Guests: 24 Rotarians (1 on zoom) were joined by guests Amanda DeVries, Geoff Smith, and Agus Sancho.
Program
President Brenda opened the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement and the POD members assisted with opening exercises.
After dinner and announcements, Jeff Kleven formally introduced Amanda DeVries, executive director of Eagles Nest. Amanda has been with Eagles Nest for 8 years and has 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She has background in psychology, specializing in trauma and loss in children. Eagles Nest hopes to provide people with the tools they need for the future and provide services for everybody at the Hope Centre. Amanda noted that there has been an 80% increase in inquires for therapy since the pandemic. Eagles Nest can provide partial and full subsidies for people as they understand that not everybody can afford the help they need. She noted that they provide specialized programs for different age groups including the 6-8 year old program, Emoticon and the program for teenage girls, I Am Worthy.
Eagles Nest Executive Director Amanda DeVries talks about mental health programming they offer the community. Brenda Jefferies photo
AGM
President Brenda chaired the club's Annual General Meeting for 2024-2025. The following items were discussed:
1. Receipt of the Agenda - Jeff moved, Karen seconded the receipt of this year’s agenda
2. Receipt of the Minutes of the previous AGM and subsequent special meetings;
The minutes from the previous AGM being unavailable, Kevin Smoke moved and Garry Flood seconded to carry ahead without the minutes.
3. Appointment of Wellenreiter LLP to review and maintain the minute books.
4. Consideration of the financial statements; Treasurer NormRead referred members to the 2024-2025 budget, which was presented at a previous meeting and approved by the club members.
5. Report of person appointed to examine the financial statements; Nic Freeman completed an examination of financial statements and confirmed they were in order, please note this was not an audit or review.
6. Reappointment/new appointment of the examiner for the financial statements for 2024/2025; Nic Freeman was reappointed to examine the financial statements for 2024/2025
7. Elections of Directors for 2025-2026; President-elect Kevin Smoke confirmed the following:
President
Kevin Smoke
President elect
Karen Matthews
Past President
Brenda Jeffries
Rotary Garden Court
Nick Brown
International Committee
Zobia Jawed
Treasurer
Norm Read
Youth Services
Darryl Kirkland
Community Services
Diandra Camilleri
Fundraising
Margot Rae
Foundation
Jeff Kleven
Club services
Wilf Arndt
Public Relations
Brenda Jeffries/Amber Kosubovich
Secretary
Kim Piper
Membership
Michelle Lefebvre
Items of Interest
President Brenda gave kudos to Nic Freeman for completing the financial examination and to JeffPartridge for his new project in the works.
Brenda thanked everyone who filled out the recent club survey, as more than 30 people had completed it.
Brenda also reminded those present about the District 7090 Spring Conference on April 4th and 5th in Niagara Falls. The deadline to register is March 22nd.
Diandra and Karen asked for club approval for Community Service to give $2,000 to the Healthy Youth Network HEART program’s breakfast at Waterdown High School Wendy Approved, and George seconded.
Community Service would also like to launch the “If I Had a Thousand Dollars” campaign in the spring.
Nick Brown reminded members to save May 28th for the Flamborough Open golf tournament.
Nicke noted that Trivia Night is March 28th and more teams are needed, the goal is 30 tables. Trivia night needs silent auction items, bring your bottles of wine.
Sue Collins reminded us that the club is turning 70 this year, we need suggestions for a venue for 70-100 people for anniversary dinner. We want to have some club banners and have some events such as an ice cream truck for the community in the summer.
Darryl read a letter of thanks to the Youth Service committee from Waterdown High for giving out snacks before exams, and for the $500 gift to the HWDSB for contributing to children achieving their goals.
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