At our Meeting July 25

Today’s meeting welcomed new member, Cindy Kisken, who is happy to be part of our club and looks forward to volunteering at Dew Drop Inn next month.
 
 
Club members vigorously bid at a Chinese Auction, led by Brenda W, on a handcrafted bowl signed by David Suzuki to raise money for the Rotary Foundation in support of global environmental protection programs…congrats to David L on winning!
 
We said a sad goodbye to Fern, our Rotary International Exchange student from Thailand…she’s off home on August 1. Thanks, Fern, for all your service involvement this past year.
 
Bob T thanked all volunteers for their Country on the Bay efforts…this terrific fundraiser will bring in around $16,000 for each of the three local Rotary clubs! And we thank you Bob! 👏🏻
 
 
Port Arthur Rotarians and friends enjoyed Border Cats baseball, even though they lost.
 
JULY 25th AGENDA/Minutes
NOTE:
Members -Contact David Legge or Shelley Crawford re questions relating to outcome on all these agenda matters
  1. Intro of new members: Amy Kembel (Amy if on zoom to say a few words, and Cindy Kisken (ask to say a few words).
 
  1. Land Acknowledgement
            Thunder Bay is located on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples dating back countless generations. We want to show our respect for their contributions and recognize the role of treaty making in what is now Ontario. Hundreds of years after the first treaties were signed, they are still relevant today.
This sacred place, originally known as Anemki Wequedong, is now also the Treaty Territory of the Fort William First Nation, signatories to the Robinson-Superior Treaty in 1850.
I am heartened to know that we as a club are committed to growing our knowledge of indigenous culture and of building stronger networks and relationships locally. At the United Way CommUNITY BBQ I had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Darcy Fleury, our new Police Chief. Albert had already identified the Chief as a potential speaker, however, wanted to have him settle in first. I’ve invited him to speak at an upcoming meeting and he said he would be pleased to do that. If you have questions in advance or a sense of what you’d like him to address, please let Albert and me know. I recommend we book him at his earliest convenience.
 
  1. Might I bring this proposal to your attention…Upon comments from some members, I will take a vote next meeting re your thoughts on the relevance or importance of the Toast to King at meetings. There may be strong feelings on both sides. Should we keep this tradition or put it to rest…
  2. Toast to the King and Anthem plays
 
  1. Roles
 
The Agenda this week is to focus in on some roles and responsibilities at various levels. We often assume each person understands the PAR, Rotary District and Rotary International protocols. The Presidents and PEs are briefed and trained on many aspects, however, we have internal and external resources to call upon.
 
Each meeting I will ask a different Board member(s) to speak to their specific portfolio. Highlight the roles and responsibilities and identify and new initiatives and key issues that are coming up. If each person could consider the impact of any initiative as it hopefully relates to our Centennial (January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025).
 
  • Club Update from Treasurer(s): Chris, Kevin, (Albert and/or Leslie)
  • Foundation Chinese Auction: Brenda Winter
  • District Update: ADG Krysta
    • Ask re building teams for environment and mental health to work with other clubs. 2 from each club?)
 
Roster re Board reports and speakers for upcoming meetings:
August 8: Mark Tilbury (Club Service)
August 22: DG Dave Long (in-person guest speaker)
September 12: Marg Woods (International and co-chair Youth New Generations)
September 26: Matthew Villella (Public Relations)
October 10: Warren Philp (Club Trainer) topic tba
 
  1. Would like to have one of our meetings in August devoted to roles and commitments made for 2023-24, including centennial activities. My able Meeting Manager aka Sergeant at Arms David Legge will be assisting and supporting me in organizing meeting activities and ensuring members know their roles at each meeting. We are looking for leads in a number of areas (St James School, 4 Way Essay Test, Citizenship Awards, Adopt a Road, Beauty Boxes - downtown core next spring).
 
  1. Announcements (20 minutes):
  • Bob T - COTB
  • Albert - CommUNITY BBQ report
  • Mary and Vonnie - Border Cats game July 26 (collection of monies)
  • Jim M - Brian’s special farewell bash
  • Athena and David – membership report.  
 
Any other reports or announcements????
 
Lunch/venue issue: Need to determine just what the group wants to move forward on. Mark can you identify what our obligations are to Aramark. If lunch were not required, are we at risk of losing this venue for meetings? Your contribution re the space and todays coffee is very much appreciated and we are hopefully not going to jeopardize the Bartley Conference Centre commitment. The board will address this tonight, but can we find out members’ thoughts today? Does the treasurer have a POV?
Payment in advance (monthly?, what method?)
 
Any issues re parking in fall. Presume new passes will be required?
 
  1. Happy Dollars – Albert (5)