The Word Lady Cometh

Did you know we have 2,000 words in the English language that are strictly Canadian and are not swear words?

Find out how you can help protect endangered Canadian words like "pipsissewa", "cheechako" and "molson muscle" with the Festival City Rotary Club of Stratford, as it presents An Evening with Katherine Barber, Editor-In-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary on Wednesday May 14 at the Festival Inn, 1144 Ontario Street, Stratford, ON.

Katherine is best known as the Word Lady on CBC Radio's Metro Morning. She is also an accomplished author with a number of books to her credit. She has written Six Words You Never Knew Had Something To Do With Pigs,and Only in Canada You Say. She is the author of over 11 Canadian dictionaries. She is known for her lively and engaging take on the history of our language. Her hobbies include ballet, gardening, choral singing and cooking.

Tickets are $40.00 (CDN) each.

30% of Book Sale proceeds will go to Club's local and international literacy projects.

Cash bar at 6:00pm and Dinner at 6:30pm.

For tickets contact Etienne Leushius, Club President at 519-276-0205.

Small but Mighty!

Party Down with the RI President Wilf Wilkinson!

Party on, down and back up again with Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson (affectionally known as the Big Gear Head to Rotarians around the world), on April 24th at the London Convention Centre, 300 York Street, London, Ontario. Cocktails 6:00pm, Dinner at 7:00pm.  Dress: Business Attire. Earlier Bird tickets are $85.00 before February 15. Losers can expect to pay $100.00 per ticket after February 15.  Rabbits eat for free!

Contact Jan Delaney (jdelaney@london.bbb.org) for ticket orders.

Come be inspired!

Club Welcomes Susan Allen

The Club welcomed Susan Allen as a new member. On Susan's left stands her sponsor, John McNeil. On her far left is President Etienne holding the club mascot. On Susan's other left (right) is Rotary Exchange Student Thomas.

Susan will make a great member. Welcome aboard.

Small but mighty.

David Asks Geromino Stilton to Join Rotary

In another attempt to increase membership in the Festival City Rotary Club, David asks Geromino Stilton to consider joining.  

Who have you asked laterly?

THOMAS HAS ARRIVED from Brazil.......

On Thursday, January 24th 2008, President Etienne wrote:

We met our Exchange Stundent, Thomas Almeida at the airport yesterday and brought him to Stratford. I think it will take a while for him to get used to the cold, but this is Canada.
He saw snow for the first time and made a snowball. He is eager for new experiences, so we'll take him to Blue Mountains on the weekend and get him on a snowboard ! Thomas will be at our Tuesday meeting. Please take the time to introduce yourself and make Thomas feel very welcome. It will to great to have Thomas invited to your homes for a visit and/or meal. Also, think to include him on any outings. Thomas' English skills are very good, so communication is not a problem.

Kate Goes Away

Kate Parkins, our Rotary Exchange Student, joined the Club for her last visit before returning home to South Africa. 

Kate had many adventures during her stay in Canada. She learned important survival skills, such as: snowshoeing, not to eat yellow snow, how to hunt moose, and how to order coffee at Tim Hortons.  Her exploits to fight global warming by restoring the polar ice cap using penguins to drive zamboni were the stuff of legend.

The members of the Festival City Rotary Club wish her all the best in her future endeavours and extends its invitation to come back anytime for a visit.  We'll miss you Kate.

And the Winner is.....!

Kent Chisholm was the lucky winner of the Pedro Monkey Sock Hat at the 2008 inaugural meeting of the Festival City Rotary Club.  Great door prizes like this are available every week.

If you don't come, you can't win!

Majla Custo: A Rotary Youth Exchange Story

Click here to see the video about Majla Custo's experience as a Rotary Exchange Student.  

Carol Rock reminds us that this is the reason why Rotary is involved in Youth Exchanges.

Adult Learner Award 2006-7 - Rita Vittoria

The Festival City Rotary Club was pleased to award its Adult Learner Award for 2006-2007 to Ms. Rita Vittoria. Club member Susan Thomson (middle with antlers) announced the award on behalf of the Club.  Mr. Rab-bit, club mascot, (right) presided over the award ceremony.

Ms. Vittoria was noted not only for her high academic achievements, but also her tenacity, positive outlook and big smile.

Congratulations Rita on completing your diploma. 

Don't Miss the First Meeting of the Year!

Be sure to attend the first meeting of the Festival City Rotary Club on Tuesday January 8th at 7:15 am and have a chance to win this fabulous door prize! (David not included).

See you there.