Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick (Pennsylvanie, USA) District 6330 Governor, Katherine Hahn (Rotary of Stratford, ON) Club President, Mariann Timmers (2024-25) Club Newsletter, Kitty Bucsko
District website: https://rotary6330.org/
District 6330 Governor 2024-25
Katherine Hahn
Rotary Club of Stratford
Focus on Adaptation
The Calendar below shows Rotary’s 2024-25 monthly themes.
ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES
Month
Theme
July Maternal and Child Health
August Membership and New Club Development
September Basic Education and Literacy
October Economic and Community Development
November The Rotary Foundation
December Disease Prevention and Treatment
January Vocational Service
February Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
March Water and Sanitation
April Environment
May Youth Service
June Rotary Fellowships
DISEASE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Month of December
GIVING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Wednesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time Speaker – Rotarian Patrick Gibson on KIVA
HUB GET-TOGETHER IN LONDON
Saturday, December 7
HAPPY CHATS ONLINE – JOIN US! Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time
2024-25
RI PRESIDENT STEPHANIE URCHICK THE MAGIC OF ROTARY
FOCUS ON VOCATIONAL SERVICE Month of January Rotary Anthem
Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem! Click here for We are the World.
IMPORTANT ROTARY INFORMATION
2024-25 RI PRESIDENT
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, 2024-25
Stephanie Urchick
Pennsylvania, USA
RI President Stephanie urges all members to “grow the Magic of Rotary by adding new members to our Rotary family and providing wonderful experiences to those already involved.”
“Unlock the Magic of Rotary by unlocking the power of women and girls. Advance the Magic of Rotary by fundraising to help change the world.”
“Together, we can make every club and every district ‘simply irresistible.’”
RI PRESIDENT Stephanie Urchick
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT DECEMBER 2024 MESSAGE
With heart and mind
To adapt, as laid out in Rotary’s Action Plan, we must occasionally step out of our comfort zone and try something new. Here are two examples of clubs that adapted –one with heart and one through critical thinking and strategy.
The Rotary Club of Chandigarh Mid Town, India, led with heart earlier this year. To engage members and grow membership, Club President Nitin Kapur personally called every former member of the club and invited them to a gathering billed as an alumni meetup.
Eight former members attended, and the results were stupendous. The visitors had a chance to connect once more – not only with current members but with the sense of camaraderie and belonging that membership gave them. By the end of the evening, the club welcomed six of the former members back into the Rotary family.
Club President Kapur showed courage when he reached out to the alumni. Not only did he adapt and try something new, but he had the strength of character to show the club’s alumni how much they still meant to the family of Rotary. That bravery paid off.
People want to feel needed and appreciated. People want to feel that they belong. And they might never feel that way if we don’t have the courage to tell them.
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Seoul-Hansoo, Korea, has been experimenting with different club models to great effect. Over the past four years, Seoul-Hansoo has created and maintained four satellite clubs – a service club, an interest-based club for musicians, a cause-based club that mentors professionals, and a club for college students.
These satellite clubs are part of a five-year plan the Seoul-Hansoo club implemented to increase membership through innovation.
What is the secret to founding and maintaining so many satellite clubs? Membership between Seoul-Hansoo and its satellite clubs is fluid and synergistic. Many members of the satellite clubs attend the sponsor club’s meetings. And many of the sponsor club’s members participate in the satellite clubs.
Additionally, the focus of each satellite club is no accident. Each one appeals to different interests of people in the sponsor club and in the community, attracting existing and potential members. This is an excellent strategy to both retain and attract members because it offers flexibility. If someone is interested in joining but they can’t make it to the sponsor club’s meetings, they have plenty of options to choose from.
These are just two examples of how we can adapt with our hearts and minds. Every club is different, so I encourage you to reach out to members of your club an of the community around you. Ask them about the club experience and what you can do to improve.
Talk to enough people and you might find ways that you can adapt and spart The Magic of Rotary in your club.
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
DECEMBER 2024 - MESSAGE
A season of lasting giving
December is a time for generosity and reflection when we think not only about our loved ones but about how we can make a difference in the world.
This year, consider giving a gift with an enduring impact, one that extends beyond these holidays, lasting for generations. Gifts to The Rotary Foundation Endowment are extraordinary gifts that create extraordinary change.
By supporting Rotary’s Endowment, you help ensure that RI will have the resources it needs to develop and implement sustainable projects today and in the years to come. Members who include the Endowment in estate plans or make an outright gift support that mission.
Imagine your gift helping to fund the drop of vaccine that prevents the last case of polio, eradicating this devastating disease once and for all. Picture it supporting other health initiatives in 2034, 2044, and beyond.
If you make an outright gift today, you will have the opportunity to witness your support in action, working through clean water projects, literacy initiatives, and economic development efforts. These Rotary Foundationfunded projects touch lives across the globe, bringing hope to individuals you may never meet, but who will know you through your generosity.
Past President Arch C. Klumph, who first proposed an endowment more than 100 years ago, would be amazed not only at the opportunities Rotary has to help today but also at the future possibilities Rotary’s Endowment provides.
However, our Endowment is only strong when we all support it. Because it is essential to our success, we have set an ambitious goal: to build our Endowment to $2,025 billion in net assets and commitments by 30 June, 2025. This goal is not just a number: it is a reaffirmation of our belief in Rotary’s enduring ability to do good in the world. A fully funded $2 billion endowment will provide more than $100 million year after year for Rotary Foundation activities.
I have asked district governors and club presidents to lead by example before the year’s end, but each of us has an opportunity to secure Rotary’s legacy of service. Please join Gay and me in planning your estate or outright gift today.
Remember, this is no ordinary gift. Your generosity will provide a legacy for future generations to find solutions in the areas we care about, while creating a ripple of positive change that extends far beyond our lifetimes. What better gift could there be?
MARK DANIEL MALONEY Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25
Quiz Treat – for December
Can you ace all 20 questions about the human body?
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Day of Giving - Giving Tuesday, 3 December – and please make an effort to support The Rotary Foundation!
This Global day of Generosity is an opportunity for all members to make a big impact with a gift of any size. A donation to Annual Fund-SHARE supports projects you’re passionate about, both in your community and around the world. A gift to PolioPlus helps transport vaccines and immunize children to keep them safe.
Here’s how you can help us prepare for Giving Tuesday:
• Watch our Giving Tuesday video with your club.
• Donate to The Rotary Foundation on Giving Tuesday.
• Download our Giving Tuesday graphic and share with your peers.
The Rotary Foundation will again recognize the top three clubs in fundraising, donor participation, and online giving. Find out which clubs were recognized last year and set a giving goal for your club this year. Just be sure the gifts are made on 3 December!
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Rotary create positive change in the world. We know that with your help, we can make an even bigger impact because of Giving Tuesday!
Sincerely,
The Rotary Foundation
ROTARY’S 7TH AREA OF FOCUS
THE ENVIRONMENT –
A few Action Ideas for individuals and communities
COMPOSTING is an excellent way to reduce waste and enrich soil, contributing positively to the environment. Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, leading to multiple environmental and economic benefits. Here are some resources to help you get started:
1. David Suzuki’s Guide on Composting: This resource provides a comprehensive introduction to composting, including methods and benefits.
2. The Spruce's Guide to Gardening Using Food Scraps: This article offers insights into sustainable gardening practices, such as composting and regrowing plants from food scraps. The Spruce
3. Food & Wine's Guide on How to Compost at Home: This beginner-friendly guide covers various composting methods suitable for different lifestyles, emphasizing the balance of materials and moisture. Food & Wine
4. Article on Composting Tips by Charles Dowding: Renowned gardener Charles Dowding shares his techniques for efficient composting, including the ideal mix of green and brown materials.
These resources provide valuable information to help anyone interested in composting effectively and contributing to environmental sustainability
MINI FORESTS also known as "pocket forests" or "Miyawaki forests," are small, densely planted areas of native trees and shrubs designed to grow quickly and mimic the structure of natural forests. They can significantly impact the climate and environment in several ways:
1. Carbon Sequestration
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, storing carbon in their biomass and soil. Even small forests can sequester a meaningful amount of carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.
2. Increased Biodiversity
Mini forests provide habitats for local wildlife, supporting biodiversity even in urban areas. They attract insects, birds, and small mammals, creating micro-ecosystems that improve ecological balance.
3. Enhanced Soil Health
The roots of densely planted trees improve soil structure and increase its capacity to retain water and nutrients. This process reduces soil erosion, promotes organic matter buildup, and supports soil microbes, which play a crucial role in nutrient cycling.
4. Air Quality Improvement
Trees in mini forests can filter pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM), improving air quality. Leaves trap dust and particulate pollutants, reducing their presence in the air we breathe.
5. Cooling Effect (Urban Heat Reduction)
Mini forests reduce the "urban heat island" effect by providing shade and through evapotranspiration (the release of water vapor from leaves). This cooling effect can make urban areas more comfortable and reduce the energy demand for air conditioning.
6. Increased Resilience to Climate Change
These forests improve local water cycles, which can help stabilize temperatures and humidity levels. They also protect against the impact of extreme weather events, as dense root systems improve the land's ability to absorb heavy rainfall and prevent flooding.
7. Community Engagement and Education
Creating mini forests often involves community engagement, which raises awareness about climate issues and fosters environmental stewardship. It gives people a tangible way to contribute to climate action on a local scale.
By sequestering carbon, boosting biodiversity, improving air quality, and reducing urban temperatures, mini forests offer a low-cost, high-impact solution for local and global environmental challenges.
FOR YOUR INTEREST
Below is a list of links garnered from the Internet on mini-forests planted in Ontario.
And finally – an educational, thought-provoking, eye-opening new documentary on Netflix –
Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy - Click here to view the trailer.
“We're consuming more, producing more - and there's a flip side to that.”
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE
Sunday, December 1 World AIDS Day
Monday, December 2
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Tuesday, December 3 Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 10 Human Rights Day
Thursday, December 12
International Universal Health Coverage Day
Wednesday, December 18
International Migrants Day
Friday, December 20
International Human Solidarity Day
Friday, December 27
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
COVID-19 is a human tragedy. But it has also created a generational opportunity. An opportunity to build back a more equal and sustainable world.
The response to the pandemic, and to the widespread discontent that preceded it, must be based on a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal that create equal opportunities for all and respect the rights and freedoms of all.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Nelson Mandela Lecture: “Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era
Summary of new polioviruses this week, cases and positive environmental isolates:
• Afghanistan: one wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) Afghanistan: six WPV1-positive environmental samples
• Pakistan: one WPV1 case and one WPV1-positive environmental sample
• Chad: five cVDPV2 cases and one cVDPV2positive environmental sample
• Nigeria: one cVDPV2 case
• Poland: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• South Sudan: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• GPEI Strategy Extension– following its approval by the Polio Oversight Board (POB) in October, the GPEI’s Strategy Extension to 2029 has been published. With poliovirus persisting in some of the most difficult environments in the world to deliver healthcare, the extension will see tactics adapted to addressing remaining geographic and political challenges to achieving success More
• Global leaders, from G7 to G20 to Commonwealth, continue to voice their unwavering support and commitment towards polio-free world. More.
• In Poland, a cVDPV2 was isolated from an environmental sample, collected from Warsaw on 22 October. There is no evidence of local circulation. Initial analysis suggests it is linked to the cVDPV2 emergence originating in Zamfara, northern Nigeria, which has this year been detected internationally, including recently also in Barcelona, Spain. Poland has high vaccination coverage, estimated at above 90% with three doses of IPV, both national and in the affected subnational area.
The polio eradication campaign has been ongoing for many years and has achieved so much through the years since the idea germinated in the 1980s.
Setbacks are nothing new and it has been to the credit of all associated with the polio eradication partners that their dedication has brought the eradication achievements to such a high level.
We are so close – and we have been so close for a very long time. We CAN finish the job – and we WILL finish the job!
Here's an announcement – a joint statement from WHO and UNICEF dated November 1 – that will provide more information.
Joint statement by WHO and UNICEF
Polio vaccination campaign to resume in northern Gaza
1 November 2024 Jerusalem/Amman/Geneva/New York A third phase of the polio vaccination campaign is set to begin tomorrow in part of the northern Gaza Strip after being postponed from 23 October 2024 due to lack of access and assured, comprehensive humanitarian pauses, intense bombardment, and mass evacuation orders. These conditions made it impossible for families to safely bring their children for vaccination and to organize campaign activities.
The humanitarian pause necessary to conduct the campaign has been assured; however, the area of the pause has been substantially reduced compared to the first round of vaccination in northern Gaza, conducted in September 2024. It is now limited to just Gaza City.
Though in the past few weeks, at least 100 000 people have been forced to evacuate from North Gaza towards Gaza City for safety, around 15 000 children under ten years in towns in North Gaza like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun still remain inaccessible and will be missed during the campaign, compromising its effectiveness.
To interrupt poliovirus transmission, at least 90% of all children in every community and neighborhood must be vaccinated. This will be challenging to achieve given the situation. *
The final phase of the campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119 000 children under ten years old in northern Gaza with a second dose of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). However, achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints. Despite the lack of access to all eligible children in northern Gaza, the Polio Technical Committee for Gaza, including the Palestinian Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and partners has taken the decision to resume the campaign.
This aims to mitigate the risk of a long delay in reaching as many children as possible with polio vaccine and the opportunity to vaccinate those recently evacuated to Gaza City from other parts of North Gaza.
To overcome challenges posed by the volatile security situation and constant population movement, robust micro plans have been developed to ensure the campaign is responsive to the significant population shifts and displacement in the north, following the first round in September.
* Highlight added by editor.
The campaign will be delivered by 216 teams across 106 fixed sites, 22 of which have been added to ensure increased availability of vaccination in areas where recently displaced people are seeking refuge. Two hundred and nine social mobilizers will be deployed to engage communities and raise awareness around vaccination efforts.
The time period for the humanitarian pause has been extended by two hours and is expected to run from 6am to 4pm daily. As in the first two phases, vitamin A will also be co-administered to children between two to ten years in the north to help boost overall immunity.
The campaign in northern Gaza follows the successful implementation of the first two phases of the second round in central and southern Gaza, which reached 451 216 children – 96% of the target in these areas. A total of 364 306 children aged between 2 and 10 years have received vitamin A so far in this round.
Despite the challenges, WHO and UNICEF urge for the humanitarian pauses to be respected to ensure the successful delivery of this second round of the polio vaccination campaign. This is crucial to help curb the spread of polio in Gaza and neighboring countries
Click here to view a short and very informative video to learn why polio is so dangerous.
Do you need a make-up? missed meetings?
To learn about other Rotary clubs?
The Passport Club members are encouraged to join local (and other) clubs to learn more about Rotary, get to know other Rotarians, gain a new perspective and appreciation for Rotary and Rotarians. Here is a list of online clubs where you can earn a make-up along with learning a whole lot more about Rotary! Why not visit them all?
• Rotary E-Club of Canada One – Rotary On Demand, Where you want, When you want!
• Rotary Club of One World
• Rotary E-Club of World Peace
Click here to attend this week’s posted meeting of E-Club of Canada One.
These meetings are posted online and available 24/7!
Club President for 2024-25 – Mariann Timmers
TWO MESSAGES FROM PRESIDENT MARIANN
FIRST - It's a rainy November day as I write this, and I have chills. Winter is coming and we all know many people are away how generous our club is.
A Cup of Kindness - Please keep our less fortunate neighbours in mind as we all look forward to the Christmas season. If you can make a donation to a local food bank, soup kitchen, Salvation Army or any other organization that helps people who are struggling, please shoot an email over to Bev at bandersen181@gmail.com to let her know how much and to whom so we can record it for a club total.
Thanks so much for all you do! We truly are People of Action.
SECOND - We have an important update for you all regarding our club director election, which will be at our December 4th meeting.
Director Positions - Good news is that most of our 7 directors have agreed to continue in their positions if no one else is interested. The sad news is that Lynn Coates, after being our amazing treasurer during these years, has accepted that she needs to ease up, and will step down from her position as of June 30, 2025.
So now, we need a club member to take over this position. Though it does not require many hours, the position of Treasurer is critical to the operation of the club, and Lynn will train her successor so that they are confident going forward.
I would appreciate if you would all take some time to consider serving on the board.
• We must have a treasurer,
• We are looking for a president, and
• We are looking for a president-elect.
Please email our secretary, Sue Storie. at sastorie.rotary@gmail.com or myself at gtimmers@aol.com if you will consider, or are considering, serving in any of these positions.
Again, thank you for all you do!
Yours in Rotary,
President Mariann
INSPIRATION
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OUR CLUB PROJECTS
HELPING MIGRANT WORKERS
The Passport Club of District 6330 is happy to be continuing our successful service project, Backpacks for Migrant Workers. More information to follow.
North Lambton Community Health Care created the Migrant Worker Project to support the 700 migrant workers working in Sarnia and Lambton County. Our club is working with the Project Coordinator, Andrea Jones-Peper, by providing backpacks for newly arriving workers.
We will continue through the 2024-25 year to fill the backpacks with items requested by workers, such as toiletries. Our club will request a district grant to increase our impact. Stay tuned!
A GREAT SUCCESS – CUP OF KINDNESS
We also are continuing our successful club project – a Cup of Kindness. The club chose to make a substantial impact on reducing food insecurity with a project aimed at raising funds for Food Banks in our individual communities.
Each member will “fill a Cup of Kindness" by filling a cup or two cups (or more) with coins, hopefully loonies and toonies, then donating the funds to their local food bank Or you can choose to make donations directly to those in need. Donations should be rewarded with a tax receipt. The results will be tallied regularly. With the success of this project, we are planning to keep it going.
Rotarians, friends, and relatives are encouraged to help members fill the cups in support of this excellent project!
Some useful links
London Food Bank
Strathroy
Sarnia – Inn of the Good Shepherd
Stratford
CLUB OFFICERS
2024-25
President Mariann Timmers
Secretary and IPP
Treasurer
Membership Chair
Project Chair
Directors
Sue Storie
Lynn Coates
Deb Beaupré
Bev Andersen
Rick Storie
Kitty Bucsko
MEMBERSHIP LIST BELOW –CLUB MEMBERS LIST WITH EMAIL ADDRESSES
A.C. Alrey acalrey@gmail.com
Bev Andersen bandersen181@gmail.com
Deb Beaupré debmarjean@gmail.com
Terry Bennett terbenn@gmail.com
Sarah Bongers csbongers@icloud.com
Rich Bouchard rbouchard@racetoerase.com
Kitty Bucsko ladykitt@gmail.com
Marilyn Buttery marilyn@buttery.com
Lynn Coates lynn.coates.1@outlook.com
Brittany Elliott brittany.lyn.elliott@hotmail.com
Sue Elliott susan@sutherlandelliott.ca
Wendy Jennings wendy.jennings@bell.net
Heather Macdonald heathermac@BMTS.com
Jessica Morrow jessicaherbert2023@gmail.com
George Ottewell george.ottewell@gmail.com
Nancy Ottewell nottewell@gmail.com
Nancy Powers nancypowers607@hotmail.com
Rick Storie rick.storie@sympatico.ca
Sue Storie sue.storie@sympatico.ca
Lynne Ternosky lynneternosky@gmail.com
Mariann Timmers gtimmers@aol.com
John Wade john@askthedogguy.com
2024-25 Board Election scheduled for the December Club Meeting. If you are interested in serving on the board, please let us know.
Why should someone join Rotary? Click here for a short, important video.
Remember our Happy Chats – get to know our club members!
Join the Happy Chats – get to know our club members!
Happy Chats are online every Wednesday.
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -ish – Join us!
Join your Rotary friends for an informal 30-minute get together.
Chat about “stuff” – and what’s important to you. Let’s get to know our members!
Plan to join our Zoom Meetings! Click here
Obituary – John Janes Eberhard
1945 - 2024
Past District Governor (PDG) of D6330 – Past Rotary International Director (PRID)
Mr. Eberhard was well known with District 6330 for his outstanding Service Above Self. John Janes Eberhard Q.C., B.A., LL.B., LL.D
John Eberhard of London/Middlesex passed away peacefully at London Health Sciences Centre on November 25, 2024, in his 80th year. John leaves his beloved spouse of 45 years, his much-accomplished best friend, Frances Ann (Wigston) Eberhard.
John is the son of the late Helen Pauline (Janes) Eberhard (2006) and R.S. (Rudy) Eberhard (1988). Predeceased by grand-parents, Rev. Joseph, and Pauline Janes (Mowat) of London and Beatrice (Steele) and Charles Eberhard of London. Devoted and caring father of Robert John Jade Eberhard (Carol) and grandchildren, Jade and Sage; and, Kelly Margaret Elizabeth (Eberhard) Rahiri (Malcolm) and grandchildren Elyse, Emmett and Regen.
Brother of Dr. Rudolf Stuart Mowat Eberhard (Jeannette) of London, Elizabeth Jane Eberhard, The Hon. Margaret (Peggy) Eberhard (best friend to Tom Bryson; former spouse of the late Dr. Brian McGugan of Orillia). Also survived by many nieces and nephews and former spouse and friend, Judith Ann Henderson.
Visitation will be offered from 3:00-7:00pm on December 4 at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street, London, Ontario. A celebration of life will be held at First St. Andrews United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London on December 5 at 1:00 PM with Paster Joshua Lawrence and Minster Emeritus Dr. David McKane and Organist emeritus Paul Merit officiating. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Rotary Club of London Foundation and/or First St. Andrews United Church Music Scholarship Trust.
John attended Ryerson Public School and Central Secondary in London; University of Western Ontario, for his undergraduate B.A. and Western Law and University of British Columbia for his LL.B. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1971 following graduation from Osgoode Hall. In 2017 the Board of Governors of Assumption University honoured him with a Doctor of Laws degree (LL. D - honoris causa).
John achieved what so many of us aspire to
• Making a difference
• Doing the right thing
• Building goodwill and friendships
• In the best interests of all concerned.
John was recognized as a Rotarian, locally and internationally. He was described as a “Social Entrepreneur”, someone who finds innovative solutions to society’s most pressing social problems. He was a “change-agent”.
As a third-year law student at UWO, he created and coordinated Western’s (UWO) “Student Defenders System”. This program continues today at Western and is known today as “Community Legal Services” (CLS) which provides free legal advice and representation to members of the community. He initiated a youth group at his church and was the architect of the FSA Council system of governance at his church.
A long interest in recreational canoeing, he went from province to province organizing provincial canoeing organizations to shelter under the Federation which he incorporated called the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Associating (now “Paddle Canada”) focusing on canoe safety and instructor certification – He was the Chairman of Canoe Canada and representative of the Americas to the International Canoe Federation where he served for many years.
He was known as a visionary in Rotary International. John was
• President of the Rotary Club of London (1975/76)
• District Governor (1993/94)
• Director of Rotary International (2003-05)
In 2001, he introduced a constitutional change to Rotary’s Parliament. The result: a new meeting venue of internet based “E-Clubs ”
As a member of the international board, John introduced a new program called: “Rotary Action Groups” that take humanitarian aid and development programs worldwide to achieve health advances to those who most desperately need them.
• John was founding chair of the Disaster Relief Rotarian Action Group.
• He was recognized by the Rotary Foundation with its most prestigious awards: The Citation for Meritorious Service and the Distinguished Service Award.
• John and Fran both participated in Polio National Immunization Days in India and Africa.
• John was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service.
John practiced law for 30 years. He started as a full time Asst. Crown Attorney before going into private practice where he continued part-time prosecuting work with various Federal and Provincial Ministries. He retired in 2020 as a judge on the Social Security Tribunal. As a specialist in administrative law, he also served on the Civil Aviation Tribunal for 10 years. John was president of a private sector corporation (Virtual Professionals Inc.) in a collaboration with two professional friends, Dr. Robbie Campbell and Norman Peel QC, which established a broad-band-based systems across Ontario for telepsychiatry which is now an integral part of the health delivery system supported by the Provincial government.
John grew up at First-St. Andrews United church. He headed a youth group in the 1970’s. He led his church through a transition from an “official board” system of governance to a “Council System” in the 1980s – one of the very early churches within the United Church of Canada to do so. He was Chairman of Official Board, and most recently, co-chair of the Board of Trustees.
He provided public service as founder of many organizations including: Western Day Care Centre, Forest City Gymnastics Club, London Canoe Club, Canoe Ontario, Canoe Canada and Campgrounds Canada. He served on the board of many charitable and not –for-profit organizations: London International Airport Authority, Westminster College, Easter Seal Society, P.C. Party of Canada, and Jaycees. He was designated as the “Outstanding Young Londoner” by the Jaycees.
As a private pilot, he was active on the board of the London Flying Club. He was the Executive Director of the Canadian Rotary Collaboration for International Development (2000 – 2012). Director and Past President: University of Western Ontario Alumni Association. Chairman of Woodeden Easter Seal Camp for physically disabled children for 17 years. He was founder of the Hyde Park BIA.
John was interested and involved with politics. He was P.C. candidate in the Provincial riding of London South in 1975. Awards included Outstanding D.U. Alumni Award Recipient (1984), United Nations: Year of the Volunteer Award; Province of Ontario, 25-year Volunteer recipient Honourary Advisory Committee - “We Want to Help” - Mothers and Children of Afghanistan and, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
As a cherished patriarch, he honoured the individuality of each of his children and grandchildren, giving them both support and freedom to develop their independence. He loved discussing current events, politics, history, law and books with family and teaching the nuances of canoe strokes to his grandchildren.
He could be found enthusiastically applauding at sporting events at which his children were involved. He and Fran frequently attended basketball, volleyball and football games at Western. They took their family on road trips, cruises and many visits to their Algarve holiday home. It was from this location that John and Fran put on thousands of kilometers throughout Europe on their BMW motorcycle. But special, were camping and canoe trips around their beloved northern cottage where their family found its spiritual home on Lake Temagami.
John’s remains have been cremated with ashes to be sprinkled at their grave site in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and in Temagami. Appreciation is expressed for the compassionate care provided by LHSC physicians, Doctors Fortin and Breadner and their teams and staff.
JOHN EBERHARD ROTARIAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD (JERODA) was established in 2024 by the Rotary Clubs of Area 4 to honor John Eberhard, a dedicated Rotarian with over 50 years of service. The award recognizes Rotarians who exemplify exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to Rotary's ideals, thereby strengthening camaraderie and inspiring excellence within the Area 4 community. The inaugural JERODA was presented on June 13, 2024, during the Area 4 Paul Harris event. Each of the six Area 4 clubs nominated a candidate, and Jim Belton was selected as the first recipient for his significant accomplishments and longstanding dedication to Rotary.
The award presentation included tributes to John Eberhard, highlighting his enduring impact on the Rotary community. Notably, past Rotary International President Jennifer Jones contributed a tribute, and David Elliott delivered a response on behalf of John Eberhard.
The JERODA serves to acknowledge and celebrate Rotarians who, like John Eberhard, have made substantial contributions to their clubs and communities, embodying the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."
At the recent get-together in Sarnia at the Match Restaurant in the Casino – Saturday, November 2
Sue receiving her Paul Harris-plus-5 pin and Jessica doing the honours
Thanks for supporting the Rotary Foundation!
HOW ROTARY HELPS
Listen to a Rotary Voices Podcast –Stephanie Urchick: The Playmaker
As an avid sports fan, President Stephanie Urchick is well-positioned to light the lamp, clear the bases, and split the uprights. Whatever the sports metaphor, she's destined to keep Rotary in the winner's circle. This story by senior staff writer Diana Schoberg appeared in the July 2024 issue of Rotary magazine. This audio version of her story is narrated by Linda Yu.
Book Sale in Sarnia Rotary Club of Sarnia Bluewaterland
Their annual book sale will be held on 4 separate weekends in early 2025!–
January 17/18
January 24/25
January 31/February 1
February 7/8
We’re planning to gather books from our club members to donate to the Bluewaterland club!
More information to be forthcoming!
Right click the 4-way test above to open and listen to the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana –
And Sing along!
See our Passport Club Facebook page for more up-to-the-minute Passport news!
https://www.facebook.com/rotary6330passport/
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
– Every Rotarian Every Year
Click
for a
Our Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY)
It’s an initiative that encourages all Rotary club members to contribute at least what they can afford every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially every year.
here
short video.
A LITTLE HUMOUR
Four Worms and a lesson to be learned
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.
Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
• The first worm in alcohol - Dead.
• The second worm in cigarette smoke – Dead
• Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead
• Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.
So the Minister asked the congregation – What did you learn from this demonstration?
Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, “As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won’t have worms!”
That pretty much ended the service
If you like animals, here’s a (rather long, but fun) video you may enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-x3kIN0X0g
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT – 2 videos
Video 1 - Here is a video you may find very interesting . It’s about a random act of kindness and the consequences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTpG7sl6ddQ
Below is a video you may find very interesting – a TED talk. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design
TED began in 1984 as a conference where people from these three areas could come together and share ideas.
TED has since expanded to cover a wide range of topics, including science, business, education, and global issues, with the central goal of spreading ideas worth sharing.
TED Talks, which are short, powerful presentations, have become widely popular and accessible online.
Video 2 - And here is a TED talk that I hope you will enjoy - very environmentally conscious! Fabulous idea! Click here.
And let me know what you think, please! Click here.
REFERENCES
Adams, Randal Speaking of Rotary. USA: E J Press
Dochterman, Cliff. The ABCs of Rotary. Evanston, Illinois: Rotary International. (363-EN)
Forward, David C. A Century of Service. The Story of Rotary International. (912-EN)
Rotary Club of Hobart. The Rotary Book of Readings. Inspiration to Change the World.
Rotary International. Honoring Our Past: The Words and Wisdom of Paul Harris. Evanston, Illinois: 1996. (925-EN)
