’Twas the year of Rotary in the heart of the County, When service and friendship made our calendar mighty. From parades to potlucks, from walks by the shore, This club showed again what we gather here for.
When Canada Day dawned with red, white, and cheer, We rolled through the parade — a highlight each year. The BBQ ribs followed, a crowd-pleasing delight, Sticky fingers and smiles carried on into night.
When autumn arrived and the pumpkins were bright, Pumpkinfest brought laughter and Rotary pride. We marched in the parade, joined the fun all around, In a season where community spirit is found.
One elegant evening, dressed up just so, We gathered to dance, letting good music flow. But beyond the fine food and the dance floor’s glow, Was service at heart — as Rotarians know. Proceeds supported two causes held dear, The PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation, ever near, And the Storehouse Foodbank, helping families each day, Proof that Rotary joy can also pave the way.
Along the South Shore, with the water in view, We walked for the Foundation, committed and true. Step by step, side by side, under wide County skies, We supported a mission with global-sized ties.
Behind the scenes, steady and true, The Bottle Depot carried much of us through. Our main fundraiser, reliable and strong, And a place where community connections belong.
Friendship thrived too, in ways big and small, At fellowship dinners that welcomed us all. And one special night, with gratitude clear, We celebrated our Friends of Rotary, dear.
This week came a highlight — festive and bright, Our Christmas potluck, a seasonal delight. With food on the tables and cheer in the air, And gifts from our Santa — who looked just like Howard, we swear!
This year also brought fresh energy and cheer, As new members joined us — how glad we are here! Mary McCowan and John Hatch stepped right in, Adding ideas, enthusiasm, and Rotary grin.
Now we look ahead as the year turns its page, With more County moments ready to engage. Maple syrup sales will soon sweeten our days, A fundraiser rooted in County-true ways.
Family Day brings soup, warmth served in a bowl, And our Rotary Beach clean-up calls heart and soul. Caring for place, for people, for all — That’s Rotary’s purpose, our enduring call.
So from your President, my thanks ring sincere, For the time, the laughter, the service this year. In Wellington, the County, wherever we roam, This Rotary Club is truly our home.
Yvonne Buys, President 2025/26
Thought for the week.
“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” — Fred Gailey, "Miracle on 34th Street"
Please note, this will be the last Bulletin in 2025.
The bulletin will resume in the New Year.
On December 19th at our Annual Christmas Party, Howard Ziedenberg and Bill Pennell each received their 3rd Paul Harris Fellowship. A Paul Harris Fellowship is granted to someone who truly embodies the spirit of Rotary. This individual leads quietly, serves generously, and consistently puts community before self. Through their commitment, compassion, and willingness to step up whenever help is needed, they make a meaningful and lasting difference. Howard and Bill were recognized for not only what they have done, but who they are - examples of “Service Above Self” in action. Congratulations Howard and Bill.
Earlier in the day, on December 19th,we had a cheque presentation to the Storehouse Foodbank. The total amount donated was just over $7,500.
From left to right in the photo are Chris Compeau (President Elect Rotary Club of Wellington and Foodbank volunteer), Susan Melvin (Foodbank volunteer) on behalf of Cynthia Riordon, Yvonne Buys (President Rotary Club of Wellington) and Bill Pennell (Treasurer Rotary Club of Wellington and Foodbank volunteer).
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting Time: Aug 05, 2025 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: Reverend Conrad Hall
Rotary meeting minutes December 16, 2025 Notes by: Lyn McGowan
PE Chris opened the meeting at 7:07 with an acknowledgment of the festive attire of this month’s set-up crew. There were 31 members in attendance and our guest speaker on Zoom.
Guest Speaker:
Norm introduced our speaker, Reverend Conrad Hall. Conrad is a veteran, Rotarian, Success Principles Trainer, bestselling author, welder, and master carpenter who retired from construction in 2007 and proceeded to publish 5 business “how-to” titles in 19 months. As of 2025, he has published 7 titles, is working on 2 more, and has launched the Family Shed program through his not-for-profit Cranium Ex Rectum Institute of Happiness Studies. CERIOHS for short. CERIOHS is aimed at building a world filled with healthy relationships motivated by personal responsibility, and supported by community accountability. Family Shed is for soldiers in crisis and for all those people trying to help them.
Conrad’s topic today was Building Strong Relationships. As the name of his not-for-profit suggests, Conrad thinks we should all take ourselves less seriously. Also, he says we need to face the reality that is in front of us rather than what we wish was in front of us.He says there are 3 keys to building strong relationships – listening, supporting and communicating. Listening satisfies 5 needs – belonging, purpose, fun, freedom and survival. Supporting requires sincerity, congruence and precision. For example, instead of saying “Hi, how are you” to everyone you meet then walking away before they have a chance to reply, which suggests insincerity, try saying “Good to see you.”He says there are 4 magical phrases in Communicating – I am sorry, I am wrong, please forgive me, and I love you. He shared a couple of interesting comparisons – do you practice PEP or POOP? PEP = Personal Empowerment Practices, while POOP = Personally Obstructive Offensive Practices. Conrad closed with this thought: Your mental health, your life and your relationships are built one choice and one action at a time. Conrad was thanked by Tim. (Conrad’s books are available on Amazon.)
Club Business:
Norm advised that we have found a young girl to sponsor in the Skating Club for $350.
Lana advised that she and Mary had purchased all the gifts for the Storehouse Foodbank locally in PEC, with the exception of one Quinte Mall gift card. All gifts were delivered yesterday. Geoff, recent winner of the 50/50 draw, donated $1,000 to the cause!
Pierre shared the story of the menorah- the evil Syrian Antiochus, the Maccabees, the reconsecration of the temple and the miracle that lasted 8 days.
Birthdays – John Hatch, Dec. 18; Anniversaries – Gregor and Kim, Dec. 18
50/50 Draw – Tim’s number was drawn (for the 2nd time in 2 months, but he did not pull the Ace.
Chris closed the meeting at 8:13 with the Four Way Test.
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50/50 Draw This Week: $169.50
Make sure you get your ticket(s) this week!
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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday December 24, 2025 - closed
Saturday December 27, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Phyo Kyi, John Hatch
10 a.m. to Noon: John Weins (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy Brown, Rick Bobzener (FoR)
Wednesday December 31, 2025
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Lana Whitteker, John Hatch
10 a.m. to Noon: Phil McMillan
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Margo Langford, Lari Langford (FoR)
Saturday January 3, 2026
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Jacques Michaud, Peter Campbell
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Trudy Brown, Phyo Kyi
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
-none-
Anniversaries
David and Betsy MacKinnon
(52 years, December 29)
John Hatch & Laurie Newman
(1 year, December 31)
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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.
