Spinoff for March 8, 2011 as edited by Brian Langill

Spring was in the air as we gathered in the Centennial Ballroom with President Linda Flynn back behind the podium after a brief respite. We had been greeted warmly at the door by Susan Goddard and Mark Sherboneau. Following the anthem, led on keyboards by our maestro, Rod Holmes, we heard a refreshingly religious Grace from Chris Wanna.

A folder was circulating for the Fellowship Dinners, compliments of Jean Bégin. President Linda told us that Bud Keenan (at home) and Ted Ferrier (at Stillwater) are both still anxious to receive calls and visits.

Jack Troughton presented a Foundation Moment focussing on the drive to eradicate polio from the earth. It’s been an incredible program and it is in its final stages, hopefully. So it is vital that more funds are raised to complete the job. What can we do? SUPPORT MUSIC FOR HUMANITY, which is raising funds for the polio program. Buy tickets, sell tickets, volunteer, whatever you can do. It is on Saturday, April 2. Jack updated us on the polio efforts – last year there were 29 cases in the world in four countries: India, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Polio had been present in 125 countries before Rotary started its program. This year there have been 13 cases. Pakistan is the most challenging country. It is estimate that $730 million is still required to achieve Rotary’s goal of total eradication. Jack urged us to do our part.

Ken Murray gave us the first announcement describing our Awards. The nominations are closing on March 31 so it is imperative that you get your nomination forms in ASAP. Ken described the Lloyd Loynes award for volunteer service. The nominee should be a member of our club and have demonstrated exemplary commitment to volunteer service. He also told us about the Ruth Martin Award which is for non-Rotarians who have been active in community service. John Martin reminded us that it is not mandatory to give this award every year, and that we should only do so if a worthy candidate is proposed.

Bob Harrison and Jason Yuan presented the closing summary for their ShelterBox project. Over the month of February at two of Jason’s PC Cyber locations, a ShelterBox was erected to raise awareness and funds for the program. Bob said that it was very successful on both fronts, and Jason told us that $677 had been raised. He also said PC Cyber would top that up to an even $1,000, and that his firm is committed to supporting ShelterBox for the future.   

Doug Rowlands presented Nigel Lever with a Paul Harris pin containing two sapphires indicating an additional donation of $1,000 to The Foundation.

Clive Talbot was up with another push for Music for Humanity. It will be held on April 2 at 7:30 at the First Unitarian Church at 30 Cleary Avenue. Doors open at 7 pm and $20 tickets ($10 for students) are available every week at the front tables. Entertainment will be provided by students from the University of Ottawa Music Department who need support and a healthy attendance to make the evening a success.

Odds and sods - Bea Osome would appreciate it if members can bring in their pop cans, which she will turn into cash for her Kenyan water projects.   Fred Christie held a most suspicious PP Draw, which involved two tickets being drawn, and after much deliberation, which clearly frustrated our time-constrained President, Fred was the eventual winner! Alan Bowles told us that Phil Bronsther had a grandchild born on February 12. Carol Waters said “Cheerio mates” as she departed for 5 weeks in Australia.

President Linda then introduced our speakers, first of whom was Dawn Cooper, a Unit Manager for the Canadian Cancer Society. She told us about the organization which started in 1938 and then came to Ottawa in 1947. There are now 4,000 volunteers. Statistics are frightening: 1 in 4 Canadian will die from cancer. 40% of women and 45% of men will get cancer in their lives. Rates are rising noticeably in the women 20-39 age group. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in infants over the age of one month. The good news: 60 years ago only 1 in 5 would survive, today that number is 1 in 2. Also, the vast majority of cases are preventable through healthier living (stop smoking, eat well, exercise), regular screening, etc. Dawn then introduced us to Joe Timmins, an enthusiastic and experienced volunteer for the Society. He has been at it for 10 years and he described the benefits and experiences he has had. He told us that Rotary can get involved with the Society in many ways and he hoped that our club would do so – perhaps entering a team in their Relay for Life fundraiser in May. Alan Bowles thanked the speakers on our behalf.

Smiley Quote from President Linda: A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. That is a Steven Wright Witticism, compliments of John Kersley.

Random interesting and terrifying statistic: “Helicopter” Ben Bernanke is printing money in the US at the rate of $3.3 billion per day, which is $2.3 million per minute. That brings to mind the famous saying by C. Northcote Parkinson, “Delay is the deadliest form of denial”. Stay tuned…..

President’s Announcements

Remember RCWO Dates

•         March 24^th, next RCWO Board meeting

•         April 2, Music for Humanity

•         April 14^th, A Night at the Races

•         May 14, Presidents’ Walk (Foundation walk)

•         May 21, Ottawa Capital Race Weekend

•         June 21, Changeover Night

•         September 16 – 19^th Australian Rotary Friendship Exchange

Presidents’ Council

-          Ottawa – monthly pub night for new members

-          Ottawa South – Roses Day, May 6^th, $35/doz; new Rotaract Club induction ceremony March 23 or April 13^th; June 6^th Golf Tournament; ROTEL, 25^th Anniversary on June 25^th, outside BBQ; New idea – Women in Rotary Breakfast will be held three times a year, first in April.

-          Hull – Rotary Community Corps Aylmer has 14 members; Beer and Cheese Event, TBA; Golf Tournament, Sept.

-          Nepean-Kanata – March 24^th dinner/silent auction fundraiser – Let’s Rock the Boat, Nepean Sailing Club, flyers at the reception desk

-          Carleton Place & Miss. Mills – new playground initiative

-          Bytown –  June 6^th Golf Tournament; Dictionary project in Dunlop area

-          South Nepean – Taste of Barrhaven, May 30^th, $45 pp

-          Rideau Carleton Raceway event possibility in next year or so

District Level

•         District Membership seminar, March 19

•         District WCS committee seminar, March 19

•         PETS, NAV Canada Centre Cornwall – April 9 -10, 2011.

•         District Assembly NAV Canada Centre – May 7, 2010

•         Presidents’ Walk, May 14^{th  -} Joint Venture Council

•         RI Convention, May 21-25, New Orleans

•         District Membership seminar, May 28^th

•         District WCS committee meeting, May 28

Here are the winners of the Cash Calendar draws for the week, March 1 – 7, 2011

0810   $20            Mars Gettler, Toronto          

0329   $25            Susan Dow, Ottawa             

0981   $50            Jocelyne Letain, Orleans         

3015   $25            Jennifer Pigeon, Nepean         

2867   $50            Arlene Gregoire, Kanata                      

4020   $25            Keith Beveridge, Kemptville                 

1485   $50            Peggy James, Orleans                     

 Next week!

 Tuesday, March 22

Suan Cross on Project Chance - Africa

Greeters – Keith Halpenny/Bob Harrison    Grace – Brian Hartley

Reception – Chris Wanna    PP Draw – Warren Creighton    Editor – Bud McGinnis