President's Message 
Learning a Language and Mental Well-Being
My wife, Yvonne, has an upcoming trip to Holland planned for a ‘celebration of life’ for her mother who passed away last year. During her trip she will visit with many relatives who speak very little English. In an effort to improve communication with family while in Holland Yvonne has made a concerted effort over the past few months to upgrade her Dutch by using Duolingo (a popular language app). It has recently come to my attention that several other Rotarians are similarly attempting to acquire new language skills: David and Shirley Smith use Duolingo to improve their Spanish and Mike and Elizabeth Lattner have enhanced their conversational French using this platform. For many reasons I am impressed by those who attempt to learn another language. Certainly this is more than just a practical skill—it can be an enjoyable form of mental exercise. Activities such as learning new vocabulary, remembering grammar rules, and constructing sentences challenge the brain and encourage concentration, memory, and problem-solving.
There can also be an important emotional benefit. Language learning provides achievable goals and a sense of progress. Completing a lesson, understanding a new phrase, or carrying on a simple conversation can create a feeling of accomplishment. Apps such as Duolingo use short lessons, repetition, and gamification to make that progress visible and encourage learners to maintain a regular habit.
Perhaps most importantly, learning another language can strengthen our connection with other people. Language opens doors to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Being able to communicate—even imperfectly—with someone in their own language can encourage empathy, reduce barriers, and create meaningful social connections.
For older adults in particular, continuing to learn new skills can provide an engaging way to keep the mind active and maintain a sense of purpose. While learning a language should not be considered a treatment for mental-health conditions, it can be one positive component of a healthy, socially connected lifestyle.
For Rotary, there is an additional lesson: learning another language is an investment in understanding one another. It reminds us that communication is not simply about words; it is about curiosity, respect, friendship, and building bridges between communities. Kudos to all of those who are making the effort!
Quote of the week:
To have another language is to possess a second soul. Charlemagne
Bad Dad Joke of the week:
A sweater that I bought was picking up static electricity so I returned it – I got another one free of charge.
Chris Compeau
President 2026-27
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting
Time: Aug 18, 2026 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 828 6879 3340
Passcode: rotary
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Notes from Rotary Meeting on August 11, 2026
President Chris opened the meeting at 7:07 with 33 members present in person, 2 members on Zoom and one guest (Elissa Lee.) Pictures from last night’s Karaoke Contest were displayed; our team came second to Campbellford. Dave R did the “walk of shame” as he came up short in the David Smith golf challenge.
Guest Speaker
Norm introduced our guest speaker, Elissa Lee, who is the co-founder and ED of Big Lake Arts. She is a Juno award winning violinist who has appeared as a soloist with top orchestras across Canada. Elissa and her partner Johannes Debus founded Big Lake Arts in 2018, originally called Wellington Water Week.
They have made a strong commitment to Wellington, creating the new Wellington Music Hall on West Street in what was previously “The Lodge”. Elissa provided insight and illumination into each of the scheduled performances of the 2026 Big Lake Festival - which runs from August 21 through 29 – the music, the performers and the venues. Six performances will take place at the Wellington Music Hall, and one each at The Eddie Hotel & Farm, Maison Millefleurs, The Andrew and Wellington United Church. One of the performances (Impact Concert) will be a fundraiser for Price Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO). Elissa stressed that all of the musicians will be housed in Wellington, which they love. The Festival Pass launched early and is now closed, but individual tickets are still available starting at $50 or $47 for seniors. For tickets go to biglakearts.com or scan the QR code on the back of the Big Lake Festival brochure. When asked how we can help, Elissa said word of mouth would be most appreciated, to get people out and into the seats.
They already have a healthy pool of volunteers. Conrad suggested we might be able to work toward a joint fundraiser for next year. Elissa displayed infectious enthusiasm and is obviously passionate about what she does. She will be performing in the Musical Friendship Concert on August 25.
Club Business
Howard said we need a separate ad in the Times about the on-line auction, specifically. Lana said we need to include the opening date as well as the closing date. We also need a spot for Mike on 99.3. Yvonne enquired whether we could send an email blast to previous auction purchasers.
Chris said he plans to reach out to the RC of Picton, to invite their members to join our President’s Walk at Point Traverse.
Martha advised that our exchange student arrives in Canada on August 15. We are still looking for a fourth host family and Christine said she may be interested.
David S announced that he got a hole in one on the 3 rd at Timer Ridge last Tuesday. Yea, Dave!
Dave H really thought he had us stumped with his question of the day, but he was mistaken.
50/50 Draw - Christine’s ticket was drawn AGAIN – for the 3 rd time in two months - but alas, no Ace of Spades.
Chris closed the meeting at 8:29 with the Four-Way Test.
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