Edition: November 02, 2021
wellingtonrotary.ca Chartered November 22, 2002
Rotarian of the Year:
Mike Lattner
Club Bulletin for week of November 02, 2021
Chris Compeau & Peter Campbell
(Classification)
President's Message
In today's environment, the word diversity is most often associated with ethnic, socio-economic, or gender based discussions. Our recent trip to Churchill opened my eyes on another aspect of diversity in our country. Churchill is a very remote destination, with access only by air or by train (and the train component was disrupted in 2017 & 2018, when the tracks were in disrepair). The population is around 900, down from approx 4000 in the 1960’s, largely due to the closing of the military base. Activity at the port, which is Canada’s only Arctic seaport, has dwindled, as grain shipments had to be re-routed when the train service was disrupted. As a result, Churchill has become primarily focused on eco-tourism … polar bears, beluga whales, and the aurora borealis.
The terrain of the area was sculpted by the ice age …many boulders smoothed by glaciers, and small bushes and lichen pushing through the permafrost on the sub-arctic tundra. There are many scientists and researchers that monitor the climate change and the impact on the polar bears. During our visit, temps were 5 to 10 degrees warmer than normal. There was no snow yet, and the ground was not frozen … not a good sign for the polar bears who are eagerly awaiting the ice to form in the Hudson Bay so they can resume their seal hunting and eating routines. The bears come onto the land in late June when the ice melts, which means they have now been without “real” food for about 130 days. This is a normal routine, but as time inches closer to the 160+ days, they will be getting quite hungry. Although we saw the polar bears eating tundra berries and sea kelp, neither give them the sustenance they require.
Leaving this remote but beautiful area of Canada was filled with emotion …elated with the experience, wondering if we would ever return, or whether it would remain as it is in the future. Then it was back to the bustling airport and highway mayhem of Toronto, and then the peacefulness of Prince Edward County. Diversity, indeed.
Here are a couple of my favourite shots of the polar bear cub and mama bear:
Trudy Brown
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Last Week: Club Forum
The Club Forum was opened by PP Howard in the absence of MPres Trudy with the Rotary Song, O Canada etc at 7.07. with 27 members present and 4 joining by Zoom.
PP Howard reported on the previous night’s Board meeting as regards correspondence to and from Sec Lyn i.e. a letter to Mayor Ferguson expressing the Club’s continued interest in a ‘Field of Dreams’ project at the Niles/Belleville location. Thanks to Vivien Lloyd and a memorial certificate to Florence McWilliams were sent. Yvonne then presented her Treasurer’s report for September the details of which may be accessed by members directly. There was a summary of income and two disbursements to Shelter Box and Adopt a Village reported.
On fundraising, Pres Elect Ken referenced the successful Golf Tournament held recently and listed the continuing or new initiatives including D & D books, maple syrup, and wine (possibly in partnership with Hinterland). He also mentioned the three principle project areas for which funding would be needed: Kate’s Rest, Wellington Storehouse Foodbank relocation and summer camp opportunities. On the first, he advised that Kate's Rest has received CRA charitable foundation status, and our regular process should be followed for deciding on any support, and that we await a detailed application for a specific need or project. Secondly, Ken explained that discussions on the needs for a new location of the Foodbank had been held and certain criteria agreed, though these were not going to be easy or cheap to achieve. Thirdly, he shared that the request from the Children’s Foundation for $4,800 has been tabled for future discussion in the hope to partner with that organization to administer the summer camp program with funding from our club.
On Community and Public Relations, Margo explained how she continued to receive assistance from PP Phyo and Dave Robinet as regards the Newsletter, Website and photography. There had been various opportunities to publicise Club activities in the local media and Bill and Ken offered to work on the Club’s Facebook page. Appreciation certificates and awards had also been given.
Since Linda was unavailable to be present, PP Howard reorted on her behalf. There was some discussion of the difficulties in keeping in touch with scholarship recipients, because of privacy rules, and possible solutions. A motion made by Ken to switch the scholarships to the high school level was subsequently withdrawn. The idea of Storywalks for the Millennium Trail was supported though information such as if the County would permit the installation of the display boards was needed.
Under Membership, the Friends of Rotary event would be postponed until Spring and the rules governing Honorary membership are under review. In Club Administration, John is still monitoring the naming rights situation for the Rotary Room at the Lehigh Centre. A possible venue and dates for an Anniversary/Christmas Party were discussed along with a caterer.
Candidates are being sought to replace members leaving the Board (John, Margo) and a next President Elect is needed. Pres Elect Ken requested that a long-serving Club member would join the new Board to provide institutional knowledge. Sec Lyn pointed out that sub-committees also needed chairpersons.
The Club is donating $150 to the Legion Poppy Fund, this year.
Under Club business, bottle depot and vaccination clinic volunteer needs were addressed and Colin requested that David Hawkins’s letter about the Rotary Memorial Garden and past Club members be shared with their families.
The meeting closed with the 4 Way Test at 8.25.
From notes by Geoffrey Telling
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The Picture That Should Have Been Here Last Week ....
Busy Day at the Bottle Depot!
This picture is of the depot before clearance two Thursdays ago...
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday November 03, 2021
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Linda Donville, Ken Robertson, Ted Nash
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Steve Leyland (FoR) Needed: 1 Cashier, 1 Sorter/Receiver
Saturday November 06, 2021
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Needed: 1 Cashier, 2 Sorters/Receivers
O Lord and giver of all good
We thank thee for our day 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:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and better
FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all
concerned?
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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, and east to west,
They profit most who serve the best,
R-O-T-A-R-Y, that spells Rotary.
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