This weeks meeting was at Marrotos since Jovi’s was unavailable. The table was manned by Past President Paul Chisholm and Ron Levea , and Chuck Patterson was the writer of the Ken. The Meeting opened at 12.45 pm but since no gong was present Jim just announced it. We also skipped the patriotic song and pledge since we had no flag. Jim Austin, our new President was the master of Ceremonies Next Chuck Patterson gave the weekly prayer, and then Ron Levea introduced Dave Evens from Central Niagara Rotary and Donna who was Bob Werners driver, we had on other visitors.
Next was announcements, a thank you to Larry Coon for bringing all the kids to help at Cradle Beach Day. The Moon Dance boat ride on August 30th was promoted, cost $20/person, pay at the boat. Shred-It was promted - date was moved then moved back - to be discussed at a meeting after the Rotary meeting. Last everyone was reminded that Friday December 9th is the Christmas party.
Next was the split club and our visiting Rotarian was the winner winning $13 and then had the honor of drawing for the Ace of Spades but unfortunately he drew a 7 of hearts.
Finally we got to the fine master who was Paul Chisholm. I was asked to bring up a lot of issues Paul could be fined for, but since he was the fine master and I wanted to keep a low profile I didn’t bring them up. Joe Stark was fined for missing Sunshine Day. Everyone was fined for no name tags - which didn’t seem fair since somebody forgot to bring them. Paul though had a lot of other fines he leveed. Brian Ahern for winning a club champinship at Park CC, Tim Glor for attending a 50th reunion, Rick Graham for being lucky at the Casino.
Mike Austin then introduced Bob Werner as our speaker, and he talked about the many places our club had met and what the old days in Kenmore was like. He talked about how we first met at the YWCA in the old Ebert mansion, from there to the Continential Inn, the Royal Knight which became Morgans, then the Philp Sheridan School, the Village Green and finally Jovi’s. He also talked about our first President Frank Morgan, and our piano player Mike Fink and other early club members as Moores, Longs, Werners and Thompsons, where their businesses were and what Kenmore was like at that time. Last he talked about our foundation and how F Paul Norton was instrumental in forming it. The meeting was closed at 1:35 pm.
Mike started the meeting a little early today. We gave our pledge. Gary rushed the podium to give his invocation and convinced Mike not to do a song today. Gary gave the invocation off his iPhone. Pat interrupted somewhere through all this.
Ron introduced our only guest, Dr. Werner, who doesn’t want to be introduced as a guest.
Mike mentioned there will be a meeting Monday 8/15 even though Sunshine Day is Wednesday. Mike thanked everyone for attending the Presidents Party and especially Brian and Pat Ahern for hosting. Mike also reminded us to bring clothing for Ken Ton Closets to the meeting or to drop off at Elmlawn. Holly reminded us to sign up for Sunshine Day activities 8/17. A signup sheet was sent around the room. If you haven’t been to a meeting lately and want to join us for lunch, let Chuck Patterson know so he can have enough food. Set up is at 11:00. Chiavetta’s BBQ will be 12:00 – 2:00 and the games are 2:00 - 4:00. There will be a dunk tank, new games and they are working on getting the horses back.
Tom Lang announced that he booked the Moon dance for August 30 at 2:00. $20.00 / person and includes food. Not sure about drinks. Stay tuned. And Scott said he will have the first Shred It meeting after our meeting 8/15. Shred It is 10/1 this year.
Tom Lang filled in for Mike Hettler at the last minute as fine master. Mike Hettler was the first fine. Mike Austin confessed to playing in a 3 day invitation at Park Club. He and John Coogan came in last where Gary Roberts and Jim Logan were runners up for first. Gary paid Mike $40 for deserts. Tom fined me for a Ken article (?) and Pat for being Pat. Tom asked each of us to share a story, joke or pay a fine. Dr. Werner schooled me on how to tell a joke. However, mine was kind of funny. We made good fine money overall.
Rene won the split club and Michaelene picked her own number and missed on the Ace of Spades.
President Mike introduced Mike Wiener, President and CEO of the United Way. Mike joined the United Way in 2009. Mike holds Master degrees in Business Administration and Rehabilitation Counseling. The United Way is responsible for fundraising and the allocation of over $15 million dollars annually. These resources are utilized to address local health and human service priority indicators; encompassing income, Education, and Health/Wellness. This was a very informative meeting.
My store faces west. All day I have been squinting in the hot sun. Draining me of all my energy. Now, instead of plunging in Lake Erie to resurrect my spirits, I had to pull myself together to get to the Rotary BBQ. On my way I wondered how we are all going to park on North Forest. Thinking this was going to be a nightmare. As you probably can tell by my tone, I was spent. Well, as I approached Pat and Brian’s house, facing east so my eyes suddenly adjusted to normality, I drove into a Bohemian wonderland. Intertwined in the woods, was a long wide driveway that accommodated everyone. I went into the front door, still facing east, I was greeted by cool artwork displayed in an opened sprawl of Fen schwa. My spirits were rising. I grabbed a coke, said hello to several friends and proceeded to the back yard. It just got better. My blood pressure lowered. I was back.
We had a good turnout. We mingled, snacked and got reacquainted. Seven o’clock food was served. Smoked ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, coleslaw and a funky corn bread with real corn and pine nuts. Gretchen, you met you match. Afterwards, we gave our Pledge and John gave an inspiring invocation. Paul thanked his board and commended them on their stellar performance. A standing ovation was given. Chuck Patterson swore in the new board. Mike took the gavel and also thanked the new board. He thanked Paul for all that Paul did throughout his duel term. So many new, active members, great programs and over $68,000 donated to various organizations in the Town. Several gifts exchanged. Paul took back the floor to recognize another outstanding Rotarian. Our newest Paul Harris award goes to Chuck Patterson.
Coffee and deserts were served pool side as the temperature cooled down and the sun was setting. We divvied up the leftover food. Needless to say, I was very popular when I got home. Thank you to the Ahern’s for hosting and this committee for another great event.
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