PP Roger called the meeting to order at 7:07, with 33 members in attendance and 2 guests (Mary Robinet and guest speaker Hardik Patel.) We began with a moment of silence, followed by a Remembrance reflection, after which Roger recognized our 2 veterans, Peter and Ken. 

Dave Robinet introduced our guest speaker. Hardik is a community organizer and restauranteur, having opened the Bay Leaf Restaurant in Belleville. He arrived in Canada as an international student at Loyalist College 7 years ago, knowing no one. Immediately recognizing the need, he started Belleville International 3 days after his arrival. Its tagline is “bridging the gap for international students and community.” Hardik stated very clearly that the organization does not accept any funding or grants. Hardik had a 3-year bachelor’s degree and a 2-year master’s degree in IT before he arrived in Canada and had worked for 5 years for a multinational in India. He graduated from Loyalist as Valedictorian, which he achieved while working two or more jobs – he would work at Burger King from 12-8, then at Little Texas from 10-3. His passion is to learn from others, to share stories. He allows non-profits and groups to use his restaurant free of charge. He hopes to get his parents to come to Canada, eventually – his mother runs an NGO in India, focused on street kids. He believes in supporting local, organizes community cleanups, and recently organized a Diwali Festival in Belleville. This is a young man who has a lot of energy and obviously believes in what he does. He was thanked by David M. 

Club Business 

Carson Arthur’s Wellness presentation will be at 7:30 on Monday, November 17 in the Rotary Room at the WDCC. David M could use some help setting up chairs at 6:15. 

Christine reminded members there will no morning meeting on November 18 and requested us to arrive at the Legion at 5 pm that evening to set out food, in time for the FOR’s arrival at 5:30. 

Bill H advised that the County/Affordable Housing Corporation plan to have the Duke Dome site re-tested. If it passes, they will issue an RFP and it will include the Foodbank’s interest. He also reported that a group of which he is part has been allowed to form a Wellington Town Hall Foundation to address the possible future of the Town Hall. 

Norm reported that the 4 electronic recycling events we ran over the past few years kept 10 tons of electronic waste out of landfill. They also prompted the County to get involved. The County now has two sites that accept electronic waste on a year-round basis. The County pledged to donate to our club the monetary value of what came into those sites during the months of April and October. Norm reported that we just received a cheque for $1,333.  

There were no birthdays or anniversaries thia week. 

Lois’ ticket was drawn in the 50/50 draw but, alas, she did not pick the ace of spades. Down to 4 cards and the excitement builds!