GUEST SPEAKERS:
Dave Andrews reviewed Samantha’s academic achievements and advanced studies. Samantha has been the curator at the Parkwood Estate for 24 years.
Laura is the Executive Director at Parkwood, studied at UBC and also has impressive credentials and experience.
Sam reviewed much of the history of the Estate and then focused on what went on throughout the era of W.W. II at Parkwood.
Adelaide, being a leading lady in the Oshawa area stepped up and got involved in the war effort. She organized teas and workgroups and was relentless in her encouragement of the community to help the boys who were off to war. In fact she started working early recognizing that war was coming.
George McLaughlin, who passed away in 1942 led the Red Cross campaign. Sam and Adelaide advocated for giving boldly and involved women in the effort.
She had social teas with proceeds to fund the War. She held knitting bees and packages for over seas were assembled in the estate’s kitchen. She talked about guns or butter. She said metal should be used for war effort guns not pots and pans. She organized the Christmas dinner to feed the Navy through the Navy League. In 6 weeks she raised $239k which was an enormous amount back in the 40’s.
Sam and Adelaide worked hard keeping in mind they were in their 70s. Samantha talked about the new Parkwood tours.
The focus is new in-depth stories and visits through more of the estate, and the history story behind many artifacts. She is looking for return visitors by having many venues to tour with new stories to tell.
Laura spoke about changes to bring people back and raise funds as it costs to keep Parkwood vital. New events include teas, artifacts found in private places, old newspaper articles which help to weave the past back together.
Dave Andrews recalled an early Rotary project to light the Parkwood Christmas trees. John Kellam suggested they engage the community by asking for period artifacts that they may hold.
Laura says, “book a tour.”
President Linda Porritt thanked Sam and Laura for joining us and bringing the Parkwood Estate history and the contributions of Sam and Adelaid to life again for us to enjoy..
Thank you to Irina Roudenko for the fantastic photos.
President Linda closed the meeting at 8:45 pm.
A Few Event Reminders::
Announcing our newest fundraiser – Maple Syrup Sales. Start your pre-ordering now. Get your orders ready for delivery in late March 2024. Our Club logo on every bottle (750 ml). Sell for $20 per bottle. Gift Certificates are available. Great Christmas Gifts.
ROTARY CLUB OF BOWMANVILLE 100TH ANNIVERSARY - APRIL 27 – SAVE THE DATE
We are invited to the 100th anniversary gala of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville at the Courtyard by Marriott on Bloor Street in Oshawa. Save the Date. Lots of details will follow soon.
2024 ROTARY GREAT LAKES WATARSHED CLEANUP: APRIL 27, 2024:
Great Lakes Water Cleanup – 9:30 am to 11:30 am at The Second Marsh with Oshawa and Courtice Rotary Clubs. Please let Dave know as soon as possible if you are attending. Bring your own water (in a reusable bottle) and a picker if you have one. Wear boots. It will be wet walking. 9 Civic Leaders so far will be attending. Park along Col Sam Drive near Second marsh sign (on south side of road).
APRIL 18 to 21 – Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium - at Ganaraska Centre. Cost per young adult is $385. Clubs can sponsor. The 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) will be taking place, April 18-21, 2024 at the Ganaraska Forest Centre! The 3-night, 4-day experience is geared toward youth between the ages of 16-20 and will offer an inspiring program: Conflict Resolution, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Reconciliation and Land Based Education, Leadership, Hands-on Activities, Group Dynamics, Public Speaking, Outdoor Survival along with campfires, friendship and tons of fun and learning!!!
Rotary Clubs are encouraged to find and sponsor eligible participants within their community, as well as members of the Rotaract and Interact Clubs that they host. There are only 30 spots available - so act fast!
Applications are due by March 1, 2024. To apply click HERE. For more info, contact: Past District Governor, Mark Chipman, chipburt@hotmail.com.
2024 Reverse Draw, Dinner and Silent Auction at the Courtyard by Marriott – May 9, 2024!!
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Dave A now has tickets for this year’s REVERSE DRAW. Tickets are $150. He asked everyone to think about possible sponsors too. Get your tickets from Dave. List of last year’s buyers and sellers distributed last week. Great reminder. Ted M encourages everyone to be on the lookout for high quality silent auction items. The goal is 60 again this year. The average price of an item should be $100. Try to get experiences rather than things if possible.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, MAKE UP: Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Secretary Sue MacKinnon, or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting.