Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick (Pennsylvanie, USA) Club Newsletter, Kitty Bucsko
District website: https://rotary6330.org/
District 6330 Governor 2024-25
Katherine Hahn
Rotary Club of Stratford
Focus on Adaptation
CLUB
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, Sanitation, and Hygiene
April Environment
May
June
Youth Service
Rotary Fellowships
ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS
Month of June
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Wednesday,June 4 at 7:00p.m. Eastern Time
HAPPY CHATS ONLINE – JOIN US!
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time
2025-26
UNITE FOR GOOD
RI President Mário César Martins de Camargo (2025-26) Rotary Anthem
Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem!
Click here for We are the World.
THOUGHTS
The Power of One - A Rotary Reflection
In Rotary, real change doesn’t always come from grand gestures it begins with one person deciding to act.
• � Clean water, one well at a time.
• � �
� � Literacy, one child at a time.
• � � � � Peace, one student at a time.
• � �
� Health, one vaccine at a time.
• � � Hope, one tree at a time.
• � � � Kindness, one act at a time.
• � � Change, one Rotarian at a time.
Each effort no matter how small becomes part of something greater.
That’s the magic of Rotary many individuals, united in service, creating ripples that reach around 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 JUNE 2025 MESSAGE
The best is yet to come
I have had so many wonderful experiences over the past year, but as conforting as it might be to dwell on the past, we must look toward the future.
We are closer than ever to ending polio, but that does not mean we can relax. We still have a promise to keep to the children of the world and their families, and we will only fulfill that promise through fundraising, advocacy, and the power of our collective action.
I was amazed at the capability and commitment of the peacebuilders at the Presidential Peace Conference earlier this year. Our Peace Fellowship program and our many other peace initiatives bring healing to a divided world, but they need our support to remain effective and relevant.
Amid a worldwide loneliness epidemic, Rotary offers friendship, purpose, and belonging. If we hold true to our ideals – to The Four-Way Test and our spirit of inclusivity – we will remain a beacon of light even in the darkest times.
The Action Plan can serve as a guide to make our clubs and districts simply irresistible, but it is up to us to take that advice and put it to use.
Family of Rotary, there is nothing we cannot achieve when we come together and work toward a common goal.
You are The Magic of Rotary, and I can’t wait to see the lasting change you bring to the world.
This is The Magic of Rotary – transforming lives, inspiring hope, and creating lasting change for the communities we serve.
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2024-25
Above L-R - While exploring the pyramids of Giza, President Stephanie Urchick indulges in some photographic fun. Urchick gets up close with Florida’s wildlife while preparing for the International Assembly. And at right, during a tour of Africa, she celebrates with participants at a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards event in Uganda.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
JUNE 2025 - MESSAGE
What you make possible
This past year, my wife, Gay, and I have been privileged to witness the impact of The Rotary Foundation. From dialysis centers in India to environmental projects in Taiwan and educational initiatives worldwide, we have had a front-row seat to the life-changing results of your generosity. To see the work of our Foundation firsthand gives one a deeper understanding of Rotary’s power to transform lives by spreading peace, hope, and health.
In Bangkok, we saw a specialized life support machine for critically ill patients with lung and heart problems at a public hospital – only the second machine of its kind available to the city’s 11 million residents outside of private care. Funded through a global grant, this tehnology is saving lives because Rotary’s members saw a need and responded.
Everything Rotary accomplishes through the Foundation – Rotary Peace Centers, Programs of Scale, global and district grants – relies on a strong and growing endowment. This is The Magic of Rotary that you make possible through your generosity.
That is the reason I am so passionate about our goal to build the net assets and commitments of The Rotary Foundation Endowment to $2.025 billion by 30 June 2025. The Trustees set this goal in 2016, after exceeding earlier targets and recognizing the growing interest in endowed giving. Thanks for your estraordinary support –including gifts from the estates of members – the net assets and commitments of the Endowment have grown sustantially and are within reach of our goal.
To contribute to the Endowment, talk with your endowment/major gifts adviser or your major gifts officer, or visit rotary.org/donate. Your generosity can help us reach our goal, which we will celebrate at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary this month.
The fruits of these gifts may not be seen for several years. We are planting trees – trees that will grow to fund Rotary Peace Fellows and scholarships, put an end to polio, support high-impact Programs of Scale and global grants, and allow our Annual Fund to spread more hope.
During my 40-year journey in Rotary leadership, The Rotary Foundation has always been at the core. From leading a Group Study Exchange team in 1986 to serving as district Foundation chair, trustee, RI president, and now as trustee chair, it has been the honour of a lifetime.
I am fortunate to have experienced and been inspired by the magic that you have created through your dedication, service, and action. Let us together continue planting trees that will provide fruit for generations.
MARK DANIEL MALONEY Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25
ROTARY’S JUNE FOCUS – FELLOWSHIPS
Rotary Fellowships: Friendship, Fun, and a Force for Good
Rotary Fellowships are one of Rotary’s most unique and enjoyable offerings global groups that unite members around shared interests, professions, or hobbies.
Open to all Rotarians, Rotaractors, and even family members, these fellowships offer a chance to make friends across borders while engaging in everything from cycling and whisky appreciation to amateur radio and writing.
While some Fellowships are better known like the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians or the Wine Appreciation Fellowship there are many that quietly build connections around niche passions, often forming lifelong friendships in the process. But Rotary Fellowships are more than just a social club. In many cases, they’re also catalysts for service.
Several Fellowships take the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” to heart by turning shared interests into realworld impact. The International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, for example, supports youth development and community projects across continents. The International Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals helps coordinate medical missions and professional mentoring. The Canoeing Fellowship has even organized ecocleanup events during their paddling adventures!
It’s important to distinguish Fellowships from Rotary Action Groups (RAGs). While RAGs are more formal and focused specifically on areas of Rotary service (like water, health, or peace), Fellowships grow organically from personal interests. Yet, when Fellowship members are inspired to take action together, their projects can be just as meaningful and often surprisingly innovative.
Rotary Fellowships remind us that Rotary is not only about service, but also about connection. They bring joy, shared purpose, and a global sense of community that can last a lifetime.
This June Rotary Fellowships Month is the perfect time to explore these vibrant communities. Whether you’re into chess or photography, scuba diving or jazz, there’s a Rotary Fellowship waiting to welcome you.
Discover more: www.rotary.org/fellowships
A List of Rotary Fellowships
Interested in a particular subject? Visit the group's website or email it to learn more. Here are a few examples that may interest many of you – Click each graphic below to open the website.
To read and learn more about the various Fellowships available, click here. Discover more: www.rotary.org/fellowships
Summary of new polioviruses this week (May 21), cases and positive environmental isolates:
• Germany: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Nigeria: one cVDPV2 case and one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Papua New Guinea: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Sudan: one cVDPV2 case
The role of science and global cooperation in winning the fight against polio:
Dr Vachagan Harutyunyan, Team Leader for Polio Operations and Data and Information Systems at WHO, offers his views on the role of science, ingenuity and global cooperation in securing success in polio eradication.
Key facts
• Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under 5 years of age.
• One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
• Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to two endemic countries.
• As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in a global resurgence of the disease.
• In most countries, the global effort has expanded capacities to tackle other infectious diseases by building effective surveillance and immunization systems.
From https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/05/16/polio-outbreak-declared-in-papua-new-guinea-spurringpreparation-for-vaccination-campaign (By
Gabriela Galvin
Published on 16/05/2025 - 11:41 GMT+2)
The situation is “serious but manageable,” the country’s top health official said.
Papua New Guinea is experiencing a polio outbreak that has infected at least two children, according to health authorities who called for an immediate vaccination campaign.
The country of nearly 12 million people in Oceania launched a national response this week after detecting poliomyelitis, known also as polio, in two healthy children during routine screenings. Sewage testing confirmed the virus was circulating in Lae, its second-largest city. Polio is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects young children. In severe cases, it can cause lifelong paralysis or death.
While it has mostly been stamped out globally, polio is still endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan and cases are occasionally reported elsewhere in the world.
Papua New Guinea was declared polio-free in 2000, but it experienced an outbreak in 2018 that paralysed 26 people.
“We’ve dealt with this before and know what works,” Kapavore added.
There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with vaccination. In Papua New Guinea, however, many children remain vulnerable due to low immunisation rates, according to Dr Veera Mendonca, UNICEF’s representative in the country.
The United Nations agency called for a widespread vaccination effort and said it was working with the government to procure and distribute jabs.
“While the focus right now is on stopping this outbreak, we must take this opportunity to boost routine immunisation to 90 per cent and protect children long-term,” Mendonca said in a statement. UNICEF is also helping to boost the country's disease monitoring and raise awareness around the outbreak, she added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern and says neighbouring countries are at risk as it declares an outbreak of polio virus in Papua New Guinea.
Community transmission of the virus was confirmed in the city of Lae, after a screening program detected the fast-spreading virus in stool samples from two healthy children.
Health Minister Elias Kapovore said a mass immunisation coverage covering up to 3.5 million children has started.
"I estimate it will be covered through a polio infection coverage that is already happening in many of our provinces" he said.
UNICEF's representative in PNG Veera Mendonca said international donors are supporting government's efforts.
"What it needs is political commitment, leadership, the government is ensuring vaccines are in country, partners are supporting," she said.
Click here to listen to the story live - https://mediacore-liveproduction.akamaized.net/audio/02/9k/Z/3e.mp3?source=web&content_id=105278400
SUPPORT THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
THE POLIOPLUS SOCIETY
Join the PolioPlus Society in District 6330.
Donations are matched annually 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation up to US$50 million, generating a potential total of US$150 million toward polio eradication.
Raise awareness in your community by planning events or projects that support the fight against polio.
Visit endpolio.org to find the latest information and tools to help you share the story of our fight against polio and raise support.
Ending this disease forever remains our top humanitarian priority and needs our full commitment.
How can you take action? Donate to End Polio
Rotary Clubs in District 6330 in Canada are invited to a planting party!!
Our own District Governor Katherine Hahn planted five acres of native trees on her property last year to help with climate change and global warming.
The trees need protection and soil enrichment, so the plan is to plant Dutch Clover on the area and do some weeding around the trees. The Dutch clover restores nitrogen to the soil, keeps other weeds at bay, is somewhat drought resistant and is a great food for pollinators. It is low maintenance not requiring fertilizer or cutting.
A PLANTING PARTY
Saturday, June 14
Our efforts towards this reforestation project will enable survival of most of the trees. The area will be cultivated so your main duty will be to do some minimal weeding, spreading and raking in the clover.
Clubs closer to Stratford and public are invited to get a group together and carpool to her farm for 3-hour work shifts. Light refreshments will be provided, and social opportunities will surely abound.
Apparel needed include hat, sunscreen, gloves, rubber/work boots and insect repellent. Dress for the weather as this planting will go ahead in light rain. Equipment to bring include a garden rake, garden fork, shovel and lawn seeder if you have one.
This will be a great District environmental project for clubs close to her farm and a chance to show our appreciation both to Katherine for a great year as District Governor, but also appreciation to our planet and environment in desperate need of our help.
Address and driving instructions will be sent to volunteers a few days before the event. Location Katherine Hahn farm 2869 Perth Line 37, Stratford
Times shifts 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. – Sign up for 20 people in 2 slots Carpooling – add if you need a ride or can give a ride – get in touch with each other
Friends & family welcome.
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE
June - Rotary’s Focus on Fellowships
Sunday, June 1
Global Day of Parents
Tuesday, June 3
World Bicycle Day
Wednesday, June 4
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Click here to view a short video on Peace.
Thursday, June 5
World Environment Day
Saturday, June 7
World Food Safety Day
Sunday, June 8
World Oceans Day
Thursday, June 12
World Day Against Child Labour
Saturday, June 14
World Blood Donor Day (WHO)
Sunday, June 15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Tuesday, June 17
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
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
Obituary of Wendy Jenkins, Honourary Rotary member of Rotary Club of D6330 Passport
Wendy Anne Jennings (August 9, 1951 - May 15, 2025) passed away peacefully at the age of 73, surrounded by family and some of her closest friends.
Wendy was predeceased by her parents, Joan (McCullogh) and Douglas Jennings. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jennifer Wilber, her beloved grandson, Thomas Solway, and her brother and sister-in-law, John and Jane Jennings.
Wendy was born in Montreal, Quebec, and grew up in Dorval. In her twenties, she attended the Museum School of Fine Arts in Montreal. She moved to Ontario in the early 1970s, eventually settling in London, Ontario, where she raised her daughter Jennifer and enjoyed a long career with Bell Canada.
In her spare time, Wendy she was an artist, and was especially skilled with watercolour and graphite. Her artwork was a meaningful part of her life that she gladly shared with those around her she was an inspiration to the many art students she taught over the years.
In 2019, she founded the London Community Artists group, which remains an active club. Wendy was also a proud member of Rotary International. In 2009, Wendy took three young professionals to Brazil for a Rotarian Group Study Exchange. Wendy was exceptionally proud of the exchange and made life-long friends throughout her travels.
Nothing made Wendy smile quite like talking about her grandson, Tom. She was his biggest fan beaming with pride when recounting his football accomplishments.
Wendy’s creativity, kindness, and spirit touched many lives she will be deeply missed by her friends and family, including the Rotary and artist communities in London.
Her family would like to thank all of Wendy’s caregivers during the last few years of her life, especially Amy Pedden, who was both a caregiver and a friend.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: https://cpff.ca/donate/
We will miss her deeply and are grateful for the memories she gave us. Thank you for keeping her, and the entire family, in your thoughts.
Rotarian Wendy
You can view more of Wendy’s exquisite artwork at https://www.instagram.com/watercolours_by_wendy
And read more about Wendy’s contribution to the artworld in London, Ontario –https://londoncommunityartists.ca/project/wendy-jennings/
Sending sincere condolences to Wendy’s family and friends from the Rotary Club of District 6330 Passport
We join in remembering Wendy, Honourary Member of our Rotary Club, with appreciation for her life and talents. We offer our deepest sympathy to Wendy’s family and friends.
Wendy was truly an accomplished artist, and her life reflected the Rotary spirit of sharing one's gifts with the world.
Though not everyone in the club had the chance to meet Wendy, we came to know her through her artwork a quiet but powerful reflection of who she was.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time.
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. The date of delivery is hoping to be the start of the season in the spring. We will continue to support these workers. Stay tuned! Consider what items you can individually add to these backpacks!
Our Cup of Kindness
Some useful links – to local area Food Banks London Food Bank Strathroy
Sarnia – Inn of the Good Shepherd Stratford
For those interested in Micro-lending, you might consider Kiva.org. Many Rotary clubs do get involved in this way.
As an example, here is an update from Kiva to one Rotary club (not our club) -
Since January – Your club has helped 19 people in 2 countries! Check your account regularly for updates from the people you’re helping and to see your available balance!
Several of our Passport Club members are also individually involved in Micro-finance! Why not get involved yourself? It’s such a good feeling that you’re doing good in the world!
CONTINUING SUCCESS – CUP OF KINDNESS
To some this is just a cup. To members of the Rotary Club of District 6330 Passport this is A CUP
OF KINDNESS
In 2023 and 2024 members donated 16,395.00 personally and through an online fundraiser to Food Security programs in London, Sarnia, Strathroy, Centre Wellington, Thamesville, Glencoe, BrookeAlvinston, Watford and Anguilla.
We are people of action!
We also are continuing our successful club project – a Cup of Kindness. In 2024, our total amount collected/donated was $3644! We can accomplish that and more in 2025-26!
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 “filled 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 chose to make donations directly to those in need. Donations could be rewarded with a tax receipt. The results were tallied regularly. With the success of this project, we are planning to keep it going.
District Grant Success – Supporting the London Food Bank
We’re pleased to share some exciting news about a successful District Grant application!
Last month, we received late word from the District that unallocated funds were still available if a club could act quickly with a solid project proposal. Thanks to the swift response of Sue and Bev, we did just that.
Our club submitted an application to support the London Food Bank with a $900 USD donation. (In future years, we’ll look to support other clubs and communities in our area.) Given the short notice, we chose a familiar and impactful recipient close to home.
We’re happy to report that our application was approved! Once our donation is complete, we’ll receive $300 USD through the District Grant program.
Next steps: issue and deliver the cheque, take a photo for District records, and then await the grant reimbursement.
We’re thrilled to have taken advantage of this opportunity and we’re looking forward to many more ways to make a difference in our communities through future District Grants.
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.
Plan to join our Zoom Meetings! Click here.
Plan to join us!!
Videos from 2025 District Conference
The Environment Presentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E70sHKcUsS0
The RI President’s Representative – Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E70sHKcUsS0
Harvest Hands, Jim Collins, St. Thomas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP8HDMM4VZQ
RI President’s Representative’s Closing Remarks – May 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePWKVvegRTU
Kurt Harnett – Buffalo Bicycle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyogy39s4ME
Are you interested in bicycles? How can a bicycle improve our fragile Environment?
World Bicycle Day is Tuesday, June 3 this year. Click here to view the website and learn more. The United Nations celebrates World Bicycle Day annually on June 3.
Pedal Power: How the Bicycle Helps Heal Our Fragile Environment
In a world facing rising carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the growing consequences of climate change, one simple, two-wheeled invention continues to offer a surprisingly powerful solution: the bicycle.
Bicycles produce zero emissions, making them one of the cleanest forms of personal transportation. According to the European Cyclists’ Federation, choosing a bike instead of a car for just one trip per day can reduce an individual's transportation emissions by up to 67% (ECF, 2021).
Multiply that by millions of cyclists around the world, and the environmental impact is nothing short of transformative.
Beyond reducing greenhouse gases, bicycles also decrease air and noise pollution, reduce wear on roads, and take up less space meaning less sprawl and fewer paved surfaces that contribute to urban heat islands. Even the energy and resources required to manufacture a bicycle are just a fraction of what it takes to produce a car.
Moreover, bicycles help reconnect us with our environment.
Cycling invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience our communities at a more human pace. As we pedal through greenways, parks, and city streets, we’re reminded that the journey can be just as important as the destination.
In places where biking is embraced, such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam, cities have not only reduced their emissions but also improved public health and overall quality of life (World Economic Forum, 2022).
These success stories are evidence that change doesn’t always require new inventions sometimes, it just means rediscovering old ones.
As we look for ways to protect our fragile planet, the humble bicycle stands out as a quiet champion proof that progress doesn’t have to be loud, fast, or fuel-powered. Sometimes, it just takes two wheels and the will to ride.
Click here to discover the Rotary Fellowships of Cyclists – Cycling to Serve!
Click here to view the Bicycle Presentation at our District Conference – the Buffalo Bicycle!
Grant Management in D6330 -
Clubs must qualify first! The Rotary Foundation requires Clubs that want to participate in the District Grants program to qualify. To qualify, the club must:
• Be in good standing
• May not have any grant reporting that is overdue
• Have at least 2 members complete the District’s Qualification Training course and quiz
The Certification is valid for One Rotary Year only! Clubs must be re-certified for each Rotary Year.
Rotary Foundation Grants – There are two kinds of grants. -Global Grants and District Grants:
Global Grants
• Must be in (at least) one of Rotary's Areas Of Focus
• Must be International projects involving at least 2 clubs in 2 different countries. One of these clubs is the "host" club - the club where the project will take place. The other is the "international partner" - the club that provides funding and possibly some expertise to help implement the project.
• Must have a minimum budget of USD $30,000
• Club funds are supplemented by the District Designated Funds as, and if, available
• Funds donated to the project from District Designated Funds are supplemented by The Rotary Foundation (World Fund) to fund these grants.
District Grants
• May be local or international in scope.
• Are usually smaller in scale. There is no minimum budget requirement.
• Will usually involve active participation by Rotarians.
• District 6330 clubs may apply for more than one District Grant in a single Rotary year, but are limited to a maximum of USD $3,000 per year in District Grant funding.
• Projects must be started and completed within one Rotary year - July 1 to June 30 of the next year.
Ready to Apply for A Grant? Will it be a District or a Global Grant?
3 simple questions to help you decide:
• Is the project in one of the areas of focus? – No? Consider applying for a District Grant.
• Is the project between Clubs/Districts in separate countries? – No? Consider a District Grant.
• Is the total budget for the project less than USD $30,000? – No? Consider applying for a District Grant.
• If you answer YES to all the above, consider applying for a Global Grant.
Fundraising ideas – how to raise funds
For more information and ideas, click here.
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
Tawakkol Karman, the first Arab woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, will speak at Rotary International’s 2025 convention in Calgary, Canada.
A journalist and human rights activist, Karman has long fought for democracy and women’s empowerment in Yemen, enduring persecution and imprisonment for her activism.
From 2007 to 2011, she organized protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s regime, earning the nicknames “mother of the revolution” and “the iron woman.”
She founded Women Journalists Without Chains to support press freedom and promote women’s rights.
During the Arab Spring, Karman called for peaceful dialogue and worked toward unity between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
She believes Islam supports full participation of women in society and peaceful coexistence with other religions.
Recognized globally, she was named one of Time’s 100 Woen of the Year in 2011 and listed among Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers.
Her foundation builds schools and supports healthcare and poverty relief in Yemen.
The Rotarian Minute is a creation of District 1700. Please send any comments or suggestons to laminute1700@gmail.com.
Our monthly meeting of Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Click here to view the meeting video.
Rotary started with the vision of one man – Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful lifelong friendships.
Oer time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Reminder - Some useful links – to local area Food Banks
London Food Bank
Strathroy
– Inn of the Good Shepherd Stratford
Theme for 2025-26
Sarnia
When Passion meets Vision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvPftkOfmFY
The story of Ryan’s Well born from the heartfelt determination of a six-year-old Ontario boy is a shining example of how compassion, education, and action can ripple out to touch lives across the globe.
While not a continuing Rotary-led initiative, Ryan’s journey embodies many of the same values Rotary champions: empowering young people, building sustainable clean water systems, and engaging communities in transformative service.
His early partnership with Rotary through clubs like Ancaster, Ontario highlights how our Rotary community has long supported the dreams of those who dare to make a difference. Today, we continue that work through The Rotary Foundation’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects, ensuring that the gift of safe water reaches even the most remote corners of the world.
Note: The Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M., located in Ancaster, Ontario, is part of Rotary District 7090. This district encompasses clubs in both Southern Ontario, Canada, and Western New York, USA, fostering crossborder collaboration and service initiatives.
Click here to view a short video
The Environment – Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus
Weather 101
(This introduction taken from Chapter 9 of Comple Idiot’s Guide to Global Warning, Second edition by Michael Tennesen)
When we talk about global warming and its effects, we are essentially talking about how increased temperatures worldwide might change the weather and the climate. Weather is the condition produced by the temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation at a given moment. Climate represents the weather averaged over a number of years.
When we say the climate is getting warmer, we are not talking about the weather on a given day or in a given place – we’re talking about the weather averaged over the entire world and for a number of years (decades, even). Because you were shivering last night in Alberta or seating midday in Death Valley doesn’t prove or disprove global warming. When we refer to global warming, we are talking about averages or climate.
View a short video from 2007 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs&t=5s
Signs of Global Warming
� Temperature Increases
1. Rising Global Temperatures
o Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1°C (2°F) since the late 19th century.
2. Increased Frequency of Heatwaves
o Heatwaves are more intense and more frequent in many regions.
Melting Ice and Snow
3. Arctic Sea Ice Decline
o The Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the global average; summer sea ice has shrunk drastically.
4. Glacial Retreat
o Glaciers around the world (e.g., Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies) are losing mass.
5. Ice Sheet Loss
o Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are melting, contributing to sea level rise.
Rising Seas and Ocean Changes
6. Sea Level Rise
o Global sea levels have risen about 8 inches (20 cm) in the past century and the rate is accelerating.
7. Ocean Warming
o Oceans absorb much of the heat from global warming, raising water temperatures and affecting marine ecosystems.
8. Ocean Acidification
o CO₂ is being absorbed by the oceans, making them more acidic and harming coral reefs and shellfish.
9. More Intense Hurricanes and Storms
o Warmer ocean water fuels stronger tropical storms and hurricanes.
10. Shifts in Precipitation Patterns
• Some areas experience more heavy rain and flooding, while others suffer prolonged droughts.
11. Increased Wildfires
• Hotter, drier conditions have led to more frequent and severe wildfires (e.g., in California, Australia, and Canada).
Ecological Changes
12. Shifting Habitats
• Animals and plants are moving to higher altitudes or latitudes to stay within livable temperature ranges.
13. Earlier Blooming Seasons
• Many plants are flowering earlier in the year, affecting entire ecosystems.
14. Species Extinctions
• Some species cannot adapt quickly enough to changing climates and are becoming endangered or extinct.
View a short recent video - Signs and Impact of Climate change (recent) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEryn0tPrw
And a third video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEryn0tPrw&t=6s
ROTARY’S FOUR-WAY TEST
A Thoughtful Start to any day
� � � � What is the Rotary Four-Way Test?
It's a short ethical guide used by Rotarians worldwide to help evaluate decisions, both personal and professional.
It was created in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who later became Rotary International President. Facing financial and moral crisis in his company, he developed this test as a litmus test for integrity and fair conduct.
The test asks four questions of the things we think, say or do:
• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
It may seem simple, but in a complex world, those questions are anything but easy and that’s part of their power.
Click the 4-way test above and open the link to hear the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana.
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 here for a short video
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.
A LITTLE HUMOUR
Henry was doing his math homework, muttering to himself:
“2 + 5, the son of a b*tch is 7.”
“3 + 6, the son of a b*tch is 9.”
His mother overheard and said,
“Henry! What is with all the cussing?!”
“Oh Mom, don’t disturb me. I’m just doing my math homework.”
“Is that how your teacher taught you?!” she asked.
“Yes, Mom.”
Fuming, she picked up her phone and called the teacher:
“Are you teaching kids by saying... 2 + 2, the son of a b*tch is 4?!”
There was silence... then the teacher burst out laughing and said,
“What I said was... 2 + 2, THE SUM OF WHICH IS 4.”
And here’s something to ponder. Ping Pong! You thought you could play?
Click this link - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AtcEmCu9u/ (You may have to click the audio icon at the top of the screen.)
Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church’s morals, kept sticking her nose into other people’s business. Several members did not approve of her extra-curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.
She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town’s only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.
Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn’t explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his car in front of Mildred’s house –walked home – and left it there all night. You gotta love Frank!
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)
