The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am. 36 Rotarians were present with 2 guests (speaker Terri Korkesh, Belleville Rotarian Peter Malone).

 

Roger reflected on a Rotary moment.  He thanked the Rotarians who have been instrumental in supporting the Syrian immigrants who have relocated to PEC since 2016.  He specifically highlighted the work that Margo has done in support of this cause.     

 

 ‘O’ Canada’ was sung.  David Hawkins recited an invocation.  Breakfast was served.

 

Roger enquired about the health of members.  Tim has sore knees.  Pierre reported that Connie has essentially fully recovered from hip surgery.

 

Trudy introduced Belleville Rotarian and former Belleville club president Peter Malone.  Speaking with a perfect Geordie Newcastle accent Peter spoke of his desire for more collaboration between Rotary clubs.  The 8 clubs that were recently involved in the regional spelling bee competition is a good example of this collaboration.  He spoke about the Belleville Rotary’s involvement in the ‘rescue readers’ literacy program.  Together with the Humane Society and the local board of education this program facilitates grade school children coming to the shelter to read books to the animals.  The program has been extremely popular with more than 30 classrooms and 800 students participating.  Peter also provided an information sheet on the June 1^st Wiggle Waggle Walkathon in Trenton.  Interested Rotarians solicit pledges for a walk with their dog along a set trail.  Proceeds from this event go to support the rescue readers program.

 

Lyn introduced guest speaker Terri Korkesh, executive director of Community Visions and Networking (CVN) Quinte.  Terri explained that her organization helps adults who live with a developmental or intellectual disabilities.  The aim of the organization is to teach interdependence, empowerment and establish partnerships.  CVN Quinte was established in 1978. It is a small non-profit organization with an annual budget of 2.8 million dollars provided via the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Service.  They provide varying degrees of support (on average 4-12 hours per week) for 68 persons who live independently.  In addition there are 7 intensive support contracts where individuals require around the clock support.  There are 15 passport funding only contracts and 1 fee for service contract.  Terri articulated organizational objectives as outlined in their recent strategic plan:  1. Expand, 2. Enhance recognition, 3. Enhance resources, 4. Improve fundraising via more grant writing etc.

 

Terri noted that there is currently a crisis in the funding of developmental services.  She estimates that approximately 400 families in Quinte require respite relief from the day to day care of disabled family members.  CVN Quinte has established respite care in the form of ‘adventure retreats’ which are designed by the individual and cost approximately $2,000.  Terri issued her funding request of our club that we consider paying $2,000 to support a weekend retreat.  Mike thanked Terri for her presentation.  

 

 

Bottle Bill highlighted manpower needs at the bottle depot this week.

 

Lyn noted that the past presidents dinner is fast approaching.  She asked for each club member to forward to her personal email the name of a worthy candidate for Rotarian of the year by May 31.  She also asked for a volunteer to take a 1.5 hour online Rotary grant-writing course.  Martha volunteered to do this.

 

Norm thanked member volunteers who assisted with the regional spelling bee (Colin, Bill M and Trudy) and also those who cleaned the story book stands, placed the new laminated pages on the stands and brought the stands to the Wellington beach (Ken, Ted Nash, Tim, Gregor, Norm).

 

Colin and Ken updated everyone on details regarding the upcoming Rotary golf tournament.

 

There are no anniversaries this week.  Three members celebrate birthdays (Robynne, Tim and Roger).

 

Roger told his joke of the week.  The happy toonie jar was passed around.

 

Robynne’s ticket was drawn (again!) for the 50/50 draw – could this be a cash birthday surprise? Alas, she failed to pull the ace of spades.  She did pull the 10 of diamonds (and apparently she does like diamonds!)

 

The meeting concluded with the 4-way test.

 

 

With May being Lyme Disease awareness month, the Wellness Committee of the Rotary Club of Wellington hosted a community talk on Ticks and Lyme Disease Prevention. Dr Robert Colautti, Associate Professor of Evolutionary Ecology and Ecological Genomics shared his knowledge and research on this topic to a large group local residents who attended this event. 

Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week

Wednesday May 21, 2025

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.:  John Inwood, Ken Robertson, Alex Lacher (FoR)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:   Roger Tessier, Gregor Stuart, Sheree & Lloyd Millikin (FoR)

 

Saturday May 24, 2025

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.:  Trudy Brown, Phyo Kyi, Jeanne Stegman (FoR)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:  William Mulholland, Doug & Brenda Little (FoR)