Bill Proctor gained a lot from attending the Zone Conference in Montreal last weekend.  He noted that the 2019 Zone conference is being held in Niagara Falls and recommended that one or more members attend.

 

John Webster, in training for the marathon, half-heartedly signed up for the Army Run in Ottawa (a 5 k and 21k run).  In addition to actually participating, he noted that the Friday night festivities were held at the War Museum, which thanks to the recent tornadoes had no electricity (the brought in some mess kitchens from CFB Petawawa to serve dinner for 200), but also got to witness a couple of awards being presented.

 

Jim Brown spent the weekend at the Elm Hurst Inn in Ingersoll, where he and Linda were married 20 years ago.  He took Linda along.
 

President Richard was in a quandary as to who was most deserving of being named Bell Ringer.  Jim Brown volunteered and was made this week's Bell Ringer.

 

Sharing his newfound knowledge, President Richard asked how often the Crown Plaza changes it password on its internet access - weekly (did not mention what day it changes).

 

Darren Sweeney, on behalf of the Social Committee, announced that there would be a 9 and dine at Rebel Creek on October 9 (day after Thanksgiving).  Golf will be $40 and the stead dinner is meal $22.  You can arrange to come earlier and golf 18 holes.  A separate email will be sent out to all members.

 

Neil Swayze advised that we now have a second sponsor (PSI Data).  As well, a draft letter (which can be modified), and the detail forms for sponsorships and auction items are now on the club website website in the Member's only document's section.

 

Adrian DeCoo noted that the Early Bird draw takes place in three weeks - so get your money and ticket stubs in. Individual and corporate ask letters are now available on the club website in the Member only document section that can be customized to your needs.
 

No prize for Gary Parker, Dave Martindale or Karen Redman as they vied for their share of $401.

 

Peter Gray introduced Josh Shea from the City of Kitchener.  Peter has worked closely with Josh over the last few years with respect to the trail cleanup and the tree planting, as well as with his Groundwater Festival, when Josh has agreed to serve on the local organizing committee.

 

Josh is a U of W grad, and is coordinator of the City of Kitchener's Natural Areas Project.  This group is responsible for planning and implementation of programs for Kitchener's trails, forests and parklands.

 

For example, the Rotary Club of Kitchener, through this department is responsible for cleaning part of the Dom Cardillo Trail, as well it was involved with classes of school children in planting trees in Huron Park. The department coordinates these volunteers, as well a providing required resources (bags, gloves, bag pickup, trees, tools etc.)

 

Another example of their work is to ensure that various species do not become extinct in the region or that we do not become infested with "exotic" (foreign) species.  One example is the Blanding Turtle, where they tag and observe the species.  In other cases, plants are introduced to the areas.  In some cases the undesirable plants are destroyed and replaced with other species.

 

Kitchener has also become a "bee friendly" community where patches of certain flower species are planted to assist the bees.

 

In Lakeside Park, turtles have come from the pond to the recreation area to lay their eggs.  This recreation area will be redeveloped, and new areas are being developed and the turtles are starting to lay their eggs there.  Volunteers have assisted in the development of these areas, and also report when the eggs begin to hatch.

 

The city has numerous developed trails, but residents have developed their own short-cut trails.  Where appropriate, these short-cut trails are being closed, with funding used to further develop the desired trails.

 

The city can always use additional volunteers (individuals, families or groups), who have a desire to get out of doors, contribute to the community and to learn more about nature.

Closing Remarks & Reminders