New member Amy Layton and recent RYLA student Rowan Young addressed the Club at our September 11th meeting. Past President Annette met Amy at the Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Five and invited her to visit our Club. After deciding to join, and having successfully completed the Provisional Member process, Amy was inducted by DG Dave during his recent visit to the Club.
A resident of Niagara Falls for most of her life, Amy lived in Northern Ontario (Elliot Lake) from about six years old to thirteen as her father got a job in the uranium mine. When the mine closed down, the family came 'home' to Niagara.
Amy has always had ties to each municipality in the Region. She always focused her education and interest around communication and serving others since high school and has a Human Relations Certificate from Niagara College. She was a PSW from 2000-2014 and has been a REALTOR(R) since 2012. She have been a member of the Board of Directors for the Niagara Association of REALTORS(R) since 2020 and served as president in 2023.
She is a firm believer that if you want your community to thrive and be a safe, vibrant place to live, you need to be an active participant. Amy has been volunteering with Birchway Niagara since 2019, raising funds through her own third party fundraiser since 2016. The event has raised just over $50,000 since inception.
Recent RYLA Student Addresses Club
Dr. Al Scales then introduced a very articulate Grade 11 student Rowan Young. During her recent time at RYLA camp, she recalled welcoming staff, rope climbing, but riddle games impressed her the most. She did not need to be scary to motivate others in team activities. She learned about Rotary and became mindful and appreciative of Rotary’s mission and goals. She learned about the ABC’s; Actions for her means LIVE grade11 and helping with Grade 9 orientation. Behaviour means doing things first and others will follow. Commitment means operating outside of a personal comfort zone.
Rowan is thankful for RYLA because she sees the value of extracurricular activities and feels more prepared for job interviews. She enjoyed being with flamboyant leaders. Anthropology and teaching will be her future aspirations.
Patricia Murenbeeld and Coral thanked Rowan for her presentation. The club will donate 10 Polio Vaccines on Rowan’s behalf
Announcements:
Coral and Bruce Timms invite club members to a Wine Tasting and Charcuterie in celebration of their recent nuptials, 16 October at Paridiso Winery, 176 Warner Road, Niagara on the Lake. (RSVP required by 5 Oct 24)
As per the Board minutes 7Aug24 “The three Rotary clubs met on July 17, 2024 to continue their work on ONCA matters. The Lakeshore subcommittee (Elaine and Janet) met on July 29.
Bruce Timms reported about the Rail Trail subcommittee that involves Clubs from Fontill, Welland, St Catharines (2). Tom Rankin Construction will provide an estimate of cost for work to be done. Bruce is looking for members to join a Club sub-committee regarding this project.
Ann Lanthier reported $2500 is going to the Niagara Regional Learning Centre/ Literacy Link Niagara. The Little Lending Library is benefiting the community.
Beth Fleeton challenged us to donate blood 26Sept24. Rotary Shirts were available to try for fit.
Marc Johnston spearheaded the Golf Classic event. As a result of Marc's application to them at that time, Intact Insurance is donating $1000 to our Youth Services efforts to promote a Safer and Happier community.