Rotary meeting minutes December 17, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am. 35 Rotarians were present with 3 guests (speaker Trevor Hagerman as well as two international Rotary exchange members – Julia from Poland and Lola from Belgium).
Phyo provided an insight as to why he joined Rotary. He met the indomitable Brian McGowan who invited Phyo to attend a ‘breakfast’ meeting. Phyo’s preconceptions of felt hats and secret handshakes were dashed when he attended the meeting. He was inspired by members like Barry Davidson, Brian McGowan and Reg Gemmel. When the persuasive Brian McGowan suggested that Phyo should be president of the club he said ‘sure!’ Phyo attended president-elect training and learned about the governance structure of Rotary International. He came to realize that ‘service above self’ meant more than just ‘partying with good intentions’. Subsequently as the president of the Rotary Club of Wellington he lived the role as ‘servant leader’. Phyo, together with David Smith, were instrumental in establishing a highly successful fundraising campaign to support the construction of a new hospital in Picton. The impressive work that our club does to enhance our community is not only the reason that Phyo joined Rotary but also the reason that he chooses to remain a Rotarian.
‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.
On behalf of Cathy (who could not attend the morning meeting) Roger thanked everyone involved in making our holiday dinner celebration such a success. In particular he thanked Christine, Margo, Robynne, Kim and Colin for their contributions.
Reporting on the health of members Roger indicated that John Inwood has had some breathing difficulties which are being treated. He also noted that Mary Robinet recently presented to the Emergency Room with cardiac issues.
Martha introduced the guest speaker, Trevor Hagerman, from the Rotary Club of Stirling. Trevor was grateful for the invitation to speak and noted the longstanding history of collaboration between the Stirling and Wellington Rotary Clubs (including the bottle recycling program as well as the maple syrup fundraiser). Trevor spoke at length about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. He noted that Wellington Rotary was previously actively involved in the exchange program but in recent years our involvement has waned.
Trevor articulated the objectives of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program:
- To foster international goodwill and understanding.
- To meet and live with people in a different country and experience a different culture.
- To enable students to study in a new environment and perhaps learn a new language.
- Act as an ambassador for Canada (representing not only your Rotary Club but also your city and country).
- Develop interpersonal skills and confidence which will last a lifetime.
Trevor reviewed the basics of the program. The exchange is available to students in grades 10 and 11 (age 16-17 years). The exchange typically runs from September to May/June (ie 10-11 months). Students will live with 3-4 host families during their exchange and are expected to attend school, participate in service projects and attend local rotary meetings. The specific ‘do’s and don’ts’ of the exchange program are explained to each participant. Trevor discussed some of the challenges that students typically face in this program. He outlined the expectations from host families and the financial implications for participating Rotary clubs. He also discussed the financial outlay for participating students/parents.
Trevor addressed a variety of questions from Rotarians. Several questions were also addressed by the two Rotary Exchange students in attendance. Pierre thanked Trevor, Julia and Lola for speaking with our group today.
Business
Peta Hall thanked our club members for our financial support of tuition for a college student in Ghana. Trudy Brown also presented Peta with an additional $625 towards the ‘Good for Girls’ initiative in Ghana which will provide menstrual kits to young girls in need.
Trudy also followed up on a recent email from Margo which solicited holiday donations for Kate’s Rest residents.
Mary Camp’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – despite a remarkably strong effort she failed to pull the ace of spades.
The meeting concluded with recitation of the ‘4-way test’.
December 10, 2024: Ted Hannigan (Classification)
Rotary meeting minutes December 10, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am. 33 Rotarians were present with 1 guest (Liam Smith – Friend of Rotary).
Tim Cox provided his rotary moment. He joined the Rotary Club of Wellington in 2014. He was sponsored by Mike Lattner. He considers himself a ‘normal Joe’ but was very happy to be part of this organization. Tim was particularly impressed by Brian McGowan and Barry Davidson – two deceased Rotarians whose boundless energy and generous spirit have left a lasting impression on him.
‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.
Michelle introduced Ted Hannigan who is providing his classification presentation. Michelle initially met Ted and his wife Karen soon after they moved to the county full time. She was very pleasantly surprised to learn of Ted’s interest in joining our Rotary club.
Ted was born in Calgary however he lived in several cities throughout Canada and the US as his father was a professional hockey player. When his father’s hockey career ended he was hired by Buffalo where he was the commentator for the Sabres. Ted reflected on the unique opportunities this provided him as a young boy with unfettered access to an NHL arena. Upon completion of his University studies Ted first took a job in Toronto with the Ministry of Transportation. He then transitioned to selling photocopiers and fax machines. His employer Unitel Communications ultimately evolved to become AT and T Canada. More than 30 years later Ted still works for AT and T.
Ted has been married to his wife Karen Williamson for 29 years. They have two children – son Riley, a 27 year old environmental engineer who lives and works in BC, and daughter Meaghan who is a 25 year old biomechanical engineer currently working on a Master’s degree. Ted and Karen bought their home in Wellington in 2011 and they moved here full time in 2019. Family values and community service have been important pillars in both Ted and Karen’s families. When reflecting on why he chose to join Rotary Ted saw it as an active way to contribute to the betterment of our community. He also admitted that peer pressure from Ted Nash also was a factor in his decision! Ted thanked everyone for welcoming him into the club. He finished his presentation with a skill-testing quiz which highlighted many impressive accomplishments but, alas, no juggling skills.
Bill Hurst thanked Ted for his presentation.
Business
Roger reported that Cathy Cavanagh was recently involved in a major collision on the 401 but fortunately was not significantly injured.
Roger noted that David Smith is stepping down from his role as speaker coordinator. This role will be taken over by Dave Robinet.
Cathy reported that 55 people will be attending the December 13th Holiday Party. Festivities start at 530 pm with dinner at 6 pm.
Roger noted a funding request from Peta Hall for $600 to support Faith Kwashivi pay for second year tuition at the Atorkor Graduate Program in Ghana. Due to time constraints Roger thought it best to present this funding request today. Ken moved to support this $600 tuition payment; seconded by Trudy; carried unanimously.
Lana noted that Cynthia Riordan at the Wellington Foodbank had requested gift cards for teenagers as Christmas gifts. Lana has purchased $1,000 of gift cards for the foodbank on behalf of the Rotary Club of Wellington. There will be a photo taken to highlight this gift at the foodbank at 9 am this morning.
Trudy also reported that Peta Hall had requested donations in order to purchase menstrual kits for young women in Ghana. $400 has been collected thus far via our Rotary foundation.
Mike Lattner is celebrating a birthday on December 13th and Gregor and his wife Kim are celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary.
Bill Mitchell’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – despite a strong attempt he failed to pull the ace of spades.
The meeting was concluded with the 4-way test.
50/50 Draw This Week: $158 ++
Make sure you get your ticket this week!
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday January 08, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Needed 1 Rotarian Cashier, Doug Henderson (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Gregor Stuart, Needed 1 Rotarian Cashier/Sorter/Receiver
Saturday January 11, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Howard Ziedenberg, Dave Wallace (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Colin Fredericks, Doug Henderson (FoR)
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