Katie, Robyn Dielman, Ken Corlett from the Rotary Club of Thamesville, President Doug’s family – his wife, children, and granddaughter.

 
 
 

                              Jim is happy because he got to buy the beer last night at golf.

Michelle is happy to be back from a fabulous week in Paris.

                                    Kim is happy that her shop is coming along nicely
                                                                    and they are laying the floor today.




 

 50/50 Draw:

  Ken Corlett won $10  
 

The new board of directors are:  Blake Vince, Sheila Bateman, Bill Dielman, Greg Kett, Terra Kitzul,
                                                  Roger McCrae – Sergeant at Arms
                                                  Jackie Bray – Treasurer
                                                  Nicole Gignac – Secretary

Committee Chairs are:  Steve Sadler – Web Administrator
                                    Terra Kitzul – Roses, Ribfest Volunteer
                                    Jackie Bray – Bingo Chair
                                    Ivan Katzman – Mardi Gras
                                    Greg Kett – Environmental Committee
                                    John Schinckel - Program
                                    Laurie Zimmer - International Students
                                    Roger McCrae – Sergeant at Arms
                                    Jean Baker - Foundation
                                    Matt & Mark Jenkins – Ribfest
                                    Bonnie Pigeon – Assistant District Governor
                                    Past District Governor – Audrey Chevalier
                                    Assistant District Governor – Brian McDonald
 

Doug outlined some of the clubs achievements over the year, including our commitment to the Babies & Books program, YMCA, and Literary Angels. Our three year commitment to the Babies & Books program with the hospital is coming to a close. We have committed to the YMCA $10 000 / year for five years. Our annual commitment to Polio Plus is $2000 which we often exceed.
Some of our international projects include raising money for Shelter boxes, Water projects, like the project Kim and Ruth helped with in the Dominican, and Polio Plus. Our annual commitment to Polio Plus is $2000 which we often exceed.

We are trying to grow our River Ride that takes place every spring. Though attendance was low reports from our partners have all been positive. The Police that took care of the children’s area are excited to try it again next year. This event while it is not a fundraiser is an excellent way to raise our profile in the community.

The club is also active in the Group Study Exchange program as well as the youth exchange. Note: Kim will be presenting next week as she will soon be going home.

With all of our many commitments to the community as well as internationally it is important that we continue to fundraise.

Through our Roses campaign we have raised over $10 000 annually and are continually looking for ways to lower our costs to increase our profits. While Bingo profits are down it still consistently brings the club approximately $500 / month. It is also a fun way to get to know your fellow club mates. Continually growing, Mardi gras profits increased this year.

In its second year, Ribfest is growing. We have a very hard working steering committee that continues to build on our experiences to make the event a success. It not only gives club members an opportunity to work together in fellowship but it raises awareness in the community about our club along with the money we need to meet out yearly commitments.

Our 2010 Goals are as follows:
• Raise membership modestly to 44 members (we currently have 41)
• Work on retention of members (this is a Rotary International goal as well)
• Mentorship for new members, assign new member to an experienced member
• Grow and mature the fundraising projects that we have
• Meet our $2000 Polio Plus commitment
• Meet or exceed our annual Program goal of $100 / member (we have given $160 / member in the past)
• Continue to follow along with visioning that past presidents have come up with
• Work TOGETHER to succeed
 

Paul passed around photographs of our many Ribfest billboards that have been placed throughout western Ontario. This year there is a large focus on the London area. He also shared with the club a book of stamps he found at the post office commemorating the 100 years of Rotary in Canada.

Terra encouraged everyone to sign up for shifts for Ribfest and stressed the importance of the need for Rotarians at the gates to greet people as well as ask visitors for donations. If you have not already signed up for shifts please do so soon!

There is a Ribfest steering committee meeting on Wednesday, June 23 at noon.

Ken Corlett from the Thamesville Rotary club spoke briefly about BlueberryFest (July 24 and 25) at Parks Blueberries. This weekend is always a very busy weekend at parks (last year they had over 1200 people over the weekend) and they would like to add to the day by providing activities. The Thamesville Rotary club and the Sertoma club of Thamesville will be providing an all you can eat breakfast during the fest. The profits will be split between the two clubs with the Rotary portion going towards the purchase of Shelter Boxes. The Rotary club is looking for 5 to 8 volunteers from other clubs for the weekend to help with the breakfast. There will be two shifts (approx 5 hours long). If you are interested in helping or need more information contact Ken – kcorlett@mnsi.net

Greg updated us on the gardens along Grand ave. We have joined forces with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and Bill Pachkowski of the municipality. Tuesday at 6:30 a group of volunteers will be digging up the daffodils in the beds (they will be stored at Greg’s place for replanting in the fall). The Lower Thames people will be removing the wood frames and seeding the area. Between now and the end of the year we will be looking for assistance with making 6 high quality planter boxes. We want to encourage the native plants to grow up from the bank along the pathway, leaving room for the 6 boxes. This will lesson the amount of work we will have to do in the future to keep the beds free of weeds. Municipal summer students spend a lot of time working on the beds and it will save them time as well. The beds near the flag poles will continue to be maintained. As well all the trees along the river (near the collage) need to be pruned and the mulch needs to be enhanced.
Anyone who is available on Tuesday to help dig up the bulbs should meet at the new shoppers on Grand.

While Doug is away for the summer he has arranged for past presidents to lead meetings.

As all members are aware, BINGO's are one of our best fund raisers and we need members to help out. The fellowship is a wonderful added bonus.  Please do your part to help by volunteering yourself during one or more of the following time frames.

JULY                30   - (Friday)           12:00am  midnight              -  Greg Kett, Linda Goldsmith, Bonny Pigeon
AUGUST          20   - (Friday)             6:00pm  and  7:00pm
SEPTEMBER   3   -  (Friday)             7:00pm 

You need to be there one hour and fifteen minutes before the start time.  Remember you are awarded 3 make-ups for a regular bingo and one midnight bingo equals 5 make-ups.

             Contact our Bingo Coordinator, Jackie Bray  at 354-0356 or email   jacalyn.bray@rbc.com