As the song says, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Christmas lights and decorations add to the liveliness in our towns and neighborhoods. And in the midst of all the holiday preparations, people seem genuinely happy and more chilled. Unfortunately, Christmas plans for some will once again be negatively impacted by COVID-19 because of travel restrictions and gathering size limits. We need to be considerate of the stress this may cause, with understanding that if we follow Public Health guidelines, we should get through this more quickly.
In closing out 2021, we can all be proud of belonging to such a vibrant and welcoming club. The Rotary Club of Wellington is a cornerstone in our community, helping many local and regional charities and individuals, as well as national and international initiatives. By keeping our minds and hearts open to varying ideas, we can increase the impact we have on the world around us.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year … may love, happiness, health and peace surround us all.
Trudy Brown
---------- // ----------
Last Week: Rotary Christmas Dinner
MPres Trudy opened the meeting promptly with 27 members present at the Legion and David Smith and the guest speaker joining by Zoom. After the usual formalities, Tim introduced Tanya McCready who, with her partner, Hank De Bruin currently owns and runs “Winterdance Dog Sled Tours” in Haliburton. Passionately attached to the Husky breed, they have not only made a successful business of their avocation but also paricipated in major sled-dog races including the Iditarod and the Yukon West. They have also published two books on their experiences with Huskies.
Tanya, who is now the mother of four children explained how, well before she started a family, she and Hank acquired a Husky and how this led to a lifelong commitment to the breed and dog-sledding. Initial challenges were met with self-education in all things Husky. She referenced the movie, “Iron Will” as representing her early experiences but she, and Hank, turned their love for dogs into a business plan that was eventually supported by RBC. Relocating from Guelph to Haliburton, they became focused on the goal of participating in the Iditarod Race and fell in love with Alaska. After a lot of work and support of all kinds, Hank took his 16 dog team into the race but, through a series of events that nearly caused his death, was unable to complete it. Tanya continued to relate, expressively and movingly, not only the immediate circumstances of these events but their severe impact on her partner, psychologically as well as physically, which he only completely recovered from after successfully competing in the Yukon Quest Race. All these experiences are related in their second book, “Journey of a Thousand Miles”. Tanya also shared a PPT presentation which gave us a visual awareness of her dogs and their activities.
Tanya answered some questions and was thanked by Pierre and warmly applauded by the Club for her passionate presentation.
In Club business, Bill needed a cashier for Saturday. MPres Trudy gave good news on the initiative to partner with the Red Cross in B.C. relief aid. The Club is nearing its goal of matching a $5,000 donation from Club funds with member, Friends of Rotary and the general public being encouraged to contribute as much. This opportunity ends on Saturday. Liz shared the work of the IPPC (cluster & committee) and requested our Club to donate $150 to be administerd by the Iqaluit Rotary Club to assist, with other similar donations from District Clubs, towards reducing food insecurity in this Nunavut city. This was agreed unanimously. Liz is also looking for no-longer-used computers/tablets/chromebooks etc (ideally no older than five years) to be reconditioned for use by indigenous students. The meeting then continued with the induction of our newest member, Norm Dodgson, by MPres Trudy and PPres Howard (deputising for Norm’s sponsor, Colin). After congratulating Mike on his birthday, Happy Dollars and the Four Way Test, the meeting closed at 8.20.
From notes by Geoffrey Telling
---------- // ----------
Thank-You, Bill Pennell, for Fixing the Bench at Rotary Beach
Bill went for a walk at the beach last Tuesday, and noticed one of the benches had fallen over. The lag bolts had come out of the rotten wood. So, he bought some new bolts and washers and re-installed on good wood. Just like new again!
The Maple Leaf T-Shirt Goes to its Rightful Owner!
Remember the most coveted gift in the gift exchange at the Rotary Christmas party was the Austin Mathews Maple Leaf T-shirt? Well, Linda Donnville eventually ended up with the prize after it went through many turns, and now it has found its most appropriate owner - Linda's grandson, Henry Spike Lees! Pretty Cool Kid!
---------- // ----------
Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday December 22, 2021
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: John Inwood, Ted Nash,Linda Donville
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Dave Wallace (FoR), Seth Madhaven (FoR) Needed: 1 Cashier
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.
------ // ------
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?
------ // ------
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.
.jpg)
.png)
