The meeting was called to order by President Lyn at 7:04 am. 24 Rotarians were present plus 3 on Zoom, there were 2 guests (Peter introduced Roger Pardy and Liz introduced Liam Smith who is currently a Friend of Rotary and was previously a RYLA representative from our club).

 

Lyn provided a Rotary moment – she briefly summarized the history of the Rotary organization and indicated that February is ‘peace building and conflict resolution’ month.  Lyn reported that this Thursday February 22 there is an online Rotary “Peace Forum” at 6 pm. ‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins read a universal prayer for peace. Breakfast was served.

 

Lyn provided an update on health of members:

            Jacques is suffering from a viral illness.

            Barry was briefly hospitalized but is home now – he contracted a cold while in hospital.

            Lois has had complications from recent dental surgery.

 

Bill Pennell asked for a show of hands for which members are willing to be involved in the dinner-dance committee.

 

Robynne Smith provided her classification talk.  She was born and raised in Oshawa (the ‘Shwa’) where she was the eldest of 4 children.  She described a very happy upbringing where her parents had great senses of humor and were both musically talented.  Robynne was clearly influenced by her dad as she wanted to learn to play the piano like him.  She once saw Liberace perform and told him “my dad is better than you!”  Robynne became an accomplished pianist and music became a big part of her life as she played in school concerts, jazz bands, church performances and musical theatre.  At church she would often play piano while her dad played the organ.  She described a time where she purchased studio recording time for her father and her to perform together – although he was unwell they recorded 6 songs together on a CD.  Her father died soon after.

 

Robynne’s postgraduate education included early childhood education, religious studies and adult education (including a Masters of Education).  Following her marriage to John Heeringa in 2016 they travelled to Medina, Saudi Arabia where she taught Women’s Studies.  She found this effort to elevate the profile of women extremely gratifying.  She indicated that working directly with Muslim people allowed her to understand that the goals and desires for their children are no different than ours.  Robynne believes that travel helps us to understand other people and in the process eliminate bigotry and biases that may exist.

 

Robynne spoke briefly of how proud she is of her 40 year old daughter who is also a teacher.  Her mother has Alzheimer’s disease and is unfortunately institutionalized.  Robynne is an animal lover – she has a Sheltie named ‘Mercy’. 

 

Robynne addressed the question – why Rotary?  She credits her family with instilling in her a sense of kindness and generosity that aligns well with the essence of Rotary.  She shared several family anecdotes that reflected these character traits.  She also quoted Matthew 25:40 “…whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me”.

 

Robynne was thanked by Lyn for her presentation.

 

Lyn took the opportunity to thank everyone for contributing to the success of the Rotary Family Day events.  She specifically thanked all members who made and served soup as well as Shawn Ellis for making fudge and popcorn.  She also highlighted the efforts of Austin and Corbin.  Finally Lyn thanked Liz for her efforts in coordinating the children’s play room.  In turn, Liz thanked Bill Pennell, Corbin and Liam and also highlighted the fact that ‘County Kids Read’ distributed 160 books!  Peter also publicly thanked Roger Tessier for hosting his wife Josephine during the Family Day event while he attended a separate event in Trenton.

 

Trudy reported that she will be taking orders for chocolate bunnies ($5) on behalf of the Lions Club.

 

Dawn Cutler’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw however she failed to pull the ace of spades.