Rotary Rays – Monday May 1, 2017
 
Meeting was chaired by President Bruce Cunningham.
 
Invocation – Don Fulkerson
 
Guest speakers – John/Lorna Lawrence from the Chatham Sunrise Rotary Club
 
Lorna spoke briefly about the history of our Woodstock Club and shared some old Rotary Rays from the past highlighting her Grandfather who received an award for 25years of perfect attendance in the 1950’s.
 
John grew up on a Dairy Farm north of Embro and was speaking to us about the topic of Clean Water for Living.
Clean Water is an important resource that we often take for granted.
Rotary does great work in Third World countries but we often neglect the fresh water that inhabits our own country. The Great Lake are at a tremendous risk with Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Micro Plastic pollutants.
Large algae blooms in Lake Erie are the result of chemical run offs from farm land and residential fertilizers.
Everyone needs to do a little bit to make a big difference and ensure we leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren that includes clean water.
Visit their website at www.cleanwaterforliving.com for more details on these programs.
 
50/50 Winner was President Bruce Cunningham and he pulled the 6 of Spades and donated the $6 back to the club.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries – Don Fulkerson has birthday coming up this week. Going to Bluejays game.
 
Other Announcements – Rotary Foundation approved funding request for $4800 to cover emergency dental procedure for Syrian refugee mother.
Also John Currie received his 2nd Paul Harris Fellow pin. John’s wife is dealing with medical issues that require John to stay close to home so he will not be able to attend many meetings in future but will remain on as Chair of Foundation.
 
Happy Bucks – Graham Hart delivered dictionaries to grade 3 students in Oxford county. He was assisted by Mary Holmes when he visited the Catholic schools. Bruce Burbank wanted to extend a big THANKs to Frances Stevens for her work on the Music Festival. We received a thank you card from one of the music teachers for a well run event. Rick Shaheen is happy that daughter Jessica has finished her post secondary education. Don Fulkerson’s son has also completed his schooling. Festival of the Stars event is Wednesday May 3rd at Maranatha Church. More help is needed for this event. Sign up sheets are circulating for Dragonboat Fun League which begins May 8th, and Meals on Wheels which runs May 23rd to 26th. Docks will be put back into Pittock on Friday night May 5th  at 5:30pm for those who can assist.