President's Message 
Go Away! For the Health of It
Over the past three weeks Yvonne and I had the opportunity to travel to Sicily, a beautiful part of Italy that we had never visited before. Travel such as this offers far more than just a change of scenery; it can be an important investment in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether exploring a distant country, such as Italy, discovering a nearby town, or enjoying a weekend in nature, travel provides opportunities to refresh our minds, strengthen relationships,
and enrich our lives.
One of the greatest benefits of travel is its positive impact on mental health. Stepping away from everyday routines and responsibilities can reduce stress, improve our mood, and provide a renewed sense of perspective. Experiencing new cultures, foods, landscapes, and traditions stimulates curiosity and keeps our minds active. Learning to navigate unfamiliar surroundings also builds confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Travel can benefit our physical health as well. Walking through historic cities, hiking scenic trails, swimming, cycling, or simply exploring a new neighbourhood encourages movement and activity. Time spent outdoors, particularly in natural settings, can promote relaxation and contribute to a greater sense of well-being.
Equally important are the social benefits. Travelling with family and friends creates shared memories and strengthens relationships. Meeting people from different backgrounds broadens our understanding of the world, encourages empathy, and challenges preconceived ideas. These connections remind us that, despite our differences, people everywhere share many of the same hopes, concerns, and aspirations.
Travel also encourages lifelong learning. Visiting historical sites, experiencing different customs, and discovering new perspectives can make us more informed, open-minded, and appreciative of our own communities.
Ultimately, travel is not simply about reaching a destination; it is about the experiences and personal growth we gain along the way. By stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and connecting with others, we nourish both mind and body. Travel reminds us that maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life involves not only caring for ourselves but also remaining curious about the wonderful world around us.
Quote of the week:
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Saint Augustine
Bad Dad Joke of the week:
Yesterday I caught my grandson chewing on an electrical cord. I had to ground him. Currently he is doing well.
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting
Time: Oct 20, 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 Club Forum on October 13, 2026
Past President Ken opened the meeting at 7:06 with 30 members present and one guest on Zoom. Ken shared a Rotary Moment - reflecting on last week’s presentation by Steve Rutledge – in which he expressed his thankfulness that we, as Rotarians, get to participate in international service.
Guest Speaker:
Our guest speaker, Melanie Rodriguez, was introduced by Dawn. As Vice President, Corporate Philanthropy's Partnerships at the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Melanie works with organizations across Canada to bring people together around causes that strengthen communities and save lives. Committed to service beyond her professional role, Melanie serves as a Board Director and Fundraising Director for the Rotary Club of Scarborough, and is Sponsorship Chair for the International Women’s Forum Toronto.
Melanie’s full presentation has been circulated to members, so this summary will only hit the highlights. Melanie said there has been a lot of progress at reducing premature death rates from heart and stroke, but more can be done. In Canada, heart disease and stroke remain the leading cause of premature death among women and second for men. 80% of those premature deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes. Melanie talked about the evidence-based Risk Screen tool, available to everyone living in Canada, which gives a personalized risk profile along with clear, actionable recommendations. Her main ask of us is amplification of this tool. She is seeking help from Rotarians across Canada to get the word out, to increase awareness of the tool and to promote its use – what she referred to as “amplification”. This appears to offer a natural tie-in to our Club’s ongoing Wellness focus. Melanie was thanked by David McKinnon.
Club Business:
Pumpkinfest: Bill requested volunteers to sell 50/50 tickets at Pumpkinfest. Dawn and Tim put up their hands. (Liz wasn’t present, but she has also volunteered.) Margo reported that Dave R will drive Conrad’s truck to pull the float.
Roger said we now have 21 signed up for the Cobourg Dinner Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 8 th . Doors open at 5 pm.
Roger reported that a large group of Rotarians from Cobourg is visiting the County on Saturday, Oct. 17. He is arranging a location for them to eat their box lunches (now confirmed to be the Legion) between 11:45 and 12:45. Wellington Rotarians are encouraged to come by for a “meet-up.”
Reminder - the Celebration of Life for Ted’s parents is on Thursday at the Community Centre, from 1 to 3.
Birthdays – Peter, on October 18
Anniversaries – John and Robynne, 10 years on October 15
Learned during Happy Toonie Time: This is John Hatch’s one year anniversary as a Rotarian, and Dawn has only 5 more shifts until retirement. Congratulations to both!
50/50 Draw – My ticket was drawn (Woo-Hoo!) but, alas, I picked the 6 of hearts. Now only 7 cards left!
Ken closed the meeting at 7:57 with the Four-Way Test.
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How to Host the 2026 Rotary Youth Exchange Student Yuna on an Excursion
