Apr 20, 2020 Bulletin (Apr 20, 2020)

Apr 20, 2020 Bulletin

Opening/Chair: President Lech chaired this first video conferencing meeting. This was the club's first regular meeting since the provincial state of emergency was proclaimed due

to the COVID-19 global pandemic in March. We held it using the Zoom platform in an attempt to reconnect after a month of cancelled meeting. Physical distancing rules are still in place and we are not sure when they will be relaxed so that we can meet in person.

Jim Goit opened the meeting by playing a video of a Rotary bell being rung and then a video of the Canadian Tenors singing O Canada.

This was followed by a moment of silence for the victims of the weekend mass shooting. Few member of the club are untouched by the tragedy. #NovaScotiaStrong

Visitors/Guests: There were no visitors or guests on this occasion.

Speaker: There was no formal speaker.

Member Health: President Lech reported that he had been in contact with Ed Macdonald who reported that is son, Rotarian Andrew, had had a close call with the shooter on Saturday night near his home. While he has suffered a wound, he escaped and was recovering at Ed's cottage on Shortts Lake. The Club sends it's best wishes.

Several members reported that they had been in phone conversations with other members and had found them in good health. Calls are appreciated. Reach out.

Announcements and Reports: There were no formal reports but discussion ensued on a number of items.

There was a question about the Roadside cleanup that is scheduled for May 23rd. It was announced that this would stay scheduled and depending on what happened in the next few weeks it may go ahead or be cancelled in the week before.
It was noted that we might take the opportunity to pick up garbage as we are out on our regular walks (we all do that right?) and accomplish the same community service. This was agreed to be a good idea. Jim asked that people take selfies of themselves doing this and with the picked up trash and he would create a story for the website and Facebook page. Tuesday is Earth Day so that would be a good time to do this.
There was a question about tree planting. While we might not be able to work with the scouts as we had in the past on a planting day, there may be a way to do planting on our own if we had trees delivered. Audrie-Jo would check into this.
Audrie-Jo reported on the activities of the Rotaract Club. Like our club, they had to physically distance.
There had been a question from the CEC Interact club about the regular Club Scholarships. There were issues with old forms and unclear criteria for awarding them. After discussion it was decided that Barbara, Audrie-Jo and Laurie would get together with Martina to discuss how we could make them better suit the needs of the students in our community.
RYLA had been cancelled and the members of that group were looking at the STRIVE program as something we might look at in the future. A speaker was scheduled for May to let us know more about it.
Wayne updated the group on the status of the Colchester Community Workshops. All programs were suspended. The deadline for tenders for the redevelopment and construction of the new space has been delayed. The clients are still being paid their stipend and staff are working as they can. At this point the situation is still stable for most of the clients however that could change.
Bollywood was discussed. At this point no decision had been made on the event however it was noted that other organizations had already cancelled their fundraisers and events for that time and later in the year.
Jim reminded people of the weekly Coffee and Conversation Zoom cast that District hosts on Thursdays at 10:00 am. Details on the district Facebook page and emails from Louisa.
A Training for Leaders of Clubs (TLI) Zoom event is coming up this Saturday. Details on the District website. Everyone welcome but incoming officers should attend for sure.

President's Report: President Lech updated the group on the outcome of the April 7th Board discussions.

Due to the current virus situation, many regular club activities has been curtailed. Rotary Week had been cancelled along with Charter night. The regular club recognition and the presentation of awards would have to be rescheduled.
Planning for the semi annual meeting and Executive/Board turnover would proceed assuming we might be able to meet. Contingencies would have to also be thought about.
There is concern about the Yearbook. At the time of the shutdown only about 40% of the invoices had been paid. While money was still coming in, there is concern that we might get all the revenue. If members still have undelivered packages please return to Matt as soon as possible or let he know you have them.
The club is also looking for ideas as to what we might do for the Yearbook for the next year. Normally we would be gearing up now to solicit for next year. How can we do that in the current situation? What are the alternatives? Send your ideas to Matt or Lech. The Yearbook is our main source of revenue (about $40,000) so if we don't have it, how do we support our community?
Lech asked the group for ideas going forward. It was agreed that we would continue with the Zoom conferences. Speaker ideas would be welcomed.
For community service ideas please let the committee know (Adam). It was mentioned that the Facebook page Colchester- Supporting our Communities is a avenue for people to express support.

Happy Mug: No done on this occasion.

50/50: No 50/50 on this occasion.

Closing: 1:16 pm