President's Message   

 

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The meeting opened promptly in the usual manner with 30 members present and our two guest speakers, Susan Quaiff and Sabrina Hudson, joining by Zoom. These two ladies were introduced by Norm who explained that Sabrina, who has been involved with supporting children and families with special needs for 15 years, whilst living in the County and raising two girls, would speak to that particular aspect of The Hub’s work and Susan would address its programs more generally.

Sabrina began by explaining that to provide the means to support families with children with special needs, it is particularly important to create a safe and welcoming environment. At The HUB, as well as in the satellite programs and venues, it is always attempted to create a “feels like home” atmosphere where participants can feel comfortable. There are currently 13 play groups in The County and a range of outdoor summer programs that are able to be inclusive of the whole family. The emphasis is on play-based learning but much more is provided, help with food insecurity in conjunction with the Community Development Council of Belleville (the Good Food program), the Baby Box program which helps with needs such as diapers and formula, and help to know how to obtain and prepare healthy affordable meals.

Susan Quaiff took over from her colleague by recalling a previous, pre-Covid, visit to our Club when she had explained the work of The HUB as it was then. She is now responsible for the Picton centre which offers 85 day care places and a further 37 in Rednersville plus a staff of 47 and an annual budget of $1,500,000. After explaining the overall nature of The HUB, which can best be understood by a visit to the Website at: www.thehubcentre.ca, Susan emphasized its connections to other elements in the equation such as schools and foodbanks. She said that the promised $10 a day day-care should be available by 2025. She then fielded questions including how The HUB is funded (principally public money but an important part from donations from various sources), and whether The HUB can be of assistance in getting suitable candidates, selected by our Club, into summer camp programs next year. Susan said that she would do her best to have this happen. Michelle also asked of there was any possibility of another satellite centre being opened in Wellington. Several members who had knowledge of The HUB’s summer programs were highly complimentary about them. Susan and Sabrina were thanked by Lyn and it was clear that their work inspired enthusiasm and support.

In Club business, Lyn was commiserated with regarding her shoulder injury, Rotary fellowship at the Brighton Club’s Barbecue was celebrated, Bill’s immediate bottle depot volunteers needs were met, and a topical issue for our Club and the community’s awareness was discussed with John Inwood sharing some pertinent historical information. A request had been received for us to resume our participation in the Rotary Spelling Bee. Linda had expressed interest in this as well as PP Trudy who is still looking after the Bee costume(s). Pres. Ken announced the last chance to order new Rotary Orange T-shirts. Christine shared that she would be recording a segment for County FM on the Storybook Trail on August 22nd, to be aired on September 1st. Unfortunately the health of Charles Lacey is not improving as quickly as was hoped. Dave Robinet awarded the “Bent Can Trophy” to Pres. Ken. Colin up-dated the Club on the Golf Tournament. There are very few, if any, spots left for golfers but there are still ‘dinner tickets only’ for sale at $30.

 

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