Wellington Rotary Bulletin July 11, 2021 (Jul 10, 2023)

Read Rotary International's President Gordon R. McInally's Message HERE

This past week I played host to 3 of my sisters and 3 nieces who came from across the southern USA for a “Girls’ Trip” to Canada, which was their choice of exotic location for a mini-family reunion. I hadn’t seen most of them for 3+ years, so it was wonderful to reconnect - not for an event such as a wedding or a funeral – but just to have the opportunity to chill together.

This week also made me very conscious of the wisdom contained in the words of our new RI President, Gordon R. McInally, in this month’s Rotary magazine.

Peace isn’t a dream, and it’s not passive. It’s the result of working hard, earning trust, and having open conversations that may be difficult.

I had resolved before my sisters' and neisces' arrival that, to preserve peace in the family, conversations about politics and religion should be strictly avoided. But my two younger sisters thought otherwise. They have lived in Texas almost all their lives and are fascinated by how different Canada seems to be. They started the discussion, which I tried to avoid, but they pressed on. They were braver than I - they were not afraid of the conversation that could lead to confrontation. So, converse we did.

We represented views from almost opposite ends of the political spectrum – but we trusted each other enough to listen and really consider the points being made. Nobody’s mind was changed as a result but I know I emerged with some new appreciation for “why” they lean the way they do. I still disagree, but I understand a little better.

This was an open conversation with people I already know and love and trust - and it was hard, and upsetting. How much harder would it be when the participants don’t know or like or trust each other? I, at least, learned something - avoidance of the difficult conversation is not an effective strategy, not if we want to help create peace in the world.

And, as our RI President said, “Building peace is the essence of Rotary.” Thank you, President McInally, for your words of wisdom.

Lyn McGowan
President, Rotary Club of Wellington

---------- // ----------

Last Week: President Lyn McGowan

Meeting Notes by Dawn Cutler

Rotary meeting notes July 4 2023

Members present-27 and 2 guests; Lois Brown and Martha Murphy

Health issues? Sharon enjoys the phone calls and Geoff was spotted on Canada Day.

Notes from President Lyn’s address to the club

The committee structure will remain unchanged
This year’s Rotary vision statement for this year is "Create Hope In the World".
President Lyn’s goals; 40 members in the club and 40 members participating in club activities,
2 members to attend the Leadership Conference
2 members attending the District Conference in Oshawa
RI Annual fund goal is $4000.00 ($100.00 per member)
Polio plus fund $800.00 ($20.00 per member)

Pres. Lyn is requesting input and followup from membership in the form of a satisfaction survey or perhaps a suggestion box and possibly one for the town to offer insights at the appreciation event in August.

Bottle Bill reported all was well this week with only a few spots open near the end of July.

Story book Walk is up and running and we can meet the next author July 24&25, and her name is Heather O’Connor.

Yvonne reported from Ribfest; 158 meals were sold totaling net proceeds of $1700.00.

Rodger reported on the 50/50 tickets; all 1000 tickets were sold and the Winner was Lisa Reddick. She won $720.00 and donated back $200.00 to the food bank.

Tim spoke regarding the Wellington Appreciation Party August 20^th;

Volunteers will be needed,
The ball park is rented,
Policing will be free,
Two band have agreed to attend (333 and the Reasons)
A petting zoo will attend thanks to Healing with Horses,
There will be an Arm Wrestling competition
Rotary applied for and received a Grant from County of PE,
Washroom facilities will be either the Loin’s club building or the Arena,
Tim estimated we would need 1000-2000 cobs of corn for the day and there was some discussion around cooking and serving of same,
There will be candy floss and popcorn,
A drone will be in the air taking photos,
Margo has taken on arrangement of children’s games for the day.

New business;

Peter reminds members that the new Rotary membership year is upon us and our dues are due.
Buck spoke regarding the legion; the floors are in and the fibre optics are in the works,
They always need new members and more money to keep alive.
David McKinnon reported on the Wellness Committee.

Three numbers were drawn before a ticket was claimed and the 50/50 was won by Dawn drawing the Ace of Spades out of the deck.

-------- // ----------

Pictures - 2023 Past President's Dinner:

Click on the picture below to view the entire photo album.

Pictures - 2023 Canada Day Parade & Rotary Ribs:

Click on the picture below to view the entire photo album.

-------- // ----------

Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week

Wednesday July 12, 2023

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Ken Robertson, Ted Nash, Sethu Madhaven(FoR)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Barry Davidson, Lari Langford (FoR), Rick Bobzner (FoR),
Needed: 1 Sorter/Receiver

Saturday July 15, 2023

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Roger Tessier, Howard Ziedenberg, Cathy Cavanaugh (FoR)
Needed: 1 Sorter/Receiver

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy Brown, Phyo Kyi, Peter Campbell, Chris Compeau

---------- // ---------

Edition: July 11, 2023
wellingtonrotary.ca
Chartered November 22, 2002

Club Bulletin for week of July 11, 2023
This Week: Jennifer Armstrong
(Rotary Youth Leadership Seminar Experience)