President Jim called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and since it was a club assembly there were no visitors or guests this evening. Our traditional toast was said by President Jim and Past President Paul Tait resighted our Rotary Grace.
Lisa prepared a lovely souvlaki dinner with salad, pita bread and rice but the Tuxedo Cake for dessert was the cherry on top! Thank you Lisa and helpers.
The meeting began with Sargeant-at-arms Sandra doing a great job of filling the happy bucks pot with coins as she rounded the room to ensure everyone participated (except for this scribe who could not multi-task!! Catch you next time!!)). Well done Sandra. Here are some of the happy buck stories:
Rotarian Kevin filled us in on the spectacular walk to Cobourg and back last Saturday, in the pouring, cold rain, to raise funds for the cause in Syria. He and several brave souls toughed out the walk, and to date approximately $14,000 has been raised. The goal is $20,000 – way to go team!!
Bruce gave a happy buck for his son starting his job a CRA…. Hmmmm they ARE on strike aren't they??
Tom had a sad buck because he didn't have his name tag, and John Mowat was sad about all the rain. Lisa had a flooded basement – that's a sad buck for sure!
Most of the other participants were just happy.
Drina had a sad buck because her Mom had to give up her car after 14 years, and Paul Tait was happy for his 50th wedding anniversary (that was a happy buck, right Paul? LOL)
Directors reports followed, beginning with Rotarian Bob Gibson who gave a brief report on the Phillps Trust Funds. Since the last quarter approximately $49,000 has been given out to the community for various causes. This is a lot in comparison to other quarters but the accounts, despite the market performance these past few years, are, in total, approximately $2 million.
Jan gave the fundraising report for the upcoming Surf and Turf dinner held on Saturday June 10th. Pick up at the St. Marks Church on King St. Port Hope, and NOT at the Knights of Columbus. Order forms and marketing material are ready to go out so please watch for it to go live, please encourage your friends, neighbors and families to participate – this is one of our largest annual fundraisers. Order forms are also ready to go. All the information will be out soon and we hope for another great and unique fundraiser.
Fran encouraged Rotarians to pay their hall dues of $80, everyone received an invoice for this expense. E-transfers are the easiest and most cost effective way to send the money.
Co-Presidents Elect Drina and Steve Tallo gave the club some updates including that the May 29th meeting they will leading that evening to present on the plans for the year ahead and to encourage enthusiasm and participation. Spouses and friends are welcome. The meeting will NOT be at the Knights of Columbus Hall – the IT movie will be filming. Dinner and meeting will be held at the Masonic Temple on Toronto Road.
We will be partnering a booth at the Canada Day Parade with the Knights of Columbus. Volunteers will be needed between noon and about 8:00 pm and there will be a sign-up sheet forthcoming. They have also been in discussions about the walk-in clinic – a meeting was held on April 24th which covered a lot of things that we will be hearing about on the meeting on May 29th. There is money available for this endeavor so more on that coming.
This weekend is the District 7070 Conference and about 6 Rotarians from our club are currently registered for this. If anyone wishes to go and/or needs a ride please contact the Tallos.
Rotarian Ron gave an update on our park project, which is coming along nicely. We have raised approximately $40,000 through the generosity of the members of our club and community supporters The Phillps Trust Fund previously has donated $25,000 for the shade structure. Given this and the help of the town we may not need much more money to complete the project (however, welcome anyone who would like to donate!!!) The placement of the benches has been determined and it looks like everything is full speed ahead. Thank you, everyone!
The little library project is going strong – thank you to Rotarian Tom Sears and other Rotarians who have helped construct them. The town will install the 5 new ones.
Jessica thanked everyone who helped with the clean up for our Environmental project and Earth day participation. 20 bags of refuse was collected. Way to go!!!
With the singing of O Canada, the meeting was adjourned.
