Speaker This Week: Albert Paschkowiak (Rotary Wellington Beach Revitalization - an Upate)
President’s Weekly Bulletin – Understanding Anxiety – Reflections from Wellness Series Presentation
Recently, as part of our ongoing Wellness Series, we had the privilege of welcoming back Dr. Joseph Burley, Clinical Psychiatrist at Queen’s University, who spoke to us about a topic that touches every one of our lives: anxiety.
Dr. Burley reminded us that anxiety is not simply an illness. It is a symptom, a feeling, an emotion that ranges from a normal response to threat or stress to a condition that can become disabling and interfere with mental, physical, and behavioural function. In many ways, anxiety is part of being human. It alerts us to danger and helps us prepare for challenges. However, when it becomes overwhelming, persistent, or disproportionate to circumstances, it can significantly impair daily life.
We learned that anxiety affects approximately 10–20% of the population. Giving some context that would equate to 4-9 of our members. Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in anxiety disorders, particularly among adolescents. This statistic alone should give us pause. Our young people have faced unprecedented disruption, uncertainty, and social isolation—conditions that understandably heighten vulnerability.
Anxiety does not always look the way we expect. It can manifest in many different ways, including avoiding social interaction, difficulty starting and finishing tasks, and being easily distracted with poor concentration and attention. It may appear as irritability or anger. Some individuals may turn to self-medication or substance use in an attempt to cope. Others struggle with anxious or fearful perfectionism, oversleeping, or changes in appetite—overeating or food avoidance.
These symptoms are not signs of weakness. They are signs that someone may be overwhelmed.
One quote from Dr. Burley resonated deeply: “It is inevitable we will encounter things in our life for which we are not prepared and that overwhelm us.” That inevitability means that anxiety is not something that affects “other people.” It affects colleagues, friends, family members including our Rotary family—and at times, ourselves. Everyone is at risk.
As Rotarians, we are committed to service above self. But service also begins with awareness and compassion. Understanding anxiety helps us recognize when someone may be struggling silently. It encourages us to create safe spaces for conversation. It reminds us that listening without judgment can be a powerful act of service.
Our Wellness Series continues to provide not only education but connection. By learning together, we strengthen our capacity to support one another and our broader community. Mental health is health. When we normalize discussions about anxiety, we reduce stigma and open doors to help and healing.
Let us carry forward what we learned: empathy, attentiveness, and the courage to check in—with others and with ourselves. In doing so, we live Rotary’s values in a deeply meaningful way.
Thought for the week..
“Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”– Brené Brown
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Jan 20, 2026, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81827939082 Meeting ID: 818 2793 9082 Passcode: rotary
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Last Meeting: Julie Watson (ED of Alternatives for Women in PEC)
Rotary meeting minutes March 3, 2026 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
President Yvonne opened the meeting at 7:08, with 27 members present and one guest, plus 3 members on Zoom from St. Maarten. She began by welcoming Lois back after her injury/recovery and welcoming Howard, who has returned from struggling through Portugal.
Guest Speaker:
David McK introduced our guest speaker, Julie Watson, ED of Alternatives for Women in PEC. The organization has been in operation in PEC since 1987, providing support to women age 16 and over. They currently serve over 100 women per year. Their services include various forms of counselling and outreach, advocacy and referrals. These support services have stabilized funding through MCCSS, the Ministry of Community and Children’s Social Services. They have a staff of 5, consisting of 4 counsellors and one housing coordinator, and make use of volunteers.
Their other major endeavour is second stage/transitional housing for up to one year, for women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse. They currently have two buildings, with a total of 10 dwelling units. Last year, they provided housing for 16 women and 11 children. There is no government funding for this program, it relies on rent geared to income and donations. One of the buildings is 35 years old, with increasing maintenance needs and Julie said it is nearing the end of its useful life. They have started a fundraising campaign to support a new build which will provide 3 additional beds and one accessible unit. Their goal is $1.5 million. Julie was thanked by David McK and Yvonne encouraged her to submit a request for funding support.
Club Business:
Gregor said we expect to be bottling maple syrup the week of March 17th and we have just 452 bottles left to sell.
Chris reported that, so far, no one has stepped up to lead the Dinner/Dance Committee. We also need a champion for the Auction.
Lois will be taking back editing of the weekly bulletin and would appreciate receiving all input by Friday afternoon.
Dawn thanked the envelope stuffing team, Norm and Gregor, and thanked Howard for stepping up to emcee the all-school Rotary Spelling Bee event.
Yvonne reported that she now has 65 volunteers for the Kits for Girls event on March 17th. Extension cords and power bars are needed, and they don’t have to be heavy-duty. Please bring to next week’s meeting if you have any, labelled with your name.
Yvonne reported that there were dead ducks, geese and swans all over the beach due to an outbreak of avian flu. She reported the finding to the County and also advised Corey, who will be doing an article in the Times.
Kim noted that he usually picks up bottles at the dump on Wednesdays and Saturdays but will be unable to do so after his upcoming operation. Tim volunteered to take over for Wednesdays and Bill P for Saturdays.
Upcoming Events:
March 12 – Joint Community Service Luncheon
March 17 – Kits for Girls
March 21 – Inter-Rotary Curling Bonspiel
Yvonne’s cartoon of the day got a good reaction. A hiring manager says, “I’m looking for someone who can do the work of 2 men.” The female interviewee responds, “So it’s only parttime?” Good one!
50/50 - Dawn’s ticket was drawn, but she didn’t pick the Ace.
The meeting concluded at 8:18 with the Four-Way Test.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $404.00
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Wednesday March 11, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Ken Robertson, John Inwood
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor Stuart, Phil McMillan (FoR)
Saturday March 14, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Bill Pennell, D&D Crocker (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy Brown, Phyo Kyi
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
Gregor Stuart (March10)
Anniversaries
-None_
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Rotary Grace
Oh Lord and giver of all good We thank thee for our daily food May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to serve thee all our days.
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Four Way Test
Of the things we think, say, and do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? …… AND is it fun?
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Rotary Song
R-O-T-A-R-Y That spells Rotary
R-O-T-A-R-Y Is known on land and sea
From north to south From east to west One profits most who serves the best
