Past President Roger called the meeting to order at 7:07, with 30 members present in person and one on Zoom. Roger shared a Rotary Moment about our Rotary grace and the Rotary song was sung.
Margo had to leave early to catch the ferry, but before she left circulated a signup sheet for the Christmas potluck dinner on December 19th.
Roger formally inducted our newest member, Mary McCowan, into the club. Welcome, Mary!
Reports from the board meeting:
The Secretary’s report by Lyn detailed correspondence received and sent during the month.
Bill went through the Treasurer’s report and balance sheet for the month of October. Mike moved that the Club accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Peter; carried.
Peter reported on the Membership portfolio, noting that two new members in the past month (John Hatch and Mary McCowan) offset two departing members (Kathleen Meaney and Robynne Smith) therefore total active membership remans at 43.
On behalf of President-Elect Chris, Roger confirmed the slate of nominees for the 2025-26 board. He asked three times for any nominations from the floor. There being none, Mike moved to close the nominations; seconded by John I; carried. Accordingly, the slate is deemed elected, as follows:
President – Chris Compeau
Past President – Yvonne Buys
President Elect – Gregor Stuart
Treasurer – Bill Pennell
Secretary – Lyn McGowan
Director of Membership – Peter Campbell
Director of Literacy and Youth – Norm Dodgson
Director of Governance and Administration – Phyo Kyi
Director of Public Image – Liz Bosma-Donovan
Roger noted the excellent turnout for the FOR event earlier this week and thanked Christine and her committee for pulling it all together. He also thanked Liz for the tributes she delivered for Doug and Brenda Little, and Lari Langford. He noted that from July to November 2025, our FOR’s have covered an impressive 99 shifts at the Bottle Depot.
Roger also singled out several of our members for exemplary service in that regard. During the same July - Nov timeframe, Phyo, Trudy, Roger and William each covered 12 shifts, John I took 16, Geoff took 19 and our incoming President Elect Gregor covered an impressive 22 shifts. Outstanding service!
David M gave a brief update on the Health & Wellness Committee, noting the good community turnout for Carson Arthur’s talk this past week, and teasing 4 possible topics for future talks. Liz proposed social media (and scams) as another relevant topic for consideration. Dave also noted that the Hub and Base 31 are partnering to create a new day care centre but that doesn’t address the need here in and around Wellington. Lyn mentioned that apparently an RFP has been issued for the Niles Street property, specifying it as 2 separate parcels – one for a daycare and one for affordable housing.
With regard to the Fellowship Committee, Roger noted that 8 of the 12 planned Fellowship Dinners have taken place, with the rest scheduled by mid-December. He is considering another round in the February-March timeframe. Norm is hoping to organize a bowling night in January/February.
Funding Requests:
The board approved $500 donations for each of two “Kids Against Hunger Events” – one organized by RC of Belleville for December 13th and one organized by the RCs of Trenton and Brighton for February 21st. In addition to monetary support, we may be able to field a team of volunteers to participate in the meal packaging events.
The board approved a $500 donation for the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair.
The board recommended to the club that $750 be donated for the Quinte Region Inter Rotary Spelling Bee for 2026 (Dawn is President). Peter so moved, seconded by William, carried.
Liz proposed that we sponsor up to 2 students age 14-21, at a cost of $475 each, for the Ontario Youth Parliament which is being held for the first time in Belleville from February 13-16, 2026. So moved by Lyn, seconded by John I, carried.
Other Business:
Yvonne wanted it mentioned that a proposal will be coming forward for a “Kits for Girls” joint sewing day with RC of Picton. More about that when Yvonne returns.
Finally, Roger noted that the Wellington Town Hall Foundation asked for a letter of support for its proposal to take on ownership and operation of the Wellington Town Hall. The board had to decline as the situation is political and we are a non-political organization. Roger noted however that we, as individuals, may wish to register our support. Bill H, who is a member of the group, said they are meeting with Council this Thursday.
There were no anniversaries this week, but Cathy C is having a birthday on November 30th and Roger let slip that it’s a big one.
50/50 – Geoff’s ticket was drawn and – *** drum roll *** – HE PICKED THE ACE OF SPADES. Congratulations, Geoff!
Roger adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:30 with the Four Way Test.
On November 25th the Rotary Club of Wellington welcomed Mary McGowan as a new member. We look forward to Mary's enrichment of our Club.
