The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:05 am. 30 Rotarians were present.
Roger thanked Pierre and Connie LeBrun for hosting last week’s fellowship barbecue. He also thanked Tim for bringing and setting up the tent and Norm for barbecuing.
Mike Lattner spoke about what Rotary means to him. He has many fond memories over the past 20 years. However, what stood out was Wellington co-hosting the district conference with Picton several years ago. It was a productive conference where he had the opportunity to meet many Rotarians from around the world. It made clear the amazing scope and breadth of Rotary.
‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins read an invocation. Breakfast was served.
Roger provided an update on health of members:
Everyone noted that it was very nice to see Geoff Telling at the recent barbecue.
Unfortunately, Nancy, wife of Tim Cox, broke a couple of bones in her foot recently.
Forum
Chris reviewed emails and letters received over the past month.
Yvonne provided a comprehensive treasurer report for the months of May and June as well as ‘year in review’ summary of financials. Mike moved to approve the May report; seconded by Bill P.; carried unanimously. Trudy moved to approve the June report; seconded by Peter; carried unanimously.
Highlights from the year in review analysis included total revenue of more than $126,000 with overall disbursements exceeding $100,000. The overhead costs for our Rotary Club was approximately 4%. In the bottle depot we collectively processed almost one million units (cans and bottles) in the past year!
Christine thanked Yvonne for her hard work as treasurer.
Ken noted that as president he didn’t invest a lot of effort into the district grant application process, but he acknowledged Lyn’s work in applying for grants and applauded the great benefits received by the club with the accessibility beach mat funding.
As director of communications and public image Robynne noted that she will be putting information from Yvonne’s ‘year in review’ report on Facebook, in the Times and on 99.3 FM to let the entire community know the great work that we do.
Norm provided a Literacy and Youth report update. He noted that one of our Rotary scholarship winners was going to Queen’s University to study Life Sciences with the goal of becoming a physician. Three local Syrian children were recently enrolled in a swimming program for $300 – this funding request was approved at the board level.
Peter noted that only 2 club members have not paid their 2024-25 dues.
Ken reported that the breakfast program is essentially running well. Dave Robinet is continuing his digitalizing of archived images onto clubrunner.
Bill Pennell reported that the dinner dance-auction plans are moving forward nicely.
Funding Requests:
The noted request for $300 for 3 Syrian children to enroll in swimming lessons was approved by the board.
PEFAC has requested $1,500 to support the membership assistance program; motion to approve by Howard; seconded by Kim; Fiive Rotarians, who are also PEFAC members, abstained. Otherwise unanimous support.
Rotary Business
Bill Mitchell questioned whether we should consider growing our club by getting each Rotarian to invite one inviting potential member to a breakfast meeting. This generated discussion regarding what the optimal size of our club should be. Roger shared his opinion that the optimal number is likely less than 50 people (probably in the 43-45 range), and that his goal is to increase our membership by (net) 1 this year. (We are currently at about 40)
Peter indicated that the Friends of Rotary (FoR) are an excellent source for new members. Phyo agreed and indicated that some FoR's have suggested being invited to more social events.
Christine won a bet with Norm regarding whether it would rain at the fellowship barbecue – she gifted him an umbrella and chocolate toonie for being a good sport.
Lyn’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – unfortunately she did not pick the ace of spades – too bad.
The Magic of Wellington Rotary...
Robynne provided a very clear synopsis of our Club's fundraising efforts and donations made this past year. Read all about it:
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