34 Rotarians were present.
David Hawkins provided his Rotary moment. He has been a Rotarian for several years however he reports that his inspirational moment in Rotary occurred only a few years ago. When Yvonne established the maple syrup fundraiser with our Rotary Club three years ago David felt somewhat lukewarm about the initiative. He sold 2 maple syrup bottles for a total of $40 in sales in that first year. However, in the following year he stepped up to sell maple syrup at the Wellings, at his church and at a bible study group. To David’s amazement there was an enormous groundswell of interest in both the maple syrup as well as the desire to support the Rotary club. In the following year David sold $900 of maple syrup and was one of the Rotary Club of Wellington’s top sellers! He was proud to contribute in this way and inspired to be a Rotarian.
‘O’ Canada’ was sung.
David Hawkins recited an invocation.
Breakfast was served.
Roger noted that 7 of our Rotarians attended the Rotary district 7070 conference meeting at Nottawasaga Inn this past weekend. He felt that there were amazing speakers and excellent fellowship opportunities at this event. He encouraged others to consider attending next year’s conference.
Roger noted that our District Governor, Virginia O’Reilly, will be visiting our club next week. Roger asked for maximum attendance and asked if everyone could wear a poppy.
Club Forum
Chris provided a review of correspondence messages received and sent.
Bill provided a comprehensive treasurer report for the month of October 2024. Yvonne moved to accept the club financials as presented; seconded by Chris; approved unanimously.
Robynne provided an update on club communication and public relations. She is looking for members with musical talent to perform at our Christmas dinner on December 13. To date Colin, Yvonne and her
self are participating. She also encouraged Rotarians to ‘like’ our Facebook posts in order to enhance our online presence.
Norm provided an update on his literacy portfolio. He recently asked the principal of PECI to identify 2 students who she thought were appropriate to attend the Rotary youth symposium. Norm indicated his intention to approach youth baseball and soccer leagues in the coming year to further our Rotary support of youth athletics. Owing to the success of the electronic recycling events this past year, two events have been planned for next year (April 6 and October 5). Sponsorship letters have been sent out to Diners and Duffers businesses. To date one third have responded with a desire to continue support of D and D.
Roger provided an update on membership. There are currently 43 active members. Iza Hanson has one more meeting to attend before she is considered for enrolment as an active member. Roger’s goal of 45 active members by the end of his term is only one member away!
Roger also indicated that 8 fellowship dinners have been setup with hosts and guests. Dinner dates and times are being arranged.
In Ken’s absence, Roger spoke on the topic of governance. Club bylaws are being updated and will be circulated and voted on soon. It was also noted that the board discussed the concept that all club members contribute $5 per month to support our guests joining us for breakfast. Everyone seemed to support this idea. Yvonne and Jacques would appreciate the opportunity to pay a lump sum payment upfront at the beginning of the year. Dave Robinet, as a representative of the breakfast committee, felt that this was a feasible option. Roger moved that the $5 per month payment per club member be instituted January 1st; seconded by Bill Pennell; carried unanimously.
Roger noted that the Tuesday December 24 and 31 club meetings have been cancelled.
Roger offered his opinion that giving pens to speakers was somewhat of a cheap gesture and offered the idea of providing a thank you card which notes that 2 children will be vaccinated for polio on the speaker’s behalf. Everyone thought that this was a very good idea. Bill P. noted that Rotary clubs in district 7070 receive a citation if they contribute $1,500 US (i.e. $2,100 Canadian) per year to polio vaccination efforts. David Smith moved that next year our club budget $2,100 toward the polio eradication program; seconded by Norm; carried unanimously.
Funding requests;
County Kids Read have requested funds to purchase 200 board books for babies and toddlers as part of the ‘Babies and Beyond’ program. The board has recommended that $1,500 be donated to County Kids Read; Liz moved to support this donation; seconded by Howard; carried unanimously.
Adopt a Village in Laos have requested funds to support the construction of a permanent water purification source in a village of 325 people in Laos. The board has recommended that $1,000 be donated to Adopt a Village in Laos; Trudy moved to support this donation; seconded by Robynne; carried unanimously.
Hospice Prince Edward have requested funding to support the ongoing work that they do. The board recommended donating $1,000 toward this organization; David Mackinnon moved to support this initiative; seconded by Mary; carried unanimously.
Business
Lyn noted that there will be opportunities for club members to join the board next year. On July 1st Ken will be stepping down from his governance portfolio. Lyn reported that Phyo has agreed to take over this role. Robynne has also expressed her desire to step aside from the communications/public relations portfolio next July. Lyn reported that this board position is currently available. She also noted that Chris will be transitioning to the president-elect role next year and thereby vacating the secretary position. Lyn indicated her willingness to take over the secretary position on the board however she did encourage any club member interested in this position to contact her.
Trudy noted that the club anniversary occurs the week of November 26th. She is looking into organizing a more formal breakfast to commemorate and celebrate this anniversary. She will notify club members soon about cost and further details.
There were no birthdays or anniversaries this week.
Roger provided his joke of the week.
The happy toonie can was passed around.
Liz Bosma’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – despite a close call she failed to pull the ace of spades – however she did receive the $10 consolation prize which should help soothe the disappointment.
The meeting concluded with the 4 way test.
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