President’s Weekly Bulletin -Service Above Self: A Year of Fellowship and Community
As my Rotary year begins to wind down, I find myself reflecting on the many ways our Club has lived Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Looking back over the past year, what stands out most is not any single project or event, but rather the spirit of fellowship and service that connected them all.
Rotary is often recognized for the work we do in our communities, but the friendships we build along the way are just as important. This year provided many opportunities for both. Whether marching together in the Canada Day Parade, singing our hearts out at the Brighton Interclub Karaoke and BBQ, enjoying fellowship dinners, celebrating at our Christmas Party, or gathering for our first Friends of Rotary Potluck Dinner, we strengthened the bonds that make our Club special.
Service took many forms throughout the year. Members volunteered at the County Marathon, participated in Pumpkinfest activities, helped with our annual Beach Cleanup, built and ramp at Kate’s Rest and once again supported the Rotary Spelling Bee. We enjoyed a memorable day of service with Sew Girls Can Go To School, led by Janet Thornsteinson, and welcomed families to our Family Day free soup and chili event. The Storybook Walk continued to connect families with nature and literacy in a unique and meaningful way.
We also found new ways to engage our members and community. This year saw the introduction of a new route along the South Shore for the Rotary Foundation and President's Walk, a wonderful opportunity to combine fellowship, fitness, and support for The Rotary Foundation. Our Wellness Series brought valuable conversations to the community on physical activity, food security, and anxiety—topics that affect us all and demonstrate Rotary's commitment to improving quality of life beyond traditional service projects.
Rotary also provides opportunities to connect beyond our Club. This year we worked with the Rotary Club of Picton in our Epic Day of Service, electronic recycling event, President’s Walk and Rotary Youth Exchange. Thank you to those who represented Wellington Rotary at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, the District Conference at the Fern Resort, the Joint Community Service Luncheon in Belleville and the District Assembly in Scarborough. These events remind us that while we serve locally, we are part of a much larger network of people working to make a difference around the world.
One of my goals this year was what I called "Rotary Refresh"—taking a fresh look at some of our existing projects and community assets. We made progress by improving the Bottle Depot property, receiving an update on the Rotary Community Garden from Lynn Gillingham, and advancing plans to update the Wellington Rotary Beach interpretive signs, a project that should come to fruition this summer.
None of these accomplishments happened because of any one person. They happened because members stepped forward, shared ideas, volunteered their time, and worked together. For that, I offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved. It has been a privilege to witness so many examples of Service Above Self in action.
Together, we have made our community stronger—and had a great deal of fun doing it.
Yvonne Buys President 2025/26
Thought for the week..
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Hellen Keller
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Mar. 30, 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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Rotary meeting minutes June 9, 2026 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
President Yvonne opened the meeting at 7:07 with 33 members present plus 2 on Zoom and one guest. Cathy passed around the PP Night Potluck signup sheet and asked members to be specific about what dish they are bringing to the feast.
Guest Speaker
Dawn introduced our guest speaker, Liz French, from Music at Port Milford (“MPM”). Liz is the Vice Chair of the MPM Board of Directors and Chair of the Fundraising Committee. She has a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto and worked in the U of T Library system for 29 years, 1st in the Music Library and later in the Law Library where she retired as Acquisitions Coordinator 2020. She and her husband moved to Picton 6 years ago.
MPM was founded in 1987, making this is the 40th Anniversary Gala Season. MPM operates a summer music school and festival for musically qualified young people, with an emphasis on chamber music. Need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships are available. The current programs are a one-week immersive chamber music academy for ages 10-13, a three-week senior chamber music academy for ages 13-19, a five-day choral day camp for elementary students from the County, and a Chamber Music Series of concerts at St. Mary Magdalene Church with MPM’s faculty artists. Last year, 66 students attended the chamber music academy – 47 from Ontario, 3 from Quebec and 16 from the US. Twenty local students, age 6-10, attended the choral day camp.
There is a slate of concerts this summer, open to the public:
Student concerts - July 11, 19 and 26 “On the Deck” at 89 Colliers Rd, and Aug 2 at St. Mary Madgalene.
Faculty Concerts - July 18, 25 and Aug 1 at St. Mary Magdalene, with a reception afterward
MPM “Takes to the Streets” - July 18 from 10-12 in Wellington and Picton
Faculty Pop-Up Concert - July 23 @ 5 pm at Broken Stone Winery
Liz was thanked by David S.
Club Business:
Chris asks that everyone complete the Member Satisfaction Survey by Friday at 5 pm.
Bottle Billy urgently needed cashiers for this Saturday and next; Thank you to Yvonne and Geoff for stepping up.
Kim advised of a new rule from the Beer Store for the Bottle Depot – max 260 dozen cans per green bin.
Yvonne noted the Wellington Recreation Committee has requested a donation of $1,000 for Canada Day activities. The Board voted this week by email to recommend to the club. Moved by Ken, seconded by Howard; motion carried.
Ken thanked everyone for donations of prizes and hole sponsorships for the golf tournament on the 18th. He says we are in good shape and are hoping for good weather.
Anniversaries – Norm and Marilyn Dodgson, 51 years on June 14
50/50 Draw – Billy’s ticket was drawn but he did not pick the Ace of spades
President Yvonne closed the meeting at 8:00 with the Four-Way Test.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $831.00
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot
Wednesday June 17, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Pierre LeBrun, Kevin Hanbury (FoR,
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Roger Tessier, Lari Langford, John Hatch
Saturday June 20, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Geoff Telling, William Mulholland, Robyn Shultz (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Geoff Telling, Brenda & Doug Little (FoR)
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
Conrad Guziewicz
June 22
Anniversaries
Mary & Dave Robinet
(June 16, 53 years)
Karen & Bill Hurst
(June 17, 59 years)
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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.
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Four Way Test
Of the things we think, say, and do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? …… AND is it fun?
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Rotary Song
R-O-T-A-R-Y That spells Rotary
R-O-T-A-R-Y Is known on land and sea
From north to south From east to west One profits most who serves the best
