Jun 1, 2020 Bulletin (Jun 01, 2020)

Jun 1, 2020 Bulletin

Opening/Chair: President Lech was the chair of this Zoom on-line meeting which was opened in the usual manner.

Visitors/Guests: There were no identified visitors or guests for this meeting.

Member Health: No report.

Speaker: President Lech was our speaker as well as chair today. He updated the group on the results of the membership survey the club did a few months ago. The results will be useful for the incoming executive, board and committee chairs.

Lech went through a number of the major elements of the report. Some 43 members had responded which is a high percentage of our 70 members and gives us a good snapshot of member thinking.

While the situation has obviously changed since the survey was done, the bulk of responses indicated a general satisfaction with the club and our programs pre-COVID. By far the majority of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the club projects and their engagement with the club. While some indicated a need for more information about certain projects or programs, and most felt that they were doing about what they wanted with the club... there were a few programs that needed better explanation and some who felt that they could become more engaged if asked.

While a large number of respondents indicated they liked hands-on community based projects, it was noted that we have to measure this with our experience that when we do have a hands on projects, only a few people usually turn out. Why is that?

There is an obvious need for more discussion and conversation about the results and how some changes might be implemented. After the presentation, members provided some good feedback including ideas like renaming the Directors meeting to Business Meeting to attract more member to attend and find out more about what was happening in the club. Lech also noted that being on the board, attending the President Elect and Secretary Elect Training, (PETs and SETs) as well as other district events or the Rotary Leadership Institute training were great ways to get to know more about what was really available in Rotary. It's much bigger that just the club.

Lech was thanked on behalf of the group by Jim Goit.

Announcements and Reports:

Barbara reported that the Rotary Cares committee made up of ten members, was very active, meeting once a week. The most recent meeting had been an on-site in Portapique to meet with community leaders. The group hoped to have a proposed project to bring forward soon. A total of $10,600 had already been donated.
Jim Goit reported that he would be sending a reminder to those who have made happy announcements during our virtual meetings showing how they can pay the Treasurer the $2 per announcement.
Esther reported that she have been co-hosting presentations with Laura from the library to have someone present on their home country at the library. These presentation were now on Zoom and might be of interest to members.

The next presentation will be June 4th 6:00-7:00 pm about Acadian Culture given by the director of Centre Communitaire de Truro (Camp Franco) located next to Ecole Acadienne de Truro. She and another presenter will share some highlights and people are encouraged to ask questions. You must register with the library in order to be given the zoom link.

Here is the link to the Truro library FB posting. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3949735638402414&set=a.191434170899265.

President's Report: President Lech reported that he, Jane, Tom, Alana, Jim and Barbara Goit had attended the District Semi Annual meeting last Friday evening on Zoom.

There a couple of items he noted:

The merger between District 7820 (our District) and 7810 (New Brunswick and part of Maine) was announced. The US clubs would be going to a district to the west and the NB Clubs and ours were joining to become the new District 7815. This would make for a much larger district (about 75 clubs) with over 2500 members. There was a lot of work to do to integrate all the programs, and systems. Some work would start immediately but the change would be completed in 2022. It was noted that prior to 1958 our District had been joined with New Brunswick and split off. Now because of shrinking numbers in 7810 we were being put back together again.
There would be no District 7820 conference this coming year. There would be no Rotary travel or physical meetings for the remainder of 2020 and perhaps longer. There was a District 7810 Virtual conference coming up the fall. Those interested might attend.
We were reminded of the Club Business meeting taking place Tuesday evening on Zoom starting at 7:00 pm. Invitation links have been emailed to all members.

Happy Mug:

Ed Macdonald was happy to have had quality bubble time with his 7 month old grandson.
Richard was happy to have been able to play Fox Harb'r this weekend. He got over the course and avoided the rain (but not the traps).
Terry was happy to have a new deer fence what has prevented deer from entering her newly landscaped back yard. Now for the ground hog!
Lydia was happy to have heard from Mme Oussematou, our friend in the Cameroon.
Ralph and Donna were both happy. One of their daughters sows had recently given birth to a litter of 17! All healthy and happy. A second sow was due any day.

Remember that you are on the honour system (4 Way Test) and you should track what you owe and make a payment to the club when you have accumulated an amount that seems right to you. Just send your on-line payment to etrct0949@gmail.com and indicate in the comment field that it is for the Happy Mug.

Closing: 1:16 pm - 18 Rotarians in attendance.