Recently, all Rotary Club Presidents received a very special message from Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick:

 

“What matters to Rotarians is their personal club experience. Rotarians find new purpose in fellowship and completing projects together. The sense of meaning and belonging defines Rotary. We, as club members, are a family.”

 

I find it interesting that I received this message after Past-President Lyn voiced her Rotary and Eureka Moment with our club. It was very obvious that Lyn was blown away with how our Rotary club members came to her assistance when her husband and Past-President Brian passed away unexpectedly. The Wellington Rotary family was very evident and helped Lyn through a very difficult time. As a result, Lyn became a Rotarian, and a very successful President.

 

It is so important that all our members are engaged, feel wanted, and realize how important we all are in the overall scheme of things.

 

Roger Tessier, President

Wellington Rotary Club

 

The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am

30 Rotarians were present

 

Lyn provided a rotary moment in which she explained what enticed her to join Rotary.  She explained that she has been a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington for 4.5 years but was exposed to Rotary through her husband Brian for approximately 10 years before that.  From the outset she noted the high quality of people within Rotary.  When her husband died in September 2019 she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and affection from the Rotary membership.  She became a member herself in November 2019.

 

 ‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.

 

Roger provided an update on the health of members: Lois Brown indicated that Howard has Covid again.

Christine reported that her father suffered a major stroke last week.  It has been a stressful time for both her and her family.

 

Lyn provided an update on the passing of Kimbal Lacey.  Apparently his cause of death was ultimately determined to be Lyme’s Disease.  Kimbal’s celebration of life event is upcoming.  Bill Pennel noted that to date $26,000 has been raised through a ‘go fund me page’.  Ken moved that the club donate $500 to the Lacey family; seconded by Christine; carried unanimously.  Trudy will deliver the cheque in person later this week.

 

 

Bottle Bill Mitchell indicated that an additional sorter/receiver was needed for tomorrow. 

 

Yvonne reminded everyone of the impending storm and wondered whether that would impact bottle depot volume.

 

Roger reminded everyone that the Brighton karaoke barbecue is scheduled for August 12. 

 

Christine encouraged members to attend and indicated that she has a song in mind (‘stuck in the middle with you’) with accompanying props.

 

Pierre reported that he has decided to cancel tomorrow’s fellowship barbecue due to the heavy rain forecasted.  The barbecue will be rescheduled to Wednesday July 24 at 3 pm.  Roger asked whoever cannot attend this new date to communicate with Pierre.

 

Roger presented his proposed budget for 2024-25.  He fielded several questions from members.  A storage locker fee of $1,200 was listed as a liability however, in past the locker had essentially been gifted to our club for free.  It was decided to leave this line as is.  There were philosophical questions surrounding ongoing support of the Picton hospital rebuild –Some members felt that our group had contributed more than enough to this cause and we should focus on other community needs.  Roger suggested that Ken consider gathering suggestions from rotary members regarding where fundraising dollars should go.  Roger reported on the listed contribution of $6,250 toward WDCC naming rights and electronic sign.  He indicated that we will have a formal presentation on this topic in the coming weeks.  Trudy addressed the $500 line item ‘Scottish bonspiel’.  Ken indicated that there is a sizable surplus from last fiscal year.  Bill Pennell moved that the proposed budget for 2024-25 be approved; seconded by Christine; carried unanimously.

 

Jacques and Colin are both celebrating birthdays this week.