Wellington Rotary Bulletin November 29, 2022 (Nov 27, 2022)

President's Message

The storms have passed and once again the County did not have a direct hit from a raging snowstorm that left over 3 feet of snow on the Bruce Peninsula and 6 feet of the white stuff on the New York side of Lake Ontario. Warm days have us back enjoying typical November weather.

Mark your calendars for next year. Our Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament is now scheduled for June 15th and our Dinner/Dance Auction is schedule for September 16th. We have set one event for the Spring and one for the fall to avoid conflicts with fundraising and scheduling.

The Rotary Club of Wellington is donating $2200 towards the purchase of a P-Pad, which is a specially equipped wheelchair for a local 9 year old boy who has spina bifida. This device will support his daily comfort, maximize his functions and enable more participation in family life. The PEC Lions Club also made a significant donation toward the P-Pad.

On Tuesday 22 November the Rotary Club of Wellington celebrated their 20th Anniversary. Local community Leader Leo Finnegan (Former President of the Picton Rotary Club) spoke about sponsoring the new Rotary Club of Wellington in 2002. Around 70 people attended the Dinner Celebrations and enjoyed a great evening of memories and review of many community projects completed by the Members. Ted Nash, John Inwood, Bill Michell and Dawn Cutler were recognized at Charter Members of the Wellington Rotary Club.

Barry Davidson was recognized as Rotarian of the Decade. Members of the Rotary Club honoured his extraordinary community service and leadership in some major projects.

Barry provided leadership over numerous projects, some of which included the building of the Millenium Trail, the Community Gardens, the Rotary Memorial Garden, and of course fundraising efforts as Chair of the annual Rotary Dinner/Dance and Auction. Well done Barry and Congratulations..

November is Rotary Foundation Month. THE ROTARY FOUNDATION transforms your gifts into projects that changes lives both close to home and around the world. All Rotarians are asked to consider a special donation the Rotary Foundation, I will be making a special donation to honour of my first vacation trip out of the county since the pandemic struck.

Ken Robertson
Wellington Rotary Club President

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Last Week: 20th Anniversary Dinner

Notes from my memory of the events of the night

Wellington Rotary's 20th Anniversary Dinner was held at the Wellington & District Community Centre. It was an auspicious event, with 32 active Wellington Rotarians and their respective spouses celebrating, together with 9 special guests and 6 visiting Scottish Rotarian curlers (who were being home-hosted by Wellington Rotarians).

The 9 special guests included: Leo Finnegan (Founding sponsor of the Wellington Rotary). John Dulmage and wife (past Wellington Rotarian) , Doug Wilson and wife (past Wellington Rotarian), Robert Armese and wife (President of Quinte Sunrise Club), and Past Wellington Rotary President Leslie Koopmans (nee Harrison).

Honoured were 4 active & current Rotarians of our club who are charter members, Bill Mitchell, Dawn Cutler, Ted Nash, and John Inwood.

Leo Finnegan gave a brief speech, congratulating the club for its successful 20 years. Leo was a Picton Rotarian and Past President, and was one of the founding sponsors of the Wellington Rotary Club.

After Rotary Grace was provided by David Hawkins, a buffet dinner of Turkey and Ham with all its associated fixings and sumptuous desert was served by Bill & Marnie from Wheelhouse Catering.

After dinner, President Ken gave honourable mention to all the past Rotarians of the Year, and Past President Trudy awarded the Rotarian of the Decade honour to Barry Davidson.

All the Past Presidents of the club were recognized, as were current members of the Board.

President Ken gave a wonderful and heartfelt summary of all our Club''s achievements over the year in his closing remarks.

Below are some pictures: