President's Message 
Remembrance Day: The Rotary Wheel and the Spirit of Sacrifice
Each November 11, Canadians pause to remember the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and women who defended our freedom during times of war. Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect not only on the cost of peace, but also on the extraordinary bravery of those who made it possible.
An interesting way to reflect on this history is through the Rotary wheel, a symbol recognized around the world. Its central hub and surrounding spokes offer a meaningful parallel to Canada's involvement in the Second World War.
The spokes can represent the many battles and campaigns in which Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen distinguished themselves. From the Battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, the Battle of the Atlantic and the Dieppe Raid to the liberation of Italy, the D-Day landings at Normandy, the Battle of the Scheldt and the liberation of the Netherlands, each spoke represents a chapter of courage, determination and sacrifice. These individual efforts, often carried out under unimaginable conditions, came together to make a lasting contribution to the Allied victory.
At the centre of the wheel is the hub, representing the honour, courage and valour of the Canadian men and women who served. Regardless of where they fought or the role they played, they shared a common commitment to duty, freedom and one another. Their character and sacrifice hold together the many stories represented by the spokes.
For Rotarians, the wheel also reminds us of our responsibility to promote peace, understanding and service above self. As we remember those who served, let us honour their legacy by working toward a world where future generations may live in freedom, dignity and peace.
Lest we forget.
Quote of the week:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
— Kohima Epitaph, 1944
Bad Dad Joke of the week:
Did you hear about the new restaurant called Karma? There’s no menu – you just get what you deserve.
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting
Time: November 10, 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 Meeting on November 3, 2026
By Secretary Lyn McGowan
Guest moderator Kim Lee opened the meeting at 7:07 with 35 members present.
Classification Speech: Cathy Cavanagh
Today’s speaker, our very own Cathy Cavanagh, was introduced by David McK. Although she has been a member of our club since August 2024, Cathy hadn’t previously given a classification speech so this was a long-overdue opportunity to hear about her life history. Cathy shared with us the story (and pictures) of her early years, her middle years, and her 3 children who she describes as her raison d’etre. As a young single mom after her marriage ended she struggled but, as she said, what we go through determines who we are.
Cathy started working in the not-for-profit world in the 90’s, first as the Coordinator for County Housing Services in Cobourg, then at United Way Northumberland where she rose through the ranks for 26 years before “retiring” as Director of Finance in 2023.
Cathy joined the RC of Northumberland Sunrise in 2013 and soon became Treasurer, a role she held for 4 years. She was then persuaded to get on the president track and became president in 2020 so has the dubious distinction of being the only president in the history of the club to never hold a face-to-face meeting.
Three months after “retiring” from United Way, Cathy was recruited by her former boss and fellow Rotarian to work parttime with the homeless shelter in Cobourg, to overhaul their finances. THIS, she says, is what is most important to her. She described the current facility, which houses 45 residents with the dignity they deserve. Each bedroom has 2 single beds, 2 dressers, a closet and its own bathroom. Residents are assigned a case worker, they set goals and help them find jobs Over half the residents are over age 50. Many have jobs but can’t afford rent. Some have addictions or mental health issues; health care workers and local service agencies come on site to them to help. The shelter is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week year-round. There is no time limit at the shelter because there is no place else for them to go. Cathy is passionate about what she does and the people she serves. She says there is no place else she’d rather be. By the way, she says the shelter can always use more towels, if you have extra. Also men’s and women’s clothing, as most people who come to the shelter have only the clothes on their backs and what they can carry in a bag. Cathy was thanked by Lana.
Club Business:
Roger clarified that the suggested $5 per person contribution at the Fellowship Dinners will go to buy children’s presents for Christmas.
Foundation Bylaws: Margo advised that the Foundation Bylaws have to be voted on by the club and filed with Corporations Canada. Once that is done the Foundation will be in alignment with all requirements.
Funding Request: Geoff moved that the club donate $1,000 to support the global grant for Adopt a Village in Laos; seconded by Peter; motion carried.
Scottish Curling Tour: Trudy reported that the Scots arrived on Sunday, there was a friendly game on Monday (which the Canadians won) and an opening banquet. They curl in Trenton on Wednesday and Picton on Thursday. Side note – this is the 70th anniversary tour.
Chris reported that Liz will be stepping away from the board next year, so the position of Director – Public Image will be open, if anyone is interested in serving. Shawn indicated he would be interested.
Roger reminded everyone that doors open at the Cobourg Dinner Theatre at 5:00 and dinner starts at 5:15.
Wake Up Wellington: Shawn reported that we now have over 100,000 views and 7,000 engagements, and several sponsors for radio ads. He is looking for members to come out on November 18 to decorate the park.
David McK reported that there will be a Wellness Presentation on Nove 23 by Mark Cowell (Belleville Home Care) on the topic “Making your home safer and living healthier at home.” Location TBD.
Signup sheets for the Wellington Christmas Potluck Dinner will be circulated next week.
Learned during Happy Toonies – Dawn retires on Friday! Congratulations, Dawn!
50/50 Draw – Dave S’s ticket was drawn; in his absence, Tim picked a card on his behalf – but it wasn’t the Ace of Spades. Only 5 cards left!
Kim closed the meeting at 8:39 with the Four- Way Test.
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How to Host the 2026 Rotary Youth Exchange Student Yuna on an Excursion
