The Rotary Club Of Festival City

President:  David Moore

Minutes of the meeting of Jan 31, 2012

Club email:  festivalcityrotary@gmail.com

Club web blog: www.festivalcityrotary.blogspot.com

ClubRunner site: www.festivalcityrotary.ca

 

Guests:  Kevin Silver and Gord Sherwin are from the Stratford Rotary Club. Poppy Kipfer, Maya Jenkins, Michele Boniface, Liesel Deppe and Peter Fisher are all from Vivace. Also in attendance were Brandi Gillett, Ann Brailsford-Child and Gezahgn Wordofa.

 

Draw Prize: Gerry Ketchum was the winner of a prize donated by John McNeil.

 

Announcements:

  1. Calling All Bridge Players and Wannabe Players. Ron Rogers asked if anyone is interested in forming a bridge group of 4 to 8 people. There appears to be quite a bit of interest.  Ron also suggested that anyone interested in learning to play Bridge would be welcome. If you are interested in bridge or learning to play it contact Ron at rjrogers@wightman.ca

 

  1. Bard’s Birthday Committee: Anna Sherwin announced that planning for the event on April 21st has begun. Anyone wishing to join the committee to assist please speak to Anna.

 

  1. Dinner of the Month Draw: Dianne Yundt asked club members to continue selling tickets for the draw. Email friends and contacts. She has been successful with this approach.

 

  1. Bingo: Volunteers are needed to assist with the February 10 bingo and celebrate the birthday of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson (born 1939). Bingo starts at 5 PM. Any volunteers to bake a birthday cake?  Sign up on ClubRunner.

 

  1. Habitat for Humanity Art Gala: Deb Stacey-Rivers announced this event scheduled for the evening of Friday March 23 at City Hall. The live and silent auction will feature the work of local artists as well as live music and food. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Visit www.habitatstratfordperth.ca to view the art.

 

Guest Speaker: Anna Sherwin introduced Michele Boniface from Vivace Student Music Lessons.  Michele was a film director and past director of the Kiwanis Music Festival.  Michele in turn introduced two student teachers from Vivace who performed for us. Poppy Kipfer is a grade 10 student at Central who played George Shearing’s version of “Over the Rainbow” on the piano. Maya Jenkins a grade 11 student sang “The Physician” from Cole Porter’s musical Nymph Errant.  Both performances were very impressive.

Michele explained that the idea of Vivace began with Mimi Liu, a high school student and violinist in Stratford in 2008. The purpose is to provide underprivileged children with music lessons taught by students. Vivace arranges for the rental of musical instruments, usually piano, violin or guitar. Vivace recruits students as teachers and approaches local schools and social service agencies to identify students who may benefit from the program.

A major challenge for Vivace is the continual recruitment of student teachers. After a couple of years students leave high school and move on. Students must have at least grade 8 in music.

Liesel Deppe, a professional musician with various orchestras including London, Windsor, Kitchener, Hamilton and Stratford, spoke about the support for Vivace. Supporting organizations include Stratford Rotary, Kiwanis, Stratford Symphony Orchestra, Stratford Summer Music and the United Way among others.  The United Way manages the finances of Vivace.  Expenses include the rental of instruments, the Web page and the purchase of sheet music. Donations to Vivace qualify for a tax receipt.  For more information about Vivace and to make a donation visit www.vivacestudentmusic.com

Today’s speakers and performers were thanked by Peter Moreton.