- Weekly Publication - Minutes of the May 3, 2005 Meeting President Walter Ploegman opened the meeting at 7:31am and welcomed once again an exceptionally large crowd, which neared a capacity situation.

VISITORS AND GUESTS:

Visiting Rotarians       Ed Keys,   Russ Gorham and Ken Koke  all from the Downtown Club   Guests of Members   -  David Goldsmith - Guest of Dave Vankesteren          Guests of the Club Ratika Thakur    - Exchange Student   Yvonne Knuciel   - Exchange Student -      Nicole Ritzer     -  Exchange Student                                                                                                                  Peter Epp  - Media    Guest Speaker – Carrie Myers – Ontario Early Years Centres        John Burgess introduced all of the above-mentioned guests.                       50-50 DRAW:       Frank Saraka was in charge of the draw. James Mac Neil was asked to draw the winning ticket and Frank was pleased to hand over $8 to Russ Gorham. The pot has grown to $480.00

HAPPY BUCKS:       Audrey Chevalier was grateful to Harry Verhay, Mike Hunter and Ivan Katzman for their help on organizing the reception for the GSE guests from Peru.     Mike Hunter was happy to report that at a recent wine competition wines from wineries along the north shore of Lake Erie did very well.     John Lawrence was happy to commend Jack’s daughter for her excellent performance at a recent concert held at St Paul’s Church.   Walter Ploegman was thankful for the support from the Club following the recent death of father-in –law.     ANNIVERSARIES and BIRTHDAYS: Club Anniversaries - Stephen Hook and Sheila Bateman in 2000.                                     Walter Ploegman and Brad Miller in 1999.                                      Bonnie Pigeon in 1999.                                      Doug Swant 2004 Birthdays -  Ed Schiestel on May 2 and Jennifer Cordeiro on May 6

GUEST SPEAKER:      Carrie Myers - Ontario Early Years Bonny Pigeon introduced Carrie Myers would was representing the Ontario Early Years Centers. These Centers have been established to provide support for 1-6 year old children and their parents during those early developmental years. Resources include information, resources and professional advice. Resource centers are located in most major centers throughout Chatham-Kent. Specifically Carrie is an early years literary specialist. She co-ordinates with the Community and Social Services Dept. of the Municipality, the Prism Centre, both school boards and C-K Integrated Children’s services to provide reading opportunities to young children. Carrie prepares informational material, train the trainer programs, and facilitates literacy programs. She noted that reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to develop their interest in books and that child should be reading 3 books a day. She is very involved in Literacy Day, which takes place Jan 27. her organization provides a “reading tent” a festivals and functions to encourage parents to sit down and read with their children. They also have a “Toy Tour” program that makes toys available to less fortunate children with in C-K. Carrie’s programs receive funds from a number of sources but she is always in need of donations to support ongoing and future programs. She requested that Rotary consider a donation as her program very well aligns with Rotary’s “Literary Angels” program. She noted that educational toys are also very much appreciated should members which to donate. Jennifer Cordeiro thanked Carrie for her talk and presented her with a book “26 Big Things for Little Hands” that will be donated to the C-K Library under Carries name.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Paul Roy thanked all those who purchased the new Sunrise Rotary Roses and mentioned many of the local locations that these roses have been planted and some of the places across Canada that have participated in planting and promoting this project. Paul also thank all of those who came to assist in planting trees and shrubs during the adverse weather conditions on the weekend.

It was announced that Ratika Thakur had finished 5 in a recent SWOSSA badminton tournament …congrats to Ratika!!!

 President Walter adjourned the meeting at 8:27 am.

May 10, 2005  Meeting

Marilee Asher - Options Program