Rotary Meeting Notes - November 7

There were 29 members in attendance, one on Zoom and one visitor, Robin Heeringa, to hear Mary Camp’s classification speech.

Mary was born October 7, 1959 in the old Picton hospital and was raised and lived in the County all her life, growing up on a dairy farm. She has three brothers, two older and one younger. She attended PECI and played volleyball and basketball. She went to Guelph University for one year to study economics and family studies, but that did not maintain her interests, so she came back home and studied business administration in Belleville. Her first job was with Wilkinson & Co., then Robert Thompson CA, then PECounty in accounting and the roads department, then 20 years at the Children’s Aid Society, then 11 years with the PE Health Team, retiring in 2019. As a volunteer she was the Treasurer of Hospice Prince Edward after a gratifying experience when they cared for her mother.

Mary married her high school sweetheart, OPP officer. They have two children and four granddaughters. They built their house in East Lake where now that he is retired, he still runs a county business selling campfire wood, ice and worms. 

She started to be a friend of Rotary 55 years ago when she helped Mr. Mallet of the Picton Rotary club sell Planter’s peanuts as a Rotary fundraiser. Her parents were an example to her of volunteerism so now that she is retired, joining Rotary seemed like a good fit. She attended our Volunteer Appreciation Day in Wellington and her granddaughters enjoyed themselves so much, it stimulated her to seek membership. When not working, she enjoys travelling, walking, hiking, cycling, paddle boarding and pickle ball. She continues to do volunteer admin work for the Picton Pirates hockey team and two local doctors.

Club Business:

Lyn reminded members again that the Rotary Club of Picton is holding a Ukrainian Dinner Evening 5-9 pm, Saturday November 18 for which all proceeds will go to Ukraine for medical supplies and relief programs for children. She encouraged our members to join her and make a Wellington table in support of the Picton Club. She will be ordering tickets this week.

Peter reiterated the schedule for Remembrance Day:

• Church service at the United Church at 10 am
• Procession to the cenotaph.
• Cenotaph service at 10:45
• Reception at the Legion following the service.

Peter announced a drone show coming up in Belleville in which he will participate. More info to follow.

For our Christmas party, Lyn announced that it was BYOB if you wanted a special wine to drink. Phyo said that the Club has accumulated a case of wine from various sources and it will be available that night, Friday, December 15 at WOTL. 

David Hawkins recommended that the Club establish a travel fund to send one Club member each year to the Rotary International Convention. In 2024 it is in Singapore and in 2025 in Calgary. Ken reminded members that there is a budget of $2,000 now for conventions though it has only been used for the District Conventions. David asked the Board to consider his recommendation.

Lyn thanked the volunteers who brought the Storybook Walk displays into her workshop to be stored and fixed up over the winter. Ted said it would be done when the new book was chosen.

Christine again encouraged members to come to a “Happy Thanksmas” Turkey dinner at the Hillier Hall that she is organizing Sunday, November 12, 4:30-6:30. Goodwill offerings will be appreciated. She has some special mugs made for the celebration that will be prizes.

Liz announced that the Food for Futures program on Friday in Belleville still needed some equipment - a griddle, some steel pots and an extension cord. 

Lois’ number was drawn for the 50:50, but she did not draw the ace of spades.

HAPPY BUCKS THIS WEEK:  $252 +

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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week