Rotary Club of Oakville Bulletin for October 30, 2017
Club President, Len Warrington opened the meeting at 6:30pm.
Amin Kawar led us in grace while John Smith led us in the singing of O Canada.
To begin with we had 21 Rotarians in attendance, plus 6 guests: Kevin Shao, Peggy Dodds, Melanie Nymeyer and three representatives from Halton Region: Andrew Belahura, Jane Harvey, Erin Miflin.
Announcements:
Len shared the news that Myra had resigned from the board(s) due to personal reasons. She will be maintaining membership in Rotary.
Frank shared that he has been in communication with a former Past District Govenor Charlie Woods who shared warm regards and best wishes to all his former Rotary Club members.
Amin shared some information on the upcoming Harbour Town choir letting all know that he has tickets for the Burlington event.
Judy Warrington shared details surrounding an event at the Stuart St Seniors where volunteers were required on Nov 15 from 1-3pm. The intent was to host an afternoon making Christmas Centre Pieces with seniors leading up to the holidays.
Judy also shared that meetings were ongoing with regards to the speaker series every Saturday at 9am. While the committee is getting closer to potential speaker there has been interest in new burgeoning areas such as speakers Artificial Intelligence.
Speaker:
John Smith introduced our speakers for the evening representing Halton Region Housing.
Halton Region Housing:
The COO and Director of Housing – Andrew Bellalaio started the discussion off highlighting key items surrounding the history, mandate along with multiple examples of services provided.
Key focus is elderly care and providing aging supports. Halton Region bought Rotary Gardens in November 2016 – keeping the name which was appreciated by all members of RCO.
Andrew highlighted that there would be a request forthcoming for the shared use of common areas for community development.
The Manager of Housing, Erin Miflin then provided an overview on the daily operation of the Rotary Gardens. Key details surrounding the $2M in upgrades at Rotary Gardens were highlighted.
Erin then shared some testimonials from residents which reinforced that the appreciation surrounding maintenance services and staff highlighting Patrick, Amy, and Michael.
Erin also provided an overview of programs such as music and food lessons along with Brain Health programs. Tenant Advisory Group (Tag) is another program that provides residents with an opportunity to make their community a better place to live.
The Manager of Housing Service – Jane Harvey then provided information surrounding Halton Housing Help which provides tier services to help high risk people with quick access through 311.
Rotary Gardens current status is 2 units vacant and 26 occupied. The renovation project is focused on updating two units at a time which allows residents to rotate back into their original units following renovations. Her overview assured members that the objectives of keeping residents in the community and renovating the building are on the forefront of their efforts.
Amin thanked all three speakers and provided them with a certificate highlighting a $50 donation to end Polio made on their behalf.
Fines & Happy Bucks & 50/50
Ralf Soeder began by fining all members who had not prepared bulletin for any meeting in July, August, September or October. He then ended up fining any member who wasn’t planning on handing out candy on Halloween.
Several members also contributed Happy Bucks on behalf of family experiences and accomplishments.
Nick Nanos won the 50/50 draw
Closing:
Len closed the meeting with a Toast to Friends & Rotarians around the world.