The meeting opened under the stewardship of PP Mike deputising for absent Pres. Ken with 26 members present, including new member Roger Tessier and plus his guest from the Northumberland Sunrise Club, Cathy Cavanagh. Our guest speaker, Steve Rutledge, joined us via Zoom. After the opening formalities, Ted demonstrated his prototype for the Storyboard installations to go beside the Millennium Trail through Wellington. These will be free-standing but with substantial bases to keep them located, made from pressure-treated wood and with a lexan cover to protect the words and images while allowing them to be changed as necessary. 16 will be needed in all and Ted requested help in their assembly. Mike also awarded Certificates of Appreciation for those volunteers from the Club who had helped pack the emergency food parcels in Belleville (Ted, Barry, Yvonne, Lyn, Tim, Ken & Christine) which totalled 22,000.

Speaker Steve Rutledge was introduced by Michelle who knows Steve well since she and her husband Pierre helped with Steve’s “Adopt a Village” project in Laos. Steve is also well-known to our Club and Michelle gave a review of his background and accomplishments that reminded us of the tremendous work he has done, and continues to do, through Rotary, for which he has received many awards. Steve showed a video of the work going on in Laos to bring clean water and sanitation to remote mountain villages from major civil schemes to individual ceramic water filters that remove 99.98% of impurities including bacteria. Financing and attention is currently being split between providing running water and additional toilets for the local school. Steve has been able to provide 608 filters through his sponsorship scheme which every Rotarian is encouraged to support. Since Steve had spoken to our Club several times in the past, there were a number of questions for him from members including about the life-span of the filters (6-8 years), their cost ($125 each with tax receipt for individual donors) and how certain parts of the water systems are constructed. Steve was thanked by Dave Robinet, a former fellow club member at Whitby Sunrise.

In Club business, PP Trudy informed us of a combined project by Domain Darius, Carson’s and Gillingham Brewery to sell sunflowers in aid of Ukraine. This initiative was broadly supported by the Club with several suggestions as to how we might help. Bill’s bottle needs were covered and he also promoted our attendance at the Brighton Club celebration and barbecue on August 15th next. Lana and Colin gave updates on the Golf Tournament with 18 teams projected. Fees can be etransfered to Trudy. It is possible to attend the meal without the golf and everyone must indicate their choice of roast beef or chicken. Hole sponsorships and ball donations are sought. Phyo spoke briefly about the Kate’s Rest Aquaponics Project, asking for anyone who might be interested in volunteering in the aquaponics installation. Linda was thanked by Chris Compeau for her efforts on the Storyboard Project and commented that it could be up and running by Labour Day.

Dave Robinet was congratulated on his birthday this week as were David and Shirley Smith on their 47th wedding anniversary. The meeting closed after the 4 Way Test at 8.17.