The meeting was called to order by President Lyn at 7:07 am. 25 Rotarians were present plus 3 on Zoom. The Rotary Song and ‘O’ Canada’ were sung. David Hawkins read the Rotary Prayer. Breakfast was served.

Lyn provided an update on health of members:  Kim Lee is attending his oncologist in Kingston for updated bloodtest.  Barry was feeling unwell over the weekend and is attending via Zoom. Lois continues to recovery from complicated dental surgery – Howard is hopeful that she will return next week. Trudy inquired as to the wellbeing of Geoff – Margo indicated that she will reach out to him.

Chris reported, in his capacity as Secretary, on the notes and emails received and sent over the past month.

Treasurer Report:

Yvonne provided a comprehensive Treasurers report for the month of January.  She presented a new format which she hoped would be easier for the members to follow and understand.  She subdivided the treasury components into 4 parts and elaborated on each in her financial report; Initiatives, Club dues/meetings/dinners, Charitable disbursements, Club expenses.

This new means of presenting the Treasurers report was well received.  Pierre moved that this form of reporting be undertaken on an ongoing basis; seconded by Michelle; carried unanimously.

Fundraising:

Norm provided a brief update on the electronic recycling initiative – he projects that our club’s net profit will be approximately $1,200-1,400.  Norm also reported that the D and D booklets are being printed this week – 350 booklets have been ordered and so far 330 have been presold at $40/booklet.  He estimates @ $12,000 profit.

Yvonne reported on the maple syrup fundraiser.  So far 730 of 1,000 bottles have been presold.  Bottling will take place next week.  Yvonne also presented the idea that guest speakers at our morning meetings should receive a bottle of maple syrup rather than a pen.  Martha moved that speakers receive a complimentary bottle of syrup when the current stockpile of pens are gone; seconded by Bill P; carried unanimously.

Norm reported that the story boards for the story book walk are being put together in anticipation of being installed on the millennial trail in April.

Dawn briefly reported on the spelling bee.  Several schools in the county are participating this year.

Norm indicated that Thomas Rice, a 15 year old student from PECI, was chosen to attend the upcoming RYLS.

Membership:

Peter reported that Roger Pardy has attended 2 meetings.  There are family issues which will limit his attendance in the near future, however he seems to be a good fit with the club.

Club Administration:

Lyn reported that the breakfast program appears to be functioning well. The family day experience by all accounts was a resounding success.  Lyn acknowledged the advice on lessons learned from the past presidents.

There is only one fellowship dinner remaining.  The feedback from this initiative has been excellent.  There are tentative plans for a fall barbecue and resumption of more fellowship dinners later in the year.

New initiatives:

Lyn provided an update on the beach mat initiative.  Corona has come forward as a major sponsor of this project with a projected contribution of $32,000.  This represents 1 of 40 similar accessability beach mats to be placed at beaches across Canada.  The initiative has expanded to include a wider beach mat (6 ft), mobility chairs and a storage shed.  Taking into consideration all sources of funding our rotary club will only be contributing approximately $1,000.

David Mackinnon provided an update on the work of the wellness committee.  Unfortunately our nurse practitioner initiative did not receive provincial funding.  David is still optimistic that other avenues of government funding may become available.  He also reported on the preparation of a series of interactive wellness talks which the committee is working on.

Margo provided a brief update on the Home Share initiative.  Queen’s University research group are on board to support this initiative.

Funding Requests:

Lyn presented 2 funding requests for consideration.  The Indigenous Peoples Partnership Cluster Committee (IPPCC) is requesting $2,000 to support 2 bursaries for indigenous Lakehead University students.   Howard moved that our Rotary club fully support this initiative; seconded by Dawn; carried unanimously with one abstention (David M).

Lyn also presented a funding request of $1,000 to support a youth day spring birding festival at the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.  Trudy questioned as to why we would be supporting an ‘animal initiative’ when we typically don’t support these.  Yvonne commented that the youth aspect of the request fits with our current mandate.  Bill P moved that our Rotary club support this initiative; seconded by Trudy; carried unanimously.

Business

Lyn reported on the District grant qualification process.  Two club members are required to take the online course in order to access district grant money.  John Heeringa has taken the course.  Martha agreed to take this course as well.

Yvonne proposed a slight modification of our club rules regarding 50-50 ticket sales.  She suggested that if a club member is not present at a meeting that a surrogate could purchase one ticket on their behalf.  It was agreed by all members that this was reasonable.

Trudy reported that she will be taking orders for chocolate bunnies ($5) on behalf of the Lions Club.

David MacKinnon’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw however he failed to produce the ace of spades from the deck.