Rotary Meeting Notes - Oct 10

There were 28 members in person and one on Zoom to hear Shannon Coull, Executive Director, and Nancy Parks, Chair of the Back the Build campaign, from the Hospital Foundation give an update on the new hospital construction.

Shannon wanted to reinforce the relationship with Rotary that resulted in a strong partnership and to thank Wellington for its great support. We are a shiny example and an inspiration to the whole community. The Wellings of Picton have been inspired to give $50,000 to the project.

She reported that in the past year, the current hospital had:

• 43,000 patient visits
• 19,776 emergency room visits
• 2,341 endoscopes

• 100% of the design is completed
• Currently the County is providing services for the new hospital during the Main Street construction that is going on in front of the hospital
• Spring 2024 - shovels in the ground for the building as soon as the tender company is chosen
• 2027 new build completed.

The project is an Innovation in hospital construction, including:

• wide halls and large rooms giving lots of space
• carbon neutral
• mass timber construction
• green roof
• purple roof which makes it a part of the storm water management
• high performance building envelope
• energy efficient plant/equipment
• Information Communication Automation Technology (ICAT) which makes it a “smart” building
• Geothermal energy sourcing

The aim is to have tomorrow’s standard of care that is patient centred, giving a “whole health experience” and control of their own environment that also frees up nursing time.

Fundraising has raised $21 million today with $6 million to go in the next four years. The latter amount is to provide extra components, like a CT Scanner, that were not considered originally. Others include:

• Mammography machine
• ICAT
• Environment sustainability

The ask of Rotary is that future donations be given as non-restrictive gifts so that the Foundation can decide whether to direct it to the building or the equipment requirements.

A cheque presentation was then made for $15,462.42, the result of our recent dinner/dance/auction that had been advertised as going to “Back the Build”.

This photo was taken to depict the cheque presentation at the meeting.  (A better publishable pic will be taken at a later date for the newspaper article and website)

In response to a question of current hospital fundraising, Shannon said that the Christmas Appeal, including the Christmas trees, conducted by the Hospital Auxiliary, funds current hospital needs. To support the Auxiliary, everyone is encourage to shop at “The Second Time Around” store in Picton by Tim Hortons.

Club Business

Our newest member, Mary Camp, was welcomed to the Club. 

Trudy advised Saturday Bottle Depot volunteers that Lacey Munroe, a student working for her volunteer hours, will be at the depot again this Saturday.

Margo and others reported on preparations for our float in the Pumpkinfest Parade:

• Decorating volunteers are expected at the Bottle Depot at 8:30 am on Saturday.
• Members are encourage to bring their grandkids to ride on the float.
• Brad Whitteker will tow the float.
• Nancy Parks will provide bales of straw.
• Bill Pennell will ask Lakeshore Farms for the loan of pumpkins and corn stocks.
• Margo will get candy to distribute.
• Lyn has some potted mums to put on the float and she encouraged anyone else who has some to bring them.
• If it is cool, Trudy will appear in the Bee costume.

Howard reminded volunteers for weighing pumpkins to be at the school yard at 11 am to effect cloud control as well as handling the pumpkins.

Members are reminded of the Rotary Foundation Walk starting from the arena at 2 pm Sunday and ending at Margo’s house. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 or more.

Christine announced the Octoberfest Dinner at Hillier Hall on Saturday, October 14 from 4:30-8 pm organized by the Hillier Rec Committee.

Peter asked for volunteers for the Legion Poppy Campaign for the following dates:

• October 27 & 28
• November 3 & 4
• Shift hours are: 10-12, 2-4, 4-6

He showed the signup lists of available dates. The 10 o’clock volunteer picks up the box from Peter at the Legion and the 4-6 pm volunteer delivers it back to him at the Legion.

Lana’s number was drawn again for the 50:50, but she did not draw the ace of spades.

--------- // ---------- 

Pictures from the 2023 PumpkinFest

(top left) Rotary Float Decorating Crew, (top right) Float Designer Margo with young helper

(top left) President Lyn with her presidential wave to the crowd, (top right) BEE HAPPY! was a smash hit with the crowd going from kid to kid giving hugs, Here, BEE HAPPY! is hugging past Rotarian and FoR Kristen Nash

For more pictures, click on the link below

https://wellingtonrotary.ca/photoalbums/2023-pumpkinfest/

--------- // ---------- 

Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week