XMAS Meeting 2009

It was once again Silly XMAS Hat Time as the members of the Festival City Rotary Club celebrated all thing Rotary and festive.

Sgt-at-Arms John McNeil (L) and Bill Helmuth (C) chat with Noon Club Member Dr. Bob Martin (R).

Santa's favourite elfs, Wayne and Diane Yundt, get in the festive spirit without any alcohol.

Many festive hats were in evidence at the meeting.

Sgt-at-Arms John McNeil and Club President Kent Chisholm discuss how to fix the door prize draw so that Etienne doesn't win again. They failed miserably.

Club Choral and Glee Master Peter Moreton, led the Club in seasonal chants with Mr. Earl Clarke on piano.

Paul Harris Fellowship Presentations - Susan and Trevor Exnor

On behalf of the Club, Lynn Ternosky (left) presented Susan (centre) and Trevor Exnor (right), with Paul Harris Fellowship Awards in recognition of their continuing support for local initiatives. The couple has allowed their restaurant to be used as a fundraising venue for many projects including the inaugural Rotary Dragon Boat festival, support for winter activities, African and Russian ventures, and our own El Salvador Children’s project.

Mariana Says Goodbye

Mariana said goodbye to our Club and especially to her host families with whom she stayed this year. Mariana arrived on a snowy Feb 3, 2009 and is returning to Argentina shortly. Although it is always hard at the beginning of an exchange, Mariana said that she very quickly became comfortable in Stratford and did not become homesick. She made many friends, and had incredible experiences. Although she returns to her family she feels she is leaving behind three new families. Perhaps she will become homesick for Canada. - Vince Hill

New Members - Deb Stacey-Rivers and Brian Rivers

Deb Stacey-Rivers (centre) and Brian Rivers (right) were inducted into the Festival City Rotary Club on December 22nd by President Kent Chisholm. Sponsor Jane Kirkpatrick introduced Deb and Brian, who she has known for many years. Deb’s classification is Retirement Community Activities Director and Brian is a Financial Advisor.

Welcome to the Cult Brian and Deb!

The Great Unknown Festival City Rotary Club Marching Kazoo Band

The Great UnKnown Festival City Rotary Club Marching Kazoo Band made its first appearance at the Club's meeting this morning to critical acclaim and alarm. The Band is available for birthdays, weddings, and funerals. Barbara Young is the Band's Honourary Music Director.

In this picture, Soloist Lyn McInnes (centre) leads the Band in a rendition of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". As usual, Lyn ruined the photo, by not wearing a paper bag over her head.

Basketeers

Earlier this month, members of the Festival City Rotary Club created baskets in support of victims of domestic abuse. Baskets were provided for Optimism Place and the Emily Murphy Centre.

(L-R) Maxine Noel, Donna Hinz, Judith Sept and some hot chick, pose in front of all the collected baskets, while below Franklin Hinz (L) and a helper work hard to unload the hampers.

The Festival City Rotary Club wishes to recognize Ken Hansen with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his service to the club.

As the program co-ordinator for the Club, Ken has consistently obtained a variety of interesting speakers for our morning meetings. He has been a strong support of club activities and currently chair the Club's Service Committee.

Congratulations Ken!

Peter Moreton Presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship

Rotarian Peter Moreton (the bald guy with the ugly tie) was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship at the Club's November 10th meeting. Peter was joined by his wife Carol (far L), and Club Secretary Diane Yundt and Club President Kent Chisholm (far R).

Banner Exchange - Iquitos Amazonia, Peru.

Jean Aitcheson (L) and Lyn McInnis (C) presented the President-Elect Linda Jones (R) with a banner from the Rotary Club of Iquitos Amazonia, Peru.

Laura Pogson Awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship

Rotarian Laura Pogson (L) was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship at its weekly meeting on Oct 27. The award citation was as follows:

"The Festival City Rotary Club wishes to recognize Laura Pogson with a Paul Harris Fellowship for her service to the club, community and world. Laura was Club President from 2006-2007. She has been involved on a number of community committees that include: Stratford Perth County Community Foundation, Torch Relay Committee, Sister Cities Committee, and Divorce Care. On the international level, Laura has been active with First Steps, a Christian development organization fighting malnutrition in North Korea."

Club Secretary Diane Yundt (R) invested Laura on behalf of the club.

Congratulation Laura!