President Elect Jules Hawkins led the meeting on June 25^th. Walter Willms spoke to an emotional crowd as he explained that this was to be his last meeting as sergeant-at-arms, and conducted his last Happy Bucks installment. He explained how Happy Bucks has changed, and described how new inducted members were responsible for collecting fines when he became a Rotarian 55 years ago in Smiths Falls, Ontario. In our Club, his focus wasn’t necessarily on fines: “I have very much tried to make it happy bucks rather than fines. I’m sorry that a few times I’ve had to rely on fines but I think it’s been worthwhile”. He concluded his speech to a standing ovation from the Club, as his weekly presence at the front of the room will surely be missed. He’s passed along his sergeant-at-arms duties to fellow Rotarian Greg DeHetre.

 

The program featured Sarah Ilijanich of LAFA: Lakeshore Academy of Fine Arts. Artists from all over Essex County attend LAFA to explore their creativity through training in all aspects of the arts. They offer programs throughout the year, including classes, summer camps and amazing theatrical performances. Ms. Ilijanich described the rebuilding that happened after her space, The Urban Field House, suffered from fire damages in November, 2017. It’s since become a beautiful space, with a theatre, studios, and a gorgeous area to hold events.