History of The Guelph-Wellington Men`s Club

History
of
The Guelph-Wellington
Men’s Club
by
Elmer L. Menzie
Guelph, Ontario
May 1999
Updated October 2005
Updated March 2011
Updated December 2015
PREFACE
During 1995-96, the Guelph Wellington Men’s Club Board decided that something
should be done to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Club which would occur in 1997.
One of the things approved was to write a comprehensive history of the Club. This was
not done, so in the summer of 1998 I agreed to chair an Ad Hoc Committee that would
help to develop such a report. While I took on the task of writing the report, the help from
other committee members in gathering the information and in editing early drafts have
been most valuable and are deeply appreciated.
It has been a slow process requiring a lot of research. We hope you will find it both
useful and enjoyable to read. The main source of information has been the archives, kept
over the years by Club members. Interviews with various Club members have also been
helpful, but most of us tend to forget the details of events gone past. This is all the more
reason for developing a Club history. We hope you will agree.
Elmer L. Menzie, Chair, Ad Hoc Committee
Ernie Barber
Deane Sherman
Bill Richardson
Ross Irwin
Bill Arbuthnot
Guelph, Ontario
May 1999
Five Year Updates
The Board has approved the Archives Committee recommendation that the Club
History be updated every 5 years.
1. Update for 1999/2000 to 2004/2005 – Deane Sherman, Dave Mowat, Rob
Lindsay
2. Update for 2005/2006 to 2009/2010 – Peter Moore, Dave Mowat, Dave Hull
3. Update for 2010/2011 to 2014/2015 – Peter Moore, Dave Mowat, Dave Hull
ii
CONTENTS
DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Club Origin
1
CONSOLIDATION AND GROWTH
Club Organization
Charter Night
Program Emphasis
New Issues and Changes
Moving the Meeting Location
First Charter Anniversary
Death of Richard Starkey
Expanding Activities
3
5
7
7
9
11
12
12
PERIOD OF MAJOR CHANGE
Developments in 1980/81
A Difficult Period
14
17
FORMATION OF AN INDEPENDENT
CLUB
Charter Surrender of April 1981
19
COMMENCEMENT OF THE GUELPHWELLINGTON MEN’S CLUB
New Name and Structure
Policies and Programs Retained
Expanding Activities
A New Period of Growth
The Men’s Club Award Established
1985 Bylaw Changes
Further Activity Expansion
Founding Member Resigns from Board
Attendance Taking Ceases
Honors for Laughter
Charter Members’ Luncheons Begin
Changes of 1988
Special Eccles-Goldberg Tours Begin
More Bylaws Changes in 1989/90
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20
20
23
25
28
28
29
31
31
32
32
33
34
35
APPROACHING MATURITY
Limiting Growth Again a Problem
Improving Administrative Operations
A New Membership Cap
Bylaws and Procedures Revisited in 1992
Two New Life Members Appointed
Kenneth Parker Greenaway Makes a Final
Departure
More Structure and Operation Changes
Membership Reaches a Maximum
Awards Program Changes
The Twentieth Anniversary of the Club
Bylaw Review of 1997
Policies and Procedures Manual
Other Developments
37
37
38
40
43
46
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
THE CLUB IN PERSPECTIVE
55
UPDATE FOR 1999/2000 TO 2004/2005
57
UPDATE FOR 2005/2006 TO 2009/2010
64
UPDATE FOR 2010/2011 TO 2014/2015
75
APPENDICES I - VI
iv
HISTORY OF THE GUELPH-WELLINGTON
MEN’S CLUB
DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Club Origin:
The beginnings of the Club started in the early weeks of 1977. At that time there were two
Clubs in Guelph, known as the Kiwanis Club of Guelph and Kiwanis Club of Royal City
(Guelph). Many of these Clubs members had been with their respective organizations for
years and they were either in or reaching the retirement age. There was a feeling that while
these members wished to remain as Kiwanis members, they did not wish to continue being
quite as actively involved in some of their Club’s activities. Thus discussions began about
the possibility of forming an alternative organization to meet the needs of these members.
There was already a precedent for setting up seniors’ Clubs within the Kiwanis. These were
known as the “Golden K” clubs. Such clubs existed in Brantford, London, Stratford and other
places. The two Guelph Clubs agreed to sponsor a new club. They set up a New Club
Building Committee, with Groves Collingridge named Secretary and Douglas Sloan as the
Chairman. Charley Hayes from the Royal City Club and George Hindley, from the Kiwanis
Club of Guelph were other working members.
The New Club Building Committee first met at a luncheon gathering, early in March 1977, at
the Guelph Cutten Club. Mac Barnett, field representative for Kiwanis International attended
this meeting and was reported to have been very helpful in making suggestions for the
formation of the new retirees club. A series of subsequent meetings of the Committee
resulted in the following plans:
1) To arrange a “pre-organization” meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 1977, at the
Country Club of Guelph.
2) To invite the assistance of Kiwanians from the 2 existing clubs to submit a list of
names of retired men from business, industry and the professions who might be
interested in becoming a Kiwanian.
3) To mail an invitation to each of those men inviting them to the March 30th
meeting.
The invitation, signed by Douglas Sloan and Groves Collingridge, was sent to over 100
prospective members. The letter was as follows:
“Your name has been submitted to us by one of your friends who thinks that you
would be interested in joining a service club such as the Kiwanis Retiree’s Club.
This club is now being organized in Guelph and we feel that you would enjoy the
fellowship and would be an asset to such a club.
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These clubs usually hold their meetings in the morning, with coffee, rather than a
meal, as the evening and noon hour clubs provide. Therefore keeping the dues to a
minimum.
There are so many projects that a club such as this could become involved in and we
know that such a club would become a great asset to the community as they have
proven in other cities such as Brantford, London and Stratford.
An informal meeting will be held March 30th, to set your views on this undertaking.
We would be pleased to have you attend to hear more about this club.
Attached you will find a list of prospective members and should you have someone
that you would like to suggest, we would appreciate having this information.
For further enquiries, please call Douglas Sloan, 822-8778 or Groves Collingridge,
824-2116.”
The above letter set the tone for the establishment of the new club and is important to the
understanding of later developments that occurred.
The pre-organization meeting was held on March 30,with Douglas Sloan as chair and Groves
Collingridge as secretary. Sloan reported there were about 50 in attendance, with 25 as
prospective Kiwanians, and 25 from the two Guelph Kiwanis Clubs. Carl Thomson, Lt. Gov.
from Stratford and Jack Dyce, Secretary of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District, spoke
at the meeting about the aims and objectives of the Kiwanis International and the requisites
of forming a new club. There was discussion about the proposal and those attending were
invited to fill out an application, if they wished to become members.
A series of meetings was held at the Country Club, in April 1977, when new and prospective
members discussed plans for the new club. Speakers from other clubs attended and shared
experiences and views on the club development. A final meeting on April 27, chaired by Jack
Dyce, formalized the new club, which required a minimum of 20 members to be recognized.
The following are details of the meeting’s conclusions:
Club Name:
Time of Meeting:
Place of Meeting:
Officers:
The Kiwanis Club of Wellington, Guelph
Each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
The Guelph Recreation Building
President- Ken Greenaway
Vice President- Bruce Ross
Secretary- Bill Mathews
Treasurer- Don Dingle
Directors- Scotty Allen, Leonard Gross, Gordon Couling,
George Pearson and Stanley Lawrence
Fees:
$1.00 per meeting for coffee and light refreshments and to
pay rent. The membership fee was to be decided later.
The Club was established and at a meeting on May 4, 1977, at the Recreation Building, the
designated Officers and Board members were inducted by Lt. Governor Carl Thomson.
President Stan Snyder, Kiwanis Club of Guelph, President George King of the Royal City
2
Club, plus Ross McNaughton, Groves Collingridge, and Douglas Sloan, formally received
the new members into Kiwanis. A total of 27 members were received into the new Club on
this day. Charter night for the Club was to be Friday, September 23, 1977.
The appointment of Ken Greenaway as the new Club President turned out to be one of the
most significant decisions made for the development of the Club. His choice obviously was a
result of the active role Ken had played in the Kiwanis. He became a member of Kiwanis at
an early age and rose through the ranks to become Governor of the Ontario-Quebec-Maritime
District, in 1948, and International Vice-President, in 1952. In 1953 he joined the staff of
Kiwanis at the Chicago Headquarters, as Director of Field Service and Development. In 1966
Ken and his wife, Ruth, moved to Zurich, Switzerland to create the first Kiwanis European
Office. From this location he was actively involved in establishing Kiwanis Clubs in many
European countries. In 1973 they moved to Melbourne, Australia, where Ken established a
base for development of Kiwanis in Australia and New Zealand. It was from this location
that the Greenaways departed in 1975 to return to Ken’s birthplace, Guelph, for retirement.
Ken’s experiences with the Kiwanis made him a natural choice, to head up the development
of the new Kiwanis Retirees Club.
CONSOLIDATION AND GROWTH
Club Organization:
The Club’s Executive and Directors moved quickly to set a program in motion. The first of
the Club’s monthly Bulletins was printed June 7,1977, under the banner “The Kiwanis Club
of Wellington, Guelph”. It was reported that the Board had established the following 13
committees:
-Club Meetings and Speakers
-House
-Membership Drive
-Youth Services
-Citizenship
-Spiritual Aims
-Fellowship
-Laws and Regulations
-Kiwanis information
-Inter-Club Relationship and Visitation
-Public Relations
-Bulletin and History
-Fund Raising
There were also congratulations to Norman Burbidge, Ivan Muller, Ken Greenaway and Bill
Toner, all of whom had been associated with the Kiwanis for over 31years Two new
members, Fred Britton and Bill Walker were inducted into the Club. As was to become the
tradition, announcements of dates to remember, inter-club meeting dates, travelers and their
3
travels, an items wanted list, sick list, birthday greetings to members, wedding anniversary
congratulations and future programs, were all included in the Bulletin.
The second monthly bulletin, dated July 5, 1977, carried a
new letter head and logo designed by Ken Greenaway.
This bulletin reported that the Club had already inducted
four new members. Also noted was a new lectern, given to
the Club by Ivan Muller. It had been built originally by
Ivan and was used for years by the Guelph Kiwanis Club.
For a period it seems to have been lost and was later
discovered in storage at the Royal Hotel. Subsequently
Ivan refinished it for use by the new Club.
First Club Logo
On June 3, 1977, Ken Greenaway received a letter from the solicitor’s office asking for
details on the Board and Club members, in order to facilitate proceeding with incorporation.
Details were submitted on the Club Board and membership, to meet the request by the
solicitors. However, incorporation was not carried out and became one of the issues that
arose later in the discussions between the Club and the International and Regional offices.
As might be expected the meeting followed the format of regular Kiwanis Clubs. Members
Charter Meeting: Dick Starkey, Ken Greenaway, Bruce Ross
arrived early to enjoy a social time over coffee and doughnuts or cookies. The meetings were
opened at 10:00 a.m., with the singing of O Canada followed by an Invocation. The speaker,
generally a Club member, was introduced and after the talk, was thanked. Any further Club
business was usually brief because most was handled by the Board of Directors.
4
On August 9, ladies were invited to attend the Club meeting and join in coffee and donuts. It
was also announced that there would be a Charter Night Meeting on September 23, and
that September 13 was the deadline for enrollment as a Charter member, at reduced
membership rates. Current Anniversary Dinner planners, eat your heart out; the price was
$15.00 per couple.
As of September 1, Club enrollment was 42 with three on the waiting list. A Club roster of
members was first kept on a sheet of heavy paper, with the list of Executive included. At a
board meeting on September 7, a motion was passed making Douglas T. Sloan and Groves
(Doc) Collingridge, Honorary members of the Club. This was done as an expression of
appreciation for all the work they had done in creating the new Club. Ivan Muller, Norm
Burbidge and Denis Dobson, all Club members and all past presidents of Kiwanis Clubs in
Guelph were also made honorary members. Bylaw changes were proposed to add an
Assistant Secretary to the list of Club Officers and to ask Ivan Muller to accept this position,
if approved. This change was approved at a subsequent general meeting of members. Club
dues were set at $12.50, payable each six months beginning October 1, 1977. New members
were required to pay an initiation fee of $15.00.
Ivan Muller prepared a new box for member's badges. It
was also reported that the Club was temporarily using a
call bell, which had been presented to President Ken
Greenaway, by the Kiwanis Club in Europe. This was a
unique bell with a base consisting of 12 pieces of native
woods from the twelve European countries involved.
The bell itself was of Swedish steel and Icelandic
granite. The Constituent Clubs of Kiwanis International
of Europe presented it to Ken, in 1968.
Charter Night:
The Charter Meeting of the Kiwanis Club of
Wellington Guelph, Ontario, was held at the Cutten
Golf and Country Club, on Friday September 23, 1977.
There were 45 charter members at the time of the
meeting. (Alf Walberg apparently did not meet the time
Special Call Bell
deadline but was later added as the 46th charter member)
Forty of the Charter members were in attendance on the big night. The program for the night
listed the same Board members as the original group at the Club formation in May, with the
exception that Ivan Muller was included as an Assistant Secretary.
Charter night was very important to the new Club. There were 20 other clubs represented
from different parts of Ontario. Various gifts were presented to the Club, including a banner,
a President’s brief case and kit, a Secretary’s brief case and kit, a gong and gavel, guest
register and a rack for flags of the 60 countries flying the Kiwanis banner. The meeting was
presided over by Carl Thompson, Lieutenant Governor, Division 5 Eastern Canada and the
5
Caribbean District, Kiwanis International. Dr. Kenneth W. Smith, Division Governor,
presented the Charter and Club President, Kenneth P. Greenaway, accepted it.
Receiving the Charter
According to Bruce Ross, who was the Vice-President at the time of Charter night, not all the
action was of a solemn nature. It was known that Ken Greenaway was fond of duck and a
group of the Club members decided it would be a great idea to give Ken a live duck at the
Charter night dinner. Bruce was given the task of acquiring and keeping the duck until the
dinner. He bought the duck from a farmer on Elora Road and brought it home in a box, then
placed it in the bathtub. Of course one of the consequences was a very messy tub. In the
evening Bruce “ducked” out of the meeting, went home and got the bird. Dick Starkey made
the presentation to Ken who was surprised by the prank but made an appropriate acceptance
speech for the rare gift.
The Guelph Mercury editorial, commenting on the granting of a charter to the new Kiwanis
Club, was very full of praise for the movement. It stated “Creation of the Kiwanis Club, the
third in the Royal City, seems to have been one of the best ideas to emerge on the local scene
in a long time”. Being a club of retirees from all walks of life it was felt that it would not
only provide the opportunity for comradeship and an interchange of ideas but would be a
major community resource. The editorial summed up with a challenging statement as
follows: “What a contribution such a group can make to the life of Guelph and area!”
Program Emphasis:
6
During the first years there was emphasis on community service, as was the tradition of
Kiwanis Clubs. Many of the new Club’s first members were long time members of other
Kiwanis Clubs, including President Ken Greenaway. Also, the Kiwanis head office made it
clear that the Club should follow strict guidelines of the Kiwanis International and was to
make reports accordingly to the Regional and International offices. There was even a letter
from the International office in Chicago to each of the two sponsoring clubs in Guelph,
stating that they were to maintain a sort of supervising role for the first year of the new
Club’s operation. In the letter the following words were underlined for emphasis: “After the
Club is Chartered, you will want to maintain a close contact with the new club for at
least one year.” It was suggested that they assign committee chairmen to meet with the new
club and to consult with the chairmen of the corresponding committees for the new club.
They also should work out a schedule of inter-club meetings and at least one committee
chairman from the sponsoring clubs would be in attendance at each of the new club meetings
for at least six months. It is very evident the new Club was intended to be patterned after
other Kiwanis Clubs in all respects.
Thus it was to be expected that the new Club would put a great deal of emphasis on the
members’ involvement in community service activities. Members were required to sign
attendance sheets placed on each table at the meetings and were asked to report any
community activities in which they were involved. Some of these activities included driving
for Meals on Wheels, for cancer patients, for seniors shopping, emergency driving for
Children’s Aid, and visiting shut-ins, etc. At the meeting of September 7, 1977, the Board
expressed a determination to continue searching for a specific project with which the whole
Club could be identified, in addition to the projects of individual members.
New Issues and Changes:
Early in November, President Ken Greenaway, proposed further by-law changes to the Club
members, to increase the number of Directors from five to seven and to elect a Second VicePresident and an Assistant Treasurer. It was later proposed that the Board act as a nominating
committee for the election of the added positions. At a regular meeting on November 15, a
motion was approved to expand the Club Board as suggested. The Board would therefore
include the President, Immediate Past President,
First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary,
Assistant Secretary and seven Directors. Early in December the Board nominated a slate to
fill the new positions. W.C. (Scotty) Allan was moved from director to Second VicePresident and Charles Wright was nominated as Assistant Treasurer. The three new directors
were Alfred Hunt, Richard Starkey and William Toner. These nominations were approved at
a regular meeting, on December 6. The process was carried out expeditiously.
Most of the general meetings included speakers, primarily from the Club members. They
spoke largely of their experiences and of travels to various places. Occasionally speakers
would talk about their community involvement and sometimes emphasized the need for help
in those areas. On December 8, they held the first Christmas meeting including the ladies.
This was held at Stone Church in Eramosa Township with 24 members, five men guests and
27 ladies in attendance. They enjoyed a turkey dinner; carol singing and Collin Todd gave a
7
talk. The ladies were all given a poinsettia, a writing pad or a small plate. The price for the
dinner was $5.00 per plate.
At the regular meeting on December 13, the Club had the first show and tell program.
Bruce Ross gave a demonstration of Mexican Jumping Beans; Phil Puxley showed some
certificates which his father received for saving a couple of people from drowning; Carlton
Lottridge gave anecdotes about happenings in the life of some of his ancestors in the Niagara
Peninsula; Fred Britton showed a design he had made with a welding rod; Cal Couling
showed a wooden gavel he had received for his educational interests; Alf Walberg showed a
sample of Sylvite Potash mined in Saskatchewan. Several other members participated in the
program. On December 27, the Greenaways hosted an open house for the Club members.
The first winds of change to come were observed at a meeting of the Club, in January 1978.
There was a report on Club finances and expenses including a payment of $34.00 to the
Kiwanis District Office for Youth Work. A motion was passed asking the President to write
to the District Office saying “that we trust this method of financing District Work will be
discontinued”.
On January 3, a new flag rack was employed with the flags displayed for 62 countries having
Kiwanis representation. At the following meeting the President related his story of the
growth in Kiwanis International and his role in that growth. At this time there was also
considerable emphasis placed on the national unity issue. Kiwanis Clubs across the country
developed a project entitled “Understanding Canada”. One phase of the project was the
twinning of Clubs, and the Wellington-Guelph Club was twinned with a club in Tsawwassen,
British Columbia. Several members were placed in charge of the project. It seems
questionable whether any further action was taken on the project since nothing further was
reported.
The ladies were included at a regular meeting of the Club, held on February 14. This was a
Valentine’s Day meeting at which they did a lot of singing followed with a talk by Alfred
Hunt and his wife on the subject of Bridge. Harvey Pettit was introduced as the 52nd member
of the Club. (An interesting note on this is that Mark Christie resigned in April and in May
the monthly bulletin reported that Fred Jerome had just become the Club’s 52nd member.)
Moving the Meeting Location:
The Club had continued to meet in the Delhi Recreation Centre but in March 1978, they were
given notice that the rental fee would be increased from $9.00 to $15.00 per meeting. The
Board at ensuing meetings discussed the issue of the increase in rent. Finally, President Ken
Greenaway reported that the Club could secure space at the Italian-Canadian Club for $9.00
per meeting and that there would be adequate parking for cars. A motion was made and
approved to move to this new location, effective for the meeting on May 2, 1978. This date
was celebrated also as the anniversary of the Club’s first official meeting, in 1977. Favorable
comments about the new location were that there was ample parking and more space for
meetings, which would make it possible to expand the Club numbers by at least 10 more.
Members were encouraged to bring guests who might be prospective members. One
8
drawback was the lack of a piano since the Club enjoyed music, as did President Greenaway
who was a church organist and choir director at various times and places during his life.
May was an active month for the Club. May 2nd was declared the First Annual Meeting Day
and the day for election of officers. Ken Greenaway remained in office as President for a
second term. Richard Starkey became Vice-President and Bruce Ross became a Director.
Ivan Muller, whose name appeared for some time on official meeting reports, was to become
the new Secretary and Charles Wright the new Treasurer.
On May 3, the Club had a special tour of the Guelph Mercury. On May 16, referred to as
Spring Ladies Day, there was a bus trip to Elmira. This included a family style dinner put on
by the Mennonite ladies, in the Elmira Church. The group was shown a film of the life and
work of the Mennonite people and then given a tour of the farms and other unique features of
the area.
New members were told about the various possibilities to be involved in community service,
emphasizing this aspect of the new Club. The bulletin began referring to member activities as
Citizenship Services. A major project undertaken by the Club was raising funds to repair
and reconstruct the Guelph Museum on Dublin St. Members were encouraged to support the
fund with their own contributions and with help in fund raising.
Roy Hammond (right) receives a golf trophy
for Low Gross Score of 33 in 1978
9
The Club had many members interested in various sports activities. The July 4th meeting was
held at the Victoria Golf Club where 30 members attended and 16 took part in the first Golf
Tournament. Roy Hammond received a trophy for a low gross score of 33 and Fred
Jerome for a low net of 31. On August 15, 26 members, at the invitation of the Lawn
Bowling Association (arranged by Harvey Pettit) took part in a Lawn Bowling Day. After the
bowl they went to the Ponderosa for lunch. During lunch there was a bad lightning storm and
a man playing golf at the Victoria Golf Club was killed.
A Board meeting on July 31 approved the purchase of Guelph Anniversary ties, at a cost of
$25.00 each, to be presented to speakers. It is not known when this practice was stopped.
First Charter Anniversary:
The Lawn Bowlers
10
The First Anniversary of the Charter was celebrated on October 3, 1978, at the Italian
Canadian Club with wives in attendance. This was a dinner meeting with program supplied
largely from the talents of various members. The accomplishments and activities of the past
year and a description of plans for future events were outlined for members and guests. The
special events of the year, including golf, lawn bowling, and various trips were emphasized,
as was a long list of community contributions such as help with Meals-on-Wheels, work with
the Cancer Society, Children’s Aid, and driving seniors to various outings. Tribute was paid
once more to veteran members and past presidents of Kiwanis. Ivan Muller, Norm Burbidge,
Dennis Dodson were all former presidents of Guelph Kiwanis. Alf Walberg was a past
president of the Royal City Kiwanis and Ken Greenaway a former president of the Niagara
Falls Club. Norm Burbidge and Ken Greenaway each had 44 years as members. President
Ken Greenaway was praised for his fine handling of the Club in its formative year. Secretary
Ivan Muller and Treasurer Charlie Wright were also commended, as were other Board
members for the fine contributions during the year.
At the next week’s meeting, the new Officers and Board members were installed by District
Governor Ross Muller. In November the Board set up “Duty Teams”, with two members per
week to help with the coffee, bring out the banner, the flag set, speaker’s lectern, gong and
gavel, attendance cards etc. They were also responsible for returning these items after the
meeting. Anyone unable to do this was to obtain an alternate.
On November 21, there was a meeting at the Sportsmen’s Bowlerama. (This was a bowling
alley that existed where the current Evergreen Senior’s Centre is located.) Everyone was
invited to go to this event whether they bowled or not. At lunchtime they all went to the
Golden Crown Restaurant.
The Club took an active role in helping the United Way Fund-Raising Campaign, in the fall
of 1978. A donation was made from the Club of $100.00 and individual members were
encouraged to donate through the Club. As a result a corporate donation of $1,230.00 was
given as a pooled contribution. Scotty Allen, a Club Director, was the chairman of the
fundraising drive and the Club was cited for its efforts.
At a December meeting, the Board approved support of the Heart Fund Canvass in the same
way that they had supported the United Way Appeal earlier. Members were encouraged to
make out their cheques to the Kiwanis Club of Wellington-Guelph Heart Fund. Contributions
were recognized with an individual receipt but the total collected was then submitted to the
Heart Fund as a Club donation. The Club Christmas party was held on December 19. It was a
potluck supper at the recreation room at 5 Wilsonview Ave. with wives and friends invited to
attend.
1979 was a busy and eventful year for the new Club. In February there was a tour of the
Museum Collection at the Guelph Armory. In March members were invited to participate in
a bonspiel at Orillia. Several members were involved in the “Bowl for Millions” project for
the Big Brothers Movement.
11
Death of Richard Starkey:
A sad event occurred for the Club in March 1979, when
Richard Starkey, Vice-President of the Club and close
friend of President Ken Greenaway, suddenly passed
away. The local Oddfellows Lodge had planned to honor
Alex Black at a special meeting and Dick called Ken to
say that he thought it would be nice if they both attended,
which they did with their respective wives. They had
chatted about the Club and successes and Dick had
indicated that he was looking forward to some events to
be held later in the spring. Since Dick was representing
the group from Arkell, he was asked to speak. Ken
related that Dick gave “a warm and friendly talk about
Alex Black ---," for about 10 minutes. As he returned to
his seat Ken said “Well done, Dick”, to which there was
no reply. Five minutes later Dick collapsed.
Richard Starkey
A newspaper report on Richard Starkey’s death, referred to him as “Mr. Puslinch”. He was in
his 77th year, a farmer who was born and lived his whole life on a farm known in the area as
“Starkey Hills”. He was said to have been involved in anything and everything associated
with Arkell and Puslinch. He was missed by his many friends and relatives, both in the
Arkell area and in the Kiwanis Club of Wellington-Guelph.
Expanding Activities:
On April 10, 1979, the Club had Ladies’ Day with a speaker from Dublin Church. On May 8,
there was a visit to the University of Guelph Arboretum. Later in May the members visited
the Animal Breeders’ laboratories north of Marden. On May 15, a new slate of Club Officers
and Directors was elected. Verne McIlwraith became President and Ken became Past
President, having been the Club leader for over 2 years. Gordon Reid and Ted Heming
became the new Vice-Presidents, while Ivan Muller continued as Secretary. The new slate
was due to take office at the end of September.
The Second Annual Golf Tournament was held on June 12, 1979, at the West Course of the
Victoria Golf Club. June 19 was Hobby Day when Club members showed their hobbies.
There was a bus trip to the McMichael Collection at Kleinburg, in June. From July 1 to 4, the
Kiwanis International held the 64th International Convention in Toronto. Delegates went
from the Guelph Club and others were urged to attend. Lawn Bowling Day, with 30 bowlers
in attendance, was held on August 14, followed by lunch at the Ponderosa Restaurant.
The work of the Club in fundraising and other activities, on behalf of the Ontario Heart
Foundation, was given formal recognition the last week in June. Donna Bernhard, area Coordinator of the Wellington County Heart Foundation, presented Ken Greenaway with a
plaque honoring the Club, which he accepted.
12
September 25 was a busy day. The Club had a regular meeting in the morning at which time
Gordon Wilson, the new Lieutenant Governor from Kitchener-Waterloo, installed the new
Board of the Club and inducted six new members. The second Charter Anniversary meeting
and dinner were held at the Guelph Holiday Inn.
Membership fees for the Club were raised on October 1, to $30.00 per year to meet the
increased costs of the Kiwanis magazine and the fees for the District and International
offices. It is not clear when the committee structure of the Board was changed, but at a Board
meeting of November 5, 1979, there were four committees appointed: A Program Committee
and a House Committee, each with five members, a Service Committee with three members
and a Social Committee, including all members of the Executive. The four committees would
appear to cover the activities of the original 13 committees.
A Christmas Bowling party for Handicapped Children from Priory Park School was put on at
the Bowlerama. Bruce Ross and a committee of Club members organized this. The Annual
Christmas party for the year was held on December 18, at the Holiday Inn. Wives and friends
were invited to a luncheon, followed by a speaker and some singers for entertainment.
Ken Dewar sent in a poem, which was published in the last Club Bulletin of the year. It
seems to be appropriate to insert it at this point as it is forever relevant:
WHY DO WE WAIT?
Why do we wait till a person’s gone
Before we tell of his worth?
Why do we wait, why not tell him now
He’s the finest man on earth?
Why do we wait till a person’s gone
To send him flowers galore,
When a single rose would have meant so much
If we had taken it to his door?
Why do we wait till he cannot hear
The good things that we might say?
Why put it off, why not tell him now
And share his joy today?
Of course we’re busy- that’s our excuse
But why, Oh why do we wait
To tell a person our love for him
Until it becomes too late?
13
PERIOD OF MAJOR CHANGE
Developments in 1980/81:
Change started slowly with modifications in the structure of the Board. At a meeting on
March 25, 1980, the Club voted a change in the Constitution “to have four vicepresidents (rather than two) and that the Board consist of the officers and at least five
elected directors (rather than seven). In May, the Board adopted a policy “that after
serving as immediate Past President, each Past President shall become an `Honorary Director
with full voting privileges on the Board’ ”.
President Verne McIlwraith was honored in absentia at the Brotherhood Week dinner,
February 23.The honors were for work in promoting Brotherhood Week following its
inception in Guelph, in 1947.
On May 20, the Club members, with wives and friends, made another trip to Elmira. The
Annual Golf Trophy Match was held at the Victoria Club, June 17, with 24 competing and
45 for lunch. The winners were Wilf Bean and Harold Holden. About 50% of the 75 Club
members participated in the annual Lawn Bowling event with lunch at the Ponderosa, on July
8. There was a visit to Kortright Water Fowl Park with the wives;
the Third Anniversary Meeting was held at Victoria Golf Club
East, on September 23. This was the last Anniversary meeting
while the Club was still known as a Kiwanis Club. On September
30, the Lieutenant Governor attended a meeting of the Club. He
installed the new Club Executive with Gordon Reid as
President, and inducted three new members. The Club made a
tour of the Macdonald-Stewart Art Centre at the University, on
December 9.
Rae Stuart took over the publishing of the monthly Bulletin in
September 1980. In October he changed the title to “Kiwanis
Bull-etin”. Much of the Bull-etin remained the same as it had
been, but there were a couple of differences. Stuart appears to
have been an ardent fan of the Kiwanis and its objectives and the
grumbling in the Club probably pushed him to emphasize those
things. In his first Bull-etin he wrote about the need to be a
volunteer and restated the objectives of Kiwanis International,
which were heavily oriented toward service to others in the
community.
Gordon Reid
Stuart also started a section in the Bull-etin known as “Getting to Know Your Friends”. In
each letter he wrote a brief background statement about some members of the Club. It was
considered useful as a means of improving relationships among the members and some even
felt it was a source of information when a particular expertise was needed.
14
Two major issues came to a head during the last months of 1980. The first was about
incorporation and the second was on finances. Almost from the time of inception, Kiwanis
International had urged the Club to incorporate. However, this was not done and a letter
dated October 8, from the Club President McIlwraith, to Fay McDonald, Assistant to the
International Secretary, suggested it was not likely to be done. The Club had examined the
issue and concluded the high costs of incorporation were not justified, particularly since the
Club had not been, and did not plan to be, involved in activities involving risk of injury or
damage. He further stated that members were unhappy about the high costs of being
affiliated with the International body. McIlwraith stated “It is the considered opinion of some
of our members that the affiliation costs should be reduced and be correlated with the
corresponding benefits of our age group”. He argued that they were not suggesting the Club
did not wish to be affiliated with International, but that seniors on fixed incomes, as they
were, should be given special consideration and lower fees for membership. This letter seems
to have been the real trigger to subsequent letters and actions regarding the Club’s
relationship with Kiwanis.
The reply to this letter from Fay McDonald further stirred the pot, particularly since copies
were sent to the Lieutenant Governor and to the Presidents of the two sponsoring clubs in
Guelph. The reply was sympathetic with the problem of incorporation but suggested the costs
might not be so high, if the sponsoring clubs were asked to help. He also discussed the
financial problem in general and pointed out that upon organization, the requirements to be
part of the Kiwanis should have been clear. He stated that many clubs organized by seniors
do exist and seem to be able to meet the Kiwanis obligations. However, he recognized that
some clubs might have difficulty meeting the standards required and perhaps in some cases
should not be organized as official Kiwanis clubs, but as separate local clubs. The letter made
it very clear that there were problems with the Wellington-Guelph Club, which appeared to
be serious in nature.
As might be expected, the letter from McDonald caused considerable furor in the Club.
There was particular concern that the problems had been aired via copies of the Club’s letter
sent to others in the organization. Ken Greenaway was asked to reply, since he apparently
had come to the defense of McDonald. In his reply Ken told McDonald that the members of
the Board felt they were being told “to get out”. The subsequent reply from McDonald stated
that he was unaware the correspondence was intended to be confidential and had he known,
he would not have sent the copies. On the question of asking the Club to leave however, he
referred Ken to McIlwraith’s letter to him, in which the subject of leaving Kiwanis had been
raised as a possible solution to their financial difficulties. He had not intended telling the
Club to leave, but merely to respond to comments made in the letter from McIlwraith. It
seems evident in reading these letters that while there were some real issues involved,
communication problems resulting in misunderstandings were probably as much to blame for
the resultant actions as anything.
Later in 1980, Club members were asked to give an additional amount of $1.00 on their
birthdays to help pay $75.00 sent to the Kiwanis International for its anniversary project.
This was just another of the irritants from the main Kiwanis organization, facing the local
Club members and it was soon to cause a major rift. Many members were unhappy with the
15
amount of money requested and with other issues raised during communications between the
Club and Kiwanis International. As a result a movement was initiated to try to reduce the
problem.
Some Board members developed and printed a confidential report in October entitled, The
Dollars And Cents Of The Wellington Kiwanis Club. It outlined the financial position of the
Club showing the costs to members and the various outlays. As previously indicated the Club
fees per member were $30.00 per year. Initiation fees were $15.00 and each member was
expected to contribute $1.00 per week of attendance at meetings. $7.00 of the initiation fee
went to Kiwanis International and $2.75 went to the District Office. Of the $30.00 annual
dues, $13.00 was paid to the International Office and $13.70 to the Eastern Canada and
Caribbean District. Thus most of the fees were not available for Club use. Kiwanis
International, in turn, gave each member 10 issues of the Kiwanis Magazine. There was also
some form of insurance but it was not clear what this involved. The regional office also gave
a bulletin issued periodically and some help in youth work and in convention costs.
The report stated that the total payment by the Club to the Kiwanis International and the
District, from its beginning in May 1977, to the end of September 1980, was calculated to
have been $4,915.17 with an additional $2,496.00 projected for the coming year. There was
also a Division assessment for the “Lieutenant Governor’s Fund” of $1.00 per member. In
1978 the Club paid $54.00 to this fund. The assessment was doubled for 1979 and the Club
refused to pay. In 1980, the assessment went to $4.00 per member and the Club opposed the
charge. Several members also went to International and District conventions for which the
Club had to pay registration fees.
Comparisons were also made in the report, with assessments of Rotary and Lions Clubs. The
total affiliation cost of the Kiwanis was estimated to be roughly $26.70 per member, whereas
Rotary fees were $13.50 and Lions $21.00. A change in Bylaws of Kiwanis International also
provided for a significant increase in the District Assessment, which, the Club had been
informed would likely have to occur.
The Club’s contributions to local worthy causes were estimated to be $1,865.00, since
inception. $400.00 of this amount was donated to the Italian-Canadian Club, in lieu of rent. A
relatively small amount of the revenues, therefore, was available for local charity work,
especially when compared to the Kiwanis head office assessments.
Members were described as being retired with most on relatively fixed incomes. Club
activities tended to be limited and members did things on a voluntary basis. The Club was
considered to be primarily for purposes of fellowship and not for humanitarian services, as
was generally considered to be the role of other service clubs. The report also stated that an
effort had been made to have Kiwanis International treat them as a special club, especially
with respect to the dues structure, but these attempts had failed.
16
A Difficult Period:
The special report recommended some very strong action be taken. It was proposed that the
Club end its association with the Kiwanis and become a separate club as of September 30,
1981.This to be communicated to all concerned and Kiwanis would be invited to try to
dissuade them from separating. The new Club would prepare a new Constitution and Bylaws
largely based on those followed since inception. Suggested initiation fees would be $5.00 and
annual dues would be raised to $50.00, with elimination of the weekly fee. The weekly fee
was an irritant to many members who felt it was biased against those who attended regularly
and higher annual dues would eliminate this problem. The money saved by leaving the
Kiwanis organization would become available to fund worthy causes of the Club.
No direct action was taken on the report proposals. However, some members of the Board
began working on another proposal, which recommended a number of changes intended to
defuse the situation with Kiwanis International. It was proposed that the per capita dues, both
to the International Office and the Regional District, be reduced to 50% of the standard rate
beginning October 1, 1981. Additionally the Club would raise the membership fee to $50.00
and dispense with the weekly collection of $1.00. The increased revenues left with the Club
would be applied to contributions and donations to worthy causes of the Club. This proposal,
like the earlier one, was not acted upon.
Despite the failure to act on the proposals made, meetings and discussions continued,
primarily by the Board. (At a Board meeting on January 5, 1981, Ivan Muller resigned as
Secretary and Ken Greenaway was elected to take his place. Ivan remained on as Assistant
Secretary). On January 29, 1981, there was a meeting between President Gordon Reid and
Lieutenant Governor Ray Smith, with Bruce Donaldson, President, Kiwanis Club of Guelph,
as an observer. The meeting was anything but friendly with Smith maintaining that the Club
should surrender its Charter promptly. After three to four years of not having met its
obligations, Smith said there should be no further opportunities. The Club had failed to
incorporate, as requested, had not met its program requirements and had repeatedly asked for
“special privileges”. President Reid countered many of the arguments made but asked Smith
for a letter outlining his requests to the Club.
The letter from Smith, dated February 6, 1981, was not quite as harsh in tone but still set the
stage for later action by the Club. He stated that the Club appears to have been Kiwanis in
name only and “You must cease asking for special treatment”. If the Club cannot comply
with its obligations “you should consider surrendering your charter”. He suggested the
Club consider becoming a special project of one of the sponsoring clubs, in which case it
would remain much the same but would remove the Kiwanis name. Smith further stated “As
this problem has existed for several years, I must officially inform you that it cannot be
tolerated further: therefore your decision must be handed to me no later than the first
day of March of this year”. This letter was subsequently read to the Board members.
The Board was furious over the remarks of Lieutenant Governor Smith and asked Ken
Greenaway to respond to the International Office. A letter dated February 16, countered
Smith’s arguments. In this letter it was argued that the Club had fully met its financial
17
obligations, except for the special levy for the “so-called Lieutenant Governor’s Fund”. The
constitutionality of this fund was questioned. It also stated that the International Office had
informed them incorporation was not a requirement under the circumstances outlined by the
Club. Greenaway also maintained that the Club did not feel it had asked for anything
unreasonable. He then outlined some of the Club’s activities, including the many individual
community projects and felt that the Club members should be proud of their record as
Kiwanians.
Greenaway’s letter was presented, along with Smith’s letter, to the Club members at an
“Open Discussion Meeting,” on February 17. At this meeting it was explained what would be
entailed in having the Club separate and go on its own. Greenaway reported the costs to date
for being a part of Kiwanis and that there would be significantly more money available for
local projects, if they did not have the Kiwanis obligations. There was a lively discussion by
the members with some wanting an immediate vote on the matter. This was overruled,
followed by a decision of the members to send the Board’s letter to Kiwanis International
and await a reply. The President and Secretary were further instructed to meet with the
President of the Kiwanis Club of Guelph and outline to him the whole matter. Both of these
requests were carried out. It was revealed that the Board had also decided “That the
membership of the club be limited tentatively to 100 men, subject to a definite decision
by the club at a later date”.
President Reid received a response from the International Office, dated February 24. This
letter explained that there would be no pressure from International for the Club to
incorporate, but they did hope this would ultimately be done for the comfort of the members.
It was also stated that the dues for the Lieutenant Governor’s fund were voluntary and not
required. There were favorable comments about the Club program but it was again suggested
there should be a minimum number of Club-sponsored community service projects, as well
as individual projects, which had been undertaken. It was finally reiterated that they hoped a
resolution could be found, allowing the Club to remain within Kiwanis.
At about the same time as the response was received from Kiwanis International, there was
another letter to President Reid from Raymond Smith, Division Lieutenant Governor. He
maintained his letter of February 6, was badly misinterpreted by the Club Board. However,
he continued to persist on the matter of incorporation. He also stated that there were no other
clubs having a problem with his special fund. Smith argued further that “At no time have I
either said or indicated that I would demand your charter on March 1. To withdraw
your charter would be the last thing I would want to do”. It does take a stretch of the
imagination to read the two letters together and arrive at this conclusion.
18
FORMATION OF AN INDEPENDENT CLUB
Charter Surrender of April 1981:
The Board continued to meet and discuss the issues and the letters received. At a meeting on
March 9, 1981, the Board decided “to recommend that the Club terminate its affiliation
with Kiwanis International, as of 1 April 1981, and form an independent organization,
operating as we have been doing in the past”. This was conveyed to 92 members via a
secret ballot, to which they were to vote yes or no. There were 72 ballots returned with 68
voting yes to the proposal. The Board met and agreed to have Ken Greenaway convey this
outcome to the President of Kiwanis International, with carbon copies to other interested
parties. The Charter was surrendered and affiliation with Kiwanis International was
terminated, as of April 1, 1981, just under 4 years after the Club’s inception.
Some further interesting correspondence followed the Club’s announcement. David Peters,
District Governor, addressed a fairly harsh set of comments to Greenaway. He maintained
there would be no Golden K Clubs if Greenaway’s understanding of them were accepted and
if it were accepted, he would not wish to be Governor of such an organization. Peters
indicated that numbers of this type of club had grown significantly and that there had been
none of the problems experienced with the Guelph Club. Peters wished the Club well, but
believed they would find they could not continue to operate as they had been, without the
cover of the Kiwanis.
It seems strange that there does not appear to have been any other official recognition of the
Club’s actions in 1981, until a year later. There was a letter dated April 2, 1982, from
Kiwanis International, addressed to Gordon Reid, President, although by this time he was
over a year out of office. This letter notified Gordon that the International Office would be
considering revoking the Club’s charter, at a meeting on May 4, 1982. The District
leadership had recommended the revocation on grounds that the Club had not met its
obligations. Ken Greenaway responded to this notice saying, “The resignation and
surrender of charter is a voluntary action while the revocation of charter is a
disciplinary action. We are adamant that the demise of our organization be recorded as
being voluntary and not disciplinary”. Another letter from a different official of Kiwanis
International dated May 14, 1982, stated that the International Board of Trustees, at a
meeting on April 30, 1982, had taken action revoking the Guelph Club’s charter. However, a
letter dated May 11, 1982, from the gentleman to whom Greenaway directed his
correspondence about the revocation of the charter, gave an entirely different story. He
thanked Ken for pointing out the error in the terminology and that the Kiwanis International
Board had just completed a meeting at which it was officially recognized the Club had
resigned and asked for the Club’s pardon for calling it a revocation. Ken Greenaway reported
this to President Ken Dewar saying, “It is difficult to comprehend how a Secretary and an
Assistant Secretary could write such diametrically opposing opinions on the same subject
within four days”. Amen to that!
The Club continued to operate much as usual, while the battle was going on over relations
with Kiwanis. Ironically, in a rating of clubs in the District, based on program and service
19
activities for the first quarter of 1981, Ken Greenaway reported the local Club had attained a
score of 97, which was the highest recorded.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE GUELPH-WELLINGTON MEN’S CLUB
New Name and Structure:
The Club lost little time in transferring to its new format. At a regular meeting on April 21,
1981, the name was changed to THE GUELPH-WELLINGTON MEN’S CLUB. The total
Club assets at the time were determined to be $4,295.43. Ken Dewar was appointed chair of
a committee to develop a constitution and bylaws for the new Club and to investigate
incorporation. The first bull-etin under the new Club name was in May.
At a meeting on May 4, 1981, it was agreed that the administrative year for the Club
would be September 1, and officers and directors would be elected to take office on that
date. The President was asked to name a nominating committee of five members, two of
whom would be directors of the Club formed under Kiwanis direction. This committee was
expected to report by June 9, 1981, and the election was to take place June 23. The new
Board was to consist of the President, Immediate Past President, four Vice Presidents, a
Treasurer, a Secretary, eight Directors, four of whom were to be elected for two years, and
four for one year. Thereafter, four Directors would be elected each year for a period of two
years.
One of the most difficult jobs in the first years of the Club’s operations was to develop the
weekly programs. This responsibility was turned over to the Vice-Presidents, each of whom
had to agree to obtain programs for a three-month period. Of course the policy of depending
a great deal on Club members and asking new members to speak, undoubtedly eased the
burden. Another Club policy, during the first years of meetings, requested members to move
around by having them select pre-numbered tables for seating as a means of increasing
members’ acquaintance with a broader group of people. Not everyone liked this procedure
but it did tend to accomplish the stated objective.
A committee on finance was established, composed of the Treasurer as Chair, plus the
President and Secretary. Later in the year a screening committee was set up to make
recommendations to the Board regarding donations.
Policies and Programs Retained:
The new Club developed a policy for the use of cash donations. In it the Club agreed to give
careful consideration to extending financial assistance to worthy causes, as
circumstances are presented. Priority consideration was given to the projects of the
Kiwanis Club of Guelph, the Kiwanis Club of the Royal City, the Alzheimer Society, the
Italian-Canadian Club, the Arboretum of the University of Guelph and the
MacDonald-Stewart Arts Centre.
The Board asked Ken Hammond to investigate the cost of installing a permanent screen in
the meeting room of the Italian-Canadian Club. This was completed in July. The Board also
20
agreed to rescind an earlier decision to make all Past Presidents ex-officio members of the
Board. Similarly, the decision to give all past Treasurers and Secretaries one year as exofficio members was changed to apply only to Charlie Wright and Ken Greenaway, the
holders of those offices during the current period. There was discussion of other things
needed by the Club and Ken Greenaway offered a gong, Bill Elliott a gavel, Scotty Allen a
light for the speaker’s desk and Omar Parker offered to investigate the availability of flags
The Club made a trip to Brantford in June. There was the Annual Club Golf at Victoria Golf
Club West, on June 9. The Annual Lawn Bowling occurred in the summer, with 30 Club
participants. The Club needed a new logo so Ken Dewar offered a prize for the member
developing the winning submission. The Board chose a new logo in August, but the name of
the author was not revealed and apparently no prize was given.
The Club was incorporated on July 10, 1981. This had been one of the contentious issues
regarding being part of the Kiwanis and it seemed a bit strange that it was done so quickly
after the separation. A new set of bylaws was published and accepted at a meeting September
8, 1981. The objects of the Club were stated: “To assist, through financial donations and/or
altruistic services, worthy causes within the territorial limits of this club; To provide
opportunities for retired business and professional men to form enduing friendships and to
share their interests; To render selfless service and to build a better community.” Club
membership was described as primarily Active, which included men in all walks of life
in the community, who have retired. Active members, who were in the Club for at least
one year but were no longer able to attend meetings regularly, for reasons of health or having
moved from the area, may become Associate members. Associate members would pay onethird the regular dues and had all the regular privileges, but were not eligible for office.
There was also an honorary membership category described as a person who performed
some distinguished public service and who was not an Active Club member. Such a person
could be elected to honorary membership for a year and may be re-elected from year to year
thereafter.
The Officers and Board of Directors of the Club were described in the Bylaws published on
September 8, 1981, as outlined earlier by the Board. The change in fees, instituted earlier in
the year, was dropped. Fees were kept at $15.00 for initial membership and $30.00 per year
dues and the weekly attendance fee of $1.00 was retained. Membership was still to be limited
to 100, but the Club already had a waiting list. An Associate member would pay 1/3 of the
regular dues. Gordon Couling, a Charter member, became the first Associate member,
in December 1981. Provision was made in the Bylaws for fund raising projects but any
money collected was to be kept in a separate revenue account to be used for charitable,
educational or religious activities of the Club.
The Club officers as of September 1, 1981, were as follows: Ken Dewar, President; Gordon
Reid, Past President; Ken Greenaway, Secretary; Charlie Wright, Treasurer; Vice-Presidents
were, Scotty Allan, Bruce Ross, Bill Elliott and Rae Stuart. There were eight Directors. The
Club Officers and Directors were listed in the new roster. Despite the cap of 100 on
membership, the roster listed 113 members with their addresses, plus four Associate
members. It also listed the Past Presidents and had a brief statement about the Club origins
21
and purposes. This first roster booklet was dedicated to 15 members who were deceased prior
to November 1981.
Club standing committees were a) Club Meetings and b) Membership. Their duties were
described as basically looking after programs for the weekly meetings and for making sure
the membership rules and standards were maintained. The President could establish special
committees and their duties would be described at the time they were established.
The new Club logo was first used on the Bulletin in September 1981. In August it was
reported a decision had been made to cease
publishing birth dates of members. A Fourth
Anniversary meeting and dinner, including
wives, was held on September 15, at the Victoria
Park Golf Club East. There was a breakfast
gathering at the Italian-Canadian Club on
October 6, followed by a tour of the police
Club Logo, 1981
headquarters. There was a tour of Imperial
Tobacco on October 27.The regular Thursday card games began again, at 1:30 p.m., at 20
Marilyn Drive. There was a Christmas party, including wives on December 10, at the Cutten
Club.
In February 1982, the practice of having greeters at the door for meetings, began as a
suggestion from Roy Hammond. Pairs of greeters combining a new and more senior
member were suggested. Roy Gordon obtained these for the first two years. At a Board
meeting on February 8, 1982, a decision to invite the current year President of the
Italian-Canadian Club to have honorary membership was later accepted with thanks. It
was also decided to give $500.00 to the University Arboretum to buy a large stainless steel
finishing pan. (See page 56). This was used to bring the maple syrup to the proper
temperature to assure keeping quality. A plaque was attached to the pan but was later
mounted on the wall, showing the Club as the donor. At a March meeting it was agreed to
purchase Guelph Plates, at a cost of $3.00 each, to be given to guest speakers from
outside the Club. A projector table to assist with regular Club meetings, was purchased by
the Board.
A new set of amended Club Bylaws was published in August 1982. One of the changes
was to require an Active member to attend at least 10 meetings per year to maintain status
unless he was unable for reasons of health. Other minor changes were noted. For example, it
was specified that the Nominating Committee should select a list of nominees for no more
than the number of positions to be filled.
A memo went out to all members from Secretary Greenaway, in June 1982, about a new
Club roster. It would, for the first time, contain a portrait picture of each member in
addition to the address and first name of the member’s wife. Pictures were to be taken at
regular meetings, by a professional photographer, with the Club assuming the cost. The
roster was to be published in August for the following administrative year.
22
Expanding Activities:
John Eccles, Stan Lawrence, Stu Brown and Al Jones, all Club members, won the Ontario
Seniors curling title in February 1982. An interesting comment was that it “Just goes to
show that old age is all in the mind”. How about that, John was still curling 17 years later.
John was also credited for winning the Kiwanis Spiel in April.
Several events were held, in June 1982. A bus tour to the Niagara-on-the-Lake area, followed
by a tour of Andres Wines, was held June 1. The Annual Golf Tournament occurred, June 8,
at Victoria Park Golf Club. There were 32 participants and 45 for lunch. In July, the Club
held the Annual Lawn Bowling tournament, with lunch at the Ponderosa. On October 8,
1982, there was a Curling Bonspiel and luncheon with 36 attending. An Autumn Golf Day
was held on September 29, with 22 members playing. Monthly discussion sessions began at
Ken Hammond’s place in November. Ken was a founding member of the Club of Guelph and
deeply interested in the need for more emphasis on problems in the world ecology. Thursday
afternoon Bridge and Euchre sessions continued at 20 Marilyn Dr. with more than 20
attending each week. A plaque was dedicated to Alf Hunt for his “devoted coffee service
since the Club’s inception in 1977”.
In August 1982, the new officers and directors were installed, with Rae Stuart becoming
the President. Based on the 1980 Board policy, Gordon Reid became an Ex-Officio
Director. Other past presidents were in other positions on the Board. Mal Allen became the
new Bull-etin editor, beginning in August. The Club’s Fifth Anniversary Dinner Meeting
was held on October 5 at the Cutten Club. The Board decided to invite the ladies to one of
the regular meetings in January or February 1983. They also decided to request “No
Smoking” at regular meetings. At a general meeting of the Club, Plaques and Guelph
plates were presented to Treasurer Charlie Wright and Secretary Ken Greenaway. The
Plaques carried the inscription “In Recognition of Devoted and Faithful Service Since
1977”.
The Bull-etin began including a section on Board meetings in the January 1983 issue. It was
decided that the Bull-etin should be distributed eight days after the regular Board meeting so
that actions taken could be reported to the membership. In February, the Board decided to
eliminate the listing of anniversaries in the Bull-etin.
At a Board meeting, January 1983, it was decided to donate $500.00 to the Kiwanis Music
Festival, to be used at the discretion of those running the Festival, but with one requirement,
that the money go to individuals and not groups. It was also reported that the first annual
meeting of the Florida Branch of the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club was to be held,
February 22, 1983, at Bradenton, Florida. The names of 17 members and their wives
planning to attend were listed. It had been the custom to maintain records of those going
south, but this was the first indication that there would be a formal meeting of the snowbirds.
Ladies Day was held on February 15, with lunch at the China Tiki. The Board decided in
February, that wives of deceased members of the Club should be invited to any event at
23
which wives were included and that they should be guests of the Club. There was a
luncheon following the meeting on April 13, with the ladies attending. The Club went to the
dinner show at the Grand Theatre in Fergus on May 5. The annual bus trip went to the Cullen
Gardens on May 17 and the annual Golf Tournament was held at the Cutten Club on June 13.
The Board announced in May, the weekly card playing sessions would be suspended until
fall. The annual Lawn Bowling day was July 12, followed by a picnic lunch at Ken
Hammond’s place.
The Board decided in April 1983, that dues and fees of the Secretary and the Treasurer
would be waived, beginning September 1. Also individuals retiring from either office
should remain members of the Board for one additional year. In May this decision was
rescinded and made to apply only to the current office holders, Charlie Wright and Ken
Greenaway. The earlier decision to make all Past Presidents ex-officio Board members was
also rescinded. Because of the number of commercials the Board ruled that no person other
than a member would be given the privilege of making announcements at Club
meetings.
The Club had a record of special assistance to the Canadian Cancer Society and in March
1983 it was decided to designate the Club meeting of April 5 as the “Kick Off” for the April
fundraising campaign and that Board members of the Guelph-Wellington County unit should
be invited to attend. It was also announced that total Club donations for the last fiscal year
had amounted to $4,316.98.
The elections June 7, 1983, for the Board Officers
and Directors taking office on September 1, made
Bruce Ross, President. Ken Greenaway remained
Secretary and Harry Webster became Treasurer.
Former treasurer Charlie Wright became an exofficio Director. Members were given a page with
the pictures of all the new Board members.
The installation of the Club’s new officers was
carried out at a meeting September 6, 1983, under
the direction of the retiring President, Rae Stuart.
The first Directors’ meeting, chaired by Bruce Ross
was, September 12. The Sixth Annual Anniversary
Dinner meeting was held September 23, at the
Cutten Club. A new roster dated September 12, was
distributed at the Anniversary meeting. There were
120 active and 11 associate members with14 on the
waiting list, which grew to 21 early in October. The
Club purchased a typewriter for Secretary Ken
Greenaway.
Bruce Ross
There was a Club breakfast meeting, October 4, 1983, at the Italian-Canadian Club, followed
by a trip for 40 members to tour Schneider’s Meats in Kitchener. The remaining members
24
went to the usual meeting. A group of members went for a Night at the Races on October 24.
Another group went for a Theatre Night at the Elora Community Theatre, preceded by a
dinner at Ferguson's in Fergus. On December 13 there was a regular meeting followed by a
Christmas Luncheon with the ladies, at the China Tiki Restaurant.
A New Period of Growth:
The Club had for some time held the line with a maximum number of 120 members and a
growing waiting list. The room at the Italian-Canadian Club was a limiting factor, as was the
fact many members preferred to maintain a smaller more intimate Club. Therefore, at a
special meeting in January the Board agreed to maintain membership at 120, with a cap on
the waiting list at 30. The waiting list soon became filled and new potential candidates were
being refused. There was a period in the winter when many members were absent, so those
on the waiting list were invited to come to Club meetings but this did not solve the problem
as many of those on the waiting list had to wait two to three years. Thus a committee was
formed to examine the problem. Following the committee’s report and a lot of discussion,
the Board, in May 1984, removed the limit on numbers of members.
Individuals on the waiting list became members almost immediately, so there was a sudden
increase in the Club size. The expansion in numbers forced the Club to move to the larger
room to accommodate members at the weekly meetings. This move required the Club to
invest in a new projection screen, as the Italian-Canadian Club did not wish the screen to be
moved from the first room even though the Men’s Club had purchased and installed it. A
new board for badges was needed to accommodate the enlarged membership and Jim Curran
agreed to provide one. The new board was presented in the fall when the new executive took
office. The added numbers also made more work for the Secretary with the result that the
Club agreed in June, to add an Assistant Treasurer to the Executive, with the main duties
being the collection of the annual dues.
Club activities continued to be about the same as in previous years. The second Annual
meeting of the Florida branch was held February 28, 1984. On April 2 the Club went to the
Mohawk Raceway for a night of dinner and races. There was a special meeting of the Club
on April 17 as part of the annual cooperation with the Cancer Society. Betty Kennedy from
the Society, was invited to speak and the meeting room was set up theatre style to
accommodate members, wives, friends and special guests of the Cancer Society. Golf Day
was held at the Guelph Country Club on May 28. A Club Tour on June 5, including wives,
took in the Niagara Park system including the Niagara Park’s School of Horticulture. The
Annual Lawn Bowling was held July 17, followed by the customary picnic at the home of
Ken Hammond. In October, the Club curlers challenged the Guelph Curling Club. There
were 44 curlers participating in this first event. Bob Cream, an outstanding curler, donated
his pins as prizes.
25
In May the Club approved a request by the
Kiwanis Music Festival, to have a
representative at the awards program to make
the presentation on behalf of the Club. The
Board also agreed to increase the donation to
the Italian-Canadian Club (in lieu of rent) to
$500.00. It was also agreed to give the Club
Secretary an honorarium of $500.00. At a
special Board meeting in May following the
decision to expand the membership, the
decision was made to buy and install a new
screen for the larger room to be used for the
Club meetings.
By July 1984, the Club was reported to have
154 Active and 14 Associate members. The
Bull-etin reinstated “Getting to Know your
Friends”, which had been dropped in recent
months. With many new members it was felt
desirable to have some biographies. Rae Stuart
prepared a “Club Profile Booklet”, which was
Bruce Ross, Jim Curran, John Eccles with
distributed in September. John Eccles became
New Name Tag Board, 1984
the new President, receiving the gavel from
President Ross at a Board meeting on September 10, 1984. John distributed an expanded list
of proposed committees and a questionnaire intended to get a profile of members and to help
with program development. The 7th Annual Anniversary Dinner and meeting were held on
September 28, with 202 in attendance. There was also a December Luncheon, referred to as
the Bicentennial Luncheon.
President Eccles introduced a practice of recognizing individuals for their contributions to
the Club, by pinning a rose on their lapel. Among the first to be so honored were Joe Ward,
Rupert Evans, Charlie Wright, Rae Stuart, and Ken Greenaway. John had a lot of fun with
this idea.
An Archives Committee was set up to keep the Club’s historical records. Rae Stuart first
chaired the Committee with the help of Roy Gordon and Dave Kennedy as photographer.
The archives consisted of Club bulletins, rosters, minutes of meetings, newspaper clippings
and some correspondence. Also maintained over time was a collection of pictures of speakers
and major events. Items from the archives have been displayed periodically to the members.
With the death of Stuart in 1986, Roy Gordon assumed chairmanship of the committee.
26
In October, Secretary Greenaway
presented a written report
summarizing Club activities. It was
decided this was a good idea and
would be included in the Board
minutes in future. The report
showed there was an average
attendance of 103 members and 21
visitors at each of the past four
meetings. There were now 163
Active and 13 Associate members.
John Eccles Receiving Rose from Mal Allen
1985-86 GWMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board 85-86: Standing: S. Lane; M.Cavanagh; F.Conway; A. Blackburn; A. Goldberg;
D. Campbell; A. Taylor; D. Ellis; T. Howchin; T. Burgess
Seated: R. Richards; W. Webster; Pres. M. Allen; J. Eccles; W. Reiner; K. Greenaway
27
The Men’s Club Award Established:
A committee under the chairmanship of Rick Richards, proposed a Guelph-Wellington
Men’s Club Award. The Club accepted this proposal in November 1984. It was “An Award
of $1,000.00 to individuals, groups, organizations, or institutions to recognize
distinguished contributions in the field of resource use and conservation. Awards may
be made for activities associated with land and water conservation, reforestation,
building renewal, environment improvement and landscape beautification.” The award
was to be given to individuals within the territorial limits of the Guelph-Wellington Men’s
Club. Winners were to be chosen by a Board committee of seven, with the immediate Past
President as chairman. The presentation would be made yearly at the Anniversary Dinner.
Bruce Ross was the first Club Award Committee chairman.
In December, the Board approved a motion to increase the amount donated to the ItalianCanadian Club to $750.00. This was in recognition of the use of the larger room and was a
continuance of the past system of making a donation in lieu of rent. Club finances continued
to be very good. The Treasurer reported a December balance of $8.877.07. The large and
growing balance was a focal point for a lot of discussion. Some members felt it was not
appropriate to keep any surpluses and the Club should set fees with that as a goal. Others felt
strongly that the Club should keep some funds for emergencies and that a program of
donations was still appropriate, within the Club’s objectives.
1985 Bylaw Changes:
There were some significant changes to
the bylaws in the spring of 1985.
Members were required to attend at least
six meetings in each six-month period in
order to maintain their Club status, unless
there were health reasons. The
membership fee was raised to $30.00
and the annual dues to $70.00, while the
weekly attendance fee was finally
dropped. Fees for Associate member
were left at $10.00. Procedures for
bringing in new members were also laid
out. A prospective member was required
to be retired and to attend at least three
meetings of the Club before being invited
to be a member. Sponsors were to give the
name only in the introductions and a brief
biographical sketch at the time of
induction. June 1985 was the last month
the Club Bulletin was designated as
Bull-etin.
28
The Last Buck by W. Watson and W.
Reiner
Further Activity Expansion:
The first Annual Mixed Bridge and Euchre was introduced as a new activity organized by
Dalton Campbell and his committee in January 1985. There were 63 wives and friends in
attendance. A Queen of Hearts Ball was held in February and there was a Ladies’ Luncheon
in April, designated a Daffodil Luncheon to recognize support for the Cancer campaign. The
Board later passed a motion to have the Daffodil Luncheon with the ladies present
become an annual event. There was a bus trip to the Collingwood area where they visited
the Kaufman home, the Pottery, the Museum, the shipyard and the town. The group had
lunch at the Heidelburg Inn. On the return trip they visited Eugenia Falls. Following the
regular meeting, the Annual Golf Day was held June 4 at the Victoria Park East Golf Course.
The Annual Lawn Bowling was held July 16, followed as customary by a picnic at Ken
Hammond’s country place. In September, the Club booked tickets for a bus trip organized by
Jim Brown to see a Blue Jay game at Exhibition Park. Everyone took a lunch to eat while
waiting for the game to start.
The Eighth Anniversary Dinner was held on September 26, 1985, at the Italian-Canadian
Club. At this dinner, the first Club award was given to the Ontario Public Interest
Research Group, for helping to clean up the Speed River. Jerry Fulton designed the
document accompanying the Club Award. The Annual Christmas Ladies Luncheon was held
December 3.
Archie McIntyre introduced the idea of having a get-well greeting card which members
could sign and send to members in ill health. The secretary developed a card, which was
accepted by the Board in January, 1985. In May the Board made a decision to number tables
at least once in a month and members were expected to pick up a place setting for that
meeting. This is a system that had been used on occasion as a means of moving people
around and increasing exposure of individuals to a larger
number of Club members. This system was not generally
well received by the membership.
The Board approved a special grant to the Red Cross for
the Central Ontario Tornado Relief Fund. In July 1985,
the Board authorized a new picture roster in a loose-leaf
format with pages listing committees, bylaws and other
pertinent Club information. This format has continued to
be used by the Club, with minor modifications. On
September 1, 1985, a new slate of officers assumed
office. Mal Allen became President, Ken Greenaway
continued as Secretary and Harry Webster became
Treasurer.
Mal Allen
29
On January 16, 1986, the Club held its second Annual Mixed Bridge and Euchre party. A
Dinner Dance was held at the Italian-Canadian Club on February 21. The Annual Florida
group meeting was held at the Seafood Shack in Bradenton, Florida, on February 21, with 43
attending. The Daffodil Luncheon was held at the Italian-Canadian Club on April 29. In
addition to the lunch there was a fashion show and speaker, all for $6.00 per person. There
was a Club boat trip on May 29, the spring Golf Tournament on June 4 at the Country Club
and a Lawn Bowling tournament July 16 followed by the picnic at Ken Hammond’s. Two
buses full of Club members went to a Blue Jays game in the new Skydome on August 21.
Seats were well into the sky but everyone seemed to enjoy the outing even if they couldn’t
see the ball and Jim Brown continued to organize the ball game trips, which became an
annual event.
The Anniversary Dinner was on September 26, 1986, when the second Club Award was
presented posthumously to Gordon Couling for his work in community betterment.
Honorable mention was made to the City of Guelph for work done in tidying up St.
George’s Square. There was a Christmas lunch on December 9.
Most of the activities of 1986 were repeated in 1987. Added was a bus trip to the Shaw
Festival Theatre at Niagara-on-the-Lake on May 15 with lunch at the Oban Inn. Adding the
theatre was considered by some members to have changed the nature of the summer bus
trips. The Lawn Bowling group had their last picnic at Hammond’s place, since the
Hammonds announced they were moving. An attempt was made to continue the post lawn
bowling picnics elsewhere but this failed. Jim Brown later established a picnic following the
fall golf tournament.
Hammond’s Last Club Picnic
30
Founding Member Resigns from Board:
Health problems forced Ken Greenaway to resign
as Secretary, in February 1987. Ken had been
Club secretary for more than six years. (Lou
Szabo took over the secretary position from
Ken). On May 5 there was a Testimonial
Luncheon in Ken’s honor when he was presented
“A special life membership certificate” Part of
the $10.00 charge for the luncheon went to help
establish a Ken Greenaway Fund. An award for
Greenaway, honoring his contributions to the
Club and to life in the community generally,
was presented to him at the Anniversary
Dinner in September. The $500.00 award was
given to the Guelph Spring Festival, to
establish a prize in the Edward Johnson music
competition, which would be given annually in
Greenaway’s name.
Life Certificate to Greenaway
In September 1987, Mal Allen stepped down
after a two-year stint as President and John
Morrison assumed the position. At the Tenth
Anniversary Dinner on September 25, 1987, the
Club Award was given to The Guelph
Horticultural Society. Honorable mention was
granted to Ken Greenaway.
Attendance Taking Ceases:
At a Board meeting in April 1987 a motion by
John Eccles to cease taking attendance
records was approved. Members had been
required to sign attendance sheets from the
beginning of the Club in 1977. This change was
later included in the bylaws. In May, the Board
approved obtaining lapel badges for the greeters.
The Roster Committee recommended roster
revisions be made every four years. A $500.00
donation to the Italian-Canadian Club to help
improve the sound system was approved in
August. In October the Board established a
Health of Members Committee.
Honors for Laughter:
31
John Morrison
Life membership was proposed in January 1988 for
Norm Blair. However, this never occurred, since his
death was reported later in the month. He was referred
to as the Court Jester. At the Eleventh Anniversary
Dinner on September 29, 1988, Denis Dodson paid a
tribute to Norm. A plaque was presented to Mrs. Blair,
which read:
Dedicated to Norman Blair in grateful
appreciation for his outstanding contribution
to the enjoyment and entertainment of the
Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club, where over a
period of five years he never failed to delight
and enliven Club meetings with his exceptional
talents as a RACONTEUR. No one could ever
tell a story like “Norm”. He will always be
remembered with affection and gratitude for
having left with all his friends-The Precious
Gift of Laughter.
Norm Blair
Abe Goldberg was President at the time of the
Eleventh Anniversary dinner, in 1988, when Norm
Blair was honored. It was also the occasion of the presentation of the Club Award to The
Guelph Historical Society.
Charter Members’ Luncheons Begin:
The first Charter Members’ Luncheon was held on
September 20, 1988.Thirteen members, including Charlie
Wright, Edgar Barnstaple, Omar Parker, Alex Black, Roy
Hammond, Bill Mathews, Stan Lawrence, Ken
Greenaway, Harold Goble, Bruce Ross, Fred Britton, Bill
Walker, and Denis Dodson were eligible to attend. Fred
Britton, Roy Hammond and Bill Walker were the only
absentees. Seven of the original Charter members had
dropped their membership and 25 had passed away. As
Club President, Abe Goldberg was a special guest. Bruce
Ross provided an interesting feature of these luncheons.
He developed a formula by which he predicted the day,
hour, and year each one attending the luncheon would die.
He maintained that on average the data were correct but
for individuals the data have no meaning. Some of us
exposed to this exercise just say thank goodness.
32
Abe Goldberg
Changes of 1988:
A number of bylaw changes were accepted in September 1988. (The Bylaws Committee
consisted of Tom Burgess, Lance Bennett and Bob Johnston) The Club’s objective stated to
be: “provide opportunities for retired business and professional men”, was broadened to
include all of “those retired from full time employment”. Life Membership was added as a
new class of member to honor “any member who has rendered outstanding service to this
club over a period of years”. Such individuals would receive a Certificate of Life
Membership, be excused from annual dues, and be entitled to all Club privileges. A small
change was made in the honorary member category to excuse them from both the initiation
fee and the annual membership dues. A recent photograph must accompany, in future, new
applications for regular memberships in the Club. A number of items were deleted including:
the requirement of members to attend at least six meetings in each half-year period; the
requirement that the Treasurer give a bond; the requirement that the Secretary keep
attendance records; and the honorarium of $500.00 for the secretary was deleted after the
1987-88 budget year. Keeping attendance records was a practice inherited from the Kiwanis
and maintained from the Club beginning in 1977.
The basic committee structure of the Club was expanded from Club Meetings and Members
to the following: Club Program, Finance, Sports, Bulletin, Meetings, House, Archives,
Awards, Health of Members, December Ladies Luncheon, Valentine Dinner Dance, Daffodil
Luncheon, Recreation, Anniversary Dinner.
These committees covered most of the regular activities of the Club, except for the Bridge
games. The Club golf, curling, bowling, trips to horse races and ball games were all handled
by the Sports Committee. These committees have remained much the same since instituted.
The social committees became responsible for various activities carried out annually. Golf
and Curling Tournaments became semi-annual events. In February 1988, the Club decided to
mount a members’ only bonspiel held at the Guelph Country Club. Later curling was moved
to the Guelph Curling Club. Trips to the racetrack and to baseball games became annual
events. The Club also arranged one or two visits per year to a stage play. In June 1988, there
was a special bus tour to Cullen Gardens to take in the Rose Festival.
Jerry Fulton, who had been the Bulletin editor for several years, resigned in September 1988.
In December, President Goldberg honored Jerry for his devotion as sole editor and publisher
of the Bulletin for two years. At that time the Board reviewed some changes in style of
handling the Bulletin. An Editorial Committee handled earlier Bulletins and they were often
a cooperative effort. Gordon Couling was the first editor, Gordon Reid, Ted Hemming, and
Rae Stuart were all involved. When the Club changed name, Mal Allen chaired the Bulletin
committee for three years until Jerry agreed to be a one-man committee. In October 1988,
Hugh Dale and Bruce Ross assumed the responsibility of the Bulletin.
In the October 1988 Bulletin it was reported that the Thursday afternoon Bridge and Euchre
sessions would start at 12:45 to 1:00 p.m. and end promptly at 4:00 p.m. Earlier they had
started at 1:30 p.m. It was also stated that coffee and cookies were provided with a charge of
$1.00 per member. These sessions were held at the Italian-Canadian Club. Earlier they had
been held in an apartment block. On January 26, 1990, there was a change in the sixth Mixed
33
Bridge and Euchre starting with lunch at 12:00 noon and cards beginning at 1:00 p.m. This
format for the mixed bridge has continued since that date.
At the request of the Italian-Canadian Club a change was instituted in 1989 in the charges for
the rooms used. Since the beginning of the move to the ICC there had not been a rental
charge. A donation had been made each year, which had grown to $1,000.00. For 1988-89 a
charge was made of $1,362.00, which was raised to $2,637.00 for 1989-90. With these new
rental charges the donations were no longer made.
Special Eccles-Goldberg Tours Begin:
Club tours came close together in 1989 with one in April to tour the W.C. Woods plant and
in May to Hamilton to tour the Dofasco Plant with a visit to the Hamilton Yacht Club for
lunch. Later in September there was a tour to visit the Agricultural Museum. Tours became
somewhat more regular with the inauguration of fortnightly tours including a luncheon,
to be handled by Abe Goldberg and John Eccles, beginning January 1990. A proposal
for such tours came early in 1989 but the Board rejected it at a time when President Lou
Szabo was absent. There was concern they would conflict with other events. Later in the
year, when Lou returned, the proposal was again put to the Board and it was approved with
the requirement that the tours function as self-sufficient operations. The first of the special
tours occurred on January 9 with lunch at the Amber Cupola (formerly located where the
Home Hardware exists on Gordon St.) followed by a tour of the Sleeman Brewery. The
second was a tour of United Breeders and the Wellington County Building. Five more tours
were made in 1990. Subsequently there have been from five to six tours per year. (See
Appendix II)
Curlers 1989: J. Brown, J. Morrison, G. Reid, F. Dack
34
More Bylaws Changes in 1989 and 1990:
Lou Szabo became President in September 1989. That
fall the Board approved a motion to waive the annual
membership fee for the Secretary, Assistant
Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. This
was done in lieu of any other honorarium for what was
considered to be fairly onerous positions. A special
donation of $687.50 was made to the Guelph Spring
Festival for the Kenneth P. Greenaway Award. This
donation became “the First Prize in the Instrument
Category of the 1989 Edward Johnson Music
Competition”. The Club Award Committee had some
problems getting nominations for 1989, so it was decided
to broaden the qualifications to cover any activity, which
improved the environment and/or the quality of life. At
the Twelfth Anniversary Dinner in September 1989, the
Club Award was given to the Rotary Club of Guelph
for its work with the Abbey Field House Society of
Guelph.
Lou Szabo
The Club Board pledged $5,000.00 over a period of five
years, to the Guelph Seniors’ Association. In November 1989 the Board decided that the
President and Invocations Committee Chairman should retain several prepared invocations
for anyone wishing to use them. However, members responsible for invocations would be
free to prepare their own if they wished. In December the Board accepted policy
recommendations of the Sullivan Finance Committee including:
1) Reiteration of the policy that the Club was not a fund raising organization.
2) Contributions to be made to individuals, groups, or organizations that are the end
users of the funds.
3) The Club should not retain large surpluses. The current surplus of $10,000.00
should be reduced by one-half through donations.
4) Club functions with limited participants such as golf, curling; bus trips etc. should
be self-supporting. Committees should submit budgets to the Board for approval.
5) When surpluses accrue, they should be returned to the members via subsidies to
the annual dinner, dinner dances, and the ladies’ luncheons.
6) Copies of financial statements for each event should be signed by the Committee
Chairman and submitted to the Treasurer.
At a Board meeting on January 2, 1990, Dr. Sydney Hopkins was made an Honorary
Associate member of the Club. This was the first such membership. Dr. Hopkins was
later reported as deceased in January 1990.
Based on a recommendation of the Roster Committee in 1987 to have the roster revised and
updated every four years, the Board investigated the costs and concluded in March 1990 that
35
there should be a revision with all pictures being redone and made a uniform size. It was
decided to delete pictures for Associate members and only include the name. Later in the
year it was decided to encourage members to get their own pictures redone in passport size
and to submit them to the Secretary before February 13, 1991.
In May it was decided to change the policy regarding mementos for speakers, to include
Club members. Hugh Dale announced in June 1990 that Eric Irving and Don McArthur
would assume responsibility for producing the Bulletin and its distribution to Associate
members. In July 1990 the Board decided to eliminate the $1.00 fee for the Bridge and
Euchre players by having the Club assume the cost of the coffee for the card sessions. It was
also decided that there should be a moment of silence at regular meetings in recognizing
the death of a member. Membership in the Club was reported to be 306, as of September 4,
1990.
During the summer of 1990, Secretary Bob Johnson updated the bylaws with respect to the
Club officers and directors. Under the revised bylaws six directors would be elected each
year for two years. They could be elected for an immediate second term but must allow a
year to lapse before seeking office again. For the offices of Directors and Vice-Presidents,
the Nominating Committee must submit nominees for no more than the number of positions
to be filled. Also, each candidate for Vice-President was to agree to
stand for election for President, if asked. Ted Howchin
became the new Club President in September 1990.
At the Thirteenth Anniversary Dinner in September,
the Club Award was presented to the Wellington
District Boy Scouts Association.
There were Board discussions in December 1990, about
the role of the Recreation Committee. The Board took
no formal action other than to encourage the Committee
to organize two to four trips per year to special events
such as the Shaw Festival, the Stratford Theatres, and
events in Toronto or elsewhere. These trips would
include wives and friends and not be on a Tuesday.
Ted Howchin
APPROACHING MATURITY
36
Limiting Growth Again a Problem:
The Club had come through 13 years of fairly rapid growth in numbers and a lot of change in
organization. Early in 1991 the total membership was recorded to be 326, with over 100
more having been members at one time. The larger location in the Italian-Canadian Club was
beginning to feel the strains of numbers as attendance at weekly meetings began to exceed
200. Furthermore, there seemed to be an ever increasing number of potential candidates
wishing to become members of what was perceived to be, a very desirable organization for
retired men of the City of Guelph. It is little wonder that the Club Executive once again
began to wrestle with the problem of limiting Club growth.
Ross Irwin made a proposal to help ease the stress of membership without putting a lid on the
number. His proposal was considered by the Board and accepted in May 1991.For a trial
period of one year, it was agreed that each member would not be allowed to invite more
than one person to join in any one year. Furthermore, new members would be required to
wait for six months before inviting anyone to join. The Board felt that such action might slow
the growth of the Club to a manageable level.
Improving Administrative Operations:
President Ted Howchin found there seemed to be poor contact between the Board and the
various committees, as well as between current and previous committees. Ted prepared
folders containing specific instructions to be followed by the committee chairmen in
order to avoid “surprises” in trying to carry out their responsibilities and also to keep
the Board fully informed. In future the folders would contain information from previous
years and were intended to assist in the planning, execution and recording of the event
involved. Each chairman would receive such a folder immediately following appointment by
the Board-a very valuable plan, if carried out.
A committee was established to look into the situation regarding the Club’s commitment to
the Senior’s Centre and what visibility could be obtained in this regard. The Club had earlier
pledged $5000.00. It was determined that a total of $6,200.00 would be needed to furnish the
Boardroom, and benefactors for such a gift would be given a wall plaque placed in a
prominent position in the room. The Board agreed to increase the total gift by $1,200.00 to
furnish the Boardroom of the Centre. Since completion of the room, a plaque recognizing
the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club contribution has been mounted on the wall, at the
head of the Boardroom, in the Centre. It is a fitting recognition that all Club members
should see. (Appendix III).
37
Fees, which had been payable in two payments per year since the Club began, were made
payable in one annual amount, at a Board meeting in August 1991. With the enlarged Club
membership collecting fees twice a year had become a costly and burdensome task.
Stewart Lane became President in September 1991. One
of his first actions was to change some committees. The
Sports and Recreation Committees were amalgamated to
facilitate coordination of their activities. John Eccles was
made a member of this new committee, since he and Abe
Goldberg were arranging regular trips, which were
considered to need coordination with some of the activities
of the other group. A Music Committee was added to
recognize the contribution of those involved weekly in Club
meetings and in periodic events involving Club singing and
other music activities. At the Fourteenth Anniversary
Dinner, held in September 1991, the Club Award was
presented to the Guelph Humane Society.
Stew Lane
Based on a proposal from Ross Irwin, a Committee composed of the Past Presidents was
established, at the end of 1991.The purpose of the Committee was to examine policy issues
directed to it by the Board and to report back with recommendations for action. One of the
first issues to be examined was how funds should be used in making donations. The Finance
Committee reported, in November that fixed subsidies were available for Club activities.
The Committee also examined the charge to the Thursday Bridge and concluded that it
should be reduced because the group used only three pots of coffee and not four as charged
for in the records. The Committee also recommended that donations be made only to local
charitable service organizations. It was again emphasized that giving should not be a
prime objective of the Club and not used as an excuse to raise fees. The Board accepted
these recommendations.
A New Membership Cap:
The question of control of the Club growth was discussed again in late 1991 and a committee
was established to examine the problem. It had become evident that growth was not being
significantly reduced by the policy of limiting members to one candidate each per year. The
membership as of January 1992 was 343 with an estimated average loss through death and
other causes of 14 per year. However, in recent years approximately 40 new members were
introduced per year and in calendar year 1991, when the new policy on introductions was in
place, 49 new members were accepted. In January 1992 the Board announced there would be
a moratorium on new applications for membership, until further notice. In March, the
Board approved a cap on Active membership of 350, with a waiting list limited to 30. A
detailed procedure was outlined for introduction of new members, including a time limit on
completion of the informal introduction of no more than four weeks.
38
Rejecting an earlier decision the Board, in March 1992, approved keeping Associate
Members’ pictures in the roster. The Past President’s Committee was made a standing
committee of the Club, in May 1992. After investigation and considerable discussion, the
idea of moving the Club activities to the Senior’s Centre was rejected as inadequate for a
variety of reasons including limited parking, inadequate equipment and staff problems of
coordination with current seniors’ programs at the Centre. The Board approved
sponsorship of the annual banquet for the Charter members of the Club. Shon Shonfield
became Editor of the Club Bulletin in July 1992, relieving Eric Irving.
Pres. R. Irwin & Charter Members: O. Parker, S. Lawrence, D. Dodson, A. Black, F. Britton,
R. Hammond, C. Wright, B. Mathews, E. Barnstaple, K. Greenaway
Ross Irwin became Club President in September 1992. One of the very useful changes
introduced by Ross was the development and use of a date sheet listing the various things
that needed attention by the Board, throughout the year. Sandy Warley became Secretary, at
the time Ross became President, taking over from Bob Johnson who had been in that position
for three years. Marion Doyle, who had acted as Club typist for about five years, resigned.
She had done a great job for the Club by typing the Board minutes and the Club Bulletins.
An attempt was made to obtain a replacement for Doyle but this was not successful and the
new Secretary undertook to do his own typing on the computer.
39
At the Fifteenth Anniversary Dinner in September, the
Club Award was given to Wellington Hospice Care. On
September 15 a Fall Golf Tournament was added. The
tournament was held at the Senjen Golf Course, near
Ennotville, following the regular meeting, After the golf
there was a corn roast at Jim Brown’s farm. On September
22, the Club held a Hobby Show organized by Ross Pauli
and his committee, which was considered to be a great
success with over 20 members sharing their interests and
skills. A bus trip, with wives and friends, was made to
Niagara-on-the-Lake to see Pygmalion at the Shaw Theater
on October 1. A small group organized a Panama Cruise in
the fall of 1992. It was considered to have been an
outstanding success by the participants.
The Finance Committee expressed concern about some of
Ross Irwin
the Club expenditures. With the cap on membership,
revenues were not growing as in the past. Rent for the facilities at the Italian-Canadian Club
rose by $1,000.00 per year to $3,750.00. The subsidy to the Thursday bridge, estimated to be
over $1,500.00 per year was considered to be too high. In October 1992, the Board reduced
the subsidy to the bridge group to $500.00 and the amount to donations was set at $1,430.00
per year.
Periodically, the Club archives became a matter for discussion. Roy Gordon, who had taken
over as the Archivist following the death of Rae Stuart in 1986, turned over the responsibility
in the fall of 1992 to Ernie Barber. At that time there were two sets of Club Newsletters,
some membership lists, a list of programs and files of correspondence. Through the diligence
of Dave Kennedy there were a number of albums of photographs of new members, speakers,
the Boards and Club activities. Materials were accumulating and creating a problem of space
as well as organization. It was felt they should be organized in a more accessible manner,
getting rid of things not considered relevant. The Board decided to continue keeping photos
but to cease taking pictures of speakers except for special occasions. The Italian-Canadian
Club was approached and it was agreed that space could be provided for the Club archives,
which was accepted. Also, it was agreed that a suitable legal-sized four drawer lockable
filing cabinet should be purchased to help maintain records. Ernie Barber accepted
responsibility for obtaining the cabinet and for moving the archives.
Bylaws and Procedures Revisited in 1992:
A number of changes in procedures and policies of the Club had been introduced over the
years, since the last change in the bylaws had been made. A committee to review these
changes and to assess needs for further change was set up under the chairmanship of Dave
Kennedy, in April 1992. The final proposals and the revised constitution and bylaws were
completed and approved by the Board in December. Major changes had to do with
suspension and reinstatement of members; termination of tenure of an Officer; definition of a
quorum; specification of the financial year; administration of the General Meetings, the
40
Annual Meeting and Special Meetings; procedures for nominating Officers and Directors and
clarification of membership categories. These changes were to be submitted to the
membership for approval, early in 1993.
All Standing Committees were listed and their duties described. Committees that had been
added earlier by the Board and now were listed in the bylaws included: Music; Greeting;
Invocation; Communications; Plates; Roster; Past Presidents; Bridge and Euchre; Sports and
Recreation; Spring Ladies’ Luncheon; and Mixed Bridge and Euchre. The Sports and
Recreation Committee replaced the earlier Recreation Committee and the Spring Ladies’
Luncheon replaced the earlier Daffodil Luncheon. The most immediate Past-President was
named to be the Chairman of the Past Presidents’ Committee. The duties of the
Committee were to investigate and report on matters referred by the Board. A new Club logo
had been developed and the Board agreed it should now be carried on all Club stationery and
publications.
The Awards Committee, chaired by Ted Howchin, made some recommendations accepted by
the Board in December 1992. Greater emphasis was to be placed on contributions involving
improvements in the “quality of life” as opposed to ‘’environmental enhancement and
beautification” Priority was to be given to groups or individuals not already acknowledged
by others. Unsuccessful nominations were to be reconsidered in subsequent years. The
descriptive folder was to be reprinted annually and the plaque, which should carry the new
redesigned logo, should have wording tailored to the recipient.
A special meeting of the membership was held in February 1993, to consider the bylaw
changes approved by the Board earlier in 1992. Some interesting amendments came from the
floor and were approved. Of particular significance was a change in the wording of the fourth
Object of the Club, “to promote the welfare and improvement of the community and
environs through financial donations and/or altruistic services”. The sponsors of this
change said “the purpose of this amendment was to ensure that the right of the Club to
donate monies would be unequivocally established”. Another amendment of significance
required the Immediate Past President to be Chairman of the Nominating Committee,
which was to submit its list of candidates directly to the members rather than go through the
Board.
The Board ruled in March 1993 that there “be no direct solicitation of funds at regular
meetings by members or non-members”. This resulted from considerable discussion about
organizations requesting the opportunity to solicit funds within the Club. Members did not
wish the Club to be looked upon as a fund raising organization, although many members did
assist various groups to raise funds for charitable purposes. This policy was discussed again
in May, in an attempt to clarify the situation for individuals requesting to speak on behalf of
organizations seeking help. It was decided that members could make solicitations, from
tables placed under the screen at that end of the hall. Also the President could in his remarks
draw attention to opportunities for members to contribute to charitable and worthy causes
being represented at these tables. In other business the Board thanked Charlie Harris and
Dirk Van Goozen for re-building the Club’s Name Tag Board.
41
Archie McIntyre, in late 1992, submitted a list of recommendations for improving the
program of the Club. After much deliberation and discussion by the Past President’s
Committee and the Board, a decision was made in April 1993 to give a trial to the idea of
having a “Tuesday Editorial”, on a voluntary basis. The Chair would accept proposals for
five minute presentations on timely and controversial topics by members. These would be
given occasionally, when time permitted, and would not interfere with other programming.
Also discussed was the idea of having formal debates and panel discussions. However, the
Program Committees have acted upon none of these proposals. A decision was also made to
continue photographing new members when introduced, but to cease taking pictures of
speakers.
There were a number of special activities in 1993. In April there was a trip to the Grand
Theatre in London. In May a bus trip was made to the Blue Jays game at the Dome. There
was an unfortunate bus breakdown that spoiled the trip but did give the participants
something to talk about. In any case, the next year there was a baseball strike which turned
people off as well as the poor performance of the team, with the result the 1993 trip was the
last of the series. During September the Club went to both the Mohawk races and to the
Stratford Theatre.
Life and Honorary memberships were discussed by the Board in May and June 1993. It was
agreed that Life memberships should continue to be a singular honor recognizing
exceptional service to the Club. It is an honor, which would be given sparingly and only to
one person in any given year, except under special circumstances. An ad hoc committee
recommended that a Membership Committee be established, to make recommendations
periodically, to the Board relative to Life Membership. The Board agreed and established the
Committee, chaired by the Vice-President with the longest tenure and including the Secretary
and Assistant Secretary. This Committee was to consider the issue each year and report its
findings to the Board. Any candidates approved by the Board would receive the honor at the
Anniversary Dinner.
The first Membership Committee established was chaired by Doug Hoffman and included
Bill Cowan and Sandy Warley. They almost immediately began their deliberations and
submitted a report to the Board with some specific recommendations to the Board dated July
6,1993. Their report and recommendations were accepted by the Board with the result that
two members were to become Life Members in September 1993. The Committee report also
recommended that some systematic procedure be adopted by the Archives Committee to
maintain records of activities of the more active Club members.
42
Two New Life Members Appointed:
Approved for appointment to Life Membership were John Eccles and Abe Goldberg. It
was further approved that former President Louis Szabo be made an Associate member
without fees. The appropriate plaques to recognize the Life Members were to be prepared by
the current and incoming presidents. These special memberships were conferred at the
Anniversary Dinner in September, 1993.
There was considerable discussion of finances and it was decided that there was a need for an
increase in fees because of increased rent and other costs and the limit on memberships,
which had kept income from increasing. While there was a significant reserve of $15,000.00,
it had long been a Club policy to maintain a high level of reserve funds to be available to
help in disasters or other special needs such as the assistance provided to the Senior Center.
A special meeting was held on July 13, 1993, when the membership approved an increase of
membership fees from $70.00 to $80.00 per year and that the initiation fee be raised
from $30.00 to $50.00, to be effective the following September 1.
Fred Black became the new Club President in
September 1993. Fred has continued to be a great asset to
the Club. In some ways he filled a similar role to Norm
Blair, who was referred to as the “Court Jester” and to
whom tribute was paid for providing laughter with his
jokes and humorous stories. The Club membership loves a
good storyteller and Fred has at various times played that
part well.
The Sixteenth Anniversary Dinner was held on September
30, when the Club Award was presented to Sister
Christine Leyser and Gladys Yeates with each receiving
$500.00 and a plaque. John Eccles and Abe Goldberg, the
new Life Members were also given plaques, as was Ken
Greenaway who had been made a Life Member in 1987,
Fred Black
but had only received a Certificate at that time. In addition
to the Life Member honor, the Board established a certificate of Appreciation for future use
by the Club in recognizing special contributions of members.
A report from a Policy Committee, Chaired by Dave Kennedy, was accepted by the Board in
October 1993, after some amendments. The purpose of the Committee was to draw together
all the Club policies and to assess their appropriateness in terms of the bylaws and Club
operations. “It was found that some never had been implemented, some were obsolete,
some duplicated or contradicted others, and at least one contravened the Club’s Letters
Patent.” The Committee recommended that certain current policies be retained, some
deleted, and others re-written for clarity. With a few minor amendments the Committee’s
recommendations were approved by the Board in October 1993, including rescinding all
current policies as listed and their replacement with a series of policies as proposed. This
exercise resulted in more consistent policies and a reference supplemental to the Club
43
bylaws. It appears to have been a useful exercise and given the Club tendency to periodically
change policies, it would seem appropriate to have recommended such an exercise be
repeated every five years or at some such interval. It would also seem appropriate to include
the supplement with the bylaws, in the Club handbook.
Members of the Board expressed some concern about the low level of participation in many
of the Club’s social events. A survey was taken of membership in the fall of 1993, to try to
determine what factors contributed to the low participation level. Only 131 of the members
responded and of those there were 28 that attended all dinners and luncheons and an equal
number did not attend any. Only 55% included any comments with their replies. The most
positive responses were to the Anniversary Dinner. The December and April Ladies’
luncheons tended to be criticized as being too expensive and having too much food. Some
did not like the length of talks. In most cases it seemed that unless some significant changes
were to occur, the attendance would probably continue at relatively low levels. The results of
the survey were passed on to the Chairmen of the various events.
Charlie Harris made a platform for vertically challenged speakers. A decision was made to
produce a revised handbook to be distributed in September 1994. It was decided that the cost
of all new pictures would be too high and that those who wished a new picture should be
asked to submit it to the Assistant Secretary. Fees for Associate Members were set at $10.00,
in September 1994.
There was another Hobbies and Crafts Show on June
28, 1994. Doug Hoffman became President, in
September 1994. The Anniversary Dinner was held on
September 29, at which time the Club Award was
presented to the Guelph Children Singers. Another
trip was made to the Mohawk Races in September and
to the Shaw Festival Theatre in October. The Club
finances had improved significantly with the increased
fees and some cost reductions. The Board gave a fairly
large increase in the subsidy to the Anniversary Dinner
and approved increases in subsidies to $500.00 each,
for the December Luncheon, the February Valentine’s
Dance and the April Luncheon. The subsidy to the
weekly bridge was $780.00 in 1992/93 and $738.00 in
1993/4, although there was a Board motion passed in
the fall of 1992 limiting it to $500.00. In January 1995,
the Treasurer explained that the subsidy to the bridge
group was based on the estimated cost of the coffee
used and supplied by the Italian-Canadian Club.
Doug Hoffman
For some time the Club had been concerned about the inability to cope adequately with
medical emergencies of Club members at meetings. A lot of discussion of this issue occurred
in many Board meetings. Finally, in December 1994, Sandy Warley reported that he had
44
been in contact with the St. John Ambulance group and they had agreed to have a member
attend the Club meetings, to assist with medical emergencies.
In December 1994, at the Christmas Luncheon, Archie McIntyre gave a talk on “The
Creation of the Guelph Tartan”. Archie had spent a lot of time and effort developing this
tartan which had been accepted by the Scottish Tartans Society as an authentic and unique
tartan. The City of Guelph had also given it a stamp of approval, as the City’s Tartan. It was
indeed a unique piece of work and the process by which it was developed should be kept as a
historical record. The Board recommended that copies of the talk explaining the Tartan’s
development should be kept in the Club Archives, as well as being sent at Club expense to
the City of Guelph, the Guelph Historical Society, the Civic and Wellington County
Museums and other appropriate agencies.
The various Standing Committees presumably had folders outlining the experience of the
previous year’s Committee and providing an improved means of communication between the
Board and the Committees. Ted Howchin had developed the idea of the folders in 1992.
However, it was still found in 1995, that communications were breaking down for some
reason and there was felt to be a need for a better system. Stan Young and Archie McIntyre
developed guidelines for the conduct of Club Social and Recreational events for the use
of the event Chair, which were accepted by the Board, in January 1995. The Chair of each
committee was made responsible for selecting the other committee members, outlining their
responsibilities and setting times and schedules for events. They were also responsible for
assuring activity reports were given at intervals to the Board, including a post-activity
summary with any recommendations for future committees. Copies of the guidelines were to
be placed in each event folder, made available to each committee Chair and incorporated into
the next revision of the by-laws. It was later agreed also that a member of the Board should
be appointed to each of the committees responsible for Club activities. The member
appointed would have the responsibility for reporting to the Board any problems and
progress.
The Board approved a motion in March 1995, “that there be no smoking at any Club
event held at the Italian-Canadian Club.” This had been an accepted policy for the
Tuesday general meetings but still remained a problem in other events such as the Club
bridge and euchre games.
Ken Greenaway suggested that the best 25 Invocations in 1993-94 be published along with a
short note on Club history but this was not approved. However, they were collected and the
Board agreed to have them placed in the Club Archives.
Kenneth Parker Greenaway Makes a Final Departure:
45
May 3, 1995, was a sad day in the Club’s history with the passing of Kenneth Parker
Greenaway, at the Oxford Lodge in Guelph, at the age of 82. Ken had been an active and
successful member of the Kiwanis for years and as one of the founding fathers of the GuelphWellington Men’s Club had made an equal mark with leadership and contributions to Club
activities from its beginning. He had served as President for two years and for several more
as Secretary. His presence in the Club and in the community generally was deeply missed.
More Structure and Operation Changes:
During 1995 there was a continuing examination of the structure and operation of the
Standing Committees of the Board. The Sports and Recreation Committee was found to
have too large a mandate of responsibility and it was decided to replace this committee
with a Sports Committee and a Special Events Committee. Each of these sets of activities
was considered to require a lot of planning and preparation and could be handled better under
the separate categories. There was another effort made to further streamline the
responsibilities and reporting systems of the Standing Committees, including the new ones
developed by the Board. A complete set of instructions was developed including those for the
Program Committee. Program Committee instructions were to be used in the fall of 1995 but
be further reviewed by the Program Committee to determine the adequacy of the instructions
before being fully accepted. All standing Committees of the Club were to have a Board
Representative who would be responsible for reporting to the Board, as had been
agreed at an earlier date.
At the beginning of September 1995, Elmer Menzie
became President and Bill Richardson replaced Sandy
Warley as Secretary. Sandy had been Secretary for three
years. Two other Board members, Hugh Stewart and
Fred Black retired after several years of service on the
Board. Fred had served as President for a term and Hugh
had been Treasurer for four years. Outgoing President
Doug Hoffman commended them for their dedication to
the Club.
The Anniversary Dinner was held September 29, 1995.
The Club award, presented at the dinner, was split
this year and there were two winners. Adair Hanna
received an award for her work with Hospice, Red
Cross and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Big
Brothers Association was given the second part of the
award for their contributions.
Elmer Menzie
46
The increased fees and continued growth in membership put the Club in excellent financial
condition with a growing surplus of more than $20,000.00 .The Board increased the
allowance for speaker’s expense to $500.00 to assist the Club in encouraging visitors to the
area to stay over for a talk to Club members. Some additional money was made available for
subsidizing Club events and particularly the Anniversary Dinner. A donation of $500.00 was
approved to recognize the services provided by the St. John Ambulance. In December the
Board approved a donation of $5,000.00 to assist the General Hospital in purchasing a
CT scanner.
Membership Reaches a Maximum:
At the January 1996 meeting of the Board, an important milestone was reported to have been
attained with the Club membership having reached the maximum allowed, of 350 Active
members. Additionally there were 2 Life members, and 36 Associates for a total of 388.
Club policy permitted a waiting list of 30 applicants for membership. Individuals on the
waiting list were not allowed to attend meetings until they were accepted, and they were to
be accepted in order as received. When the waiting list was full, no more introductions were
to be accepted. There was a further modification in February, which required prospective
members to wait until a vacancy occurred before they were invited for the three meetings
required to become a member. In December 1995, it was reported Groves Collingridge,
one of the individuals involved in the Club’s origin, had passed away.
In February 1996, the Board approved a donation of $1,000.00 to finance a seat at the
Civic Centre in memory of Ken Greenaway. Later in the year the Board also approved
raising the amount donated to an appropriate charity in commemoration for a member’s
death, from $25.00 to $50.00. In June Arend Roelefson became the bulletin editor, taking
over from Shon Shonfield who had been editor for nearly four years.
Howard Nodwell became the Club President in
September 1996. The Nineteenth Anniversary Dinner
was held on September 20, at which time the Club
Award was presented to the Guelph Concert Band.
The Fall Golf Tournament, which had become an
annual event in 1984 with a picnic at Jim Brown’s
place, was held on September 1996. It was now referred
to as the Fall Golf Classic and the picnic was changed
to a period of fellowship, followed by a barbecue at the
farm of Dick Richardson and has continued at this
location.
A number of operational changes were made during the
fall of 1996. A motion to reduce the Past President’s
responsibilities to being only Chairman of the Past
President’s Committee and the Nominating Committee
Howard Nodwell
was accepted. Another motion to waive the fees of the
President, during his year of office, was also approved. The Board agreed to make a gift of
47
$2,500.00 to the Defibrillator Fund of the Guelph Fire Department and $1,000.00 to the
Saguenay Flood Relief Fund. It was also agreed that all donations above $500.00 would
require Board approval, whereas amounts below this level would be left to the decision of the
Finance Committee but be reported to the Board.
In November approval was given for the purchase of a number of copies of the book “In
Flanders Fields”, to be used as an optional gift for Speakers at Club meetings. A decision to
keep the level of the Club financial reserve at a maximum of $15,000.00 was approved by the
Board. Approval was also given to the purchase of gold colored badges inscribed with the
Club logo, the recipient’s name and his membership status, to be given to each of the
Charter Members, Past Presidents, and Life Members Action was taken in December to
provide liability insurance for the Board and the Club members.
Awards Program Changes:
In January 1997, the Board gave approval to a number of changes in the Awards Program,
which had been recommended by the Awards Committee, chaired by Elmer Menzie. Under
these changes the Awards Committee was made responsible for all awards given by the Club.
All awards would be assumed to be continuing in nature but would be reviewed annually by
the Committee. The Recipients of all Club Awards should be reported to the members in the
Club Bulletin. General policies regarding the establishment of Club awards would be set by
the Board. The following were accepted as current awards of the Club:
A. The Club Award. The Club Award would continue at the level of $1,000.00 to
be presented each year at the Anniversary Dinner. The timing of the nominations
and selection of the winner should be determined by the date of the presentation.
B. The Ken Greenaway Award. Effective in 1997, this award would be $1,000.00
annually. It would be given to the Edward Johnson Music Foundation, to be part
of the fund source for the “Grand Prize of $2,000.00" given each year at the
Guelph Spring Festival and that it be specifically identified as coming from the
Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club, in honor of Ken Greenaway.
C. The Kiwanis Music Festival Award. Effective in 1997, the former gift to the
Festival becomes an award from the Club of $1000.00. These funds would be
identified as being from the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club to recognize efforts
of young musicians, as selected by the Festival organizers.
A special donation of $1,000.00 was made to the Manitoba Flood Relief Fund in May.
Volunteers to the Club meetings from the St. John Ambulance Society no longer came in
1997. After some investigation it was revealed volunteers would no longer be available.
The Twentieth Anniversary of the Club:
48
The Board had agreed that there should be some recognition of the Club’s Twentieth
Anniversary. Most of the planning for the celebrations was done during the presidency of
Howard Nodwell. However, the Anniversary Dinner was on September 17, 1997, which was
after the change in the Executive at the 1st. of September, when Bill Arbuthnot became
President. Thus there was a period of sharing of the responsibilities for this event. While the
real starting date of the Club was actually in May, the
Anniversary Dinner date had always been in September
when the Club received its Charter from the Kiwanis.
Thus the September date tended to be accepted as
appropriate to recognize the Club’s anniversary.
One of the things recommended by the Past President’s
Committee was to have a brief history prepared to
include in the Club Handbook. Additionally it was
suggested that a more complete history be prepared for
distribution as part of the Club celebration, at the
Anniversary Dinner in September. The Board approved
motions supporting both of these suggestions. Lloyd
Busch offered to do the short report, which was done
but never incorporated in the Handbook. Lloyd’s article
was a brief overview of the Club’s origins and its early
problems with the Kiwanis.
Dick Brimmell gave a short talk on the Club activities
and background at the Anniversary Dinner, primarily to
give the wives of members a better view of the Club.
Bill Arbuthnott
He briefly reviewed the Club origins and reasons for
breaking with the Kiwanis. Then he cited the various activities of the Club and the
procedures at the weekly meetings. This was a brief but enlightening report. An additional
feature of the celebrations was special entertainment by the Waterloo Region Police Male
Voice Choir. In addition to the special entertainment the Club Award was presented to
Onward Willow Centre and Neighborhood Group for their special contributions to the
development of that area of Guelph. It was a memorable evening.
Appeals were made to have someone do a longer history and to organize the Archives. The
Board established an ad hoc committee in January 1998, to do this work. However, the
committee took no action until the current report was begun in the summer of 1998.
There was a request from Charter member Roy Hammond, to support a project in the
University of Guelph Arboretum. It was suggested such a project could entail a couple of
benches with appropriate plaques and with landscaping in the immediate area, similar to
other such projects. This generated a lot of discussion and was particularly contentious
because it would have required a commitment of the Club to future maintenance of the
location. The Board felt this was not appropriate within the Club objectives. However, it
generated a new discussion about the use of Club funds and the intent of the Club objectives
as stated. A decision was made to set up an ad hoc committee to examine these issues. This
49
Committee, chaired by Archie McIntyre, rejected the Arboretum proposal in its report to the
Board. The Board later accepted the recommendation.
Bylaw Review of 1997:
Almost simultaneously with the consideration of the Arboretum project, there was discussion
of the need for a new revision of the Club bylaws. This was partly, at least, a function of the
discussions about the Arboretum project but also because there had been a number of
changes made since the last revision that had not been incorporated into the bylaws. In
March 1997, the Board set up an ad hoc committee chaired by Bill Hill, to examine the
bylaws and to determine the need for revisions.
Since the Club was reviewing the bylaws, Archie McIntyre considered it an appropriate time
to submit a proposal for some very fundamental changes in the Club’s Administrative and
Reporting Structure. These recommendations formed the basis for some major changes
recommended by the Bylaws Review Committee and later accepted by the Board.
One of the first changes was in the Club Objectives. The clause, “to promote the welfare
and improvement of the community and environment through altruistic services”, was
deleted. It was felt that the Club was not a fund raising organization and that this was an
objective derived largely from the Club’s roots with the Kiwanis and did not accurately
reflect the current position of the Club. The last major revision, completed early in 1993, had
the above clause inserted by a motion from the floor of the membership with the comment
that it would “ensure that the right of the Club to donate monies would be unequivocally
established”. Obviously an erroneous assumption.
The honorary membership classification was also deleted. It was stated that the classification
had never been used. It is true that it had rarely been used but at least one individual had
received this honor. Under description of Active membership, a clause was included to
permit the Board to set limits on the number of Active members, as it deems
appropriate. This merely formalized a practice that had been followed almost from the
beginning of the Club’s origins.
Important changes were made in the administration and management of the Club. The most
significant of these was the reduction in the number of Vice-Presidents from four to two,
with a First and Second Vice-President. The First Vice-President generally would be
assumed to have been Second Vice-President in the immediate preceding year. Under the
new structure the First Vice-President would become President. Thus the succession to
President would become fixed, whereas before, the successor was expected to be one of the
four Vice-Presidents, although a choice was generally not made until time for nominations.
Standing Committees were modified slightly but organized under different headings,
including 1) Meetings 2) Events 3) Administration 4) Other. Aside from some minor name
changes the only addition was the Special Events Committee, which had been added by the
Board after the last revision of the Bylaws. Some further clarification of duties and actions of
those responsible was carried out.
50
The purpose and procedures of Special Meetings of the Club were detailed and modified
where necessary. The name of the Annual Meeting, regularly held in June to elect officers for
the coming year, was changed to General Meeting. The timing and primary purpose of the
meeting remained the same except to add consideration for any changes proposed in fees,
proposals for Life member, and other business of this nature that might arise. The Club
meeting, usually held in October, was designated as the Annual Meeting. The purpose of this
meeting remained the same, to receive the Secretary, Treasurer and the Auditor’s reports and
to conduct other business, which may arise. The provision for Special Meetings remained
much the same but the time required for notification of Special Meetings was reduced from
60 to 21 days. For purposes of the various general Club meetings, a `quorum’ was changed
from one-third of the Active members to a simple majority, except for Bylaw Amendments
and the Club Dissolution, both of which required a two-thirds majority vote.
Some changes were also made in the Committee of Elections. This Committee, appointed by
the President when necessary, consisted of five to seven Active members in good standing.
The new Bylaw changed this to the Secretary and four Active members. A description of the
Liability Protection of Members, Officers and Directors, recently obtained by the Board, was
also added.
Policies and Procedures Manual:
A new manual was developed to accompany and be supplemental to the Club Bylaws. In
general the manual is more descriptive of operational procedures and includes some of the
Board directives such as the limit of 350 on Active membership. Such a limit is not spelled
out in the Bylaws but is permitted by them. It also formally limits the number on the waiting
list to 20 and explains the position of those waiting, in some detail. The manual also provides
some detail on procedures for bringing in new members. Members may sponsor only one
person a year and new members may not sponsor others within the first six months of
membership. Individuals on the waiting list are not entitled to attend Club meetings until
their application has been activated.
The manual provides added detail on the duties of the Officers and Directors of the Club.
Attached also are particularly detailed instructions for the Secretary and Assistant Secretary.
Procedures are given for the various Standing Committees. Instructions to the Program
Committee are especially detailed, reflecting the importance of the weekly meetings. The
Committee is expected to try to provide for interesting speakers, such as high profile visitors
to the City. Flexibility and variety is emphasized in developing programs including debates,
demonstrations, panel discussions and hobby shows. Speakers are to be informed that they
are “not to include a solicitation for funds, business, or votes in their talks”. This has
been a particularly touchy matter for many members in the past and while it is probably not
possible to guarantee such will not happen, the instructions very specifically require that
every effort be made to prevent it.
Rules for donations by the Club are now specified. For example, projects requiring ongoing
financial commitment will not be funded. While this was an understood rule, it now will
51
eliminate discussion about such projects in the future, unless a decision is made to change the
ruling. Details for the awards given by the Club are outlined and more specific instructions
have been given for the handling of the Club Archives and the documentation of the Club
History. The Manual states that “The Club should appoint an Archivist and a Historian to
collect, file and index the records of the Club and to prepare a historical booklet about
its activities and development”. A further notation states that the person filling this position
should recognize it as a long-term appointment.
Other Developments:
During 1997, a new group within the Club known as the Cyber Seniors was formed. The
group meets periodically to exchange ideas and to discuss problems members have had with
their computers They have also formed a link, through the use of the internet, to send each
other messages and various kinds of information-some useful and some not. There was also a
hiking group formed under the guidance of John Eccles. This group has covered a lot of
trails in and around the area. Sandy Warley took over as Bulletin editor in June 1997. Arend
Roelofsen was editor for less than a year and in the last three months before Sandy took over,
Shon Shonfield assumed the editor’s role.
The Club had another Hobby Show, in July of 1997. This was described as a highly
successful show with 13 members displaying their various arts and crafts. There was a very
good turnout of members, their wives and friends. Other social activities were continued as
usual, including two bus trips with wives to shows at Stratford and at Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Board, in addition to the work with the By-laws, accomplished a number of other things
during the year. They tried to replace the service provided by St. John Ambulance with the
City Fire Service but this was not successful and it was agreed the Club would have to
depend for emergency service on its own members and local service through 911. At its
December meeting, the Board removed the limit of 20 on the waiting list for membership.
However, this has not reduced the time for those waiting to become members, which has at
times exceeded a year.
A new handbook containing an updated roster, the revised bylaws, the current year’s
Standing Committees, and other pertinent information for the Club members was distributed
early in 1998.The Board made another major commitment of funds by donating
$5,000.00, to the Guelph and District Dialysis Association, towards the costs of
establishing a local dialysis unit.
The Board again examined the Club policies on donations and decided to limit the total in
any one year to $3,000.00. Some fairly large donations, such as the one for Dialysis, had
helped to bring the Club reserves close to the recommended figure of $15,000.00. Fees for
Associate members were increased to $15.00 to help pay mailing costs for this group. A new
ruling was made for social event subsidies. Except for the Anniversary Dinner, the limit was
set at a standard rate of $3.50 per participating member. The Board approved an expenditure
of $2,000.00 for the purchase of cordless microphones for use at the regular meetings. These
were purchased later in 1998 and hopefully will reduce the risk of some member having a
serious fall from tripping over loose wires.
52
Due to mounting pressure, with 50 on the waiting list to become members, the Board
seriously considered raising the Club limit to 400. However, the membership as a whole
would not approve this idea without a better system of accommodating more people at the
meetings, so it was abandoned. A number of deaths of members, plus changes to Associate
status, reduced the year end waiting list to 44 and it was reported that everyone who came on
the waiting list in 1997 or earlier had been admitted to the Club.
A new look was taken at the Club’s donation policy and in March 1998, the Board adopted a
set of guidelines as follows:
 The Club does not raise money for worthy causes, nor does it act as a channel for
members’ charitable donations.
 The Club only donates funds that are surplus to the annual costs of mounting the core
operations and maintaining the contingency reserve.
 Generally, donations are directed to local causes and agencies.
 The Club does not enter into commitments to provide on-going or multi-period support.
 Support to individuals is given only when activities of the persons concerned can
provide a model for or bring distinction to the local community.
1998/99 GWMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1998/99 Board: Standing: P. Wilson; T. France, Ass’t. Sec’ty.; D. Richardson; J.Thompson;
L. Thackeray; G. McNern; D. Stockton; G. Tawse; H. Steele; K. King; Seated: S. Young,
Pres.; J. Zavitz; J. Gallin; D. Sherman, Sec’ty.; R. Hayes, Ass’t. Treas.; M. Mathieson,
Treas.; J. Hagarty
53
Stan Young became the Club President in
September, 1998. The Anniversary Dinner was held at
Guelph Place on September 18, at which time the Club
Award was presented to Wyndham House for work
in helping young girls with various problems. The Club
also had a bus trip to the Mohawk Raceway in
September and to the Shaw Festival Theatre in
Niagara-on-the-Lake in October. These were in
addition to the regular tours run by Eccles and
Goldberg. Curling continued to be a feature activity for
many Club members in winter. Starting in 1998, they
began competing for a trophy, donated to the Guelph
Curling Club by Abe Goldberg in John Eccles’ name,
for the Seniors’ Bonspiel.
A Club choir was formed in 1998. Claude Shewen
persisted for a long time to try to get a group together
to sing. He was finally successful with an initial and
growing group of about 20, who meet weekly for
practice, under the leadership of Nick Kaethler. The
group performed at Stone Lodge and the Club’s
Anniversary Dinner and the Christmas luncheon in
1998 and at the Valentine Dinner-Dance in February
1999. All agree that they are doing a great job.
Stan Young
Dave Kennedy, the Club photographer, resigned from
this responsibility and was replaced by George Blair in
November 1998. Dave took on the photographer role in
1984, when he became a member of the Archives
Committee established under John Eccles’ Presidency.
Dave religiously took pictures of new members, Board
members, various functions of the Club, etc. and
maintained them for the Archives. In the earlier years all
speakers were also photographed, until the Board
decided this was not needed for the record. Dave did a
great job and hopefully the results of his work will
become more readily accessible to the members in
future.
Dave Kennedy
54
THE CLUB IN PERSPECTIVE
The growth and continued support for the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club has been nothing
short of phenomenal and has certainly far surpassed the expectations of those who originally
were involved in its formation in 1977. The founding meeting on May 4, 1977, had 30
members for the Club formation, which at that time was set up as a Golden K Club of the
Kiwanis. The first meetings took on much the same format the Club has followed throughout
its history, with the singing of `O Canada’, an Invocation, a report on the health of Members
and a speaker who is formally introduced and thanked. Today’s meetings include greeters at
the door as Club members arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. and enjoy coffee and a social
interaction time. Also included is a somewhat different format for the formal introduction of
new members, which is done, as space becomes available, by having a member give a brief
review of the individual’s past and current status. The meeting is expected to end at 11:00
a.m. and some have shown their irritation if it goes much longer. This is very similar to the
procedures followed over 20 years ago.
The fellowship and program provided by the Club are obviously the primary reasons for the
Club’s continued attraction. The Members enjoy the coffee hour as is demonstrated by the
din of conversation, at each Tuesday meeting. Most of the Club Speakers have been enjoyed.
This is undoubtedly a function of the wide range of representation of backgrounds of the
membership which provides access to outstanding speakers, primarily from the local
community and from the membership itself. Even on the rare occasion when a speaker has
not appeared for some reason, Club members have done an excellent job of filling in the
void.
Club activities have been expanded as the number of members has increased but remain
much the same otherwise. (See Appendices I and II) The early members liked to play golf,
lawn bowl, play cards and go on bus trips. They had lunches and other parties involving the
wives and friends. These activities have continued to be popular with the membership.
Curling was added about the fourth year of the Club’s operations.
Club objectives continued much the same until the last change in bylaws, when the reference
to community orientation was removed. Even this has probably not made a significant
change in the manner in which the Club operates. The Club resisted fund raising activities
from the start but has not been averse to using funds accrued from the fees collected and
found to be surplus to Club expenses, to carry out community projects. In the earlier years
there was more emphasis on volunteer help for community needs and in fact the Club kept a
record of Members’ efforts in this regard. However, the membership continues to be
responsive to community needs for help.
The problems the Club experienced with Kiwanis in the first years, remain a curiosity. The
establishment of `K’ Clubs was not a new experience for the Kiwanis and other such clubs
did not appear to have had the same difficulties. The fact that the break was not resisted and
in fact seemed to have been led at times, by the Club’s first President, Ken Greenaway, who
had been a long time worker for and supporter of the Kiwanis, made it even more curious.
While the break, which was finalized in 1981, was brought on by some rather crude
55
responses by a regional officer of the Kiwanis, it does seem apparent there was an underlying
desire on the part of the new Club’s membership to get out from under the directions and
supervision of the Kiwanis organization. This was possibly a function of the fact that most of
the new members of the Club had not been members of Kiwanis.
Following the establishment of the independent Club, the objectives and activities remained
much the same. Membership continued to grow and soon reached the magic number of 100,
that many considered being a desirable maximum. However, the need for the Club to expand
was soon established by a growing waiting list of those who wanted to become part of the
organization and the Club responded by gradually allowing more to join. A new maximum of
350, reached in recent years, has been accepted more because of physical limits on handling
additional members than any basic Club desire to keep growing numbers out. The growth is a
reflection of the response of members to the kinds of activities and personal interaction
provided by the Club. The lack of pressure to raise money for community projects, as
experienced by traditional service clubs, has been another important factor. This does not
mean the membership is any less community minded, since as individuals they continue to
offer their services and also as a group they take pride in the funds provided for awards and
special local projects. These are supported through the use of monies obtained from Club
fees, which are surplus to the expenses of the organization.
Whatever the reason for the magic attraction of the Club, there is no doubt it provides a very
useful function in the community. The Club members appreciate the support given to them
through a continuous supply of excellent speakers, most of whom are from the community in
general. May the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club continue to prosper and be as successful in
the coming years.
University of
Guelph
Arboretum –
Maple Syrup
Finishing Pan
56
THE NEXT SIX YEARS
1999/2000 – 2004/2005
The Archives Committee proposed and the Board agreed in 2003 to update the History of
The Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club every 5 years. This addition to the History covers the
years 1999/2000 to 2004/2005 (6 years) and was prepared by Deane Sherman, committee
chair, and Dave Mowat.
Harris Steele became President in September, 1999. A significant change in committee
leadership occurred when Abe Goldberg and John Eccles retired after many years leading the
Lunch and Tour activity. A new committee headed by Ron Sheppard was formed with Stan
Young and Morley Hunter on the team.
The choir, formed in 1998, had grown to 30 members and received strong leadership from
musical director Nick Kaethler. The choir performed at club functions such as the
Anniversary Dinner, the December and April Ladies Luncheons as well as our Remembrance
program. The choir also performed at several seniors’ homes and at the River Run Centre as
an entrant in the Kiwanis Music Festival. Thus, it has become a significant ambassador for
the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club.
The membership approved the awarding a Life Membership to Sandy Warley and a
Certificate of Appreciation to Bill Arbuthnot. The annual Club Award was presented to
The Wellington County Alzheimer Society.
The Club acquired a post office box so that mail was no longer directed to the address of the
current secretary. In addition, cordless microphones were acquired to eliminate the tripping
hazard of floor cables running to the standing mics.
Harris Steele
Jack Gallin (from Eramosa Township)
57
Jack Gallin took over as President in September, 2000. A great deal of time and effort
was expended by the ad hoc committee investigating a new audio visual system for our
weekly meetings. More speakers are using computer generated presentations incorporating
images and more sophisticated sound systems. Murray Mathieson chaired that committee
during 2000-2001 with inputs from the House Committee, especially Mike Peleschak. The
committee narrowed the choices, determined the approximate cost and generally laid the
foundation for the eventual installation of the new system.
A new Policies and Procedures Manual was developed in response to changes since the last
overhaul in 1997. This required a rewriting of the Club Bylaws to accommodate and legalize
the new procedures. An important part of this was the establishment of two new standing
committees, the Choir Committee and the Lunch and Tour Committee. Sandy Warley and
Deane Sherman spent many hours writing and rewriting these documents.
The Club Award went this year to Hospitality Connection of Wellington-Waterloo, a
Community Chaplaincy. Membership secretary, Tim France, developed a new method of
producing the roster information from a computer data base, thus making it simpler and less
expensive to update the roster from year to year. Moreover, new name badges with white
adhesive labels, which are more legible, were adopted. Also, pictures were taken of all
members with a digital camera, which enables the production of the roster section of the
handbook at a much reduced cost.
At the suggestion of the Past Presidents, the name tag boards were moved to the lobby and
the greeters to the door of the meeting room. At the suggestion of John Eccles, we began
presenting new members with a copy of the Club History.
The Board decided to eliminate subsidies to all social events except the Anniversary dinner.
The annual membership fee for 2001-2002 was reduced from $90 to $80. Also, the choir was
fortunate in obtaining uniforms from the Schneider’s Men’s Choir.
Don Stockton was President for the 24th year of our Club. As of August 31, 2002, there
were 346 Active, 48 Associate and 3 Life Members with 83 on the waiting list. The Club
Award was presented to The Guelph Food Bank. The Board approved the granting of
Certificates of Appreciation to Tim France, Membership Secretary from 1998 to 2001,
and to Deane Sherman who served as Club Secretary for the same period.
The new choir conductor was member Ron Stubbs with Ken Aitken as accompanist. The
choir presented programs at 12 different locations during the year. Garnet Norrish chaired the
ad hoc committee investigating options for improved audio-visual equipment and the Board
approved their recommendations. The new visual equipment includes two screens, one at
each end of the meeting room.
An ad hoc committee, consisting of Sandy Warley and Deane Sherman, organized and
compiled Standing Committee Responsibility and Procedure Guidelines, which will be
subject to annual review. The Board adopted the recommendations of the ad hoc committee
lead by Jack Gallin for the recognition of members with 25 years of continuous membership
58
in the Club. Recognition and special name badges will be presented to qualifying members at
future Anniversary Dinners.
Vice-President, Dave Mowat, proposed to the Board that the 25th Anniversary of the Club be
recognized by acquiring four large flags, specifically, the flags of Canada, Ontario, Guelph
and Wellington County. At our 25th Anniversary Dinner, Guests of Honor actually presented
the Club with a flag of their respective jurisdictions. Les Bibby of the House Committee
fashioned a special stand on which the flags are mounted for display at all regular meetings
and dinners.
President Murray Mathieson, Brenda Chamberlain, M.P., Karen Farbridge, Mayor, City of Guelph
and Carl Hall, Warden of Wellington County at the Gala 25th Anniversary Dinner
Murray Mathieson had the special privilege of being President for the 25th year of our
Club, 2002-2003. The Club Award was presented at the 25th Anniversary Dinner to
Sunrise Equestrian and Recreation Centre For the Disabled. On that occasion, Sandy
Warley gave an eloquent address on “Reflections on Our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary”.
(See Appendix IV).
The Board approved a donation of $5,000 to the Foundation of the Guelph General
Hospital to support the purchase of a Full Field Mammography machine. $2,500 came
from the current budget and $2,500 from the following year’s budget. The Board deemed it
important for the Club to make donations that are a benefit to the community and so be seen
as an organization that supports important community initiatives.
The long-awaited new audio visual system was put into operation early in the year and
was used in 20 out of 48 program presentations. The outstanding system included two data
projectors, placement of an additional screen, a sound mixer and a lap top computer for
Power Point presentations and image projection.
59
The Board conducted a review of the Club’s existing financial policies and procedures and as
result the following new policies were adopted:
- permit Directors Elect to participate in discussion and preparation of the budget being
proposed for the coming year,
- terminate the general policy of providing grants in response to requests from community
groups and organizations,
- eliminate the subsidy to the Anniversary Dinner effective in 2004,
- club policy of accounting on a cash basis was affirmed which meant that any surplus or
deficit of any event will be absorbed into the current year’s overall balance rather than
carried over year-to-year in the individual event account.
Joan Daly, President of St. Joseph’s Voluntary Care
Association accepting the Club Award from Don Stockton
Ron Stubbs retired as director of the choir at the end of the club year. The Board approved
the appointment of Martin Bauer, Music Director at Knox Presbyterian Church, to this key
position. A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Bruce Stone who gave wise
counsel and exceptional service as Treasurer of the Club from September 2000 to August
2003.
The President for club year 2003-2004 was Dave Mowat. The Club Award was
presented to The St. Joseph’s Voluntary Care Association. We acknowledged and paid
tribute to two new 25-year members of our Club, Ken Hammond and Jack Vandergrift,
as well as 4 other pioneer leaders of our Club. The Board approved the awarding of a
Certificate of Appreciation to Bruce Truscott upon his retirement from the House
Committee after 14 years of service, many in-charge of coffee.
During the year, 30 new members, a wealth of talent, were inducted into the Club. The Board
expressed concern about the adequacy of our welcoming and integration of so many new
members into our Club. Some initial progress was made by identifying the new members
60
with red stickers on their name badge. Also at one regular meeting each month, a chair at
each table will be designated for a new member so that he can more easily meet fellow
members.
John Eccles at the conclusion of
“a Tribute to John Eccles” meeting, Sept. 2/03
Murray Woods, hilarious in his tribute
to John Eccles
Space was provided by the Italian-Canadian Club for our own storage cupboard which was
built by Les Bibby and other members of the House Committee. This cupboard houses our
AV equipment, the flags and flag base, a filing cabinet for the Archives and History and
other items required for the weekly meetings.
Dave Mowat presenting a cheque to Suzanne Bone,
Executive Director, the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital
61
Peter Moore
The Health of Members Committee reviewed the need for a program of visits to shut-in
members. The Health of Members reporter for each month may make visits or identify
another member to make visits. The Board thoroughly discussed the practice of Greeter’s
shaking hands. Naturally this took place during the winter when some members expressed
concern about possible spread of communicable diseases- less than a year after the SARS
crises. Fellowship is a principal element in the origins of our Club and greeting members and
consequent shaking of hands plays an important part in this fellowship. Thus, the Board
decided to continue the practice but members are reminded that shaking hands is optional. As
well, members who have colds or flu-like infections should refrain from shaking hands with
the Greeters or, better yet, stay home.
Peter Moore was President for 2004-2005. The Club Award this year went to Change
Now, a youth program out of Norfolk Church. On the last meeting of the club year, Harold
Holden was recognized and presented with his 25-year badge.
President Peter made a special effort to better integrate new members. Each month we held a
“New Member Meeting” during which members had the opportunity of greeting one another
as we began the meeting and new members were acknowledged. On the day of their
induction into membership, they and their proposers greeted members as they left the hall.
Moreover, all Committee chairs were encouraged to include some new members on their
committees.
The GWMC Choir, under the direction of Martin Bauer, April, 2005
The choir expanded to 42 members. Our director, Martin Bauer, has provided exceptional
leadership and expertise for which we feel very fortunate. The choir dispensed with the goldcolored jackets in favor of a costume of black trousers, white shirts and Guelph tartan
neckties. During the year, the choir gave 13 performances, 4 at Club functions and 9 in the
community.
The divisive topic of club expansion was discussed again at many levels during the year. The
Board initially agreed to investigate expanding the Active membership to 400 from 350.
However, there was general consensus amongst the members that no increase in membership
was warranted at this time, despite the fact that we have a wait list of around 80 and a wait
time of over 3 years. Nevertheless, a survey of our members indicated that a significant
62
number might welcome the development of a second club. Some members have volunteered
to serve on a committee to further investigate this possibility.
2005-2006 GWMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Front Row (L-R) Reg MacDonald, Mac Dunbar, Bill Taylor, Bruce Stone, Pres. Freeman
McEwen, Past Pres. Peter Moore, Peter Wilson, John Brubacher.
Back Row (L-R) Rob Lindsay, Jerry Matthews, Garry Clarke, Bill Taylor, Ken Ferguson,
Dave Butcher, Gord MacFarlane, Bruce Hunter, Murray Miller, Norris Hoag, Gord Curl.
Absent: Jim Phillips
63
THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
2005/2006 – 2009/2010
MORE OF THE SAME
When you are reading this updated history of one of the most successful men’s organizations
in the country (350 Active Members, 62 Associate Members), and a waiting list that has been
as high as 82, with a three year waiting period, you cannot help but be impressed by the
broad scope of activities covered by the Club’s agenda.
Our weekly meetings satisfy several needs of the retired men of the community. There is a
high level of fellowship among the members, especially over coffee or tea before the
meetings. We listen to outstanding speakers on a wide variety of topics, covering many areas
of interest to the members. Time permitting, the members will engage the speaker in
questions and comments that can be very enlightening, even controversial. The many social
events, theatre visits and tours serve to widen the interests of members and their partners and
enrich the fellowship of the Club.
This updated history covers the period from September, 2005 until September, 2010. The
topics dealt with by the Club during these years reach back into the past and continue into the
future. I am grateful for the willingness of the last five Presidents to meet with me or to
provide me with their reflections on their time in office. Past President Dave Mowat offered
his expertise in editing, and Dave Hull, Chair of the History and Archives Committee
provided Board Minutes, Secretaries’ Reports, photographs and helpful suggestions in
formatting the material.
Peter Moore (27th President)
February, 2011
The 2010 GWMC Choir led by Martin Bauer (centre row, far right)
64
FREEMAN McEWEN 2005/2006
When Freeman McEwen began his year as President in September, 2005
he suggested that one of his goals would be to engage the Club in an
exercise of community outreach that had not been undertaken in the past.
Freeman challenged the Club to engage in discussions relating to the
environment that could result in the establishment of an Environmental
Institute at the University of Guelph.
Committee on the Environment
This bold suggestion was accepted by the Club and an Ad Hoc Committee was set up to
investigate the establishment of an environmental forum that would meet on a regular basis
and bring together experts and practitioners to discuss environmental issues. This would
involve the University of Guelph, the City of Guelph and the Guelph Chamber of Commerce,
with the impetus coming from the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club. The outcome of this
initiative would hopefully lead to Guelph becoming Canada’s Environmental Capital.
The Royal City Men’s Club
For a number of years the Club’s Board of Directors had discussed the matter of the long
wait (up to three years) for those on the list to become members. The Past Presidents’
Committee had challenged the Board to initiate the establishment of a second Men’s Club.
This was considered to be more satisfactory than expanding the present membership to 400
or more. A club-wide questionnaire was drawn up by Paul Truex, and presented to the
Board in October, 2005. As a result a committee was established with Peter Moore as
Chair, and several open meetings were held to which men of the community were invited.
There appeared to be general interest in the establishment of a second club; the Royal City
Men’s Club held its first meeting on April 6th, 2006 at Trinity United Church. Our Club’s
Finance Committee and Board of Directors agreed to donate $500 to the new club and to
present them with a bell and gavel. The Royal City Men’s Club meets every second week,
and at the end of 2006 had 65 members. The Charter President was John Pawley.
This Day in History
To assist the President in making meetings more interesting and informative, Jack Milne
brought to each meeting the Globe and Mail column on the “Day in History”.
Choir
The Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club Choir, under the outstanding leadership of Martin
Bauer, now numbered 42. This is notable as the Choir had begun eight years earlier with
only 12 members. This year the Choir performed at many Retirement Homes in the
community and at a number of Club functions.
Summary
The Club welcomed at least one speaker a month who addressed some aspect of the
environment. This year the Club Award was given to Women in Crisis –
Guelph/Wellington. During the year 23 new members were inducted, 14 members died and
9 changed their status to Associate Member.
(See page 63 for a photograph of the 2005/2006 Board under President Freeman)
65
BRUCE STONE 2006/2007
Bruce Stone had the privilege of serving as President of the Guelph
Wellington Men’s Club during the 30th year of its existence. While a few of
the Charter Members were still alive, none were active in Club activities.
With his delightful sense of humor, Bruce always tried to make every
meeting memorable for one reason or another. He engaged the help of
Walter Durksen, who was always ready with a humorous story to end the
meetings. Walter continues to this day recounting a funny story when requested by the
President.
Club Awards
An Ad Hoc Committee chaired by Peter Moore and including Freeman McEwen, Malcolm
Coutts, Norris Hoag and Sandy Warley recommended that the annual awards remain the
same, but that the amounts of each be increased slightly:
Kiwanis Music Festival Award – increased to $1200. Edward Johnson Music Foundation
Scholarship (Kenneth P. Greenaway Award) – increased to $1200.The Annual Club Award –
increased to $1500. The Club reserves should remain at approximately $15,000 so that the
Club could make significant donations to projects which had widespread benefits to citizens
in our community. These changes were approved by the Finance Committee and the Board
and took effect in the 2007-2008 year.
The Club Award this year was presented to The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 234.
There were four 25 Year recipients of the special name badge this year – Dalton Campbell,
George Hindley, Morley Hunter and Art Peppin all who joined the Club in 1982/1983.
Summary
President Bruce concluded his year with a series of overheads that outlined the broad range
of occupations from which our members came: Business – 176, Education – 141,
Government – 49, Doctors – 19, Ministers – 9, Lawyers – 5, Construction – 5, Farmers – 5.
This totaled 409, which included 350 Active Members and 59 Associate Members. It was
also noted that 75 residents of the Village by the Arboretum were members of the Club.
There were 19 new members inducted and 14 deaths during this year.
President Bruce concluded his final remarks with this comment, “To know where you are
going, you must know where you have been.”
Board of Directors
2006/2007 under
President Bruce
Stone
66
GORDON MacFARLANE 2007/2008
Royal City Men’s Club
During Gord MacFarlane’s year as President of the Guelph-Wellington
Men’s Club the waiting list remained high, between 68 and 79. However,
in November of 2007 an initiative came from the Royal City Men’s Club
that all the men on our waiting list be invited to join the Royal City Men’s
Club as an interim step, while waiting to become members of the GuelphWellington Men’s Club. In fact, there is nothing preventing a person belonging to both
Men’s Clubs, if he so desired. This was approved by our Board of Directors in November. In
addition, members of the new Men’s Club were invited to join us at all sporting events and
social events. That invitation has been extended, and we enjoy excellent relationships with
the Royal City Men’s Club to this day.
The Environmental Committee
In February of 2008 the Board of Directors approved the Report of the Environmental
Committee, and noted that those on the Committee represented individuals who were well
recognized and well qualified in community affairs and scientific expertise, those who had
knowledge and perspective and those who were involved in the environment and the
community of Guelph. The members were: Ken Hammill, Doug Hoffman, Jack Milne,
Stephen Rodd, Bill P. Taylor, Paul Truex, Ted Wiffen, Bill Winegard and Freeman
McEwen, Chair.
It was agreed that only the Chair, Freeman McEwen should speak publicly about the
decisions of the Committee. It was also agreed that the Environmental Committee should
participate in the third phase of the City’s Environmental Plan.
President Bruce Stone passes the gavel to Gord MacFarlane
67
The Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club Website
Bill Raffan, Chair of the Communications Committee and former editor of the Club Bulletin,
was instrumental in developing the Club Website, www.guelphwellingtonmensclub.
Randy Cook did a great job in getting the Website up and running.
Speakers’ Gifts
After many years it was decided to change the gifts that were given to the weekly speakers.
Now, each speaker receives a gift certificate of $50.00 from Chapters or the Book Shelf.
Too Many Events
The Board of Directors had to deal with a rather contentious matter, namely the fact that too
many club events were happening at roughly the same time during the Fall. There were
tables set up at the back of the hall for Lunch and Tours, Fall Golf Tournament, Anniversary
Dinner, a Theatre event and Members’ Annual Dues. Dick Baker’s letter to the Board asked
for a more proactive declaration of the role of the Board of Directors in approving and
scheduling Club events. The President and Secretary were to draft a policy on this matter.
As all those events still occurred during the Fall of the year, the Board found it very difficult
to tell any one group or Committee that they could not participate in selling tickets for their
particular event, but all Committees were asked to be understanding and sensitive regarding
other groups’ wishes to sell tickets or to promote events.
Summary
At the end of August, President Gord expressed his gratitude for the privilege of serving as
President during this year. He also thanked those who had devoted many years in various
capacities and responsibilities within the Club, namely:
Howard Parkinson – Special Events and Theatre Visits for the past eight years.
Dick Baker – Sports Committee for the past eight years, in addition to improving the
reporting procedures of the Finance Committee, and being actively involved in the review
and development of the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Bill Taylor – Treasurer for the past five years.
Mac Dunbar – Secretary for the past seven years. President Gord paid this tribute to Mac
Dunbar, “He has supported and guided seven Presidents through their trials and tribulations.
He has faithfully recorded minutes and has written and revised changes to the Policies and
Procedures Manual. He has actively participated in Board Meetings, and in my view has
made a great contribution to the thrust and direction of the Club.” As one of those Presidents
(2004/2005) I know how grateful we all were to have Mac gently guiding us through agendas
and meeting details, such as making sure that the President presented a Christmas box of
chocolates to the waitress from the Italian Canadian Club who served our lunches following
the monthly Board Meetings.
Finally, Bruce Stone (Past President) had served nine years as a member of the Board,
including three years as Treasurer, then President and Past President.
This year the Club Award was presented to Guelph Independent Living, to be used to
enhance the quality of life of the physically handicapped.
During this year the Club recorded 19 deaths and 30 new members were inducted. 11 moved
to become Associate Members.
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GARRY CLARKE 2008/2009
Waiting List
For the first time in many years the waiting list showed a significant
decline. The year began with a waiting list of 68, which declined to 55 in
June.
Special Donation
From time to time the Board awards a donation to honor a special occasion or to pay tribute
to a special person or cause. This year a one-time award of $2000 was given to the City of
Guelph for the purchase of a bench to be placed in the garden in front of the new City Hall.
This bench was suitably inscribed indicating that it was donated by the GWMC, and
presented to Mayor Karen Farbridge during a Luncheon Tour of the new City Hall by First
Vice-President Keith Conrad on May 12th, 2009.
Resignations
It is always a sad occasion when a member of the Board of Directors has to resign, usually
for health reasons. This year the Board lost two members because of illness. The First VicePresident, who also chairs the Program Committee, was Mike Jenkinson. Mike was forced
to resign in April, 2009, and sadly passed away in April, 2010. Also, Ron Smeaton
experienced a long period of hospitalization, which forced him to resign. Ron is now back
taking an active part in the Club.
Awards
25 Year honors were presented to five members at the August 25th, 2009 meeting.
25 Year Name Tag Recipients for 2009 –
clockwise from top left Harold Slater,
Stewart Lane, Earl MacNaughton,
Tom Burgess, Robert Young
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Fee Increase
At the General Meeting of June 2nd, 2009 the Finance Committee recommended a fee
increase of $10 per year for members. History records that the fees were $70 per year in
1984, rose to $80 in 1993, rose to $90 in 2000, but reverted to $80 in 2001. In addition the
Committee recommended that the Associate Membership fee rise to $20 and the Initiation
Fee be increased by $25 to $75. These increases took place in the Fall of 2009.
Health of Members
The recent resignations of 2 Board Members served to bring to the attention of all members
the importance of the Health of Members Committee. Each month one of the Committee
members reports on the “Health of Members”. He is expected to get in touch with those who
have experienced a significant health concern or recent hospitalization. Members are
expected to bring to the attention of the Health of Members Committee member in charge for
each month any health concerns that should be mentioned at Club meetings.
Often cards are circulated during the meetings and taken to the members suffering an illness
or recent hospitalization. On a happier note, a roster of Birthdays over 80 years and Wedding
Anniversaries over 50 years (originally built by Ed Curtis) is kept up to date by this
Committee. Congratulations are offered at Club meetings for significant birthdays and
anniversaries.
Board of Directors 2008/2009 under President Garry Clarke
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Committee Membership
President Garry, in summing up his year as President, reminded the meeting that a large
number of members serve on the many Club Committees. For instance the Greeters
Committee alone will involve about 100 members each year. There are also several
Committees that use only a few members, yet those members often arrive early and stay late
to clean up. President Garry paid particular attention to House Committee members who,
among other things, serve coffee and cookies and attend to the audio visual needs of the
speakers and the Club members.
Summary
28 new members were added to the Club in 2008/2009, while there were 27 deaths.
The Club Award this year was presented to Club member Charlie Whittaker for his work
with the City on the Landscape Beautification Program.
President Garry Clarke passes the gavel to Keith
Conrad
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KEITH CONRAD 2009/2010
On September 1st, 2009, Keith Conrad became President of the GuelphWellington Men’s Club, having been a member for only a very few years.
Several times throughout the year, and in his final address to the Club in
August, 2010, Keith outlined what many members experience regarding
this unique organization. It provided an opportunity for retired men to
experience learning and fellowship. Our investment in time in Men’s Club
activities is a valuable investment in our Retirement Savings Plan. He quoted Lyndsay Green
who, in her book on preparing for retirement, stated, “The most valuable part of your
Retirement Savings Plan is your emotional circle, and it can’t be bought.” Keith concluded,
“What a better opportunity to develop social relationships and being engaged than here with
our group of outstanding fellows of the Guelph Wellington Men’s Club.”
Role Changes
In addition to the office of President, which changes each year and Board members who
change every two years, the past few years have seen the offices of Secretary, Treasurer and
Assistant Treasurer change and yet the Club survives and the work gets done. This shows
one of the remarkable qualities of the Men’s Club, that we have within our membership
many very talented men who are willing to give valued leadership.
The Waiting List
The year began with a waiting list of 56 and ended at 40. That is a remarkable change, which
translates into a waiting time of about 2 years, much more acceptable than in previous years.
Statistics for 2011 show a further decline in the list. There has been an increased number of
resignations from both the Active and Associate ranks. This makes the process of becoming a
member even faster. From time to time, over the past few years, members who have not been
able to get to meetings very often have been encouraged to change their status to Associate
Member. Associate members can still attend meetings once a month and receive the Bulletin
and other club news on the Website.
The Annual Meeting
During the past few years there has been some criticism about the Annual Meeting of the
Club. Under Article 6 of the Club By-Laws there is to be an Annual Meeting during the last
regular meeting in October. There is to be a Secretary’s Report, a Treasurer’s Report and any
other business that may arise. Usually this takes place after the regular meeting agenda has
been completed, and this meeting is often completed within a very few minutes. Reports of
the Secretary and Treasurer are circulated a week or two before the Annual Meeting, so
interested members can read them beforehand. As the criticisms are very few, it is unlikely
that any change needs to be made. However, for those members who wish more time to
discuss the reports, it might be a wise move to adjourn the regular meeting a few minutes
early and then conduct the Annual Meeting, thereby allowing those who wish to leave to do
so, and those who remain to spend a longer time reviewing the reports of the Secretary and
Treasurer.
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The Club Archives
Our Past Secretary, Mac Dunbar did an excellent job of keeping electronic and written
records of our history. Dave Hull, who now oversees the Archives and History Committee,
has suggested that these archival records could be housed at the Guelph Public Library for
safe keeping. This would allow restricted access to the Archives: this recommendation is
being reviewed.
Awards
As the Club gets older, more members achieve the status of 25 Year Members and are
presented with a silver name tag. Those Active members achieving such status this year
were: Ross Pauli, Gord Stacey, Neil Sullivan, Jim Brown, Ken Doughty, Bill Oliver and
Henry Orr. Associate members Lou Szabo and Ken Katchanoski were also among the
25 Year Members.
Neil Sullivan receives a 25 Year Name Tag
from Rob Lindsay in 2010
Henry Orr receives a 25 Year Name Tag
from Rob Lindsay in 2010
The Club Award of $1500 was given this year to the IODE Victoria – Guelph Chapter.
A Special Appreciation Award was given to Peter Wilson for his 13 years of service as
Assistant Treasurer.
Peter Wilson receives a Certificate
of Appreciation from President
Keith
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Past Presidents’ Committee
Under the Chairmanship of Past President Garry Clarke, the Past Presidents met after an
hiatus of several years and passed on to the Board a number of creative suggestions regarding
the operation of the Club.
Summary
18 new members were inducted in 2009/2010 and 19 Active Members and Associate
Members passed away. There were 23 resignations.
SOCIAL EVENT 2009
32nd Anniversary Dinner, 2009
Mike and Mary Peleschak
Jim and Marian Edward
Alan and Rita Green
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ANOTHER FIVE YEARS OF THE GUELPH-WELLINGTON MEN’S CLUB
2010 – 2015
Five years ago I was asked to update the history of the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club,
covering the years 2005 to 2010. I very much enjoyed penning that update. Now we have
run out of copies of that updated version of Elmer Menzie’s original history of the Club, and
with the help of the most recent Past President, Mark Waldron, we are pleased to present the
2010-2015 update to the ongoing history of a unique organization within our community.
What makes the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club unique is a combination of meetings and
activities that includes 350 Active Members and over 50 Associate Members, with up to 200
attending every Tuesday. The scope of the Club’s activities is enhanced by the golf, curling,
bridge & euchre, baseball games, show trips and lunch tours, plus the dinners and lunches
that include our partners and other guests. Some members who have travelled widely
throughout Canada and the United States have stated that there is no other organization that
has as large a membership and as varied a list of activities as the GWMC. We should all be
proud of this fact and, as many of us do, invite other friends to join our Club.
With many thanks to all who have helped to make this latest update of the history possible,
especially Dave Hull, Dave Mowat and Murray Miller.
Peter Moore (27th President)
December, 2015
We dedicate this edition of the History to Past President Mark Waldron.
Unfortunately, Mark died on Wednesday, December 9th, 2015 after a
struggle with cancer. He was an educator, former Professor of Continuing
Education at McGill University and at the University of Guelph. He
loved teaching, his family, his church, and his community. He will be
missed by all who knew him.
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The President for our 34th year (2010/2011) was Bill Raffan, who
arrived at the President’s position one year before he was planning to
become President due to the death of Mike Jenkinson, last year’s VicePresident. Because the journey towards the Presidency of the Club is
usually takes place over three years, it is not necessarily a problem when
that time has to be shortened.
The By-Laws of the Club indicate that the Second Vice President shall be
a member of the Standing Committee on Finance (usually he functions as Chair of that
Committee) and Chair of the Committee on the Anniversary Dinner. The First VicePresident shall be a member of the Program Committee, and usually serves as Chair. It is his
responsibility to recruit 12 men who will serve as members of the Program Committee and
each take one month through the year and be responsible for getting speakers for that month.
He also must get an introducer and thanker for the Tuesdays in his month. There is usually at
Least one meeting of the whole committee before the year begins, and monthly co-ordinators
are asked to keep in touch with the chairman.
Following his term as President, the immediate Past President becomes chair of the
Nominations Committee, the Awards Committee and the Past Presidents’ Committee. So,
his work is not done for another year. The point of bringing this up is to remind the whole
club that chairing of the Tuesday meetings, and the monthly Board Meetings, is only part of
the President’s responsibility. While he is responsible for the smooth running of the club,
there are over one hundred other members who take responsibility for other matters that take
place during the meetings and the planning and executing of the many matters that make up a
successful club. There are at least 25 standing committees as well as other special
committees that deal with matters that come before the club’s Board of Directors.
Bill Raffan served the club well during his year as President during which a few innovations
took place. One of the golf tournaments became a “Nine and Dine” event in which members
wives and partners were invited to join in. The long 3 year wait to join the club was
beginning to shorten as fewer new members were being proposed and those who were not
able to attend regularly were encouraged to become “Associate Members”, who could still
attend meetings on a monthly basis and attend the social and sporting events.
The Guelph Wellington Men’s Club was well served by President Bill Raffan, who handed a
successful organization over to his successor, Joe Waters.
President Keith Conrad
hands over to Bill Raffan
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President Joe Waters (2011-2012) brought some new approaches to
his task as President. He invited Board Members to speak from the
podium and introduced Club members who worked on the many
committees that make the Club run so smoothly. Joe also arrived early
at each meeting and visited every table in an effort to become
acquainted with the newer members that he did not know and to listen
to the comments of the members regarding issues facing the
community and the Club. It was his concern that the Club needed many dedicated
volunteers to make it run smoothly. He regularly paid tribute to the Coffee Crew and the
Audio Visual Team who always arrived early to make sure that everything was in place
and operating properly long before the meetings began.
One of President Joe’s suggestions was that there should be an evaluation form circulated
among the members so that they would have the opportunity to comment on the various
aspects of the Club that are not discussed all that often. Too many organizations operate
on the theory – “We have always done it in this way. There is no need for a change”. If
everyone felt that way, no changes would ever happen to any organization. From time to
time the members are invited to comment on various aspects of the Club’s program, and
what changes should be made. Most of the time such changes are made at the Committee
level, and many members are happy to leave the matter there. Changes do happen, new
events are tried out and old events have served their time, and should be dropped from
the overall Club program.
One of the changes that has been made over the past few years is the dress code of the
members. There was a time, not long ago that all members showed up for the Club
meetings wearing suits or sports coats with shirts and ties. That is no longer the case, and
we have even seen shorts worn during the summer months.
During his year, President Joe encouraged members to support and attend the various
events that have been planned by the committees – the outings to the theatre, the Blue
Jays games, Lunch and Tours outings, the Races and all sporting events.
The Men’s Club Choir is in its fourteenth year, and is under the leadership of Martin
Bauer with Ivor Wright as the new President of the Choir. The Choir sang at 9 outside
locations as well as at various GWMC events.
The Ad Hoc Committee on the Environment invited representatives from the City, the
University and Conestoga College to join 2 members of the GWMC in order to make a
presentation to the Premier of Ontario. A panel discussion was held at the Club meeting
on September 22nd, 2011 with representatives from the City, the Yorklands Green Hub,
and the GWMC, which was well received, with the hope that some progress will be
happening in the near future.
Awards – The Club Award went this year to Ignatius Jesuit Centre towards their
“Plant an Old Growth Forest Program”.
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Regarding membership, it has been observed over the past few years that the waiting list
has gone down. It now stands at 37, the lowest it has been in many years. There were 20
resignations and 20 deaths of members, plus 23 new members.
Thus concluded another very successful year under the capable leadership of Joe Waters.
Joe Waters introduces two new life members,
Mac Dunbar and Jack Gallin, to the Club
President Bill Raffan hands over to
Joe Waters
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President George Hughes (2012-2013) began each Tuesday meeting
with “News of the Day”. This was an interesting way to bring us all
up to date on the major news stories affecting the world, the country
and our city. This was never thought of as a Newscast, but interesting
bits of information regarding historical events that happened years ago
or more recent happenings. The items brought forward were never
seen in a critical way, but rather matters of general interest.
George was also conscious of the many needs affecting our community. There were
several clothing drives, with members being urged to donate used clothing to the Dropin-Centre or the Salvation Army. The response was overwhelming and had been carried
on by other Presidents. In this way the Club is made aware of desperate needs within our
community and is able to respond generously.
There are so many members that are involved in the weekly meetings, and President
George always made a point of offering thanks for the regular duties of the Coffee Crew,
the Color Party, the Health of Members team and others who make sure that the Italian
Canadian Club is ready for the influx of up to 200 of our members who attend the
meetings. We have never stressed attendance at our meetings, but it is a hopeful sign to
see many of the members present every Tuesday, and often sitting at the same table, or at
the side of the room. New members are always welcome to join any table group they
wish, and some members purposely sit at a different table each week.
With so many members on the Club Roster, it is very difficult to keep in touch with
everyone. The Health of Members Committee does try to follow-up on those who have
been in hospital, and to visit those in retirement facilities. We know of many members
who willingly drive to the meetings other members who are no longer driving.
Several changes in fees and donations were introduced this year. The initiation fee was
reduced from $75 to $50 and the gift to the speaker was increased from a $50 book
certificate to a $100 cheque. The annual Club Award was increased from $1500 to $2500
for the 2013-14 year.
Members Murray Maxwell, Ross Irvine and John Runge joined the 25-Year
Members Club and were given the special silver badge.
George Hughes, reflecting on his year as President, indicated that everything moved
smoothly and some progress was made on some of the issues facing the Board of
Directors. For example, no longer is there a 3 year wait to join the club. Rob Lindsay,
who has been Membership Secretary for many years, as usual, kept track of everyone’s
vital information that is published in the annual Club Directory. Another fine year!
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Our Club is run by a Board (see above),
and a network of Committees and Subcommittees. Below are some members of
two of the most visible sub-committees.
In all about 135 members participate in
committee work.
President George Hughes hands
over to Steve Scadding
Badge Board & Refreshments Sub-Committee:
Provan Wylie, Gary Partlow, Wynne Wright
chair, Bruce MacIntosh
AV Sub-Committee: Steve Scadding, Mike
Peleschak (chair), Gord Graham, Alan
Morrell, Alan Green
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The 37th year of the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club began with
Steve Scadding in the chair (2013-2014). He had the unusual record
of presiding at every Club meeting and all Board Meetings during his
year as President. Very few of us can boast of such a record.
Steve did speak privately of his failure as a joke teller. Many of the
Presidents who preceded Steve either began the meeting or ended it
with a joke or they called on our remarkable member, Walter
Duerksen, who has entertained us at most meetings over the past number of years with a
story, obtained from we don’t know where, usually tied in with the topic of the day’s
speaker. That must take a considerable amount of searching for appropriate jokes that
are in keeping with the day’s theme.
During Steve’s year the Guelph Youth Singers won the Guelph-Wellington Men’s
Club Award in Memory of our founding President, Ken Greenaway.
The Club award for 2013 was awarded to a Community Charity Group, meeting at
St. James Anglican Church, called “Living On Less.” This program, open to all, is
designed to help those who are struggling financially to stretch their limited income to
make a meaningful and fulfilling life for their families.
In 2013 Mac Dunbar and Jack Gallin were made life members of the Club. Both are
very active long standing members who have made significant contributions to the
Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club.
One of the crucial aspects of any successful organization is adequate publicity, and the
President regularly paid tribute to Bulletin Editor David West, editor since 2007, who has
gone beyond the call of duty to put out a monthly bulletin, listing the programs of the
month, along with those who have been asked to volunteer as Greeters, Introducers,
Thankers, Anthem Starter, and Invocations. Past President, Garry Clarke presented some
statistical information indicating that approximately 135 members were involved on
various Committees that helped our Club to operate smoothly. Greeters involve about
100 more members, but members of the Committee must organize the list and arrange for
the Greeters. All this does not just happen, it takes some organization. It has often been
said that the task of the President is made so much easier by the many members who
volunteer to serve on the many committees.
President Steve struggled with the ever-present issue of how political the club should
become. Normally we do not get involved in party politics and seldom have political
personalities speak during an election. However, it is not unusual to hear from the Mayor
of the City on a regular basis, and to get reports from Provincial and Federal elected
members from time to time.
One of President Steve’s ongoing concerns was to urge the Italian Canadian Club to
purchase top of the line Audio Visual equipment. The Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club
could possibly assist with the funding.
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At the end of August, 2014, President Steve was thanked by the Club and by his
successor, Mark Waldron for his dedication to following the Club’s traditions and for
another successful year. It has been stated on many occasions that the GuelphWellington Men’s Club is unique in this country for its size, its varied program and its
weekly meetings.
Elmer Menzie receives his
25 year certificate from President Steve
President Steve Scadding hands over to
Mark Waldron
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President Mark Waldron’s 2014-2015 Annual Report was unique in that he used
the Audio Visual Committee to put together a visual presentation with many slides
and videos instead of simply a verbal report.
Mark pointed out that our objectives are four fold –
(1) Hearing good speakers on a variety of topics challenges us to keep well
informed.
(2) We are able to exchange views and discuss issues with each other and with
the speakers.
(3) We enjoy group activities which include, lunches and dinners with our partners, bus trips to
local industries and businesses, theatre trips, sporting events and other well organized events.
(4) We are able to build enduring friendships with both old friends and business associates and are
able to make new friends within the club.
President Mark established a New Initiatives Committee, led by an imaginative member, Allan Dyer
who got right to work and organized an orientation “meet, eat and greet” for new members. This event
will be continued again in the new year. Allan’s Committee also organized a program called
“Educating Grandpa (and Grandma)” where John F. Ross students volunteered to help our members
solve their computer problems.
In the social calendar the Valentine Lunch was changed to a Robbie Burns Supper, complete
with a piper and Scottish food, the reciting of the “Ode to the Haggis” and entertainment by the
Guelph Celtic Orchestra.
Mark also represented the Club at the unveiling of the John McCrae statue, to which we made a
donation of $5,000.
Many of the same activities continued as usual and Mark’s report outlined most of them, with thanks to
those whose dedicated leadership made things run so smoothly. He particularly thanked Mike
Peleschak and his AV crew and Alan Green (Photographer), and thanked Vice President Ian Millar
who filled in for Mark when he was dealing with health issues.
In terms of the membership, the waiting list has almost disappeared as new members can now join
within a month. The Club Award for 2014 went to the Children’s Foundation of
Guelph/Wellington. Another very successful year of the GWMC came to an end at the end of August.
Statue of John McCrae installed
outside the Guelph Civic Museum
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President Mark presents 25 year certificates to Si Keir, Bob Wright,
Bill Richardson and Fred Howlett
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President Mark presents the Club Award
to Glenna Banda of the Children’s
Foundation of Guelph/Wellington
President Mark presents a cheque to
Lt. Col. M.D. McKay towards the
erection of a statue of John McCrae
SOCIAL EVENT – ROBBIE BURNS SUPPER 2015
The Haggis
Gord and Bunnie MacFarlane
Dave Mowat proposing a
toast to Robbie Burns
Dave Wallace, president of the
Royal City Men’s Club, reciting “To
a Mouse.”
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A TRIBUTE TO JOHN ECCLES
David Mowat for President Mark Waldron, Guelph-Wellington Men's Club, September 2, 2014
President Mark pins a red rose on John Eccles 2014
Today we pay tribute to our longest-serving member, Past President and Life Member. John Eccles
joined our club in 1981 and served as President in 1984-85, 30 years ago. In 1982, John and 3 other
members of our Club won the Ontario Seniors' Tankard, a very prestigious curling trophy. In 1990
Club Tours were initiated and organized for several years by John Eccles and Abe Goldberg. In 1993 a
Life Membership was conferred upon John for outstanding service to our Club. He is in his 99th year
and still attends regularly. On October 10, John and Florence will celebrate 73 years of marriage.
What an accomplishment!
In September 1936, 78 years ago, John packed his bag at his rural home near Galt and hitchhiked
to Guelph to enter the Ontario Agricultural College. At college, like many outstanding athletes, he
participated in several sports- track, cross country and basketball. Moreover, the fact that he was also
an outstanding softball pitcher helped him get summer jobs at the OAC. For several years before and
after the war, John starred for the OAC Haymakers. They won the Ontario Rural Softball
Championship in 1949.
After graduating from the OAC in 1940, John began teaching at Stamford Collegiate in Niagara
Falls. In 1942, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving on the corvette HMCS Fergus. After the
war, he joined the staff at his Alma Mater - beginning as Dean of Men and Student Councilor. Later he
became Director of Public Relations, Chief Proctor and finally Assistant Director of Residences. John
also coached at the University for 30 years- the Cross Country, Basketball and later Golf and Curling
teams. He retired in 1981. John volunteered with the OAC Alumni Association as Secretary for many
years and was President in 1974, during celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the OAC. In 1990, he
was inducted into the Gryphon Sports Hall of Fame as a builder. In 1991, the John Eccles (Student)
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Centre was completed and dedicated to honor his 35 years of unique service to the OAC and the
University of Guelph.
Softball was a major sport in Ontario in the years before and after the war. As a star and
personality, John attracted a large following of fans, both for and against, wherever he played.
Opponents feared or even despised him while supporters were filled with awe, pride and admiration.
John pitched his last softball game in 1956 at age 40.
Around that time, John began golfing and also curling. Over the next 50 years John Eccles had a
real impact at the Cutten Fields golf club. He was active organizing and participating in many golf
tournaments. He won the low gross senior Jack Burnett Trophy three times: 1985, 1986 and 1990. In
1997 John became the oldest member (age 82) in history at that club to record a hole-in-one.
In 1956, John's rink won the Provincial Colts Competition, a competition restricted to relatively
new curlers. John Eccles became very well-known in curling circles locally and around Southern
Ontario. He was instrumental in starting the Monday morning Inter-county Curling League in which 8
clubs participate. Moreover, he often carried the curling flag on International exchanges with Scotland
and the U.S.A. John was made an Honorary Life Member of the Ontario Curling Association in 1974
and of the Guelph Curling Club in 1988.
For over 60 years, John Eccles was a stalwart at Norfolk United Church. He served as Secretary of
the Board for 25 years, and as an Elder, Representative to Presbytery and leader of Bible Study for
Senior Boys. Being an avid curler, he participated in numerous United Church curling bonspiels.
However, his greatest contribution for many many years was as Norfolk's Official Meeter and Greeter
at the front entrance. As a teenager, Marg Hamilton Bates, Tom's wife, remembers being greeted by
this big gregarious good-looking guy with a ready smile as she entered church each Sunday.
John's greatest forte and perhaps key to longevity is his interest in and interaction with people. He
has always enjoyed a bit of kibitzing and fun in whatever he has done- especially if his friends or
opponents can take it and dish a little back. To quote his friend Murray Woods, “There's only been one
Johnny Eccles and long may he live because there will never be another”.
During his year as President of our Club, John introduced a practice of recognizing individuals for
their contributions to the club by pinning a red rose on their lapel. I would like now to pin a red rose
on John's lapel to honor his remarkable, wide-ranging and extensive contributions to our Club and the
Guelph community.
Postscript: John greatly appreciated this final honor. In recent years when John and Florence lived in a
retirement community, John was brought weekly to our Club by fellow member and nephew Bob
Eccles. John died on February 17, 2015. A Celebration of Life service was held at Cutten Fields where
John spent many happy years golfing and socializing, close to his beloved OAC. At the beginning of
the celebration, the Royal Canadian Legion, Fergus Branch, paid respect to this veteran. The Eccles
family was supported by a large and diverse crowd of friends in bidding farewell to a charismatic and
accomplished legend.
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APPENDIX I
CLUB TOURS 1977-89 (See App. II for 1990-),
SHOWS, BALL GAMES & HORSE RACES (1978-)
YEAR MONTH
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
July
November
May
June
February
May
May
June
December
October
October
October
December
June
November
May
May
October
November
April
June
May
September
May
August
September
December
May
June
November
June
April
May
August
September
February
June
YEAR MONTH
ACTIVITY
Tour of General Electric Plant
Tour of ARC Industries
Tour of Waterloo County’s Mennonite Country
Stratford Theatre “As You Like It”
Tour of Guelph Armoury Museum Collection
Visit to Animal Breeders Laboratory on Highway 6
Visit to University of Guelph Arboretum
Trip to McMichael Collection at Kleinburg
Tour of Macdonald Stewart Art Centre
Bus Trip to Brantford Area
Breakfast and Tour of Police Headquarters
Tour of Imperial Tobacco
Tour of Wellington Administration Centre
Spring Trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Fergus Dinner & Elora Show “Flowering Cherry”
Spring Bus Trip to Cullen Gardens
Dinner and Theatre at Fergus
Breakfast Meeting and Tour of Schneiders in Kitchener
Dinner at Fergus and Theatre at Elora “The Knack”
Mohawk Races
Annual Bus Trip to Niagara Parks System and Dinner
Collingwood Bus Trip
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Tour
Blue Jays Game
Tour of Elmira Stove Works and Lunch
Horse Races
Shaw Theatre and Dinner
Blue Jays Game
Caribbean Cruise
Bus Trip to Cullen Gardens and Dinner
Tour of W.C. Wood Plant and Lunch
Woodbine Races and Lunch
Blue Jays Game
Tour of Agriculture Museum and Lunch
Tour of Air Traffic Control System - Toronto Airport
Blue Jays Game
ACTIVITY
1990
September
September
1991
July
September
1992
June
July
September
October
1993
April
September
September
1994
September
October
1995
October
1996
October
1997
May
October
1998
September
October
1999
May
September
October
2000
May
July
September
October
2001
April
September
October
May
2002
September
November
2003
May
September
November
June
2004
September
October
2005
June
October
November
2006
June
October
October
YEAR MONTH
Shaw Theatre
Mohawk Races
Blue Jays Game
Shaw Theatre “Cuckoo In The Nest”
Blue Jays Game
Theatre in Drayton “ Move Over Mrs. Markham”
Mohawk Races
Shaw Theatre “Pygmalion”
Grand Theatre in London
Mohawk Races
Stratford Theatre “The Mikado”
Mohawk Races
Shaw Theatre
Mohawk Races
Shaw Theatre “Devil’s Disciple”
Shaw Theatre “Hobson’s Choice”
Stratford Theatre “Camelot”
Mohawk Races
Shaw Theatre “You Can’t Take It With You”
Stratford Theatre “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Mohawk Raceway
Shaw Theatre “Heartbreak House”
Drayton Theatre “Vaudeville”
Grand River Boat Trip
Mohawk Raceway
Stratford Theatre “Fiddler on the Roof”
Stratford Theatre “Sound of Music”
Mohawk Raceway
Shaw Theatre “The Man Who Came To Dinner”
Stratford Theatre “My Fair Lady”
Mohawk Raceway
Shaw Theatre “Hay Fever”
Stratford Theatre “Gigi”
Mohawk Raceway
Shaw Theatre “Misalliance”
Drayton Theatre “42nd Street”
Stratford Theatre “Guys and Dolls”
Mohawk Raceway
Stratford Theatre “Hello Dolly”
Mohawk Raceway
Drayton Theatre “Beauty and the Beast”
Drayton Theatre “Anne of Green Gables”
Grand River Raceway
Stratford Theatre “Oliver”
ACTIVITY
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
June
October
November
July
September
November
May
September
September
April
August
September
September
April
July
October
October
May
August
October
November
April
July
September
September
May
August
September
May
August
September
November
Drayton Theatre “Jasper Station”
Grand River Raceway
Stratford Theatre “Oklahoma”
Drayton Theatre “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”
Grand River Raceway
Theatre in the Trees “Sinners”
Stratford Theatre “West Side Story”
Grand River Raceway
Drayton Theatre “Brigadoon”
Stratford Theatre “Kiss Me, Kate”
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Raceway
Drayton Theatre “Guys and Dolls”
Stratford Theatre “Camelot”
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Raceway
Shaw Festival “My Fair Lady”
Stratford Theatre “Pirates of Penzance”
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Raceway
St. Jacob’s Country Playhouse “Annie”
Dunfield Theatre (Cambridge) “Mary Poppins”
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Raceway
Stratford Theatre “Fiddler on the Roof”
Dunfield Theatre (Cambridge) “Run for your Wife”
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Raceway
Dunfield Theatre (Cambridge) “Monty Python’s Spamalot”
Blue Jays Game
Grand River Raceway
St. Jacob’s Schoolhouse “Sexy Laundry”
APPENDIX II
SPECIAL LUNCHEON TOURS
(Started by JOHN ECCLES & ABE GOLDBERG)
YEAR
MONTH
1990
January
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
February
March
November
January
February
March
October
November
January
February
March
November
December
January
February
March
October
November
December
January
February
March
October
November
January
February
March
October
November
January
February
March
September
October
November
ACTIVITY
Sleeman Brewing & Malting Co. Ltd., United Breeders
Association, Wellington County Building
University of Guelph Arena, Child Care Centre & OVC
Uniroyal Goodrich Canada Ltd.
The Hamilton Spectator/Water Pollution Centre, Hamilton
University of Guelph Library
W.C. Wood Co. Ltd.
General Steelwares Ltd., Fergus
University of Guelph, Environmental Biology Building
Guelph Police Building
District Postal Centre, Kitchener
Biltmore Hat Co., Guelph
University of Guelph, School of Hotel & Food
O.M.A.F.R.A. Fish Research Station, Alma
Grand River Conservation Authority, Cambridge
Linamar Corporation, Guelph
Wellington County Museum, Fergus
Hammond Manufacturing Co. & Museum
Fiberglass Co.
Engels Co.
Airplane Museum, Hamilton
Guelph Water Control Centre
Dundurn Castle & War Museum, Hamilton
University of Guelph, Food Science Department
Skyjack Company
Seagram’s Museum, Kitchener
O.M.A.F.R.A. Pesticide Building
R.W.D.I. Company(Snow, wind, models)
Glass Museum, Waterloo
Blount Company
Kenhar Company
Express-Vu Television, Milton
University of Guelph, Food Science Department
Cambridge Towel Company, Cambridge
O.M.A.F.R.A. Turf Institute
Euclid Company
Guelph Wet & Dry Plant
YEAR
MONTH
1997
January
February
March
April
October
November
January
February
March
October
November
January
February
March
April
May
January
February
March
April
October
November
January
February
March
April
October
November
January
February
March
April
October
November
January
February
March
April
October
November
January
February
March
April
MONTH
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
YEAR
ACTIVITY
Sleeman Brewery & Tex-Tran Company
New O.M.A.F.R.A. Headquarters, Guelph
Elmira Poultry, Kitchener
O.M.A.F.R.A. Farm, Elora
Automatic Tooling Systems, Cambridge
Model Railroad Exhibit
Wood Moulding Company, Kitchener
Imperial Tobacco Company
University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College
OMARK, Cambridge
Automatic Tooling Systems & Homer Watson Gallery
Linamar Corporation (LPP Manufacturing)
University of Waterloo, Engineering (Solar car etc.)
University of Waterloo, Earth Sciences Museum
Toyota Plant, Cambridge
Canadian Warplanes Heritage Museum, Mt. Hope
Egg Grading Station
W.C. Wood Plant
Wellington County Museum, Fergus
Pioneer Hybrid Research Station, Georgetown
Quality Homes, Durham
Castle Kilbride National Historic Site, Baden
Barzotti Woodworking
Husky Farm Equipment, Alma
Wings of Paradise, Cambridge
Country Heritage Park, Milton
Crawford Lake, Milton
Mitton’s Vinyl Industry & SG Abrasives, Plattsville
Hammond Museum of Radio
General Steel Wares , Fergus
Wet-Dry Facility
Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo
Aviation Museum, Mt. Hope
Cascade – Kenhar
Musashi Auto Parts, Arthur
Euclid- Hitachi
Dundurn Castle, Hamilton
Tralee Veterinary & Horse Stables, Orangeville
Onward Willow
Bell’s Stabling & Manufacturing, Arthur
Bird Packaging
New Facilities at U of Guelph
McNeil Consumer Health Products
Kids Ability Centre
ACTIVITY
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
YEAR
October
January
February
March
September
October
November
January
February
March
September
October
November
January
February
September
October
November
February
March
September
November
January
February
March
May
September
January
March
August
January
March
September
November
March
April
June
September
November
January
May
November
February
May
MONTH
Chudleigh's Apple Farm, Milton
Church of Our Lady
Guelph Fire Department
Toyota Manufacturing, Cambridge
Plowing Match, Listowel
Canadian Warplanes Heritage Museum, Mt. Hope
Grand River Conservation Authority HQ, Cambridge
St. Ignatius College, Guelph
Home Hardware Headquarters, St. Jacobs
Power Plant and Vet College Research Centre
Canadian Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock
Waterloo Region Police Headquarters, Kitchener
Toyota Manufacturing Canada, Cambridge
Biltmore Hats
Linamar Comtech Plant
Halton County Radial Railway, Milton
Safety Kleen Canada, Breslau
University of Guelph New Science Complex
RWDI Wind Engineering & Environmental Consulting
Watchtower, Head Office and Printing Plant, Georgetown
University of Guelph Arboretum
Canadian Warplanes Heritage Museum, Mt. Hope
Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc.
Adult Rehabilitation Centre Industries (A.R.C.)
McNeil Consumer Health Care Div. of Johnson/Johnson
New Guelph City Hall
Village of Riverside Glen
Skyjack and Linamar Innovation Guelph Centre
Wellington Detachment of OPP, Rockwood
Modatek Auto Frames (Magna), Milton
Tim Horton’s Distribution Centre
Canadian Air and Space Museum, Downsview
Walinga
Biodiversity Institute of Ontario
St. George’s Anglican Church
Guelph Civic Museum
Ignatius College
Roadtrek Industries, Kitchener
Small Animal Clinic, University of Guelph
Emergency Services, Fire Prevention Station #6
Ontario Steam Heritage Museum
Hitachi Construction Truck Manufacturing
Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab, U of G
Aldershot Greenhouses, Waterdown
ACTIVITY
2014
2015
October
November
March
March
April
September
October
November
W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre, U of G
Home Hardware Head Office, St. Jacob’s
River Run Centre
Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology
Church of Our Lady
Turf Grass Institute
Honey Bee Research Centre, U of G
Elora/Ponsonby Dairy Research Centre
APPENDIX III
SENIORS CENTRE BOARDROOM - 1992
BOARDROOM PLAQUE
APPENDIX IV
THE GUELPH-WELLINGTON MEN’S CLUB
REFLECTIONS ON OUR TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 2002
By
T.K. (Sandy) Warley
Mr. President, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and fellow members.
You afford me high honour by asking me to speak about our Club on the 25th anniversary of
our founding. This is not a difficult assignment for there is much that could be said – all of it
good.
In the beginning
There’s no need to spend long on the history of the Club for that story has been well and
comprehensively told by Elmer Menzie in the Club’s official history and by Dick Brimmell
in the eloquent address he gave at our 20th anniversary dinner. But a synopsis of our origins
and development is in order for our guests, for our ladies, and for our newer members. It is
also fitting for the occasion.
Our origins in 1977 lay in the desire of a group of senior members of the two Kiwanis Clubs
that there were in Guelph to be released from the continuous obligations for fund-raising and
community service that are the hallmark of service clubs. At the same time, these men
wanted to continue to associate to enjoy the stimulus to active minds provided by a speakers
program and the camaraderie that flows from shared activities. This end was attained by the
formation of a “Golden-K Club” within the Kiwanis framework. We began life, on the 4th of
May 1977, as “The Kiwanis club of Wellington, Guelph”. The late Ken Greenaway was our
first President. Our Kiwanis club charter was formally presented in September of that year,
and this is why we’ve continued to hold our Anniversary Dinner in this month. Those who
had joined the new group by the September meeting were recognized as “charter” members.
The relationship between the new Club and the parent body was uneasy from the beginning,
for the member begrudged the fees that had to be paid to the district and International
Kiwanis offices and resented the residual pressure to assume group service obligations.
Moreover, many of the men who joined the new group in its early years had not previously
been Kiwanis.
The result was a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) – a decision to terminate the
relationship with Kiwanis and form an independent body. We voluntarily surrendered our
Kiwanis charter on April 1, 1981, met as the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club on April 21,
and were legally incorporated as such on July 10, 1981.
Growth and Development
The “Golden-K Club” of retired men was a success from the outset. The quickly-established
pattern of activities – weekly speakers to challenge members’ minds, plus a growing set of
tours, sporting activities, and with-spouse social events – was very attractive to retired men
(and, it has been alleged, to their wives also).
Others quickly joined the 27 “founding fathers”. The group outgrew the Guelph Recreation
Centre in which it first met within its first year and moved its meetings to the small room at
the south end of the Italian Canadian club. (At a rental of $9 per week.) Membership had
grown to 45 by “Charter Night” in September 1977, and to 92 on the eve of forming the
GWMC in April 1981.
Where members had initially been encouraged to recruit new members, a cap of 100 on
membership was imposed in 1980 and retained by the GWMC after its formation. The cap
was removed in May 1984 and meetings were moved to (half of) the room in which we are
gathered this evening. With 30-40 new applicants a year and only 15-20 falling from the
bough, membership numbers continued to grow. We passed 300 in 1990 and imposed the
current cap of 350 active members in March 1992.
At maturity
Through the years, our program of activities has been steadily expanded and enriched and
our governance has been progressively streamlined.
Today we offer in activities:






48 weekly meetings – Each attended by some 250 members – at which speakers
challenge our intellects and broaden our knowledge on an amazing variety of topics.
6 post-meeting lunches and tours to local businesses, institutions and agencies.
5 sporting events – including Jim Brown’s ‘workshop on practical investing’
conducted at Mohawk raceway.
5 with-spouse social events – 3 lunches and dinners, a cards party, and a cabaret.
2 with-spouse theatre visits.
And a clutch of other informal but lively activities such as the Thursday bridge group,
the choir, and the Cyberseniors computer group.
Our operations run smoothly because the many members who are involved in their
organisation and delivery are guided by our accumulated experience as expressed in a sound
by-law, a policies and procedures manual, and written guidelines for each of our 24 standing
committees.
As a Club, we have no formal commitment to community improvement – though our
members contribute mightily as individuals – but our three annual awards foster musical
excellence and civic engagement, and we’ve quietly made significant start-up grants to such
initiatives as the Evergreen Seniors Centre, the GGH’s CT scanner and dialysis unit, the fire
service’s defibrillators, the River Run Centre, and the Guelph Youth Music Centre. Beyond
these, we’ve made dozens of smaller grants to other community groups and initiatives.
An outstanding success story.




It’s been said that we’re the largest group in Canada with a speakers program that
meets weekly.
We provide 350 men with lively minds a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas
and opinions and for the expansion of our understanding of matters large and small.
Our lives are enriched and brightened by the camaraderie that builds through weekly
interaction and the sharing of periodic social, cultural and sporting activities – all
conducted in a unique culture of humour.
We provide an easy entry into retirement, and - along with ‘Third Age Learning’ –
an exciting introduction for newcomers to the Royal City to the intellectual and social
life of our community.
No wonder we have a 4-years supply of applicants clamouring to get in. (Not everyone reads
the obituaries column of the Guelph Mercury with dismay.)
Reasons for our success.
Time permits me to single out but two.
First and foremost, the character of our members:
 We’re retired not retarded! Our members have a common interest in continuing their
civic engagement and having their minds stimulated.
 The extraordinary diverse of backgrounds of our members in industry, commerce, the
professions, government, education and other walks of life – many of our members
were “heavy hitters” and occupied senior positions in their working lives. The fact
that we have three of our members have been inducted into the Order of Canada is an
indicator of the heft of our membership.
 We’re relaxed – we’ve made our mark in an earlier life and have nothing to prove.
 We belong to a generation that values and practices civility and accepts
responsibility. We are characteristically activists outside the Club in a legion of
community groups.
 Our entry mechanism ensures that only people with shared values are nominated.
 We’re all younger than our bodies! Indeed, as someone famously said, inside these
aged bodies are young men wondering, “What the hell happened?”
Secondly, we’ve enjoyed wise and dedicated leadership:
 A succession of Presidents have, each in his own way, moved the Club forward.
As to the future . . .
We have a satisfying pattern of activities that operate smoothly, and a well-functioning
structure of governance, so I see no reason to doubt that “The past is prologue”. The only
innovations I’ve heard mentioned are: * a dating service for singles; * a senior’s discount on
membership fees; * and a family rate for same-sex couples!
I see only three threats. * First, a UDI by VBA residents * Secondly, membership of the Club
is such a life-enhancing experience that we’re in danger of becoming a club for
octogenarians. * Thirdly, along with the Augusta National Golf Course, we might face a
challenge to our anachronistic one-gender status – to which we shall make a decisive
response by applying to join the College Women’s Club.
In sum, as we celebrate the 25-year life of the GWMC
We can look back with gratitude for the vision of our founding members in establishing and
designing an organization that so clearly meets the needs of retired men, and give thanks to a
succession of leaders who have continuously improved the content of our activities and the
manner of their delivery.
I think that you will agree that we can permit ourselves to look at our past with pride, look at
what we are with satisfaction, and look forward to what we shall become with confidence.
September 20, 2002
Sandy Warley, with Anita, during the 25th Anniversary Celebration
APPENDIX V
GUELPH-WELLINGTON MEN’S CLUB CURLING (By Murray Miller)
Curling has been an important activity for many
Club members. As stated in the Club history,
“John Eccles, Stan Lawrence, Stu Brown and Al
Jones, all Club members, won the Ontario Seniors
curling title in February 1982”. The first Club
bonspiel was held on October 8, 1982 with 22
members playing, followed by a lunch with 36
attending. In October 1984, the Club curlers
challenged the Guelph Curling Club (GCC) curlers
with 44 curlers participating. Bob Cream, an
John Eccles with his trophy 2013
outstanding curler, donated his pins as prizes.
Although not stated specifically in the Club history, we believe that this became an annual
event, being held at the Guelph Curling Club each October. In 1998 curlers from the two
clubs began competing for a trophy, the John Eccles Challenge Trophy, which Abe
Goldberg, a club member and a good friend of John’s, made and donated to the GCC. There
were two games, one in the morning and one in the afternoon following a lunch with the
trophy going to the club with the most total points. The competition for this trophy added a
significant degree of interest and rivalry to the bonspiel. In the 17 years since the trophy was
introduced, the Men’s Club curlers won the trophy 7 times and the GCC curlers 10. Since
2012, members of the Royal City Men’s club have been invited to join with us to make up
the 32 curlers necessary to fill the 8 sheets at the GCC.
Men’s Club Trophy Winning Skips 2013
The John Eccles Challenge Trophy
A second bonspiel, for Club members only, began in 1988. It was held at the Guelph Country
Club’s four-sheet rink, with morning and afternoon games and lunch. Following Abe
Goldberg’s death in 2002, John Eccles donated the Abe Goldberg Memorial Trophy, to be
awarded to the team with the most points in the two games. It was first awarded in February
2003. After the 2012/2013 season, the Country Club discontinued their curling programme.
In the next two years, the trophy was awarded at the October bonspiel at the GCC to the
Men’s club team with the most points in the two games. Because the Men’s Club teams
competed against Curling Club teams at that bonspiel, the competition was no longer
amongst Men’s Club members directly.
Abe Goldberg Trophy Winners 2014/5
presented by President Mark Waldron
Abe Goldberg Memorial Trophy
Winners of the Abe Goldberg Memorial Trophy (listed by skip, vice, second, and lead)
2003
M. Mathieson
B. Renton
T. Bates
M. Smith
2004
D. Grieve
B. Renton
R. Lefneski
M. Hunter
2005
E. Curtis
H. Nodwell
K. Kasha
M. Hunter
2006
D. Hull
D. Sooley
R. Lefneski
C. Bassman
2007
B. Kasza
K. Inch
P. Kyba
H. Lehman
2008
H. Spencer
T. Bates
J, Thomson
D. Julian
2009
H. Spencer
B. Renton
M. Jenkinson
H. Lehman
2010
B. Renton
P. Kyba
H. Lehman
R. Lefneski
2011
D. Wilson
J. Golda
G. Thomson
G. Duff
2012
M. Woods
J. Ogilvie
K. King
D. Julian
2013
R. Bairstow
E. Kaczorowski
A. Raftis
R. Davies
2013/2014
M. Woods
T. Beale
K. King
G. Lee
2014/2015
W. Piech
B. McIntosh
D. Parr
D. Sooley
Over the past few years, it became increasingly difficult to get enough Men’s Club members
to fill the 8 sheets at the GCC, even when members of the Royal City Men’s Club were
included. In the fall of 2014, we were able to fill only 6 sheets. There were only two Men’s
Club curlers who were not also members of the GCC, so the bonspiel was no longer
providing an opportunity for many Club members. As a result the committee reluctantly
recommended that the curling programme be discontinued and that the John Eccles
Challenge Trophy and the Abe Goldberg Memorial Trophy be retired. This was accepted
by the Board which brought to a close over 30 years of fun and friendly competition.
APPENDIX VI
2006 - OUR VETERANS - WE REMEMBER THEIR SERVICE TO OUR
COUNTRY