Directors: Henny Boeters, Ben Van Heeswijk, David Klatt and Judie Wigcherink
Attendance:
Members: 14
Guests: Crystal Kyle Doherty
Birthdays: Paul B, Mar. 19
Anniversaries: George and Juliet, Mar. 15 (24 years
Meeting Date: Monday, Mar. 16, 2026, Anglican Parish Hall. After a wonderful dinner prepared by the ACW, David B started the meeting by thanking the ladies in the kitchen.
Correspondence:
1. Chatham- Kent Hospice Foundation
Request for a donation
We will pass at this time
Program: Crystal Doherty: proposal for a youth drop-in centre for Ridgetown, introduced by David B
This program is “Shaping the Next Generation”
Crystal is at the meeting to ask support for a program dedicated to the youth in Ridgetown
Crystal showed a Power Point, of which this is a short summary
She explained that as a youth growing up, her family moved from northern communities to Hamilton, which was hard until they found a drop-in centre to their building
The program called SKY would have a mission to create at safe space for youth 10 - 18
To respond to community needs with empathy, integrity, and meaningful attached action while empowering youth
The purpose of the program would be to provide entertainment, support & connection, skill building, safe space empowerment and community safety
She provided some statistics on youth mischief within the community as well as results from a survey she sent out as to what days and hours this program should run
As well, the survey gave ages it should be run for and what should be provided at the programs, such as homework help, movie nights, indoor sports and arts/crafts and music
She also gave the results of what parents want, such as for the students to be active and engaged as well as the students wanting such as life skills such as cooking and sports
The location, at the beginning would be the Ridgetown Rotary Youth Centre with fees of $25.47 per hour plus insurance costs,
It would be open to youth 10 - 18 and they would want mentors and volunteers, with volunteers requiring background checks
It would run Wednesdays and Fridays, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm with the potential for changes as the program got running
Programs to be offered would include arts and crafts, skill development, homework help plus special events and fundraisers
To provide safety and responsibility, each participant would sign an agreement outlining expectations and responsibilities
One staff would have CPR and first aid training
We’ll prioritize safety while upholding ethical standards, respect, and dignity for every child and the community
SKY will work with local leaders and the community to ensure respectful, effective and sustainable support
The survey also showed that there is considerable support from community leaders such as Morena McDonald, Ward 3 Councillor and CK Community Health Alliance
The program will also be collaborating with many organizations within C-K
The start-up costs are estimated at $5385, monthly costs of $2205 and yearly costs $26400
SKY Group will be funded through grants, fundraisers, special events, and vendor booths showcasing the abilities and skills of our youth
With Rotary support, they hope to get a C-K Community Foundation Grant for the first 6 months, approximately $15000
Success will be measured by reduced nuisance calls, community and youth polling and attendance and usage
The first year’s goals are to create community and youth advisory committees, see grants/funding and create website presence and social media presence
This was an excellent presentation with very ambitious goals
Other Business
a. Kees: Paul Harris Awards
Paul Harris pins were presented to Bill L, (2 sapphires), David K, (2 sapphires), Jeff G (2 sapphires), Paul B, Kees B, (4 sapphires) Henny B, (5 sapphires), Judie W, (2 sapphires) and Bob W (2 sapphires)
b. Ron: Club by-laws amendment
Ron had sent the by-laws with the appropriate deletions
Article X, section 3: Members will be charged retroactively at the end of each 3 month period for each meal that they enjoyed
There is a paragraph on any charges for speakers, guests etc
Article X, section 4: This whole section regarding charges for those members 85 years old or over will be removed
Ron will send out to members the updated by-laws
Ron was thanked for the work he has done on these updates
c. David B: Strategic Plan committee - 2 to 4 volunteers required
This was postponed
d. David B: CK Sector - Spring Fling, postponed to fall 2026
e. Henny: Easter Egg Hunt - April 4, 2026 - update
Henny has to buy some more chocolate
Chocolate for younger group has already been purchased
After the Mar 30th meeting, the club will fill all of the gift bags to be handed out
f. David B: Service club expo, Ridgetown Adult Activity Centre - update
April 25, 2026
David named the groups who are joining us that day
It is from 1-3 pm
g. David B: District 6380 Conference: May 2 - Day of Action: update
We need one more overhead canopy: HH was suggested we contact
Of our $5000 grant, $3500 will be used to buy trees, plus the LTVCA is also kicking in $3500
They will be planted along the beach at the bottom of Victoria RD
h. Kees: Car Show - July 12, 2026 - Committee Chair?
Bob and George will do this with help from others
Happy Bucks and 50-50
50-50 Paul for the shower being done in Ange’s bathroom, David B for all the work done in Ridgetown by volunteers as listed at the East Kent Celebrates supper on Mar. 12
David K
President David asked if there was “Anything for the good of Rotary?”
President David closed the meeting unofficially at approximately 8:07 pm
The next meeting is on: Monday, Mar. 30, Canada Homestay - Sarah Telles, introduced by Reinout at the Anglican Parish Hall
The theme for the 25-26 Rotary year is“Unite for Good”
l-r: Speaker Crystal Doherty and President David Brian
