Hard to believe that we are at the end of August …the cicadas are singing, kids will be back in school next week, and Wellingtonites can breathe a sigh of relief that the height of the tourist season will soon be behind us.  I will personally also be happy to welcome some less humid days!

 

As we move into the fall, our bottle depot operation will remain as our primary volunteer opportunity (with some camaraderie).  Our Golf Day on Sept 30^th, the Foundation Walk on Sept 26^th, and PumpkinFest weighing (date tbd) will also bring many of us together with other folks from the community.   We will also look to schedule an official dedication ceremony at the Memorial Garden. 

 

On another note, I just received confirmation from Past District Governor Mark Chipman that the Rotary Club of Wellington has received the Rotary Citation for the 2020-21 year.  To achieve this award, clubs had to meet at least 13 of the 25 goals set by 2020-21 RI President Holger Knaack.  During a year that was challenging for many Rotarians around the world, these clubs demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.  Congratulations to Past President Howard for leading our Club on this achievement.

 

 

The first ‘breakfast’ meeting for many, many months opened on time with 24 members present in
person and five joining by Zoom, including the guest speaker, Steve Rutledge. Thanks to the efforts of
Chef Eric and his team of helpers, everyone present was able to enjoy one of the three meal options.
Michelle introduced Steve Rutledge who is well-known to many members already from past visits to the
Club both in person and digitally. He has of course been an enormously active Rotarian at all levels
including in his own Whitby Sunrise Club as well as with international projects. He is the recipient of many awards for his incredible efforts to improve people’s lives.

Steve began his presentation by thanking the Club for our efforts in supporting both his on-going project
of providing potable water to remote villages in Laos and the response to the Beirut explosion disaster.
He explained the Covid situation in Laos, despite which he plans to return there soon to oversee another
$40,000 water project and the provision of more badly-needed school toilets. He also gave an up-date of
the dire situation still facing Beirut which was making the implementation of the help to the pediatric
hospital very difficult. However, funds are now being transferred from the Global Grant that was
occasioned by the disaster. Canadian Rotary Clubs can be proud of their contribution of $240,000 to this
truly international fund raiser. Because of internet problems, not all of Steve’s presentation was clear so
he has provided these links to the two videos he shared: (3) Adopt a Village in Laos 2020 21 – YouTube
and: (3) Beirut Rotary Global Grant Summary (GG2119172) - YouTube.

Steve was thanked by Charles who commended him on all his work and efforts to achieve a previously-
unmatched feat with the Global Grant.

In Club business, Bill’s bottle depot volunteer needs were addressed but many slots are remaining unfilled until the last-minute. Ken reported good progress on the Golf Tournament with half the desired golfers enrolled already and a current total of 14 hole-sponsorships. MPres Trudy announced that the Club would participate in the Foundation Walk hosted by the Trenton Club. Barry, whose return to health and presence on-line was applauded by the members, thanked the Club for the well-wishes and those who had helped to complete the two new rest areas on the Millennium Trail in Consecon and Hillier. Colin & Shelley were congratulated on their 28 th Anniversary.

Margo raised the question of ways to help with the disaster(s) facing Haiti currently and Shelter Box was one possibility but others may well emerge from Rotary in the coming days.

Meeting closed at 8:10 with the four way test.