Regular meeting October 3, 2013

Meeting was called to order by President Lance  followed by O Canada, Rotary Toast, Rotary Grace.

Guests Colby Marcellus and Craig Gordon joined us.

Colby and Craig were introduced in the Business Profile segment as the new owners/operators of Baked and Battered. Colby is the baker and Craig is the batterer of the establishment. The 2 friends are from the Guelph and Acton area who had a desire to live and work in the Highlands. They opened in June and are identifying trends, likes, dislikes, and best practices.

Tonight’s program was presented by Nancy Bownsberger, the Manager of Communications at SIRCH Community Services. Nancy explained the development of the Community Kitchen project and thanked Rotary for their role in supporting and expanding of this initiative. The program has afforded the development of many social, skill-building, skill-sharing, educational, and communication opportunities in a positive and supportive manner. Contribution and participation fromn Rotary has helped the program grow from 272 meals the first year, to 800 meals the second year, to a second site in Minden and an increase from 4-30 volunteers. Nancy thanked us for our donation of funds, crockpots, roasting pans and support of the social development of members of the community. She demonstrated how one project can act as a catalyst and an animator of numerous positive outcomes.

Club business:

1.      Lance read a thank you from Jean Anthon for the club donation of $5000 to the Minden Flood Relief Fund.

2.      Lance read a thank you from Youth Unlimited for sponsoring the summer Water camp in which 21 youth participated.

3.      Board report. Maureen reported on actions of Board to donate $400 to Highland Storm, $250 for bicycle distribution in Cambodia, $1500 towards the purchase of books for the Wilberforce library, $500 towards Artist in the School Program, $1000 to John Teljeur to support the Fill the Truck initiative, and to have Club match member donations to Foundation made before Dec. 31 up to an amount of $200 per member, with a total cap of  $3000 on club matching funds. Library will be asked to recognize past Wilberforce Rotarians Harold Herlihey and Chester Schwandt in library donation.

4.      Walk A Mile in her Shoes. Dave Zilstra, Pete McTeague and Richard vanNood will be participating Oct. 19 to bring attention to domestic abuse against women.

5.      Bottle Drive. Bottle Drive at Haliburtton Beer Store Oct. 12 to raise funds for Polio Plus.

6.      Foundation. Richard presented Lance with a Paul Harris +2 award pin.

Adjournment at 7:30 p.m.

Minutes taken by: Maureen O’Hara