There was a small turnout for today’s meeting (17 Rotarians and guests).

 

President John Lark welcomed everyone and gave the invocation. Patrician Murenbeeld introduced two visitors, Cindy Wheeler, the new Director of Development, Ottawa Rotary Home and Dr. Fenja Brodo, our guest speaker. President John spoke about the hiring of Cindy. The BOD of the Rotary Home Foundation had many good applicants and delighted with the outcome. Cindy comes to Ottawa from Owen Sound where she held a similar position for a local foundation. She looks forward to working with the Rotary Club of Ottawa and getting to know our members.

 

 

Adventure in Citizenship – Thursday March 16, 610 Bronson

 

 

Rotaract 15^th Anniversary Gala -  President John encouraged members to attend the gala on Thursday, April 23. Visit the club or Rotaract website for information and to register online. Alternatively, contact Margot who will faciliate your registration.

 

GUEST SPEAKERS:   

Program Chair, Glenn Campbell introduced Dr. Fenja Brodo, Honorary Member of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club. Fenja is described as someone who radiates contagious passion for the natural world.

 

The OFNC is based out of the Fletcher Wildlife Garden near the Arboretum. They have a clubhouse and land there. Activities include a biennial birding tour to Point Pelee, bird watching, promoting birding, public awareness concerning bird deaths from windows, falcon watch, mudpuppy nights in Bishop Mills, botanizing in Constance Lake, an outing to Purdon Fen, tree identification, black lighting nights to attract the luna moth, butterfly counts, the Macoun Field Club for children 8-18, an annual plant sale in June (best prices in Ottawa), and publication of the Canadian Field Naturalist, the Ottawa Naturalist (first issue 1887) and Trail and Landscape. Fundraising has allowed for a variety of projects/ papers funded by OFNC and collaboration with the Nature Conservatry at Elbow Lake, Frontenac Arch Natural Area. Another project with the City of Ottawa has protected snapping turtle hatchlings at Mud Lake.

 

President John thanked Dr. Brodo for her interesting presentation. The OFNC has an impressive range of activies and an active membership. For more information visit:http://www.ofnc.ca

 

RAFFLE:          Won by Angela Kelly, courtesy of Peter Houliston.

 

Happy Twonies:

Rich Fisher – happy to be back from a trip to Costa Rica. Warm temperatures and lots of variety.

 

Angela Kelly – happy to have attended an event celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the arrival of the Othman family. The children are all doing very well, speaking English, leading happy lives. The pot luck meal was fabulous, much of it prepared by Shoq.

 

NEXT WEEK: Dr. Luka Bartosik, Ontario Medical Association. Reminder that all upcoming lunches and speakers are listed on the club website at www.rotaryottawa.com. If in doubt, check there.