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Bulletin Editor
Jeff Hunter
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
Upcoming Meetings
Jun 20, 2024
Noon Meeting Cancelled
Presidents Ball That Evening
Jun 27, 2024
President Rena Hawkins
2023 - 2024 Year in Review
Jul 04, 2024
President Paul McMenemy
2024 - 2025 Goals & Objectives
Jul 18, 2024
Jessica Bondy
Executive Director - Oak Bridge Academy
Jul 25, 2024
Shelley Murphy - Executive Director
Adults in Motion
Aug 01, 2024
Linda Ockwell-Jenner & Melissa Day
President, Motivational Steps (Breast Cancer)
Aug 08, 2024
Anneli Segura
Fundraising Coordinator, Grand River Conservation Authority
View entire list
Stories
Opening and Sgt @ Arms Report
President Rena opened the meeting and she acknowledged that we are living upon traditional lands.
 
Steve did the 4 way test and Paul gave the invocation.
 
SA Nancy said that we had 19 Rotarians including Zoomers in attendance. We had a total of 10 guests at the meeting including 2 visiting Rotarians, Steve Witteveen and Michael Ehighibe.
8 additional very special guests were invited for Community Services Day and they included:
Matt Betts, Cambridge Today
Carol Thorman & Tony Schmidt, Cambridge Canada Day Parade Committee
Michelle Gellatly, Cambridge Humane Society
Sarah Tooze, Cambridge Food Bank
Cameron Dearlove, Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services
Faune Lang, Food4Kids
Donette Subron, Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
 
50/50 Draw
John Jonas' enthusiasm for the 50/50 was missed during his absence but Pam was a fervent replacement, especially after she pulled her own number.
However, she failed to select the Ace of Spades -as did Rob. 
 
Announcements
  • Johnny, Paul M and Vanessa all aged a year this week. Interesting, unrelated fact: experts state that ONLY 5%-10% of wine improves after 1 year.  
  • Congratulations to Wayne who has survived his first year in Rotary.
  • Rena's President's Ball is Thursday, June 20 at the Cambridge Mill.  67 have registered for the event which is a 40% increase (or 39.6% increase when speaking with Todd) over last year.  Guests (non-Rotarians) pay Nancy $75 at the registration table from 5:30 - 6:30 that evening.  She will then "tick off" both you and your guest. The dress is business casual and the concept for Rena's specialty cocktail is still in development. 
  • Heidi reminded us that membership renewals are due. It is a great time to reflect on all the wonderful friendships made and the great work that Rotary has done this past year under Rena's presidency.  Next year begins July 1st and with Paul McMenemy as President, the year promises to be "magical".  Don't get left behind--pay your dues by this weekend, please. 
  • Keith mentioned that there is a celebration for Jasmine, the student with the Sunrise Club, on June 28.  Rena will send out further details.
  • Rena has sent out the details for Rotary North's Wrap-Up Buffet Dinner at the Country Club on June 26 - check your inbox for registration details.
Club Opportunities
  1. The club is looking for additional Bulletin Editors. It's a great way to contribute from home.
  2. Feeling inspired by today's guest Tony Schmidt who made generous personal donations to each of our visiting non-profits?  Be a hero, make a donation to your favourite charity and inspire others by sharing your impact during Good News at an upcoming meeting. I'll pay your $5.00 Good News fee.    
Good news
  • Nancy visited beautiful Windsor for the first time with Steve and Anne-Marie.  It was a very special weekend with very gracious hosts.  The trip included a visit to Detroit.
  • Paul C went to the Grand River Pride celebrations with a group of Rotarians and got kicked out of a local restaurant for "laughing" too loudly.  Who ever thought Pride was for expressing yourself freely and without shame? 
  • Keith, Lina, Tracey and some other Rotarians have been spreading and experiencing much joy when handing out scholarships to high schools students.  Keith remarked how the money will help the students achieve their dreams of  higher education, leading to gainful employment and eventually potential Rotary memberships.
  • Heidi added another motorcycle to her fleet and will personally be filling ALL the streets in Port Dover Friday, September 13th, 2024.  Road hog! 
Today's Program
Today was Community Services Day and Katie did a fantastic job putting much thought into her selection of benefitting non-profits which was a well-balanced reflection of the charitable sector in our community. Katie pointed out that each of the organizations make a significantly positive difference in our community their examples have encouraged us to support them.
I know I will have large shoes to fill when I step into the role of Community Services Chair this upcoming year with my committee-mates Nancy and Rena. Thank you Katie for giving us the challenge to reach the same heights as you. 
The funds from today's giving came from Rotarians in our club who are great fundraisers and volunteers. Volunteering at the Cambridge Bingo Centre generated $20,000!
  1. Sarah from https://cambridgefoodbank.org/ received a cheque for $5,000 and thanked the club for also generously supporting the Mobile Food Market with vouchers for 7 community associations. The funds received today will be used to ensure more local residents will have access to nutritious food, a basic human right. 
  2. Donette from https://wcswr.org/ recieved a cheque for $5,000 which will help address the over $7 Billion cost to Canadians due to the effects of domestic violence.  Rotarians are asked to consider joining their Voices Empower: Walk to Break the Silence 2024 which will be happening in November. 
  3. Michelle from https://cambridgehumanesociety.org/ also received a cheque for $5,000 and explained how difficult some days can be at the shelter.  She shared the $3,5000 cost of veterinary services needed to improve of 2 of their latest rescues, White Beard and Toto who were recently abandoned in local parks.
  4. Faune from https://food4kidswr.ca/ was the final recipient of a $5,000 cheque and explained how the funds will help their work in feeding 1,300 children every day in 100 local schools.
  5. Carol & Tony from https://www.cambridgecanadaday.ca/parade received a cheque for $2,000 which will help maintain the longest running Canada Day parade.  Carol remarked how it is their committee's desire that the parade will help build a proud community that supports one another and reduces the need for organized charities in our neighbourhoods.
  6. The final recipient was Cameron from https://fcccnd.com/ who accepted a cheque for $8,000, proceeds from our gala. Porchlight is soon moving to a new space at 1315 Bishop St N and will be able to double the amount of in-person counselling sessions.  They have also increased their beds for women in recovery to 10 
Paul McMenemy spoke about how proud he is to be a Rotarian and to be part of the work we do to help our community. He was humbled to be in the presence of the frontline workers who are the true heroes and vowed to continue to contribute to organizations that improve the world.  This made the eyes of Wayne (and others) water for the ninth time during the meeting.
 
Rotarians are encouranged to visit the Celebration of the Arts downtown Galt tonight (Friday) and the Portraits of Honour new location at the Preston Scout House.
 
 
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