The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am. 29 Rotarians were present (27 in person and 2 on zoom). Roger specifically welcomed back John Inwood.
Howard noted that Family Day on February 17 is fast approaching. He circulated sign-up sheets for Family Day Rotary events including soup distribution.
Norm reported that the last electronic recycling event netted $1,200 for our club. He noted that our club essentially helps someone every day. He said that he has played on many teams over the years but this Rotary group is the best team he has ever played for!
‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.
Roger noted that several of our Rotarians plan on attending the Rotary International Conference in Calgary in June of this year. He indicated that club funds are available to help defray the cost of attendance for any interested members. He also noted that a few spots are still available in October for the Rotary District Conference meeting at the Fern Resort.
Club Forum
Chris provided a review of correspondence messages received and sent.
Bill provided a comprehensive treasurer report for the months of November and December 2024. Of note, the club has achieved approximately 65% of its projected budget after six months. Trudy moved to accept the club financials for November as presented; seconded by Howard; approved unanimously. Bill Hurst moved to accept the club financials for December as presented; seconded by John Inwood; carried unanimously.
Yvonne presented on fundraising initiatives. She reported on exciting developments regarding municipal land at the old Duke Dome site. A county resident together with the Wellington Foodshare Foodbank are putting together a proposal to acquire the vacant land and build both a daycare and a new foodbank on the site. The foodbank is seeking support of our Rotary for this initiative. The Foodbank board will be meeting soon to craft a business proposal to present before council in order to hopefully acquire the vacant land. After some discussion Ken presented the following motion: ‘our Rotary club approve of the concept to develop a foodbank and daycare at the old Duke Dome site and will fundraise to support it’; seconded by John Inwood; carried unanimously.
Yvonne also reported on presales of maple syrup. To date approximately 78% of bottles have been sold. Based on temperature predictions, maple sap will likely start to flow in late February. Yvonne also asked club members for opinions on whether we should be selling ribs again at this year’s Canada Day event. She indicated that she would organize the rib preparation if she had support. There was strong support amongst club members to proceed with Rib Fest again this year.
Norm provided an update on his literacy portfolio. There has been one student from PECI (MJ Patel) who will be sponsored by our club for the upcoming RYLA symposium. Norm is waiting to hear from Cynthia Riordan’s son Luc if he is available to participate as well. A new book has been chosen for this year for the ‘Story Book Walk’. With Mary Camp’s strong support the sponsorship of the Diners and Duffers booklet has risen from 12 to 25 sponsors. Booklets will be available in late March and will remain at a sale price of $40 each.
Roger and Norm provided an update on fellowship activities. A club bowling event has been planned either late February or early March. Bowling will take place from 2-4 pm with a pizza dinner to follow. There was strong interest among members to participate in this event. Norm will finalize a date and cost and circulate this information to Rotarians. Bill Pennell felt that we need to be mindful of Friends of Rotary when organizing fellowship events. Roger agreed and will plan to include Friends of Rotary in the next cycle of fellowship dinners.
Ken indicated that he is in the process of updating Club bylaws.
Norm noted that the County is considering putting a recycling bin at the Picton dump for electronic waste. How this will influence any future Rotary electronic recycling events remains to be seen.
Funding requests
The Burundi Ambulance Project had requested funds ($85,000) to purchase an ambulance however the board decided not to support this funding request at this time.
CML Snider had requested $500 to support their Food for Learning Program and the board decided to
donate the $500 amount.
Vanessa Lavender, a local resident who is currently a second year Engineering student at Dalhousie, has requested $750 funding to support the Global Brigades Society which is planning to bring clean water to
a community in Guatemala. The board recommended donating $750 toward this organization; Howard moved to support this initiative; seconded by Mary; carried unanimously. Trudy asked if Vanessa could ultimately present her experience on this initiative to our club.
Business
Martha has agreed to chair a committee dealing with Rotary Youth Exchange. There are tentative plans to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Picton as a joint venture in the Rotary Youth Exchange.
There were no birthdays or anniversaries this week. The happy toonie can was passed around. David Smith’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – he drew the ace of hearts! So close (and yet so far).
The meeting concluded with the 4 way test.
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