President Yvonne called the meeting to order at 7:07 with 30 Rotarians and 2 guests in attendance (prospective member John Hatch for his 3^rd meeting and Dorothy Spiers, our guest speaker from Perfectly Preserved.) 

Our guest speaker was introduced by John I. Dorothy began by thanking our club for its recent donation, which together with a donation from the Picton Rotary Club enabled Perfectly Preserved to buy a new tent which is being used weekly at the Farmer’s Markets in Wellington on Saturday and Picton on Sunday. Dorothy explained that Perfectly Preserved, which is comprised of 10 women, is affiliated with the PECMH Auxiliary. The group started almost 10 years ago, with a mandate to produce preserves, pickles and baked goods for sale as a fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds going to the hospital for the purchase of medical equipment. They started out cooking in their own kitchens and selling only at the annual Festival of Trees. Evolving over time, they have rented space from the Food Hub industrial kitchen in Sophiasburg and now meet weekly in the kitchen of the South Bay United Church in Milford. They now sell at the Curling Club on Festival of Trees weekend, at the Women’s Institute sale at the Picton Fairgrounds in August and weekly from May to October at the Farmers Markets in Wellington and Picton. Thanks to generous growers who donate or give substantial discounts on their produce, donations of canning jars by the community and a grant from the PECMC Grant Program, Perfectly Preserved was able to donate $34,000 to the hospital last year and hopes to exceed that this year. Their operation has grown to be the second biggest fundraiser for the hospital, after the Second Time Around Shop. Their baking is extremely popular and Dorothy reminded us there is a Christmas sale, by pre-order, and a sale at the Crystal Palace on Nov. 16. Dorothy was thanked by Geoff. 

Club Business 

Christine reminded everyone there will be another breakfast from Sprigwich on Oct. 28 for which she will be taking pre-orders. Yvonne encouraged everyone to check out the Online Auction list. Peter will begin the process to move John H’s membership application forward. His information goes first to the Board for approval, then to the membership which has seven days to raise any potential objection. 

Upcoming Events 

Oct 16 - Pumpkinfest – Parade and 50/50 draw. Tent setup in front of the church at 8. Draw at the pumpkin-weighing. Parade float decorating starting at 9. Pumpkin-weighing – 2 teams organized.  

Oct 16 - Dinner/Dance – table setup at 9 am Friday. 76 tickets sold. 

Oct 26 – Electronic Recycling Event with Picton Rotary – teams set up. 

Nov 18 – Friends of Rotary Event – 14 positive responses so far. Margo noted that some FOR’s have been having difficulty responding. Christine will send out another email. 

Birthdays and Anniversaries – Congratulations were expressed for Peter’s birthday on Oct 18 and John and Robynne’s anniversary on Oct 15. 

50/50 Draw – Bill H’s ticket was drawn but he did not pick the ace of spades. The pot continues to grow! 

President Yvonne closed the meeting at 8:16 with the Four Way Test.