President's Message 
This week's Guest Author: David Hawkins
The Moving Wheel as I See It – Part 1
Salutations fellow Rotarians. I am honored to write a ‘short’ letter to you while our president is away.
My career as an Anglican clergyman covered numerous parishes both here in Ontario and in England. During my Christian ministry I liked to think of myself helping others rather than myself. When I retired my new wife and I came and settled in Wellington. When I joined Rotary in March 2003 I felt a belonging due to the fact that Rotary was reaching out beyond itself to help others. Truly, my new adventure started not knowing what lay ahead for the next 24 years. During those many years I have grown to appreciate what a fine upright organization Rotary is.
As I recall this young club got off to a flying start with intelligent retired businessmen who took the helm and steered this golden wheel forward in the right direction in making prudent decisions. Hence this new club over a few short years found its legs on solid ground. Our early knowledgeable leaders are not forgotten as their plaques are seen in the Rotary Memorial Garden. Their guidance in those early years is greatly appreciated.
In the foundational years of our Rotary club I remember taking part in an early fund raising project – collecting beer bottles at the current glass works site. Later wine bottles were added as revenue grew. Of course this Bottle Depot is still operational to this day and remains an important source of fundraising income. The Big Wheel has advanced many miles since 2002 and will continue to do so in the years ahead.
I will now try and fill in a few gaps concerning Rotary activities in our community. In recent years I believe the Wellington community began to recognize the importance of having Rotary in its midst. I fully realize the Wellington Dukes brought Wellington to the attention of admirers in many parts of Canada due to their hockey success. However the village of Wellington itself benefited through what Rotary accomplished and gave to these citizens.
Besides the funds from the Bottle Depot and donations from local donors, other events unfolded. Approximately 15 years ago the board walk at the beach came into being, allowing access for young and old to walk the entire length of the beach. Approximately 2 years ago a blue accessibility mat was added so that disabled citizens could comfortably and safely cross the beach and enter the water. The Rotary beach improvements enhanced the experience for both local residents and seasonal tourists. To the north the overgrown bushes were cut back and a foot path was laid where railway tracks had once been. Residents are now able to walk, jog or cycle on the Millenium Trail due to the inspiration and volunteerism of our Rotarians. Certainly the Big Wheel was now covering much ground. But we cannot allow the Golden Wheel to stop! It now moved onto the site of the large baseball field where baseball had been played year after year without a scoreboard. Guess what happened? Rotary came to the rescue through the donation of an electronic scoreboard.
David Hawkins – Rotarian of the Year 2025/26
A thought… Some people dream of success while others stay awake to achieve it
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting
Time: Oct 06, 2026 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 828 6879 3340
Passcode: rotary
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Notes from Club Forum on September 29, 2026
Past President Roger opened the meeting at 7:07 with 27 members present plus one on Zoom.
Roger circulated the signup sheet for the Cobourg dinner theatre on November 8th. If we get 7 more to sign up, attendees will qualify for a 10% discount.
Forum:
Secretary Lyn detailed incoming correspondence, which included Thank Yous for our donations to Big Lake, The ROC and Wellington United Church. Lyn also reported that our two District Grant applications have been approved, with funding at 65% of the requested amount. (All District 7070 grant requests were scaled back by the same percentage because the total amount requested exceeded the funds available.)
Treasurer Bill presented the Financial Report for August. Mike moved to accept the Treasurers Report; seconded by John Heeringa; motion carried.
Roger also shared some stats with respect to our Bottle Depot operation. YTD, Rotarians have covered 65% of shifts and FOR’s have covered 35%. A big Thank You to the FOR’s – we couldn’t do it without you!! The overall Bottle Depot “Stars” so far this year are: at #1 and WAY out in front - Geoff with 17 shifts; #2 - Gregor with 10 shifts and at #3 - Roger with 7 shifts. Well done, guys!
Public Image Director Liz circulated a booklet with all of the ads and articles that have appeared in the local papers over the past two and a half months. Mighty impressive. Literacy and Youth Director Norm reported that Howard attended the County Council meeting this week to receive a cheque in the amount of $1,405 from the County for E-waste recycling. He also noted that he and Mary will start work this week on the Diners & Duffers campaign for next year.
Membership Director Peter reported that we have a new FOR, Shellee Perkins. Welcome, Shellee.
Governance Director Roger reported that the proposed amendments to the Club bylaws have been circulated and he moved to accept the revised bylaws; seconded by Bill P; motion carried. Roger also noted that the Foundation will be revising its bylaws to align with the Club’s bylaws, where relevant. Therefore, the annual election of Officers and Directors in November will also include election of Foundation Officers and Directors.
President-Elect Gregor reported that ticket sales for the County Cares event were just shy of $19,000 and the live auction raised $1,300. After deducting the cost of advertising, the Picton and Wellington Foodbanks will each receive $9,500. There was an additional $1,950 in donations to the Wellington Foodbank alone, from the QR codes on the back of the seats at the event. Moving on to Maple Syrup, Gregor said last year we did 2000 bottles and sold out, so this year he is planning for 2100-2200, with the price remaining at $20/bottle.
Funding Requests:
Norm moved that the Club donate $4000 to PEFAC’s “Swim To Survive” Program for Grade 3 students; seconded by Christine; motion carried.
Mike moved that the Foundation be directed to donate $2,000 to Hope Air; seconded by Tim; motion carried.
John Heeringa moved that the Club donate $1,200 to the Atorkor Graduate Program for fees for 2 students; seconded by Bill P; motion carried.
Mike moved that the Club donate $1,000 to the “Good for Girls - Ghana” program; seconded by Christine; motion carried.
Other Business:
Margo noted the County is moving forward with a Home-share/Co-share program, in partnership with Solo Seniors and the County Foundation. 65 seniors are already registered. Elis Ziegler is seeking renewed engagement from our club. Margo requested a “temperature check” to gauge members’ interest. The show of hands indicated definite interest in being involved in the ongoing discussions.
County Marathon – Mike asked all “Route Ambassadors” to be at their posts by 7:30 on Sunday morning. The race doesn’t start until 8 but a group of walkers will head out earlier. Pumpkinfest - Margo asked for volunteers to decorate and ride on the float. Tim, Mary and Lyn put up their hands. Shawn would appreciate 1 volunteer to help with a booth for cotton candy and candied apples.
John Hatch outlined the process for obtaining a Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check.
Howard coined a new word - “button-ize”
The DS Challenge – Last week Dave introduced Trudy and Phyo to Bingo, Bango, Bongo (whatever that is) and Trudy proudly presented him with the famous weeping towel. What goes around comes around!
Birthdays – Dawn’s birthday is on October 1 and she announced she has only 9 days left before retirement. Congratulations, Dawn!
Anniversaries – Jacques and Janet are celebrating 37 years on the 30 th .
50/50 Draw – David M’s ticket was drawn, but no Ace. Only a few cards left!
Roger closed the meeting at 8:30 with the Four-Way Test.
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