The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:07 am.  33 Rotarians were present with 6 guests (speakers Tracy Smith and David McAlpine, Shirley Smith, Nancy Griffin – president of the Rotary Club of Picton, JJ Johnson – president-elect of the Rotary Club of Picton, Liam Smith – Friend of Rotary). 

 

David MacKinnon provided an insight as to why he joined Rotary.  David grew up in Charlottetown, PEI, where he was selected by the local Rotary to travel to Ottawa and tour Parliament Hill as a young teenager.  While in Ottawa at that time he was given the opportunity to speak to the Ottawa Rotary Club about his experience.  Furthermore when he returned to Charlottetown he was also invited to speak to the Charlottetown Rotary Club about his trip to Ottawa.  David says that he sees in our Wellington Rotary Club many of the same attributes that he witnessed as a teenager – a spirit of teamwork, a focus on the wellbeing and development of youth, and a desire to make improvements in our community.

 

 ‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited an invocation. Breakfast was served.

 

David Smith introduced the guest speakers Tracy Smith (his niece) and David McAlpine.  He indicated that David joined Ontario Hydro in 1990 and gradually worked his way up into a senior management role.  David McAlpine provided an engaging history of nuclear energy in Canada.  He noted the early research in the 1930s and 1940s.  In particular he noted the Chalk River symposium on nuclear technology in 1942, which was considered the largest assembly of scientific minds on this topic at the time.  He noted post WW2 developments where Canada developed its own nuclear program which included the construction of the first Canadian nuclear reactor (Chalk River) and the development of the CANDU reactor.  Expansion and innovation was noted in the 1970s and 1980s positioning Canada as one of the leaders of nuclear energy on the world stage.  From the 1990s to present Canada has continued to advance and upgrade nuclear technology and remains a key player in the global nuclear industry. 

 

David provided an overview of a CANDU nuclear reactor where natural uranium is used as the fuel with heavy water a moderator.  This combination drives steam turbines which generate electricity.  He also provided a primer on the physics of radiation including related medical and industrial applications.

Christine thanked David for his presentation.  David Smith noted that a day trip and tour of a local Ontario Power Generation plant could be arranged if there was sufficient interest within the club. 

 

Roger reported on the health of members: Sharon Campbell is apparently losing weight.  Bill Mitchell is undergoing a medical procedure today and couldn’t attend.  His wife Dorothy continues to recover from her recent orthopedic surgery. Christine indicated that her brother-in-law recently died suddenly of a heart attack.

 

President Roger proceeded with the formal induction of Ted Hannigan as a member in our club.  Ted Nash is Ted Hannigan’s sponsor.

 

Howard noted that the September 29^th County Marathon is still in need of one volunteer to marshall an intersection along the race route.

 

Christine would like all club participants in the Brighton Karaoke barbecue to stay after the meeting for a photo.

 

Norm reported that representatives from the local Minor Hockey Association have provided him with the contact of a single father with 3 young boys who would like to play hockey this year.  With our clubs support these children will be registered in minor hockey this year!

 

Mike and Elizabeth Lattner are celebrating their 43 year anniversary and Geoff and Sue Telling are celebrating their 55 year anniversary.

 

Cathy Cavanagh’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – beads of sweat formed on Roger’s forehead as he wished her good luck with a wavering voice.  Despite a strong attempt she failed to pull the ace of spades.