The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am. 34 Rotarians were present. Roger welcomed Geoff and offered his condolences on the recent death of his wife and also welcomed Lana back from her extended Florida holiday.
Roger introduced Gregor to present his ‘rotary moment’. Gregor initially felt that this was meant for more tenured members nevertheless he was happy to speak his truth. Barry Davidson, with whom Gregor worked on the Millenium Trail Committee, was the member who initially suggested that he entertain joining the Rotary club. Gregor was interested in participating in an organization that ‘gave back’ to the community. He was also impressed at both the scale (ie $600,000 cumulative club donation to the Picton hospital new build) as well as the high level of participation within the club (citing the bottle depot experience). He echoed a sentiment expressed by Yvonne in recent weeks where she noted that Rotary involvement was also an excellent way to create new social networks and friendships.
Roger reported that the guest speaker unfortunately cancelled due to illness. ‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.
Roger inquired about the health of members. Unfortunately Ted Nash suffered an injury to his knee and is undergoing an MRI scan today.
Roger and Peter conducted the induction ceremony for new club member Kathleen Meaney.
Ken reported once again on amended club bylaws. He noted specifically an amendment made to article 17 of the bylaws which indicated that 2/3 of ‘total membership’ votes are required in order to amend a club bylaw. Peter moved to approve this bylaw change; seconded by Bill Pennell; carried unanimously.
Ken also spoke about the upcoming Wellington beach cleanup on April 26th from 10-12. He noted that a barbecue will follow. A show of hands indicated committed member participation.
Dawn and Lyn both spoke about the spelling bee experience. Lyn reported that our club tied for first with the Rotary Club of Belleville at the recent inter-club spelling bee competition. Dawn thanked all members who have participated thus far in the local school spelling bees.
Mary reported that the Diners and Duffers booklet sales are going relatively well. She highlighted John Inwood who has remarkably sold 90 booklets on his own! She encouraged members to do their best to continue selling.
Yvonne provided a final report on the Maple Syrup fundraiser. The club sold 1,800 bottles (which included 500 to the Rotary Club of Stirling and 200 to the Rotary Club of Cobourg). The total proceeds raised for our Wellington Storehouse Foodbank is $16,000! Trudy recommended that the cheque be issued via our Foundation.
Yvonne and Chris both spoke briefly on Wellness Committee initiatives. Yvonne noted that our Provincial Government recently announced an initiative to improve access to Primary Care via the expansion of Health Care Teams within Ontario. Chris noted that the next Wellness Presentation will take place on Tuesday May 13 on ‘Lyme Disease Prevention’ by Queen’s University Associative Professor Dr. Robert Calautti.
Ken and Colin both spoke about the upcoming spring Rotary golf tournament. Ken requested door prize gifts and golf hole sponsors for this event. Yvonne donated a copy of her birding book for the cause. Ken reported that proceeds from this event will go toward sending local underprivileged children to summer camps.
Chris reported that while attending the PECI spelling bee on April 14 both he, Gregor and Trudy were approached by MJ Patel. She is the student that our club sponsored to attend the recent Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium. She thanked us for supporting her and noted that the weekend was a ‘life-changing’ event for her. She also indicated her desire to speak about her experience at one of our upcoming meetings.
Howard indicated his desire to order new Rotary hats and shirts for members in need of a Rotary wardrobe ‘refresh’. He will send out an email to members shortly with options and prices.
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries. Phyo’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – both Trudy and Phyo indicated that this was the first time in 10 years that his ticket had been drawn! He was clearly overdue for a win! Could this be the ‘Rory McIlroy moment’ of our 50/50 draw? Would a decade of injustice be rectified? A hush fell over the room as Phyo pulled a card from the deck – but alas, no ace of spades.
The meeting concluded with the 4-way test.
.png)
