Rotary Meeting Notes - Oct 24

There were 26 members and one guest, Robynne Heeringa, to hear Hilary Fennell, Community Relations Lead at the ROC, say that the organization had been established in 2000 as the Recreation Outreach Centre. In 2017 it moved to new space at 299 Main Street, Picton and rebranded as the ROC & PEC Youth Centre, www.theroc.ca. Now it provides no cost services for 12-18 year old youths in several areas:

• Basic needs such as lunch, sanitary kits, Food to Share, transportation. Their location is within walking distance of the high school for easy access.
• Mental wellness counselling .
• Justice system navigation for those involved.
• Leadership skills and social development.
• Youth inclusion program.
• Youth advisory committee.

Since school started in September, it has already had 1100 visits.  

The ROC is reconnecting with the school boards in the County, including CML Snider, that had services dropped during COVID to see what services could be provided to students in Grades 7 & 8.

The annual budget of $420,000 is funded by a combination of grants and fund raising. It is operated by staff and volunteers.

Hilary ended by quoting some testimonials from students who said:

• It is the first time that I felt that I mattered.
• ROC services are outstanding and it provides me with a safe place.
• ROC provides services when there is no help at home.

Club Business

Peter responded to the question from last week as to how many veterans are being assisted by the “Off the Street” Legion program:

• Trenton    19 vets
• Belleville    5  “
• Cobourg    7  “
• Kingston  57  “
• Oshawa   22  “

Assistance to them totals $130,000 for the multitude of services including rent, food, transportation, moving, comfort bags, dental, gas cards, mortgages and medical.

Regarding Legion Manor, Peter reported that the Legion had been a sponsor to get it built, but now its only involvement is to have two persons on the Manor Board.

Ken reported on members willing to stand for nomination for next year’s Rotary Board:

• Yvonne for President Elect
• Bill Pennell for Treasurer.
• Ken for Governance Director

A revised portfolio for next year is a Public Image Director that would inform the public of what Rotary is doing in our community. This position is open for nomination. Christine and Phyo will assist in this portfolio but nominations for a Director are being sought.

Ken reported that the Christmas party will be held on December 19 at either WOTL or the Legion. Peter will determine which venue is available. After a quick “straw” vote, it was decided that it would be a potluck. Lana offered to manage the potluck contributions to avoid “12 versions of meatballs” being served.

Ken announced that the charge for our enhanced breakfast required an increase to $25/month. As before, if it develops a surplus, a “no charge” period would be granted.

Colin announced the date for next year’s golf tournament as Thursday, June 13, 2024.

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

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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week