PORT ARTHUR ROTARY
President-David Silliman presiding. Photos by Kevin Holloway. Articles by Dave Silliman.
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon by Dave Silliman.
Fred Baker introduced the visiting Rotarians and guests.
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Welcoming at the door were Joe McEachern, Murray Becotte and Fred Baker |
Our guest speaker was the MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North Michael Gravelle.
Following ten minutes of table visiting and socializing Michael addressed the club as has often been his custom at the beginning of the new year. He spoke primarily about two major initiatives of the Ontario Government; the modernization of the Mining Act and the Ring of Fire Development in the far North of Ontario.
The Mining Act is to be amended to bring a more “balanced approach” to mining and development and mineral exploration. The hope is to respect surface rights holders such as First Nations and Métis communities and to foster economic development in the region through roads, rail and energy.
These announcements reflected a positive outlook for our region especially concern the mining of chromium and other precious metals.
People from the news media had been invited to attending the meting to hear the address from MPP Michael Gravelle. The speech focused on the Ring of Fire project and news of this was reported in a variety of local Thunder Bay news sources:
People from the news media had been invited to attending the meting to hear the address from MPP Michael Gravelle. The speech focused on the Ring of Fire project and news of this was reported in a variety of local Thunder Bay news sources:
Click for the following: Ring of Fire Advisor Council - News Story
Below are photos of the presentation:
Rotarian John Stewart thanks Michael for his presentation.
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President Dave Silliman shares a humourous moment with the honourable minister. |
Following Michael’s address we heard from:
Our exchange student Ryan about his activities over the Christmas holidays.
Frank Zanatta about the Vacation Voucher draw ( hopefully the tickets will be available on the 11th).
Bob Backstrom gave a reminder of urgency regarding the selling of ads for Radio Days.
Rick Clara summarized the successful Carol sing which raised over $2000 and had a very large attendance.
Kevin Holloway explained the table survey regarding input into our noon meeting format.
Dave Silliman summarized our day at the Dew Drop Inn on December 23, which included special take home desserts from the club and gift boxes given out by the Roteract Club.
Bill Everitt was fine master and managed to conduct his well-coordinated collections in, what may have been a record time of 30 seconds.
Matthew Diegel did not draw the ace of clubs at the end of the meeting.
Exchange Student Ryan Hsu described his Christmas experiences.
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