The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am.  35 Rotarians were present (34 in person and 1 on zoom).  Roger thanked those who made the beach cleanup a success on Saturday – he particularly noted the contributions of Ken, Margo, Chris, Ted Nash and Brent Insley.

 

Liz spoke briefly about the 2 indigenous students from the Thunder Bay region who were chosen as recipients of IPPC scholarships supported by our club.  One scholarship was sponsored by our club and the second scholarship was funded by individual members of our club (Howard, Margo, Iza, Christine, Liz, Lyn).

 

Howard circulated a signup sheet for those interested in purchasing new Rotary shirts and hats.

 

John Heeringa provided insight as to what Rotary means to him.  When he initially joined Rotary he was excited but uncertain.  Barry Davidson asked him to assist with the construction of the Rotary remembrance garden.  While participating in this construction effort with fellow Rotarians John came to realize that this wasn’t an organization as much as it was a family.  This sentiment was reinforced when he recently went through cancer treatment.  The support and encouragement that he received from members was heartfelt and meaningful.  John notes that his involvement in our Rotary club inspires and uplifts him every day.

 

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

 

 

Chris provided a review of correspondence messages received and sent.    

 

In Bill Pennel’s absence, Yvonne provided a comprehensive treasurer report for the month of March 2025.  Yvonne, Ken and Roger commented on why we are experiencing a revenue shortfall compared to previous years.  Yvonne indicated that she will provide insight into the optimum account balance which should be maintained going forward when she presents her incoming President budget for the 2025-26 year. Howard moved to accept the club financials for March as presented; seconded by Mike Lattner; approved unanimously.

 

Robynne spoke on her Public Image portfolio.  She noted advertising in various forms for the upcoming Wellness presentation on May 13.  She also reported that Liz will be taking over her role on the board in July.

 

Peter spoke briefly about club membership.  Wellington on the Lake resident Glen Harper has expressed an interest in attending club meetings. Peter feels that he would be an excellent addition to our club.

 

Yvonne presented on fundraising initiatives.  She noted that a cheque presentation will take place later this morning with Cynthia Riordan from the Wellington foodbank.  For the Canada Day Rib event Yvonne and Norm are finalizing arrangements to procure ribs from the “Dugout” restaurant in Belleville.  She also discussed a recent meeting with members of the foodbank and Mayor Ferguson regarding the vacant lot on Niles St.  The old Dukedome site was transferred to the Affordable Housing Corporation approximately 5 years ago.  The site was also rezoned from commercial to residential status.  Unfortunately soil contamination at the site has significantly hampered development for affordable housing purposes.  In these circumstances the foodbank is hopeful that the Affordable Housing Corporation will see fit to sell or transfer the land to them.

 

Norm provided an update on his literacy portfolio.  The storybook walk posts will be refreshed and installed on the beach boardwalk next Tuesday.  MJ Patel, the PECI student who we sponsored to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium has requested to speak at a club meeting to recount her outstanding experience.  A process is underway to select graduate scholarship recipients at PECI as well as bursary recipients at CML.  The recent electronic recycling event generated only $660 (net $450 factoring in advertising costs).  Norm felt that this financial return was not worth the effort.  Coincidentally members of the Picton Rotary Club spoke with Norm about potentially taking over or sharing this fundraising event.  Norm also indicated that all D and D booklets have been distributed.  He anticipates that this will generate @$12,000 for our club.  He thanked Mary Camp for her invaluable assistance with this project and noted that John Inwood was individually responsible for the sale of 98 booklets!

 

Chris reported that the next Wellness presentation will take place on Tuesday May 13 at 7 pm at the Wellington Legion.  Guest speaker Robert Colautti will speak about tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease.  This presentation will be dedicated to the memory of Kimball Lacey who died from complications of Lyme disease last year.

 

Ken and Colin provided an update on the sold-out June 12 golf tournament.  Pricing is $110 per person ($100 for members).  Golf hole sponsorship is $100 – last year there were 30 hole sponsors and the target this year is 40.

 

Lyn reported on plans for the Past Presidents dinner.  A tentative date has been set for June 24.  She enquired about member preference for meal format – there was significant support for pot luck vs a catered event in order to keep ticket costs low.

 

Roger spoke about attendance and member expectations.  Historically Rotary International was quite strict about ensuring attendance standards were met.  In 2010, with falling membership, RI introduced the concept of the ’85 Factor’.  That is Rotary members whose age and years of service total 85 or greater may be exempt from attending weekly meetings.  John Inwood indicated that club members who meet this criteria are expected to apply annually according to club bylaws.  Roger also indicated that he feels maintaining strong attendance is important for our club.  He noted that there are currently 3 club members with 100% attendance however there are several more members who have missed only a few meetings.  Roger addressed the concept of ‘makeup’ for a missed meeting (ie counting involvement in bottle depot or other club activities toward meeting attendance).  Roger predicts that applying makeups would elevate 100% attendance status to approximately 12-14 members.

 

 

The Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Club (PEFAC) requested $1,500 to sponsor their ‘assistance program’.  The board recommended donating $1,000 toward this cause; Mike Lattner moved to support this initiative; seconded by Peter; carried unanimously with 3 abstentions.

 

 

Trudy provided an update on the Spelling Bee.  Local competition has completed with the regional spelling bee now set for May 10th.  She asked for volunteers to participate on May 10th.

 

Peter announced that the Hastings-Prince Edward Walk for Alzheimer’s fundraiser is taking place on May 24/25 and encouraged members to participate.

 

Bill and Mary Camp are celebrating their 44^th wedding anniversary this week.  Bill Mitchell, Yvonne and Michelle Kosoy are all celebrating birthdays this week.

 

The happy toonie can was passed around.  Norm’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw and the growing pot of cash – unfortunately he was unable to draw the Ace of Spades.

 

The meeting concluded with the 4 way test.