Speaker This Week: Julie Watson (Alternatives for Women)
President's Message
The Olympics: Bringing Us Together
Recently something has been missing in my life. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it at first. The evenings felt a little quieter, the news a little less inspiring, the conversations around coffee a little less animated. Then I realized — the Winter Olympics has ended.
For a few short weeks, the world gathered around screens large and small to cheer, to gasp, and to celebrate remarkable human achievement. Here in Canada, we proudly followed the journeys of our athletes as they skated, skied, slid, swept, and soared their way into our hearts. From thrilling finishes on the ice to breathtaking runs down snowy slopes, Canadian competitors reminded us what dedication, resilience, and teamwork truly look like.
Curling, in particular, once again captured our national attention. There is something uniquely Canadian about watching a skip carefully call a shot while teammates sweep with precision and urgency. The strategy, communication, and trust required in curling mirror the very best qualities of teamwork. Every stone thrown represents not just individual skill, but collective effort and shared focus. I also learned a new term – hog line.
And of course, hockey — a sport woven deeply into our national identity — brought moments of drama and pride. Whether it was the speed of the women’s team or the grit and determination displayed by the men, hockey reminded us why it remains such a unifying force across our country. When Team Canada takes to the Olympic ice, living rooms from coast to coast become arenas of hope and anticipation.
Beyond the rink, we watched familiar names add to their legacies and newcomers burst onto the scene with poise beyond their years. Whether it was the speed and precision of our short track skaters, the grace of our figure skaters, or the fearless determination of our freestyle skiers, each performance carried a story of years of early mornings, setbacks, perseverance, and belief. Their medals — gold, silver, and bronze — were symbols not only of podium finishes, but of commitment to excellence.
The Olympic Games themselves, organized by the International Olympic Committee, represent far more than sport. They are a celebration of unity. In a world that often feels divided, the Olympics remind us of what is possible when nations come together in peaceful competition. Athletes from around the globe stand side by side at opening ceremonies, not as rivals, but as representatives of their people and ambassadors of goodwill.
Here at home, the Games have a unique way of uniting Canadians. We may come from different provinces, backgrounds, and perspectives, but when a Canadian athlete steps to the starting line — or onto the ice — we are collectively holding our breath. When they succeed, we celebrate together. When they fall short, we admire their courage and look forward to their next opportunity. The maple leaf becomes a shared symbol of pride.
Sport has always had the power to build bridges. It transcends language, politics, and geography. It teaches respect for rules, appreciation for opponents, and the importance of striving for personal bests. These are values that resonate deeply with Rotary. Just as athletes train tirelessly toward a goal, so too do Rotarians work consistently toward service above self. Just as teams rely on one another for success, so too do our clubs thrive through collaboration and shared purpose.
The Olympics may have concluded, but the spirit they inspire does not have to fade. Perhaps what I truly miss is not just the competition, but the feeling of connection — a nation cheering together and a world striving together.
And that is a spirit worth carrying forward.
Yvonne Buys President 2025/26
Thought for the week..
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” – Jesse Owens
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: March 3, 2026 - 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: Club Forum
Rotary meeting minutes February 24, 2026 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
President Yvonne called the meeting to order at 7:07, with 29 members present and one on Zoom. O Canada and the Rotary Song were sung, and Rev. Hawkins delivered the invocation.
Club Forum:
Secretary Lyn detailed the correspondence received and sent during the month.
Treasurer Bill reviewed the financial report for the month of January. Colin moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by John He; motion carried.
Pres Elect Chris reviewed Fundraising activities:
Dinner/Dance - If we are going to have a Dinner/Dance/Auction this year, or some other event in lieu thereof, the event needs a champion. If any Rotarian is prepared to take a leadership role for such an event, please speak to Chris.
Bottle Depot – The commission we receive on bottles and cans processed through the Bottle Depot will be increasing from 15.6% to 20%, effective March 1. A volume incentive is also being added. Yvonne noted this is a very positive indication that the province intends to remain in the bottle recycling business. Yvonne noted that Kim plays an important role in the Bottle Depot operation, which he will be unable to do during recovery from his upcoming surgery. Tim volunteered to step in.
For the month of February Lari (FOR) volunteered for the greatest number of shifts. Overall Rotarians filled 70% of the shifts and FOR 30%.
50/50 Goldmine Proposal – Yvonne observed that more members voted in favour of the recent proposal than voted against, but the large number of abstentions suggests that some members had unanswered questions. She noted that we will be joined on April 7th by members of the RC of Middleton, NS so that we can talk directly with people who have run a 50/50 Goldmine operation and hopefully resolve any uncertainties.
Diners & Duffers – Norm reported that this year’s books will go on sale as of March 21st.
Rotary Youth Exchange – Martha reported that we now have an MOU in place with the RC of Picton, and thanked Margo for her assistance. Anyone who wants to be involved with the program in any way needs to get their Criminal Records/Vulnerable Sector check as soon as possible. You apply online and need to attach a copy of a letter from District, which will be circulated this week. Martha noted that it can take 6 months from time of application. In answer to a question from Yvonne, Martha said we want to continue with the program next year, so the related costs should be included in the 2026-2027 budget.
Membership – Peter reported that there has been no change in the number of members and active FOR’s, but noted the FOR list in ClubRunner has been updated by Phyo.
Fellowship Dinners – Roger noted that 31 Rotarians are participating in this round of dinners.
New Initiatives – Chris reported that nothing seems to be happening with respect to a new location for the Foodbank, so we may be looking for another major fundraising recipient. Ken suggested that major fundraising will be needed for PEFAC.
Rotarian of the Year (“ROY”) – Because we will be giving a Paul Harris award to the ROY at the Past Presidents’ Dinner in June, Roger said he will be asking for nominations a bit earlier than usual, in late April/early May, to allow time for ordering and receipt of the award. He has enlisted the help of Ted N and Pierre to review the ROY nominations.
Heath and Wellness Committee – David McK said the need for daycare remains a priority in the County, notwithstanding the new day care centre at Base 31 which will serve the Picton area but does not help the western end of the County. He is speaking with the HUB and the CIBC about a microloan program that could be helpful.
Funding Requests:
David McK moved that $2,000 be donated to the ROC; seconded by Dave H ; motion carried.
Geoff moved that $1,000 be donated to the Children’s Safety Village; seconded by Kim; motion carried.
Bill moved that $1,000 be donated to the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory; seconded by Norm; motion carried.
Roger moved that $1,000 be donated to the RC of West Ottawa / Rotary Intercountry Committee – Canada/Ukraine for the purchase of generators for Ukraine; seconded by Bill; motion carried.
Other Business:
Norm moved that $1,000 be donated to the Storehouse Foodbank in memory of Cynthia Riordan; seconded by Ted H; motion carried.
Kits for Girls - Yvonne noted the Board approved an expenditure of up to $300 for the purchase of refreshments for the event on March 17. She will ask RC of Picton to do likewise. She already has 60 volunteers for the event and is hoping to get to 100. Tim and Chris volunteered to help.
Maple Syrup – Gregor reported that 1534 bottles are already presold, leaving only 466 bottles left to sell. He thanked the members who came out to help with labelling last week and will be looking for 6-7 people per shift for 2 shifts, when it comes time to bottle. Timing TBD.
District 7070 Conference October 23-25 – Yvonne and Roger both encouraged that members consider attending. The club has budgeted $500 p.p. for a number of people to attend. The registration cost is $269 + hst for members and $225 + hst for guests. Accommodation is extra. This year’s conference is in North York.
Bill H referenced a recent conversation with Corey at the Wellington Community Association, who said another bank may be interested in moving into the BNS site.
No birthdays and anniversaries this week.
50/50 Draw – Martha’s ticket was drawn. As she had had to leave, Margo picked a card on her behalf but did not pick the Ace of Spades.
The meeting concluded at 8:25 with the Four Way Test.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $382
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday March 4, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Ken (cashier), Alistair (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Margo (cashier), Lari Langford (FoR)
Saturday March 7, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Bill P (cashier), William)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy (cashier), Phyo
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
-none-
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.
