Happy Jar
Cheryl Ewing was happy that her birthday was tomorrow but also because she has been receiving very favourable feedback from clubs she has been visiting to present on our Noagles project. She was quite pleased to have revived a cheque for $5,000 form the Kitchener Grand River Club and is hopeful from another from Mississauga Dixie.
Louise Gardiner was very happy that today is her birthday and she will be having yet another birthday celebration tonight, four so far! She was also happy that she and Graham recently attended the 50th Universality reunion at Cameron Heights C.I.
Ray Taylor was pleased to report that our past member Suzanna Jeminez is already hard at work and has recently supplied two items for our Online Auction in the fall.
President's Wine Quiz
In place of a question this week, the final draw for four bottles of wine was made: The winners were: Adrian DeCoo, Louise Gardiner, Cheryl Ewing and John Webster.
Club Announcements
Adrian DeCoo reported that organization for the Card Draw for this year is coming together well and that we been able to negotiate a reduced price for the car, an A250, $3,200 less than last year. To try and have additional folks available to sell tickets at the market.
Martin Jones announced that our volunteer season at Forest Hill P.S. has ended. He read a note of thanks from the school and a thank you video was shown. In appreciation for their support, all volunteers were provided with a small jar of local honey. If you were not present on Monday you will be able to pick yours up at the Turnover meeting.
Neil Swayze announced that the Online Auction Fundraising Committee has begun working and that it is never too early to begin seeking items for the Auction.
50/50 Draw
The pot is getting up there - now at $418. None of Louise Gardiner, Ray Taylor, nor Bryn Jones were unable to locate Jack or even one of the Jokers.
Program Highlights
Our program today was an update on the work the club has been doing to regenerate our club. President-Elect Paul provided an overview and summary of the four assemblies we had, noting that we had a very good turnout for each and that much valuable information was collected. Support for making changes in many areas was evident but some concerns were also identified that will need to be addressed as we move forward.
As a result of the discussions, the board has approved a new meeting structure/schedule to begin in July. Membership will be a key focus for the coming year and Hubert Singh has agreed to chair this committee which has already begun work. With only two meetings a month at the hotel the overall costs to members will be less, but will also generate less administration funds for the club, but at this time we are not planning an increase in the club dues. This situation will be monitored and reviewed regularly.
There was a strong indication that members are interested in doing more hands-on work in our community but also in maintaining our current international projects.
Bill Proctor then provided more detail on the revised meeting structure/schedule. Each month we will have the following types of meetings:
Regular / Traditional Meetings
- Mondays 12:00 to 1:30, Outside, high profile speaker
- Second or Third Monday of the Month
Shortened Meetings
- Mondays, 12:00 – 1:00, Rotary Business / Information
- First Monday of the Month or Third in the case of Statutory holidays
Evening Meetings
- Focus on Hands-On Community Work
- Could be days other than Monday
- May be weekends or day time
- May also be other club/cluster/district activities or social events
Committee Meetings
- To be scheduled by Committee Chairs
- In weeks with no other meetings
A schedule for the first few months of the new Rotary was distributed and discussed. In terms of hands-on community work we have the possibility of painting some rooms at the Women’s’ Addiction Centre Shelter in July and sorting food at the Food Bank in August. All meetings are listed on the club website and frequent messages and reminders will be sent to members to keep them up to date with meeting times, types and locations. Darren Sweeney showed members how to have the calendar from our website appear on their smart phones, which will automatically update when changes are posted on our website. Any member wanting assistance with this can speak to Darren.
It was stressed by Paul that these changes are intended to help provide more options and variety for both current and prospective members but that flexibility on the part of all members is needed as we implement these changes and continue to try new things. Frequent feedback from members is encouraged.
Closing Remarks & Reminders
President Richard reminded members that our Turnover event is next Tuesday at the KW Art Gallery.
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