April 14th. 2022 - Paul Taylor: Woodlawn Memorial Garden: The Centre of Guelph's History
This meeting was the first live meeting since March 5th, 2020 and held at Trinity United Church.
No coffee was served today as a precaution until we have experienced live meetings and to see how these live meetings unfold. The Board anticipates that we can begin serving coffee after the current wave of COVID-19 has dissipated.
President Julian Sale opened the meeting at 9:02am and welcomed everyone back to the first live meeting, noting that he was happy to see so many in attendance. There were 38 members present including two guests: Paul Giroux and Matt Zaduk.
President Julian thanked the members who supported the Club during the pandemic stating some members paid their dues but did not take part in any virtual meetings. The Club is in need of additional members in order to sustain current meetings at the current membership dues rate. There are Club business cards available for pickup on the welcome table for members to use to pass out to prospective members.
The Speakers’ Committee has a schedule of proposed speakers lined up for most the rest of the year.
Announcements
Activities – Ken Marchant
Ken Marchant provided an update on events that the Activities Committee is proposing:
- Waste Water Treatment Plant tour;
- Breakfasts at the Boat House with some hiking/walking walks afterwards;
- Arboretum Walks;
- Car Rally in September;
- Night at the Races at Mohawk Raceway;
- Presentation at the Drayton Hamilton Theatre;
- Tour at Springmills Distillery
Call for Nominations – Frank Webster
Frank announced that the Nominations Committee is calling for nominations to be submitted for Board of Director positions for Club year 2022 – 2023. Anyone wishing to submit a nomination can inform him of the members name.
Presentation
Paul Taylor:
Woodlawn Memorial Garden - The Centre of Guelph's History
This presentation will be the history of Woodlawn Cemetery in stories and pictures. Some from first-hand experience and some from stories passed down to Paul Taylor through others.
Bio:
I have been a humble cemeterian for the past 45 years all working for the same Historic Cemetery. Who just loves meeting the people of Guelph and listening to the stories of their loved ones.
From a simple education in Guelph I have always known my future was going to be involved with operating equipment, working with horticulture and meeting people. But never thought one of Ontario's top Cemeteries was going to be involved in that journey. A journey which has taken me to the other side of the world to see cemeteries in Sydney and Alice Springs, to New York City, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, Las Vegas and many more. A two term President with the Ontario Association of Cemeteries, member of the Cremation Association of North America, an Executive Board Member of Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada. Past President of the Rotary Club of Guelph. And a home town boy who really just likes to meet people in his back yard and help them out.
Married to Cindy for 43years, we have 2 adult boys, both in their 30's, both married and we have one precious little beautiful granddaughter, named Linnea. Still living in the Cemetery house on the grounds for the past 41 years. Weekends find us at our Port Albert cottage, located at the mouth of the Nine Mile River which runs into Lake Huron where you will find the best sunsets in Canada.
Following the presentation by Mr. Taylor, he answered questions from members.
Next meeting: Live at Trinity United Church on Thursday, April 28, 2022 @ 9:30
Adjournment @ 11:11
Recording Secretary: Kerry Gennings
No coffee was served today as a precaution until we have experienced live meetings and to see how these live meetings unfold. The Board anticipates that we can begin serving coffee after the current wave of COVID-19 has dissipated.
President Julian Sale opened the meeting at 9:02am and welcomed everyone back to the first live meeting, noting that he was happy to see so many in attendance. There were 38 members present including two guests: Paul Giroux and Matt Zaduk.
President Julian thanked the members who supported the Club during the pandemic stating some members paid their dues but did not take part in any virtual meetings. The Club is in need of additional members in order to sustain current meetings at the current membership dues rate. There are Club business cards available for pickup on the welcome table for members to use to pass out to prospective members.
The Speakers’ Committee has a schedule of proposed speakers lined up for most the rest of the year.
Announcements
Activities – Ken Marchant
Ken Marchant provided an update on events that the Activities Committee is proposing:
- Waste Water Treatment Plant tour;
- Breakfasts at the Boat House with some hiking/walking walks afterwards;
- Arboretum Walks;
- Car Rally in September;
- Night at the Races at Mohawk Raceway;
- Presentation at the Drayton Hamilton Theatre;
- Tour at Springmills Distillery
Call for Nominations – Frank Webster
Frank announced that the Nominations Committee is calling for nominations to be submitted for Board of Director positions for Club year 2022 – 2023. Anyone wishing to submit a nomination can inform him of the members name.
Presentation
Paul Taylor:
Woodlawn Memorial Garden - The Centre of Guelph's History
This presentation will be the history of Woodlawn Cemetery in stories and pictures. Some from first-hand experience and some from stories passed down to Paul Taylor through others.
Bio:
I have been a humble cemeterian for the past 45 years all working for the same Historic Cemetery. Who just loves meeting the people of Guelph and listening to the stories of their loved ones.
From a simple education in Guelph I have always known my future was going to be involved with operating equipment, working with horticulture and meeting people. But never thought one of Ontario's top Cemeteries was going to be involved in that journey. A journey which has taken me to the other side of the world to see cemeteries in Sydney and Alice Springs, to New York City, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, Las Vegas and many more. A two term President with the Ontario Association of Cemeteries, member of the Cremation Association of North America, an Executive Board Member of Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada. Past President of the Rotary Club of Guelph. And a home town boy who really just likes to meet people in his back yard and help them out.
Married to Cindy for 43years, we have 2 adult boys, both in their 30's, both married and we have one precious little beautiful granddaughter, named Linnea. Still living in the Cemetery house on the grounds for the past 41 years. Weekends find us at our Port Albert cottage, located at the mouth of the Nine Mile River which runs into Lake Huron where you will find the best sunsets in Canada.
Following the presentation by Mr. Taylor, he answered questions from members.
Next meeting: Live at Trinity United Church on Thursday, April 28, 2022 @ 9:30
Adjournment @ 11:11
Recording Secretary: Kerry Gennings