September is Literacy Month: Our Club’s Commitment in Prince Edward County
Each September, Rotary International celebrates Literacy Month, a time to reflect on the profound importance of literacy and the role it plays in building stronger, more vibrant communities. Literacy is far more than the ability to read and write; it is the foundation of lifelong learning, personal empowerment, and community development. For Rotary Clubs around the world, including right here in Prince Edward County, literacy initiatives remain a central pillar of service.
In Canada, and even within our own community, literacy challenges still exist. According to Statistics Canada, nearly half of Canadian adults do not have the literacy skills necessary to cope well in a knowledge-based economy. This reality highlights why Rotary’s continued commitment to literacy projects is essential. In PEC, literacy is closely tied to social well-being, employability, and quality of life. By helping children, youth, and adults improve their literacy skills, we invest directly in the future success of our community.
Our Club has long recognized the value of supporting literacy at every stage of life. Over the years, our Club efforts have included donating books to schools through County Kids Read, supporting early childhood literacy programs, promoting ready through the Storybook Walk and contributing to the Wellington Public Library. One particularly impactful project has been our support of the children’s book program overseen by County Kids Reads. Each month they distribute over 600 free books to children in PEC, ensuring that every child has access to age-appropriate reading materials at home. When children grow up surrounded by books, their chances of academic success and lifelong learning increase dramatically.
Rotary also understands that literacy is not limited to children. Adults who struggle with reading, writing, or digital literacy face barriers in employment, health care, and civic engagement. Supporting local organizations such as the Prince Edward Learning Centre, we have helped to provide resources and support for adult learners working to improve their skills. These initiatives not only empower individuals but also strengthen the broader community by enabling more residents to contribute fully to local life.
Globally, Rotary has made literacy one of its six areas of focus, and local projects in PEC are part of that greater mission. Through the programs listed above, and scholarship support for post-secondary education, our Club is putting Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, into action in meaningful ways.
September is therefore both a celebration and a call to action. It is a chance to recognize the dedicated volunteers, educators, and community partners who are making literacy a priority, and to remind ourselves that the work is far from done. Whether it’s donating a book, volunteering time to read with a child, or supporting Rotary’s literacy fundraising efforts, every small act contributes to the larger vision of a literate, thriving Prince Edward County.
As we mark Literacy Month, Rotary reaffirms its commitment: to open doors through learning, to lift up those who struggle, and to ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to read, to grow, and to succeed.
Yvonne Buys President 2025/26
Thought for the week..
‘Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty and a building block of development.’ – Kofi Annan
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Aug 05, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81827939082 Meeting ID: 818 2793 9082 Passcode: rotary
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Last Week: Club Forum
Rotary meeting minutes August 26, 2025 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
President Yvonne called the meeting to order at 7:06, with 34 members present in person and 1 on zoom. The Rotary song was sung.
Secretary Lyn provided a review of correspondence received and sent.
Treasurer Bill walked us through the financial report for the month of July. David M moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mike; motion carried.
In Phyo’s absence, Yvonne provided a brief report on the Policy and Admin portfolio. Phyo and Lyn are reorganizing the club documents in ClubRunner (“CR”) such that almost all historical documents will be retained but they will be organized into logical subfolders. Going forward, upcoming events will be posted on CR.
PE Chris gave a brief report on Fundraising and related issues. There are promising ongoing discussions between the boards of the Storehouse Foodbank and the Affordable Housing Commission regarding the old Dukedome site and there will be a meeting on Sept. 5 with the County’s Planning Committee. Regarding the Bottle Depot, Tim has applied a load of calcium to the driveway to help deal with the worst of the potholes. The complex at Nicholson Island has called for pickup of a significant donation of bottles for the Bottle Depot. Yvonne will put out a call for assistance once we have a date. Yvonne raised the idea of selling pierogis at the Wellington Market at Pumpkinfest and asked for an expression of interest by a show of hands. There was not significant interest, due to so many other things going on that day – Bottle Depot, parade, 50/50 draw, pumpkin weighing. Bill and Dawn expressed interest in selling 50/50 tickets.
Norm, Dir of Literacy and Youth, reported that 16 kids were supported for summer day camps.
In Peter’s absence, Yvonne reported that club membership currently stands at 42. Prospective member Mary McCowan has attended 2 meetings and has submitted an application. After she has attended a third meeting, Peter will follow the new member process.
PP Roger provided a brief report on Club Administration. Fellowship Dinners will be getting arranged soon, with 2 lists circulated – hosts and attendees. We should feel free to sign up for both. Christine asked for volunteers to help organize a Thank You Potluck Dinner for our FOR’s. Margo, Liz, Howard, David S and Bill all expressed interest. The planning meeting will be Tuesday, Sep 9 following the regular club meeting. Regarding Health and Wellness, David M reported there are 2 presentations planned between now and November, with up to 2 more later in the year. Martha reported that there will be a meeting of the committee for Rotary Youth Exchange on Sept 11.
Yvonne noted that the club has accumulated a good number of “Paul Harris points” and brought forward a proposal “that a Paul Harris award be given to the Rotarian of the Year, each year, for as long as we have sufficient points available.”Moved by Chris; seconded by David; carried.
As part of her Rotary Refresh focus, Pres Yvonne has spoken with a group of Field Naturalists and the County about updating the interpretive signs at the beach. The cost to redo the 12 signs is $1100. The County has advised that they will match any funding we provide, up to $1000. Trudy moved that we spend up to $1000 for the cost of new interpretive signs at the beach; seconded by Mike; carried.
Other business – Our club received a 2024/25 Club Excellence Award, as we fulfilled our Club goals in 18 of the 28 categories. The certificate will be posted in the Legion display case. Yvonne suggested we should be nominating people for awards and asked us to put forward suggestions. A question was raised about putting a plaque for Sharon Campbell in the Memorial Garden – noted for follow up.
50/50 – Roger’s ticket was drawn but, unfortunately, he did not pick the ace. We now have the highest pot in club history.
Rotary International has honoured our club with a Club Excellence Award for fostering a positive experience for its members and reflecting the values of Rotary.
Congratulations to Past President Roger Tessier who led us through the 2024-25 year, to our Board of Directors for their hard work and dedication, and to all our Rotary members and volunteers who put service above self.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $1327+!
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday September 3, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Jacques Michaud, David Robinet, Alex Lacher (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Roger Tessier, Phil McMillan (FoR), Gregor Stuart, Reg Lapierre (FoR)
