First off, I’d like to thank all those who came out to help with the beach cleanup yesterday. To say it was cold and blustery would be a massive understatement! But our dedicated crew bravely battled the elements armed with brooms, shovels and blowers, and in the space of about 2 hours the job was done. In addition to our hardy Rotarians, we were joined by FOR’s Sethu, Cathy and Liam, as well as Hope and Jennifer, two of Barry’s stepdaughters, and Corbin from the HUB. After the cleanup, we enjoyed (as best we could in the driving wind) an excellent feast of barbecued burgers and sausages, courtesy of grill-master Ken, and numerous tasty salads, courtesy of Margo. Congratulations on a job well done!

The next event on our planning horizon is the installation of the Accessibility Beach Mats at Wellington Rotary Beach. Mark your calendars - the grand opening is currently scheduled for May 9, weather permitting. On opening day, there will be local persons with disabilities, Paralympians, influencers, press releases, media and some filming. We hope the mayor and councillors will be there to cut the ribbon and be interviewed. I hope many of you will attend. It will be fabulous to have a fully accessible and inclusive beach in the Bay of Quinte area, as such does not currently exist, with the closest one being Cobourg Beach.

There is much still to be done though, in the next two and a half weeks. The mats and shed are on order and expected to be delivered in the first week of May. The site for the mats has to be prepared and graded by the County, and the pad prepared for the delivery of the storage shed. Members of the Beach Mat Committee are meeting with our local councillor and County staff on Monday afternoon to work out some of the logistics. Then, on Tuesday evening, Ken and I will make a deputation to County Council where Council has to vote to formally “accept” the gift of the mats. Just a formality, I’m told, a process to be gotten through. Anyway, wish us luck!

The meeting was called to order by President Lyn at 7:06 am

25 Rotarians were present plus 2 on Zoom (Dave Robinet and Peter Campbell), there was 1 guest (Wayne Healey, a friend of Kim Lee).

Lyn provided a rotary minute which highlighted the history of Rotary as it relates to civic responsibility.

‘O’ Canada’ was sung.

Lyn recited a prayer.

Breakfast was served.

Lyn provided an update on the health of members:

Colin reported that Dorothy Mitchell recently fell and broke her arm.

Pierre reported that Reg Gemmel is very weak and spends most of his day in bed

Lyn reported that David Hawkins has ‘pink eye’ and thus stayed home.

Ted Nash reported that brown trout will be delivered this Wednesday from 2-4 pm at the Wellington Docks for release into Lake Ontario. Young salmon will be released into holding pens on Thursday from 2-4 pm. All are welcome to either watch or participate.

Guest Speaker: Kim Lee on hearing Loss

Bill Hurst introduced the guest speaker, Kim Lee, who is presenting today on the topic of hearing loss. Bill provided a personal anecdote on his own struggles with hearing loss and noted what a serious health issue this can be.

Kim thanked Howard for recommending that he speak on this topic. He spoke briefly about the physiology of hearing and the various forms of hearing loss. He discussed the symptoms of tinnitus. He specifically noted how prolonged loud noise can permanently impair hearing. Kim recounted his own difficulties with hearing impairment. He perforated his eardrum from an injury sustained in a hockey game many years ago. He reported gradual deterioration in the quality of his hearing over many years. He uses hearing aids which help but are not perfect. He encouraged members to consider having their hearing tested. Kim emphasized that when speaking with someone with hearing impairment you should face them directly and speak loudly and slowly.

There was an open lively discussion amongst Rotarians about individual experiences with hearing loss. The topics included the use and purchase of hearing aids (including government rebate to support costs), living with tinnitus and hearing impairment, and living with a spouse who has hearing impairment.

Pierre thanked Kim for his presentation.

Club Business

Tim Cox requested and received manpower support for this weeks’ bottle depot staffing.

Lyn reported that our spelling bee team placed second in the recent Rotary tournament. It was noted however that the word which was misspelled (kielbasa) has multiple forms of spelling (including kolbassa). Lyn is contemplating "legal action" in this matter!

Lyn noted that the beach cleanup is scheduled for Saturday April 20th – participants should show up at 10 am with their tools.

PErCY, the recycling receptacle, was positioned at the Wellington Beach by Bill Pennell and Kim Lee.

Barry Davidson’s celebration of life event is scheduled for April 19 (mass at St. Gregory’s Church in Picton at 11 am followed by a reception at the Wellington Community Centre).

Bill Pennell announced that there will be a dinner-dance committee meeting after next Tuesday’s meeting.

Ken reported that the Past President’s Dinner is scheduled for June 25 at the WOTL auditorium. Tickets are $45 pp and the same caterer will be used as last year.

Yvonne announced the upcoming Rotary Yard Sale on May 25 with all proceeds going to support the Wellington Food Bank.

Chris reminded everyone of the second Wellness series lecture tonight at the Wellington arena at 7 pm. He solicited support for setup from members. He noted that the next planned lecture will be May 21 at 7 pm.

Yvonne’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – she failed to pull the ace of spades. Too bad...