By now you will have seen my message that this week we lost another outstanding Rotarian, Reg Gemmell - Charter Member, twice Rotarian of the Year, Rotarian of the Decade 2002-2012. He served on the Board of Directors for many years as Club Secretary and was a multiple Paul Harris Award recipient. Newer members may not have had the opportunity to get to know Reg, as he was unable to attend weekly meetings for the past several years, for health reasons. Reg continued to help out as he could and was an extremely valuable resource for his institutional knowledge. 

 

I have reached out to his wife, Tina, offering the Club’s support. When I hear anything further about funeral arrangements or other celebration of the life of this good man, I will pass the information along.

 

REST IN PEACE, REG

 

On a happier note, Christine and I attended an awards ceremony in Belleville this past Wednesday honouring local volunteers for their service. Our club had nominated Linda Downie for an Ontario Volunteer Service Award at the time of her retirement. She was one of 6500 recipients across the province, about 150 of whom were from the Quinte region. At the same time, we also nominated Linda for the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism. Up to 20 of these are awarded annually across the province; this year Linda was one of only 17 recipients and the only one from the Quinte Region. The award was presented by MPP Todd Smith while Linda’s husband, Bob, sat beaming in the front row. Linda was very touched and there were more than a few discreet tears.

 

 

As I observed that awards ceremony I was reminded just how critical the work of volunteers is to the communities in which they live.  The people receiving awards on Wednesday night represented over 2500 years of volunteer service. That’s right, 2500 years! The three volunteers with 50 years of service or more received standing ovations. Of course no one volunteers because they are seeking recognition, but they certainly appreciate it when it is freely given.

 

Thank you for your service!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yours In Rotary,

Lyn McGowan
President, Rotary Club of Wellington

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• Bill Mitchell under the weather, by Tim
• Peter updated on his wife in Maplewood in Brighton
• David Hawkins – Rowena not well upon her return from England

• Correspondence by President Lyn
• Financials by President Lyn
• Public Relations by Christine
• Fundraising Report:
  • Dining & Duffers – Norm
  • Electronic recycling – Norm
  • Golf Tournament – Colin
• Literacy by Norm
  • Books
  • Spelling Bee
  • Storybook Walk
  • Reyla update
  • Scholarships in place
• Summer Camp update by Trudy – Hub to respond
• Membership by Peter: 43 members
  • Roger Pardy, Gregor Stewart in the process
  • Special note by Peter: Legion’s Citizen of the Year – This year’s winner was The Rotary Club of Wellington
• Dues presented by President Lyn
  • Next Rotary year, dues (July 1^st) will increase to $230 per member as per charges by Rotary International and the District.  Motion by Norm; seconded by Dave Robinet; approved with 1 abstention
• Home Share by Margo – moving forward
• Beach Mat Project – installed May 9^th; presentations on May 15^th
• Community Centre naming rights told by Lyn that it is moving forward
   
• Funding Requests:
  • Pinecrest $1,000.  Moved by Michael; seconded by William; approved
  • Wellington Rec Committee $1,000.   Moved by Ken; seconded by David McKenna; approved
  •  
• Other Business:
  • Linda Downey – June Calwood award
  • Ken – Rotarian of the Year award nominations solicited

50/50 Draw This Week: $900+

The prize pot is getting larger.... We are getting down to the last cards... 

Make sure you get your ticket this week!

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