We has a great meeting and presentation by local best selling author, Elaine Cougler with an interesting topic of Behind the Scenes Terry Fox Run.

She has a new book recently published outlining how Thamesford resident Ron Calhoun colaborated with Terry Fox and the Canadian Cancer Society to coordinate this great initiative.  

Elaine Cougler is a local author who has a trilogy series of books on the Loyalists who in her 3rd novel brings in information researched of possible events within Oxford County. She will be speaking to us on her just completed latest book "The Man Behind the Terry Fox Legacy."

For many years our Club coordinated and sponsored the Terry Fox Run in Oxford, so the subject matter was of particular interest. Elaine is an interesting presenter and her presentation was very interesting.

 

Wondering what the Toy Auction and Show is about?.

Come out on August 27 and 28 and see for yourself, the auction part is a charity auction, where people like you, can consign scale farm, truck and construction toys to the auction.

The auction which often features many hard-to-find items. It starts Saturday morning at 9:30 am and is open to everyone. There is no admission fee other
than a small buyer’s premium for purchasers. But buyers actually get a bargain since there is no sales tax charged. That is because it is a charity event sponsored
by the Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford. The Rotary Club uses the commission and buyer's premium for their humanitarian projects.

If you happen to have any farm toys or memorabilia that you’re thinking of parting with, this is a great place to do it.

Just contact Peter Stam at 519-532-2181 or peter@mankar.ca to consign your items.

For more information, click on MORE...

 

Our Rotary meeting on October 22^nd will be at the International Festival of Authors at Knox Presbyterian Church. Details:

The International Festival of Authors Returns

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 7:00 pm

Tickets $15.00

IFOA Ontario will visit Woodstock to present an evening of author readings, followed by a lively question and answer segment and discussion.

Don't miss this literary evening in the spacious sanctuary of Knox Presbyterian Church. The event will be followed by a reception in the Library, featuring local foods and wine, where you will have the opportunity to experience our vibrant local culture and meet and talk with the authors.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved at the Library or at Merrifield Book Shop,

About the Visiting Authors

Lois Leveen (United States) is a novelist, poet, educator and historian. Her work has appeared in numerous literary and scholarly journals such as the New York Times, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, Bitch magazine, The Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic and on NPR. Leveen gives talks about writing and history at universities, museums and libraries around the United States. Leveen presents Juliet's Nurse, a reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet from the perspective of the nurse.

Helen Humphreys (Canada) is the award-winning, bestselling author of four books of poetry, six novels and two works of creative non-fiction. She is the recipient of a City of Toronto Book Award, the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, the Canadian Authors Association Award for Poetry and is a finalist for the 2014 Trillium Book Award. She was awarded the Harbourfront Festival Prize for literary excellence in 2009. Humphreys presents her haunting memoir, Nocturne, an intimate self-examination and exploration of her grief after the sudden death of her younger brother, Martin.

 

Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer (Canada) is the author of the novels Perfecting and The Nettle Spinner, as well as the story collection Way Up, which won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award. She is also an award-winning instructor with the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. Her short fiction has been published in Granta, The Walrus, NumeroCinq, Joyland and Storyville. Kuitenbrouwer presents All the Broken Things, a spellbinding novel of exceptional heart and imagination about the ties that bind us to each other.

We hope to see you on Wednesday!

 

Gary Baumbach is the Chief Executive Officer at the Woodstock Library and he will tell us this evening:  What's going on at the library. This will be an interesting evening for everybody living in and around Woodstock. The library has so much to offer! Please feel welcome to come and listen. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

October 1 we welcomed Connie Lauder as our speaker. The title of her presentation is: Why Woodstock is important to me. She spoke not so much as a past member of city council but why she cares so much about Woodstock.

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen

 

Over the next few minutes I would like to enlighten you on why I am so passionate about my community we all call Woodstock. Sit back while I tell you why I like to brag about this great City.

 

 

The Global Literacy Team has been able to secure funding for 2 more containers that will be loaded on Saturday October 4^th.  This will require a few more volunteers than usual.  We will be loading 2 containers side by side with furniture and books from pallets.  We need a crew inside each container, and a crew that brings goods to the container.  Taking this approach will make everything more efficient with less start/stops.

 

Location:  Hensall Co-op, Exeter at the old cannery at the corner of Wellington St and Marlborough.

Time: Beginning at 8:30 am, planned completion 4:30 pm

AM Shift: 8:30-12:30

PM Shift: 12:30-4:30 shift

Full Shift: 8:30-4:30

We are also in need of 10 volunteers for Friday October 3^rd to do some furniture disassembly.  This work will begin at 8:30 am.  Please bring along some screw drivers, sockets for your use.

If you can help on one or both days, please reply and indicate which days and whether you plan to help for the full day, AM or PM shifts so we can plan accordingly.

Sincerely,

 

Paul Wilson

Rotary Club of Grand Bend

Club Secretary

P.O.Box 1261

Grand Bend ON N0M1T0

Telephone: 519.521.9411

Email: secretary.gbrotary@gmail.com

Website: www.grandbendrotary.com

 

This week's speaker is Norm Watson and he is a member of the Rotary club of Stoney Creek. This club raffles a Harley Davidson heritage-softail-classic.  Tickets are $20 each and there are 3,500 Tickets printed.

Norm will explain about this fundraiser and how we can become part of it. For more information visit: http://www.harleydavidsonraffle.ca/

Everybody feel free to come out this coming Wednesday. The meeting will start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

Sep 19, 2014 4:00 PM – Sep 21, 2014 11:30 AM

Delta Hotel & Conference Centre 50 Stone Road, West Guelph, ON  N1G 0A9 Canada

- See more at:

http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50042/Event/0a22a82f-3041-4175-9596-30280bcac024

 

 "Light Up Rotary" is this years Rotary theme and we welcome our District Governor, Patsy Marshall, to inform us of her plans for the coming year at the District and International  level. Patsy is a warm person and engaging speaker. All members are encouraged to bring their spouse and/or a friend of Rotary. For people that are interested in Rotary this is a great evening to come out.

The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites and costs for a dinner is $ 15.00. We hope to see you on Wednesday.

 

 

 

Tomorrow president Edwin will present his budget for the coming year. All members are encouraged to attend to take part and support the budget discussion. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00. Guests are welcome to come out.

The city of Woodstock is going under road construction on Juliana Drive located in front of Bruin Blvd  to Norwich Avenue; beginning at  7am on September 15, 2014. 

This construction can take up to 2 week’s; therefore there shall be alternate routes for entry and exit for our guests and employees.  Below are the directions we need to adhere too;

  1.     Entry and exit for Cars only shall utilize from Norwich Avenue must enter and exit the Wendy’s and Tim Horton’s entrance and travel through to Bruin Blvd to come to the Hotel.

 2.     Entry and exit will also be available when traveling east on Julianna drive and enter on Bruin Blvd to come to the hotel. Cars can also utilize this entrance/exit; transport trucks can only utilize this entrance during this road construction.  

 

This week we will have our first meeting back at the Quality Hotels and Suites again. Our president Edwin has a lot of great ideas and he and his Board of Directors are excited to start the new season. This week our first speaker will be Rachel Martin, Secretary of Fundraising committee for Eastdale Public School. We welcome everybody to come out to our first meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites.

Costs for a meal is $ 15.00  To avoid making a voluntary donation to the Sgt. at arms bring your favourite sunglasses!  

This week there will be no meeting because we participated with the Dragon Boat race this past weekend. Our team, the Woodstock-Oxford Wreckless Rowers got first price in our league. After a rough start in the first race we won the second and third race. It was again a fun day and we would like to say a big thank you to Lisa (and Chris) Dennis for organizing this year's team. Also a big thank you to Jeff for being patient with us and an awesome coach.

Also a big thank you to Leigh and Alma and Frances for supporting the team.

 

Tomorrow evening our meeting will be organized by Kevin Clarke and Chris Dennis. The meeting is at 644 Hummingbird Cr in Woodstock. If you would like to join us for this meeting please contact Kevin: kevinjclarke55@gmail.com or Chris Dennis: chris.dennis@sudsjiffy.com.

The meeting will start at 6.30 pm.

This week we will have our meeting and dinner at Banana Leaf restaurant. 'Come on in and indulge your senses with the many tastes of Thailand.  From sweet to spicy and every spectrum in between'. This is how Banana Leaf Restaurant invites its guests.

Everybody is welcome to come out to this meeting. As usual the meeting will start at 6.30 pm at 369 Dundas Street in Woodstock. We hope to see you on Wednesday.

This week our speaker is Ron Fraser, past police chief of the city of Woodstock and current counsiler of Woodstock. Ron is the president this year of Woodstock Rotary. Ron is a very engaging speaker and he is open for questions about everything that is going on in Woodstock. Everybody is welcome to come out. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

The five Rotary Clubs in Oxford County present bursary awards to graduating students from each of eight secondary schools. One male and female student from each high school in Oxford County are awarded for their contribution to their school and community.

This year's Rotary Medals awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 6:30 pm at a banquet at the Quality Hotel and Suites, Bruin Blvd., Woodstock.

Elaine Cougler is a Woodstock writer and resident who has turned a former teaching career into one of writing. Her novel of historical fiction, The Loyalist’s Wife was published in June last year. It’s publication is timely for it represents a fresh look at the American Revolution from the point of view of those loyal to the King. When American colonists resort to war against Britain and her colonial attitudes, a young couple caught in the crossfire must find a way to survive in the wilds of New York State.

The author herself is a descendent of Loyalist settlers. With vivid scenes of desperation, heroism and personal angst, Elaine Cougler takes us back to the beginnings of one great country and the planting of Loyalist seed for another.

Terry Fallis, Stephen Leacock medal winner and author of The Best Laid Plans had this to say: “Elaine Cougler has written a page-turning novel of the American Revolution through eyes of a conflicted loyalist soldier and his indomitable wife. You’ll feel the hardship of homesteading, the fear of the enemy, the blows of battle and the pain of separation. You’ll be transported through history. This is not just a novel written about another times, it seems written in another time.”

We are very pleased that Elaine will speak to us. Guests are welcome to come out. Our meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

Rachel has been our outbound exchange student to Brazil. This evening she will share with us her experience over there and how the Rotary exchange program influenced her life. This will be a fun, interesting evening for everybody. If you or one of your children is interested in the Rotary exchange program then this will be a great evening to attend. The meeting will start at 6.30 pm with supper at the Quality Hotels and Suites.

Jackie is the membership District representative for District 7080. She is also a member of the Ingersoll Rotary Club. This evening she will explain the core focus points for the District membership committee. This is a great meeting for everybody to get new ideas what Rotary can do in your life. Everybody is welcome to the Quality Hotels and Suites. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm.

 

Meredith Maywood is the Tourism Specialist here in Oxford County.  Maywood’s formal education in tourism and geography is augmented by past experience in tourism, marketing and economic development at two other municipalities, a conservation authority, and a private sector business in the food and wine industry. This evening Meredith will be talking about the Tourism Industry in Oxford County including its successes, potential and direction.

This week is scheduled for a Club Assembly. President Kevin and incoming president Edwin are encouraging all members to be there and speak up about anything they would like to discuss about our Club activities. If preferred members can email topics they would like on the agenda to Kevin.

There will be a brainstorm session for new fundraising ideas and what will be our fundraising efforts for the next Rotary year. The members make the Club so in order to make a strategy for the new year it is good to have input from the members.

The meeting will start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites.

This week's meeting we will have an evening of fun. This evening we will play euchre. Members are encouraged to bring their spouse. Also friends are welcome. The meeting will start at our regular time at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites.

This week our speaker is one of our chartered members: Jack Bingham. He will share with us what he did during his professional career. Some of his life values and a short reflection as a long time member of the Woodstock-Oxford Rotary club.

Jack is a very engaging speaker and for some of our younger members it will be an opportunity to learn something from Jack. Also friends are very welcome to come out for this meeting. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

 

 - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50042/Event/a2b7bcb5-0f2c-408b-9b54-531dd6750d82#sthash.n0tb2sUL.dpuf

 

The day is almost approaching for the installation of brand new playground equipment at Eastdale Public School. This has been a major fundraising effort for our Rotary club this year. If you would like to help out to finalize this project please confirm a date that would work for you to Kevin Clarke: kevinjclarke55@gmail.com

Saturday May 3 @ 9 am.-? Installing boarder and pea gravel

Saturday May 10 @ 8 am. -? Installing the two playgrounds and putting down mulch.

I just received this in response to our fundraising for Typhoon Haiyan relief, below you can click on the links to see where the matching funds are going.

In this fundraiser initiated by the Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford altogether over $70,000 was raised, we received donations from all over Ontario from individuals and other Rotary Clubs and even some from the USA, although the USA money did not qualify for the matching from our government it still adds in to our fundraising.

Thank you all for your support.

 

Folks,

Sending this out to everyone who provided an email on their THRF declaration forms.

In case you missed this:

http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/04/03/pm-announces-government-contribution-typhoon-haiyan-relief-fund-philippines

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/04/03/typhoon-haiyan-relief-fund

Please pass on to interested parties in your organizations, congregations, etc.

Thank you all for your support.

Bob

This week Rotarian Peter Stam will inform us about his recent mission trip to Cuba. Peter and his wife Edie have organized several mission trips to Cuba over the last 10 years. They have a passion for the people and the country of Cuba. Peter will give us a little update why there is such a need in Cuba. Also he will share what they have done on this recent mission trip. Everybody is welcome to come out to this meeting. If you would like to learn about Cuba and Rotary this will be a great evening  to join us.

Meeting is at the Quality Hotels and Suites and starts at 6.30 pm in the Burtch Room. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

On April 9 our speaker will be Jennifer Belleth who is the volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society, Oxford County Community Office. She would like to share their mission information about who they are and their impact in Oxford County. Also one of the Youth Students from Youth Troop will share with us why she wears a Daffodil. April is Daffodil Month for the Canadian Cancer Society. Everybody is welcome to come out and learn more about this great organization.

This week our newest member Edwin van Weerdhuizen will give his vocational speech. That means he will share with us what he does for a living. Most likely he will share some of his personal background too. It is a nice way to learn a little more about each other. If you are not a member of Rotary you are most welcome to come out to our meeting. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

Our own PDG Doug Vincent will share the purpose and background of our Rotary logo. How was it developed and what does it mean?  

Why is it important and what was the process for the recent review and revised Rotary brand recently announced by Rotary International? 
 
What are implications of us having an annual Presidential theme and logo? 
 
Doug will discuss and review the importance and impact of all this to our club. 
 
Be sure to attend and learn more about what our RI leaders and staff have been doing to enhance Rotary awareness on our behalf. 

This week there is no regular meeting at the Quality Hotels and Suites. We will go and see: 'I was a Greenhouse' directed by Adrian Konstant. He has spoken to our Club earlier in the year. The movie will start at 6.30 pm. at the Twin Princess Cinema, 46 King Street North in Waterloo.

We will meet at 5.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites and I try to set up a carpool. Please let me know if you are planning to come: duizer@silomail.com. This way transportation and ticket sales can be arranged. The costs for a ticket is $ 12.00.

Since Monday February 24 the Rotary promotion 'You are the missing piece' is on CTV. Everybody is encouraged to share this message through social media. You can find the clip on: www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/story/StoryDetail.aspx?accountid=50042&sid=22731&stid=District.

Add a photo of yourself engaged in a Club activity and share this with your friends.

"All But Not and Facets"

Power of HOPE Community Organization is a registered not-for-profit organization that helps families in the communities of Wellington County, Kitchener/Waterloo Region, Perth County.

Karen Geerts will speak to us this evening. She is the Director for Woodstock and surrounding area Oxford County.
Power of HOPE provides essential items such as pajamas, toiletries, towels, hats, mitts, socks, slippers and soft toys to families in need, including children and women in crisis as well as men, women and children with little or no family income.  Through the generosity of friends, families, local businesses and fundraising events, HOPE was able to collect 2,000 stuffed toys and 585 pairs of pajamas in 2011. 

Power of HOPE Community Organization's mission is to provide support with compassion and integrity to families in need throughout the local community’s .What they raise in a local area stays in that local area.

Please feel free to come out and listen to Karen as she will have a good presentation. Our meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

www.powerofhopeontario.ca

 

This Wednesday evening our Club will Bowl for Kids Sake with Big Brothers and Big sisters. We do not meet at the Quality Hotels and Suites. If you would like to join our team please contact me: kevinjclarke55@gmail.com. This is a great event with a lot of community groups participating. We will bowl from 6.30 pm until 8.00 pm. Feel free to come out to support this great cause.

If you would like to make a donation please click on the following link: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1092274&supId=376089605

Thank you

Hi folks: 

We thought this would be a great opportunity to get together on Valentine’s Day. 

Deluxe Buffet with Chocolate Fountain + Music, Games, Fun & Entertainment. 
 
Where else can you go at this price for a nice evening, including food & entertainment.

Quality Inn, Woodstock, ON (Hwy 401 exit 232N) - 6 pm to 11 pm, Friday, February 14th. 
 
Please join us and bring some friends. Advance tickets are $30.

Doug and Grace 
 
 

We are looking for volunteers to sell tickets for the 'Golf gives back Lottery' on Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23 from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. We have divided the day in two time slots from 10 am to 1.30 pm and from 1.30 pm until 5.00 pm. Please contact President Kevin when you can help out with this fundraiser: kevinjclarke55@gmail.com;

This week we will watch a Rotary video about membership. It is a very inspiring video. Everybody is welcome to come to the meeting to learn more about Rotary. What it means to be a Rotarian. Our meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

This week the incoming exchange student from the Woodstock Rotary Club, Maria Verona speaks to our Club. She comes from Finland and will share with us her exchange experience so far. Everybody is welcome to attend. If you know of somebody that would be interested in youth exchange please bring them out. This evening we can hear first hand what the exchange experience is all about.

Meeting starts at 6.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites and costs for dinner is $ 15.00

SCREENINGS:
Monday, March 3rd 2014 - 6pm
Tuesday, March 4th 2014 - 6pm
Wednesday, March 5th 2014 - 6pm
Thursday, March 6th 2014 - 6pm (pending ticket sales)

LOCATION:
Princess Twin Cinema
46 King St, North. Waterloo.
...
ITINERARY:
6:00pm - 6:15pm - Thanks to the people involved.
6:15pm - 8:00pm - Screening of film
8:00pm - 8:30pm - Cast and Crew Q & A

 

 

 

The New Year has started and on behalf of the Woodstock-Oxford Rotary club I wish you a great 2014 and I hope you can stay warm with these extreme cold weather. Tomorrow we will have a Club Assembly. There will be committee updates, project updates and questions that can be asked about every aspect in our Club. Everybody is welcome to attend.

The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

This week our speaker is John Utting. He is a banker at CIBC here in Woodstock and he will give a presentation on modern banking. Everybody is welcome to attend the meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00 

Ontario Toy Show and Auction.

The first Ontario Toy Show was originally founded in 1986 by the Vincent family. Since then, it has grown into Canada’s major Farm Toy Collector event, attracting many hobbyists from across Canada, the United States and abroad. It is held annually in Woodstock, Ontario on the weekend prior to Labour Day weekend.

Through the years a reception, dinner and toy auction has been added and the Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford has become involved with the event as a fundraiser for their community service projects.

The weekend regularly attracts dealers and collectors who search for or bring rare and high quality toys to sell or trade.

We are collecting your cheese orders today to raise funds to immunize children against polio!

Cheese is the perfect gift for this Christmas season and our annual cheese fundraiser is off to a great start!  Proceeds support Rotary's PolioPlus Program.  There are still 3 countries remaining for eradication of Polio:  Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. 

Our blocks of cheese and gift boxes are the perfect addition to your Christmas party smorgasbord!  Do you have staff or customers you'd like to show your appreciation to?  Give a gift you know they would enjoy. 

Please submit your orders to Jantine TODAY via email jtstam@hotmail.com or at our Rotary meeting this evening. Thank you!!

This week our own Mr. Doug Vincent will share his knowledge about Rotary with us. A fireside chat is especially done for new members and their family but everybody that wants to know more about Rotary is welcome to come out to the meeting. This will be a very informal evening where you can learn what Rotary is all about. As always the meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

This week Deb Roloson will give us an update on everything that is going on at WDDS (Woodstock and District Developmental Services). Deb is very passionate about her work and we look forward to hear about the progress of new projects at WDDS (Young street and others).

Everybody is welcome to come out at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

This week we have an interesting topic. Our speaker, Harold Offenhammer, will educate us about clean air. A lot of times the air we breathe in our houses or the places where we work is not clean. He will explain to us what is all in the air and how we can improve this. Our Benefit Trust will also have a short annual meeting this week.

Everybody is welcome to attend our meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

This week our speaker is Stephen J. Smith. Stephen will present a slideshow relating to the local military. Stephen is a Military Historian & Researcher. His specialties are the 168th Battalion CEF "Oxfords Own" & Oxford County Military Contributions. He is the Youth and Education Chairman, RCL Branch #55, Woodstock, Ontario.

In this week where we remember those who have fought for the freedom we enjoy today, Stephen is a very fitting speaker. Everybody is welcome to attend our meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

As the central Philippines recovers from Typhoon Haiyan, the death toll continues to rise. It is believed more then 10,000 people have died because of this disaster.

This week we will have our annual meeting. All club business will be discussed. Also we would like to vote on a budget for this coming year. It is very important for all members to come out and vote to support the proposed budget. Also this is your opportunity to give your opinion about all Club business and projects.

Meeting will start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00. Also non-members are welcome.

This coming Saturday we will be loading the last container coming out of the closed Norwich public school on 9 Elgin street in Norwich.

We hope to start at 8.30 AM., stop for lunch and work at it until the loading is finished. If we have enough people, we should be done around 3 PM.

When you are coming to help, (We still hope that more people will sign up)please confirm with me that you are coming so we can keep organized and have enough food there.

We ask that if possible, to bring some tools like screw driver, battery power drill, vicegrip and some wrenches to dismantle some tables etc. You may want to bring a camera if you like to take some pictures.

As you may know, this container will be shipped to South Africa, as a group, we have shipped over 30 container loads to Haiti and South Africa where the supplies are being distributed among about 600 schools in Mpumalanga where many schools have hardly any tables, desks, chairs and books, in this container we also hope to ship 26 pallets of school books donated by the Thames Valley Board of Education because the books are surplus.

Check the blog from July this year and October last year to read a little of where the supplies are going.

 http://middelburgrc.blogspot.ca/2013_07_01_archive.html

Hope to see you on Saturday.

 

Peter Stam

Our speaker this week is Erin Van Weerdhuizen who has been a Rotary exchange student to New Zealand. She will share her experience with us. You are welcome to come out and listen how this experience has enriched her life. Erin is the daughter of Edwin who will become an official member of our Rotary club in this same meeting. The meeting will start at 6.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

This week Edwin Van Weerdhuizen will be installed as a new member of our Club. This is a very exciting event and we congratulate Edwin and welcome him. All family and friends are welcome to witness this event. The meeting will start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

This weeks meeting is extremely interesting for everybody that is involved in agriculture and also for everybody that would like to learn how modern agriculture works in a sustainable way to preserve our environment.

Our speaker, Matt Wilson, is the Nutrient Management Program Lead for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs. He works out of the Guelph head office and is responsible for the overall administration of the Ontario Nutrient Management Program. He will explain to us what this program is trying to accomplish. Of course he is an expert in everything involved in Nutrient Management Programs.

Everybody is welcome to come out at 6.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is 15.00.

 

This week Mr. Mike Gauthier will speak to our Club. He is the District Governor of our District 7080 for this Rotary year. If you want to know more about Rotary this is a great meeting to attend. Everybody is welcome. All Rotarians are encouraged to bring their spouse or partner. Friends of our club are encouraged to come out and have a great evening. 

The meeting does start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites and the cost for a meal is $ 15.00. 

This week our speaker is  Hubert Singh. He is the chairman of the District Membership Committee and a very engaging speaker. He will give us tools to help us to attract new members. Every member should try to be at this meeting. Also all friends of our Club are welcome to come out to the meeting. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm.at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is 15.00

One of our Rotarians, Jantine Stam is getting married to Adam Steward on Saturday October 12^th @ 2:30 p.m. at Old Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Woodstock. If you would like to witness this joyful event you are welcome to attend the ceremony.

This week we welcome Steve McInnis from the Canadian Food Grains Bank who is going to show us a presentation of their trip to Rwanda and Kenya. Steve is a member of Knox Presbyterian Church. Learn more about the project he is chairing. Everybody is welcome to come out at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

Preparing for another Container load of school supplies to go to South Africa.

As most of you know, with the combined Rotary Clubs and Friends of Rotary, we have been involved in shipping containers of school supplies to Haiti and South Africa. http://middelburgrc.blogspot.ca/2013_07_01_archive.html

The school supplies are being donated by the Thames Valley and Maitland school boards where schools have been closed and they have no further use for some of the desks, chairs, books etc.

Up to date, there have been over 30 container loads shipped to the above countries where the need is very high as in many schools there, the students have to sit on the floor because they have no desks or chairs. 

The next container will be loaded in Norwich where we have loaded before, but there is more left to be loaded. At the moment, the loading is being planned for the end of October, as soon as we have the finances in place, we can set an exact date.

For each container the cost is around $5,000 and we have commitments of $3,000 this far.

We welcome any Rotary Clubs or Friends of Rotary who want to help us raise the funds, we do issue official tax receipts which you can use as a write off for donations.

We will keep you up to date on the progress.

T

 

his week we will receive an update what is new at the United Way of Oxford, what the goals are for the coming fundraising year etc. Kelly is a very passionate speaker and the United Way of Oxford raises over 1 million dollars every year. This money is going to several agencies in Oxford County.

Everybody is welcome to come out. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Cost for a meal is $ 15.00

This week at Rotary we will see and hear a presentation about a program running at St. Mary's High School called "GST" which stands for the Good Samaritan Team.

Sandra Standish, teacher, coach, Student Council Advisor and PHE/Athletics Department Head co-founded this program in 2007 with her Vice Principal Stan Verschoore. The program is now entering its 6th year and is largely student run.

The program works to combat bullying behaviours that take place in our schools and to promote building and maintaining harmonious, supportive, inclusive relationships with others. Some of the school-wide mottos and slogans the school has worked with in the past include:  "One Person Can Make a Difference, but Together We Are Powerful!", "Love & Lead Out Loud", "StandUp 2 Bullying: If You See It, You Can Stop It!".

Sandra still oversees GST at St Mary's HS and has appeared this past year on Rogers TV "What's Happening in Woodstock". She was also asked to run a workshop at last year's annual  "When Faith Meets Pedagogy" conference in Toronto where over 2,000 Catholic teachers across the province come together to learn and grow as educators to better meet the needs of our children. The workshop spurred other teachers to start a program to promote a sense of belonging for all students and staff in their schools.

We look forward to learning more about this successful, engaging program. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

The budget presentation that was scheduled for this week has been cancelled. This will be done later this year. Instead there will be a video presentation of the Rotary Convention. Everybody is welcome to join us for supper at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

Welcome back to our first meeting of this new Rotary Year in the Quality Hotels and Suites. Everybody is welcome at 6.30 pm. Costs for a meal is still the same at $ 15.00. This evening we will have a short update from representatives of Eastdale Public School about their playground equipment. Also Mr. Ray Taylor will give an update about the upcoming District Conference.

Don't miss out. There is only one first meeting of the year !

This week our summer meeting will be hosted by Peter and Truus Van Wees. Please RSVP soon and call: 519-458-4343.

Their address is 687013 Highway#2 in Princeton.

Saturday August 10, 2013 we participated again with our team, the Reckless Rowers, during the Dragon Boat races at Pittock. The Woodstock Rotary Club did an awesome job organizing this event. It is a true community event that brings people together. The weather was fabulous and the pressure was up because our team won a gold medal in our category last year.

After a shaky first race the Reckless Rowers managed to win Gold again and our winning time was close to a second faster than last year. Thank you for all who participated in making this a fun day.

This week our summer meeting will be hosted by Leigh and Alma Yates. Please RSVP soon to: lyates@execulink.com.

Their address is 519 Crestwood Court in Woodstock. We hope to see you all.

Polio Eradication End Game strategy update:

The Gates Foundation will match two-to-one, up to US$35 million per year, for every dollar Rotary commits to reduce the funding shortfall for polio eradication through 2018,” said Jeff Raikes, the foundation’s chief executive officer, in a prerecorded video address shown during the plenary session on 25 June. “If fully realized, the value of this new partnership with Rotary is more than $500 million. In this way, your contributions to polio will work twice as hard.

Every $1.00 anyone gives through the Rotary Foundation will become $3.00 and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation.

The Rotary Foundation is not just for Rotarians, many persons that are not member of Rotary, but want to support Rotary's projects are donating to the Rotary foundation. The Rotary Foundation has a 92% efficiency in fundraising and listed as #48 on the list of best Foundations to give to on the Forbes List of best charities.

Give the world hope, INVEST in The Rotary Foundation. www.trfcanada.org / www.rotary.org/ 

For more information, contact us.

This past Rotary Year our Club participated in a project that is helping Children with Cerebral Palsy in Hermosillo, Mexico to learn motoring and other skills so they may be able to get meaningful work.

You can see some results of what the assistance from our Rotary Clubs in Oxford County and Mexico can do for children in need.

Please click on the link below or copy and paste into your browser.

http://youtu.be/Y2nkAzC0R8E 

The link below is from the Rotary Club Mileno in Hermosillo of what they have done this past year.

http://youtu.be/kUC5fXEIQPY

This week Wim and Caren Duizer will host the meeting. Everybody is welcome to come out. If you want you can bring your swimming gear to use the pool and if people are interested they can have a little farm tour.

Please RSVP to Wim: duizer@silomail.com

The address is 774481 Oxford Road#14 in Woodstock (usually it is under Norwich if you use a GPS device) 

Directions:

1. When you leave Woodstock at the Toyota plant go east on Dundas St.
2. Continue onto Hwy 2
3. Slight right onto Hwy 53 (signs for ON-403 E/​Brantford/​Hamilton)
4. Turn right onto Towerline Rd/​County Rd 15 (signs for County Road 15/​Towerline Road)
5. Turn left onto County Rd 14 Destination will be on the right, directly after Firehall Road

 

 

This week our summer meeting will be hosted by Jantine and Adam. Their address is 853 Sloane Street. Across from the portables of Roch Carrier School. Their Lane fits 5 cars and the rest can park at the school. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm. Please RSVP if you are planning to come out to: jtstam@hotmail.com

Directions: From Clarke Street turn west onto Sloane. They are up the hill on the right.

This weeks first summer meeting will be at Kevin, Christal and Max. If you are planning to attend please confirm with Kevin: kevinjclarke55@gmail.com

We would like to invite all Friends of Rotary to come out this evening to witness our current President Peter Stam handing over the gavel to incoming President Kevin Clarke. Peter has put in great effort in his second term as President of our Club and it is nice to celebrate this evening with each other and have a good time. Peter will evaluate the past year and Kevin will slightly touch his plans for the upcoming year. Above all this evening is to have a good time. Spouses and friends are all welcome.

So feel free to join us for dinner at 6.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for dinner is 15.00.

 

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians and friends to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

As Rotarians, we are encouraged to donate yearly to this Foundation where we also receive a tax receipt for the donations anyone makes.

It are not only Rotarians that donate to this Foundation, there are many friends of Rotary donating to this great cause.

Yearly, people donate to this Foundation approx. $200 million plus and a tax receipt is send out to the person donating.

The Rotary Foundation has a 92% efficiency in fundraising and listed as #48 on the list of best Foundations to give to on the Forbes List of best charities.

If you are ever considering to donate to a Foundation, please check out the website below where you can read more about the different projects.

http://www.rotary.org/en/AboutUs/TheRotaryFoundation/Pages/ridefault.aspx

This year again, the Annual Rotary Fish Fry and Silent Auction was a big success.

There were about 650 people in attendance and many of them see this as a yearly meeting with some good fellowship, a great meal by Knechtel's (fresh perch) and great music by Ferguson Drive and Mister E.

WDDS (Woodstock District Developmental Services)organized the Silent Auction with their volunteers and many great donations which in turn sold well, The silent auction and donations raised over $16,000 thanks to the donors and buyers.

The live auction was another success with a set of tires sponsored by Al's TireCraft , a value of $1,000, a television set sponsored by Leon's of Woodstock, a value of $600.00 and a weekend away in a cottage, a value of over $1,000 sponsored by the owner of the cottage.

The midnight draw, ( it was a little later)2 draws for trips to Las Vegas was what everyone was waiting for, it made some very happy people, have a good trip guys. The trips were sponsored by Pharmasave Woodstock and Pharmasave Ingersoll.

The dance evening finished at 1 PM, looking around at the crowd, everyone had a great evening.

The Fish Fry evening raised over $15,000 for the Rotary Club to be spend on local and International Humanitarian projects.

Between the Rotary Club and WDDS the total money raised was over $31,000

Thank you to all who attended, donated, purchased, sponsored and volunteered, without you, it would not happen and because of you, we can help many people in need.

If ever, you want to know more about Rotary or want to join our club, or just help with some projects once in a while, please feel free to contact us.

 

Peter Stam

 This is a very interesting meeting. Also for Friends of Rotary. We are going to the Oxford Archives at 6:30 pm.

The County of Oxford Archives acquires, preserves, and makes accessible inactive public records created by, for, and about Oxford County.

These records include:

• administrative
• legal
• fiscal
• historical records of the County of Oxford 1850 to the present, and its predecessor, the District of Brock, 1842 to 1849.

The address is:

County of Oxford Archives
Governor’s House, County Square
82 Light Street,  
Woodstock,  ON
N4S 6H1

T: 519-539-9800 x 3918

We will be leaving there around 7:15 pm. and going to Charles Dickens for dinner. Please sign up for dinner with Frances. Email to: francesandsigi@rogers.com

If you would like to get free education in gardening then you are welcome to join us for this evening at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for dinner is $ 15.00.

The five Rotary Clubs in Oxford County present bursary awards to graduating students from each of eight secondary schools. One male and female student from each high school in Oxford County are awarded for their contribution to their school and community.

This year's Rotary Medals awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 6:30 pm at a banquet at the Quality Hotel and Suites, Bruin Blvd., Woodstock. Costs are $25.00. Contact Paul LeRoy of the Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford to book attendance, 519-537-3611 or email pleroy@smithleroy.com.

This past Saturday, June 1, Woodstock-Oxford Rotarians Chris Dennis and Kevin Clarke, participated in this annual fundraiser to raise funds for Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) at the Woodstock Museum Square.  This year’s event, which attracted approximately 100 people to Museum Square, raised about $7,500. All funds go to Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) for the shelter’s sexual assault and abuse counselling program.

Good job Chris and Kevin and a big thank you. 

This evening Rachel Wolfe and Renee Ballard will speak to us about the Eastdale Public School playground.  Eastdale Public School is the only public school in Woodstock without playground equipment.  We'll hear about their initiative to obtain accessible equipment

This evening the topic is not about the YMCA. Our speaker is Barbara Wright from Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (formerly Women's Emergency Centre - Oxford). DASO is committed to ending the cycle of domestic abuse and helping families make the transition to lives free from violence and abuse.

Barbara will promote the 'Walk a Mile in Her shoes' event and share with us what it is all about and what the impact of DASO is in our community. Everybody is welcome to join our meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for dinner is $ 15.00.

If you do like to attend this evening you have to buy a ticket before 10.00 am. on May 29. There are still a few tickets available and they are sold on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Ron Fraser at 519-533-2141.

This evening our speaker is Gordon Britton member of the Rotary club of Grand Bend. The rotary club of Grand Bend leads the container loading project. They coordinate that all usable school supplies from schools that close in South West Ontario are loaded in containers and shipped to South Africa.

He will show us a video what happens with the containers once we have helped loading them. Everybody is welcome to listen and learn about this wonderful project. The meetings starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00  

This week our speaker will be Howard Pell, a member of our District 7080 Training Committee. In addition to sharing Rotary information and President-Elect training, this committee coordinates many training opportunities for members.

Howard will review the Club Leadership Training and Rotary Leadership Institute which contain a wealth of personal and leadership development opportunities in addition to the Rotary content which helps to make our club stronger.

You are welcome to join are meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

Please join us this evening as our guest speaker is Clarke Bovaird-Roberts, our inbound Youth Exchange Student from New Zealand. 

She has a special presentation prepared for our club about her home country, her family, Rotary Youth Exchange, and I'm sure her friends!  Clarke is an ambassador of New Zealand and is here to promote peace and understanding.  If you are interested in learning more about New Zealand and Rotary Youth Exchange, this would be the perfect night to join us for dinner!  If you know of a Youth who is possibly interested in Rotary Youth Exchange (ages 15.5- under 18 by Sept. 2014), a neighbour, friend, niece/nephew, student, please ask them to join us!

If you are interested in experiencing an exchange here in your own home, how about becoming a host family!  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about another culture, and share ours.  This is a unique experience to positively change a young adult's life forever!  Join us tonight for more information. 

Dinner is $15 and begins at 6:30pm.  Only have time for the presentation?  Join us at 7:10pm in the Burtch room at the Quality Hotel and Suites.  Our meeting adjourns at 8:00pm

Three more days until our much anticipated 32nd Annual Rotary Fish Fry! 

~ Eat until your bellies are full and dance until your legs are tired ~

Advance purchase only??  That's right!  Tickets are available only in advance, and we still have a few left! 

Here are the Details:
When: THIS Saturday April 13
Where: Oxford Auditorium, Nellis Street, Woodstock
Time: Doors open at 6pm.  Dinner starts at 7pm
Price: $40
How Do I Get Tickets: Call Peter @ 519 532 2181
                      or email stamnurseries@cwisp.ca

Delicious LOCAL Perch from Knechtels in Port Dover
Shooting for the Stars Silent Auction by WDDS supporting Youth Summer Camp.

Live Music from 9 P.M. to 1 A.M. by local musicians Ferguson Drive and Mystere
Live Auction of a set of car or light truck tires, donated by Tirecraft
and a large TV set donated by Leon's.

Midnight Draw of a trip to Las Vegas(must be present to win)donated by Pharmasave.

Proceeds of this event are going towards Young Street housing Project by WDDS and other Rotary Humanitarian projects locally and International.

Some past and present Rotary supported projects are, Oxford County grade 3 Free Dictionary program, Little Healing Heart operations, Flood and Disaster victims in the Philippines, YMCA, Woodstock Museum School, Oxford County Nutrition programs, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Operation Sharing, WDDS, Hurricane Sandy victims in Cuba, Mexico Cerebral Palsy support program, Polio Eradication and many others.

Oxford County Rotary Clubs, including our own club, deliver dictionaries to Grade 3 students throughout Oxford County. 

We love this program as it encourages and promotes literacy in our local schools.  Each student receives a dictionary that they may keep for them self.

Frances and I visited a French immersion school in Woodstock yesterday and handed out about 30 dictionaries to a group of happy and engaging students.  We were able to take a picture of some of the happy students (this is their goofy pose).  The students shared with us their stores of how they help others, and we shared with them what we all have in common.  We played a fun guessing game of how many Rotarians there are in the world.  Do you know the answer?  About 1.2 million!  One young girl in particular had a wonderful reaction when the class was told by their teacher that we were bringing a 'cadeau' that they could keep. 

This is just one of the wonderful ways you can be involved with Rotary and positively affect a young child's life in Oxford County!

Aldo Villanovich is a Civil Engineering Project Manager with many years of water and sanitary projects experience in rural Canada and has guided a previous WaSH project in Gualan, Guatemala. As a member of WASRAG (Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group) for the Guatemala Rotary Regional Team, he can provide much information on ongoing Projects/Programs & proposed future Projects/Programs.

The supply of good quality water will be a big challenge for the coming years in the world. Feel free to come and listen to Aldo. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

 

One of Canada's Nuffield Scholars and a well recognized Public Communications expert will share her ideas on how we can enhance our Rotary Club image and communications in the local community. Karen Daynard of KD Communications is a well recognized Agri-Marketer from Guelph, having worked with many well known clients for several years.

Karen will share her thoughts on the management of public image and public relations with reference to how a service club can elevate their status in a community. The by-product advantage is creating awareness of what Rotary does and attracting member prospects who want to be part of helping us making a difference.

Feel free to come out. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00. 

We have ended our 'Golf Gives Back' fundraiser. We have sold over two hundred tickets for $ 20.00 each. The final weekend of our tickets sales was at the London Golf show on February 23 and 24. A big thank you to all members that came out to sell tickets that weekend. A special thank you to Peter Van Wees who proved once again that he he is a true salesman.

Also other members that have sold tickets and of course all the people that have bought tickets to support this fundraiser. We have raised $ 2,000 for WDDS.

If you would like to see the list with prize winners click on the following link:

http://golfgivesback.org/winners/2013-winners-prize-list

Thank you all,

Rama and Wim

Frances will tell us all about her recent trip to Israel. She has lots of pictures with her and she is a good speaker. Please feel welcome to come out the Quality Hotels and Suites. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm and costs for a meal is $ 15.00. Please note that the meeting has been moved from the Burtch room to the Altadore room on the lower level. The heater for the Burtch room is not working properly.

This week we will watch two stories. First one is called 'Breaking the Cycle'. With help from 30 Toronto-area Rotary Clubs, the PACT crime reduction program transforms the lives of at-risk youth. 

Second story is about Dr. Rahim Muljiani and A.H. Tobaccowala. At a free clinic in Rural India, two Rotarians show that humanitarian service can take many forms. Feel free two join the meeting at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm. Cost for a meal is $ 15.00

Using our RC Foundation for Effective Rotary Service� and AGM In addition to our Foundation AGM, Ray Taylor, Ernst Young Tax Expert and Treasurer of RC Kitchener, will share suggestions on how we can use our benefit trust to promote more effective Rotary service. By encouraging community tax deductible donations, disaster relief and humanitarian aid mission trips our club can be more efficient and active in this role helping others. It can also enhance our public awareness in the community. Ray is a senior CRA tax expert and works with his Rotary Club and Church in administering project visits and humanitarian activities. Lately our RC Foundation has become more active and this should continue to develop with Ray�s input and suggestions. Everybody is welcome to join our meeting at 6.30 pm. at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for supper is $ 15.00

Make my team complete for BFKS 2013

We plan to bowl for BBBS on WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 20th at 6:30pm. We need 6 bowlers, but if we have 12 we can bowl in pairs. We'll be bowling 5 pin, from 6:30-8:00 pm in Woodstock. They are asking for $75/person.

I hope if our club donates their usual Rotary meal cost towards this, and with a few outside donors, we should be able to reach this goal! This will be a fun night and an opportunity for us to have fun outside our our regular meeting and meet members in our community with similar values. We plan to go out for food/drinks afterwards.

If you'd like to donate online, you'll receive your tax receipt immediately. If someone would like to donate cash/cheque, anything $20 and up will receive a receipt.

* Dress in the style of your favourite decade!!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Tim Hortons, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake is back in Woodstock and we're celebrating 100 years of mentoring in Canada. Help make 2013 the year of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Please join my team, lace up some bowling shoes, and dress in the style of your favourite decade throughout the last 100 years!

Simply go to http://woodstock.kintera.org/bfks click Register to Bowl, select Join an Existing Team, select my team and register!

We’ll have a great time, while supporting an amazing cause!


Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock and District Association Inc.

******************************************************************************
Some email systems do not support the use of links and therefore this link may not appear to work. If so, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://woodstock.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=1047711&u=1047711-375804979&e=6500640760
******************************************************************************

Jantine Stam

Wednesday we will have a special Valentine's meeting at Bronson's Steakhouse in Woodstock. This evening is open to all members and their partner and friends of Rotary and spouses. Everybody can choose their own items from the menu. A price indication for the main course is between $ 15- $ 25. Drinks will be on top of that. (if you would like to see the menu go to http://www.bronsonssteakhouse.com/dinner.html).

You can arrive between 6.00 pm and 6.30 pm. At 6.30 pm. we will order our meal. This is a fun evening in a nice setting. If you want to come please RSVP us by replying to this email.

We hope to see you Wednesday !!

Tim Koetsier and Wim Duizer
Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford

This week Grace will give a presentation of her recent Humanitarian trip to the Philippines. She has been visiting some of the disaster relief projects that were supported by Canadian Rotary friends. In addition, Grace has been helping to distribute relief items to those in need, which were shipped from Canada.

Everybody is welcome to come to hear first hand what Rotary and Grace have done for the Philippines. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for dinner is $ 15.00.

 

A little while ago we filled in our Club Evaluation Forms. This evening there will be a summary and discussion about how we are doing as a club. It is important that all members come out this evening to be a part of the discussion. Also non members are welcome. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00 and we meet at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites.

If you are interested to learn something new please feel welcome to come out. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00

Michelle Franklin from the United Way will be our guest speaker this evening. She is going to talk to us about the impact their fund raising has on the community and how they measure it. We are hoping we will be able to use the same measuring system for our own fund raising and anyone could benefit from this information.

Please feel welcome to attend this meeting. The meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

Please click on the link below to see what Rotary is.

http://youtu.be/zebbGisX3AE

Please click on the link below.

http://youtu.be/pspgla9pyfg

This week we will learn about new plans for expension at WDDS. Feel welcome to learn about this project. Our meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

On our first meeting of 2013 Kerrie Gill will talk to us about the Woodstock Museum School. All schools in Woodstock can apply to participate in this program. This program provides elementary students with a valuable week of learning and discovery. This innovative approach to education allows teachers to move their classroom to a museum setting for a full week of curriculum-based experiential learning. As you all know we have supported the Museum School financially and some members volunteered their time to guide the students.

Feel welcome to learn about this project. Our meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal is $ 15.00.

Good afternoon Rotarians and Friends,

Wishing you and your families a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

This year has come and gone, and it went fast.

When I look back, it is amazing how many things have happened this past calender year.

In January we started with helping loading a container of School supplies heading to South Africa.

In February, The Philippines had a Flood disaster and we raised with friends and the community over $9,000.00 to help people that were effected by that.

 

 

 

 

This week we will have our Christmas Party at the Bingham's. If you want to attend you are welcome. Please RSVP Wim Duizer: 519-532-2411.

Our next Club meeting will be January 2 at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Our speaker is Kerrie Gill and she will speak about the Museum School Woodstock - A Creative, Educational Experience

West Allis-West Milwaukee School District in partnership with the West Allis Rotary Club Skype Mentoring Program

Vision: Students will be provided with the opportunity for academic enrichment by being paired up with a mentor through the use of Skype to extend their learning and build relationships within the community.

Process:

• Students were identified at the Intermediate School level that may be in need of academic support

• Mentors from within the Rotary Club were assigned to a student to tutor in math

• Mentors and students meet twice a week for a half hour. Dates and times are determined by schedules of mentors and students. Each mentor is asked to briefly log the date, time and lesson covered from each session.

• Students are asked to bring homework, quizzes, tests and questions to the sessions

• The math mentors all were given Teacher Edition textbooks to help guide their instruction

Benefits:

• The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District is promoting the use of 21st Century Skills and 24/7 learning through the use of technology

• Students are offered one-on-one academic support

• Flexible scheduling in case student/mentor needs to reschedule

• Relationships are built with prominent community members throughout the City of West Allis-West Milwaukee.

 

Future Plans:

• 2012-2013 school year: plans to expand the program to all two Intermediate Schools.

• Mentors will continue to be paired with students to build community relationships

This week Becky Schneider will speak to our Club through Skype. A few months ago this did not work out and now we will try this again. Hope to see you all at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal are $ 15.00.

Dear All,

With great happiness and pride, Rotary India Humanity Foundation announces the inclusion of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, as a partner hospital in Saving Little Hearts. 3 children have been admitted to the Hospital on 30 October 2012 with sanction from TRF, consent & presence of DG Mr Upkar Singh Sethi (RI D 3070), sponsonship by MG 77513 (RC Chowrenghee & RC Woodstock-Oxford), presence of IPP Ms Urmi Basu (RC Chowrenghee) & representatives of The Indian Army.

Thank you God & Rotary,
Warm regards,

--
Sushmita Dasgupta

This week Ross Brewitt is our guest speaker and he is here to promote his newest book: Just Another Hat Trick. If you love hockey you don't want to miss this evening. Ross is a very entertaining speaker. Please feel welcome to come out to this meeting. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for a meal are $ 15.00 

About Ross

 

Ross Brewitt has three Canadian best-sellers to his credit, two more books published in the U.S. In 2012 he has written his first novel.

Early years

Born in Schreiber, Ontario, hard by the shores of Lake Superior, he spent his early childhood there, then moved to Fort William. Married to his wife Sylvia, they raised three children there before moving to Toronto in 1966.

Hockey Night in Canada

There he joined Hockey Night in Canada as an advertising salesman with their marketing arm, Maple Leaf Sports Productions, and quickly moved up the ladder, eventually becoming General Manager.

He added the expansion Buffalo Sabres to the company roster and the publications of all nine CFL Teams and the Grey Cup magazine.

ProStars…

Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky with Ross Brewitt.

 

Going out on his own in the promotions field, he formed the ProStars, sponsored by Molson’s, a five-year summer touring fastball team made up of active Leaf players: including Sittler, McDonald, Palmateer, Boudreau, Valiquette, McKenny, Ullman, Boutette, Ferguson, Favell, Shack, Turnbull.

… and OldStars

Brewitt then turned to hockey, taking a team of recently retired ex-NHLers on the road – criss-crossing Canada and the U.S. over six winters – including Ullman, Pilote, Stapleton, White, Tallon, Edestrand, Edwards,

Author coaching the OldStars – 1984

 

Williams, Sanderson, Mahovlich, Nevin, Stanfield, Pappin.

 

All members received a questionnaire this week. Please take a moment to fill it out and bring it along with you. We will discuss the outcome of the questionnaire at our meeting.  This is your opportunity to have a say in what our Club is doing.  Also, the Board of Directors will explain what their duties are this Rotary year.

Everyone is welcome at 6:30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites for fellowship and dinner. The cost for dinner is $15.00.

This meeting we will discuss and approve our financial Statement for 2011-2012. Everybody is welcome.

The meeting will start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal are $15.00.

Our speaker is Syd Harmon, Past District Governor and member of the Brampton Heart Lake Rotary Club. In district 7080 Syd is chairing the Rotary Foundation Committee. The Rotary Foundation started in 1917 with $ 26, the first donation was to Easter Seals. It is now $55 million and growing. So far in our district there are about 90+ members of the Paul Harris Society that are adding $90,000per year plus the members & clubs contributions. That is only in our District.

Please come out and listen what the Rotary foundation is doing around the world. The meeting will start at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for a meal are $15.00.

The Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford has set up a fund to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.  If you would like to make a donation, please to go www.woodstockoxfordrotary.org.  Click on 'Donate To Our Charity' on the top of the page.  The first fund in the drop down box is for Hurricane Sandy.

The Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford will distribute the funds through local Rotary Clubs who have assessed the needs of those affected.  A charitable tax receipt will be provided immediately from our website.

Hi Rotarians and friends:
Dateline: New York, Friday November 2, 2012

They say that if you get handed a lemon, then have a positive attitude and make lemonade.  So that is what we have been doing the last couple of days here in New York, since some of our meetings have been either postponed or cancelled.  With vehicle restrictions and media reports keeping people away,  visitor activity is lower than normal. That means we have enjoyed great prices on Broadway shows, such as Jersey Boys @ $27. and Phantom @ $40. 

We also had the opportunity to participate in a TV show taping of Anderson Cooper who has been placing a lot of focus on the disaster and people affected by it.  We saw two sisters who both lost their homes all positions.  There was a man from NJ who lost his home in a massive fire of over 100 homes, .  Yet all of these folks seemed thankful for the safety and health of their families.

Other frustrated folks have been

This presentation is made by Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General for Polio, Emergencies and Country Collaboration, World Health Organization.

Right now we are at a watershed moment in the polio eradication initiative. If you look at a map for 2012 of polio you will find only 4 countries, and just part of four countries, where this disease still exists: Northern Nigeria, part of Chad right on its border, in Pakistan and right on the border with We're this close to a polio-free world finally. With India going polio-free this past year, we now have one billion more people who are no longer at risk of getting paralyzed by polio or at least the polio virus from their country. Come out to listen what needs to be done to eliminate polio.

Everybody is welcome at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Cost for a meal is $ 15.00

District Governor's Visit

This week's meeting Tim Koetsier will tell us about Mercy Ships. He will share some personal experiences since he has served on board of a Mercy Ship. Also Rotary International has a partnership with Mercy Ships.
Everybody is welcome to attend at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for dinner is $ 15.00.

Our regular meeting on Wednesday October 31st will be canceled and in its place we are having a Curling Social on Saturday October 27th at Woodstock Curling Club at 2pm! This is going to be a fun afternoon for Rotarians, our spouses and our friends to socialize and learn something new!

The curling club will provide experienced trainers who will teach us the rules of the game and we will have on opportunity to show off our new moves as well. Experienced curlers and past Rotarians are warmly invited! We will be able to have up to 40 curlers, and 30 watchers. There is a warm room for those who would like to come out to socialize and watch. Following our lessons and game, we plan to defrost with coffee, tea and snacks. The cost per person depends on how many are in attendance, but should easily be under $15/person.

Join us for a fun afternoon. I guarantee there will be many laughs as we learn a new sport together!

Please RSVP to jtstam@hotmail.com or francesandsigi@rogers.com.

More details will be provided in regards to attire and footwear. Curling equipment will be provided.
In Rotary,

Frances and Jantine

This evening our speaker is Tad Milmine and he is a RCMP officer. His presentation is about bullying among children. Many children have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day! Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending themselves.
So, everyone needs to get involved to help stop it.
You cannot miss this meeting. Feel free to bring out friends or your spouse. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock and costs for a meal are $ 15.00. 

Tomorrow we will have a Club Assembly. A budget will be presented and there will also be a vote to approve the budget.

Also the chair of every committee or program will give a recap of their activities in the past year, financial statements and plans for the coming year. For the new members this is a great meeting to hear what is happening in our Club. For all members this is your change to give your input on the activities in our Club. Meeting will start at 6.30 pm.

Growing are membership is an important goal for every year. With more members we can do more projects and have more fun. This evening our speaker is George Szczepski, member of the Rotary Club of Cambridge. This year he received the Membership Recruitment Award in his club for bringing in 12 new members.
It will be very interesting to listen to this inspirational speaker. Meeting starts at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and suites. Cost for a meal is $ 15.00

You do not want to miss this evening if you like technology. At 7.15 pm there will be a live presentation through Skype. The speaker Becky Bzdak will explain us how we can integrate Skype in our Rotary projects. Meeting will start as usual at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Costs for dinner are $ 15.00.

As a Rotary Exchange student, you will spend one year living in another country, usually with three or four host families. You'll learn a new way of living, experience different foods, study different subjects, enjoy a new culture and maybe even learn a new language. In addition you will learn a great deal about yourself and gain confidence and self sufficiency.  You'll also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer - and make some good friends in the process.

The most powerful force in the promotion of international understanding and peace is exposure to different cultures. The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when we learn that all people - regardless of nationality - desire the same basic things: a safe, comfortable environment that allows for a rich and satisfying life for ourselves and our children. Youth Exchange provides thousands of young people with the opportunity to meet people from other lands and to experience their cultures, thus planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.

You will attend school in your local community, as well as participate in Rotary activities and civic functions. At the same time you will make new friends, see exciting places and experience adventures that will take a lifetime to recount. Rotary's Youth Exchange Program is recognized by participants, parents and schools as the best student exchange program in the world. It is the largest of its type in Canada and is backed up by caring and dedicated Rotarians who provide the infrastructure of the program. You will stay with three or four host families who have been screened by Rotary. These Rotary accredited families are volunteers who will welcome and care for you, supervise your year and introduce you to their culture and lifestyle. You will become part of those families and their community.

The Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford is hosting an information night for student's and their families on Friday September 28th at 7PM at the Holiday Inn, Woodstock.  If you will be between 15 1/2 and under 18 years of age by September 2013, you are eligible to apply for this exciting opportunity!

Please RSVP for this information night to Jantine jtstam@hotmail.com

Our club is welcoming a youth exchange student from New Zealand in January 2013.  Her first host family has been arranged, and we are looking for 2 more host families.

A host family is a vital part of the cultural exchange, immersing the student in a variety of activities while in the host country.  The host family plays a large role in offering the student a view of another country and gains the opportunity to learn about a new culture from a young leader. 

Hosting is a tremendous experience in which you can share in a young person's hopes and dreams and develop a lifelong connection with a student and family from another country.  It can be challenging to help a young person transition to a new culture and ease into surroundings but the rewards are immeasurable. 

Host families in the Youth Exchange Program come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be Rotarians or non-Rotarians, and may include young children, older children, or no children at all. 

If you would like to apply for this rewarding opportunity, please contact Jantine Stam jtstam@hotmail.com, 519 788 7826.  If you would like to speak to a couple who have hosted before, we can easily arrange for that. 

If you think a game of golf is a great way to do fundraising then you definitely do not want to miss out this evening. Colin Gray will explain to us this evening how a Club can join them and raise funds. The meeting will start a t 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. The costs for a meal are $ 15.00

Everybody is welcome for our first meeting in the new Rotary year at the Quality Hotels and Suites.

Well, the Toy Show is past and it was a successful one.

It started with people asking for donations at different businesses, delivering flyers to Dealers and other Toy Shows.
Setting out the signs in Woodstock, set-up Friday evening and Saturday morning.
Signing in people, administrative work, billing, showing Toys, balancing the books.
Setting up Sunday, unloading Toys, cashier at the doors, helping people load up again Sunday afternoon, taking the signs down throughout Woodstock.

You have all been part of something that was done this past weekend or past weeks.
Here we are using the  "Service Above Self" slogan and it fits you all.
With the money we raised, we are putting it to work where there is suffering, illiteracy, do operations for children, Polio vaccination and other needy projects.

I want to thank you for all you have done for the Toy Show and Auction, there is a Dutch saying, many hands make work light or light work.(veel handen maken licht werk) 
We could not have done it without you.

I hope you will participate again next year.

At our next meeting I hope to have a financial statement for the Toy Auction.

Our 27th Annual Farm and Construction Toy Auction and Show is coming up this weekend on August 25 & 26.

On Saturday August 25th the Toy Auction will start at 9.30 A.M. The room is open for registration and viewing at 8.30 A.M.. At noon there will be a auction of donated toys from local equipment dealers and other farm related businesses. 100 % of the proceeds of this auction goes towards Rotary and will be spend on our projects,

Like past years, it promises to be another great event with many different Toy show collectors and vendors, ie: John Deere, Case, Ford New Holland, Massey Ferguson and other Toy Tractors and Equipment.

The Toy Show is on Sunday August 26 from 10.00 A.M. to 3 P.M. were collectors and vendors will have tables set up for the public to come and look and purchase their products.

Please do come out and enjoy the Toy Auction and Show.

Just a reminder of our Wed night meeting this week. We need to know how many are coming to plan food.
Thanks for letting us know asap please at: rotary@teamvincent.com

Hosted by: Vincent's and Dennis'
744797 County Rd 17 (1 1/2 mile west of traffic circle on Hwy 59 N)
6:30 pm - Bring lawn chairs

Featuring a selection of International Foods
and fresh Oxford County Corn Roast

Partners are invited and welcome join us.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there,
Doug, Grace, Chris and Lisa

Just a last reminder that the meeting is at the Stam's this evening starting at 6.30 pm.

If you think of it, bring a lawn chair. The summer meetings are very informal(shorts/t-shirts) if you think it is too hot for you you can bring your swim wear and jump in the pond.

Please send a confirmation to us if you have not done so yet, so we know how much food we need to prepare.

We will also have vegetarian food available.

GPS directions 656441 15th line, East Zorra-Tavistock

Cell # 519-532-2181

If you don't use GPS, take hwy 59 north to Hickson, turn right at the flashing light at Hickson. go towards Bright. about 3 miles out of Hickson is the 15th line, there you turn left onto the 15th line and then the 3rd farm on left with the trees. Fire # 656441

Starting next week we'll be hopping from yard to yard for our casual summer meetings!  Think of it as a relaxing night off from cooking, that is, if you're not the host!

We always enjoy our summer meetings as they are informal and very social.  Please check the side of this page under 'Speakers' to see where our next meeting is at!  Guests are always welcome and the cost this year is $10/meal.

Join us this Wednesday June 27th as we celebrate our accomplishments from this Rotary year!  We are also recognizing our many volunteers as they are a very important part of our club and functions. 

Please invite your better half to celebrate with us as they too are an integral piece of our club.  See you Wednesday at 6:30pm at the Quality Hotel and Suites in Woodstock.

This will be a great evening to learn more about Chris and his family. Everybody is welcome to attend the meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Inn and Suites in Woodstock. Costs for a meal are $ 15.00. 

This evening we will be having some teachers over that have been using this program that is designed to help students young and old to inprove their skills in reading and math.

This program is endorsed by Rotary and through Rotary the schools can get a substantial discount when enrolling students.

When we were delivering Dictionaries at Rehoboth Christian school about 3 years ago, Principal John Heikoop asked us if Rotary had a program available to assist students that needed to upgrade their skills in Reading and Math. http://www.autoskill.com/rotary

This is where it started, please come out and learn howmuch this program can help students, the speakers are teachers from Rehoboth Christian School.

The meeting starts at 6.30 PM at the Quality Hotel with a meal, cost $15.00 and the meeting should last until 8 PM or a bit longer depending on the questions that may come up.

Please RSVP to peter@mankar.ca or 519-532-2181

The five Rotary Clubs in Oxford County will be presenting bursary awards to two graduating students from each of eight high schools.

 Your invitation to a great evening of

 Rotary Fun & Fellowship

 Bring your partner and friends for a Guaranteed Good Time

 Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

 

 

at a secret location.

 Meet at 6: 15 pm to carpool from Quality Inn lobby. Last departure is 6:30 pm.

Cost $17. each.

Featuring: Music - Live Entertainment-Fun - Food - Mystery

 
(Snacks & light lunch, so please  have your supper in advance)

Please RVSP to

Wim by Sunday, May 27th

 (519) 467-0230 or duizer@Silomail.com

 All Welcome, Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford

 

 

This evening we welcome Cpl. Darren Morgan and Sgt. Steve Kielt. They are both leading members of the London Customs and Excise Unit of the RCMP.

Contraband Tobacco has a significant impact on Canadian society. Persons involved in contraband tobacco, including the end users, are undermining global and domestic health objectives, contributing to the expansion of organized crime, inviting criminals into their communities, undermining the local legitimate economy and evading taxes that support Canada’s social programs.

Tackling the illicit tobacco trade requires more than law enforcement, which is why the RCMP and its partners also work together to raise awareness in the public of the consequences of purchasing and possessing contraband tobacco.

Please feel free to come out to this interesting meeting at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. As always the meeting will start at 6.30 pm and costs for a meal are $ 15.00

"Hello everyone, just letting you know that I'll be doing a speech at my Rotary Club about my exchange year in Woodstock! All our members are supposed to "share a cross cultural experience" so....going

Peter and Edie visited the RI convention in Bangkok this month. When they were there they traveled through Thailand. This evening Peter will share with us a presentation about this beautiful country and his update of the convention. Everybody is invited to join us for supper at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock. Cost for supper is $ 15.00.

Doing Good In The World

Doing Good: Supporting Maternal and Child Health

Haiti has the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the Western Hemisphere. Rotarians around the world are working to reduce these rates and improve access to essential medical services for all mothers and their children.

The Rotary Foundation provided a fully equipped medical Jeep for midwives to use to reach some of Haiti’s most remote villages. Watch a video about this project.

In honor of a special mother in your life, please consider making a gift to support Rotary’s work to help women and children everywhere.

This week Woodstock has a cause to rally behind. Acting Mayor Jim Northcott on Thursday proclaimed April 22-28 as Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness week.

This evening Joanna Mitchell will inform us why organ donation is so important. Joanna's six-year-old daughter Ryley had a heart transplant when she was a baby. Please join us for dinner this week at 6:30 pm at the Quality Hotel and Suites. Dinner is $ 15.00 and you will be witnessing a very inspiring story.

My name is Fernanda and I'm from Santiago, Chile in South America. I am 18 years old and I have a little brother of 16, my mom is a psychologist and my dad is an electrical engeneer.

I have had a lot of fun in Canda and I want to become a doctor.

Fernanda is going to speak and show some pictures about her home country Chile, feel free to come out and join us for a meal and listen to what Fernanda is going to tell and show us.

Meals are $15.00 each and we start our meeting at 6.30 PM.

In February Rama together with his brother went for a trip to visit their country of birth India. This week he will share with us a presentation about all the beautiful sites he has visited. He will also explain how this country has developed over the last 40 years. The enormous economic growth but also the challenges people are facing here today.

Everybody is welcome to join for this meeting at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites. Dinner is $ 15.00 and the meeting will be adjourned at 8.00 pm.

Sue and Chelsea will be present from the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Their mission is to lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure.

Their mission is delivered by:
- providing people with diabetes and healthcare professionals with education and services
- advocating on behalf of people with diabetes
- supporting research
- translating research into practical applications

They will speak about a program they have called Camp Discovery. For more details check them out online

http://www.diabetes.ca/leadlivecure/

Guests are always welcome! Dinner is only $15 and begins at 6:30pm at the Quality Hotel and Suites in Woodstock. Our program concludes at 8:00pm.

Dr Grace Balankig will share a firsthand report on the devastation caused by the recent Typhoon storm and flooding in the Philippines. She recently visited the affected area which is also home to some of her family members. Her brother had one of their family farms wiped out, in addition to over 2000 deaths of friends and neighbours. Her report will include the work of Rotary providing aid in this area, including our local Rotary Canadian donations assisting those in desperate need.
Please feel free to come out for this meeting. Supper will be served at 6.30 pm at the Quality Hotels and Suites in Woodstock.

Our own Doug Vincent and Dr Grace will share experiences of their recent Rotary travels, helping provide humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.
This will include reports on our Club’s involvement in the Guatemala Medical Mission and the Healing Little Hearts surgeries in India.

It promises to be an excellent opportunity to learn what our Woodstock-Oxford Rotary Club and community donors have done to support those who need our help.
Partners and interested friends are invited to attend. Hope to see you Wednesday at 6.30 pm at Quality Hotels and Suites.

By Dan Nixon 
Rotary International News -- 27 February 2012

The World Health Organization has officially removed India from the list of polio-endemic countries. Ghulam Nabi Azad, India's minister of Health and Family Welfare, made the announcement at the Polio Summit 2012 in New Delhi on 25 February. Azad said that he had been informed of WHO’s action by its director-general, Dr. Margaret Chan. 

"It is a matter of satisfaction that we have completed one year without any single new case of polio being reported from anywhere in the country," said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the summit, which was organized by the government of India and Rotary International. "This gives us hope that we can finally eradicate polio not only from India but from the face of the entire mother earth. The success of our efforts shows that teamwork pays."

We are excited to announce that we will be inducting two new members next Wednesday March 7th:  Alma Yates and Frances Gottschlich!  This is an exciting moment as our female population will be tripled in size.

Please join us in welcoming them to our club!

Come out to bowl from 6.30 pm-8.00 pm for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Everybody is welcome to support a great cause and have an evening of fun.

I’m bowling in the 2012 Tim Horton’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake (BFKS), on Wednesday February 22nd from 6:30pm-8:00pm. The goal of BFKS is to provide services in the form of mentoring to every child in Woodstock and District that needs a positive role model in their lives. I NEED YOUR HELP!
It’s easier than ever to sponsor me and help a child. Take the time to sponsor me online, it only takes a minute and you receive your tax receipt instantly!

Each time we pair a child with a volunteer we start something incredible; a life changing relationship built on trust, friendship and empowerment. These children are more likely to graduate high school, have better self-esteem and are more likely to give back to the community when they are adults. Imagine being part of something so great, and with your donation, you can have the chance to START SOMETHING BIG!

Thank you for your consideration in sponsoring me in this event.

We are looking for Rotarians to join our team! We have canceled our regular Rotary meeting to support this event. We are hoping to donate our regular meal money this evening to BBBS Woodstock! If you'd like to join our team simply go to http://woodstock.kintera.org/bfks click Register to Bowl, select Join an Existing Team, select my team and register!

Thank you for your support!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock and District Association Inc.

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Some email systems do not support the use of links and therefore this link may not appear to work. If so, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://woodstock.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=998694&u=998694-351330959&e=5410892046
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Jantine Stam

 As you know, we have been collecting donations for families that have been effected by the Floods in the Philippines recently.
This far we have been able to send $6,000.00 to Rotary Clubs working with the families in the Philippines, with another $2,000.00-$3,000.00 to follow.

Donations were received from residents of Woodstock and surrounding area's, from different Rotary Clubs and members of the Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford

We want to thank all of you in the name of the Flood Victims for participating with this fundraiser and be assured that you are making a difference in their lives.

For the Rotary Club of Woodstock-Oxford
Treasurer Peter Stam

This week we have our first ever Cluster Conference which will be held at the Quality Inn and Suites.  If you could register at the attendance table that would be greatly appreciated! Meeting will start at 6.00 pm.

Join us for our cluster version of a District Conference! The 5 Rotary Club's of Oxford County will be getting together for dinner. We have a great Rotary themed guest speaker arranged through our Dictrict. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other Rotarians in Oxford County and share accomplishments and project ideas.

All clubs will be cancelling their meetings to encourage attendance to the Conference!   We are very lucky to have it on our regular Rotary night at our regular location! Also this is a great evening to bring out guests and prospect members to learn something about Rotary.

Hope you can all make it!

 Last week we had the privilege of skyping with Mark Hemsworth, Founder and Director of Rent-To-Own Africa.  www.rtoafrica.com
Mark has now been in Africa for 3 years, and founded his business in 2009 to facilitate access to productive assets - such as irrigation pumps and ox carts - for Southern Africa’s growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

From Mark's blog http://markhemsworth.blogspot.com "The business has 105 people living in rural Zambia who owe us over $100,000, and my team of people are working hard to collect this money and grow this amount to $300,000 by October".

Our club has been following Mark's progress in Africa from the beginning and are so proud of his accomplishments.  His business has certainly grown and is successful.  88% of his customers succeed with their contract with Rent-To-Own!

Mark has been recognized for his achievements and has become a Rainer Arnhold Fellow.  Rainer Arnhold Fellows are people with good ideas about change in places that need change the most.  http://www.rainerfellows.org/?q=node/55
Congratulations on this achievement Mark!

This week our speaker is Mark Hemsworth. As you all know Mark is a son of Tom Hemsworth. If you want to read some of his stories you can go to his blog: www.markhemsworth.blogspot.com.

It has been three years ago that Mark went to Zambia for Engineers Without Borders (www.EWB.ca) This has been a life changing event. Currently he is a business owner of Rent-to-Own. A company that helps local people to start their own business with micro credit.

Mark will tell us about his past experiences and plans for the future. Hope to see you all this coming Wednesday in the Quality Hotels and Suites. Our meeting starts at 6.30 pm.

This coming Wednesday our speaker will be mayor Sobeski. He will address the issues Woodstock is facing in the coming year. Also he is open for all questions. So please feel welcome to come out for dinner this week at 6.30 pm in the Quality Hotels and Suites.