HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BINGO REMINDER


I hope that everybody has a happy new year and I look forward to seeing you all in 2008. Donna and I had a wonderful time at our President’s Christmas Party.
We have a Bingo coming up on January 18, 2008 and it is time to put the word out for volunteers. It is a Friday evening bingo so volunteers will be required at 5:00 pm for set up. Please send me an email at west@cyg.net.

The theme for this bingo was relatively easy to decide from the two historic events submitted.

Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson on this date in 1996. This is about as significant as a stomach ache.

The most significant historical event occurred on January 18 happened in 1980. Pink Floyd’s song "The Wall" became number 1 on the charts. The album "The Wall" broke many rules with songs longer than the three minute rule for radio and curse words which had to be bleeped out.

The double album became a modern opera telling the story of injustice. It mocked the cold war and encouraged the youth of the day to question the establishment and the governments of the world. Certainly not the first to do so but it entertained and guided a generation. The album still is very popular and of course available on CD. The lyrics are poetic and still have great foresight 28 years later.


Sincerely your
sergeant at arms Jack


Lyrics from the Pink Floyd song "Mother"


Mother, do you think they'll drop the bomb?
Mother, do you think they'll like this song?
Mother, do you think they'll try to break my balls?
Ooooowaa Mother, should I build a wall?
Mother, should I run for President?Mother, should I trust the government?
Mother, will they put me in the firing line?
Ooooowaa Is it just a waste of time?
Hush, my baby. Baby, don't you cry.
Momma's gonna make all of your nightmares come true.
Momma's gonna put all of her fears into you.
Momma's gonna keep you right here under her wing.
She won't let you fly, but she might let you sing.
Momma's gonna keep Baby cozy and warm.
Oooo Babe.Oooo Babe.Ooo Babe,
of course Momma's gonna help build a wall.Mother,
do you think she's good enough,For me?
Mother, do you think she's dangerous,To me?
Mother will she tear your little boy apart?
Ooooowaa Mother, will she break my heart?Hush, my baby. Baby, don't you cry.
Momma's gonna check out all your girlfriends for you.
Momma won't let anyone dirty get through.
Momma's gonna wait up until you get in.
Momma will always find out where you've been.
Momma's gonna keep Baby healthy and clean.
Oooo Babe.Oooo Babe.Ooo Babe,
you'll always be Baby to me.
Mother, did it need to be so high?

Two New Members

District Governor Gay Ratcliffe inducted two new members to the Festival City Rotary Club.
	Governor Gay inducts David Moore as President Etienne looks on.
	Dianne Yundt joins the Club as David, her sponsor, looks on.

Peter Moreton Presented with the "Rotary Shares" Award

Rotary District Governor presents Peter Moreton with the Rotary Shares Award as the Club Mascot looks on. The award recognizes the Club member that best embodies the values of Rotary International.

Congratulations Peter. Well done!

District Governor Visits (and Survives)

District Governor Gay Ratcliffe and Assistant District Governor Charles Hammond pose with their festive XMAS hats. Governor Gay holds Mr. Rab-bit, our club mascot, a small white rabbit with big pointy teeth.

Heritage Christmas B&B House Tour A Success!

The B&B House Tour held on Saturday December 1st was a great success. Approximately 135 visitors toured the five B&Bs and raised over $2,000 for the Stratford General Hospital.

The historic homes on the tour were:

The Ambercroft Bed & Breakfast
The Chisholm's In Stratford
River Garden House
Buckingham House
Stewart House Inn

Rotarians from our club assisted the owners by greeting guests, selling tickets and shepherding boots.

Comments from guests included:

• The quality of the homes was outstanding
  
• The personal Christmas decorating of each home made it unique
  
• Well organized
  
• Each home different
  
• 5 homes was a good idea had time to cover all homes
  
• Love the opportunity to visit old homes
  
• Please do it again next year, we will be back
  
• Great cause the Stratford Hospital
  
• Most homes close together little driving around
  
• The map was an excellent idea knew where each home was located
  
• Owners friendly offered great detail on each house
  

David and Carolyn promise not to play hide-and-go-seek fire extinguisher tag at their assigned B&B next year.

Rotary Reads Rocks!

Rotary Reads is a joint Rotary Centennial project conceived and implemented by both the Rotary Club of Stratford and Festival City Club. It aims to promote literacy by placing bookcases of kid's books throughout the community. Book titles were selected by a local Children's Librarian to include some of the best children's literature available.

The picture says it all.

David Does a Make Up Meeting

David attended a meeting of the Pittsburgh East Rotary Club on Tuesday November 6th at the Pittsburgh Centre for the Arts. He is seen here exchanging club banners with a member of the Pittsburgh East Club.

A "make up" meeting is defined as attendance at any Rotary organized meeting within two week previous or two weeks prior to the missed meeting. Make-ups may consist of:

• attending other Rotary Club's meeting;
  
• attending an Area or District meeting or conference;
  
• attending a Club Board meeting;
  
• attending a Club Committee meeting; and
  
• attending a Club fundraising event or activity.
  

Make up meetings are an excellent way to share ideas with other Rotary clubs and reinforces the international nature of Rotary. Check the Official Directory or use the Club Locator on the Rotary International website to get meeting and contact information. Be sure to call or e-mail before you show up for a meeting.

The William Tell Bingo - November 18

The William Tell Bingo on Sunday , November 18, 2007
Shifts start at 5:00 pm.

You won’t want to miss this one, after all William Tell didn’t miss. Please contact your sergeant at arms who is as straight as an arrow, if you are available at west@cyg.net

William Tell shoots arrow at apple on his son’s head Bürglen was known as an expert marksman with the crossbow. At the time, the Habsburg emperors were seeking to dominate Uri. Hermann Gessler, the newly appointed Austrian Vogt of Altdorf raised a pole in the village's central square with his hat on top and demanded that all the local townsfolk bow before it. As Tell passed by without bowing, he was arrested. He received the punishment of being forced to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter, or else both would be executed.

Tell had been promised freedom if he shot the apple. On November 18, 1307, Tell split the fruit with a single bolt from his crossbow, without mishap. When Gessler queried him about the purpose of the second bolt in his quiver, Tell answered that if he had ended up killing his son in that trial, he would have turned the crossbow on Gessler himself. Gessler became enraged at that comment, and had Tell bound and brought to his ship to be taken to his castle at Küssnacht. In a storm on Lake Lucerne, Tell managed to escape. On land, he went to Küssnacht, and when Gessler arrived, Tell shot him with the crossbow.

This defiance of the Austrian, Gessler, sparked a rebellion, leading to the formation of the Swiss Confederation.

Theatre Brunch 2007

Pictures from the Theatre Brunch Fundraiser held on Sunday October 14th, 2007 at the Fleck Marque, Festival Theatre, Stratford, Ontario.

		Club President Etienne welcomes the guests.
		The brunch was catered by the Queen's Inn, Stratford.
		Rotary Exchange Student Kate Parkin was the Guest Speaker
	Peter Moreton wore his best shoes.

Meet Kate's Parents

The Rotary Club of Festival City Stratford was honoured to host David and Sue Parkin, parents of our Rotary Exchange Student Kate Parkin, at their October 2nd meeting.


Her parents were surprised to find Kate in one piece, not frozen solid and with little psychological scarring. Mr. Parkin thanked the Club for taking such good care of Kate during her visit and for not having abandoned her on an ice flow. Club members explained to Kate's parents that they were, in fact, trying to introduce Kate to the national sport of ice curling. The unfortunate event of Kate licking an aluminum pole in January was not mentioned.

Club Mascot MIA!

At the last meeting of the Festival City Rotary Club, it was discovered that our beloved mascot, Mr. Rab-bit, was missing in action (MIA). He was an active and dearly beloved member of the Club. His very appearance would strike fear into the hearts of Noon Club members.

While we would normally consider the involvement of the "other" Club in his disappearance, this proved not to be the case. After an exhaustive investigation, it appears that the Inn's staff found Mr. Rab-bit, and not knowing what or who he was, sent him off to the big rabbit field in the sky (or the landfill). They offered us a fuzzy plush pink pig, but somehow, its just not the same.

Mr. Rab-bit will return! He is undoubtedly digging his way out of the landfill as we speak.

Theatre Brunch Silent Auction

Rotary Club of Festival City Stratford
Theatre Brunch & Oklahoma
Sunday, October 14, 2007
11:00am at the Festival Theatre

This year our Theatre Brunch will not only feature fine food by the Queens Hotel and an entertaining programme with sheep, but a Silent Auction.

Some of the items generously donated by fellow Rotarians, their spouses and community businesses are:

• fine blankets
  
• luggage
  
• clothing
  
• sports equipment
  
• round of golf
  
• facial care products
  
• numerous and varied gift certificates
  
• auto products
  
• books
  

The monies raised will allow Rotary to continue its work with youth locally and internationally. So bring your cheque books for this great cause.

Membership Drive

David asks Franklin the Turtle to join the Festival City Rotary Club.

Who have you asked lately?

Brunch only tickets available

Rotary Brunch at the Fleck

Our tickets to the play Oklahoma are closed; however we still have room at the Fleck for brunch guests. For $30.00 you can experience a wonderful brunch catered by the Queens Inn. Enjoy good company and learn about Rotary's latest ventures. There are many items up for the silent auction. Doors are open at 11:00 am with brunch served at 11:30 am on Sunday October 14.

For ticket information contact Jack West at 519-273-1005 or Carolyn Bart-Riedstra at 519-271-6761.

El Salvador- Rotary Club of Cuidad Merliot Ovens Project

Our Partner Club in El Salvador has sent us some photos of their improved ovens project. They have built 142 of these are are this weekend training the parents of the Family we have supported in the building of these ovens.

Each oven is designed to fully utilize spcial stones that help keep the heat hence using less wood and protecting the environment. The Chamber under the iron is filled with these stones and only part is used for firewood. Each stove is built so as not to burn any one near them and has piping to take any smoke to the out of doors. This keeps this stove similar to the traditional one and more culturally acceptable and low cost.

The Old Way of Cooking

The New Way of Cooking

Rotary of Cuidad Merliot Members

Soya Project News from Colombia

The Rotary Club of Duitama Boyaca Colombia has advised us they have now received the matching funds from The Rotary Foundation for the Soya Equipment Project for four communities.

The Rotary Club of Duitama Colombia has contracted a consultant to help them in learning how to multiply small businesses; they have had some TV coverage of the project; they are active in the communities orienting the people; the four communities are cleaning the 4 processing plant locations, and they have ordered the equipment and this equipment firm is preparing the training in equipment use.

The Duitama Boyaca Club will work with another Rotary club in Bogota Colombia where the educating and monitoring nutritionists are members and are in the stage of timetabling their involvement.

The club President Francisco Berrio Zafra and The Executive Director of the Club Foundation state in their letter to you:

"We would like to express through The Rotary Club of Festival City (Stratford) our most sincere appreciation for all your help in order to make a reality this very breathtaking program benefiting the people with nutritional deficiency in our region.

The development of this project has given us the opportunity to establish a permanent communication with you, that we value as an opening from our club to people of a generous heart and commitment to the world community.

We will remember with gratitude this opportunity that you have given to our Rotary Club and we will be in permanent contact with you in order that you will be informed about the unfolding of the project.

Please receive on behalf of those benefiting from this project a committed, Cordial and Rotarian embrace. Thank you for making this nutritional supplement possible for over 300 people in each community and the development of four ongoing soy processing plants, one in each community."

As well, by doing it this way, each donor club Stratford Rotary Club, Goderich Rotary Club and Duitama Rotary Club will be credited with Paul Harris credits for their contribution.

We have a Winner!

The "Name the Club Mascot" Poll has closed and the winning name is:

"Mr. Rab-bit"

Thanks to Laura Pogson for suggesting the name and everyone who voted in the poll.

"Small but Mighty!" (with big pointy teeth to boot).

Upcoming Matinee Bingo on Saturday September 8

Celebrate Surveyor 5's 40th birthday with a matinee bingo



We could not have had the Apollo moon landings later in the sixties and seventies if science and reconnaissance were not performed by unmanned space craft cabable of landing on the moon. Neil Armstrong may have stolen the show with his " a small step for man, a giant leep for mankind" but lets not forget those unsung Surveyor space craft, in particular Surveyor 5 which was launched September 8, 1967. Our bingo celebrates Surveyor 5's 40th birthday. It sits on the moon now having accomplished its mission largely ignored and forgotton (much like modern surveyors today).

Come on out and celebrate Surveyor 5's Birthday by working the Saturday, September 8 , Matinee Bingo starting at 1:00 pm and going to 5:00 pm. We will need more people in the first half of the bingo than the second half.


The following is from the NSSDC website: "Surveyor 5 was the third spacecraft in the Surveyor series to achieve a successful lunar soft landing and the first mission to obtain on-site compositional data on the Moon. The primary objectives of the Surveyor program, a series of seven robotic lunar softlanding flights, were to support the coming crewed Apollo landings by: (1) developing and validating the technology for landing softly on the Moon; (2) providing data on the compatibility of the Apollo design with conditions encountered on the lunar surface; and (3) adding to the scientific knowledge of the Moon. The specific objectives for this mission were to perform a soft landing on the Moon in Mare Tranquillitatis and obtain postlanding television pictures of the lunar surface. The secondary objectives were to conduct a vernier engine erosion experiment, determine the relative abundances of the chemical elements in the lunar soil by operation of the alpha-scattering instrument, obtain touchdown dynamics data, and obtain thermal and radar reflectivity data. "

Defibrillator update

Being small and mighty sometimes has its advantages. this defib project continues to move forward as it travels through committee meetings and then to council.


From Stratford Gazzette

Defibrillators could be coming to local public buildings, arenasGazette Staff City staff is recommending Stratford accept a $20,000 grant from the Festival City Rotary Club to place portable defibrillator units in local facilities.
The issue was to be considered at a community services subcommittee meeting earlier this week.

In an interview in February, Mayor Dan Mathieson told the Gazette he supported the move and the portable defibrillators could prove to be a lifesaver.

"The use of automated external defibrillators can save a life and the technology is so advanced anyone can use them," said Mathieson, in the interview. "It's another opportunity for us to protect our citizens."

At that time, Dan Martin, director of community services, also supported placing the defibrillators in community buildings.
Though the Rotary Club grant would be used to purchase the machines, the community services department would likely have to train staff on how to use the units.

Automated external defibrillators are used to restore heart rhythm after a person has gone into cardiac arrest. Training would be required for city staff and only those who have been trained would be permitted to use the machine.
There are no defibrillators in any city-operated buildings in Stratford, though the province is currently considering legislation that would require the devices to be available in all public buildings, said Mathieson.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, more than 35,000 Canadians die from cardiac arrest each year. Defibrillation boosts survival rates by up to 30 per cent if administered within minutes of a person suffering cardiac arrest. Every minute which passes decreases the survival rate by seven to 10 per cent.

hello everybody

this is my first post attempt. i would like to apologize for my enforced absence due to work. i have kent and david covering for me.

i would like to remind you all of our festival brunch on sunday, October 14. if you have already signed up that's great. if you are looking for a pleasant rotary event along with experiencing the play "oklahoma" then please consider this venue. the food and company will be great. we need to sell 40 tickets or so.

we also have to pay the festival by the end of this month so if you have signed up but not yet paid please try to cut cathryn a cheque as soon as possible.

i remain your obediant sgt/arms

Etienne Upgraded to Hurricane

President Etienne Upgraded From Desert Storm to Hurricane as He Approaches Stratford, Ontario


HURRICANE ETIENNE INFORMATION STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CANADIAN HURRICANE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENT CANADA AT 3.00 AM ADT SATURDAY 18 AUGUST 2007.

THE NEXT STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY 9.00 AM ADT

... ETIENNE GAINING STRENGHT AS APPROACHING STRATFORD...

1. CURRENT POSITION, STRENGTH, CENTRAL PRESSURE AND MOTION

AT 3.00 AM ADT... HURRICANE ETIENNE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 44.5 N AND LONGITUDE 57.0 W... ABOUT 400 NAUTICAL MILES OR 644 KM SOUTHWEST OF STRATFORD, ONTARIO . MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE ESTIMATED AT 45 KNOTS... 83 KM/H... AND CENTRAL PRESSURE AT 997 MB. ETIENNE IS MOVING EAST BY NORTHEAST AT 28 KNOTS... 52 KM/H.


2. FORECAST POSITION, CENTRAL PRESSURE AND STRENGTH

DATE TIME LAT LON MSLP MAX WIND ADT MB KTS KMH
AUG 19 3.00 AM 41.90N 41.54.W 997 45 83 HURRICANE - CATAGORY 1
AUG 18 3.00 AM 41.90N 41.54.W 997 45 83 HURRICANE - CATAGORY 1
AUG 17 3.00 AM 41.90N 41.54.W 997 45 83 HURRICANE - CATAGORY 1


3. TECHNICAL DISCUSSION

A. ANALYSIS
3Z SURFACE ANALYSIS WOULD PUT ETIENNE BACK IN STRATFORD IN TIME FOR THE NEXT CLUB BOARD MEETING.

B. PROGNOSTIC
WE MAINTAIN THE SAME TRACK AS PREVIOUS BUT SLOW ETIENNE DOWN AS DISCUSSED IN PREVIOUS MESSAGE. ETIENNE STILL SHOWING ITS LEISURELY DESERT CHARACTER WITH CONVECTION APPEARING AROUND HIS CENTRE. AS HE CONTINUES TO MOVE TOWARDS STRATFORD WILL PICK UP SPEED AND ENERGY. A RE-ENGERIZED ETIENNE WILL BE BACK TO ONCE AGAIN LEAD THE CLUB TO GREATER HEIGHTS AND GLORY. ALL CLUB MEMBERS ARE WARNED TO PREPARE FOR HIS ARRIVAL.


END MC

2008 Golf 4 Kids Draw

Tickets are now available for the 2008 Golf 4 Kids draw in support of the Rotary District 6330 $500,000 pledge to the Children's Health Foundation in London, Ontario.

Early Bird Draws
August 17th 2007 - One ticket to be drawn for four rounds of golf with carts, for four people, at various courses. Value: $1,000.00.


October 19th 2007 - One ticket to be drawn for a weekend package for four at the famous "Treetops" course in Gaylord Michigan. Value: $2,000.00


NOTE: Early Bird Draw winning tickets will be returned to the drum for the Grand Prize Draw.


Grand Prize Draw
January 11th 2008 - A spectacular 7 day Masters package for four at Augusta Georgia, April 7th to 13th 2008.

Selected accommodations in Aiken, South Carolina (15 miles form Augusta National)

• Daily continental breakfast from 7:00am to 9:00am
  
• Two rounds of golf with electric cart at a selected Country Club
  
• Admission to two full days at the Masters
  
• Welcome and farewell receptions and dinner, Southern BBQ Party
  
• Two additional dinners to be arranged in Aiken on Thursday and Friday
  
• Mini Tournament at historic Palmetto Golf Club founded in 1892.
  
• Optional admission to final practice round on Wednesday (an additional cost)
  
• Applicable taxes and service charges for specific features above
  
• Eagle staff (Eagle International providers of the trip) to provide full continuity and desired assistance.
  

Accommodations are in luxury homes at the exclusive gated-golf community of Woodside Plantation in Aiken SC. A total of five dinners are included along with two rounds of golf at Woodside courses plus a round at Palmetto Golf Club with lunch.


Value: $21,000.00 USD (Transportation to and from Aiken is not included.)

President Etienne Lost in Utah!

The latest report of President Etienne's whereabouts.

10 August 2007

Hi All,

We are currently in Cedar City, Utah, near the Arizona border. There are many incredible sites of natural beauty; should hit (will be hard to miss!!) the Grand Canyon tomorrow. Starting next week we'll begin the jouney back to Stratford.

There is not a set plan, so I can't be sure when we'll arrive home. As such, I should make provisions for the Tuesday, August 21st meeting. Would one of you take on the responsibility of chairing that meeting in the event that I am not yet home.

Also, I want to remind you all of the Board meeting scheduled for Monday, August 27th @ 6:30 pm (or when you can get there) at my place. I'll definitely be home by that weekend. Let me know if there are specific items you want discussed which I can include on the agenda.

"Rotary Shares"
Etienne

August is Membership Month

As of August 1st, 2007 the Club membership is at twenty-three active members, one honourary member and one club mascot (and we're not sure about the mascot either).

The Membership Committee asks every member to consider potential new members. Time honoured and proven recruitment techniques include:

• extortion
  
• blackmail
  
• brow beating
  
• arm twisting
  
• karaoke
  
• bribes
  
• and the most effective method, just plain asking people.
  

Invite them to a meeting to see what Rotary is all about.

This message brought to you by your Membership Committee (David, John and Jane).

District 6330 Newsletter -August 2007

The August edition of the District Newsletter is available here.

District 6330 Newsletter - July 2007

The District Newsletter for July 2007 is now available here.

President Etienne Leushuis

Etienne Leushuis was installed as the club's new president on July 3rd, 2007.

Etienne says it’s an honour to be asked to be president and to be counted on to lead the club. During his presidency Etienne wants to examine why people have left Rotary. Although there is a strong core of members, the membership is at its lowest in club history. Etienne is hoping that through our signature project our club will be known for what we do.

Etienne thanked Carol Rock for her fundraising efforts, Lynne Ternosky and her committee for the work that the International committee continues to do.

Etienne also intends to continue with the House of Blessing donations, the Theatre-Brunch event and Bingo. Other programs which will be looked into this year will be Youth Exchange, the Stratford General Hospital and Literacy programs.

Etienne asks each of the club members to challenge him, let him know what’s on your mind and to encourage him to do his best.

The Real Reason Kate Missed Her Flight to Newfoundland

After an exhaustive investigation of the facts, our crack team of reporters have discovered the true reason why Kate missed her flight to Newfoundland. Her claims that the entire province was "fogged in" are of course unbelievable. Anyone who has ever been to Newfoundland knows that it is, in fact, paradise. The Newfoundlanders only maintain this myth of eating cod cheeks , Newfie jokes and talking funny to keep this garden of Eden from being overrun by us mainlanders.

Upon arriving at the Toronto Airport, Kate hatched a cunning plan to fight global warming. Commandeering a fleet of Westjet planes, carrying air conditioners with really long extension cords and zambonies, Kate made the largest aerial drop the North has every seen in order to help rebuild the polar icecap. Numerous penguins were taught to drive the zambonies to extend and restore the ice sheet.

The Festival City Rotary Club salutes you Kate for your battle to end global warming! Well done!

No penguins were harmed during the posting of this message.

Club Mascot

Small But Mighty!

Some said it couldn't be done.
Others said that it shouldn't be done.

But we did it!

Behold the Festival City Rotary Club Blog!