President's Message 

 

 

 

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This joint meeting, by Zoom with the Campbellford Club, opened with 27 present at the Legion, including our two guests, and a further 7 members joining on-line. 

Having been introduced, Brett Lyons, who was accompanled by Angie, opened his presentation by thanking Service Clubs, in the area, including our own, for the support Quinte Sailability has received over several years and how fund raising is an essential element along with other sources of income for the Program. The home base of the Program has recently moved from the RCAF Yacht Club in Trenton to the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club, occasioned by natural causes. Quinte Sailability is also part of the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a disability. With specially-adapted dinghies and other boats, as well as three ‘coach’ boats, the primary emphasis is always on the safety of the participants, so that a very wide range of individuals with differing abilities can be accommodated. Half of all the costs of the Program come from the fees paid by students and assistance is also given by forty-two volunteers, eighteen of which are regular forces personnel. This amounts to over 2,300 hours of volunteer help each year.

The Program offers a wide range of sailing opportunities including recreational, cruising, racing and therapeutic. Some of these lead to Cansail Certification though the overall goal is to build self-confidence for the participants and suiting the experience to each individual. There is also the opportunity for some to participate in regattas such as in Nepean and Hamilton. This kind of program is part of the “ablesailnetwork” which is comprised of seventeen individual organizations from Victoria to Halifax. After, once again recognising our Club’s ongoing support and answering questions, Brett was thanked by Linda and presented with a souvenir pen by MPres Trudy.  Brett and Angie stayed with us for the rest of the meeting.

In Club business, the Bottle Depot was staffed for the rest of March when Phyo’s unexpected absence was covered by Mike. MPres Trudy offered chocolate Easter bunnies for sale on behalf of the PEC Lions Club which Barry quickly snapped up. The faulty D & D books will be replaced thanks to Michelle and Norm. Well spotted, Linda! The Rotary maple syrup is being bottled at the week-end by Yvonne and other volunteers and, as supplies are limited and fifty-two cases have been pre-ordered, it is highly advisable to move quickly as possible to acquire some. Pres Elect Ken announced that twenty Hello, Bonjour breakfasts would now be ordered each week, going forward. 

MPres Trudy also announced that this year’s Past President’s Dinner will take place on June 21st at Wellington on the Lake and that our Club had raised $4,270 by individual members for Ukraine.

The meeting closed after congratulating Chris and Sean on their birthdays.

 

 

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9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Bill Pennell, Jacques Michaud, Peter Campbell

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy Brown, Phyo Kyi, Sethu Madhaven (FoR)
 

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