Rotary International 2010 Convention – Montreal

Chris Musselman gave a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presentation on travel and other arrangements for the RI convention, which will be in Montreal on June
20-23, 2010. She suggested we should be encouraged to attend because for us there will be no customs and immigration checks, no currency exchange, no international travel, and lower costs.
Recalling her first RI convention, she went to see if Rotary was really that good, and did it live up to its motto and really do what it says it does. She found that every RI convention affirms that Rotary all over the world does have the same goals in service to others.
There will be representatives from probably all of the 200 countries and geographic areas in which Rotary has members. We will see evidence of the major projects underway such as the provision of water and sewage treatment and polio eradication. We will get assurance that Rotary has no administration against any projects, unlike most other charities. And we will be able to meet contacts on international projects in which we are or have been involved. There will also be many exhibits to see and fellowship groups to meet.

Chris distributed a blue flyer on the Rotary Express VIA train arrangements. Rotarians and their partners will be able to join together on reserved rail cars (either Business or Economy Plus class) from Sarnia through Toronto, Guildwood and other points en route to Montreal on Saturday, June 19.
On Sunday, June 20, the day starts with a Northern Lights breakfast for our area. The flag ceremony that follows is always impressive and inspiring.

The convention will be split between the Bell Centre (opening, plenary and closing) and the Palais de Congres de Montreal (Montreal Convention Centre), where the breakout sessions, House of Friendship, and exhibits will be held.

At the meals, you can sit with anyone from anywhere, learn about Rotary in other countries, exchange ideas, and make new friends or catch up with old ones.

Reserving hotels through RI means having to pay in full by December 4, so Chris will be reserving rooms separately. She noted that various rates and types of accommodation will be available.

Registration is US $295 before December 15 and US $345 thereafter. There are many delights for attendees: a cruise on the St. Lawrence, a visit to the Cirque de Soleil School, a concert of Canadian music, and a surprise event. ON Wednesday, June 23, the closing session always includes something special.

Chris hopes that more Canadian Rotarians than ever will attend, and of course she will be happy to assist with any arrangements.

Additional information and full details are on the RI website.

Attendance

In attendance were 31 members and two guests: Sandra Cooksey and former member Alexandra Boutros.

Announcements

Audrey reminded all that cakes and hams are available for sale and asked for orders to be placed now.

Audrey also pointed out that President’s Night, to honour Victor Shastri, will be Friday, November 6: reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m... $30 or two meal tickets. NB: Each attendee is asked to bring an unwrapped gift suitable for ages 12-19. These will be given to our 12 Christmas families, with any left over going to 43 Police Division’s toy drive.

She also announced that there will be no luncheon meeting on Tuesday, December 15, as we will have our Christmas auction and buffet dinner that evening.

Mike Cooksey announced that our Scarborough Interact Club had been given the District 7070 Community Service Award.

Woods Cunningham Wheel

Michael Murton won the right to spin, and won the pot, which was worth about $150 to him!

Sergeant-at-Arms

Norm is happy to be back at curling without a stick for the first time since his hip operation.

Skip said he was happy to note that Rotary was acting as a catalyst to bring together Mike and Sandra, who were sitting at separate tables far apart!

Peter was back and said everything was OK after his hip operation, and he contributed to honour his anniversary with Ruth.

Bruce celebrates the 15th anniversary of his joining the club.

Robert’s son reaches age 7 this week.

Sydney’s daughter, Shanice, is having her 17th birthday.

Donna’s youngest son got married last week.

Josie enjoyed a 10-day cruise with Buddy in the eastern Mediterranean without any disagreements!

Audrey’s dog is coping with the vet’s prescriptions.

Don gave for Ryan, who had to leave early, but Gerard fined him for not wearing a Rotary pin.

Albino is celebrating one year in Canada.

Alexandra is happy that her daughter-in-law, pregnant with twins, is in stable condition.

Geoff said Reba got a new right knee on Monday.

Michael contributed for his win at the wheel.

Celebrations

From the Humour Library of Geoff Dean

Exercise for people over 50

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 50-lb potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each sack.

Upcoming Meetings -to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

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