March Fireside
Posted by Bill Molesworth
As it was a Fireside there were no regular announcements but note must be taken of two matters for the members to decide on. Michelle DesRochers has been interviewed by the Membership Committee and by the Board for admission. A vote of the Club will be held.
And a vote will be held on the adoption of the amended Constitution and Bylaws on the 21st of April. Fred has distributed the documents and he highlighted some of the changes so people can familiarize themselves with the changes. Adoption requires the assent of two thirds of those present.
Steve reporting for Phil, said that research into a free access playground has been going on for a while and that Phil is suggesting this as a project for the next Rotary year. The intention is to establish another fund raiser to replace the Trip of the Month. Currently the Club is dependent on Bingo, the Auction and Party on the Dock for its funds and Phil would like to see a fundraiser held in September aimed at this specific project. Phil and Steve will strike a Committee and 6 members volunteered. Ideas suggested included a lobster fest, a wine tasting and a return of Oktoberfest.
Ralph said the difficulty of finding host families for Youth Exchange is an ongoing problem. The Club cannot send a student out if they don't take one in. Midland is committed to participating next year but Penetang is dropping out.
Terri thinks it reflects badly on the Club if the student does not know where they are going to live - they need the security of a plan. Barry said that it is a lot of work, the schedules are demanding and meetings must be face to face but that he has learned a lot and feels that it is a good program and expects it will work better next year.
Steve said that Cassie had stayed with non-Rotarian and also suggested that the family of the outgoing student might be asked to take one in. Bruce Thompson wondered if some Penetang members might still want to participate.
After some discussion Ralph suggested that there was a justified concern but that there is strong support for the program and some suggestions.
Ralph said the Best Western had presented a proposed price increase. The Club conducted an in depth review recently which concluded with it staying but this is a 10% increase that would add $88.44 over a year. Some increases are to be expected and the Club and the BW have worked out some issues but this might be too much. Fred suggested a cost of living at 2.6%. Ralph and Sandie accepted a consensus that there aren't that many alternatives and that they should undertake to negotiate a lower increase.
The meeting adjourned.