President Ron distributed, by email, a financial report from Treasurer Debbie and a copy of the recent board meeting minutes.
Financial:
We have money in the bank.
Peter Redwood reported on Maple Fest: It could not be held on Main Street, and it probably won’t happen in 2021.
Operating Account: More money was spent than taken in.
Should dues be raised? No one was in favor.
CLUB ADMINISTRATION:
Friendship Committee: Barb White, Chair, sends out cards as necessary, which are supplied by Charlotte.
Fellowship Committee: Lynn Thompson, Chair, supplied beverages to our only in-person meeting so far.
Communications: Will Gibson, Chair. Will, Peter, and Ross post items on the club Facebook page such as club news, polio plus campaign.
Program: Ross, Chair. President Ron noted that a complaint was noted that we have too many speakers and suggested a social meeting (via zoom). Lou noted it would be an idea to have an open meeting for everyone to voice their comments, so everyone knows what we are all doing.
Henri explained that he had been playing pickleball and lunged and damaged his Achilles tendon. Infection set in and he has been in a lot of pain, but he is slowly improving, and he thanked everyone for all the good wishes.
If anyone has creative program suggestions, please contact Ross. Brandy suggested we could liven up an evening meeting by bringing in a wine sommelier and do some fun samplings, for a “social” type of meeting. Rob suggested planning ahead for a quiz meeting. Jennifer S. suggested a trivia meeting.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE:
$ 500.00 has been sent to the RELAY project through Michael and Shelley.
Save the Rain Project: Jennifer reported that we are waiting on the partner club in Tanzania to progress.
District Grant for Nepal: Brandy said that it will likely be accepted
Global Grant for Nepal: Brandy is fundraising to reach $ 10,000. She will speak to a St. Catherines club in December; she has received $ 1,000 from the Barrie-Huronia club and is hoping for $ 1,000 from the Gravenhurst club. If anyone has any connections with other clubs, please let Brandy know.
Ron stated that a project request has come in and this will be reserved for future presentation.
YOUTH SERVICES: Lou, Chair
V K Greer School requested financial help of $ 5,000 to purchase 25 guitars, so the school could continue its music program properly distanced. The Lions club donated $ 2,500 and our club donated the other $ 2,500.00, so the music program is able to carry on.
Jr. Achievement is virtual now, not in the classroom.
Youth Exchange: Plans are on hold until early 2021, when they hope to start advertising again. Consideration being given to a shorter exchange period.
The Door on Brunel Road, drop-in centre for kids is looking for some help. Our speaker on December 2 will be from The Door.
MEMBERSHIP: Lou, Chair
Rotary Bio - Katie reported that they are looking for a short bio from each member to be posted on social media, to showcase Rotary members to the community, on why members joined Rotary. Only 12 members have responded so far, so please send in your info.
Friends of Rotary - Membership committee is trying to engage “Friends of Rotary” to help with fundraisers and other activities, and hopefully become future members.
Mentorship Program is changing and evolving, and we are looking for new members.
Satellite Club has 5 possible new members. This membership committee is a conduit between the Satellite club and the Sponsor club.
CLUB SERVICE: Ross, Chair
Auction Update: Mary reported that items are coming into the depot very well. Some of the volunteers are doing the inputting from home, Will and Carole are taking pictures. Most donors are responding positively. Ross has 29 block sponsors at $ 300.00 and may have a few more. Kim O’Grady is a new block sponsor, with ten $ 100.00 gift certificates. Jamie will ask other realtors in town to match Kim’s donation. Ross and his crew have made beautiful items. It is great what our own efforts have produced.
Some of the articles up for bid in the Auction this year
Depot is open Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Deadline is Friday this week.
Bingo – Rob & Will: Average weekly sales of 517 cards a week, which is almost double that of two years ago. For the first four months, the net profit almost doubled - $ 20,000.00. Circle K at the bridge may be closing but Boston Pizza is back on board. Bingo staffing has remained confined to a small dedicated group
Rob Will Peter and Ross with guest appearance by Lou.
ENVIRONMENT: Cam, Chair:
Adrian reported that the trail work is progressing. A bench prototype will be ready soon and hope to have two built this fall.
Other Business:
Party in a Box: Peter Redwood said that there were damages to tents that were loaned out. Since it will cost $ 2,500 to refurbish the equipment and there is little future for rentals in 2021, a decision has been made to dispose of Party in a Box by selling off what items are still useable. President Ron will present a Notice of Motion at a future meeting.
Santa Claus Parade: Nick Perochi: There will be no parade this year, but a map will be supplied to view businesses and residences that have decorated their places, November 20-27. Santa will be at Christmas Tyme store and will answer childrens’ questions.
District Conference FREE this year! Saturday November 7 and Sunday November 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Go to the district website or
www.district7010conference.com Ron will send more information but members can just sign up to attend.
Volunteers for Christmas Tree: Peter was asked by the Mayor for help in erecting a very large tree, hopefully in the Empire lot. More information to follow.