Rotary meeting minutes July 29, 2025
Notes by: Lyn McGowan

Meeting was called to order by President Yvonne at 7:05, with 35 members in attendance. 

Club correspondence was reviewed by Secretary Lyn.  

Treasurer Bill reviewed the Financial Statement for the month of June. Mike moved to accept the June Financial Statement, seconded by William, motion carried.  

Year End Financial Review: 

Bill expressed a special ‘thank you’ to Trudy, Mike and Kim for detailed reporting on the Bottle Depot, which permitted analysis of the impact of the road closure on the year’s results. BD revenue in 2024/25 was down over prior year but year over year net profit was up, because of more donations from customers. In fact, 62.6% of our BD revenue came from pure donations. Ken also stressed the social benefit of Rotarians working together.  

Bill displayed a list of recipients in donations made by our Club during the year; the list will be included in the year-end recap to be published in the Times.  

Highlights of the year-end review: Club overhead was 7%, up from 4% prior year, due to more members attending district and the international conferences, partially supported by the Club. It is important to note that income from club activities (member dues, weekly 50/50 draw, Happy Bucks) fully covered club expenses.   

Policy and Administration: 

Director Phyo opined that his job is to make sure Rotary norms and practices are being faithfully followed. He reminded everyone that, as a Rotarian we must be aware that we commit the Rotary Club to only exactly what the club members as whole have approved, and “whatever is discussed in this room stays in this room – until we are ready to let the information out to the public.” He also noted that it is important to make clear when you are speaking as an individual vs when you are speaking as a Rotarian. On a separate note, he will be conducting a half-hour training session on the new and improved ClubRunner after next week’s meeting, for any members who wish to attend. 

Fundraising:  

PE Chris reported that he and Pres Yvonne attended the deputation to County Council last week by Cynthia Riordan from the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank, which was well-received. A meeting is scheduled for August 11 between members of the Foodbank’s board and the Affordable Housing Corporation, regarding the old Duke-dome site. 

Canada Day Ribs – Yvonne reported that net revenue was $2,396, including $645 from sale of the popcorn and candy floss, which was donated by Shawn – thank you, Shawn! 

Dinner/Dance/Auction – Bill reported that this year’s them is Roaring Twenties, caterer and music are in place, working on advertising. 

Bottle Depot – Pres Yvonne displayed a slide recognizing Rotarians and FOR’s who put in multiple shifts at the Bottle Depot in the past month, noting in particular the 5 shifts from each of Gregor and FOR Lari. 

Gold Mine 50/50 – Dave’s committee is working on creating a business plan. 

Public Image: 

Director Liz reported that Shawn has joined the Public Image Committee, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience around social media; Phyo has also volunteered. The traditional Year-End Summary and Thank You will appear in the Times by the end of August. 

Membership: 

Director Peter reminded everyone to get their dues in by the end of the month, He also reported that we have 3 prospective new members. Pierre raised the issue of members’ commitment to volunteer time at the Bottle Depot and hoped that new members are counselled accordingly. Lyn observed that some members are not able to volunteer at the Bottle Depot due to physical limitations but that there are multiple other ways to give the 10 hours per month to Rotary, on average (including meetings), that is recommended. 

Health and Wellness: 

David M reported that there is no good news from the province regarding additional funding for primary care. There is good news though, that the Nurse Practitioners in Belleville are running a clinic for orphan patients. Day Care Initiative: The first public info session by the Hub generated one prospect for a home day care provider. Another public info session is being held Thursday, July 31.  

Funding Requests: 

Geoff moved that the Foundation be asked to donate $1000 to CVN Quinte for their Adventure Program; seconded by Howard; carried. 

Dave R moved that $1000 be donated to Adopt a Village in Laos in support of their Global Grant; seconded by Mike; carried. 

A donation of $500 to Perfectly Preserved (related to PECMHF) was approved by the board toward purchase of a new tent. 

Club Business: 

Health of members: We’re all thinking positive thoughts for Norm’s wife Marilyn, who is undergoing an angiogram today. Lyn shared that she is scheduled for a hip replacement on October 1st (update – now September 17th) 

Upcoming events: Monday, August 11 is the Brighton BBQ/Karaoke; our one practice of our chosen song “Man, I feel like a woman” will be after next week’s meeting.  

Margo’s 50/50 ticket was drawn – first time ever – by Dave R, but she didn’t pick the Ace of spades. Only 19 cards left now.