Posted by Geoff Andrews
The meeting was called to order with the ringing of the bell by PRIP Barry at 1pm, despite the insults being hurled at him from President Adrian, something about an old man!
 
Invocation / Loyal Toasts:  Third VP Kenrad provided a thoughtful and inspirational invocation, and Treasurer Carla enthusiastically toasted the Queen and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  P Adrian welcomed our visitors, including regulars Claudia from Germany, Mike from the Great North and PAG Karen Pinder, as well as P Odette from Old Fort.  There were no guests introduced by Rotarians – not sure why Valentino did not have his usual contingent of 10 or more guests on.
 
Sergeant:  PP Michele was in great form, dishing out numerous fines including PP Franny (whiskers), new member Ethan (on the phone) and PP Joanne for being too hungover to turn her camera on.  She then told a succession of very funny jokes, utilizing a laugh track which clearly would not have been needed at we been meeting in person.  The highlight was a tag-team effort with special guest-sergeant PP Brian, which paid tribute to the late Sean Connery in a respectful but hilarious manner.
 
Announcements:  Literacy Chair Valentino announced the already in-progress auction to benefit our efforts to support families who are struggling with online education due to lack of the necessary devices and / or adequate internet service.  Raffle items included a fine bottle of scotch, a case of ice cream, and a garbage can, which were generously donated by Rafique Symonette, Fun Foods (Llewellyn Burrows), and Bahamas Waste (PP Franny) respectively.  Bidding was great throughout the meeting, inspiring Franny to offer another garbage can, and a total of $630 was raised after a great job by Valentino as auctioneer.  Particularly moving was the winning bid of $200 by PP Michele, apparently still buoyed by her success as sergeant, for the ice cream, on the condition that it would be delivered to the Ranfurly Homes.  Congratulations to all bidders and especially to “winners” PP Hope, Garth Brooks, and new member Shanalee.
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS / SPOUSE BIRTHDAYS /WEDDING ANNIVERSARY / JOINED DATE ANNIVERSARY:  Honorary Rotarian Bob MacDonald (Nov 17th) and Ash Henderson and Jaime Lewis (19th) are celebrating birthdays, while Erin Bethell Jones and Travis are celebrating six years of marital bliss.  Davinia Grant (2 years) and Rupert Roberts (48 years!!) are celebrating Club anniversaries.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO GIVE TO THE ENRCCT.  
 
Guest Speaker: Rafique introduced Noelle Nicholls, a philanthropist, writer, journalist, and activist.  Noelle is working with Aliv / Rev / Business Solutions / OURTV in an ambitious Campaign for Inclusion called Connectivity 4-all.  Noting the urgent need to assist families in need with the tools for successful online learning, the campaign, working with the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas, seeks to raise $150,000 by December 31st to assist at least 500 families obtain up to 10,000 tablets.  The program is focused on families who were eligible under the school lunch program but also is aimed at families who were doing okay prior to the pandemic but have now fallen through the gap due to job and / or income loss.  The program will assist not only with devices but also with providing internet access to families.
 
The program has certain eligibility requirements (public school students, low income, no bills outstanding with Aliv / Rev) and applicants are vetted by a committee which includes members from Rotary, the Cable Bahamas Group, and the Ministry of Education.  A donation of $300 can provide a tablet and internet service for 12 months.  Rotarians are encouraged to assist by spreading the word about the program (in terms of donors and applicants), by donating themselves or by encouraging / having their companies run fundraisers donation drives and matching funds raised by their staff.
 
Royann thanked Noelle and her team for the presentation and the project, which is truly a great project and should be supported by our members.
 
We were then treated to a few “About Me” presentations from some of our newer members, who all demonstrated why they will be good additions to the Club.
 
Julia Symonette was born in New Providence but has had an interesting career both here and in the United Kingdom, and she is presently living in London.  She returned to The Bahamas late last year to assist with relief efforts following Hurricane Dorian, during which time she really saw the power of Rotary in action.  She was particularly moved by moving telephone poles in Man O War Cay, and she was happy to join RCEN and follow in the footsteps of her father and brother.  Julia is particularly interested in sustainability and mountain biking, and says she is not overly competitive except when it comes to family game nights.
 
Shanalee Storr was also born in New Providence but enthusiastically described herself as an island girl at heart who is a wife, mother, and business owner.  Shanalee loves cooking, painting, baking and meditation.  Shanalee currently enjoys running hew own business, but she is most interested in retiring to Eleuthera and sailing around The Bahamas.
 
Jeffrey Beckles introduced him as a proud son of Chippingham, where he learned growing up that community meant something.  Jeffrey enjoys cycling and golf is also a big fan of Eleuthera, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.  Jeffrey is a business consultant, small business advocate and farmer, having recently struck out on his own after serving as the Executive Director of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation.  Jeffrey is also the CEO of Island Pay, the first digital wallet company in The Bahamas.  Noting the strong presence and impact of Rotary in The Bahamas, Jeffrey noted that we may be the Rotary capital of the world, which fits with his goals to make The Bahamas and the world a better place.  Jeffery was on such a role until he declared his 41-year passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
 
We then had a quick update from Royann, who continues to do a great job leading the Environmental Protection Responsibility and Sustainability (EPRS) Committee.  Royann encouraged us to all support their Meatless Monday campaign, choosing to eat at least one meal without meat on Monday in to help preserve our planet.
 
The formal part of the meeting was then closed with a toast to Rotary Around the World, but the fun and festivities continued as the auction was brought to a thrilling close.
 
Editor’s note: if you are reading this newsletter but not attending our weekly Zoom meetings, I encourage you to join the fun.  Our Club continues to thrive, but we would do even better if we had more from participation from the many great members who make up our Club.
 
 
P Adrian closed the meeting with a to Rotary Around the World.
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