Rotary Rays July 30th, 2012
The weather co-operated and 23 Rotarians and friends enjoyed a picnic at the Dragon Boat Boathouse.
Rosemary and Don F., dealt with Attendance.
PresidentMelissa called us to order with the singing of O Canada, a virtual toast to Queen and Country, and a few words of instruction re how the agenda would run.
Fred gave the Invocation.
Visitors, Savannah Fraser, daughter of Ron, and John Britton, longtime friend of the Club, were welcomed. They then led the line out to collect delicious hotdogs and sausages, drinks, and condiments cooked by the Hotdog Man right outside the Boat House door.
While we were eating, Justin, chair of this year's Dragon Boat festival, addressed us all. First he thanked the whole Dragon boat Co., who have worked hard since January to get this year's show ready to go. He thanked the sponsors,
many of whom are Rotarians, and the volunteers. In this, our largest fundraiser of the year, all members are urged to do their part in helping. Volunteers are needed Tues.7th. thro' Sat.11th. Check the work roster on line if you have not yet signed up.If you have ablebodied family members or friends who can help, please add them to the roster. If you are totally unable to help that week, let Justin know. (The excuse better be good!!!)
Don.S. was thanked for his work in adding new sponsors this year.Team registrations and sponsorships are the source of our profit. last year we made approx. $24,000. This is the money we use to serve our community both locally and world-wide.
Justin addressed problems with parking for volunteers and for the handicapped. He answered questions about information shared with teams coming in. they are made aware of camping opportunities at Pittock and of the special bed and board package offered to teams by the Quality Inn.
Justin was excused to attend a business meeting.
Melissa mentioned birthdays this week for Tino nd for Chris C. Gary's wedding anniversary was remembered.
An item of correspondence from Owen Budden offered free kyak lessons on the Grand River sometime this summer. These lessons had been part of a deal when Owen bought a kyak prior to moving to Winnipeg last month. Since he can not use them he offered them to the Club. They must be used this summer. Melissa wants all interested Rotarians to e mail her. She will put their names in a hat and draw for the lessons.
David Harris, who will chair the Dragon Boat Co. for 1213, informed the Club that we need to clean and refinish our boats after the Festival but before winter.Ron, Graham and Tim volunteered to do this job.
Don S. gave an interesting overview of how we got our 2 boats.He shared how, when Dragon Boating was just becoming known in our area, the Club had learned that they could buy kits and build their own boats for $3,500 each. It was seen as a Club project for fellowship and for the learning of new skills. Rotarians met twice a week in space lent by David Lowes and together worked through all the process of building.Those present who had been part of the venture remembered it with affection.It took them all winter to complete the first Boat by the may 24th. Parade.Several skilled boatbuilders from the community helped the group by sharing their skills as needed. Don described how he had made the pattern for the heads and tails by enlarging photographs of other dragonboats. He also constructed the trailer on which our boats are moved. It was a very interesting historical vignette.
Savannah Fraser graciously helped collect and recycle the remains of the feast.
President Melissa ajourned the meeting, reminding us that we next meet at the Festival across the Pittock Lake on Aug.11.
Olga McKellar