Drina Tallo welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologized that Steve could not attend because he is not feeling well. During the introduction of guests Bree Nixon welcomed Aldona (Steve and Drina's mom).
 
Jason Williams Director or Protective Services and Emergency Management for the Municipality of Port Hope was introduced, Jason is the guest speaker. A new member applicant, Matt Lawrence, was also introduced by Drina Tallo.
Lisa's Catering served a delicious dinner of pulled pork and pulled chicken with many side dishes. Drina thanked Lisa for the wonderful meal as she started the meeting.
 
John Davidson told an animated story about wanting to be a fireman until actually learning fire fighting during his time in the marines. He introduced Jason Williams who was grateful for the enthusiastic introduction.
 
Jason spoke about his history with Belleville Fire Services, and his work with the fire marshall's office and his passion for fire safety. His presentation focused on home fire safety. Unfortunately over 90 people in Ontario died in 2023, which is one person every 72 hours.
Over 50% of the people who die in fires are over the age of 50, most fires and fire deaths happen in residential properties. Unattended cooking is the number one cause of fires in Ontario but careless smoking is the primary cause of fatal fires.
1. If you have a grease fire- smother it. Never put water on a grease fire because it water expands 1400 times it size
2. Smoke outside, discard butts and ashes in a non-flamable container, don't smoke in bed 
3. Get out of the house and stay out – everything can be replaced
4. Keep candles away from things that can burn (curtains, paper); never leave them unattended
5. Don't overload electrical sockets, low cost extension cords from cheap stores are low quality and can cause fires
6. When a smoke alarm sounds you only have a few minutes to get out of the house. Have an escape route.
7. You need different types of smoke alarms depending on where they are located. They need to be placed outside where you sleep. Check the batteries and replace the batteries as needed.
8. Carbon Monoxide detectors are required to be outside your sleeping areas as well jwilliams@porthope.ca
 
Jason spoke about the challenges of dealing with electric cars if they catch on fire after a question from Paul Tait. Lithium batteries can burn without oxygen which makes them very hard to put out. The fire department has special blankets to cover the electric vehicles to let them finish burning safely, the blankets
cost $5,000+. Jason confirmed there have been no fatalities since he started working with Port Hope two years ago. Laurene thanked Jason for his presentation.
Olga and Jana spoke about the Surf & Turf event, 145 meals have been sold (93 are sit down and 46 are take out, with a few extra lobsters ordered). They are covered for volunteers for the event this Saturday.
 
Bob Wallace and John Mowat are working at the Classic Car Show on July 1 and would be happy to driver some Rotarians in the parade. Each car can hold 3 people, please let John know if you are interested to participate.
 
Bruce Coleman's Retirement party is this Thursday June 20 from 4 – 7pm at the Knights of Columbus hall, please drop in if you are available.
 
On June 27th at 9:00am, the Rotary club are being recognized with other donors at the Town Park Recreation Center. There will be a ceremony with local dignitaries so it would be nice to have a good turn out from our club members.
 
If you are available to volunteer for Canada Day events either the parade or the food booth please remember to wear red & white with your Rotary colours.
Our next club meeting is Monday July 8 and our guest speaker is Candance White (CAO, for the Municipality) and the Mayor may also join us that evening.
 
Happy Bucks – Bruce started the happy bucks remarking about how happy he was to hear that Ken O'Neill was recovering from his surgery . Kevin Moore was happy that he recently connected with Lorenzo, our inbound youth exchange student. Kathy Wallace was happy to spend Father's Day with her daughter. John Davidson was happy to hear from each of his grandchildren for Father's Day. Ron and Bonnie Tuttle had a fantastic Austrian river cruise, he said it was luxurious. Drina's dog was happy to get her first swim in the pool yesterday. Aldona was happy to hear about the Rotary club's support of the Youth Hub. Bree was happy to attend her first meeting in a little while. Riley Coleman was happy
because he is graduating from college tomorrow and (former Rotarian) Jessica Colman will present his diploma.
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