ALBINO ACOSTA – CLASSIFICATION TALK

Albino began by saying that we can call him Alvin. His profession is accounting, as he is a CPA, originally from the Philippines. Alvin arrived in Canada on October 26, 2008, with his 2 adult sons, to join his wife, who had been here for 5 years.

Alvin joined Rotary in the Philippines, and feels he will be a lifelong Rotarian. Being in Canada presents challenges to him, as he has to adjust to Canadian multi-cultural values. Previously, he had lived in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, so he had experienced cold weather, but not our snow.

Alvin’s business now is one-on-one direct selling of USANA PRODUCTS, which are vitamins and minerals, called “food supplements”. In Canada, the majority of Canadians, including children, have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Most of these risks, and those of strokes, can be prevented. An active life style will nurture our hearts, as will healthy food choices. Lowering stress levels can also help.

Food Supplements can help us meet the minimum daily requirements of the nutrients we need. We should have at least 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables to prevent illnesses. The American Medical Association has guidelines showing that use of a multivitamin every day is a prudent preventative measure against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Alvin advised that USANA was founded in 1992 by Dr. Myron Wentz, as a state of the art manufacturer of nutritional supplements, foods and personal care products. More information about Dr. Wentz and his advisory council can be found on their website – www.usana.com/webhosting/annettesalem. Once on the site, you can see all the products, and e-mail Alvin at Alvin_071375@yahoo.com or call him at 416 655-2497. He has sent copies of his whole presentation to all members of the Club.

President Mike thanked Alvin for an interesting and informative talk.

Attendance

There were 26 Rotarians and 4 guests, as follows: Janet Warren (more later), Judy Baribeau (Better half of Gerard), Janice Somersall-French (guest of Dianna), and Phil Richardson, who has been a Rotarian, and is looking for a new Club to join.

Open Membership Classification

This week’s classification is Police – so bring a policeperson or other guest to lunch! Perhaps the Superintendent who helped us at Ribfest?

Announcements

President Mike said that since we had so many people say that their experience with Christmas Families was great, perhaps we could all write a short note about it, and send them to Mike for use in the future.

Audrey advised that if you got the Bluffer on e-mail, you already had the new Duties Roster. If not, it will be in next week’s Bluffer. If you are unable to do your assigned job, please try to get a substitute, and advise Audrey or Judy.
Also, Springfest Tickets are available from Audrey now!

Mike C advised that the third week in February is the 100th Anniversary of Rotary in Canada – perhaps the Board want to mark this in some way? And this is one of the reason R I has chosen to hold the International Convention in Montreal.
Please see the notice on the back of the Bluffer about the Rotary Leadership Institute -Part 1 on 06 February. This is a great program for all Rotarians.
And Mike and Kim and Sydney have copies available of the Ribfest Advertising brochure for 2010 – please use it to get new advertisers!

Don announced – in spite of conflicting voices - the Springfest Fundraising meeting is Wed. January 6 at Audrey’s at 7:00 P.M.

Kim reminded us that the Invitations are on each table – use them to invite a prospect.
And the membership meeting at her home on Wed. Jan. 6 is shown as starting at 7:00 P.M, but if we get there at 6:30 P.M., she’ll feed us!

In response to President Mike’s inquiry, Mike C advised that our membership goal for this year is still 12 new members, and we only have 4 so far. We need more help.

Woods-Cunningham Wheel

Guest Phil spun to get a 30 – which was held by Mike M – a repeat spinner, and recent winner. He did it again with an Ace of Hearts to win half the $375.00 pot.

He then announced that our District had won a P R Grant from R I, so we will be seeing more TV spots to raise awareness of Rotary in our area.

Sergeant at Arms

Gerard ( unassisted )collected contributions from:

Himself – happy that Jimmy foster made it to Florida all right and also that our Rotary ad is on pg. 3 of the new Bluffs Monitor.

Rocco was a bit late due to snow

Gene had a Birthday on January 1, so we sang to him – the usual song

Anne was happy she had a lovely time over the holidays

Alexandra wished us all a Happy New year

Guest Phil paid for being late, and to thank us for welcoming him

Pat was also a bit late

Audrey said Santa brought her a laptop

Mike C’s Rotary anniversary was January 1 – 25 years in Rotary!!!

Denny was asked, but I’m not sure he paid up.

Buddy was happy that Santa brought a dog for their home

Chris paid for omitting to mention in the Bluffer that President Mike had ended our last meeting on such a high note, by asking everyone to turn to his/her neighbour and wish him/her the compliments of the season.

Paul Harris Fellowships

Skip introduced us to Janet Warren, as the recipient of a Community Paul Harris Fellowship from our Club. Janet was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1994, when she was a Single Mother of children 20 months and 3 years old. Janet called the M S Society for information about the disease, and kept searching for answers about it. She was so good at talking to people about M S that the Society asked Janet to join their Board, and produce their newsletter, which she did for 9 years. Janet also participated in the M S Walk, organized the Carnation Campaign, ran the Newly Diagnosed Series and the M S Christmas Dinner, and spoke at many community functions. Scarborough M S voted Janet Mother of the Year in 2000, and she was selected as Volunteer of the Year at her workplace in 2005. Due to failing health, Janet left the Board in 2007, but still works – some days at the office and some days at home. Janet is still connected to the M S Society and helps at many events, and is obviously a worthy candidate for this Award.

Mike M explained that a Paul Harris Award is the highest honour a Rotary Club can give out, and was pleased to present one to Janet.

Then, Mike called Bert Geary and Gene Burns forward to each receive a second Paul Harris Award, in recognition of their ongoing contributions to the Paul Harris Fund.

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.

A little Church Humour from the Church Lady (AKA Shirley Zinman)

Next weekend's Fasting & Prayer Conference in Whitby includes all meals.

Sunday morning sermon: 'Jesus Walks on the Water
Sunday evening sermon: 'Searching for Jesus.'

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

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

Duty Roster