The Environmental Committee has decided to pair up with the Satellite club and morning club on the Team Clean up initiative. We are super excited to be part of this and thank you to the Satellite Club for organizing 

The event will take place on Sunday May 15^th from 10 to 12pm and people are asked to register in advance peopleofactionhuntsville@gmail.com to ensure we have enough Clean Up Kits – provided compliments of Property Prep.

This year members can choose where they would like to pick up garbage – there own street, place of business, favorite place to visit or somewhere that requires some loving care. Everyone is encouraged to take photos/selfies and send them to either peopleofactionhuntsville@gmail.com or 705-788-4325. We also would like to capture how many bags they filled as Jennifer jones (RI President Elect) has made this part of her goal for her imagine tour. She will reveal the grand total on the tour on July 5^th.

 

If you do not have a way of getting rid of the garbage please contact Katy McGregor 705-380-0056 in advance and she will arrange pick up for our club.

A group e-mail was sent out this am (I will send out Wednesday before meeting) with all of this information.

The Environmental committee hopes that you can all be a part of the Team Clean up initiative.

 

 

 

 

Guest Speaker Saleem Hall: The YMCA plays a critical role in finding employment for people.  The “Y” is funded by the provincial government.  Businesses benefit from potential employees upgrading their skills.  This is a free service for employers.  During Covid-19 most businesses in our area survived, but staffing has been a challenge.  The YMCA gives opportunities to people.  Their mission is in lockstep with Rotary. 

 

The YMCA also has a literacy program and a skills-upgrading program.  The YMCA is the best-kept secret in Huntsville.  It is a safe place for people to go for help.

Questions:

Bill S.: He used the facility for obtaining a good cab driver

Mary: Can you go to the YMCA for computer training? Answer: Yes and they will set up new programs if there is a demand for them.

Rob: Will businesses take older folks? Answer: Yes, older people bring a maturity and value to some work areas.

Rob: How costly is it for businesses to bring staff from Barrie or Toronto? Answer: It is a necessary cost of business because of staff shortages that are Canada-wide.  There is a great opportunity for people to reinvent themselves.  Businesses are willing to retrain people. 

Tony: Does the YMCA do security checks on the potential employees? Answer: No, that is a function of the employer.

Tony: Does the YMCA charge for its services? Answer: No.

Ken: How does the YMCA work through stigma issues? Answer: It is all about brand, what does it look like, how do we present ourselves. People can always push the reset button and start over.

Ken: Are any other organizations in Huntsville doing what you do? Answer: Community Living supports people with barriers to employment.

Paul: Queried if the YMCA deals with the massive shortage of affordable housing for employees. Answer: It is a problem all over.  Some employers purchase houses for staff and look at creative relationships with apartments and other housing options. There are opportunities for our town to do more in this regard.

Ron was happy to see moose tracks but sad to find the moose had died.

 

Mary was happy to have an Easter brunch at her daughter’s house, outside.

 

Ken was happy that Ron stepped up and helped to run the sound system last week

Mary recommended that more members learn the sound system

 

Jacob was happy to be at the club today

 

Last week's guest, Councillor Alcock had her ticket drawn and drew the Joker. To her credit she donated her winnings back to the club!! This week Bill Sibeon drew a Queen of Hearts and the search for the Joker will continue.

 

Four Way Test was led by Bill

 

There being no other business for the good of Rotary, President Mary adjourned the meeting.