Rotary Club of Port Hope
February 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Drina called the meeting to order at 6:05pm
February 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Drina called the meeting to order at 6:05pm
Introduced guests: Christine Thompson is our newest member. John Davidson introduced Sabrina Hasselfeld of Northumberland Land Trust , Frank Godfrey of Wesleyville Joint Working Group and Willowbeach Field Naturalists, Jenny (Guest Speaker)
Drina completed a land acknowledgement.
Dinner: Chicken souvlaki with Greek salad, rice and pita bread with cheesecake
Drina reconvened the meeting at 6:43pm
John Davidson introduced the Wesleyville Joint Working Group – Willowbeach Field Nautralists founded the Northumberland Land Trust
– John is the secretary for the joint working group that includes Robert Fishlock and the guests at
the meeting
– Guest speaker was Jenny Jackman who is a member of the board of the Willowbeach Field Naturalists who spoke about what is special about the nature in the Wesleyville area.
– There has been a significant loss of biodiversity (73%) over the last 50 years as noted by the World Wildlife Fund
– Wesleyville is in Eco-district 6E13 Oshawa to Cobourg
– Woodlands, old growth forest, Wesleville creeks and watershed, 6 hectares of the Cryser Point Bluffs, Grasslands and other woods and thickets can be found in the Wesleyville natural areas
– Old growth forests and coastal wetlands are both important features – Crysler Points bluffs features a narrow pebbly beach that doesn't really invite visitors, its more suited for nesting birds
– Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority have found that numerous fresh water springs feed the Wesleyville Creek and watershed – The group tracks a biological inventory of the area, there have been 1604 observations in the Wesleyville area, iNaturalist is an app that allows people to include their photos in the project.
– The groups believes the areas at Wesleyville can be protected and even enhanced for future generations. It would become the larges and most diverse protected area in our eco-district
– OPG have reached out to the group to include them in the consultation process for the proposed nuclear power plant in the area
– Students from Trent University attend the area annually as part of their program and are helping to create a directory of unique trees in the area
– The group also works to restore the area, there has been significant damage caused to the area, especially the creek, by people riding ATVs in the area.
Sandra Hicks thanked Jenny for coming and speaking to the club after her presentation and question period.
Bob Wallace provided some history about Eldorado's property at the Wesleyville location.
Bob Wallace also made presentations to members who made donations to the Rotary Foundation. John Davidson was recognized with a “Paul Harris + 1” recognition and Ken O'Neill was presented his “Paul Harris + 7” recognition. There are two other members to receive recognition in the future.Ron spoke about the Youth Exchange program, all 3 local clubs are working together for the program this year. Lily Hall from Cobourg Collegiate Institute high school has been selected as the outbound student to represent the clubs. Lorenzo and Lily are going to the orientation workshop for students this weekend.
Lorenzo spoke to the club about his participation in a Polar Bear Dip to raise funds for the Campbellford Hospital. Lorenzo and the other youth exchange students all dipped twice to raise extra funds at the event.
Ron indicated he would send out the link to the video showing the Polar Bear event.
Jim Millington has arranged for Tom Jackson, Canadian actor and singer, to present to our club on Monday March 10. Jim suggested inviting the Northumberland Sunrise club and other guests but the club would need a larger venue. The Pod hosting in March will make arrangements to accommodate our guests for the evening.
The Taste of Port Hope event ticket sales have started, please take posters and tickets to help promote the event, The club is also seeking silent auction and live auction donations. The link to purchase online tickets is available through our club website.
Jim Millington has arranged for Tom Jackson, Canadian actor and singer, to present to our club on Monday March 10. Jim suggested inviting the Northumberland Sunrise club and other guests but the club would need a larger venue. The Pod hosting in March will make arrangements to accommodate our guests for the evening.
The Taste of Port Hope event ticket sales have started, please take posters and tickets to help promote the event, The club is also seeking silent auction and live auction donations. The link to purchase online tickets is available through our club website.