President Yvonne opened the meeting at 7:05 with 30 members in attendance plus one on Zoom. Roger circulated 2 signup sheets for the upcoming Past President’s Night. Chris also circulated a signup sheet for Canada Day activities. After O Canada, the Rotary song was sung, and David H delivered the invocation. 

Yvonne solicited reflections from the three members who attended the District Assembly on Saturday. Dawn reflected on the infectious enthusiasm; Lyn commented on the large number of young attendees (Rotaract and Interact) and Gregor noted the number of useful sessions devoted to the administrative side of things (which he will be needing soon.) 

Club Forum 

Margo sent greetings from sunny Croatia, where she met with the Rotary District Governor of Istria.  

Secretary’s Report – Lyn briefly went through the correspondence/messages sent and received in the past month. 

Treasurer’s Report – Bill P walked through the club’s financial statement for the month of April. Mike moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Howard; motion carried. Bill noted that with the year-to-date surplus, the charge for breakfast for the month of June will be reduced to just $5. 

Policy and Administration Report – In Phyo’s absence, Yvonne raised a policy item for consideration. A few members have recently gone through the process of getting a Vulnerable Sector Check (“VSC”). Martha reported that it is policy that all members of the Picton club have had a VSC, with the records maintained by the club’s Security Officer. Roger noted the Cobourg club, and many other Rotary clubs also have such a position. Colin moved that a process be put in place for our members to obtain a VSC and that the club establishes the new position of Security Officer; seconded by Roger; motion carried with no dissent. John Hatch has volunteered to be the Security Officer and together with Phyo will establish and document a process then bring back to the club for approval.  

Fundraising Report – Chris reported briefly on upcoming fundraisers – Golf Tournament; Canada Day Parade, Ribs and 50/50; as well as a proposal for the Foodbank Fundraiser/Online Auction.  

Public Image Report – Liz circulated the “Big Buzz” article about the Regional Spelling Bee, which appeared last week in the Times. She is arranging photo ops for upcoming cheque presentations and recently attended District 7040 as a member of the IPPC. 

Literacy and Youth Report – Norm thanked Ted, Tim and Howard for refurbishing the Storybook Walk stands and moving them to the beach. He thanked Mary “the Closer” for her exceptional work on Duffers & Diners. Rotary Youth Exchange – Yvonne reported that the board had approved the contribution of $500 toward the cost of the outgoing student insurance, if required. Chris reported that we are planning to sponsor kids for summer camp again this year (PEFAC and The Hub) but no contacts have been made so far. Liz volunteered to assist with recruitment. 

Membership Report – New member Conrad will be inducted next week. Peter reported that Rotary dues for next year will be unchanged at $230. Members are asked to commit or prepay before the end of this Rotary year (June 30) although cheques can be dated July 1.  

Club Administration Report –  

Chris presented a proposed (balanced) budget for 2026-27. Peter moved that the budget be adopted; seconded by Kim; motioned carried.  

Fellowship Committee - Roger said a new round of Fellowship Dinners will take place this fall, with a signup sheet to be circulated in September. He also presented an idea for another type of Fellowship activity. A Dinner Theatre is coming up in November at the Best Western in Cobourg, a comedy called “Hurry Hard” and a three-course meal. If enough people sign up, we’ll get a discounted price of $76, including tax and tip. This will be open to Rotarians and FOR’s. More info to come.  

Rotary Refresh/Beach Signs – Yvonne reported the cost of the images was USD500 and the cost to fabricate the signs will be $1100. The County will look after fabrication, installation, etc. Total cost for the club should be under $2000. Mike moved that the club allocated up to $2,000 for the refresh of the beach signs; seconded by Geoff; motion carried. 

Health and Wellness Committee – Dave McK noted the date for the next presentation has been changed to July 16. He also provided a brief update on his efforts related to a Home Daycare Initiative. Recently, he met with local banks about sponsoring a micro-loan program. The Chamber of Commerce is supportive.  

Funding Requests 

99.3 County FM Radiothon: Geoff moved that $1000 be donated from the General Account to 99.3 County FM; seconded by Colin; motion carried. 

Sew Girls Can Go to School in the DR: Christine moved that $1000 be donated from the General Account to Whitby Sunrise’s District Grant project; seconded by Mike; motion carried. 

Mike Trites “In the Key of Blue”: Christine moved that $1000 be donated from the general account to Mike Trites for the production of In the Key of Blue; seconded by John He; motion carried. 

PEC Lion Club: Yvonne noted that the board approved a donation of $500 to the Lions Club for Music in the Park. 

Kente Public School: Roger moved that $2,000 be donated from the general account to the Kente Public School Parent Council for the purchase of Chromebooks and that an application be made for a District Grant of $5000; seconded by Christine; motion carried. 

Other Business 

Liz encouraged members to consider the trip to Ireland that we heard about two weeks ago. Roger and Cathy have already signed up as have John and Robynne. 

Ken reminded members to bring any remaining prizes for the Golf Tournament to next week’s meeting 

Anniversaries – Ted and Donna Nash, 43 years on May 28 

50/50 Draw – William’s ticket was drawn but, sadly, he did not pick the Ace of Spades. 

Yvonne adjourned the meeting at 8:31 with the Four-Way Test.