PP Roger opened the meeting at 7:07 with 33 Rotarians present or on Zoom and one guest (Laurie Newman, wife of Rotarian John Hatch.) Roger shared a Rotary Moment, reflecting on these troubling times, inspired by the Rotary motto for this year, “Create Lasting Impact.” Rev Hawkins gave the invocation and O Canada was sung.  

Roger inquired about the health of members. Christine advised that Kim had had some complications but is doing better. Rosanne really appreciates all the food Rotary friends have brought over and she hopes to have Kim home by the end of the week. Colin is not here today because he’s having cataract surgery and Tim is at the dentist. 

Classification Talk by John Hatch 

John was introduced by Roger. John LOVES Rotary and said he is honoured to be asked to pick up the Timmie’s breakfast sandwiches.  

John’s presentation divided his life into phases – beginning, middle and end. Beginning - John’s great-grandfather was a London bobby, and his grandfather and father both had long and distinguished careers in the OPP. (He is John the third.) John recalled happy days growing up, fishing in Chapleau in the summer and playing hockey in the winter. Bobby Clarke was his idol and he confessed he still has a Philadelphia Flyers shrine in his house. John always wanted to be a cop, but his father insisted he get an education first. So John enrolled in RMC which stresses academics, leadership, athletics and bilingualism. He chose the Infantry path and majored in math and physics. His outstanding leadership qualities were recognized in his appointment as Cadet Wing Commander for his senior year. Middle – John joined the OPP in 1995, spent 15 years in Morrisburg and took 3 years in the northern post of Manitouwadge so that he could have his choice of next assignment, which was Prince Edward County. John settled here in 2014 and, together with his parents, bought a house which they renovated and shared. John was 10 years on the OPP Emergency Response Team, and 8 years as the OPP Detachment Commander in PEC. End - A friend introduced John to the love of his life and his future wife Laurie in November 2020, during the height of COVID, but he was hesitant to call her because she was too beautiful, he hadn’t dated in 7 years and figured he didn’t stand a chance. However … they texted for a couple of weeks, had their first date on New Year’s Eve and were married exactly four years later on New Year’s Eve 2025. John retired from the OPP in May 2025, after an illustrious 30-year career, and was sponsored by John H to join our club last October.  

Club Business 

Bottle Billy was able to fill the open slots in Saturday’s schedule. Geoff reported on the QRSTF Awards ceremony he attended last week as our club’s representative. Ken reported that we have 23 people confirmed so far for the beach cleanup on the 25^th and five more members from the floor put up their hands. Martha, who is the exchange advisor, reported that we have a Japanese exchange student (Yuna Fujii) coming in September and need (together with RC of Picton) four host families. Anyone doing outings with the exchange student needs to have a Vulnerable Sector Check.  

50/50 – Bill P’s ticket was drawn but he did not pick the Ace of Spades.  

Roger closed the meeting at 8:22 with the Four Way Test.