Welcome to our third meeting of Membership and New Club Development Month.
This weekend, I got together with friends at a cottage on Talon Lake to watch the final Tragically Hip concert on a big screen. There were many highlights for me that evening, including the beautiful meal and great company of wonderful friends, but one that stands out for me was Gord Downie acknowledging the Prime Minister in the audience and encouraging him to continue doing what he can to improve living conditions for our First Nations friends, especially those in remote Northern communities. It was an inspiring evening that made me very proud to be Canadian.
I will be meeting with the Presidents of the Nipissing club and the Rotaract club in the near future, to share information on upcoming events and to plan for joint events. Once such event is the 3-club mixer hosted by Rotaract on October 25, 2016 – it’s a great opportunity for fellowship and for getting to know the folks from the other two clubs!
Finally, every week, I like to acknowledge some of the many reasons why I’m grateful – this past week, I received the nicest card from our friend and longtime Rotarian Colin Vezina and it made my day. It’s such a simple gesture that means so much. Thanks to Colin for making the time to write!
Welcome Livia!
Kelly McQuoid, on behalf of the Youth Exchange Committee, was pleased to introduce Livia Huwyler, our Rotary Exchange Student from Muttenz, Switzerland [Rotary Club of Basel-Riehen, District 1980] who will be with us for the next 12 months. The committee will be asking Rotarians and Rotaractors to invite Livia to participate in events, trips and family activities to make her experience a memorable and rewarding one.
District Governor Margaret Walton joined the Rotary Club of Bracebridge in 2003, after being involved with Rotary all her life through her family and her husband Ron, a Rotarian for 30 years and a Past President. While attending her first Rotary Conference there was a presentation on polio. Her father had polio and he had a brother who died from polio. Margaret decided that "if this was an organization that was going to deal with polio that it was an organization I want to be part of".
Margaret has been on her club’s board for 5 years, was Club President in 2010-2011 and has chaired and been involved with many committees. Margaret is an active supporter of World Community Service and, with Ron, has participated in two “Rotary Wheels for Learning” trips to Cambodia to deliver bicycles to school children. In 2014, she and Ron were part of a Friendship Exchange to District 9520 in South Australia.
Margaret is a land use planner and president of the firm Planscape located in Muskoka.
Her involvement with District 7010 started in 2009, when she chaired the District Foundation dinner. In 2011, she was a member of the District conference organizing committee and between 2012 and 2015 she was an Assistant Governor. She chaired the District Strategic Planning Committee and and is now District Governor for 7010 in 2016 -17.
Margaret talked about the Rotary Year - "Rotary Serving Humanity", RI President John Germ's theme for 2016-2017, and the activities to achieve the Presidential Citation. For Rotarian who have never attend an RI Convention, it is an incredible experience that you will be sure to find inspiring and always remember. We will be celebrating 100 years of The Rotary Foundation at the Atlanta 2017 Convention. If you can not come to Atlanta, then plan on coming to Toronto in 2018.
Fireside Orientation Session for newer members - November 22nd, 6 pm, Cecil's Map Room. A reminder to please confirm your attendance with with Jeff Celentano asap.
Shelterbox Committee members will be contacted about a change in plans for setting up the display at the YMCA for Peace Week. Please watch for an email from Chair Jeff Celentano.
Festival of Trees is being hosted by the Empire Living Centre this year. The tree will be decorated in our Rotary colours (blue and gold). We will have from noon until 5 pm next Wednesday to decorate our tree. Please contact Trudy Lang-Flumerfelt (or 705.497.3851) if you can help out. The trees will be available for viewing on the Friday and auctioned off on Saturday, with the proceeds going to seniors at the Northeast Mental Health Centre. It was suggested we add scratch tickets to ensure ours goes for a good amount. So thanks again to all those who dropped of some tickets or money to Natalie today.
Christmas Talent Show - will see some of what we traditionally do at our last meeting before the Christmas break, take place at the Christmas Dinner Party on December 11th at Osprey Links AND MORE. Please contact Trudy (or 705.497.3851) if you have any suggestions for some fun activities from games to singing. The last meeting for 2016 on December 19th will be more of a sing-song lunch and a SURPRISE!
Bingo Stuffing - Monday, November 21st, at the Shrine Club. Come out any time after 5 pm. DETAILS.
Local Literacy Committee - will be meeting on November 24th in the morning. A follow-up email will be sent out by Bob Cunningham, Chair.
Next Meeting: November 22, 6 PM, Cecil's.
DG Margaret Walton will be dropping by.
Everyone is welcome!
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