MPres Trudy opened the meeting at 7:07 to 20 Rotarians in the room and 5 on Zoom.
Regarding health of members, MPres Trudy updated the club that Charles Lacey remained at PECMH, potentially being discharged today, but that he is very weak and unlikely to be able to drive. A get-well card was passed around for all to endorse and wish Charles well.
Subsequently, the Rotary Song and O Canada were sung, and a toast to the queen was recited. After Rotary grace, breakfast pizza was consumed by all those who chose to.
As our guest speaker Shelly Ackers had not yet arrived, MPres Trudy proceeded to start with club business. First order of business was to discuss the arrangement regarding breakfast pizza. It was pointed out that Rockin' Rogers required a minimum order and that if we are unable to achieve that, we would discontinue it. It was agreed we would discontinue breakfast pizzas, and that the breakfast committee headed by PE Ken Robertson (with committee members Margo, Lana, et al.) would arrange alternatives. A $5 / week fee would be collected from all members, regardless of whether they attended the meeting or consumed breakfast.
Bottle Billie (Bill Mitchell) identified the required number of volunteers for this week's bottle depot. With regards to the bottle depot driveway pothole repairs, Tim Cox was thanked for coordinating the task and getting it done so promptly. A go-slow sign will be installed around the back of the bend in the driveway so that cars do don't create excessive dust to Mark Armstrong's glassworks.
Michelle Kosoy announced that we were sold out of D&D books, and reminded everyone to return any unsold or unpaid books in their possession as they can be sold elsewhere.
PP Howard reminded everyone to submit their Rotarian of the Year nominations by the end of the long weekend.
MPres Trudy announced that we will indeed have Canada Day celebrations in Wellington this year and rallied the teams for the Rotary Ribs and the Parade. As per previous years, Lana Whitteker will lead the Ribs team, and Bill Mitchell will be handing over the reigns of leading the Rotary Float, possibly to Shawn Ellis, who had previously expressed interest (to be confirmed by MPres)
Colin announced the arrangements for the Golf Day, to be on Sept 22nd. He has met with the WoTLGC manager, with details to be worked out.
Our guest speaker, Shelly Ackers arrived at quarter to eight. She was under the impression that our meeting started at 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. Kim Lee introduced Shelly, who has served as the administrator of Quinte Access since 2006, and is currently their Executive Director. She has been instrumental in the growth of Quinte Access by working with staff, Board of Directors, Municipalities and other community partners to increase ridership of this specialized service.
Quinte Access is a transportation service for the Quinte and PEC vicinity. It has recently secured a contract to implement the new County Transit service. Quinte Access was rebranded as Quinte Transit in 2021, and it services a fixed route connection between Trenton, Belleville bus terminal, and Loyalist College, representing the beginning of a fully integrated Regional Transit network connecting 4 municipalities. The service connects the County (Picton, Wellington, Bloomfield and area) to Belleville and Trenton, providing access to employment, education, leisure locations. In Wellington, the fixed route goes up Belleville Road, but riders can book a ride on-demand by calling Quinte Transit for pickup in other locations in Wellington.
A couple of special projects that the Transit is providing this summer includes Sandbanks run to Dunes beach in July on the weekends for $5 from Wellington, Bloomfield, and Picton. There is also a Dinner run on the weekends from 5 - 10 pm between the three towns. The original full specialized service is still available on-demand.
There are currently visible bus stops in Wellington, since the service is on-demand, but there are plans to set up stops at the McKewen last station and Wellington Foodland in the near future.
The donations from Wellington Rotary will be used to support after hours and weekend service outside of regular hours. Shelly was thanked by Ted Nash and a cheque presentation picture was taken after the meeting.
The meeting adjourned with the four way test shortly after 8:15.
.jpg)
