Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, October 31, 2024

 Vice-President Olaf chaired the meeting

Olaf reminded Rotarians of the notice emailed to all club members concerning the Rotary Friendship Exchange between Rotarians from Wisconsin and Rotarians from Newfoundland and Labrador and St Pierre and Miquelon

Rotarians from this province will go to Wisconsin in July and the Wisconsin Rotarians hope to visit this province in September.

Linda noted that last week when the ADG Geoff Goodyear visited Corner Brook Geoff stated that the district meeting in 2025 will be held starting June 25^th in Halifax.

Verbon welcomed and introduced Lt(N) Cyril Coombs Commanding Officer of 184 RCSCC Curling who spoke about the local Sea Cadet Corps and explained the programs that are offered to young people, the advantages and benefits for the participants and the skills learned. Cyril himself had been a sea cadet here and later joined the armed forces and now is the RCSCC Curling Commanding Officer

He began his presentation by talking about the Canadian cadet movement

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps is a youth program for youth 12 – 18 years. It is delivered in partnership by The Navy League of Canada and the Department of National Defence. The Sea Cadet program is an exciting program that provides opportunities and challenges relevant for today’s youth. The program fosters the development of leadership skills, good citizenship and physical fitness. The program is free and voluntary.  The program upholds the pillars of leadership, citizenship, self-discipline, physical fitness and practical skills.  

Cadets are trained in three Olympic sports, those of sailing, marksmanship and Biathlon. Sailing training is done in September on the water in Deer Lake and this is part of the seamanship training.  Cadets gain in their training of practical skills plus they have here elective training in music. The Curling Corps has a drum and glockenspiel band which is the official band of Corner Brook.

 There are about 70-80 cadets in Corner Brook between the Air, Sea and Army Cadet Corps. They learn by the drills and leadership opportunities to be a member of a team, and the community service and outreach programs help develop citizens of the future.

 Cyril went on to talk about the funding of the 184 RCSCC Curling Sea Cadets and how the Canadian Armed Forces provide funding for training, and the Navy League provides funding also. He thanked the Corner Brook Rotary Club which has supported the 184 RCSCC Curling Sea Cadets since its beginning.  The donation made annually to the cadets is greatly appreciated and he explained the difference this donation makes. He stressed that cadets pay nothing, and everyone is welcome to join.

Cyril answered several questions before being thanked by Bernd on behalf of the club for the interesting and informative presentation.

 The meeting adjourned at 1.30pm.