This combined meeting with the Campbellford Club (by Zoom) hosting our new District Governor, Ron Dick, for his 2021 gubernatorial visit and presentation was attended by 25 in the Legion and by numerous members and guests on Zoom, including ADG Brenda Hellyer. The meeting opened on time with O'Canada and the Rotary Grace.

District Governor Ron was introduced with a detailed account of his illustrious past with Rotary. Currently a member of the Oshawa Club, Ron has been tremendously active in all the areas associated with the work of Rotary both in Canada and internationally, including winning the District Service Award, amongst many other accomplishments. His ‘working’ career was in financial services and he, and his wife, carry their active lifestyle into pastimes including cycling and skiing.

DG Ron characterized his presentation to the clubs for 2020/21 as “Pivot Back” with the obvious reference to restoring many of the activities that have not been possible due to Covid over the past two years. He began by thanking the club members for their efforts throughout the year and highlighted some of the particular programs the clubs are known for.  He then encouraged Rotarians to go to the District Website to learn more about his leadership team. He explained some of the roles of those working at the District level (a corporation) and spoke about the new International President, his wife, and the fact that the International President Elect and a current Assistant IP are both Canadians. When using Rotary branded logos etc, Gov Ron advised members and clubs to only use designs available on the “My Rotary” Brand Centre available on-line. He then shared the IP’s goal for increasing Rotary membership worldwide, especially through the creation of new Rotaract Clubs (2 per District), the members of which are now full Rotarians. He also referred to the 7 Areas of Focus for Rotary and the usefulness of the “Tuesday Talks” available to Rotarians on-line and the Website Refresh Program as well as the District Membership Committee workshops for new Rotarians starting August 25th. This year the Foundation Walk will take place courtesy of the Trenton Club on September 26th. Deadline for applications to attend Camp Kawartha on 8,9,10 September is August 15th. This project is part of the Honoring Indigenous People’s Initiative by the District (see last week’s report for more information). World Polio Day is October 21st and activities will be aimed at supporting the “End Polio Now” campaign. 

DG Ron announced a number of activities that are coming back “in-person” again this year – Youth Exchange for 2022/23 requires preparatory action already, the District Conference (“Be a Driver for Change”) will take place in Oshawa and the International Convention in Houston. Detailed information on all these events is available on the District and the Rotary International websites. 

After DG Ron was thanked, the two clubs separated for their own breakout sessions which, for Wellington, included welcoming new members Peter Campbell and Christine Dimitris, addressing Bottle Bill’s upcoming week's volunteer needs, and information from the Golf Committee (Colin & Ken) which will require volunteer help for various tasks on the day (contact Lana, Mike and Tim). Information was distributed at the meeting regarding obtaining hole sponsorships and registration. John Wiens and his contact plumber have completed the necessary work on the second bathroom in the main building at Kate’s Rest and the final finishing will be done by residents. Breakfasts will be resuming at the Legion on August 24th thanks to Bill’s grandson, Eric.  There will be pre-chosen options for the food at $12 per head. More ‘normal’ set-up arrangements are planned for going forward including possible happy bucks and 50-50.

The meeting ended at 8.12 after the 4 Way Test.