family and friends at our Christmas Dinner and Fellowship on Sunday, December 11th, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Osprey Links Clubhouse. Adults $25 each. Children only $9. Don't forget to RSVP online by December 7th OR by contacting Jeff Rogerson (rogerson@vianet.ca / 705.499.3109).
Good Afternoon. It is a pleasure to speak to you and share a little about my life experiences and family.
I was born in Toronto and lived in several towns between Toronto and Windsor until we finally settled in Brampton when I was in grade 8. (This is a picture of a painting of our family home. It was painted by my sister Maureen).
I am the eldest of twelve children with 6 brothers and 5 sisters (Pat, Peggy, Maureen, Mary, Mike, Colleen, Dan, Jim, Gerry, Bob and Judy). The O'Neill clan!
My father was a veteran of WW11 and instilled in us the importance of family, education, hard work and Catholic Values. He worked 2 jobs for 80 hrs. a week to support the family. He passed away in 1980.
My mother worked at Canadian Car in Fort William during the war and later efficiently managed our household. There were always hot meals and baking. Sundays were family days and after church we would pile into the station wagon (seat belts weren't required back then) and go to the nearest park for recreation and in the good weather, picnics. There wasn't a lot of money but we always had what we needed. Mom passed away in 2002.
Christmas Performers - Trudy is looking for one additional Christmas Dinner (Dec. 11) performer. For those signed up for our Christmas Program (Dec. 19), there will be short meeting after lunch December 12th to go over the details.
Salvation Army Christmas Kettle – Saturday, December 17th at Metro Food Store. Craig Rodwell will be sending out an email to remind volunteers as to their shift.
Youth Exchange Program - Chair Chris Parkin advised that the student selected by the committee for 2017-2018 has decided to back out, which unfortunately means we will not have an inbound student next year (unless she changes her mind). AND if you have any pins, ribbons, buttons, etc. you wish to part with, please give them to Livia to help her cover her Youth Exchange blazer. She still as lots of room!
Shelterbox Program - just a reminder to those who may be looking to donate to a cause as 2016 comes to an end, to please consider this program. For as little as $25 you can help to provide some level of aid. For more info visit our Shelterbox Page on the website. Also, check out the article in the December issue of the Rotarian (Page 52).
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