Well, my first meeting as President of Wellington Rotary Club is now in the books.

 

All members present were very complimentary and encouraging. I will work very hard to make the meetings entertaining and fun. As this is my first bulletin, I want to expand on Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick’s, theme: ‘The Magic of Rotary.”

 

As I mentioned during my remarks last Tuesday, the Magic of Rotary has always been ever-present with the Wellington Rotary Club – going on 22 years and just look at what you have accomplished!

And this is only naming a few.

 

Yes, Wellington Rotarians, we are all magicians for the Magic of Rotary. You are the go-to group for projects in our county. Hold your heads high and enjoy the spotlight. You deserve it.

 

Let’s have fun at our meetings.

 

Roger Tessier

President, Rotary Club of Wellington

 

On second thought: I was certain that air was free until I bought a bag of chips.

The meeting was called to order by President Roger at 7:06 am in his inaugural address

34 Rotarians were present plus 1 guest (Cathy Cavanagh, partner of Roger Tessier).

 

Lyn welcomed Cathy Cavanagh and highlighted the fact that she is both a fellow Rotarian and past Rotary president herself.  Lyn also circulated thank you cards which were received from Liz Brown.

 

Pierre circulated an updated signup sheet for next week’s fellowship barbecue at his home.  Pierre requested that Rotarians choose either a beef or turkey burger, bring their own beverage of choice, and bring a bathing suit.

 

Margo provided a land acknowledgement by providing a history of the historical Reynolds family home in Wellington.  Built in 1792 it is the oldest house in Prince Edward County.  It was reportedly constructed with the support and co-operation of the local Mohawk Native Indians.

 

Roger provided a rotary moment in which he asked “What enticed you to become a Rotarian?”  Roger indicated that Dr. Bob Scott was a Rotarian who strongly influenced his own path in Rotary.  Roger met Dr. Scott in 2012 at which time he spoke about the efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.  Dr. Scott’s enthusiasm and dedication inspired Roger to get more involved in the Rotary movement.

 

 ‘O’ Canada’ was sung. David Hawkins recited the Rotary prayer. Breakfast was served.

 

Roger provided an update on the health of members:

            David Smith noted the recent passing of Kimbal Lacey at the age of 56.  He emphasized the Lacey family’s strong support of the Wellington Rotary Club over the past many years.  Lyn noted that a celebration of life will occur on July 14 at Closson Chase vineyard.  Christine noted that a ‘go fund me’ account has been established to help pay funeral costs and support Kimbal’s family.

 

Roger congratulated David Smith on receiving the Leo Finnegan award for his outstanding support of the Picton hospital rebuild campaign. 

 

Ken apologized for not thanking Margo for making the centre pieces at the recent Past Presidents Dinner.  He also wished to acknowledge Mike and Elizabeth as well as Luanne and Christine for their assistance with setting up the dining room.

 

Roger thanked everyone who participated in the Canada Day Parade.  In particular he thanked Ken and Norm and their committee.  He also thanked Mary and her husband Bill for bringing the tractor and hay bales.  Ken thanked Bill Mitchell for recommending purchasing bubble makers which were very popular on the float.

 

David Mackinnon introduced our guest speaker, President Roger Tessier.  David noted that Roger’s career involved time in both the public (federal police work) and private (facility management) sectors which would certainly have provided a well-rounded perspective.  He also commented that our club has greatly benefited from leaders (such as Peter and Ken) who come from a military/policing background.  He noted that Roger was a prior member of the historic Cobourg Rotary Club where he was president twice.

Roger thanked Lyn once again for her contributions to our club.  He noted that her legacy will be the installation of the accessibility beach mat.  He also noted that she made some difficult decisions, such as modernizing some of the morning rituals, in which she showed compassion and understanding. 

 

Roger noted that the Rotary International theme for 2024-25 is ‘the magic of Rotary’.  Roger commented that the magic of Rotary already exists in our community.  He articulated some of his goals for the coming year; maintaining the high visibility of our club within Prince Edward County, furthering the EDI mandate, continuing with our existing fundraising initiatives, and dedicating appreciation events for Friends of Rotary.

 

Roger provided insight into his background.  He was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario. He has one sibling (sister).  His father was a carpenter and his mother was a dietician.  His career in policing was perhaps foreshadowed with the collection of military figurines from cornflakes boxes as a child.  He worked on a local farm for two summers in high school where he became fit and learned Tai Kwon Do.  He joined the RCMP immediately after high school and enjoyed a 12 year career.  He functioned in various capacities within the RCMP including horse detail, motorcycle detail and even fondly recalled security detail for former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. He recounted difficult undercover work for 9 months in Europe dealing with sex trafficking and prostitution.  Interestingly his undercover name was ‘Jacques Michaud’! Roger left the RCMP soon after this undercover experience and joined Shell Canada as a security officer.  He moved 12 times over 8 years and saw much of Canada during this time.  Following his work with Shell he joined Dempster Bread as a manager.  Around this time he acquired a Golden Griddle franchise in Whitby.  He was involved in training staff for other franchisees.  He described a contractual dispute with Golden Griddle that was ultimately settled in Roger’s favour.  He even subsequently appeared on a W5 investigative TV program which examined the pitfalls of franchise ownership.

 

Roger joined the Best Western hotel chain in 1998 in a managerial capacity.  He ultimately spent 23 years with this organization.  In 1998 he also celebrated the birth of his daughter.  In December 2019 his wife unfortunately died from cancer.  In 2021 his daughter was married.  That year Roger also met his current partner Cathy.  This spring he realized a lifetime dream of living on a lake when he moved into his new home in Brighton.  Roger thanked our Rotarians for their support and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President of our club.

 

Chris thanked Roger for his presentation.

 

Roger presented several funding requests for consideration which were discussed at the most recent board meeting:

Roger reported that the Board has recommend to the club that $3,100 be donated to support the proposed beautification project; moved by John H; seconded by Mike; carried unanimously.

 

Roger reported that the Board recommend to the club that $1,000 be donated to support student bursaries for the MPM summer music program; moved by Robynne; seconded by Margo; carried unanimously.

 

Roger reported that the Board recommend to the club that $2,500 be donated to support Quinte Access Transportation; moved by Lyn; seconded by John Inwood; carried unanimously.

 

Roger reported that the Board donated $500 to support the Likii School nutrition program.  Roger indicated the rationale to donate $500 rather than the requested $1,000 but indicated that an additional funding request would be acknowledged in the current fiscal year.

 

Roger reported that the Board donated $500 to support the PEC Fire and Rescue ‘Fire Safety Project’.

 

Ken and Phyo are celebrating birthdays this week.  In addition Phyo and Trudy are celebrating their 10^th wedding anniversary.

 

John Inwood recently attended the CML Snider graduation ceremony.  On behalf of our Rotary he presented a $100 recognition award to a community-minded student.

 

Norm thanked everyone who supported him as recipient of this year’s Rotarian of the Year.

 

Shawn’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 draw – he failed to pull the ace of spades. Too badL