February Fireside
George Boucher introduced Val Monague who is the Health Manager at Beausoleil First Nation. Val said the Christian Island budget is about $20,000,000.00, most of which goes into the local economy and rarely do they go outside to ask for help. But dental care is hard to get to from the island. They have a small clinic, $80,000.00 worth of donated equipment and a dentist who will work one or two days a month. The problem is how the dentists get paid but they are working on that. Val has had the equipment installed at a cost of $7,500.00 and is asking for that amount to balance her books by year end.
Jane Barnett and Leslie Tripp have been visiting grade 8 classes to run a day long Junior Achievement program that starts to teach kids about budgeting, entrepreneurship and responsibility. They figure grade 8 is the last year kids are still listening. They use a package of information sheets, workbooks and manuals in each class and each package costs $500.00. Teachers are supportive, the GB Native Friendship Centre is involved and demand is growing. They are looking for volunteers as well. They asked for $1,000.00 to fund two visits.
Tom Kayser spoke for Ken Woods who has been working for years to create, in Cuba with Cuban craftsmen, a model of the Santissima Trinidad, the most significant vessel ever launched in Cuba. It is now built and installed in a new maritime museum housed in the oldest fortifications in the Western Hemisphere and it has engendered a new interest in their maritime history in Cuba. They are hoping now to create a children's workshop in the fortress where kids could learn some skills and history. It is supported by the governments of Cuba and Canada. They are asking for $3,000.00.
Steve reported for Markus that the soccer fields project is still being developed and may costs as much as $750,000.00. Rotary may be asked for $25,000.00 over a few years, so this is kind of a heads up.
Bill spoke for the Midland Area Reading Council. They are experiencing increased rates of use as newly unemployed try to upgrade their skills and learn job hunting techniques. Their computer lab is crowded and the equipment is worn after 5 years of constant use. If Community Living moves to the new building on Young Street they may try to expand but in the meantime they are looking to replace their computers. 7 computers, some furniture and cables and virus software would come to $10,000.00.
Hudson Leavins is working to see a Gilda's Club being built in Barrie, next to the new cancer treatment centre. A Gilda's Club is not an overnight facility, Rotary House does that. When people have time between appointments or are feeling unwell after a treatment they can drop in to a place that is comfortable, welcoming and sympathetic. It treats the emotional need while the medical need is being done. Studies show recovery is quicker when that support is there. There are 28 in the States and one in Toronto. They have the land and over $2,000,000.00 towards the 3 they need. There are two rooms they would have 'sold' for $50,000.00 but are prepared to name for Midland Rotary for $25,000.00. There might be something in the outside sitting area but it's not planned yet.
The guests left.
Steve had questions for the membership. Penetang is interested in sharing the Golf Tournament which would bring over $4,000.00 to the Club. Traditionally the Club has donated between $8,000.00 and $10,000.00 to the Foundation with the proceeds of the Tournament. The consensus was that a partnership with Penetang be approved.
Steve said a member had told him a few times that having a Head Table was elitist and that it cut the executive off from the membership. He says he never thought of it as a head table and that any member is welcome to sit with him anytime. It does appear odd sometimes when there are no guests and there are empty seats but he welcomes company. The consensus was to leave it the way it is.
The District is offering one Ambassadorial Scholarship this year, to be chosen from students nominated by the Clubs. $23,000.00 will go to pay for transportation, tuition and other costs associated with a year's study abroad. Candidates should be selected by April 1. Dave Mink said it is a wonderful opportunity for someone and he will start inquiring if there are any potential candidates.
Bob Campbell said there had been problems with Bingo software for over a year. The program we use now costs $1,500.00 a year and it's crashed several times, at a cost of about $1,000.00 a time. Support is hard to get because it's a one person office in Nova Scotia. Renewal is required soon. There's another program that's more sophisticated which costs $3,900.00 as a one time fee and Bob does not see there would be much need for updates. The Club now has a second laptop for backup. He recommends purchasing the new program figuring the payback would be only a couple of years. His recommendation was accepted.
Steve said there had been some concerns expressed about the Best Western as a venue. The stairs, with no elevator, was more of a problem than anticipated and there had been some complaints about meals. The only other option, which Dave Mink had explored, was renting the Sports Hall room at the NSSRC for $39.69 and having ELM cater for $14.00 per plate with a 35 - 40 member minimum. This would mean no linens, no waitresses, clearing our own dishes, standing in line and no bar. Patricia suggested a meeting to discuss using an upstairs room the majority of the time and meal expectations with the new chef. Steve will arrange a meeting.
Huronia Foundation asked for sponsorship money for its upcoming award dinner. The Club felt this was advertising and declined.
A rough calculation showed that the Club had in the bank or could expect from Auction, Bingo and Party on the Dock, to be able to spend about $70,000.00 or a bit more before July.
Steve said the Club had made major commitments in previous years and had been making good progress on those but he would like to see something to mark his year and that Gilda's Club was a project he approved of. He offered to put up $5,000.00 to the Club's 20. Several people suggested the Club contribute the full 25. Ralph said it was important for a President to know he had made a mark, that he felt that Steve's hands had been tied by previous commitments, that Steve should not have to contribute his own money to get the Club to do something and that we should support our President. Jamie Hunter moved the Club contribute $25,000.00 to Gilda's Club. Approved.
The dental clinic was discussed at length. The feeling was that the funding is still not all in place, the dentist's time, nor the number of dentists, is not confirmed, and that spending the money then asking for it was bad budget practice. Mike Thor suggested putting the money aside and if the clinic is operational by July to donate it. The suggestion was approved.
The Junior Achievement program was seen as worthwhile though it may overlap with other programs. $1,000.00 will be donated.
Regarding the Children's Workshop in Cuba, Phil wondered if there were Rotary Clubs in Cuba or elsewhere that might match funds. The matter was referred to the International Committee for research.
MARC. The fact that Literacy is a core issue for Rotary and that MARC is seen to be helping people in our area to improve themselves was seen as positive. Mike Proulx moved the $10,000.00 be approved, which it was.
The Fireside adjourned.