Blue & Gold Bulletin

Guests

Dawn Koren, Susan Ramey, Mayor Jim Abernathy, Georg Krohn

Fourteen members were absent or excused this week:
Ron B; Rene B; Steve C; John C; Andre R; Fred D; Ryan F; Steve J; David O; Gord W; L/a: ex Paul M; John R; Gloria M; Ted W

Make ups were provided by:
Fred M (4); Lyle, Denis B, Gary B, Tom H, Jenn and Wayne (All 1)
There are make ups available for those Rotarians that helped with the torch-run "hot chocolate" and the special children's Christmas party. Make up meetings can help you achieve perfect attendance. If you attend Rotary Committee meetings or meetings in other areas please "Keep track and keep Chuck informed".

There were no attendance pins this week.

There were no birthdays to celebrate this week.

There were no anniversaries to celebrate this week.

Brett Graves won the free breakfast.
Ross realized he hadn't cashed in his voucher. He was reassured the ticket was good anytime.

If you would like something put in the bulletin please email Ryan Frank @ ryan.frank@live.ca with the announcement. If the announcement is done at the breakfast I will do my best to get the announcement in the bulletin, but to ensure that all announcements make it into the bulletin please email.

Let the Membership Committee know if you plan to bring a guest that intends to join the club.

The Rifest Sponsorship Committee is looking for potential sponsors for Ribfest 2010. If you have any ideas or suggestions please notify either Wayne Routly or Jennifer Hutchinson.

Remember that the elimination draw tickets have been handed out. If you need more see Chuck C…only 39 days left.

Dance and silent Auction Meeting 5:30 Wednesday at Toyota.

Nominations for The Paul Harris Award should be given to Harry C, Tim F and Kevin A.

Reminder that dues are due. "Pay up or be harassed by one of Angie's henchmen!

Sue was most complimentary when describing the Dinner at Renee's. The special intimate affair raised $750 for the Silent Auction. If you get an opportunity, don't miss a meal at "Casa da Renee"

Denis was excited aging to announce Jan 24th his company and Chantrelle's in town are hosting their wine tasting and dinner event. All proceeds got to Lakeridge Health in Bowmanville. "Get 'em fast . there are only 55 tickets available", said Denis.

Tim reported he was glad his driver returned after a week AWOL, safe and sound. In addition Tim's daughter is touring Thailand, She got to Bancock without incident. I think dad will be glad to have her back next week!

The Saga of "The Sled and Reg Freethy" continues. Episode seven: This week Reg cleaned his new sled including "Armour-all" on the seat. He forgot to tell Carole as he accelerated with this powerful beast. She almost went "arse over tea kettle". Luckily Reg grabbed Carole as she left for mid air!

Jim Abernathy paid two bucks to tell us he was happy to be out of 2009. It was quite a year for the town and the chief magistrate. He is optimistically entering the New Year with ideas and plans to continue with infra-structure projects and renewed economic development.

Sue was excited about the new Early Act Program starting this week at GJ McGillivray PS. Soon to follow will be a school in Bowmanville. These will be the first two clubs in Canada offering Rotary for Grade 3 to 8 Students.

Kevin's wife Cathy left for Sturgeon Falls to visit her last Uncle who was diagnosed terminal with cancer. Miraculously he has been treated with a Meningitis Strain Cocktail and it seems to be working. He is in remission and feeling a lot better. "We're all pullin' for you and your family Cathy!"

None this week.

Dawn Koren (L) and Susan Ramey

Susan Ramey (L) and Dawn Koren

Susan Ramey (L), Bill Hyder, Brian Bontje, and Dawn Koren

Brian Bonje introduced our guest speakers - Dawn Koren and Susan Ramey from the Learning Disabilities Association of Peterborough-Clarington Services.

Dawn Koren is Resource Facilitator and:
· Has worked in the not for profit sector for over 15 years
· Has been with Learning Disabilities Association of Peterborough/Clarington since September 2009
· Has a background as an Early childhood educator
· Has worked mostly with individuals in the child care setting and also with the organization Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth Durham.

Susan Ramey is Resource Development Coordinator and:
· Worked in the not for profit sector for over 30 years
· Worked mostly in museums doing everything from volunteering, management, events
· Came to the association 5 years ago
· Has expanded the funding profile of the Association to include Service Clubs, Foundations, Corporations as well as Individuals.

The LDAPC has as its main focus:
1. Academic
2. Focus and Organization
3. Physical interaction
4. Strategizing.

LDA provides tutoring, training and support services. It offers everything from computer programs in literacy improvement to parental training programs- all at no cost to the clients.

Statistics that may shock you!
· 22% of the population is illiterate
· 35% of LD students drop out of school
· 70% of young offenders are learning disabled
· LD teenagers are two to three times as likely to report depression and thoughts of suicide
· The government does not fund this program
· LDA is a benefactor of the United Way. This year funding will be reduced by 16%; a sign of the times.

Learning Disabilities are chronic, pervasive and not going away. Growth is a huge issue.

In 1975 there were 300 clients - today there are over 3500

All funds raised in Clarington stay in Clarington.

After receiving tutoring we tested to see results- 82% saw an increase of at least one grade level (within 10 sessions).

Looking for volunteers. For anyone interested contact Susan. The training program is excellent and effective. Their office is at the Village Inn.

Bill Hyder thanked our guests for a most informative session.

The draw this week was for $2,233.00. Doc Sylvester pulled the 6 of clubs. The crowd went nuts. The pot lives for another week. Better luck next time!!! Remember you can't win if you don't buy a ticket. Good luck!

Please visit the Upcoming Events and Programs webpage for details.

Prepared by Guest scribe and editor Big Dawg.