President Paul opened the meeting exactly on time - you could set your watch by this guy...
Nancy Y performed a reading entitled 'It is time' that caused all of us to stop and think for a minute...
Tracey D provided the 4-Way Test, and Lina V read the Invocation, all followed by Pres Paul leading a toast
Nancy Y announced we had 22 members, and some special guests, being Dr. Tom's wife Janet, along with their Rotarian son Ian, and, Ian's wife Pricilla
We were also happy to welcome Honourary Member Harry Edgar
It was also great to see Past Pres Bruce Flowers out
AND finally, it was a special treat to see the real life version of Randy C!!
President Paul attempted to announce member Birthdays and Anniversaries........ but unfortunately, he has not yet learned that if 'you want something done right, you should do it yourself' - he had unfortunately asked me to provide an updated list of this information, but alas, I did not - perhaps next week ;)
The odds were apparently stacked in favour of, um, the elderly, wait, that's not very nice, the more seasoned members, no, that's no good, the old people, no, that's insulting, the more experienced members? YES, that's not offensive.
Two of our more experienced members were unlucky finding the Ace - first Harry E, followed by Larry B
I guess I also could have said it was the day for rhyming losers, wait, that's maybe not nice either...
President Paul proceeded to honour long time member Dr. Tom with a very well deserved Paul Harris Fellow representing his contributions and commitment to the Rotary Foundation, allowing Rotary to continue it's life saving and life changing work around the world.
24 years ago, Dr. Tom's son Ian was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow, by this club, thanking him for his many hours of volunteer work, exemplifying Service Above Self - it was extra special to have Ian, his wife Pricilla, and Tom's wife Janet all in attendance.
The presentation was followed by a few announcements:
Vanessa S - informed us of a potential KidsAbility fundraiser, likely a breakfast at Tapestry Hall in February - a committee has been struck with Lina V, Nancy Y, and Tracey D - more details to follow!
Paul TC - reminded us of our Christmas Party coming up on Sunday November 24, at the GCC, from 1pm - 4pm. ALL members and significant others, and children 12 or under are free - additional adult guests are $30 each. If you didn't have a chance to sign the sheet at the meeting, please contact Paul TC to advise of your attendance. Last year we had 70 people attend, including 44 children - there is entertainment, and Santa!
Nancy Y - advised some sign-up sheets are being circulated - to assist with the Langs dinner on December 11, and the Kinbridge dinner on Dec 20 - please contact Nancy Y if you haven't yet volunteered.
also Nancy Y is facilitating collection of items for the Women's Crisis Centre, including baby items, such as diapers, lotion, baby food, wipes, etc. Please consider bringing some to a future meeting
Live and in person Randy C announced that our golf tournament will be on Monday, May 26 - save the date!
A new initiative this year - a Country Dance - Boots & Bands, Kicking it up for a Cause - will be at the Newfie Club, hoping for about 400 people - Cody is hoping for a bull to ride!
and Nancy Y again reminded us of the email sent a week ago with forms for the Gift Card Fundraiser by Langs - the cards cost normal retail, however, Langs gets a percentage! Load up!!
Pres Paul McM announced that members will be going to Chucks on Dundas to celebrate, but as it turned out, we celebrated my (Todd L) loss for a Board Member of the Year Award. Wait, that's mean, how about my 'non-winning status'... no, maybe my 'success-challenged' evening, yes, that's it. Thank you to Katie & Shane, JimJ & Sheila, Jimmy McP, Paul McM, Tracey D, Nancy Y, Rena H, and Paul TC for your support, and to my mom for picking up the Chucks bill!
Past President Bruce Flowers - first out of the gate to share his memories from 2000, during his year as President, when we awarded Ian Samolczyk a Paul Harris Fellowship for his extensive volunteering. That event is what precipitated Dr. Tom joining our club!
Vanessa S - shared some very exciting (but a little sad for us...) news that she has accepted a position at the Hilton in Barrie, so will be leaving us in the new year - it will be a great new adventure!
Jimmy J - participated in the first round of judging the Wilf Rieck Pitch Day applications... he was shocked at how poorly written they were... However, he then judged the presentations, they were absolutely incredible! He's looking forward to many of us witnessing the top 3 being presented the evening of Thursday Nov 21 - all are welcome.
Paul TC - he and best-bud-Bernie had a close encounter with a skunk! Although the little guy seemed to take aim, he misfired, so the air is still clear in the Cody household
3-Dimensional Randy C has returned from Cold Water ON where he successfully completed his training certificate(license?) to be a curling instructor
Pres Paul McM - thanked those members who attended the Galt Remembrance Day Ceremonies, Lina V, Nancy Y, Rena H, and Todd L
Today's program was new member Adam Gracie doing his 'Who am I'
- born Sept 7, 1984, with his one sister being born in 1986
- when he was 5, his family moved from Mississauga to Kitchener, and then at 9, they moved to Sheffield where Adam enjoyed some farm life
- Adam has enjoyed many sports, including martial arts and football, playing for the Glen View Park team
- also enjoyed playing guitar, and performing at his school
- in his 20's, he got into the trades, bought his first house at 23, and had a couple of kids
- in 2013 he and a buddy went out on their own and started an HVAC company, building it over the years to include electrical and plumbing services, with 46 employees
- with COVID, he sold his share of the company, and took some time to travel
- once back in real life, he knew he always enjoyed the different real estate deals necessary as he grew his company, so, he obtained his real estate license
- Adam is now with Re/Max Real Estate Centre
Vanessa had high praise for Adam's ethics and quality service provided during his HVAC days
Jim McP thanked Adam and welcomed him to the club!
President Paul wrapped up with announcing next week's speaker being from the YWCA, where we'll hear about their new initiative, a 20 bed temporary emergency women's shelter in Cambridge - it's about time!!
