The meeting opened with 24 members and 2 guests, Wendy Matthews and Mark Henry, present. After the check on member health, the Rotary Song, O Canada (much improved by use of a metronome) and the Royal toast, Dawn introduced Wendy Matthews of County Kids Read who ‘retired’ in 2007 after a thirty-four year career in education in a variety of roles including elementary teacher, Special Ed., administration and leadership of the Ontario Federation of Elementary School Teachers. Since moving to the County, Wendy has remained very active in many local projects and activities including the Arts Trail, as well as overseas connections to a Cambodian NGO. She serves on the Board of CKR and is working to promote literacy in young children, particularly those whose learning has been challenged additionally during Covid.

Wendy began her presentation by explaining how the idea of having books for children to read when attending vaccination clinics in Picton had spawned a number of similar initiatives around the County, including the creation of a reading or ‘book nook’ space in the Lehigh Centre which kids can enjoy when waiting, for whatever reason, at the Arena. In many cases, the books aren’t just loaned but can be kept by the children if they wish. CKR has been supported by the PEC Arts Council and other local educational and social organisations. It is participating with fourteen community parties including the PEC Family Health Team, Alternatives for Women and the Food Banks to reach the most vulnerable clientele who need the help most. Low high-school graduation rates are directly linked back to failure to acquire literacy skills in the early years. CKR is grateful for the help of Mary Magdalen Church, in Picton, for giving it a space for storage and access for teachers and their students, there. CKR is also partnering with the County Foundation and Shire Hall to identify areas of need. 355 books have been given to over 90 families in the recent past. These efforts are to address the additional impacts that Covid has had on young minds with over 73% of teachers seeing high levels of anxiety in many more students. Reading can help reduce anxiety as well as raise literacy levels. Much more information on CKR can be found at its website @ countykidsread.ca. Several members posed questions to Wendy which led to further information on the scheme being elicited. Wendy was thanked by Phyo who reassured her that the Club would continue to support CKR’s work for literacy.

MPres Trudy then introduced Mark Henry, formerly of Fields on West Lake, and still very much involved with the County Marathon. This event is returning after Covid and Mark wants to revive the long and positive support of the Club for this once-annual event, especially by providing marshalls for various jobs on the race day. This year, it will take place on Sunday October 2nd with 210 runners already registered including several overseas competitors. Some of the proceeds from the race will go the new PECM Hospital and that, as well as much more information about the Marathon can be found at info@countymarathon.ca. Mark was thanked by MPres Trudy.

In Club Business, Bill had urgent needs for the second shifts on Wed & Sat. Some of these were covered. PP Howard then reminded members of the Past President’s Dinner on June 21st. Most of the 50 attendees have paid and should bring their own beverages to the event. There will be a cocktail time beginning at 5.30. It is intended to have some special guests attend (at the Club’s expense) in order to make the big presentation to the Back the Build Campaign of the cheque for $308,000 that was pledged. Additional guests to the representatives from the PECMH Foundation may include Mark Armstrong and his wife and the anonymous donor of the £50,000 donation to the hospital that has been held in trust by the Club for several years. MPres Trudy then went on to thank those members who had already paid their annual dues of $200 with a reminder, to those who had not yet done so, how these may be paid. Volunteers for Canada Day activities should contact Lana to help prepare and sell Rotary Ribs in the Park. Someone to spearhead the Rotary Float preparation is still needed though a tow vehicle has been offered. July 5th emergency food packing is still happening at Loyalist College with any additional volunteers welcome - contact Pres Elect Ken. The Fall Fundraiser Committee met after the main meeting. Richard Todd’s birthday was congratulated and, after the customary formalities, the meeting closed at 8.23.

 

Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week

Wednesday June 15, 2022

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Ted Nash, Ken Robertson, Alex Lacher (FoR)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Reg LaPierre (FoR)
Needed: 1 Cashier, 2 Sorter/Receivers

 

Saturday June 18, 2022