CLIFFORD – President John Caesar welcomed over 60 volunteers to the Clifford & District Rotary Club volunteer appreciation dinner last month at John Hobelman Memorial Park.
After dinner, Caesar thanked those who donated time and expertise to the 36th annual Rotaryfest. He was especially thankful to Ron Cook and Peter Jefferson for their barbecuing skills.
Event chairman Jim Harkness shared an overview of the weekend, highlighting its many organizers, challenges, and charms. Although, the final report on finances was not available, he believes the club made a profit and has plans, changes, and a designated tractor brand in the works for 2011.
The addition of the Great Lakes Truck Club increased the number of trucks. Having Steve Plunkett arrive with his one-of-a-kind 1934 Cadillac V16 convertible was a boost to the status of the show.
Verdon Zurbrigg was assured that Plunkett was impressed with the show and will return next year with another of his Cadillacs. Visitors, vendors, campers, classic cars, trucks, and small engines were increased, the women’s program was better attended, and the weather held beautifully. The tail-gate party and loonie scramble were two new ventures that were well received.
The Farmall Square Dance Team may not make another appearance next year, but there is always hope. The eight men who parade their tractors around the earthen square dance floor offer a unique form of entertainment that is receiving Canada wide fame.
Leonard Underwood introduced two students from Norwell District Secondary School who formed a club called Interact, on behalf of the Rotary Club.
The attempt to form the club looked bleak to Ally Jewell and Chris Raftis, but with persistence and a great motivational scheme, they found 50 students eager to learn how to create positive change in the world.
This automatically propelled the club to elite status as the largest club at Norwell. They organized a winter clothing drive for area food banks and were overwhelmed with the generous response. They feel encouraged to know they are contributing in the world through the Rotary clubs of Clifford and Drayton.
They intend to focus their attention with ongoing projects for Haiti and a school in Africa.
Jewell and Raftis are thrilled with the response and conclude the club will prosper.
