“Enthusiasm”
They were full of enthusiasm telling their stories of travel, meeting new people, learning about Canada and how they can be better leaders amongst their peers.
Emma Kebbel went to Ottawa for the Adventures in Citizenship program offered by the RC of Ottawa. Being on her own she soon overcame her nervousness bonding with her host parents and other students selected from across Canada. Time to bike or run was followed by a visit to the War Museum, an encounter with someone who served with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, a Canadian dinner at a Ski Lodge, tours of the House of Commons, the Senate, the Parliamentary Library and the University of Ottawa. They were tasked with developing policies around relationships with aboriginal Canadian. But most of all they learnt more about Canada and were challenged to confidently lead around issues that are important to them. “An amazing experience. I learned a lot”, said Emma. She was accompanied at lunch by her teacher, Lisa Johnston, from St. Joseph’s High School. Emma Kebbel just happened to draw her own name to win the 50/50!
Carley Jenkins and Miranda Ross attended the Seminar for Tomorrows Leaders held at UWO and organized this year by the RC of London East for about 80 students from District 6330. Challenged to think outside the box , team activities demonstrated the importance of accurate, concise communication. Guest speakers challenged them to “be yourself” and stressed the lasting value of making memories rather than collecting stuff. Another session involved the distribution of bras and a discussion about the challenges presented by breast cancer. Two outline pictures were studied. They were of the same person but one was colored by a person who had to do it, the other colored by someone who wanted to do it. Quite different. Finally, they developed an 8 minute clip – in their case a song – about what they learned during the seminar. “Thank you”. “It changed us”. “We will be better leaders in our communities”.
Club News
Next event: Our Changeover of Officers Meeting with the District Governor and guests. Wednesday 20 th June at 5.30 (social) for 6pm (meal) outdoor steak supper at Merriview at the invitation of Brenda and Mike Merrifield. 6331 Fairview Road, north of Sparta Line on the west side. A good occasion to bring spouses and other friends. PHFs will be presented. Cost $25.00.
Do let Trudy know if you (and guests) will be attending.
- Rotary Food Trailer, Canada Day at Pinafore Park. Volunteers needed.
- No club meetings on June 27 or July 4.
- Next club meeting: Wednesday 11 th July Wayside at noon. Social meeting
- Thirty bears will be taken by Interactors next week to the VAWS emergency shelter.
Assignments for 20 June – to be decided and people phoned.
John Ayling passed away 11 June 2018 in Muskoka at the age of 100 years. A personal friend of the late
Frank E. Sanders, QC and former President of this Rotary Club. See full obituary St. Thomas Times
Journal 12 June 2018. He moved to Gravenhurst in 1989 to be closer to his cottage in Bala.
HAPPY FINS
Maggie (2) Oldest granddaughter, Maria, graduating this month with her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degrees. She married last month and has accepted an international assignment with the John Deere Company so they will be travelling for a while.
Nancy (2) Local Muslim community celebrating end of Ramadan with a feast at St. Hilda’s St. Luke’s Church. For father’s Day and the memory of a wonderful father.
Ron (2) Sons and grandson: dinner and concert. A sketch – things of nature
Bill (1) Passing of John Ayling. Bill shared a photo from June 1972 taken at the Change Over of club officers. John was the past-president and Allan Harrington the incoming club president. Dinner was at the home of Vincent Barrie.
Gerry (2) enjoyed hearing from the students who attended the Adventures in Citizenship program and the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Trudy (2) As above. Proud of the students and the ways they are developing.