Becoming a grandparent has given me a moment to take pause. This stretches beyond the joys of watching a new life develop, but also in witnessing the challenges a baby may bring to the new parents. Recently I came across Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements and was struck by how this simple but profound code for living can lead to greater harmony, purpose, and happiness and felt this would be a great handbook for prospective parents and anyone searching for a deeper meaning in life. I was also struck by how naturally these principles align with Rotary values and the Four-Way Test. In many ways, Ruiz’s “agreements” are personal versions of what we, as Rotarians, already strive to embody in our clubs, our work, and our communities.
The First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word Ruiz reminds us that words carry power—the power to inspire, to heal, or to harm. Being impeccable with our word means speaking with integrity and saying only what we truly mean. It also means using our voices to build others up, not tear them down. In Rotary, this is reflected every time we communicate with kindness, share gratitude, and uphold honesty in our dealings. Whether we’re promoting a fundraiser, discussing a project, or welcoming a guest, our words shape how others see Rotary—and how we see ourselves.
The Second Agreement: Don’t Take Anything Personally This one can be tough! We all like to feel appreciated and understood, but Ruiz reminds us that other people’s actions are more about them than us. When we take things personally, we create unnecessary conflict. In club life, this agreement encourages patience and perspective. When decisions differ or opinions clash, it helps to remember that we’re all here for the same purpose—to serve. Letting go of personal interpretations allows room for collaboration and goodwill to flourish.
The Third Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions Assumptions are fertile ground for misunderstanding. Ruiz challenges us to ask questions and express what we truly want. In Rotary, this means open communication—checking in, clarifying, and listening deeply. It’s easy to assume someone “doesn’t want to help” or “knows what to do.” But when we engage directly, we often uncover hidden talents and willingness to serve. Asking, rather than assuming, helps every member feel seen, valued, and understood.
The Fourth Agreement: Always Do Your Best Our best looks different each day, depending on our energy, time, and circumstances. But when we commit to doing the best we can with what we have, we can rest easy knowing we’ve contributed meaningfully. Rotarians already live this daily—organizing events, volunteering in all kinds of weather, supporting local causes, and showing up with heart. Doing our best isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency and care. It’s about the quiet pride that comes from knowing we’ve made a difference, however small.
As we move through our Rotary year, perhaps we can carry these four simple agreements with us: Speak with integrity. Don’t take things personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.
Together, they form a compass for leadership, friendship, and service—one that aligns beautifully with our Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
Yvonne Buys, President 2025/26
Thought for the week.
“These are uncertain times, the only certainty being how very different our world will be by the end of it all.” - Natalie Jenner author of The Jane Austen Society
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: Peta Hall
Rotary meeting minutes December 1, 2025 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
PP Roger called the meeting to order at 7:08 with 27 members present, one member on Zoom and one guest (Peta Hall).
Roger shared a Rotary Moment explaining the term “Rotary Anns” which referred to Rotary spouses prior to the first admission of women to Rotary in 1987.
Guest Speaker:
Pierre introduced our guest speaker, Peta Hall, who is well-known to our club. She founded the Atorkor Technical Institute (“ATI”) in Ghana in 2009 and the Atorkor Graduate Program (“AGP”) in 2022. Peta began by apologizing for omitting our club from the list of supporters in an article in the Times back in October. She reiterated her thanks for our ongoing support. She said the ATI, which is now run by the government, has been incredibly successful. They now have 500 students, with 90 graduating this year. (40% od students are now boarders from outside the area.) Many graduating students want to continue their education but don’t have the means to do so. The AGP pays only the $600 academic fee, with the student responsible for room and board. Each student commits to repaying 50% back to AGP, to support the sustainability of the program. There are now 19 students in the program, 2 of which we are sponsoring, and 11 are awaiting sponsorship. Six AGP students have now graduated from the program and 2 have returned as teachers at the ATI. Peta appealed to members to consider fully sponsoring a student ($600) or doing a half-sponsorship ($300). Tax receipts are available through the RC of Picton and sponsors will receive regular feedback through AGP. In addition to seeking sponsors, Peta is also seeking old i-phones, anything more recent than series 8, that she will take to Ghana. Peta was thanked by Margo, who pledged to sponsor a student on behalf of the Langford family.
Club Business:
Roger reminded members that we will meet on all Tuesdays in December except December 30th.
Plans are proceeding for the Christmas party on December 19th.
Bill P. announced that he raised $1600 for Movember this year, bringing his total lifetime funds raised to over $16,000. Impressive! Bill thanked members for their support.
Bill M said the Food Bank needs boxes, so if you are working at the Bottle Depot, please save them.
Phyo and Tim noted that the plaque for Sharon Campbell will be installed at the Rotary Memorial Garden this week.
Congratulations to Bill M and Dot, who are celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary on December 3rd.
50/50 Draw: Norm’s ticket was drawn and, after a brief but successful search for a new deck of cards, he did not draw the Ace.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 (!) with the Four-Way Test.
Rotary Kids Against Hunger Eventtaking place on Saturday December 13th, at the Loyalist College, Kente Building, Shark Tank Pub from 9am to 12pm. The address is 376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road Belleville, Ontario K8N 5B9
To sign up to volunteer please contact Jared Bellemare, Rotary Club of Belleville by email jared_bellemare@yahoo.ca
His phone number is 613-919-8101
Kids Against Hunger is a powerful, hands-on initiative that brings communities together to make a real difference. The organization packages and ships highly nutritious, life-saving meals to hungry, starving, and malnourished individuals—not just abroad but right here in Canada as well.
Sincerely,
Liz Bosma-Donovan
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50/50 Draw This Week: $75.00+
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday December 10, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Ken Robertson, Dave Wallace (FoR)
10 a.m. to Noon: Kevin Hanbury (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor Stuart, Lari Langford (FoR)
Saturday December 13, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Geoff Telling, Phyo Kyi
10 a.m. to Noon: Margo Langford
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy Brown, B & D Little (FoR)
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
Mike Lattner
Anniversaries
-none-
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Rotary Grace
Oh Lord and giver of all good We thank thee for our daily food May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to serve thee all our days.
