Edition: August 1, 2023
wellingtonrotary.ca Chartered November 22, 2002
Rotarian of the Year:
Yvonne Buys
Club Bulletin for week of August 1, 2023 This Week: Steve Rutledge
Loas Water Project Update
President's Message
RI President Gordon McInally has elevated the issue of mental health and well-being as a priority for this Rotary year. He talks about the power of personal connections and says research shows that performing acts of kindness helps protect our own well-being.
This parallels several other things I’ve been reading lately. The Surgeon General of the US, Vivek Murthy, released a report on May 2 of this year titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” In his introduction, he says “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling – it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” He believes rebuilding social connection must be an urgent public heath priority.
Obviously, this is not an American problem, alone. A survey by Stats Can in mid-2021 found that more than 40% of Canadians feel lonely some or all of the time, with the problem worst among single people and those who live alone. A clinical trial is underway now at Mount Sinai Hospital, on “Covid-19 and Social Isolation and Loneliness (SIL)” to look at the effectiveness of various forms of intervention.
This “Crisis of Loneliness” will require a public policy response at multiple levels. For example, in November 2023 Canada is launching a new nationwide emergency crisis number (988) for people in immediate need of mental health support. That is one step.
But we as individuals have a significant role to play. What is the most constructive piece of advice researchers would give to someone who is troubled by feelings of loneliness? It’s actually brilliant. “Seek opportunities to serve others.” Rotarians know this. Apparently, helping people is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness.
That brings me to the point I want to make – finally. I am constantly impressed by the willingness of our Rotary members to give so generously of their time. Whether it is taking shifts at the Bottle Depot, participating in committees, serving on the board, planning and working at our events – Thank you for everything you do - and it turns out all that volunteering is good for your health!
So, invite your friends to join – it will be good for their health, too. All part of our community wellness initiative.
Lyn McGowan
President, Rotary Club of Wellington
---------- // ----------
Last Week: FORUM
Meeting Notes by Barry Davidson
ROTARY MEETING NOTES, JULY 25
30 members were present for our monthly forum meeting.
Yvonne presented the June financial results. Some highlights were:
Income from the bottle depot ended the year at 94.6% of the budget.
The D&D books exceeded expectations.
The golf tournament exceeded expectations. To be noted, two tournaments were held in the Budget’s year.
All results are on ClubRunner.
Then, Yvonne skillfully presented the year-end results, full details of which are on ClubRunner.
Lynn presented the budget for this new year which is on ClubRunner. It plans on a conservative income level. She said that the Club needs to develop a new major project now that the hospital funding has achieved several objectives. Ken moved that the 2023-2024 budget be accepted as presented, Roger seconded it, carried.
Christine announced that newspaper ads for the Dinner/Dance would be going into the paper for Aug 9 and Aug 30. Bill P. announced that dinner/dance tickets are available now. He will be taking some to Wellington Home Hardware and McDougall Insurance Picton today. Members who want tickets for their use or to sell to others are to contact Bill.
Christine reminded members of the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Storybook Walk book at 10 am this morning at the Wellington Rest Area. Mayor Steve Ferguson and Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer will be in attendance to thank Rotary and the book author.
Martha Murphy was formally inducted into the Club. She is a transfer from the Rotary Club of Campbellford.
Lyn reported the results of the membership survey - the full results will be on ClubRunner. Lyn will ask some members to form sub-committees to consider the answers that need some improvement. The committees that have been formed so far are:
More fellowship - Norm and Roger
Breakfast menu - the current food committee composed of Peter, Dave R. and Christine.
Lyn started circulation of a Committee List for everyone to indicate if they were on a committee and which one(s). It did not get to everyone this morning.
Tim Cox asked members who can help set-up for the Aug 20 Rotary Community Party to come to the ball diamond at 9 am, for a 11 am party start. Lots of corn to husk.
David MacKinnon said that the next steps in promoting our bid for nurse practitioners included, lobbying, managing the politics, and fundraising. David is having a meeting on August 4 to plan the strategy.
Barry reported on a Trail meeting with County engineers who related the plan for the pipe installation from the new water tower to the Main Street treatment plant as follows:
Tendering requests will be sent out shortly with an expected one year to dig and lay the two pipes, water & sanitary, from the tower to Cleminson & Main. It will involve digging up to six meters deep along the Trail to use gravity mainly to make the flow. Still, a pumping station will be needed at West Street to complete the movement to the treatment plant. The path will tunnel under Lane Creek.
The Trail will be closed in sections between Belleville Street and Cleminson Street to reduce the inconvenience. Detours will be well-signed, including a special path leading from the Trail to Niles Street on the west side of Belleville Street to keep users safe.
All the trees along the Trail will be removed to excavate the trench, then will be replaced according to the County Tree Policy. The Trail will be rebuilt according to the standard like it was when it was renovated.
Then the trenching will go from Cleminson Street along Main Street to the treatment plant across from the LCBO. The street will be closed to all but local traffic for another year. The detour from the west will be up Hubbs Creek Road to Greer Road, east to Danforth Road and south on Consecon Street to Main Street.
Kim’s number was drawn for the 50:50, but he did not draw the ace of spades.
-------- // ----------
Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week
Wednesday Aust 2, 2023
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Dave Robinet, Ken Robertson, Ted Nash, Norm Hodgson
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Barry Davidson, Roger Tessier, Rick Bobzner (FoR), Sharon Bobzner (FoR),
Saturday August 5, 2023
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Bill Pennell, Peter Campbell, Doug Henderson (FoR), Phil McMillan (FoR)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Colin Fredericks , Chris Compeau, Yvonne Buys
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)
