Happy Jar
It was a sad day at Rotary today as no one had any happy news to report.
Bell Ringer(s)
President Richard thanked the Meeting and membership Support Committee for all of their ongoing efforts and made them the Bell Ringers this week.
President's Wine Quiz
Question: In what city was our exchange student Jess born?
Answer: Auckland
Club Announcements
President Richard let members know that our investment in Rotary Local Lager is continuing to reap benefits. More clubs are now promoting it and out of the 30 clubs involved we (shared we Barrie) hold the honour for the highest sales from May to October. We will be receiving another cheque for over $400 soon.
President Richard let the club know that we received a Christmas card from Conrad Grebel University College.
50/50 Draw
No one got a Christmas present from the 50/50 draw today, which would have been 1/2 of $336. Mary Rielly, Mike Pollard and Carl Zehr, along with everyone else, will have to keep trying in the new year.
Program Highlights
Today our guest speaker was our very own exchange student Jess Moat, with her "My Year in Canada" presentation. She had many pictures showing the great array of people she met, activities undertaken and new experiences enjoyed.
Here are some of her highlights.
Her first significant memory is seeing snow for the first time and plunging her hands into it not realizing just how cold it was. Her snow and winter experiences also included skating, curling, making a snowman, tubing, dog sledding, cross country skiing, and shoveling. Not to mention her sleeping outside in a snow hut in February at Camp Wanakita.
Jess spoke fondly and appreciatively of her host families - the Websters, the Varneys in Paris, the Melansons, the Riellys and finally the Durdans. She got to check off many items from her Canada Wish List thanks to her hosts, many of which related to times spent at various cottages. A trip to New York City and Texas was a real highlight.
Rotary club and Exchange Group activities included planting trees, experiencing Halloween Canada style in Bolton, and marching as a Christmas present in the Burlington Santa Claus Parade. Two other significant highlights though were carrying the New Zealand flag in the Flag Ceremony at the RI Convention in Toronto and participating in the East Coast Trip with other exchange students.
Her time at KCI was enjoyed greatly and has fond memories of Prom night, Outdoor Education Trip, Limelight and a Movie night she organized as part of her Leadership class.
Other highlights for Jess included - a two trip to Toronto, carving pumpkins for the first time, cutting down a Christmas Tree and decorating it, painting Easter Eggs, visiting a Sugar Shack in Quebec and being in Ottawa for Canada Day!
Jess extended deep and sincere thanks to all of the Club members for the fantastic time she has had. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Closing Remarks & Reminders
Members were reminded to contact Cheryl if they are available and interested in helping out at city hall on New Year's eve with the selling of hot chocolate.
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