Guest Speaker
Angela welcomed our guest speaker - Catherine Cook-Lowes of Niagara Region Public Health was welcomed. Cathy and her family have a long connection with Rotary. Her husband Chris was a Rotarian and both her children attended Rotary Exchanges. Cathy is a Nurse with Niagara Region Public Health.
Cathy described the role of Niagara Public Health during this time of Covid-19. Normally, Cathy is a manager in the School Health program but she is currently a Call Centre Lead.
The role of the team is to determine where there are cases and hot spots of outbreaks, coordinate the testing access for individuals and provide resources and supports for the community.
Cathy indicated that at first, the team was only testing individuals who had specific symptoms aligned with Covid-19. Now, there is an expansion in testing. In some cases asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed to those with Covid -19 are also being tested. Much of this has to do with the fact that Covid-19 presents differently in different individuals.
The team is currently processing 200 tests a day. The good news is that very few of these individuals are coming back as positive. In many cases their symptoms do need to be reviewed to ensure they aren't the result of other serious respiratory infections.
The focus of the team is also on performing contact tracking within the community for those who are testing positive. The team supports individuals with advice on next steps such as self-isolation and protection of others in the family should they be awaiting test results.
The team includes from 150 - 200 individuals from public health nurses to dental professionals, epidemiologists and medical students. The team now has expanded hours to support the calls that come in and shifts are significantly longer.
Cathy noted that EMS will to home visits for the medically fragile individuals who required testing.
Cathy noted that test results are not all processed locally or in the same test centre. The swabs are sent across Ontario and hence responses regarding results can vary significantly. She acknowledged that this can be quite stressful for families who receive results at different times.
Cathy did indicate that there is no need to test seniors who are in your home. It is more important to keep the medically fragile people isolated and practice all the appropriate protocols of hand washing and sneeze and cough etiquette.
Should people need to travel - Cathy advised ensuring that you use hand sanitizer, wash your hands, wipe gas pumps and remain isolated on arrival in your new location for two weeks.
Cathy was extremely responsive to questions from the club.
The following are the resources which Cathy referenced:
As thanks to Cathy - members shared signs of support and encouragement to her, her family and the team.
Face Masks
Club members and Rotary friends continue to receive requests for masks and sew. Tove continues to sew dozens upon dozens of masks. At this stage, members have been using supplies donated by Wellspring, local individuals and supplies collected through the Sewing Army in Toronto and shipped to Niagara Falls. We are at the stage of having to purchase elastic at Fabricland. Any elastic you have in your home would be greatly appreciated.
Donations
Mike and Randy continue to work on getting e transfer ability for club members.
District 7090
Angela and Dave shared that District 7090 is sharing the great work done by Rotary Clubs using #tagthespirit and #therotarydistrict7090challenge
E.L.Crossley Scholarships
A discussion ensued regarding Rotary scholarships and medallions for ELC students. At this stage there is no decision on graduation - this will be determined board wide.
Janet and Pat will work to announce that applicants can submit their essays still for consideration.
Motion The the Rotary Club of Fonthill continue with the Medallions and Scholarships at this year's commencement.
M Hugh S Frank carried
Some discussion ensued as to when monies should be sent - this will ultimately be determined once recipients are determined based on their destination and timing,
Bingo
Paul S will distribute an email regarding the upcoming Bingo social which will occur during one of our meetings.
Upcoming Cancellations
Canada Day will be virtual so please send Lance ideas for how to celebrate. Both Summerfest and the Concert Series have also been cancelled.
TV Auction
Hugh indicated that the TV Auction will still be taking place. It is possible that it will be for a shorted period of time on line. The ask for donations will be delayed.
Cluster Grants
Mike shared that one of our local cluster grant clubs is unable to meet their financial commitment for the grant. The result is that in order for the project to continue the remaining clubs are asked to cover the cost.
Motion
That the Rotary Club of Fonthill provide an additional $100 CDN to support the Cluster Grant project.
M Bob S Mel carried
Rotary Moment
This week's Rotary Moment was provided by Paul S.
One of the most widely printed and quoted business ethics in the world is the Rotary "4 Way test" It was created by Rotary Herbert J Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of the Chicago based Club Aluminum Company, which was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company mired in depression-caused financial difficulties. He drew up a 24 word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. The 4Way test became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealer and customers and the survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy.
Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International during 1944-1945. The 4 Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.
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