REPORTS

 

Rama Murthi - articles published in the London Free Press were distributed by Rama.  These articles focused on the future of service clubs and the need for club to be progressive and aggressive in their efforts to recruit, especially younger members.  If this doesn't succeed, clubs could be in a precarious position of not being able to survive.  It appears that our club's challenges are being experienced throughout the whole service club environment. 

 

Mike Sheehan will contact the local newspaper to see if they would be interested in doing a similar article on service clubs in the area.  This may help raise awareness.

 

Eric Tremblay - Fish Fry:  The date has been confirmed for April 28, 2006.  The committee will be holding a brief meeting after the general assembly.  Things are well underway.  Other information will be forthcoming.  Tickets and posters will be made available very shortly.

 

Coral Sheehan - Fish Fry Silent Auction:  Coral reported that last year the silent auction generated slight over $5,000 and the live wine auction generated $850.  The club agreed that we should do the live auction again this year.  Coral will discuss with Peter Stam.  A total of 100 items were offered last year and it was agreed that this is a good amount of items to target for this year.  Minimum value of $25.00 again this year.  Coral again requested that items be sent in at least two days prior to the fish fry to assist with organizing and inventory.  Steve Halyk will arrange for an interact machine.  Coral and Mike will make the arrangements for the phone line.

 

Coral Sheehan - Meeting Calendar: 

January 17^th meeting - Rama will be filling in for Peter Stam. 

January 24^th meeting - Since there will be four members away for this meeting it was agreed that arrangements for a visit to the Tavistock Club on their January 22^nd meeting.  John Garton will make arrangements.  Eric will reschedule Bob McFarland on February 21^st and will let Coral know.  She will update the calendar.

February 14^th meeting - Since this is Valentine's day the club members agreed that instead of the regular meeting, arrangements will be made for dinner at Craigowan for any members who are interested.  Coral will follow up and email club members with info.

 

Mike Sheehan - Bingo:

Mike reported that Bingo's are going well.  Since May 2006 to date a total of $4774.37 has been deposited into the Bingo account.  Currently the Bingo balance is $5456.89.

 

Paul Turner - Financials:

Paul provided a breakdown of activities in the various accounts.  Current approximate balances are:  Operating ($15,000), Bingo ( $54,56), Raffle ($166), Benefit Trust - Foundation ($3,300).  We have currently fulfilled $36,000 of our $50,000 commitment to the Woodstock Hospital Foundation.

 

Paul Bradford - Future Projects:

Grade 3 Dictionary Projects - this is a district project, strongly supported as part of Rotary literacy programs.  Every grade 3 student will receive a dictionary.  The project is set for next year and will continue every year.  The 5 clubs in Oxford met to discuss.  We are still waiting to hear from 2 clubs regarding their participation.  Cost to our club (based on number of members) will be approximately $500.00.  A minimum order of 10,000 will provide our club name and logo printed right on the cover.

 

Texas Hold'em Tournament- another fundraising project that would be a joint effort amongst all 5 clubs in Oxford.  Further discussion is required, but this event has the possibility of raising $15,000.  Mississauga is holding their tournament on February 24^th.  Will keep the club informed.

 

Golf Tournament - the executive felt that the club already had enough projects on their plate and so the golf tournament should be a club social event.  Keith Sherman agreed to make arrangements.

 

Thames River Nature Trails - this is a follow up from the presentation made by Bill Bes last week.  Should our club wish support the Friend of Pittock's efforts, we could do this through trail maintenance and possible fundraising assistance with new trail development.  The members present discussed our interest in assisting with this project and felt that due to the low attendance at the meeting it would be more appropriate to present a notice of motion for discussion at next weeks meeting.

 

NOTICE OF MOTION - "That the Woodstock Oxford Rotary Club support, in principle, the concept of assisting the Friends of Pittock with their project if they receive appropriate lands designation they are seeking."

 

OTHER ITEMS:

 

Paul Turner touched on the lack of consistent and suitable attendance at meetings and the fact that this costs the club money on a weekly basis.  He questioned whether there is a strong enough will of the members to see this club succeed.  We need to work to encourage better attendance, get behind and support the survival of our club.

 

Steve Halyk reported that the exchange student will be here before the end of January.  She is coming from a small area around Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.  She will be spending her first four months with the Halyk's.  Her name is Flor.

 

There being not further business the General Assembly adjourned at 8:15 pm.

 

Recording Secretary - Coral Sheehan