Christmas Fellowship

In the true spirit of Christmas, we were greeted by Jimmy Foster playing Christmas songs on his accordion. There were mixed reviews on this, as will be seen later on.

Presentation of 30 June 2009 financial Statement

President Mike introduced Gary MacGregor, who had given everyone a copy of a summarized financial statement for the years ended June 30, 2009, and 2008.

Gary did not try to go over every item, but included the following remarks:

• Club is healthy, and we are putting aside funds for a Special Project, to be decided following the Vision Presentation.
• Revenue from the Ribfest ( August 2008 ) was the highest ever however Springfest was down in 2009
• Ribfest August 2009 has not been finalized yet, due to issues with city billings and other outstanding expenses and revenues. As a result of the City strike and the economy the profit is down considerably compared to 2008.
• In the statement of Financial Position, Gary explained that the funds have been segregated to show separately the Club Service Fund and the Community and International Fund.

If anyone has questions about specific items, please check with Gary.

Attendance

We had 32 Rotarians and 4 Guests, as follows:
Skip’s wife Ann Sears, Judy’s daughter Heather Webster, Dianna’s guest Lina Tiklonsky, and Rizwan Zaeem. Geoff introduced Rizwan, who is the winner of our Roy Hibben Scholarship, and is using it in his Civil Engineering studies at U of T. He is in his fourth year, and in addition to getting excellent grades is quite active in extra-curricular activities.

Rizwan thanked the Club for the Scholarship, and said it represented Service Above Self, as the money means he does not have to have a job to pay his tuition. He appreciates Roy Hibben’s generosity with this fund, and also is grateful for Geoff Dean’s help over the past 5 years.

Announcements

Gene Burns moved, and Gerard seconded the motion to destroy the ballots used in the election of the Board – motion passed.

Shirley reminded us that Springfest is fast approaching, and that helpers are needed for handling Auction items, before and during the event. Also – any gifts you receive this Christmas that are not immediately useful may be donated to the Auction. Even the boxes and ribbons/bows that are on your gifts may be used, so please think of this before discarding them. Please let Shirley know what you can do to help at Springfest this year.

Audrey reminded everyone that she has Springfest tickets available, and that they make a Great Christmas present! See Upcoming Events for details.

Mike Murton announced that the District Breakfast at R I next year is now called the Beyond Borders Breakfast. It is a joint effort of Zone 24 (our new Zone number) and Zone 32 – our partner Zone who represents us while we have no Board member, as this is an “off” year. Tickets are $50 CAD each, and you can see Mike M, Mike C or Chris M for details.

Mike advised that if you wish to do a Make-Up in Stirling, they are no longer a Breakfast Club, but are now meeting in the evening.

Tor. Eglinton Rotary is holding a fund-raiser for International Service to use at a cancer clinic in Zimbabwe. They are aiming for $30,000.00, and will have a live auction at the Lawn Tennis Club on 13 January at 12:30 P.M.

Gerard read a Thank You note received from the WCCI Interact Club after they were our guests for lunch. It was also because we had helped them with their Christmas Hamper project, and was written by Ramya Amunthan (Mom to Jenny, Mascot from Scotland, and proud bearer of the Olympic Torch on Yonge St. last week). “Thank you for helping us help the world. Lunch was formally wonderful and delicious! It was a pleasure for us to join you, thanks!”

Skip read a letter from Constable Elena Stepanenko at 43 Division, who spearheaded the collection of parcels for our troops overseas. More than 200 parcels have already been sent, and many more will be going. The recipients are overjoyed to receive so many things that show they are not forgotten, and have sent many e-mails of thanks.

Woods-Cunningham Wheel

The wheel was spun by Rizwan, for a 26. Bruce had the number, but only spun a 10 of clubs, so the pot will be higher next week.

Sergeant at Arms

Gerard was assisted by Gary, and received the following contributions:

Gerard paid for Jimmy finishing a wood carving that is now placed in a local church, and was sorry that this is the last lunch Jimmy will have here this year. He then thanked Jimmy for helping to deliver gifts to the family he adopted for Christmas, and mentioned what a great feeling it was to bring them some presents and joy. Jimmy seconded this, saying what a marvelous feeling it is to be able to help people in this way, through Rotary.

Gerard also paid for his 1 year Club Anniversary, and wished us all a Merry Christmas.

Shirley paid to thank Gerard for being her elf, and helping with her adopted family, and reiterated how great it is to help a family.

Josie thanked us for the Paul Harris Fellowship.

Buddy paid, but refrained from comment. (Wise move Buddy)

Lina is happy that the relative who was in hospital is now at home.

Alexandra was pleased by the weather and the fact that it was her birthday. To celebrate her birthday she treated us all to cake for desert.

Mike C advised that the Minor Hockey Team we help to sponsor won their game last night, and is in second place in their league.

Mike went on to say how much his adopted family needed and enjoyed their gifts from Rotary.

Albino was glad that Gus is back with us after his recent illness.

Kim paid in gratitude for all Rotarians and helpers who adopted families, as it makes such a difference in their lives and their Christmas. She reminded us that when we are slugging away at Ribfest, this is one of the activities that results and it is worthwhile and makes everyone feel good.

Bruce echoed the sentiments, with reference to the family he and Adam adopted. He also paid for Ingrid’s birthday yesterday, with some flowery speech that was too sweet to put on paper.

Karen was pleased to hear Jimmy play his accordion, (despite some comments from the crowd) and she ate the Birthday Cake in spite of herself.

Audrey was pleased her Granddaughter was named Athlete of the Year!

Gerard asked for a Happy Buck from Don, just for being Don. (This was evident at the start of the meeting, as is so often the case.)

Anne also paid for Jimmy’s playing (more catcalls) and was glad she convinced Karen to eat the cake.

Geoff is happy he is going to Tobago for 4 weeks in March and is glad Rizwan is here today.

Gene actually volunteered to pay because he loved Alexandra’s cake AND Jimmy’s playing, and was very happy about the adopted families.

Gus wished Merry Christmas to everyone – we’re glad you can do that Gus!

Vic paid because he was late and contributed lots for his Wedding Anniversary this week.

Mike M was so pleased that his visit with his Mother went well, and that he was able to take her out for a drive. His Christmas Present was to see her in such good spirits.

Membership classification for the week is Artist – invite one to Lunch!

Remember – NO MEETING on 29 December. See you on January 05/10.

Celebrations

Duty Roster January to July 2010

Enclosed with the Bluffer this week is the duty roster for January to June 2010. Please review your assignments and if you have a problem with the dates please let Gary know and he will revise the roster.

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

Duty Roster