This Rotor can also be found on the FRONT PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE,
on the right side (where it used to be).
Click to watch
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Today at 5:15 P.M. Club Director ZOOM Meeting - while probably a "must" for Officers and Directors, it is an invitation open to any and all members;
Next week's Program will feature PDG Doug Vincent as our Guest Speaker who will enlighten us on the little known and appreciated unique Rotary/United Nations history and partnership - this is a not to be missed presentation;
Rotary International Virtual Convention June 20-26, 2020 - no cost to participate.
President Jack Wozniak called on Ann Grahame, Chair of the Club's Youth Service Projects Committee to introduce our Guest Speaker, Kateri Clark, President of the RC of Ottawa. In her comments Ann noted that Kateri was born and raised in a family where service and volunteerism was a way of life. The commitment to "Service Above Self" was ingrained in her Melfort Rotarian Grandfather, Bill Hurd. Now, with over 1/2 decade of service through Rotary, Kateri, who is employed by the Government of Canada, sees Rotary as providing a great opportunity to make a difference.
In her opening observations, Kateri suggested a major "opportunity difference" is the commitment Rotary and Rotarians put into developing the leadership skills of youth in our communities and around the world. Her club, the RC of Ottawa, created the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship program, and since 1951 has provided a unique opportunity for participants to meet their peers from every part of Canada and discuss and debate with them, issues facing Canada today. Now in its 70th year, this adventure gives participants the opportunity to look “behind-the-scenes” at many of our country's National institutions, an opportunity that is usually not available to either visitors or residents of the National Capital Region. Kateri touched on some of the components of each of this 4 day experience, the cost of which is covered by Rotary Clubs sending students, and a government grant. A unique component of the program is the billeting of participants with host families. From the 220-250 applications received annually from students between the ages of 16 and 18, the Program selects 200 students who will spend their time experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. Critical in this learning, is understanding the importance of "Active Citizenship" - the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Through this time together, students get a unique perspective on how the country operates and the role all citizens must play to ensure the benefits of citizenship are not lost.
President Kateri Clark, RC of Ottawa
Kateri noted each year the Program establishes a theme which serves as a guide for the adventures focus. A highlight each year is going into the House of Commons where students are permitted to sit in the seat of their Member of Parliament. The opportunity to enter the House of Commons is very "privileged" (like you have to be elected), however, Adventure in Citizenship have been granted this privilege and the Program guards this access diligently. On the last day, Elections Canada provides information and establishes a polling booth where the students will elect the Prime Minister of the Adventure from the students selected earlier to run for this Office. This is a first time voting experience for participating students and the video helped reflect their excitement.
Adventures in Citizenship - opening the door to what it means to be a "citizen", and a citizen of Canada.
Thank you, Kateri Clark.
kateri.rotary@gmail.com
To watch Kateri's presentation "click to watch" above and move the time cursor to 15 minutes.
The shy, quiet Fred Wright in 1965
"In 1965 the Rotary Club of Calgary North sent me on adventure in citizenship by train to Ottawa. It was a significant event in my life."
Take a bow, DG Fred!
POLIOPLUS DURING ISOLATION
This is from a Facebook post from RI Director Jeffry Cadorette regarding Rotary's commitment to PolioPlus. In the off chance you missed the livestream event at noon on June 8th, click below and get the story - it is worth the 20 minutes..
Barry Strohan who shared that he and Shirley celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary, demonstrating the potential that many years of happy happiness is possible. Oh, and we learned both their daughters were selected by Rotary to participate in Adventures in Citizenship;
Jenna Raimbault's basement tenant left without notice and leaving the place in a mess - she "rehabilitated" the space and within 24 hours had a new tenant;
Doug Mortin stood to tell the meeting that he and Rotarian Floyd Manz are off to Indian Head and points east on their bikes;
Richard Schwan mentioned "in passing" that Affinity Credit Union was in the top 3 Canadian Financial Institutions on Forbes list in their recent Bank ranking. Check out this achievement at - World’s Best Banks of 2020. WOW, and Richard just joined Affinity;
Sam Berg was pleased to tell us the new Executive Director (ED) of The Caring Place is Melony Materi, who is replacing the outstanding ED Gwen Friedrich, who retired;
We learned that as a high-school student Cory Daly attended Model United Nations sponsored by the RC of Winnipeg;
Hope to see you next week. Wishing you all a great week.
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"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."
Theodore Issac Rubin.
Today's guests
We were delighted to have as our Guest Speaker Kateri Clark, President of the RC of Ottawa. Jessie Carlson was a guest of husband Gary; Visiting Rotarians included Doug Keam and Floyd Manz, RC of Regina; Bob and Gloria Aykroyd, RC of Tillsonburg, Ontario; Lorna King, RC of Regina Oskaya; and Bob Durston, RC of Neepawa.
