Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, May 5, 2022
President welcomed everyone to the meeting
Club Business
The Induction of new Rotarian Brian Wheeler was the first order of business.
The ceremony was conducted by Verbon.
Kathleen introduced Brian who was sponsored by Paula. Verbon explained the aims and purpose of Rotary and then Brian received his Rotary pin and congratulations from Chris. Congratulations go to Brian from all Corner Brook Rotarians. Welcome Brian!!
Rotary Windbreaker
Gerry spoke of the blue Rotary windbreaker that the guest speaker Mel wore last week. He found out further details about the windbreaker and from where it had been purchased. Gerry thought owning a windbreaker with a Rotary logo would be a good purchase for Corner Brook Rotarians to consider buying. Gerry will bring a sample to the next Rotary meeting with details of cost etc. plus ordering information.
Summer Rotary Meetings
It was asked that the executive consider how often Rotary would meet in the summer. More information will be given after the next executive meeting.
Program
Program-chair Lorraine introduced and welcomed the guest speaker Krista Hansen- Robitchek, manager of the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre. Krista spoke on how the Arts and Culture Centre staff, patrons and artists coped during the pandemic and the Centre’s plans.
Krista went back two years when the covid-19 shut down was announced. She spoke of the work that went on behind the scenes initially to sort this out. She herself had always been involved with theatre and how she felt when live arts performances were not allowed. The Arts and Culture Centre did have recorded events but gradually as restrictions eased live events became possible.
She went on to speak about how artists had suffered during the pandemic as they had lost their identity. Now artists are well ready to return and entertain audiences. She spoke of the 30% drop in audience numbers and the industry feels it will take at least 2 years before audiences fully return.
She finished her talk by speaking of the artists performing at the A & C in the next couple of months. Krista answered different questions and then was thanked.
Jim spun the Rotary wheel and Chris and Karen shared good news stories.
The meeting was adjourned at 1.30pm