Home Page | Rotary Club of St. Thomas

Introduction

President Mark opened the meeting by introducing our Guest speaker, Lorna Gunning-Fratschko. Lorna is the current Membership Chair for District 6330 and will become District Governor for the 2026-2027 Rotary year. It's a long road and a lot of work to get there but knowing that Lorna is a dedicated Rotarian who embodies the Rotary motto of Service above Self, she will thrive on her journey to become DG.

Lorna Gunning-Fratschko being thanked by Rotary Club of St. Thomas member Maggie Horn

Key Takeaways from Lorna's presentation:

Membership is a top Rotary International priority.

Attract members, don't recruit.

Be irresistible.

Set a membership goal each year. 3 new members a year will sustain the club. 5 new members a year will grow the club.

Load goals in Rotary Central.

Take Action - use the Vibrant Club Checklist, conduct Visioning Exercise, hold a Prospective Member Event, etc.

Get our story out there - Social Media...Website....others

Get help from the District

Onboard new members in a more official way to get them engaged from day-1.

Club Announcements

Cindy announced that she will be transferring her membership to the Rotary Club of Watford. She will gladly assist with the transition of her roles before leaving.

2024Nov22 - The Indian in the Room

Introduction

Ron Somerville chaired the meeting in the absence of President Mark (for the first time since 1995). We began the meeting with the ringing of the Rotary bell and with toasts to King and Country and Rotary International. This was followed by a group recitation of the 4-way Test.

Ron at the Podium

Guest Speaker

Chris Patriquin is the owner of Simply Pure Water, the Board Chair of the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce and an advocate for indigenous rights. He is in the process of writing his memoirs which he plans to entitle "The Indian in the Room". He was born and raised in St. Thomas and always did well in school. He didn't realize he was "different" until it was pointed out to him. As a 3rd generation Residential School survivor, he has witnessed and endured generational trauma in the form of alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, and violence. Chris noted that Indigenous people make up 30% of the prison population.

Chris is a member of the Oneida Nations on the Thames; the Oneida are one of 3 First Nations communities in the area, STILL without access to clean water. Water from the Thames feeds their wells.

Here is a link to a discussion in open parliament where our MP, Karen Vecchio discusses the very issue and quotes here friend, Chris Patriquin:

https://openparliament.ca/debates/2022/11/29/karen-vecchio-1/

Chris is passionate about bringing awareness and change and believes that the Indian Act needs to be scrapped. He feels that it was designed from the beginning to not be conducive for nations to work together.

Chris Patriquin with Club Member Malcolm Rust

*Club Announcements*		A reminder that the Monday, January 29th meeting will be held at The Bistro at 5:30. This will be a social evening.
Happy Fins		50/50 Draw

Cindy, Mary, Malcolm, Barb and Ron contributed Happy Fins today for the Rotary Foundation. Thank you!		Our guest speaker Chris, won the 50/50 draw. Congratulations!!
ROTARY SONG Forwarded by Ron Somerville WORDS AND MUSIC WRITTEN BY ROTARIAN BILL BATE WE ARE ST. THOMAS ROTARY WE’RE MIGHTY PROUD OF THE FACT. WE LIKE TO SING AND DO OUR THING. EVERYONE GETS INTO THE ACT. TRUTH AND FAIRNESS IS OUR CONCERN FOR ALL. GOODWILL AND FRIENDSHIP IS BEN-E-FICIAL. CHEERS FOR ST. THOMAS ROTARY. OF THIS YOU CAN BE SURE, WE’LL UPHOLD THE OBJECT OF ROTARY AND SERVE IT MORE AND MORE.... WE NEED EACH OTHER TO SERVE IT MORE AND MORE.

2024-Jan-15 Dutton Dunwich Cenotaph Project

Introduction

President Mark began the meeting with the ringing of the Rotary bell and with toasts to King and Country and Rotary International. This was followed by a group recitation of the 4-way Test.

Blair Ferguson representing the Dutton Dunwich Cenotaph Project and Club Member Ron Somerville

Blair Ferguson is the Chair of Fundraising for the Dutton Dunwich Cenotaph Project.

There has been no memorial to the men and women from West Elgin, and while there were only eight names listed as having served in WWI, his research has found over 31 men who made the ultimate sacrifice, including Ellis Wellwood Sifton, recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions at Vimy Ridge.

Ellis, along with his company, were trapped in a trench on the ridge, held in by a German machine gun nest. Ellis eventually stormed the nest, throwing himself through the opening through which the machine gun fired. With his 8-shot bolt action Enfield rifle, he took out the 8 Germans in the bunker and, as replacements attempted to enter, he used the now empty gun as a club. Eventually, the Canadians joined him in the bunker, celebrating with Ellis. Unfortunately, a German officer revived and shot Ellis in the head with his Luger. Needless to say, the officer did not live to brag about it.

The Cenotaph (Greek for "empty tomb") is a U-shaped formation with cast aluminum poppies spreading over the top and tumbling down the sides. In the centre is a WWI helmet with a dove of peace arising from the crown. It will be erected across from the Dutton school and will provide opportunities for the students to become familiar with some of the local history.

The cost of the cenotaph is $140,000. So far, approximately $60,000 has been raised and numerous grants have been applied for.

Club Announcements A reminder that the Monday, January 29th meeting will be held at The Bistro at 5:30. This will be a social evening.
Happy Fins		50/50 Draw

Maggie, Bill, Barbara, Trudy, Mary, Ron, Mark, and Malcolm contributed Happy Fins today for the Rotary Foundation. Thank you!		Maggie won the 50/50 draw. Congratulations!!