On January 20th, Larry Elsbury passed away at the young age of 66. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Howard opened the meeting with 33 members present by Zoom for a Club Forum. Trudy presented the Treasurer’s reports for Nov & Dec. A number of positives were mentioned including successful fundraisers such as the on-line auction and the Domaine Darius Cuvee wine sale. The returns depot had surpassed its goal and all future profits would be added to the 20% guarantee portion for donations to the new hospital. This would amount to almost $10,000.

 

John Inwood gave a reminder to members that all the information regarding new member proposal and vetting is available on the Club Website and that this is the protocol to be followed.

 

Michelle Kosoy apprised the Club of the state of the current Diners & Duffers initiative which is doing well with the support of most businesses continuing from previous years.

 

President Howard shared Yvonne’s idea to consider maple syrup as another local product that might supplement wine fundraisers.

 

There was discussion of the advantages but also barriers to on-line payments for our Club.

 

President Howard is also going to contact our HPE health inspectorate to ascertain if the return depot can be opened again during the current lockdown.

 

Under Club Admin., President Howard reported our annual payment to R.I. and John Inwood will get more information on the renaming protocol for the Rotary Room at the Lehigh Centre. Certificates of Appreciation for their contributions to Club activities will be given to Kimball Lacey, Paul Greer and Bob Greer. A joint Zoom meeting with Bowmanville and Campbellford clubs is proposed for Feb 16th after the success of last week’s meeting.  Past DG Mary-Lou Harrison will present at that time.

 

David Smith brought the Club up-to-date on Special Projects with the information that the $400,000 goal for Back the Build will soon be reached and that the second disbursement of $100,000 will also be handed over in the near future.

 

President Howard further reported on the previous night’s Board meeting at which a donation to County Kids Read was approved but the request from Kate’s Place was not. There is also a request for $500 in support of the Free-Reading Program.

 

Linda Donville shared her excitement about Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide, referring to the newly-branded “End Polio Now” campaign and explained how matching grants can increase the value of individual contributions. Karen Selick demurred on the issue of vaccinations and expressed her concern about children suffering as a result of polio inoculation.

 

President Howard had attended the Eastern Area Presidents’ Meeting, virtually,  and shared that several clubs are finding ways to play O Canada.

 

After birthdays, anniversaries, happy bucks and the 4(5) way test, the meeting closed at 8.20.