MPres Trudy opened the meeting at 7.07 with twenty-five members in person and four joining by Zoom. Barry’s health was reported on by MPres who shared what had happened and was able to confirm that Barry is recovering well and showing his indomitable spirit. All present signed a Get Well card for him. 

The Program Speaker was introduced by Set-up Team Leader Tim and Mike Lattner opened his address by sharing the ‘bible’ of the Beer Store’s Returns Scheme for empty alcohol containers. This all-colour publication covers every aspect of the expectations of the Beer Store for EBD #1257 (i.e. us). Mike then went on to explain what has to go on behind the Wed & Sat collection scenes for it to operate smoothly and be our biggest single fundraising source. He told us how supplies have to be ordered weekly, that 90% of ISBs (industry standard bottles) are reused up to 15 times and there is the other ‘stream’ for all other containers that are recycled. All the key aspects of the operation were covered including wearing shoes that protect from dropped bottles etc. MPres Trudy then took over to explain and explode the mysteries of being the Cashier. The universally-approved greeting for customers at the Depot is “What do we owe you today? There was then considerable general discussion of the topic including an exhortation to sign up for shifts ahead of time so that Bill Mitchell doesn’t have to keep sending SOSs, and the dynamic of having enough workers versus making additional volunteering demands on members and Friends of Rotary.

Under Club Business, MPres Trudy shared the week's needs for Bottle Depot volunteers, and Ken gave an up-date on the Golf Tournament hole-sponsorship initiative (10 of a goal of 25 already received).  After news from Margo that she was visiting Kate's Rest later, Phyo said that Ryan’s education plans are still under discussion.  Mpres Trudy initiated a discussion on the annual Foundation Walk, hosted by Trenton Club on Sept 26th. Of the three options available, the Club seemed to lean toward both attendance at this event as well as having an in-club event that could include Friends of Rotary and their partners/spouses. Other future events discussed were: grape-picking at Lyn’s and the dedication of the Club’s Memorial Garden. After David Hawkins’ comic contribution and the collection of Happy Dollars for the first time PC (post Covid) followed by the Four-Way Test, the meeting closed at 8.25.