President Roger called the meeting to order at 7:07 am. Roger welcomed guest speaker Anne Preston (County Kids Read) and asked Jacques Michaud to introduce his guest (friend Iza Hanson who moved to Wellington 3 months ago).

 

Roger circulated a signup sheet for both hosts and guests for fellowship dinners in November and December.

 

Howard provided his ‘Rotary moment’.  His wife Dawn grew up in Bloomfield and when she and Howard relocated to PEC she reconnected with several friends.  Howard reflected on a memory of Ted Nash educating then new Rotary member Mike Lattner on the nuances of singing the Rotary song!  Howard did note that memorable moments are continuous in Rotary however he did recount one particular event which resonated with him.  He was vacationing in Anchorage Alaska and discovered that there was a Rotary past president’s event taking place in town.  He introduced himself, attended the event and came to appreciate the strong bonds and international reach of Rotary.

 

O Canada was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was consumed.

 

Roger inquired about the health of members:

            Norm’s wife Marilyn is relatively stable following a recent illness.

            John Inwood is currently suffering from a viral illness.

 

Robynne introduced guest speaker Anne Preston from County Kids Read.  She was a former Toronto District School Board member for approximately 25 years with a specific focus on special needs children and literacy.  She moved to PEC approximately 20 years ago and founded County Kids Read 15 years ago. 

Anne thanked the Rotary members for their past support of County Kids Read.  When she first arrived in the County she was both surprised and bothered to learn of the low literacy scores of children in our community.  She estimated that approximately 37% of children in the County are considered ‘vulnerable’ with respect to literacy.  She noted the recognized link between literacy and poverty.  The goal of her organization is to put books in homes in order to improve literacy acquisition.  She feels that literacy is a basic human right and the purpose of County Kids Read is to secure every County kid’s right to enjoy the benefits of their very own books.

 

Anne noted her organization’s strong affiliation with other organizations within the County.  Specifically, CKR deliver books to our Wellington foodbank.  They also participated during the summer months at an art initiative in McCaully Village, adding a literacy component to that program.

 

Anne read a testimonial from one of the clients of her organization.  She also answered several questions from Rotary members.  Anne reported that literacy assessments of grades 3, 6 and 9 County students have shown some improvement in recent years.  She noted that CKR is a volunteer organization.  It receives approximately 75% of its funding via donations and 25% via grants.

 

Gregor thanked Anne for her presentation.

 

Kim Lee spoke about several housekeeping matters at the bottle depot.  Specifically reported that he will be replacing the vinyl chairs (which are a trip hazard) with folding chairs.  He also asked members to keep the ramp clear as this is used by the owner Mark. 

 

Howard updated everyone on details regarding Pumpkinfest.

 

Bill Pennell reported that there will be a final meeting of the dinner-dance committee following the Rotary business meeting, 

 

Two members are celebrating birthdays – Peter (October 18) and Geoff (October 21).

 

Roger provided his weekly joke. The happy toonie can was passed around.

 

Several boxes of Girl Guide cookies had been donated and were raffled off as prizes.  Christine’s ticket was pulled for the 50/50 draw, but, alas, no ace of spades.  Meeting adjourned with the four way test.