President Yvonne called the meeting to order at 7:07 with 25 members present plus 5 on Zoom. The Rotary song was sung and Bill Pennell gave the invocation. Bill M noted that a Celebration of Life will be held in a couple of months for Cynthia Reardon, President of the Storehouse Foodbank, who passed away on the weekend. Yvonne suggested that our Club will want to make a memorial donation to the Foodbank, and perhaps a floral tribute in her honour.
Club Forum:
Secretary Lyn detailed correspondence received and sent in the past 2 moths.
Treasurer Bill P went through the Treasurer’s reports for November and December. Tim moved to accept the financial statement for November, seconded by Geoff; motion carried. Mike moved to accept the financial statement for December, seconded by Chris; motion carried.
Dir of Policy and Admin Phyo reported that the Board is doing an awesome job following the rules.
Pres Elect Chris reported on fundraising-related matters:
New Foodbank location - Chris reported that Evan Nash, who is on the Board of the Foodbank, has communicated with the BNS and is getting a walkthrough of the building today. Trudy observed there has been minimal progress on a new Foodbank location and expressed the view that it is not our job to find a location. Perhaps we should be looking at other potential recipients of our fundraising dollars, such as Wellington Rotary Beach. Yvonne said she has had meetings/discussions; the County has a plan but doesn’t have the money for the Rotary Beach improvements. Phyo recommended establishing a formal committee. Yvonne suggested inviting Albert from the County to come and talk to us again about the County’s plans for Wellington Beach.
Maple Syrup - Gregor reported that 2000 empty bottles are now sitting in his garage and he already has commitments for 1014 bottles of syrup. He passed around a signup sheet and presaged a future labelling party. Syrup production is anticipated for the first or second week of March, depending on weather.
50/50 Goldmine Proposal – Trudy questioned why we need another major fundraiser when we are carrying a significant bank balance. Dave McKinnon spoke against the proposal expressing the view that gambling is a public health hazard. Yvonne observed that bottle recycling may be at risk, as the future of the Beer Store comes into question, and in that event we would need another revenue stream to replace the Bottle Depot operation. Peter disagreed with the idea that the province is going to get out of recycling. Phyo stated that he would be abstaining in the voting; at best, the proposal will be successful and the club will generate a lot of money to put back into the community as in the example of Rotary Club of Middleton; at worst there is reputational risk to the club if there are mishaps and the initiative fails; but most likely it will be something in the middle, much like Rotary Club of Picton's cash calendar where it is run regularly by a few dedicated members and it generates funds but only moderately. Norm observed that his research shows the least dangerous form of gambling is 50/50 lotteries. Tim moved that the Club establish and operate the 50/50 Goldmine Initiative with a budget of up to $5,000 for one year, seconded by Bill M. The motion did not pass, with 13 votes in favour, 7 opposed and 10 abstentions. Yvonne thanked Dave for all his hard work on this proposal.
Dir of Public Image Liz reported there have been 3 photos posted on Facebook in December and photos/press releases in the Times issues of Dec 24 and Jan 14.
Dir of Literacy and Youth Norm reported that he hand delivered our cheque to the PEC Skating Club, the girl we sponsored and her mother were extremely grateful for the support. With respect to Rotary Youth Exchange, Howard noted that if any member is considering participating they will need a Vulnerable Sector Reference Check, which can take some time so suggests getting the process started early.
Dir of Membership Peter reported that there are 43 fully paid up active members and 2 new FOR.
Yvonne called Peter up to the front and presented him with his first Paul Harris award.
Past Pres Roger reported on Club Administration. He proposed another round of Fellowship Dinners in Feb-Mar and will circulate a signup list next week. Trudy advised of an Inter-club Rotary Curling Bonspiel on March 21st for members and spouses, being spearheaded by the RC of Stirling. Dave McKinnon advised there will be another Health and Wellness talk, this time on the topic of Anxiety, by Dr. Joe Burley. Date tba.
Funding Requests:
Bill P moved that the Club fund 2 IPPC bursaries of $1,000 each for 2 students at Lakehead University; seconded by Lyn; motion carried.
Trudy moved that the Club direct the Foundation to donate $2,000 to the County Food Hub; seconded by Bill P.; motion carried.
Yvonne noted the Board had approved a $500 donation to PEC Fire and Emergency Services.
Christine moved that the Club donate $1000 to the RC of Toronto Eglinton toward the Ukrainian 3-D Printed Prosthetics Global Grant; seconded by Kim; motion carried.
Mike moved that the Club direct the Foundation to donate $1,500 to Quilts of Valour; seconded by Dave M; motion carried. Yvonne noted that Peter will be receiving a quilt in a presentation at the Air Museum on February 8th.
Birthdays and Anniversaries – Pierre’s birthday is on February 4th.
50/50 Draw – Pierre’s ticket was drawn, no Ace of spades.
President Yvonne closed the meeting at 8:28 with the Four-Way Test.
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Picture submitted by Christine Dimitris.
Caption: Brrrrr….It's cold out there. Tim is showing us how to dress for the weather!
