President-Elect John Persson

Posted on Mar 15, 2024
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Our incoming 2024-2025 President, John Persson, completed his District 7080 President-Elect training on March 9th.  The PETS "family photo" showing our John dead-centre in the photo.  Well done John and best wishes for your year ahead as our President!
President-Elect John Persson 2024-03-15 04:00:00Z 0

Martin Litchfield: Paul Harris Fellow 

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On February 22nd 2024 our 2022-2023 Past President Martin Litchfield was honoured by his Rotary club by being designated a Paul Harris Fellow.  The District 7080 Governor Brenda Halloran was in attendance at the meeting and presented Martin with the certificate and pin.  This honour was bestowed on Martin in recognition of his contributions to the club and to the community with his legacy of community, youth and environmental service.
 
Martin Litchfield: Paul Harris Fellow 2024-03-13 04:00:00Z 0

International Womens Day 2024

Posted on Mar 06, 2024
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March 8th is International Women’s Day.  2024 marks 35 years since Rotary International changed their governing documents, in 1989, to permit the addition of women into Rotary clubs as active members.  The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. It’s a call to action and a reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities.  Because women’s success is everyone’s success!
International Womens Day 2024 2024-03-06 05:00:00Z 0

Paint a Tile for "Canada Connects" Mural

Posted on Feb 26, 2024
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On February 29, instead of our regular morning meeting, we will celebrate the Leap Year by having a fun meeting to paint tiles for the "Canada Connects" mosaic mural.  Tickets are $10 including tile, painting materials, snacks + refreshments.  Limited number of tiles available!
 
Paint a Tile for "Canada Connects" Mural 2024-02-26 05:00:00Z 0

20th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner

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The 20th ANNIVERSARY of  Guelph South Rotary’s annual pasta dinner was a resounding success!!  We would like to thank the community of Puslinch and everyone that came out to support our efforts.  The event, held to raise funds for Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, along with other Rotary charities, brought together the community in a spirit of giving. Special thanks goes out to the Rotaractors from the University of Guelph for pitching in and cleaning tables and for the support of the entire  community, Puslinch, Guelph and surrounding area .The members of Rotary Club of Guelph South were grateful to all as they finished cleaning and sat down to break bread together.  We look forward to continuing our mission of service with pasta dinner #21 in 2025!!
 
20th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner 2024-02-20 05:00:00Z 0

20th Anniversary Pasta Dinner - Feb 9 2024

Posted on Jan 11, 2024
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We're excited to mark the 20th annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" - a Puslinch based community event that raises funds for Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre along with other worthwhile Rotary projects. This link will take you to the electronic flyer with more information including another link that you can use to go directly to the CanadaHelps page for ticket purchases.  Thanks for your support!
20th Anniversary Pasta Dinner - Feb 9 2024 2024-01-11 05:00:00Z 0

In this Season of Giving....

Posted on Dec 21, 2023
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We were so pleased to be able to welcome to our meeting today representatives of charities that we have recently providing funding to. As well funds had been provided in order to support 3 local charitable organizations, and one member (Zabrina Steffler) provided a presentation on those.  A copy of the slideshow that was also presented is here:
In this Season of Giving.... 2023-12-21 05:00:00Z 0

Supporting the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign

Posted on Dec 04, 2023
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Members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South donated their time for the day on Saturday December 2nd in support of this year's Salvation Army Kettle Campaign at Stone Road Mall. Rotarians from this club have made this commitment for several years now and have always enjoyed the opportunity to meet and thank the many generous donors in our community. 
Supporting the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign 2023-12-04 05:00:00Z 0

DECEMBER "Disease Prevention and Treatment Month"

Posted on Dec 01, 2023
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December is Rotary's "Disease Prevention and Treatment Month".  Every month is dedicated to one of the major themes of our Rotary lives; this month the theme is that which RI is perhaps best known for, at least among non-Rotarians.
 
The eradication of polio has of course been Rotary International's s major worldwide, corporate effort since the early 1980’s.  And remarkable progress has been made.  The job is not finished however and you can rest assured that we will not, cannot, set this torch down until that job is finished.  Disease prevention and treatment is one of the Rotary Foundation Areas of Focus.  And for good reason.  The health and vitality of a person, a family and a community can be seriously impaired by what in many cases is a preventable disease.  Disease prevention is really a keystone to progress in other areas as well because of the interplay with other areas of focus like Water and Sanitation and Maternal & Child Health.
 
 
 
DECEMBER "Disease Prevention and Treatment Month" 2023-12-01 05:00:00Z 0

Chalmers Christmas Gift Bags Donation

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Rotary Club of Guelph South happy to once again this year support the Chalmers Community Centre's Christmas Bag campaign - this year our team was able to supply and pack enough to donate 50 gift bags!!
Chalmers Christmas Gift Bags Donation 2023-11-30 05:00:00Z 0

November is "Rotary Foundation Month"

Posted on Nov 28, 2023
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November 28 2023 is "GivingTuesday" that day following Black Friday and Cyber Monday when we turn our thoughts from commercialism and instead to how we can make a donation towards a charity of our choice.  The Rotary Foundation is Rotary International's charity, and Rotary Foundation Canada is the Canadian arm, that receives donations and issues tax receipts.  November is also Rotary International's "Rotary Foundation Month". If you don't already, please consider making them your charity of choice today!   For more information on The Rotary Foundation (Canada) including information on its Board of Directors, project stories and audited financial statements go to http://trfcanada.org.
 
November is "Rotary Foundation Month" 2023-11-28 05:00:00Z 0

World Interact Week (Oct 30-Nov 5 2023)

Posted on Oct 30, 2023
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World Interact Week is celebrated every year during the week of 5 November to commemorate the founding of the first Interact club in 1962.  Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.
 
 
World Interact Week (Oct 30-Nov 5 2023) 2023-10-30 04:00:00Z 0

Eradicate Human Trafficking Lawn Signs Campaign

Posted by Linda Main on Sep 13, 2023
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Together We Can Stop Human Trafficking. The Lawn Signs have arrived. The time is now to take a stand and say you will no longer tolerate this heinous crime against our children, youth and young adults. You are now “being the change”! Please consider putting a sign on your lawn and place of business and being a part of this movement to start the change that needs to take place NOW! Email lindat.main@gmail.com to order your sign. Signs are $10 each and to be used twice every year to bring awareness to our community. Thank you for your support!
 
Eradicate Human Trafficking Lawn Signs Campaign Linda Main 2023-09-13 04:00:00Z 0

Celebrating our 22nd Anniversary

Posted on Jul 31, 2023
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July 31st of each year represents the anniversary of the chartering of our Rotary club.  As of 2023 there are still 7 of the original 20 charter members still active members of the club!  As we move forward, with many new members with fresh ideas and experiences, we will continue to build on our legacy of "Coming together as strangers, working together as friends".
 
Celebrating our 22nd Anniversary 2023-07-31 04:00:00Z 0

2023 Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising

Posted on Jul 27, 2023
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On Thursday July 27th at 9:00am members of the local “Rotary Eradicating Human Trafficking Committee” and fellow Rotarians along with Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie and two City Councillors (Dominique O'Rourke and Ken Yee Chew, both from Ward 6),  Luisa Krause from Elora House, Royal City Mission Pastor Kevin Coghill and concerned members of the community met to raise the EHT flag on the City Hall flagpole representing Guelph and local communities in solidarity against Human Trafficking in our area.
 
2023 Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising 2023-07-27 04:00:00Z 0

Shelldale youth visit to Sunrise

Posted on Jul 22, 2023
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On July 12 the Rotary Club of Guelph South, in collaboration with the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, organized a delightful BBQ event for the youth from Shelldale. The evening was filled with excitement as the young people arrived by bus and were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
 
Shelldale youth visit to Sunrise 2023-07-22 04:00:00Z 0

2023 Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising

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On July 27th 2023 at 9:00am Rotarians will gather in front of Guelph City Hall in order to observe the raising of the "Eradicating Human Trafficking" flag in support of "World Day Against Trafficking in Persons" held annually on July 30th.
2023 Eradicating Human Trafficking Flag Raising 2023-07-17 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary 2023-2024 President

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July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year, and new Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally wants Rotary to exist everywhere in a style that suits everyone who has the desire to work with us to do good.
 
Rotary 2023-2024 President 2023-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

2023 Tour de Guelph - What a success!

Posted on Jun 30, 2023
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Thank you for making Tour de Guelph 2023 the most successful year yet! Our community raised more than $170,000 in net proceeds, taking the total raised over the 10 year history more than $1 million.  https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/tour-de-guelph-brings-in-more-than-170000-7212309

85 year old Rotarian Charlie Barnes finishing 25K route
85 year old Rotarian Charlie Barnes - who raised more than $26,000 himself in donations for the fundraiser - completing the 25K route at 2023 Tour de Guelph

2023 Tour de Guelph - What a success! 2023-06-30 04:00:00Z 0

THANK YOU President Martin Litchfield

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Thank you to 2022-2023 President Martin Litchfield for your leadership over the past year.  You made sure our club never skipped a beat by successfully transitioning from 100% virtual meetings to hybrid (ZOOM plus in person at Salvation Army Citadel). 
THANK YOU President Martin Litchfield 2023-06-30 04:00:00Z 0
News about Brunch at the Barn Nneka Onwualu 2023-06-06 04:00:00Z 0
April is Rotary's "Environment Month" 2023-04-01 04:00:00Z 0

Rotaract Club of Guelph's 8th Annual Gala

Posted on Mar 20, 2023
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A message from the Rotaract Club of Guelph:
"Thank you all so much for your support! We hope you enjoyed the dinner, games, silent auction, and learning about Food & Friends!  The night was a big success, and thanks to each and every one of you we were able to raise $3,000 for Food & Friends."
Rotaract Club of Guelph's 8th Annual Gala 2023-03-20 04:00:00Z 0

World Rotaract Week

Posted on Mar 13, 2023
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Every year, Rotaractors and Rotarians around the world celebrate World Rotaract Week during the week of 13 March to commemorate the founding of the first club in 1968. World Rotaract Week is a time for celebrating the success and importance of the Rotaract program.  We are particularly blessed to be able to celebrate the University of Guelph's Rotaract club, a group of dynamic young people that are truly making a difference in our community!
(Rotaractors helping out in the kitchen during our 2023 Pasta Dinner in February)
World Rotaract Week 2023-03-13 04:00:00Z 0

March is Rotary's Water Sanitation and Hygiene Month

Posted on Mar 01, 2023
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Rotary has issued a global challenge to its members, asking them to work collectively to improve education quality and access — particularly for girls — by working with communities to improve teacher training, curriculum, and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
March is Rotary's Water Sanitation and Hygiene Month 2023-03-01 05:00:00Z 0

Happy 118th Anniversary Rotary

Posted on Feb 23, 2023
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After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris,  Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.  Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.  Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member. 
 
 
Happy 118th Anniversary Rotary 2023-02-23 05:00:00Z 0

February 22nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Posted on Feb 22, 2023
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On February 22, 2007, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion condemning the trafficking of women and children across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The House of Commons proclaimed February 22 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day to help bring awareness to the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad and encourage Canadians to take steps to combat human trafficking.  The Rotary Club of Guelph South launched its Eradicating Human Trafficking Committee and awareness initiative in 2021 which was soon joined by other Rotarians in the Guelph-Wellington Rotary Cluster.

February 22nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2023-02-22 05:00:00Z 0 Human Trafficking

19th Annual Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner

Posted on Feb 14, 2023
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On Friday, February 10th, Guelph South Rotary's TASTE OF ITALY PASTA DINNER returned to Puslinch following a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, and it was an overwhelming success! 
19th Annual Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner 2023-02-14 05:00:00Z 0

February is Rotary's "Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention" Month

Posted on Feb 01, 2023
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Millions of people all over the world are currently displaced by armed conflict or persecution. In fact, 90% of casualties in armed conflicts are civilians, half of which are children. Through service projects and Rotary programs, the Rotary family is committed to pursuing projects that address the structural causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

February is Rotary's "Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention" Month 2023-02-01 05:00:00Z 0

RIP Mayor Hazel McCallion

Posted on Jan 29, 2023
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Sad news this morning on the passing of Hazel McCallion, 2 weeks before her 102nd birthday. "Hurricane Hazel" was our first Honourary Member and Honourary Chair of our first "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" in 2006.
RIP Mayor Hazel McCallion 2023-01-29 05:00:00Z 0

JANUARY is Rotary Vocational Service Month

Posted on Jan 01, 2023
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During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service.  Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the Ideal of Service to the pursuit of all vocations. 
JANUARY is Rotary Vocational Service Month 2023-01-01 05:00:00Z 0

Supporting Community Organizations

Posted on Dec 15, 2022
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On December 15 2022 during our weekly meeting we were pleased to be able to welcome representatives from 10 charitable organizations and present them with donations - a total of $11,000.  Organized by our Service Projects Committee, the organizations designated to be honoured included:  Michael House, Childrens' Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Elora House, Big Brothers Big Sisters Guelph, Tree Trust Guelph and Amarok Society.  Committee Co-Chair Richard Van Dyke welcomed the representatives and announced the donations being made to each on behalf of the club.
 
 
Supporting Community Organizations 2022-12-15 05:00:00Z 0

Welcoming New Members + Celebrating the holidays

Posted on Dec 10, 2022
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We had an opportunity to celebrate the upcoming holiday season together during a dinner event held at Springfield Golf & Country Club on December 8th 2022.  During that dinner event 2 new members were inducted - NICK RYALL and MATT HISKETT.  Thanks to President-Elect Shelley Adlington who organized this fellowship event during a VERY busy time of the year, and to member Sharron Riley-Persson who organized and donated gift bags and cards to the attendees.  Photos from the event are in a photo album available on the club website.
 
   
(L-R: Membership Chair Celia Clark, Matt Hiskett, President Martin Litchfield, Nick Ryall)
 
Welcoming New Members + Celebrating the holidays 2022-12-10 05:00:00Z 0
IntheNews-HolidayOnlineAuction Nneka 2022-11-24 05:00:00Z 0

Shelter Box Canada

Posted on Oct 03, 2022
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RECOVERY STARTS WITH SHELTER. Having somewhere dry and warm to sleep, to prepare meals and be with your family is vital for starting the long process of rebuilding your life. ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. Every disaster is different and so is every community, so ShelterBox spends time with those affected to make sure they can offer the right support at the right time to help them recover.
 
Shelter Box Canada 2022-10-03 04:00:00Z 0
OCTOBER is Rotary's Economic and Community Development Month 2022-10-01 04:00:00Z 0
SEPTEMBER is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month 2022-09-01 04:00:00Z 0

August is Rotary "Membership Month"

Posted on Aug 01, 2022
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Come visit us during a Thursday virtual (ZOOM) weekly meeting and find out about Rotary and our club for yourself!  Email us info@guelphsouthrotary.ca for the link and more information.
August is Rotary "Membership Month" 2022-08-01 04:00:00Z 0

Eradicating Human Trafficking

Posted on Jul 30, 2022
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June 30 2022 is World Day Against Human Trafficking. Our Rotary Club has started a small -but mighty! - committee to bring awareness to the serious issue of human trafficking in Canada, Ontario and yes even Guelph. In partnership with Hammond Power Solutions and City of Guelph we had our first Flag Raising Ceremony on July 29 2022 at Guelph City Hall.
Eradicating Human Trafficking 2022-07-30 04:00:00Z 0

Congratulations Charlie Barnes!

Posted on Jun 25, 2022
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Congratulations Charlie!  A Silver Medal finish today in the World Triathlon Sprint Championship in Montreal, in the 85-89 years young group.  No photos yet from the Medal Ceremony but will be posted as soon as one is available.  We are exceptionally proud of Charlie who has been a member of our Rotary club - and an inspiration - since 2019.
Congratulations Charlie Barnes! 2022-06-25 04:00:00Z 0

June is Rotary Fellowships Month

Posted on Jun 01, 2022
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The final month of every Rotary year is Fellowship Month. This is a fitting designation since fellowship is particularly to the forefront with changeovers being very much the priority in June. Fellowship is of course one of the five core values of Rotary, the others being service, diversity, integrity and leadership.
 
 
June is Rotary Fellowships Month 2022-06-01 04:00:00Z 0

2022 Treasure Trail Fundraiser

Posted on May 16, 2022
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A big thank you to everyone who supported the inaugural "Treasure Trail" fundraising event held on May 14th 2022. This event was a huge success because of you!  A photo album is available on our website home page (top menu "About" then "Photos" on dropdown menu).
2022 Treasure Trail Fundraiser 2022-05-16 04:00:00Z 0

Road Clean-Up in Aberfoyle

Posted on May 06, 2022
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Since 2008 our Rotary Club has cleaned a stretch of Brock Road in Aberfoyle, between Aberfoyle Mill and Hwy 401, as part of the Wellington County "Adopt-A-Road Program". On April 30 we were back at it.  Fresh air, exercise, fellowship, community service and fun are just some of the rewards of being a member of our Rotary Club.
Road Clean-Up in Aberfoyle 2022-05-06 04:00:00Z 0
May is Rotary's Youth Services Month 2022-05-01 04:00:00Z 0
Treasure Trail Kick off Nneka Onwualu 2022-04-13 04:00:00Z 0

April is Rotary's Maternal & Child Health Month

Posted on Apr 01, 2022
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At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, Rotary International provide immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improve access to essential medical services, and support trained health care providers for mothers and their children.
 
April is Rotary's Maternal & Child Health Month 2022-04-01 04:00:00Z 0
Custom Caricature Fundraiser EXTENDED FOR MOTHERS' DAY! Nneka Onwualu 2022-03-30 04:00:00Z 0

March is Rotary's Water + Sanitation Month

Posted on Mar 01, 2022
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Rotary has issued a global challenge to its members, asking them to work collectively to improve education quality and access — particularly for girls — by working with communities to improve teacher training, curriculum, and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
March is Rotary's Water + Sanitation Month 2022-03-01 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict 2022-02-25 05:00:00Z 0 Peace,Ukraine
February 22nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2022-02-20 05:00:00Z 0 Human Trafficking; Guelph Cluster; Against Traffick

Ontario Woodlot Association presentation

Posted on Jan 13, 2022
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John Pineau, Executive Director of Ontario Woodlot Association, spoke to our Rotary club this morning on “Privately Owned Forests and Climate Change”.  He spoke about the mission of the Ontario Woodlot Association, its vision and mission.  

Ontario Woodlot Association presentation 2022-01-13 05:00:00Z 0

2021 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Dec 23, 2021
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Holidays Schedule

Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays we will not be holding our regular weekly breakfast meetings. Regular weekly breakfast meetings are cancelled for the upcoming weeks:
       DECEMBER 30th 2021
       JANUARY 6th 2022

Watch our website for more information on the weekly programs being planned starting on January 13th 2022.  Until further notice all weekly meetings continue to be held virtually (ZOOM) - if you'd like to attend please email to info@guelphsouthrotary.ca for the link.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South   

2021 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE Dianne Paron 2021-12-23 05:00:00Z 0

Meeting in person!!

Posted on Dec 14, 2021
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While still observing COVID safety protocols and in compliance with all regulations, members were able to meet in the restaurant at Springfield Golf & Country Club for a fish + chips dinner on Friday December 10th.  It was a wonderful opportunity to meet in person, something that we have rarely had a chance to do since spring of 2020.  (Thanks to our photographer Bella who captured these great group photos)
 
Meeting in person!! 2021-12-14 05:00:00Z 0

Eradicating Human Trafficking Speaker Series #5

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Our Eradicating Human Trafficking Committee, along with representatives of other Rotary clubs in the Guelph-Wellington Cluster, has hosted a series of 5 online webinars, the final one for 2021 having been held on November 30th.  Guest speakers were Jerry Nelson, the Thailand coordinator for the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, and Michelle Seets of Texas, President-Elect of the Rotary Club to End Human Trafficking.  
Eradicating Human Trafficking Speaker Series #5 2021-11-30 05:00:00Z 0

LCol Brendan Insley - Remembrance Day 2021 Speaker

Posted on Nov 11, 2021
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On Remembrance Day 2021 we were honoured to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Insley as our guest speaker.
 
LCol Brendan Insley grew up in Rockwood, ON, and attended high school in Guelph, ON. He joined Army Cadets at age 13 and has been in uniform ever since.  LCol Insley enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve in March of 2000 and graduated from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in 2004. From 2000 to 2005, he was employed in typical duties and career courses as a junior officer in the field artillery at the 11th Field Regiment in Guelph, ON. He completed a component transfer to the Regular Force in 2007 and was posted to the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from 2007 to 2009 at CFB Petawawa. He was subsequently posted as an instructor to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School, commanded 127 Battery at the 4th Artillery Regiment in Gagetown, NB, and instructed at the US Command & General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS.

LCol Brendan Insley - Remembrance Day 2021 Speaker 2021-11-11 05:00:00Z 0

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted on Nov 11, 2021
The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve. 
LEST WE FORGET..... 2021-11-11 05:00:00Z 0

OneBenchOneTree at Guelph General Hospital

Posted on Nov 07, 2021
Rotary Club of Guelph South is proud to be one of the sponsors for the OneBenchOneTree installation at Guelph General Hospital - a project aimed at expressing gratitude to frontline healthcare workers, providing a place where they can take a break from their battle against the pandemic and know their efforts are appreciated by the greater community. The essence of the event is best captured in the speech to the hospital staff from OneBenchOneTree: 
"At the start of the pandemic, anxieties were flaring and paths were yet to be trail-blazed, but there was never a question of whether you would show up for work. Long nights and early mornings, with shortages of beds and a capacity far too high, still you did your job, risking your lives every day for us. This action did not go unnoticed, we know you are tired, we know you are putting your life at risk every time you walk through these doors. And, in a time of controversy, where the few but most polarizing voices tend to yell the loudest, OneBenchOneTree speaks up to give our thanks. At this bench and tree, you can rest, exhale deeply and close your eyes. If this gift gives you even just one moment of healing in your hectic lives, we will have achieved our goal. Even if you don’t ever sit on this bench, as you go to work every day, as you walk by, please be reminded that we are thankful for you, that Guelph is thankful for you, that Ontario and Canada are thankful for you. As a final note, whenever you are discouraged, I hope that this gift reminds you that you are noticed and you are cared for. I hope you can use this gift to take what you deserve, a moment of rest."
OneBenchOneTree at Guelph General Hospital 2021-11-07 04:00:00Z 0

20th Anniversary Tree Planting Ceremony

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH arranged a tree planting to commemorate the club’s 20th anniversary of service in support of local and international community projects. Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre in Puslinch was honoured to be chosen as the venue.
 
(More photos from the event are available from the "Photo Albums" link on our website's home page) 
20th Anniversary Tree Planting Ceremony 2021-10-22 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary TBT week 13 (2013)

Posted on Oct 21, 2021
October 24th is the annual “World Polio Day” and in 2013 Canadian Rotary clubs teamed up with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) for the “Pennies and More for Polio” fundraiser.  This innovative public-private partnership between the Gates Foundation and the Canadian government towards the global effort to eradicate polio, a crippling disease affecting mostly children, meant that during the first 2 months of 2013 all contributions by Canadian Rotarians were tripled! Our club members responded enthusiastically to the challenge and donated almost $1,900 towards the PolioPlus program which was then tripled.  Our club and its members continue to support the efforts of The Rotary Foundation towards the global eradication of polio, and we celebrate World Polio Day every year including by attending the flag raising ceremony at Guelph City Hall.
"End Polio Now" flag for World Polio Day being hoisted at Guelph City Hall with Rotarians in attendance
20 Years Anniversary TBT week 13 (2013) 2021-10-21 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary TBT week 12 (2012)

Posted on Oct 14, 2021
Over the years our focus has been very much on supporting other local organizations providing much-needed services to our community, one of which is the Salvation Army.  We have provided financial support for programs put on by the local Citadel such as their Acre of Hope community garden program and their Youth Camps. We have also enjoyed hosting their Christmas Kettle at Stone Road Mall for one Saturday every holiday season from 2011 through 2019, then temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.  Members volunteer for 2 hour shifts at the kettle and there is never a problem filling up the available slots.  The Salvation Army’s holiday fund-raising activities play a crucial role in sharing the spirit of the season with families in need and our members have always enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm of the community as they generously donate to the kettles.
(L-R) Charter Members Peter and Celia Clark with the Christmas Kettle at Stone Road Mall, along with Mahmud Hassain, also a Rotarian
20 Years Anniversary TBT week 12 (2012) 2021-10-14 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary TBT week 11 (2011)

Posted on Oct 07, 2021
In late 2009 one of our members presented the club with an opportunity to become involved with an economic development project in Nicaragua.  Condimentos del Carrizal was a sustainable development project created by the partnership of Roothams Gourmet Preserves and Syngenta Crop Protection and supported by our Rotary Club and local partners there.  We were excited to be involved at the ground level of such a worthwhile venture and be able to help create a simple sustainable business that leveraged existing skills, experience and interest of the community members – primarily the local women who were already making jams and jellies by the side of the road using local fruits.  Poverty is alleviated and the quality of life improves through employment and training in sustainable agriculture, growing cash crops that are consumed locally to improve nutrition and health, sold into local markets and manufactured into all natural gourmet condiments sold at a profit to local restauranteurs and tourists.
   
Rotarian Celia Clark presents Nicaragua project donation to Rotarian Richard Puntis                             The sign acknowledging our club's contributions to the Nicaragua project
20 Years Anniversary TBT week 11 (2011) 2021-10-07 04:00:00Z 0

1st National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on Sep 30, 2021
September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.  The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. 
1st National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2021-09-30 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #10 (2010)

Posted on Sep 30, 2021
Not a week after celebrating the start of a new year (2010) there was a major earthquake in Haiti – their strongest in 20 years, leaving about 1 million homeless, and our members immediately started focusing on ways that we could help.  The Board recommended to the members that we send much needed financial disaster assistance to grassroots organizations in Haiti that we were familiar with including Friends of the Orphans and Olive Tree Projects, a maternal health organization founded by a Canadian woman.  We also provided funding for 2 ShelterBox (a Rotary International partner) housing tents and supplies, and an AquaBox (through Rotary club of Stratford) to supply potable drinking water.  All tolled, about $7,900.00 in immediate disaster response support.  
A member’s daughter drawing a winning raffle ticket during a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake relief hosted by 2 Rotary Club of Guelph South members
20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #10 (2010) 2021-09-30 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #9 (2009)

Posted on Sep 23, 2021
    As part of the planning for our Rotary club being chartered, a decision needed to be made regarding where our weekly meetings would be held.  The steering committee that was doing this planning assessed a number of different locations, taking into account things like accessibility, availability of meals, overall ambience and suitability for meetings.  The Springfield Golf & Country Club in the south end of Guelph was one of those locations considered.  The provisional club meetings were held in the restaurant there and it proved to check all the boxes!  It has been our home ever since and we have been treated so well by the management there.  As well as holding our weekly meetings there we have been able to book other special events as well, taking advantage of the different rooms and services that they are able to provide.  They have supported us and we are happy to support them as well!  It has been a wonderful partnership over the past 20 years.
Members enjoying a breakfast meeting in the “Pines” room at Springfield Golf & Country Club
20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #9 (2009) 2021-09-23 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #8 (2008)

Posted on Sep 16, 2021
   Charter Member Margaret Nixon was the first of our members to travel to provide “Service Above Self” in other countries: in January 2008 she, along with other District 7080 Rotarians, at their own expense, met up with Rotarians from Arizona to travel across the border to Mexico.  Meeting up with Nogales Mexico Rotarians, a joint effort was then undertaken that included lots of work - but also lots of fellowship - and ultimately resulted in the preparation of hundreds of gift boxes to hand out to the children in underprivileged communities there on “Three Kings Day” their equivalent of Christmas.  Margaret became so committed to this effort, and the good that she saw firsthand that it could do, that she joined the district organizing team for subsequent annual trips. This began what has now become an ongoing relationship and financial commitment ($17,600 through 2020) by the club with Mexico and Mexican Rotarians that persists to this day. We are proud of the other members, including Frank Oudesluys and Linda Main, who have also made the trips to Mexico in subsequent years to support Rotary initiatives there and even to provide polio immunizations.
   
Jan 2008:  (L-R Rotarians Margaret Nixon, Cheryl Ewing) Making up shoebox gifts for Mexican children 
20 Years Anniversary TBT Week #8 (2008) 2021-09-16 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #7 (2007)

Posted on Sep 09, 2021
    In January 2007 the club members made the decision to change our name from “Wellington South” to “Guelph South”.  This decision was driven by 2 needs:  one, to distinguish us from a New Zealand club with the same name, and two, to enable anyone searching online for Guelph-area Rotary clubs to also find ours...something that just wasn’t happening with the name we were chartered under.  Rotary International approved our application for a name change and in March 2007 we celebrated our official transition to “Rotary Club of Guelph South”.
Celebrating our new club name on March 15 2007
20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #7 (2007) 2021-09-09 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #6 (2006)

Posted on Sep 02, 2021
   In 2006 we became aware of a situation in northern Ontario, at a Pikangikum First Nations community, where there was a lack of clean drinking water for the students at the Eenchokay Birchstick School there.  There was a permanent boil water advisory in the community, 90% of homes did not have running water and many families had to fetch water in pails from the lake.  The school had often been closed to students because there was no potable water for them to drink.  The lack of fresh water had been seen by the District Health Unit as a cause of disease within the community.  A volunteer group in Guelph, called Friends of Tikinagan, had been making donations of clothing and sports equipment every year since 2001, and in 2006 it and other voluntary organizations came together to form the North-South Partnership, as a way to expand their ability to direct voluntary resources to serve the desperate needs in the remote First Nation communities.
         
 L-R: Rotarian Margaret Nixon, Moe Brubacher, Rotarian Frankie Shaw                      Happy students and teacher at Eenchokay Birchstick School, Pikangikum First Nations 
20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #6 (2006) 2021-09-02 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #6 (2006)

Posted on Sep 02, 2021
   In 2006 we became aware of a situation in northern Ontario, at a Pikangikum First Nations community, where there was a lack of clean drinking water for the students at the Eenchokay Birchstick School there.  There was a permanent boil water advisory in the community, 90% of homes did not have running water and many families had to fetch water in pails from the lake.  The school had often been closed to students because there was no potable water for them to drink.  The lack of fresh water had been seen by the District Health Unit as a cause of disease within the community.  A volunteer group in Guelph, called Friends of Tikinagan, had been making donations of clothing and sports equipment every year since 2001, and in 2006 it and other voluntary organizations came together to form the North-South Partnership, as a way to expand their ability to direct voluntary resources to serve the desperate needs in the remote First Nation communities.
             
 L-R: Rotarian Margaret Nixon, Moe Brubacher, Rotarian Frankie Shaw                                    Happy students and teacher at Eenchokay Birchstick School, Pikangikum First Nations
20 Years Anniversary - TBT Week #6 (2006) 2021-09-02 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #5 (2005)

Posted on Aug 26, 2021
   In early 2005 we had funded part of a pilot project to determine the feasibility of generating and distributing clean drinking water in a remote area of Margarita Island (Venezuela) by way of fog collectors on Cerro Copey (Copey Mountain) in a National Park at an elevation of 900 m (3000 ft).  The project was undertaken by a Canadian charity, FogQuest.  Our contribution covered the cost of 10 fog collectors (1m x 1m in size).  By January 2008 FogQuest had sourced a contact/partner on the island and had advised the club that further work was proceeding on developing a project to install large fog collectors to provide a source of potable water to the residents there. While FogQuest was Ontario based in 2005 they relocated to B.C. in 2006 and we have not had any further involvement with their projects since 2008.
   February 23 2005 marked the 100th anniversary of the first Rotary meeting in Chicago and, as well as holding a joint meeting on that date, the 4 Guelph-based Rotary clubs collaborated on a centennial project “Rotary4Hopewell” in celebration of that anniversary: an addition to the Shelldale Community Centre that would be used for the Hopewell Homes’ Playsense Activity Centre.  The 4 clubs and their members held fundraisers, donated furniture and equipment, and contributed elbow grease by way of painting and decorating the new facility to get it ready for use.  The centennial was further marked by both the City of Guelph and Township of Puslinch by the flying at their municipal office of a special Rotary flag that we purchased for the occasion.
 
FogQuest team with 1 of fog collectors on mountain in Margarita Island, Venezuela                                            Groundbreaking ceremony, Guelph "Rotary4Hopewell" project for Playsense Activity Centre
20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #5 (2005) 2021-08-26 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #4 (2004)

Posted on Aug 19, 2021
   In April 2004 the club partnered with the Puslinch Library to host a series of 5 2-hour parenting workshops.  One of our primary objectives as a club was the support of initiatives involving children, and hosting parenting workshops was a natural fit. Providing parents and teachers with tools to enable them to build self-esteem in children, by focusing on their positive qualities, can benefit both the family and the community.  The workshop was based on "The Virtues Project" an international organization dedicated to inspiring spiritual growth in young and old alike by showing parents and teachers how to turn words into actions, and ideals into realities. The first session was uplifting, encouraging, strengthening and thought-provoking and included approximately 25 parents and teachers.
 
20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #4 (2004) 2021-08-19 04:00:00Z 0

Put a little prick in your arm....

Posted on Aug 19, 2021
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Enjoy this clever and fun video created by Rotarian and past President of our club, Linda Main, along with her best friend from Montreal.  With such an important message!  Turn your volume up, and thank you Linda.
 
 
 
Put a little prick in your arm.... 2021-08-19 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #3 (2003)

Posted on Aug 12, 2021
   As a new club we decided to come up with a consensus among the members as to what areas of need we wanted to focus on for service. There are so many deserving causes out there, but the club members ultimately decided that they wanted to provide support primarily to children, the elderly and the disabled.   In February 2003 we held our first “Taste of Italy” pasta dinner. It was decided that the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch would be the beneficiary, giving us an opportunity to support a cause that benefits both children and the disabled both.  The event was held at the Puslinch Community Centre and the 200 tickets were sold out before the doors opened!  It was a great opportunity for all of the club members to work together as a team and has become an annual event, held every February in Puslinch since then.
    
20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #3 (2003) 2021-08-12 04:00:00Z 0

20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #2 (2002)
 

Posted on Aug 05, 2021
   Our first fundraiser, following our being chartered as a Rotary club on July 31 2001, was thanks to the Rotary Club of Guelph who offered us the opportunity to sell hot chocolate at their “Sparkles In The Park” event in December 2001 at Riverside Park.  Following that we were also offered the opportunity to have a booth at their July 1 2002 “Canada Day” event, at which we sold cold drinks and freezies.  And our sponsor club, Guelph Trillium, provided us with the opportunity to have a booth to sell coffee during their weekend-long 2002 “Ribfest” event.   The City of Guelph was planning a special one-day 175th Birthday celebration on August 4 2002, on the parkland next to the River Run Centre, and we were offered the opportunity to host the “Ox Roast” at the “GuelphFest” event.
Charter members L-R Dianne Paron, Ann Caine, Frankie Shaw, Dale Sims + Margaret Nixon (along with another volunteer) were dressed in period costumes to sell “ox” buns and celebrate Guelph’s 175th birthday at GuelphFest on Aug 4 2002
20 Years Anniversary - TBT week #2 (2002)  2021-08-05 04:00:00Z 0

Eradicating Human Trafficking - Speaker Series #2 (Aug 24 2021)

Posted on Aug 05, 2021
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August 24 2021, 7:00pm:      In this second session of our series, you will be hearing from Karly Church, who is a Crisis Intervention Counsellor at a regional support service for victims of human trafficking, and who has spoken for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Karly gives talks at schools,  particularly with grade nine students,  and with politicians on this issue.  She teams up with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit of the regional police force, and often intervenes and talks to individuals who are being trafficked.

But this wasn’t always her job.  She knows what she is talking about because she is a human trafficking survivor.   She will be sharing her powerful story of how she  came from a small town, with a seemingly normal family to being trafficked in the sex trade.

REGISTRATION IN ADVANCE REQUIRED - USE THE LINK (BELOW) TO REGISTER AFTER WHICH A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WILL BE SENT WITH INFORMATION ON JOINING THE VIRTUAL MEETING ON AUGUST 24th:
 
 
(Thanks to Hammond Power Solutions for their support of this important initiative)
 
 
Eradicating Human Trafficking - Speaker Series #2 (Aug 24 2021) 2021-08-05 04:00:00Z 0

WELCOME TO ROTARY SHELLEY ADLINGTON

Posted on Aug 01, 2021
Welcome to Rotary Shelley!! President Linda Craig formally inducted new member Shelley Adlington at this week's meeting. Shelley is the sister of past President Deb Allen and is already involved with the Eradiction of Human Trafficking committee.  We just know you will be a fantastic addition to our wonderful Rotary club.

(R-L: Membership Committee Chair Celia Clark, new Rotarian Shelley Adlington, Membership Committee member Linda Main)
WELCOME TO ROTARY SHELLEY ADLINGTON 2021-08-01 04:00:00Z 0

20 Year Anniversary - TBT Week #1 (2001)

Guelph has had a strong Rotary presence since the first club, the Rotary Club of Guelph, was chartered in 1920.  Along with that club, the Rotary Clubs of Guelph-Wellington and Guelph-Trillium have also grown and prospered.  Despite that, there appeared to be a need for a new club to cover both the growing south end of Guelph and the Township of Puslinch.  The Guelph Trillium Club decided to sponsor their first new club, and a Steering Committee of Rotarians was struck to organize it.  The first meeting of the new provisional club was held on May 3 2001 and was attended by the Steering Committee and 10 potential members. More weekly meetings followed where more new potential members attended until enough (20) had confirmed their desire to join the new club so that Rotary International could formally charter it.  The new club was chartered on July 31 2001 as the "Rotary Club of Wellington South" and the members were presented with their club Charter by the President of Rotary International in Toronto at a Presidential Conference on August 10 2001.  Due to subsequent confusion with a New Zealand club (also “Wellington South”) a decision was made to rename the club to “Rotary Club of Guelph South” in February 2007.  

(4 Guelph Rotary Club Presidents L-R Colin Ferguson, Bill Hammond, Phil Greenway, Gregg Mitchell)     
 
 (Inaugural Board of Directors L-R Frankie Shaw, Dianne Paron, Dale Sims, Bill Hammond, Margaret Nixon,  Lora Gatto, Frank Oudesluys - with Ralph Marziano, Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, behind)   
20 Year Anniversary - TBT Week #1 (2001) 2021-07-29 04:00:00Z 0

Our Commitment to DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION

Posted on Jul 15, 2021
Like Rotary International itself, our Rotary club has made a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 
On July 14 2021 the Board of Directors approved the following statement:
 
We Value Inclusion and Diversity
The Rotary Club of Guelph South believes having members from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints gives us a broader understanding of the local community that we serve in our role as volunteers.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socio-economic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Our club will continually strive to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where everyone is welcome.
 
Our Commitment to DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION 2021-07-15 04:00:00Z 0

ERADICATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING Speaker Series

Posted on Jul 06, 2021
When we hear the words “human trafficking,” we tend to think that this is something that happens in big cities.  Sadly this is not true, and with the 401 highway, this crime is big business right here in our community.
 
ERADICATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING Speaker Series 2021-07-06 04:00:00Z 0

SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES

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July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year.  Rotary International 2021-22 President Shekhar Mehta is a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India.  Mehta is encouraging Rotary members to change lives through service. His theme Serve to Change Lives asks members to participate in service projects where they can make a difference in their communities and the people who live in them.  "Rotary kindled the spark within me to look beyond myself and embrace humanity," he said. "Service became a way of life for me and I, like many others, adopted the guiding philosophy that 'Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on this earth, and I want to be a good tenant of this earth."  Mehta also wants members to focus their efforts on empowering girls and ensuring their access to education, resources, services, and opportunities so that future generations of women leaders will have the tools they need to succeed. Mehta is asking members to use Rotary's belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical in all we do as a compass to guide this work.
SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES 2021-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

JULY IS ROTARY'S NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

July 1st represents the start of a new Rotary year.  We all extend our thanks to now Past President Russ Powell for his year, a year in which every meeting had to be held virtually! 
We welcome our new President Linda Craig as she starts her year.
JULY IS ROTARY'S NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH 2021-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Recipient

Posted on Jun 18, 2021
This week we presented Linda Oakes with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition is our club’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution made in volunteering and who’s life demonstrates a shared purpose with our club. Linda has dedicated her time for decades toward truly selfless action. Our club thanks you for all your contributions in numerous areas to the community. We would also like to recognize the other nominees for their outstanding commitment to community outreach:  Sue Keuhl, Lynn Vanschaik, Lorraine Kruse, Cosmo Carere, and Lisa Pearson.

Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Recipient Linda Main 2021-06-18 04:00:00Z 0

JUNE is Rotary's "Fellowship Month"

Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, join a global community built around a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.  Currently, 91 fellowships unite members in friendship and expand opportunities to enjoy their favorite recreational activities, sports, and professions. These groups range from cycling to skiing, Latin culture to jazz, doctors to photographers, and even wine-tasting to beer.
JUNE is Rotary's "Fellowship Month" 2021-06-01 04:00:00Z 0
2021 GOT DUCK? (supporting Food4Kids Guelph) 2021-05-26 04:00:00Z 0 Food4Kids Guelph,Got Duck,Guelph-Wellington

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Posted on Apr 22, 2021
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve.  We're creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world. 
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 2021-04-22 04:00:00Z 0

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Posted on Apr 19, 2021
It's time to celebrate the many millions of volunteers across Canada - it's National Volunteer Week (April 18-24).  This week we celebrate volunteers - including Rotarians - and all they do for our communities.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2021-04-19 04:00:00Z 0

HIKING THE INCA TRAIL

Posted on Apr 15, 2021
On April 15th Steven Wright was our guest speaker.  He provided us with breathtaking photos and a talk on his and wife Theresa’s trip of a lifetime…a hike on the Inca Trail in Peru to Machu Picchu.
HIKING THE INCA TRAIL 2021-04-15 04:00:00Z 0

SHELTER BOX CANADA

Posted on Apr 08, 2021
At our April 8th weekly meeting we had a virtual visit from Dani Bristow, Volunteer Program Coordinator for Shelter Box Canada.  Shelter Box is a global charitable organization and a Rotary project partner since 2012.  Our club has supported this organization including providing donations for the supply of 2 Shelter Boxes to Haiti following a disastrous 2010 earthquake.   

 
SHELTER BOX CANADA 2021-04-08 04:00:00Z 0

ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes)

Posted on Mar 25, 2021
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We were pleased today to welcome Nevine Yassa, a Scarborough Rotarian, to our ZOOM meeting to speak about ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes) a Canadian charity whose mission is to alleviate poverty and enhance education. ROOTA currently supports a marginalized community of trash collectors in Egypt commonly referred to as “The Zabaleen”.  Along with support for education in the community, ROOTA also has a program to provide COVID-19 support to 1000 families.  ROOTA also works to provide local women with sewing and quilting equipment in order to help them create self-sustaining income.  More information can be found on their website roota.org or their Facebook page @rootazabaleencanada, or their Twitter feed @RootaZabaleen.
ROOTA (Rising Out Of The Ashes) 2021-03-25 04:00:00Z 0

DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION - ROTARY TOP PRIORITY

Posted on Mar 18, 2021
We were honoured to be able to welcome Rotary International Director Valarie Wafer as our very special guest speaker at this morning's meeting.  Besides being a Collingwood-based Rotarian, Valarie also chairs Rotary International’s new Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce that is charged with shaping a comprehensive action plan with achievable, measurable and meaningful outcomes for Rotary.  Rotarians from other clubs in our Guelph-Wellington Cluster also joined us in the ZOOM meeting to hear Rotary Club of Guelph South President Russ Powell and Rotarian Geoff Allen introduce Valarie and provide her biography.
 
 
 
DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION - ROTARY TOP PRIORITY 2021-03-18 04:00:00Z 0

WORLD WATER DAY 2021

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Monday March 22nd marks #WorldWaterDay, a day to raise awareness and highlight the importance of education and training in addressing water challenges in indigenous communities in Canada. In September 2020 Rotary International announced that a Global Grant of $80,000 US ($115,000 Cdn.) was awarded to the cluster of Guelph Rotary Clubs, Oakville, Brampton and Toronto as signatories for partnership with the WATER FIRST @waterfirstngo Internship Program. 
 
There is a link to the story of how this Global Grant came to be (see "Home Page Download Files" frame on left side of website home page) along with this video of Eric, one of the Water First interns - he is speaking about a water ceremony he attended.  World Water Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how significant water is to our communities, and to address how important it is to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water.
 
 
WORLD WATER DAY 2021 2021-03-14 05:00:00Z 0

The importance of vaccines for COVID-19

Posted on Mar 11, 2021
Thursday March 11 2021 marked 1 year to the day since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.  With the development of vaccines and imminent availability of them to all Canadians, we were fortunate to receive a very informative presentation at our March 11th 2021 weekly meeting.
The presentation was by none other than a grade 5 student, Rosie.  Her grandmother is a member of our Rotary club and advised us that Rosie had won a speech contest (on another topic, we want her to give us that speech as well!) and suggested her as a speaker.  Given that it was International Womens Week, and with her lineage she is no doubt a future Rotarian, we were happy to welcome her.  And she did an awesome job - she was poised and succinct, and I think we all learned something.  We took a screenshot of the ZOOM session when she was speaking - she is in the bottom row, second from the left:
Thanks Rosie (and grandma Deb for suggesting) and we'll look forward to hearing your speech contest winning entry about the three levels of government.
The importance of vaccines for COVID-19 2021-03-11 05:00:00Z 0

Valentine Auction Info

We are delighted to announce that we cleared $8,000 on our Valentine Auction. Thank you to everyone who supported this. Proceeds will support Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre as well as other Rotary-supported programs. https://sunrise-therapeutic.ca
Watch this space for information about our Pasta Picnic scheduled for June 18, 2021 (COVID permitting).
 
Valentine Auction Info 2021-03-01 05:00:00Z 0
2021 PASTA DINNER....RE-IMAGINED! 2021-01-26 05:00:00Z 0

WELCOME TO ROTARY JOHN PERSSON

Posted on Jan 21, 2021
Welcome to Rotary John!! President-Elect Linda Craig formally inducted new member John Persson at this morning's meeting. John's wife + sponsor, Rotarian Sharron Riley-Persson, did the honours, pinning him, while his mentor, charter member Peter Clark, introduced him.
We just know you will be a fantastic addition to our wonderful Rotary club.
 
WELCOME TO ROTARY JOHN PERSSON 2021-01-21 05:00:00Z 0

Nutcrackers Raise $8,000

On November 1rst the Nutcrackers came to town at 101 Wyndham Street.  A big thank you to Sharron Riley-Persson, owner of SR-P Creations, for the donation of 104 Nutcrackers from her private collection that were auctioned off.  The successful event raised $8,000 dollars, so thank you to all who participated by placing bids. Congratulations to the successful bidders.  All the nutcrackers had special meanings to Sharron and she was thrilled to see how excited people were when they picked them up.  It made giving them away so much easier knowing they were going to a new loving home.  Special thanks to Lorraine Kruse, of Defined Space and Staging, 
https://www.definedspacestaging.com/ for decorating the windows at 101 Wyndham St to display the Nutcrackers and to Megan McCormack, of McCormack Photography, https://www.mccormickphotography.ca/ for photographing each one for the Auction Site.  Thank you ladies for donating your valuable time. 

Our next Fundraising Auction will be a Valentine theme, focusing on items/gift certificates from local businesses. We are strongly committed to supporting our local stores as they struggle to get through the Covid lockdown restrictions.  
The auction will take place again on Trellis.org from Feb 1 to Feb 12th.  Come back to this site for more details at the end of January and #InvestInGuelph! 
Nutcrackers Raise $8,000 Linda Main 2021-01-10 05:00:00Z 0

2020 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Dec 19, 2020
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Due to the upcoming Christmas/New Years holidays we will not hold our regular weekly breakfast meetings on December 24th and 31st 2020.  Watch our website for more information on the weekly programs being planned starting on January 7th 2021.  All meetings are being held virtually until further notice. If you wish to attend a virtual Rotary meeting please email us at info@guelphsouthrotary.ca and we'll be happy to send you the link.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South
 

 

2020 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE 2020-12-19 05:00:00Z 0

CHEQUE PRESENTATION - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

We were pleased to welcome Habitat for Humanity Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph CEO Steve Howard to our virtual Rotary meeting on Dec 17th where we advised him of the $4,000 donation being made to Habitat for Humanity WDG from the recent Nutcrackers auction. A virtual "big cheque" presentation followed by e-transfer!
CHEQUE PRESENTATION - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 2020-12-19 05:00:00Z 0

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted on Nov 11, 2020
The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve. 
LEST WE FORGET..... 2020-11-11 05:00:00Z 0

CTV Kitchener re Nutcracker fundraiser

Enjoy the interview of Sharron Riley-Perrson regarding the Nutcracker fundraiser that aired today!
(no extra charge for the few seconds of commercial preceding...)
CTV Kitchener re Nutcracker fundraiser 2020-11-05 05:00:00Z 0

NUTCRACKER FUNDRAISER PROJECT LAUNCH

Rotary Club of Guelph South President Russ Powell, along with Nutcracker committee chair Sharron Riley-Persson, announces the official launch of the Nutcracker fundraiser at 101 Wyndham Street in Guelph, running as a silent auction between November 1st to 30th 2020.  Proceeds to Habitat for Humanity Guelph-Wellington and other worthwhile Rotary projects. For auction details go to www.facebook.com/groups/WheresWizard, auction is now LIVE at https://giving.trellis.org/nutcrackers/auction.  Thanks for your support!
 
NUTCRACKER FUNDRAISER PROJECT LAUNCH 2020-11-01 04:00:00Z 0

THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN....

We are so excited to announce this new fundraiser!  For the month of November 2020 only this limited collection of nutcrackers will be auctioned off, the proceeds to worthy organizations supported by Rotary Club of Guelph South. 
 
 
Below is the first press release - watch this site for another that will follow within a few days with more information on the auction:
 
                                                           *****
 
THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN…….
 
In this stressful time of concern and challenges for everyone due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club of Guelph South is bringing a holiday spirit and excitement to our town!  Over 100 nutcracker characters are just waiting for their appearance and opportunity to adorn their new home(s) and put smiles on you and your loved ones’ faces this holiday season.  These unique and special nutcrackers have been assembled over 30 years with love and gratitude for the joy they have brought to family and friends during the holiday season and throughout the entire year!
 
The Rotary Club of Guelph South is bringing these lively characters to you in the hope you will not only enjoy them when you visit the display, but will also help Rotary raise important funds for charities in so much need of financial assistance during this time.  “This collection has been a passion for over 30 years,” says Sharron Riley-Persson, donor and Rotary Club member. “My family has enjoyed each new character every year (and perhaps more than one per year!) – with laughter, hugs and a joyful time to celebrate the season - and now it is time to give back to the community and share my long-time nutcracker friends”.
 
Sharron’s collection is going up for auction this season beginning Nov. 1st and this campaign will conclude midnight Nov. 30th.
 
“This collection is vast and unique – coming from locations across North America over the span of more than 30 years with such history to each character”, remarks Russ Powell, President of the Rotary Club of Guelph South. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity WDG as well as other organizations supported by the Rotary Club of Guelph South such as Food4Kids Guelph, Sunrise Therapeutic and Olive Tree Projects.  Watch for clues and more information about this unveiling of THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN IN GUELPH on social media – there is also a reward for the most re-posts – visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/WheresWizard/ or email celia@digitalfrog.com if you would like Merlin to visit your garden
.
In addition to our generous members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South we are also extremely grateful to the following who are lending their support to this fundraising initiative:
  • Megan McCormick of McCormick Photography
  • Lorraine Kruse of Defined Space Staging and Decorating
  • Angelo and Adelia Ferraro, Andel Holdings Inc. Venue at 101 Wyndham Street
  • Joel Van Haastrecht (Haas Properties) Venue at 18 Wilson Street
For more information please contact:
Sharron Riley-Persson, 416-258-8588.
THE NUTCRACKERS ARE COMING TO TOWN.... 2020-10-22 04:00:00Z 0

5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

 
Each organization receives $1,000.00.  Sadly we were not able to host 10 volunteers from each organization as well for a special brunch and cheque presentation ceremony at Cutten Fields as we would normally do. Rotary Club of Guelph South is so grateful to the sponsors who help make this event possible, including presenting sponsor Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management and Hammond Power Solutions.
 
Check out the photo album (right side of website home page) and the photo carousel (left side of website home page) and watch the website www.rotaryvab.org for information on the start of nominations for organizations to be honoured at the 2021 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.
 
10 organizations    100 volunteers     $10,000 donations
5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch 2020-09-30 04:00:00Z 0

Our new Board of Directors 2020-2021

Welcome to our new Board of Directors for 2020-2021. They are: Russ Powell (President), Linda Craig (President-Elect), Debbie Allen (Past-President), Peter Clark, Alan Jarvis, Martin Litchfield, Linda Main, Blaire Rennie and David Turvey.
 
 
Our new Board of Directors 2020-2021 Alan Jarvis 2020-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

TOUR DE GUELPH SUPPORTS FOOD4KIDS

Did you know that Tour de Guelph supports numerous local charities?

Tour de Guelph supports Guelph General Hospital and many other local charities through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.

This year, Food4Kids Guelph will receive funding through Rotary Guelph South. Food4Kids Guelph is a charity that provides weekend food bags for school children who are at risk of going hungry on weekends. Because Food4Kds Guelph operates entirely on volunteerism, 100% of the proceeds they receive through Tour de Guelph will help them purchase food for filling the bags. 

You can feel good about that when you're out on your ride or walk this year! 
 
 
TOUR DE GUELPH SUPPORTS FOOD4KIDS 2020-06-26 04:00:00Z 0

Thank You Deb Allen

Thank you Deb Allen for your incredible leadership over the past year.  You made sure our club never skipped a beat by immediately starting a Zoom Breakfast meeting.  We were able to still enjoy some incredible speakers and share  fellowship time.  This support was invaluable during our isolation time at home.  Thank you for guidance, patience and humour over the past year.   I think we are all in agreement that our year was still successful and continued strong to the end of your time.  Thanks for giving us your time and talents.  We look forward to our new President Russ Powell and of course to hopefully being able to meet back at Springfield face to face.  From all our members a very heart felt Thank you!! 
Thank You Deb Allen Linda 2020-06-25 04:00:00Z 0

2020 TOUR DE GUELPH


Already over $60,000 net fundraising revenue raised of our
$100,000 goal!
Thank you to all those who have already registered and who have been fundraising!
This progress is all you! Incredible!
If you haven’t registered yet, you can still get in on this!
Registration will remain open until Sunday July 26th, 2020.

Have you already completed your ride or walk? Submit your photo to the Tour de Guelph 2020 Online Photo Album, presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities and hosted by GuelphToday.com.
 
In response to the COVID-19 crisis and in adherence with current physical distancing recommendations, Tour de Guelph 2020 will not be held in its usual single-day event format.
Instead, we welcome all new and past riders to register, fundraise, and complete one of our Tour de Guelph routes on your own, making sure you are physically distanced from other riders, any time on or between the fourth Sunday of June, 2020 and the fourth Sunday of July, 2020, (Sunday June 28th, 2020 to Sunday July 26th, 2020). Take a photo of yourself on your ride and email it to us, we’ll post it in a special online photo album. Please also share your pictures on social media using #TdG2020.  We are also welcoming those who prefer to ride at home on their bike trainer or stationary bike. We are also welcoming walkers this year!
 
Proceeds of Tour de Guelph support Guelph General Hospital. Did you know that every piece of equipment used in the direct care of patients at Guelph General are funded through community donations? Over the past six years, proceeds from Tour de Guelph have funded IV Pumps, an Ultrasound Machine, Respiratory Ventilators, and have also helped fund Interventional Radiology, a new CT Scanner and a new Centralized Cardiac Monitor. All this equipment is essential to the delivery of patient care at Guelph General.  This year, proceeds from Tour de Guelph are needed to purchase blood pressure monitors for the Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit. Blood pressure is an extremely important vital sign to monitor in patients undergoing surgery to ensure their safety.

BONUS!  All registered riders to fundraise $300 or more will receive an exclusive Tour de Guelph 2020 cycling Jersey!

 
In addition to supporting the Hospital, every year, many local groups aimed at youth development, family support, and community building are supported by Tour de Guelph proceeds through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
 
This year, through the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, Tour de Guelph proceeds will help support The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington Food & Friends Program to supply healthy food to hungry minds. Proceeds will also provide financial support to HOPE House and their Harvest of HOPE program. The Harvest of HOPE is a volunteer-driven community garden harvesting farm-fresh produce for families across Guelph that makes good food more accessible in our community.
 
Through the Rotary Club of Guelph South, Tour de Guelph proceeds will help support Food4Kids Guelph which provides packages of healthy food for kids aged 1 – 14 years with limited or no access to food each weekend. Proceeds will also support the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch which is an annual initiative to recognize 100 volunteers from 10 local charities. Each participating charity receives a $1,000 donation!
 
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
 
 
2020 TOUR DE GUELPH 2020-06-25 04:00:00Z 0

ARNOLD BOLLIGER

We are sad to report that one of our Rotarians – member Arnold Bolliger – passed away on Saturday February 29th.  Arnold starting visiting us in 2007 and finally became a Rotarian, joining our Rotary club as a youthful 75 year old, in February 2008. Arnold contributed to the club in so many ways, serving on a number of different committees including Membership and Rotary Foundation.  Arnold was surprised and pleased to be honoured by the club with a Paul Harris Fellow in 2016.  He had one of the best attendance records of any member, was never without a smile on his face, and was a prolific fundraiser for worthy causes and events supported by the club.  It will take some getting used to, to seeing his usual chair empty at weekly meetings at Springfield Golf & Country Club.
 
RIP Arnold – thank you for your service to Rotary and our Rotary club - you will be missed.
 
(A photo album has been created, showing Arnold as a Rotarian through the years – see the frame on the right hand side of the club website, and the photo carousel on the left hand side)
ARNOLD BOLLIGER 2020-03-01 05:00:00Z 0

CHEQUE PRESENTATION

Presenting local charities we have chosen to give our fundraising dollars to is always a highlight of some of our Breakfast Meetings.  
CHEQUE PRESENTATION Linda Main 2020-01-16 05:00:00Z 0
Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner 2020-01-13 05:00:00Z 0

2020 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

We are now accepting nominations for the 2020 event.
 
10 organizations, 100 volunteers, $10,000 in donations. 
 
Please visit the website www.rotaryVAB.org and nominate a deserving organization.
 
2020 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch 2019-12-18 05:00:00Z 0
Peter Gill from Chalmers speaks to the club Alan Jarvis 2019-08-23 04:00:00Z 0

An individual record for Tour de Guelph 

Charlie Barnes has ridden in tne Tour de Guelph several times and, each year, he manages to convince an enormous number of friends and family to sponsor his ride.
 
In June 2019, Charlie achieved a new record - the largest sponsorship amount ever collected by a single rider in the 6-year history of the Tour de Guelph.  Charlie collected $8,500 in sponsorships!
 
Congratulations - and sincere thanks - from all of us.
 
 
An individual record for Tour de Guelph Alan Jarvis 2019-08-07 04:00:00Z 0

18th Anniversary!

Posted on Jul 31, 2019
July 31st 2019 marks the 18th anniversary of the chartering of Rotary Club of Guelph South (originally Rotary Club of Wellington South).  Our club – the newest of the 4 Guelph Rotary clubs – was sponsored by Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium in order to service the growing south end of Guelph and neighbouring Puslinch Township. 
“Coming together as strangers, working together as friends”
The original group of 20 individuals, committed to Service Above Self, has grown and still counts 7 of the original Charter Members as members today. 
 
Charter President Bill Hammond + Presidents of the other 3 Guelph Rotary Clubs - 2001 Charter Celebration
The Charter Members plus Ralph Marziano (Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium) - 2001 Charter Celebration
18th Anniversary! 2019-07-31 04:00:00Z 0

2019-2020 ROTARY YEAR

Posted on Jul 01, 2019
July 1st marks the start of the new Rotary year, and that means a new President!  Deb Allen will lead our Rotary club for the next year, very much following the lead of Past President Linda Main whose term just ended and who had a most successful year.
2019-2020 ROTARY YEAR 2019-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

2019 TOUR DE GUELPH

Posted on Jun 15, 2019
We meant it when we said this would be our biggest and best ride yet. We are announcing our BIGGEST Prize Promo yet for youth riders who fundraise!Guelph South Rotary member Bella Hodgkinson (a.k.a. Idabelle, a.k.a. Idie) has secured two children’s mountain bikes, courtesy of Canadian Tire Saskatoon East. 
 
2019 TOUR DE GUELPH 2019-06-15 04:00:00Z 0

Camp Enterprise 2019 - Student visits club meeting

Matteo Furfaro, from Bishop Mac High School, was one of the Camp Enterprise students that attended the 2-day workshop at University of Waterloo in May.  He spoke to our members about his experience and of winning the team prize for best business model for a start-up organization. He told us that his biggest learning from this experience was the chance to be exposed to business leaders and how they manage complex business issues.
 
Camp Enterprise 2019 - Student visits club meeting Alan Jarvis 2019-05-29 04:00:00Z 0

FOOD4KIDS FUNDRAISER - April 2, 2019

Posted on Mar 25, 2019
Tickets are now available SOLD OUT for the upcoming fundraiser in support of the @Food4KidsWW program in Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin. Help the Rotary clubs in Guelph as they address the issue of the 1500-1800 children in local schools who experience severe food insecurity in their homes.  Thanks to everyone for their support!
Many local school children already benefit from weekday, in-school nourishment programs such as breakfasts, snacks and/or lunches that are available to all children in the school.  But for the children facing severe food insecurity at home, there is a serious gap in their access to food over weekends and during school holidays.  Local food banks and food pantries are not able to cover this gap adequately, despite their best efforts due to the inability of families to access the food they require.  When children are nourished consistently their opportunities for a better future increase and their health and well-being are positively affected. They feel like they belong in their environment, whether it is the school classroom, playground or in the greater community.
 
Join us for breakfast, donate a silent auction item or become an event sponsor....contact us for more information and THANK YOU!
FOOD4KIDS FUNDRAISER - April 2, 2019 2019-03-25 04:00:00Z 0

ROTARACTORS MAKE US PROUD

Posted on Mar 24, 2019
The University of Guelph's Rotaract Club held its annual Gala on March 2nd, and this year selected Food4Kids to be the beneficiary of the proceeds.
They attended our weekly meeting on March 21st to present $5,000 how amazing is that??
We are grateful to the Rotaractors for their support of this important project being championed in Guelph by the 4 Rotary Clubs.
 
ROTARACTORS MAKE US PROUD 2019-03-24 04:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Posted on Mar 21, 2019
We were thrilled to be able to formally induct 2 new members today: Martin Litchfield (sponsor Russ Powell) and Charlie Barnes (sponsor Linda Craig).  Both have a long tradition of volunteer service, and becoming Rotarians is a natural progression.
   (l-r: Russ Powell, Martin Litchfield, President Linda Main, Linda Craig, Charlie Barnes)
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! 2019-03-21 04:00:00Z 0

FOOD4KIDS GUELPH - New Website

Posted on Mar 10, 2019
We're pleased to announce that Food4Kids Guelph has received confirmation of its non-profit incorporation, and is in the process of getting its charitable status finalized.  This exciting news is accompanied by their new logo and new website www.food4kidsguelph.ca - we hope you'll check it out!
 
Tickets are still available for the April 2nd fundraiser breakfast being held at Cutten Fields.  Help us ensure that more kids have their weekend food needs met by attending the breakfast or making a donation.
 
 
 
FOOD4KIDS GUELPH - New Website 2019-03-10 05:00:00Z 0

2019 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH

Posted on Feb 22, 2019
Congratulations to the 10 organizations selected to be honoured at the 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch to be held on Sunday April 7th at Cutten Fields.
 
Each of the organizations will be invited to have up to 10 of their volunteers attend the event - those volunteers will enjoy a delicious brunch, as our guests, and the organization itself will receive a donation of $1,000.
2019 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH 2019-02-22 05:00:00Z 0

MOST SUCCESSFUL PASTA DINNER EVER!

Posted on Feb 11, 2019
On February 8th 2019 we hosted our annual fundraiser to benefit Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, along with other worthwhile Rotary projects. 
The sell-out crowd of 240 guests enjoyed delicious all-you-can eat food, fellowship, door prizes, raffles and a silent auction boasting a wide range of items to be bid on.
While final numbers aren't in yet it's looking as if net proceeds will exceed $9,000 - a record for this event.
We are so grateful to the table sponsors along with the donors of silent auction/raffle/door prize items.   
Their generosity went a long way towards making this event the huge success it was.
 
We used the event as an opportunity to make a $5,000 donation to Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, along with a $2,800 donation to Childrens' Help for Uganda.
    
 
A photo album is on the club website home page (right side) along with a photo carousel (left side).  Thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, prize donors and especially our guests!
MOST SUCCESSFUL PASTA DINNER EVER! 2019-02-11 05:00:00Z 0

PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER (Feb 8, 2019) SILENT AUCTION

Posted on Feb 06, 2019
Our annual fundraiser in support of @SunriseRiding and other worthwhile Rotary projects is this Friday, Feb 8. Thanks to generous sponsors/donors, we have a great list of silent auction items. If you're attending here are some of the ones you'll have a chance to bid on (note that some will have minimum reserve amounts posted)....
PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER (Feb 8, 2019) SILENT AUCTION 2019-02-06 05:00:00Z 0

2019 TOUR DE GUELPH - REGISTRATION OPEN!

Posted on Feb 04, 2019
 
Tour de Guelph is a cycling event in support of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and local Rotary projects through the Rotary clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
 
Its intent is to build and support community well-being within Guelph-Wellington.  Tour de Guelph is for all ages and abilities and welcomes participation from community members as well as visitors to Guelph-Wellington.
 
In its first five years, the event has raised over $300,000 for our community and has grown into one of Guelph-Wellington’s largest community sporting events. The ride continues to grow each year, now attracting close to 1,000 riders.
2019 TOUR DE GUELPH - REGISTRATION OPEN! 2019-02-04 05:00:00Z 0

17th ANNUAL PASTA DINNER

Posted on Dec 19, 2018
Getting to be a Puslinch tradition, our annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" supporting Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre as well as other worthwhile Rotary projects is happening on Friday February 8th 2019 at the Puslinch Community Centre.  Tickets are now available either from any club member or online from Guelph snapd - follow this link for details:  https://guelph.snapd.com/#/events/view/1213660.  
 
 
See you there!
17th ANNUAL PASTA DINNER 2018-12-19 05:00:00Z 0

GivingThursday

Posted on Nov 30, 2018
Our Rotary meeting theme this week was "GivingThursday" and we spent it donating contents & packing 10 Christmas Gift Bags for @ChalmersCentre, which we do every year, along with something new this year - 5 shoeboxes for @ShoeboxGuelph #ShoeboxProject.  Great fun & felt good too!  
 
As usual our members enthusiastically participated, both with the donated goods and the packing of the gift packages.  Guest Nicole Greco jumped right in there as well, helping with the packing and taking left over donated goods to Hope House for us...thanks Nicole!
GivingThursday 2018-11-30 05:00:00Z 0

TOUR DE GUELPH FUNDS - NEW CT SCANNER

Posted on Oct 30, 2018

This week Guelph General Hospital had its official ribbon-cutting for its new CT Scanner. Marianne Walker, GGH president and CEO, said the machine will improve the quality of care, create increased efficiency and will save money.

The previous CT scanner was 13 years old and performed over 300,000 scans. It frequently broke down and need repairs. It will be refurbished and used in a developing country. A year ago the hospital put a new CT scanner at the top of its wish list.

Cost of just under $1 million was paid for primarily through donations and fundraising in the community, including the Tour de Guelph community cycling event.

Rotary Club of Guelph South President Linda Main represented the club at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

   

Thanks to everyone that supported Tour de Guelph, YOU were part of this too!

TOUR DE GUELPH FUNDS - NEW CT SCANNER 2018-10-30 04:00:00Z 0

WORLD POLIO DAY FLAG RAISING

Posted on Oct 24, 2018
On Wednesday October 24, 2018 - World Polio Day - members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium joined Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie for an "End Polio Now" World Polio Day flag raising ceremony.  This ceremony, held annually, also includes comments by the Rotary club presidents.
Rotary Club of Guelph South President Linda Main represents the Club and speaks at the flag raising ceremony
 
WORLD POLIO DAY FLAG RAISING 2018-10-24 04:00:00Z 0

WORLD POLIO DAY - October 24, 2018

Posted on Oct 24, 2018
 
 
World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. As of 2013, GPEI had reduced polio worldwide by 99%.

Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. Polio can be prevented through immunization. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunizing every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free.

Caborca Mexico - Rotary Polio Immunization Days 

Rotary Club of Guelph South member Frank Oudesluys participating in 2017 National Immunization Day in Caborca Mexico

WORLD POLIO DAY - October 24, 2018 2018-10-24 04:00:00Z 0

ROTARY'S NEW LEARNING CENTRE

Posted on Sep 16, 2018
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Rotary International's website www.rotary.org has just rolled out its completely revamped Learning Centre and it's awesome!
Let's face it....Rotary is huge, and there are so many facets to it. Where do you start??
The new Learning Centre provides many more bite-sized modules that focus on specific topics of interest.  You can drill down through your area of interest to specific videos, offered in many different languages.
Once a module is completed your online "Dashboard" is updated to show your progress, and you get a certificate of completion.
Watch this short video, see what it's all about.
ROTARY'S NEW LEARNING CENTRE 2018-09-16 04:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT 7080 GOVERNOR VISIT

Posted on Sep 06, 2018
  (L-R:  DGE Lesley Barmania; ADG Darlene Carpenter; President Linda Main; D7080 Governor John Gilvesy)
 
On September 6th we welcomed 2018-19 District 7080 Governor John Gilvesy to our club for the first time.
DG John was welcomed by Club President Linda Main.  Also attending was Assistant Governor Darlene Carpenter and, for her first visit to our club, District 7080 Governor Elect Lesley Barmania.
John was clearly outnumbered here, and it's a good representation of the involvement and elevation of women in Rotary!
DG John is a member of Rotary Club of Tillsonburg; ADG Darlene is a member of Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium; DGE Lesley is a member of Rotary Club of Meadowvale.
Thank you all for attending our meeting.
DISTRICT 7080 GOVERNOR VISIT 2018-09-06 04:00:00Z 0

Hosting Shelldale Family Gateway Kids at Sunrise - July 26, 2018

Posted on Jul 30, 2018
Again in 2018 we enjoyed hosting a busload of youngsters from the Shelldale Community Centre at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.  These city kids had an opportunity to whoop it up in a country setting, enjoying the fresh air, the animals, the BBQ and food, the swimming pool and the sports activities.  A group of volunteer Rotarians, along with Sunrise representatives, supervised the youngsters during the visit.  We're grateful to Sunrise for making their facility available for this event, and we know that the youngsters had a really good time!
         
Hosting Shelldale Family Gateway Kids at Sunrise - July 26, 2018 2018-07-30 04:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT GRANT PRESENTATION

Posted on Jul 14, 2018
On July 12th the District 7080 Director for Rotary Foundation and Past District Governor, Norm Bindon, attended our weekly meeting and presented the Club with a cheque for $4,597.00 representing proceeds from the Rotary Foundation as a District sponsored grant, towards the work done at the Olive Tree Projects birthing and maternal health in Haiti.   In January 2018 four Rotarians from our club (Peter and Celia Clark, Geoff and Deb Allen) went to Haiti in order to do renovations to their kitchen and install solar panels on the clinic roof in order to provide a more consistent source of electricity.  Donations to the Rotary Foundation are invested and after 3 years are available to clubs, both at the District and International level, to assist clubs in financing worthy projects like this.
 
And, while Norm was there, he was honoured to be able to award a Paul Harris Fellow +3 Pin to Rotarian Brian Cowan.  This pin with a special stone recognizes a level of contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Brian!
 
 
DISTRICT GRANT PRESENTATION 2018-07-14 04:00:00Z 0

PRESIDENT CHANGEOVER

Posted on Jul 01, 2018
On June 19th members and guests gathered to celebrate the end of another successful Rotary year.  President Bruno Marziano’s term will end of June 30th and he was thanked for his service to the club over the past year.  Incoming President Linda Main presented him with an engraved award as thanks, and he expressed his thanks to the members for their involvement that made the year such a success.  Everyone enjoyed barbecued steaks and ribs, along with various salads and accompaniments.  Mother Nature cooperated and provided perfect weather for eating and fellowship outdoors.
 
PRESIDENT CHANGEOVER 2018-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

SPECIAL VISITORS FROM INDIA!

Posted on Jun 20, 2018
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Rotary Club of Guelph South Rotarian Pat Lewis, along with Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium Rotary President Norm Greensmith, today welcomed + exchanged banners with visiting Rotarians (President-Elect K.K. Chugh, President Hernant Shah) from @3201Rotary District, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Metropolis, India. 
 
K.K. Chugh has a brother in Guelph, and they are staying with that brother while they attend the Rotary International Convention being held in Toronto.  They had originally reached out to our Club, to attend our regular weekly meeting.  However we had cancelled this week’s meeting due to the President Changeover event, and instead invited them to approach the Guelph-Trillium Club about attend their meeting.  They spoke with Norm Greensmith who readily accommodated them, and our own Pat Lewis offered to attend as well to extend greetings on behalf of our Club and present them with our banner.
 
Their club’s signature project is “Hope After Fire – Reconstruction Surgery for Burn Deformities”.  They will be providing us with information on it, and are looking forward to getting more information on our projects.
 

 
Just a couple more of the more than 1.2 million members of our “Rotary family” that we have the privilege of getting to know!
SPECIAL VISITORS FROM INDIA! 2018-06-20 04:00:00Z 0

FOOD4KIDS

Posted on May 22, 2018
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The pilot project for servicing the Guelph area is progressing well, with the school year soon coming to a close.  The project team has been working through the logistics of this new program on a smaller scale with the intention of being able to incorporate more volunteers and increasing the number of students that can be serviced starting this fall.
 
We are grateful to the project team for all their work in getting this project started, and are looking forward to a full roll-out that more of us can be involved with.  Stay tuned!
                                      (Members of the Food4Kids project team)
FOOD4KIDS 2018-05-22 04:00:00Z 0

SHELTERBOX NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!

Posted on May 21, 2018
In recognition of its humanitarian efforts in areas of extreme conflict.  Rotary and ShelterBox have worked together for more than 15 years, providing emergency shelter after disasters in all parts of the world.  The goal of ShelterBox is to keep families and communities together in crisis situations, providing emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to people forcibly displaced from their homes.  
Our Rotary Club purchased and donated 2 Shelter Boxes which were dispatched to Port-Au-Prince Haiti after the 2010 earthquake there.
Good luck to ShelterBox as it is up for much-deserved recognition for the good it has done.
SHELTERBOX NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE! 2018-05-21 04:00:00Z 0

CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted on May 20, 2018
Rotary Club of Guelph South has, since 2007, sponsored senior students from Bishop Macdonell High School to attend the Golden Triangle Camp Enterprise 3-day residential business development program that is sponsored by 9 Rotary Clubs in the Guelph, Cambridge and K-W area.  The program this year ran from May 1st through 3rd in Waterloo.  This year we sponsored 4 students, and we were pleased to welcome 3 of them that were available to attend our May 17th weekly meeting and give us their impressions of their participation. Nestor Rivera, Happy Tran and Zachary Taylor shared how they were part of a break-out group that developed a business plan for a new business with a mens’ hair care product.  They also spoke about their visit to the Velocity Project and in particular how much food was made available to the participants!
    (Rotarian Frank Oudesluys, Happy, Nestor, Rotary President Bruno Marziano, Zachary)
In particular, Nestor expressed a desire to pursue involvement in a Rotaract Club after having observed the presentations by the Rotaractors.  While none of them had known about Rotary, or Rotaract, before taking part in Camp Enterprise, they now have a better idea of what both are and appreciated the opportunity to be part of the group that attended Camp Enterprise.  We were gratified to get the following feedback from their business teacher at Bishop Mac, Kevin Da Costa:  “I have spoken to the 4 students from BM who went and they all loved it! Extremely positive reviews and they were very grateful to have the chance to go.”
CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS 2018-05-20 04:00:00Z 0

DONATION TO SUNRISE - April 26th 2018

Posted on Apr 30, 2018
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Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever presented our $5,000 donation to Lynne O'Brien, Executive Director of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.  This donation is from proceeds of the 16th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner, an event held annually in Puslinch to benefit Sunrise.
 
DONATION TO SUNRISE - April 26th 2018 2018-04-30 04:00:00Z 0

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH

Posted on Apr 25, 2018
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The 3rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch was held on Sunday April 22nd, having been delayed from the original date thanks to Mother Nature!  Although a somewhat smaller crowd than originally anticipated, all 10 organizations being honoured were still represented and gratefully accepted their recognition and donation. We were also thankful to the dignitaries who attended and expressed their appreciation, both for the organizations and volunteers and for the Rotary Club of Guelph South for hosting the event.
 
Nice comments have been received and posted on social media, for example:
“On behalf of Onward Willow Neighbourhood Group, thank you so much for hosting such a lovely brunch! Unfortunately our turnout wasn't that high with the postponement and all, but we really appreciate it and had a great time!  Susie Stauffer, Neighbourhood Support Worker”
 
         
Sandra Ellis, President - Family Counselling & Support Services along with                                     
Puslinch Fire & Rescue Chief Fire Prevention Officer Michael Roess
 Grateful to our sponsors - doesn't happen without their support!
 
 
 

Representatives of volunteer organizations plus (far right) Rotarians Ann Caine + Brian Cowan
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH 2018-04-25 04:00:00Z 0

COMFORT QUILTS

Posted on Apr 23, 2018
On April 19th we had past member Cheryl Cowan speaking on her involvement with the Royal City Quilters Guild and our partnership with them in the creation of 200 "Comfort Quilts" over the past year.  Cheryl displayed some sample quilts and advised on the disposition of the 200 quilts.  She has since written an article for the upcoming RCQG newsletter that she has shared with us:
We are pleased and proud of our involvement with this worthwhile project of RCQG.
COMFORT QUILTS 2018-04-23 04:00:00Z 0

GREAT MARCH 2018 SPEAKERS!

Posted on Apr 03, 2018
We had some really interesting and diverse speakers during the month of March – thanks to the members for their assistance in organizing these weekly meeting programs.
Celia Clark thanking Canadian elite boxer/Olympic hopeful Sara Haghighat-joo
Jeff Merriman, Field Director for Water Ambassadors Canada
Michael House Executive Director Beth Harris
Karen Dowell thanks Gail Touchie, Regional Manager, West Central Ontario, Scientists in School
GREAT MARCH 2018 SPEAKERS! 2018-04-03 04:00:00Z 0

HISTORY OF THE ROTARY BELL

Posted on Apr 03, 2018
Ever wonder why every Rotary Club has one??
 
In 1922, U.S. Rotarians organized an attendance contest; the challenge was that the losing clubs would join in giving the winning club a prize.  The Rotary Club of New York City was declared the winner and to them was awarded as a prize a bell from a popular patrol boat, which was placed on wood that came from HMS "Victory", Admiral Nelson's vessel at the battle of Trafalgar. 
 
Since then, the bell used in Rotary meetings started to represent, as on the ships, order, discipline and the time to guide us through the weekly hour and a half meetings.  The bell informs us with its sound the beginning of the Rotary meeting, at which time people present should stand, same as at the end, in order to salute the national and Rotary flags.  The gavel symbolizes the authority invested in the Rotarian elected to the highest position in Rotary, and through him, reminds those present of his authority.   When presidents transmit their positions to their successors at the end of their mandate, they give the bell their last hit turning the gavel over to their successor, symbolizing the transfer of authority.
 
(Note: each Club has its own traditions with respect to use of the Rotary bell – it is just a symbol, its use is not cast in stone)
 
HISTORY OF THE ROTARY BELL 2018-04-03 04:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS U OF G ROTARACTORS

Posted on Mar 28, 2018
On Friday March 23rd the University of Guelph Rotaractors hosted their annual Gala, this year to benefit the Start2Finish Running & Reading Program in Guelph.  Everyone, including the Rotary Club of Guelph South members that attended the event, had a great time and very much enjoyed the dinner.  Their Facebook page has some photos, including these:
  
 
   
CONGRATULATIONS U OF G ROTARACTORS 2018-03-28 04:00:00Z 0

CLUBRUNNER MOBILE APP - IOS AND ANDROID

Posted on Mar 28, 2018
The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your club on the go! Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website, learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, view your meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet! 
To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. The mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 8.0 or later and with versions of Androids that are 4.0.3 or better.
CLUBRUNNER MOBILE APP - IOS AND ANDROID 2018-03-28 04:00:00Z 0

WE TRULY ARE THISCLOSE....

Posted on Mar 28, 2018
Only 5 cases of polio worldwide so far in 2018!  Be proud to be a Rotarian and part of the monumental 30 year effort to eradicate this disease for good.
WE TRULY ARE THISCLOSE.... 2018-03-28 04:00:00Z 0

LAUNCH OF FOOD4KIDS PROGRAM IN GUELPH

Posted on Mar 28, 2018
Last week marked the launch of Food4Kids Waterloo Wellington in Guelph!  Food4Kids is a program that sends home food on Fridays with children facing food insecurity to help through the weekend.  The project will be a partnership of the four Guelph Rotary Clubs who are going to be volunteering and funding this program, with the SEED providing space and help with ordering, management and distribution.
On April 26th the weekly meeting will focus on this program.  Thanks to Hazel and Celia for their efforts on behalf of our Rotary club towards this new program.
In this photo, the steering committee is about to start the packing. Please help spread the word - we are so excited to make this happen.
To learn more about Food4Kids, check out the website https://www.food4kidsww.ca/gwd
LAUNCH OF FOOD4KIDS PROGRAM IN GUELPH 2018-03-28 04:00:00Z 0

FIRESIDE CHATS

Posted on Mar 28, 2018
Don't forget about the Fireside Chat that you are signed up for, starting with the April 5th event at Bella's home - your input will be very valuable to the incoming President and Board for the 2018-19 Rotary year.  Thanks to the hosts (Bella, Celia, Deb) of the 3 sessions.
 
FIRESIDE CHATS 2018-03-28 04:00:00Z 0

TORONTO 2018: INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY CORNER

Posted on Mar 28, 2018
March 31st 2018 is the deadline to take advantage of the pre-registration discount for the upcoming 2018 Rotary Convention being held in Toronto June 23-27.  The discount is $85.00 USD so it's substantial. 
Although the Tour de Guelph will take up a lot of our energy on June 23rd and 24th, that still leaves 3 Convention days with lots of Rotary-related activities and fellowship opportunities, including more than 90 breakout sessions.  Check out the program and Convention news online, registration options, along with options for hotel accommodations and transportation.  www.riconvention.org.  Information on the breakout sessions is being emailed to each member as well so that you can see the depth and breadth of topics available to interest any Rotarian.
 
TORONTO 2018: INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY CORNER 2018-03-28 04:00:00Z 0

MARCH 22nd - WORLD WATER DAY

Posted on Mar 21, 2018
World Water Day is an annual observance day on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater. It is also used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day is celebrated around the world with a variety of events. These can be educational, theatrical, musical or lobbying in nature. The day can also include campaigns to raise money for water projects. The first World Water Day, designated by the United Nations, was commemorated in 1993.
 
At the March 15th weekly meeting we had a speaker, Jeff Merriman from Water Ambassadors Canada, who told us about the international trips – mostly to Central America – that their non-profit organizes, to help communities with their water and sanitation needs.  Jeff was interested to hear that one of Rotary’s areas of focus is clean water and sanitation, and it made him think that our club might be interested in an upcoming trip that Water Ambassadors Canada is planning.  One of the founders is hosting their first ever “Vision” trip to Matagalpa Nicaragua, May 6 to 10th. The vision trip is a shortened version of a regular well repair trip and an opportunity for current and future sponsors to see some of their projects in Nicaragua plus do some hands-on repair work in rural villages.  A donation of $2,000 per person (tax receipted) is suggested to cover travel and other trip expenses.
“We want you to see first hand how simple it is to provide clean water. Last year, we helped over 30,000 people. We need your financial assistance and insight to continue this valuable work”.  Water Ambassadors Canada      www.waterambassadorscanada.org
MARCH 22nd - WORLD WATER DAY 2018-03-21 04:00:00Z 0

5th ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Posted on Mar 21, 2018
Supporting our community is as easy as riding a bike!  In its first four years, Tour de Guelph has raised over $200,000 for Guelph General Hospital and for local and international Rotary projects through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.  Tour de Guelph is a community bicycling event for all ages and abilities. This year choose from six routes and seven distances, from the 5k/10k route all the way to the 160k route for seasoned cyclists, there is a distance for everyone!   Register and start fundraising today - this year's goal is $125,000!  Tour de Guelph supports Guelph General Hospital and local Rotary projects.
Your participation will make a positive impact in our community.   Volunteers are so critical to the success of the event.  Please let Celia Clark know if you can help out, volunteers are needed in many different areas, before during and after the event.  www.tourdeguelph.ca
 
5th ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 2018-03-21 04:00:00Z 0

ROTARY DISTRICT 7080 AWARDS

Posted on Mar 21, 2018
Our Rotary District is looking for nominations for Rotary awards, before an April 30th deadline.  Examples of the awards for which clubs have been invited to submit nominations include:
 
District Service Award:  recognizes an individual Rotarian's efforts to serve humanity and work toward world understanding and peace through Rotary Foundation programs;
Club Builder Award:  recognizes Rotarians who have made a significant impact in supporting and strengthening their home Rotary club. Selection criteria include the candidate’s achievements in recruiting new members, participating in Rotary training, involvement in vocational service projects and attendance at District event;
Rotary Partner Award:  recognizes the outstanding contribution of a District Rotary Spouse/Partner in supporting Rotary causes, projects and/or the Rotary Foundation locally, at the District level or internationally;
District Polio Service Award:  recognizes the outstanding active personal service of a District Rotarian in advocacy and hands-on support of End Polio Now both within the District and internationally;
Communications and Marketing Award:  recognizes a club, individual or committee for outstanding communications and marketing of club news and projects to club members and supporters and/or to the public, through any and all media channels.
 
If you have thoughts as to nominations that our club could make to the District, for any of the award categories, please let President Bruno Marziano know, so that it can be brought before the Board before the end of April.
 
ROTARY DISTRICT 7080 AWARDS 2018-03-21 04:00:00Z 0

PARKINSONS TULIPS

Posted on Mar 21, 2018
The red tulip has been associated with Parkinson’s awareness since 1980 when a Dutch horticulturalist who had PD developed a red and white tulip and named it "Dr. James Parkinson.”   In April 2005, the red tulip was launched as the Worldwide Symbol of Parkinson's Disease and has inspired a grassroots movement combining efforts and resources to help find a cure in our lifetimes.
 
A reminder that Karen Dowell is taking orders for the 2018 Parkinsons Tulips (potted only this year, no cut flowers) at $10 per pot - she will bring all ordered pots to the March 29th weekly meeting, you can pick up and pay for them there.  Please let her know ahead of time if you want to order some (karen.dowell@parkinson.ca) so that she can be sure to have your order available on March 29th.
PARKINSONS TULIPS 2018-03-21 04:00:00Z 0

CLUB LEADERSHIP TRAINING - APRIL 14th

Posted on Mar 14, 2018
What Is this Event?
A one-day event designed to help all committee chairs, Board members, and would-be leaders in their club fulfill the various positions required to run a club. The timing for this event sets everyone up in their responsibilities before the new Rotary year begins in July, including the roles of Secretary, Treasurer and other key positions. Among the 20+ sessions, we will provide many expert speakers on chairing meetings effectively, inspiring & mentoring new members, fundraising, Social Media and so much more.  The event also helps to cultivate greater interest and involvement on the part of all Rotarians, whether they are new, relatively new or seasoned. 
 
The key people in roles such as Secretary, and Treasurer, and on committees such as Fund Raising, Membership, and Rotary Foundation will be updated, provided with great ideas and inspired.  Newer members will be better informed as they consider taking on a leadership role in the future. This event is a great avenue for all Rotarians to better understand the machinery of Rotary and help their club remain vibrant and effective.
CLUB LEADERSHIP TRAINING - APRIL 14th 2018-03-14 04:00:00Z 0

UPDATE:  HANNAH + LUCAS NEWBY

Posted on Mar 09, 2018
Honourary Member Thomas Newby has provided us with an update on his 2 children.  For the benefit of the newer members, Hannah suffered severe heart failure when she was less than 6 months old, had an artificial heart for months and then a heart transplant just before her first birthday.  Thomas was Club President at the time and was trying to keep up with his job, Rotary and this oh-so-serious family situation.  He did a remarkable job in every respect!  Hannah just turned 6 on March 6th (big brother Lucas turned 11 a couple of weeks prior) and is doing great!  Thomas thought the members would like to hear how they're doing:
 
Hannah: is in senior kindergarten now.  At the parent-teacher interviews her teacher said she is a dream student.  She is always willing to answer and to help the junior kindergarteners and is exceeding the educational requirements for that grade.  The teacher would not have known that she had any hearing issues or needed to take speech therapy (without us telling her) so that is great.  She’s already trying to mother her big brother which is amusing to watch.  She is active in swimming lessons, piano, gymnastics and dance and still love being outside.
Lucas: is in grade 5 now.  He’s doing well in school too and has a current project on the go where they talk about a local charity.  He spoke up and asked his teacher if he could do it on Ronald McDonald House instead which she is letting him.  He’s excited to give his presentation on it next week and recognizes how great of a facility it is.  He is also doing swimming, guitar and basketball.  He loves to read and is likes to brag about how he is now officially as tall as his grandma.
UPDATE: HANNAH + LUCAS NEWBY 2018-03-09 05:00:00Z 0

2018 PETS (President Elect Training Seminar)

Posted on Mar 07, 2018
President-Elect Linda Main has just completed the second of 2 PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) sessions and is raring to go for her year that will start on July 1st.
 
What is PETS?  It’s a multi-district series of speakers and workshops that all Presidents-Elect attend.  There is a 1-day event locally, then a 2-day event at a hotel in Toronto.  This is at no charge to the incoming President, the costs including accommodation are covered through the fees paid by the club to the District.  The event gives incoming Presidents the opportunity to hear from experienced Rotarian speakers and to network with other incoming Presidents.
 
Linda sent us some photos including one of the program – a Photo Album has been created on the club website that has the photos in it.  Have a look and see if you too aren’t intrigued and interested in becoming a future President for our Rotary club.
(Linda with Margaret Nixon's daughter Lisa  on her right - Lisa is President Elect of the Elora club)
2018 PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) 2018-03-07 05:00:00Z 0

MARCH 8th IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Posted on Mar 07, 2018
Thursday March 8th 2018 is “International Women’s Day”, a day to recognize and celebrate womens’ contributions - including to Rotary.
Women and Rotary, why bring it up? It’s always been this way, hasn’t it? The answer is no. Women have been included as members of Rotary since 1987.   Go back in time to 1983 or 84 and there might have been women walking into the House of Friendship, but you would know she wasn’t a Rotarian.  She might be a Rotary Ann or a spouse of a Rotarian.  In fact it took a Supreme Court ruling in the US to affirm the right of Rotary clubs to allow women to even become members. Today, approximately 27% of Rotarians are women.   Past District Governor Mimi Altman District 6440, who served from 1995-1996 in the very district her father had served as District Governor 80 years prior, said “Women have proven their capabilities as Rotarians, as club presidents and district governors.  Their leadership qualities have been demonstrated at the club and district levels, the future will see them rise to the greatest heights of Rotary.
MARCH 8th IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2018-03-07 05:00:00Z 0

MARCH: ROTARY'S WATER + SANITATION MONTH

Posted on Mar 01, 2018
Clean water and sanitation is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives.
We don’t just build wells and walk away. Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families, expanding our impact.
HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
Rotary has issued a global challenge to its members, asking them to work collectively to improve education quality and access — particularly for girls — by working with communities to improve teacher training, curriculum, and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
MARCH: ROTARY'S WATER + SANITATION MONTH 2018-03-01 05:00:00Z 0

CABORCA MEXICO - POLIO IMMUNIZATIONS

Posted on Feb 21, 2018
The First National Health Week 2018 in Mexico will be held from February 17 to 23.   The first National Health Week has as main activity the application of oral poliomyelitis vaccine ( Sabin ) to girls and boys from 6 to 59 months of age, with the purpose of keeping the wild poliovirus eradicated.  A group of District 7080 Rotarians - including our own Frank Oudesluys - travelled to Mexico and joined other Rotarians in 2017 and again in 2018, to administer the vaccine to the children.  Frank will give the club a presentation on the event at the April 5th weekly meeting.
Frank hasn't provided us with any photos - but we found one, with him, on the internet from the 2018 event!
CABORCA MEXICO - POLIO IMMUNIZATIONS 2018-02-21 05:00:00Z 0

HAPPY 113th ANNIVERSARY ROTARY - FEBRUARY 23rd 2018

Posted on Feb 21, 2018

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris,  Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.  Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.   Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

HAPPY 113th ANNIVERSARY ROTARY - FEBRUARY 23rd 2018 2018-02-21 05:00:00Z 0

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - SPONSORS INVITED

Posted on Feb 14, 2018
An important message to all members from event Committee Chair Linda Main:
Dear Members, 
Now with the Pasta Dinner event behind us it is time to focus on our new "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" on Sunday, April 15th.  This will be the 3rd time we have held this event and the committee is dedicated to making this event successful and long term but we need the help of all of our club members to do that.  Unlike Pasta Dinner and Tour de Guelph, which requires hands on work this event requires very little.   We are asking all members to reach out to local businesses they may have a connection to and ask if they would like to support this event.  We have sponsorship packages which explain the different levels of Sponsorship.  Let me know if you need a copy.  A copy is also posted on the club website, available from the home page (no login required).  Please spend a few minutes to think of someone you know that you could approach to be a sponsor. 
Thank-you,   Linda Main, Chair of VAB Committee
 
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - SPONSORS INVITED 2018-02-14 05:00:00Z 0

TWO MORE NEW MEMBERS!

Posted on Feb 09, 2018
We were pleased to formally induct 2 new members at the February 8th weekly meeting:  Chris Pilgrim and Blaire Rennie.  

Chris is well known to our Club through his role as Pastor at the Guelph Salvation Army Citadel - he, along with wife Claudette, has lived a life of service and joining a Rotary Club to extend the reach of his service is a logical extension of that tradition.  We got to meet Blaire for the first time a year ago when she attended a meeting - she wasn't able to make a commitment to Rotary then but fortunately for us, she can now.  Blaire was described recently by a group that she spoke to as a "serial volunteer", with a strong non-profit, volunteer and fundraising background.
          
Membership Chair Frank Oudesluys welcomes  (above) Chris Pilgrim with sponsor Ann Caine (below) Blaire Rennie with sponsor Andreas Hug
 
TWO MORE NEW MEMBERS! 2018-02-09 05:00:00Z 0

ROTARACT 2018 GALA - FRIDAY MARCH 23rd 2018

Posted on Feb 05, 2018
The Guelph Rotaract Club has announced their 2018 Gala event, this year benefiting the "Start2Finish Running & Reading" Program.   The event is being held on Friday March 23rd at the Summerlea Science Complex (University of Guelph) - doors open at 6:00pm.  This fun-filled night will include a three course meal, silent auction, raffle and fun activities.  Tickets are available now:  for yours contact the Guelph Rotaract Club at rotaract@uoguelph.ca.
NOTE:  DEADLINE TO BUY TICKETS IS MONDAY MARCH 19th
 
  
 
 
ROTARACT 2018 GALA - FRIDAY MARCH 23rd 2018 2018-02-05 05:00:00Z 0

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Pasta Dinner

Posted on Feb 01, 2018
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Our annual fundraiser in support of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, along with other worthwhile Rotary projects.
Friday February 9th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, at Puslinch Community Centre (23 Brock Road South, in Aberfoyle).
Scrumptious pasta/meatballs/meat sauce, salad, dessert, tea/coffee.  Silent Auction and Door Prizes too!
 
Tickets go fast so get yours soon!
Tickets available online at  guelph.snapd.com under "Ticketed Events"
Ticket prices:  Adults $20.00;  Child 5-12 $10.00; Child under 5 $2.00
(Tickets also available from Rotarian Celia Clark (phone:  519-766-1097;  email: celia@digitalfrog.com)
 
SAVE THE DATE: Annual Pasta Dinner 2018-02-01 05:00:00Z 0

February is Rotary’s “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution” Month:

Posted on Jan 31, 2018

Just a week or so after the “Doomsday Clock” was moved even closer to midnight, Rotary’s efforts are more important than ever!  Rotary fosters understanding across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.

Through our service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

February is Rotary’s “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution” Month: 2018-01-31 05:00:00Z 0

2018 Scotch Nosing - February 23rd

The 7th Annual Scotch Nosing Fundraiser presented by the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, Red Car Service, and Cutten Fields is taking place on February 23rd. Tickets are $125.00 with one of three dinner options: Beef, Fish, or Vegetarian. Proceeds from this event will go towards finding a cure end Polio and other Rotary projects. Tickets are on sale until February 19th.

2018 Scotch Nosing - February 23rd 2018-01-31 05:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER LINDA CRAIG

Posted on Jan 21, 2018
Rotary Club of Guelph South was proud to welcome Linda Craig as a new member.  Her sponsor Celia Clark and President Bruno Marziano oversaw her formal induction.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER LINDA CRAIG 2018-01-21 05:00:00Z 0

2017 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Dec 12, 2017
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Holidays Schedule
Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays we will not be holding our regular weekly breakfast meetings at Springfield as usual....
    
 

Regular Weekly Breakfast Meetings at Springfield Golf & Country Club are being cancelled for the upcoming weeks:

       DECEMBER 21st 2017

       DECEMBER 28th 2017

 Watch our website for more information on the weekly programs being planned starting on January 4th 2018.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South
   

2017 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE Dianne Paron 2017-12-12 05:00:00Z 0

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH....

Posted on Dec 11, 2017
One of Rotary's six areas of focus is peacebuilding in communities and regions affected by conflict.  "Peace on Earth" is also a recurring theme for the upcoming holiday season.  Enjoy this special 1 minute commercial from the early 90's, run by a grocery store chain in Florida, that didn't promote groceries - rather it promoted "Peace on Earth" in a compelling way (hint: turn up the volume!).
 
 
 
LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH.... 2017-12-11 05:00:00Z 0

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted on Nov 08, 2017
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The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. Together, we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve. 
 
LEST WE FORGET..... 2017-11-08 05:00:00Z 0

2017 WORLD POLIO DAY - LEVELZ Hair Connect Fundraiser

Posted on Oct 25, 2017
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On 2017 World Polio Day (Tuesday October 24th 2017) we were honoured to accept the offer of local entrepreneur Mike Shirazi, owner of LEVELZ Hair Connect, that he would provide haircuts all day in his shop with all proceeds to the campaign to eradicate polio.  These donations will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation....
 
2017 WORLD POLIO DAY - LEVELZ Hair Connect Fundraiser 2017-10-25 04:00:00Z 0

2017 WORLD POLIO DAY - Flag Raising

Posted on Oct 24, 2017
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On Tuesday October 24th 2017 - the 5th Annual "World Polio Day" - a group of Rotarians joined Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie for the raising of the "End Polio Now" flag at Guelph City Hall.
We are thisclose to ending polio!
 
 
2017 WORLD POLIO DAY - Flag Raising 2017-10-24 04:00:00Z 0

2018 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Posted on Oct 18, 2017
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VOLUNTEERS - A GIFT TO OUR COMMUNITY  The Volunteer Appreciation Brunch is an annual event to recognize 100 of the tireless volunteers within 10 organizations throughout Guelph and Wellington County who give so much of themselves and expect so very little in return.  In addition, Rotary Club of Guelph South will be making donations to each of the selected organizations as a thank you for everything that they give to those in need. 
2018 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2017-10-18 04:00:00Z 0

WORLD POLIO DAY - October 24th 2017

Posted on Oct 18, 2017
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Smallpox is the only human disease ever eradicated. Let’s make polio the second.
Join the fight on World Polio Day. www.endpolio.org 
  
 
 
WORLD POLIO DAY - October 24th 2017 2017-10-18 04:00:00Z 0

HOSTING "BETTER BEGINNINGS, BETTER FUTURES" AT SUNRISE

Posted on Aug 20, 2017
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On August 15th 2017 the Rotary Club of Guelph and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre jointly hosted 45 children through "Better Beginnings, Better Futures" (Guelph) to visit the farm, enjoy the swimming pool and playground, play some soccer, visit the horses and enjoy a barbecue.  For many of these city children, this was their first visit to a farm!
 
HOSTING "BETTER BEGINNINGS, BETTER FUTURES" AT SUNRISE 2017-08-20 04:00:00Z 0

2017 RIBFEST at "Ribberside Park" in Guelph August 24-27, 2017

Posted on Aug 15, 2017
 

This is the 20th Anniversary of Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium's "Ribfest". The dates this year are Thursday, August 24th to Sunday, August 27th, 2017.

They are offering a kickoff concert on Thursday, August 24th. The opening act will start at 6 p.m.The headline band will perform from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The park will be open from 5 p.m. with food and beverages available for the evening. The bands are listed on the home page (www.ribfestguelph.com).

Ribfest has been voted Guelph's best outdoor event and, with your support as a volunteer this year, we can make it even better.

Many volunteers are members of the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium or family members or friends.  Other Rotarians from Guelph's other service clubs also lend a hand. Community volunteers are very welcome and absolutely critical to our delivering a successful event to the community.

To volunteer, go to the Ribfest home page and click on the "Volunteer Signup" link.  Thanks!

2017 RIBFEST at "Ribberside Park" in Guelph August 24-27, 2017 2017-08-15 04:00:00Z 0
AUGUST IS ROTARY'S "MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB DEVELOPMENT" MONTH 2017-08-01 04:00:00Z 0

SWEET SIXTEEN....

Posted on Jul 31, 2017
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...and how sweet it is!!
 
The Rotary Club of Guelph South celebrates its sixteenth charter year anniversary today (July 31st 2017). We are proud of the impact the club has made in the community and beyond in such a short time. It's all because of great ROTARIANS and FRIENDS! Happy Sweet 16 Rotary Club of Guelph South!
 
Rotary Club of Guelph South
Coming together as strangers.....working together as friends.
SWEET SIXTEEN.... 2017-07-31 04:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER HAZEL DICKIE

Posted on Jul 20, 2017
Hazel has been a Rotarian for a number of years, and was previously a member of Rotary Club of Guelph.  We were pleased to welcome her as she transferred her membership to our Club on July 20th 2017.
 
    Hazel was welcomed by (l-r) Membership Chair Frank Oudesluys,
    sponsor Celia Clark and President Bruno Marziano.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER HAZEL DICKIE 2017-07-20 04:00:00Z 0

THANKS PAST PRESIDENT RICHARD VAN DYKE

Posted on Jul 06, 2017
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2016-2017 President Richard Van Dyke was thanked for his service by new 2017-2018 President Bruno Marziano.  Bruno presented Rich with a special memento of his year as President and his "Past President" pin.
 
     (Past President Richard Van Dyke pins President Bruno Marziano) 
THANKS PAST PRESIDENT RICHARD VAN DYKE 2017-07-06 04:00:00Z 0

2017-2018 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THEME

Posted on Jul 01, 2017
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The 2017-2018 Rotary International theme for this Rotary year, from July 1st 2017 through June 30th 2018, is "Rotary: Making A Difference".
 
We are embarking on a new era in Rotary.  We are the change makers!  Change energizes us and helps us to grow. Change can be exciting and fun.  It also has its challenges. We are part of an incredible organization.  We are transforming lives throughout the world.
 
It's true!!   It's what we do!!   Come join us....
2017-2018 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THEME 2017-07-01 04:00:00Z 0

4th ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH

Posted on Jun 25, 2017
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Another successful event!  The $80,000 target was not only met but exceeded - almost $100,000 raised, thanks everyone for your support!
A photo album has already been created and is available on the club website home page (look for the "Photo Albums" frame on the right hand side of the home page) and will be added to as we get more photos.
 
***   SAVE THE DATE FOR 2018:   SUNDAY JUNE 24th  ***
4th ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH 2017-06-25 04:00:00Z 0

JUNE IS ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS MONTH

Posted on Jun 01, 2017
The final month of every Rotary year is Fellowship Month. This is a fitting designation since fellowship is particularly to the forefront with changeovers being very much the priority in June. Fellowship is of course one of the five core values of Rotary, the others being service, diversity, integrity and leadership.
 
JUNE IS ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS MONTH 2017-06-01 04:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER DAVID TURVEY

Posted on May 28, 2017
The Rotary Club of Guelph South was proud to welcome DAVID TURVEY as its newest member.  Dave comes to us very familiar with Rotary, both his parents having been members in Hamilton. Dave was formally inducted on Thursday May 25th 2017 and will be a wonderful addition to our club!
 
     (L-R:  Rotarians Brian Cowan, Margaret Nixon, David Turvey, Richard Van Dyke)
WELCOME NEW MEMBER DAVID TURVEY 2017-05-28 04:00:00Z 0
MAY - ROTARY'S YOUTH SERVICE MONTH 2017-05-01 04:00:00Z 0

15th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

Posted on Mar 14, 2017
 
On February 24th over two hundred local diners crowded into the Puslinch Community Centre for the Rotary Club of Guelph South’s 15th Annual Pasta Dinner.   With live accordion music, yummy, all-you-can-eat pasta and wonderful silent auction items a great time was had by all. Everyone was moved by Andy Spencer’s impassioned speech about how much Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre has helped his daughter Cora.
 
 
15th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER 2017-03-14 04:00:00Z 0

GUELPH ROTARACT CLUB'S 2017 GALA

The University of Guelph's Rotaract Club is holding their annual gala/fundraiser on March 24th 2017 in support of Children's Help For Uganda.
 

 
We're happy to support the Rotaractors, this event and this cause, and encourage others to, as well!
GUELPH ROTARACT CLUB'S 2017 GALA 2017-03-03 05:00:00Z 0

ROTARY'S 112th ANNIVERSARY - February 23rd 2017

Posted on Feb 23, 2017

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris,  Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.

Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. 

Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

 
ROTARY'S 112th ANNIVERSARY - February 23rd 2017 2017-02-23 05:00:00Z 0

16th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted on Feb 14, 2017
On February 9th almost two hundred local diners crowded into the Puslinch Community Centre for the Rotary Club of Guelph South’s 16th Annual Pasta Dinner.   With live accordion music, yummy, all-you-can-eat pasta and wonderful door prizes, raffle prizes and silent auction items a great time was had by all. Everyone was moved by the inspirational message from representatives of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.   A Photo Album is available on the website (right hand side, scroll down to photo albums frame).
 
 
16th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER 2017-02-14 05:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW ROTARIAN - RUSSELL POWELL

Posted on Feb 02, 2017
The Rotary Club of Guelph South is proud to welcome RUSS POWELL as its newest member.  Russ was formally inducted on Thursday February 2nd during our first meeting back at Springfield Golf & Country Club since before Christmas.
 
 
WELCOME NEW ROTARIAN - RUSSELL POWELL 2017-02-02 05:00:00Z 0
SAVE THE DATE: 15th Annual Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner 2017-01-17 05:00:00Z 0

2017 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - Sponsorship Opportunities!

Posted on Jan 15, 2017
The 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch will be held on Sunday April 23rd 2017 at Cutten Fields in Guelph.  We are grateful to Event Partner Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management for their support of this event.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available - for more information contact Rotarian Matt Anstett (519-400-7944, anstetts@rogers.com).
2017 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH - Sponsorship Opportunities! 2017-01-15 05:00:00Z 0

2017 Happy New Year!

Posted on Jan 01, 2017
HAPPY  NEW  YEAR!
Best wishes for a wonderful 2017 
from all of the members of
ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH ....
2017 Happy New Year! 2017-01-01 05:00:00Z 0

2016 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE

Posted on Nov 16, 2016
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Holidays Schedule
Due to the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays, along with scheduled renovations at Springfield Golf & Country Club, we will not be holding our regular weekly breakfast meetings at Springfield as usual....
    
 

Regular Weekly Breakfast Meetings at Springfield Golf & Country Club are being cancelled for the upcoming weeks:

       DECEMBER 29th 2016

       JANUARY 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, 2017

Watch our website for more information on the January weekly meetings programs and meeting venues.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year....
From all of the members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South
   

2016 HOLIDAYS SCHEDULE Dianne Paron 2016-11-16 05:00:00Z 0

LEST WE FORGET......REMEMBRANCE DAY NOVEMBER 11th

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This morning's weekly meeting included presentations by 3 club members of family members that bravely served their country during either World War 1 or World War 2.  Thomas Newby brought a photograph of his grandfather, and Geoff and Deb Allen brought audio/video recollections of both of their fathers.  Deb followed up with some information on her own service, for 8 years, with Guelph's own 11th Field Regiment.  

LEST WE FORGET......REMEMBRANCE DAY NOVEMBER 11th 2016-11-08 05:00:00Z 0

OUR NEWEST ROTARIAN - DEB ALLEN

On October 27th 2016 we were so happy to welcome Deb Allen as our newest member.  Deb considers the entire club her "sponsors" - and they enthusiastically welcome her - and hubby Geoff will act as her mentor.  Deb has been a constant at club events and she FINALLY made it official!  Welcome to our Rotary Club Deb.
 
(L-R: Rotarians Geoff Allen, Deb Allen, Rotary Club President Rich Van Dyke)
OUR NEWEST ROTARIAN - DEB ALLEN 2016-10-27 04:00:00Z 0

WORLD POLIO DAY Guelph - October 24, 2016

On Monday October 24th 2016 Rotarians gathered outside of Guelph City Hall and watched Mayor Cam Guthrie raise the End Polio Now flag.
 
(L-R: Rotary Club of Guelph South members Deb Allen, Geoff Allen, Margaret Nixon, Ann Caine, Richard Van Dyke, Linda Main)
 
World Polio Day is celebrated on October 24th each year, and the Guelph event was one of more than 3,000 held around the world.  It celebrates Rotary's involvement in the eradication of this disease, spanning more than 30 years now, resulting in it only being endemic in 3 countries in the world (Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan).
 
We are closer than ever to creating a polio-free world!
 
 
WORLD POLIO DAY Guelph - October 24, 2016 2016-10-26 04:00:00Z 0

15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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Our Club celebrated the 15th anniversary of its being chartered on July 31st 2016.  A special family-oriented dinner celebration was held on September 16th 2016, hosted by Rotarian Bella Hodgkinson at her beautiful home. 
 
A photo album from the event is now available on the website (right hand side of home page, under "Photo Albums") along with a carousel of photos, just above that, of the club over the past 15 years.
15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 2016-09-18 04:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT 7080 GOVERNOR BILL PROCTOR VISIT

Posted on Sep 15, 2016
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We were pleased to welcome District 7080 Governor Bill Proctor, his wife Judy, and Assistant Governor Randy Seager to our weekly meeting this morning.
 
Bill was our "Mr. Pronouncer" for the 2015 Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee, and today was a great opportunity to get together with him once again!
 
Bill provided the members in attendance with a wonderful presentation on the importance of Rotary and Rotarians, locally and around the world.  He stressed how important it was for Rotary to grow its numbers, so that it can not only continue to do good around the world but increase the amount of good it does.
 
(ADG Randy Seager, Past ADG Margaret Nixon, DG Bill Proctor, President Rich Van Dyke)
DISTRICT 7080 GOVERNOR BILL PROCTOR VISIT 2016-09-15 04:00:00Z 0

2016 TOUR DE GUELPH VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE

Posted on Jul 25, 2016
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Thanks to Rotarian Brian Cowan for this video of the 3rd Annual Tour de Guelph that was held on June 26th 2016.  This video is also available on our YouTube channel.
 
 
2016 TOUR DE GUELPH VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE 2016-07-25 04:00:00Z 0

2016-2017 ROTARY YEAR

Posted on Jul 03, 2016
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July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year, and 2016-2017 Rotary International President John Germ has selected "Rotary Serving Humanity" as the theme for Rotary International for the year.
 
 
2016-2017 ROTARY YEAR 2016-07-03 04:00:00Z 0

FINAL MEETING OF 2015-2016 ROTARY YEAR

Posted on Jul 03, 2016
The final meeting of the 2015-2016 Rotary year was a great opportunity to hand out donations to two very worthy organizations.... Amarok Society and One4Another International.
Barbara Melara, Chairperson of Amarok Society and Glenn Pascoe, founder of One4Another International, received the donations from incoming President Richard Van Dyke on behalf of the Club.
For more information check out their websites:  www.amaroksociety.org and one4anotherintl.ca for more information on the great work that both organizations do.
 
 
What a wonderful way to close off a remarkable Rotary year!
FINAL MEETING OF 2015-2016 ROTARY YEAR 2016-07-03 04:00:00Z 0

2016 TOUR DE GUELPH - WHAT A SUCCESS!

Posted on Jun 30, 2016
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Following on the success of the first two years, the organizing Committee set out to enhance yet again the 2016 event.  For instance, the registration venue was moved indoors, to the Athletic Centre at the University of Guelph.
A marketing campaign, using social media, generated more than 400 online registrations by the week preceding the event, and the total number of riders in 2016 increased to 664 from 565 in 2015.
 
More importantly, this fundraising event raised $66,000 exceeding the goal of $60,000!  This remarkable result will help Guelph General Hospital purchase a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine, and make a difference locally and internally through important Rotary projects supported by the 2 Rotary Clubs (Guelph South, Guelph-Trillium) that co-organized the event along with the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
 
The date for the next event has already been set - June 25th 2017 - so save the date!  We are so grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Scotiabank, and the other Gold/Silver/Bronze Sponsors, Friends and Vendors for their support in making the 2016 event the overwhelming success that it was.
 
2016 TOUR DE GUELPH - WHAT A SUCCESS! 2016-06-30 04:00:00Z 0

THANKS 2015-2016 PRESIDENT BILL SMITH

Posted on Jun 23, 2016
2015-2016 President Bill Smith presided over his last regular weekly meeting this morning.  He was thanked at the end of the meeting by Past President (2014-2015) Geoff Allen who presented him with a special memento of his year as President and his "Past President" pin. 
 
 
Bill indicated that he is looking forward to wearing the "Past President' pin and sitting with the other members as incoming President Rich Van Dyke takes over starting in July.
 
Club members and spouses/partners also enjoyed a special Rotary Year Changeover celebration at NV Lounge in Guelph on Tuesday June 21st - a photo album is posted on the website.
THANKS 2015-2016 PRESIDENT BILL SMITH 2016-06-23 04:00:00Z 0

OUR 2016 CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted on May 21, 2016
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On May 19th 2016 at our weekly breakfast meeting we welcomed the three Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School students that our Rotary Club sponsored for the 2016 Rotary Golden Triangle Camp Enterprise 3-day program in Waterloo.
 
 (L-R:  Rotarian Linda Main, Camp Enterprise Students Leah, Cameron + Abby, Rotarian Karen Dowell)
OUR 2016 CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS 2016-05-21 04:00:00Z 0

2016 CAMP ENTERPRISE

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Once again in 2016 Rotary Club of Guelph South sponsored senior students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School in Guelph to attend the 3-day residential business and entrepreneuriship program in Waterloo.  Youth Services Chair Karen Dowell, along with Rotarian Linda Main represented Rotary Club of Guelph South and attended the special dinner meeting on May 10th.
 
 
    (Photos courtesy of Bob Housser Photography)
 
A photo album has been posted to the website, accessible through the "Photo Albums" link on the home page (frame on right hand side) and also from the "Youth Service" menu link at the top of the home page.
 
Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle is a cooperative effort between multiple Rotary Clubs in the ‘Golden Triangle’ region surrounding Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and Fergus. Selected students have the opportunity, at no cost, to attend a 3 day immersive camp at the University of Waterloo about business and entrepreneurship. Students get to attend keynote speaker lectures and participate in collaborative activities culminating in a business plan presentation at the end of camp. Visit the website www.rotarycampenterprise.com for more information including our FAQ section to learn more about Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle or apply for an interview opportunity.
2016 CAMP ENTERPRISE 2016-05-15 04:00:00Z 0

PROUD TO SPONSOR A SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE

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Our Rotary Club is proud to be a Sponsor of an athlete taking part in the Guelph 2016 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, being held May 26th to May 28th 2016.
Our athlete is Lianne Nichol, and her sport is 5-pin bowling.
 
We'll be rooting for Lianne as she joins all of the other Special Olympics athletes!
PROUD TO SPONSOR A SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE 2016-05-15 04:00:00Z 0

1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH

As we wrap up a very special April "Volunteer Month" we're grateful to Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott for sharing with us his inspirational speech from the April 10th "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" held at Cutten Fields.
 
To read it, click on the "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" menu option under the main banner above, it will open in a new window.
 
 
Thanks for your attendance and this wonderful talk, Ted!
 
 
1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH 2016-04-25 04:00:00Z 0

1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH PHOTOS

Posted on Apr 13, 2016
 
We have now received the professional photos, courtesy of Pete May of one2one Photography of Kitchener-Waterloo.  Click on the "Volunteer Appreciation Brunch" link above (or on the "Photo Album" link on the home page) to see the wonderful photos he took of that day!
 
Thanks Pete, we are so grateful to you for being a sponsor of this event.
1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH PHOTOS 2016-04-13 04:00:00Z 0

CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Posted on Apr 11, 2016
 

Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient. Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time.

April 10 to April 16, 2016 is National Volunteer Week (NVW), a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers. This year marks the 13th consecutive year that Volunteer Canada and Investors Group have partnered to deliver the NVW campaign.

Volunteer Canada and Investors Group’s Volunteer Recognition Study indicates that most volunteers prefer a genuine thank you for their efforts. Sincere words that highlight the impact of a volunteer’s contributions or simple personalized tokens are meaningful and appreciated.

Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted the 1st Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch to extend its thanks to 100 volunteers representing 10 different volunteer organizations in the Guelph and Puslinch area.  Thanks to Event Partner Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management, Platinum Sponsor Hammond Power Solutions, and a number of other generous sponsors, donations of $1,000 were made to each of the 10 organizations.  

Women in Crisis, Guelph-Wellington Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre
Hospice Wellington Action Read Community Literacy Centre
Special Olympics, Guelph Event Welcome In Drop In Centre, Guelph
Salvation Army Syrian Newcomer Project Start2Finish Reading and Running Clubs
Puslinch Pioneer Non Profit Publication Torchlight Distress Centre of Guelph
 
Also in attendance were representatives of all levels of local government including Township of Puslinch, City of Guelph, Province of Ontario and Government of Canada.  They also took the opportunity to express their thanks to the volunteers in attendance.
 
We were honoured to be able to kick off National Volunteer Week with this special event, to recognize our local volunteers!  A Photo Album is available on the website and will continue to be updated as more photos are available.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2016-04-11 04:00:00Z 0

1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT

Posted on Mar 21, 2016
What better time than the month of April - Volunteer Appreciation Month - to recognize some of the folks that give of themselves so unselfishly, through their contributions to volunteer-based and charitable organizations?
 
To that end, we are initiating an annual event to recognize volunteers, starting with 10 organizations in 2016.  It's the least we can do, and we're very much looking forward to it!
 
1st ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT 2016-03-21 04:00:00Z 0

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

Posted on Feb 29, 2016
Thanks to everyone that helped make our 14th Annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" another resounding success, allowing us to continue supporting Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre and the incredible work that they do there.
 
                                     The talented kitchen crew - Photos by Nicolas Bell
 
Special thanks as well to Nicolas Bell of snapd Guelph for the photography and coverage in the March 2016 Issue of "snapd Guelph, along with the photos on their website guelph.snapd.com 
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER 2016-02-29 05:00:00Z 0

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROTARY!

February 23rd 2016 marks the 111th anniversary of the first Rotary meeting in Chicago.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROTARY! 2016-02-17 05:00:00Z 0

"TOUR DE GUELPH" DONATIONS - December 17th 2015

Posted on Dec 18, 2015
The final meeting of 2015 was used to distribute proceeds from the 2nd Annual Tour de Guelph Family Cycling Event.  President-Elect Richard Van Dyke and his Service Projects Committee had recommended 4 organizations worthy of support, and representatives were invited to attend to receive the donation.
 
      
             Projects Director Marko Andan accepts donation on behalf of Ghana Medical Help

Click on the "read more" link in order to see more photos from this special meeting.....
 
 
"TOUR DE GUELPH" DONATIONS - December 17th 2015 2015-12-18 05:00:00Z 0

"GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" Donations - December 3rd 2015

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On October 22nd 2015 the 10th Annual "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" was held in Guelph, raising just over $16,000.  On December 3rd 2015 the Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted teams, sponsors and beneficiaries of the event at a special weekly meeting where cheque presentations were made and representatives of teams received souvenir team photos.  District Governor Elect Bill Proctor was also in attendance and participated in the presentations.
 
(L-R:  President Bill Smith, Westwood Public School Vice-Principal Mike Anderson, District 7080 Governor Elect Bill Proctor)
 
Click on the "read more" link in order to see more photos from this special meeting.....
"GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" Donations - December 3rd 2015 2015-12-09 05:00:00Z 0

Congratulations to Rotarian ANN CAINE

Posted on Nov 18, 2015
On Saturday, November 7, 2015, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston participated in the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association’s (CanTRA) 35th anniversary celebration at the Royal Winter Fair. Her Excellency delivered brief remarks and His Excellency presented two CanTRA volunteers with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. The award recipients were Ann Caine of Puslinch, Ontario and Eliane Trempe of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec.
 


Through the healing power of horses, Ann Caine turned personal tragedy into a world of possibilities, which has had a great impact on therapeutic riding in Canada and around the world. As a founding member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association in Canada (CanTRA) and the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association, she led and supported the incorporation of medical professionals in therapeutic riding programs, and played an important role in developing para-equestrian sport at the recreational and Paralympic levels.

Eliane Trempe was the force behind the development of therapeutic riding in the province of Quebec. She founded the Fédération québécoise d’équitation thérapeutique (FQET) in 2000, and joined the CanTRA board in 2005, with which she continues to serve. She has initiated the FQET membership eligibility rule that requires member centres to also be CanTRA-accredited, as this field is not protected by federal or provincial government regulations.

(The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) empowers children and adults with disabilities through the use of the horse. For more information please visit: www.cantra.ca) 
 
Ann of course is a valued Charter Member of our Rotary Club and we could not be more proud of her....congratulations Ann!
Congratulations to Rotarian ANN CAINE 2015-11-18 05:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER DARIO DI RENZO

Posted on Nov 06, 2015
At the November 5th weekly meeting we welcomed yet another new member, who was inducted into Rotary membership by none other than District 7080 Governor Will Pugh.  As it happened, DG Will was scheduled to make his visit to our club and was invited to do the honours.
 
 (L-R: Sponsor Neil Mahnke, Membership Chair Margaret Nixon, District Governor
 Will Pugh, new Rotarian Dario Di Renzo, Rotary Club of Guelph South President Bill Smith)

Dario was introduced to our Rotary Club by Rotarian Neil Mahnke, attended a number of meetings and then was sponsored for membership by Neil.  Dario  (classification: mortgage brokerage) is going to be a dynamic and enthusiastic addition to our Rotary Club, and we're very glad to be able to count him as a member and a friend!
WELCOME NEW MEMBER DARIO DI RENZO 2015-11-06 05:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS 2015 SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS

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October 23, 2015 GUELPH
 
Last night the Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted it’s 10th annual Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee at the Delta Hotel in Guelph.  A record 20 teams took part including 4 teams from local Rotary clubs.
 
The funds raised go to support two Guelph charities – Westwood Public School breakfast program and J.O.E. (Jobs, Opportunities, Enterprise) a grassroots program offering work experience for young adults with mental challenges, and for the Olive Tree Project (maternal health) in Haiti.  Cheque presentations to take place next month.
 
In the 6th round Davies & Mahnke Private Wealth Management team, The Money Bee$,  beat out the Sesquipedalian Savants team from the Rotary Club of Guelph.  The attached picture of the 2015 Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee winners – The Money Bee$ - was taken by Rotarian Pat Lewis.
 
 
From left to right are Rotary Club of Guelph South President Bill Smith, BUZZ the Spelling Bee mascot and the 3 members of The Money Bee$ team (Michael Schout, Brian Davies, Terry Van Dreumel).

Congratulations to the Champions, all of the teams that participated and to the sponsors, so critical to a successful event.
 
CONGRATULATIONS 2015 SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS 2015-10-23 04:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER PAT LEWIS!

On October 15th our Club was pleased to formally induct its newest member, Pat Lewis.  Pat (classification: Human Resources/Finance) has attended a number of our meetings, participated in service projects and Tour de Guelph, and has overall embraced Rotary.  She even did a make-up at the Rotary Club of Penzance during a recent visit to England!  We know that Pat is going to be a dynamic addition to the club....and a lot of fun!
 
(L-R Membership Chair Margaret Nixon, Rotarian Pat Lewis, President Bill Smith)
WELCOME NEW MEMBER PAT LEWIS! 2015-10-15 04:00:00Z 0

VERY SPECIAL ROTARY MAKE-UPS

Posted on Oct 08, 2015
One of the very special aspects of being a Rotarian is that you are welcome at any of the Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.  More than one of our members has taken advantage of the hospitality of other clubs during their travels.  
 
For example, Brian Cowan did a make-up at a Rotary Club at Disney World - and brought back a make-up form in the shape of the Disney mouse ears.
 
Recently two members - Pat Lewis and Geoff Allen - were traveling in England and were warmly welcomed at local clubs that they visited.
 
      
  Rotarian Pat Lewis is welcomed to Rotary Club of Penzance President Jon Symons on Oct 2nd 2015 
 
   
    Rotarian Geoff Allen and wife Deb are welcomed at the Rotary Club of
     Westminster West in London (across the street from Buckingham Palace no less!)
VERY SPECIAL ROTARY MAKE-UPS 2015-10-08 04:00:00Z 0

SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE SPELLING BEE TEAM

Posted on Oct 06, 2015

How to support your favourite "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" team:

 

Each team has its own fundraising page on CanadaHelps, and you can help your favourite team (or teams!) raise funds for the worthy causes being supported by this event.

From the drop-down menu find the team you wish to support, then make your online donation and get a tax receipt immediately by email.

Could not be easier!

 

Help your favourite team reach its target and possibly raise enough to qualify for a "Spellover" or even win a coveted award for most pledge $$ raised.

 

Go to www.canadahelps.org and search on "Rotary Club of Guelph South Charitable Foundation".

 

Thanks for your support!

 

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!    
Faire un don maintenant par CanadaHelps.org!
 
 
SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE SPELLING BEE TEAM 2015-10-06 04:00:00Z 0

10th ANNUAL GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE

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The excitement is building as final details on this year's teams are received!  19 teams will be competing for spelling supremacy at the 10th Annual event being held at Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre.
 
Returning Champion Blue North Strategies' "Blue Jays" team will be trying to channel the success achieved by a certain Toronto major league baseball team.  They are sure to be challenged by 2014 runner up team from Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington, along with the other 17 teams.
 
We're pleased to welcome some new teams this year participating in a Corporate Challenge including first time teams from Reid's Heritage Homes, Paragon Kitchens, Tonin & Co, Mortgage Guys, BDO Canada and Scotiabank.
 
Not only will it be a lot of fun, it should also raise about $20,000 that will be directed towards worthy causes, including 2 Guelph-based ones (Westwood Public School Breakfast Program and J.O.E. Jobs, Opportunities and Enterprise program) and Olive Tree Projects in Haiti (maternal and child care) along with other Rotary projects.
 
Dinner tickets are now available - $50 each - for a scrumptious sit-down dinner and the evening's entertainment.  Contact any Rotary Club of Guelph South member for more information or tickets.  Come and cheer for your favourite team!
 
10th ANNUAL GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE 2015-10-06 04:00:00Z 0
10th ANNUAL GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE 2015-09-01 04:00:00Z 0

2015 "TOUR DE GUELPH" AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!

Posted on Jul 05, 2015
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565 enthusiastic riders, generous event and prize sponsors, a group of volunteers that gave up parts of their weekend - and the most glorious weather imaginable.  All of it came together today to result in a successful 2nd annual event. 
 
This year, the Guelph General Hospital Foundation is committed to updating its entire suite of IV pumps, approximately 300 of them at a cost of almost one million dollars.  Approximately $750,000 has already been raised for this project, and proceeds from 2015 Tour de Guelph will go towards that fundraising drive, as well as to the two Rotary Clubs (Guelph South and Guelph Trillium) for their support of worthwhile projects.
 
The IV pumps are specialized equipment, important tools that the hospital caregivers need to help them save lives and improve health.  From administering anaesthetics and keeping patients hydrated prior to surgery, to delivering antibiotics and pain medications during recovery, IV pumps are an integral part of a patient's care.
 
A photo album of candid photos taken at the 2015 Tour de Guelph is now posted on this website:  go to the "Photo Albums" links on the right hand side of the website.  More photos will be added as they come available.  Our thanks to all of the riders for their participation and for the valuable fundraising by way of pledges and online donations that they did!
 
2015 "TOUR DE GUELPH" AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS! 2015-07-05 04:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER IDABELLE "BELLA" HODGKINSON

Posted on Jun 25, 2015
The June 25th 2015 Rotary Meeting marked the final regular weekly meeting of the 2014-2015 Rotary year, and President Geoff Allen's final meeting as President.  He ended a most successful year by inducting another new member: Idabelle "Bella" Hodgkinson.  Bella has attended quite a few meetings, including the District Assembly, and already shows great enthusiasm for Rotary!  We know she will be a wonderful addition to the Club.
June 30th 2015 also marks the end of Margaret Nixon's 3-year term as District 7080 Assistant Governor.  Margaret excelled in the role and brought distinction to herself and our Club by her performance over the past 3 years.  We will miss her leadership at the District level but look forward to having her undivided attention back at the Club level.
 
Thanks Geoff and Margaret for a very successful 2014-2015 Rotary Year!
WELCOME NEW MEMBER IDABELLE "BELLA" HODGKINSON 2015-06-25 04:00:00Z 0

2015 "Grand Taste" Event - Rotary Club of Centre Wellington

Posted on Apr 07, 2015

(Rotary Club of Centre Wellington is based in Elora, and is part of our Guelph & Wellington Cluster of 6 Rotary Clubs)

The 10th Annual, this is always a popular event to attend....just be sure you take a big appetite when you go!  
So much wonderful food from all of the different vendors, a great way to get to know some of the Elora-area restaurants.

 

2015 "Grand Taste" Event - Rotary Club of Centre Wellington 2015-04-08 00:00:00Z 0

Welcome to Guelph Rotary International President Gary Huang

Posted on Mar 25, 2015
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On Monday March 23rd Guelph-area Rotarians were honoured to welcome Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang, along with his wife Corinna, to Guelph.  They visited some local service projects including Hospice Wellington and Hopewell Homes' Playsense Centre.
 
The day ended with a sell-out gala banquet celebration at Hanlon Convention Centre with President Gary & First Lady Corinna as special guests of honour.  What an incredible coup for Guelph and District Governor Patsy Marshall, to have the Rotary International President in our midst!
Welcome to Guelph Rotary International President Gary Huang 2015-03-26 00:00:00Z 0

Our wonderful youth ambassadors

Posted on Mar 20, 2015
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On March 19th we were happy to host a couple of young people who give us hope and make us proud with their commitment to service.
 
Rotaractor Daniella Rizzo provided us with information on the University of Guelph's "Global Vets" program and the opportunity she has to participate in a 2-1/2 month internship, providing veterinary support in a third world coutnry.
 
Mikayla MacDonald is a young lady that our Rotary Club sponsored for the 2012 Camp Enterprise program when she was a senior at Bishop Macdonell High School.  She was so inspired by Camp Enterprise, and other family members involved in Rotary, that she has geared her post-secondary education towards social justice.  She is also a "New World Ambassador" for The New World Community, a Canadian next-generation social business non-profit.  
 
 
It is exactly the kind of results that we hope for, when we make the investments that we do in Youth Service initiatives, and we are just so proud of these young people!
Our wonderful youth ambassadors 2015-03-21 00:00:00Z 0

2nd ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH - July 5th 2015

Posted on Mar 10, 2015
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   Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual "Tour de Guelph" family cycling event, being held on Sunday July 5th with the start/finish point at the University of Guelph.  This event is a joint effort by Rotary Club of Guelph South, Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium and Guelph General Hospital Foundation, with the proceeds from the event going to support the GGH Foundation and worthwhile Rotary projects.
 
 
   The first annual event, held in 2014, was enthusiastically embraced by the Guelph community and local riders.  Have a look at the video above - and we expect the 2015 event to be even better!
   If you don't ride, don't worry...you can still participate.  You can sponsor a rider, you can make an online donation, and you can register online to volunteer to assist that day in one of the many roles available.
   Check out the link above, or go direct to the "Tour de Guelph" website  www.tourdeguelph.ca and get more information, make a donation or register to ride or volunteer.
   Thanks for your support! 
2nd ANNUAL TOUR DE GUELPH - July 5th 2015 2015-03-11 00:00:00Z 0

DONATION TO SUNRISE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTRE

Posted on Mar 04, 2015
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Following the successful 2015 "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner - the 13th annual event - our Rotary Club was once again pleased to be able to provide Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre with a $4,000 donation from the proceeds of the event.
 
Rotary Club of Guelph South has held this event for the past 13 years as a fundraiser for Sunrise, resulting in total donations to date of an impressive $48,570.84!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New CEO Rob Vandebelt (right) accepted the $4,000 donation at the March 5th 2015 Rotary Meeting, from Rotarian Linda Main (left) and Rotary Club of Guelph South President Geoff Allen (centre).
DONATION TO SUNRISE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTRE 2015-03-05 00:00:00Z 0

13th "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted on Feb 24, 2015
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Another successful event!  We're grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our guests, and for the hard work of the many volunteers that planned and organized the event.   We're also so appreciative of the many generous sponsors who supported the event with their donations of prizes for the raffles, door prizes and silent auction.
 
Final numbers are still being tallied but we look forward to being able to present Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre with a $4,000 donation.  A Puslinch treasure, we have been proud supporters of Sunrise and its programs for many years. The "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner in fact was created specifically to benefit Sunrise, and since its inception in 2003 we are proud to have donated a total of $48,570.84 to this worthwhile organization.
13th "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER 2015-02-25 00:00:00Z 0

SPECIAL ROTARY DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Posted on Feb 22, 2015
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Celebrating Rotary’s 110th anniversary and 30 years of PolioPlus

This year marks both the 110th anniversary of Rotary and 30 years of our campaign to rid the world of polio.

This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched its campaign to rid the world of polio:

During a speech at Rotary’s annual training event for leaders in February 1985, then President Carlos Canseco announced what he called “the biggest news in Rotary,” an organized campaign to eradicate polio by working alongside the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Prior to that, Rotary Foundation grants had supported immunization activities in individual countries.

This February 23rd 2015 will mark 110 years since the first Rotary meeting:

Paul P. Harris, an attorney, wanted to create a professional group with the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth. On Feb. 23, 1905, Harris, along with Gustavus Loehr, Silvestre Schiele and Hiram Shorey, gathered at Loehr's office in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary Club meeting. They decided to call the new club "Rotary" after the practice of rotating meeting locations among the members' offices.

From that one historic meeting, Rotary has grown to a worldwide organization of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in 200 countries and territories. From those four visionary members, there are now over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. There is also The Rotary Foundation which since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion. Among thousands of successful projects funded, Rotary has spearheaded the ongoing world-wide effort to eradicate Polio.

Each Rotary club is different in size and activities, though all share in certain similar characteristics: the club has weekly meetings, generally built around fellowship and networking, a meal and a program; it looks for local and international service opportunities; it is made up of a diverse group of men and women of all ages who share a certain degree of professional recognition in the business or the non-profit worlds; and all members share a dedication to the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

Rotary's "Four-Way-Test" is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use in their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and it is recited at club meetings: "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?"

During February, visit a Rotary Club. See what grew from that first meeting in Chicago so long ago. Learn about the varied community and international projects that clubs are sponsoring and supporting, and the fellowship among Rotarians. Rotary clubs' meeting locations and times can be found by going to rotary.org and clicking on the "Club Finder" button at the top.

See you at Rotary.

SPECIAL ROTARY DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2015 2015-02-23 00:00:00Z 0

CBC Radio Update on Olive Tree Projects (Haiti)

One of the organizations that we supported in the 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" is Olive Tree Project.  Founded in 2008 by Sarah Wallace Olive Tree Projects was created to serve and save the children of Haiti. Although orphanages and schools are typically recognized as children based programs, OTP has also recognized the effect maternal care can have on a child’s life.  CBC Edmonton recently posted an update.....Audio of interview with Sarah below.
 
 
 
CBC Radio Update on Olive Tree Projects (Haiti) 2015-01-29 00:00:00Z 0

2015-2016 Rotary International Theme

Posted on Jan 21, 2015

Using their talents, expertise, and leadership, Rotary members worldwide are asked to be gifts to the world this upcoming 2015-16 Rotary year.  Rotary International President-elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran called Sunday's address to incoming district governors the "most significant moment of my life."

"All of you have been given so many gifts. And you have now been given this great gift: one year to take all your talents, all your gifts, everything that you are and can become -- and Be a Gift to the World," said Ravindran, revealing his presidential theme at the annual five-day training meeting in San Diego, California, USA. "You have one year to take that potential and turn it into reality. One year to lead the clubs in your district and transform the lives of others. The time is so short, yet there is so much to be done."

Be A Gift To The World - 2015/2016 Rotary International Theme

Highlighting Rotary's biggest challenge, the eradication of polio, Ravindran said, "A future without polio is a gift that we have promised to the children of the world. And indeed it is a gift that we will give."

2015-2016 Rotary International Theme 2015-01-22 00:00:00Z 0

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Happy New Year and the best for 2015 for all from Rotary Club of Guelph South.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2015-01-01 00:00:00Z 0

PARKINSONS 2014 'SUPERWALK'

Posted on Dec 07, 2014

Member Karen Dowell is Community Development Coordinator for the Guelph-Wellington Chapter of Parkinson Society of Central & Northern Ontario.  Besides organizing the Guelph 'Superwalk' Karen also personally participates in them!  This year she participated in the event held in Collingwood, along with other Rotarians.

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         (L-R  Rotarians Karen Dowell, Jennifer Wright, Bev Taylor, Brian Hickey, David Wright​)
Rotary is not just about belonging to a Rotary Club....it is about belonging to the international "family of Rotary"!

PARKINSONS 2014 'SUPERWALK' 2014-12-08 00:00:00Z 0

GIVING BACK....Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign

Posted on Dec 07, 2014

On Saturday December 6th a number of club members stood with the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at Stone Road Mall.  We have been happy to help the Guelph Salvation Army Citadel with this campaign for many years.  It is heartening to meet the folks who need no encouragement, who come willingly to the Kettle to make their contributions - to hear their stories of why they so willingly support the Army. And in particular the adults who encourage the youngsters with them to put some coins into the Kettle, impressing on them at a young age the spirit of giving, the true spirit of the season!

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(L-R  Rotary Club of Guelph South members Peter and Celia Clark, Rotary Club of Guelph member Mahmud Ali Hassain)

Not far from the Salvation Army Kettle there was a large table of wrapping materials, and members of the Rotaract Club of Guelph - most of whom are in the middle of writing final papers and exams - were there, wrapping gifts for mall shoppers and collecting proceeds for the Guelph Food Bank.

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GIVING BACK....Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign 2014-12-08 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - ERIC GOWLAND & LINDA MAIN

Posted on Dec 04, 2014

December 4th 2014 was a special meeting in many ways, not the least of which was because we officially welcomed 2 new members to our Rotary Club:  Eric Gowland and Linda Main.  President-Elect Bill Smith did the honours.

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Eric was accompanied by his sponsor, Rotarian Ann Caine.

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Linda's sponsor - President Geoff Allen - could not attend the meeting, so Assistant Governor Margaret Nixon stood with Linda as she was inducted.

We know they will both make fine Rotarians, and we're excited to get to know and work them.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - ERIC GOWLAND & LINDA MAIN 2014-12-05 00:00:00Z 0

GIVING BACK....Proceeds from "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee"

Posted on Nov 27, 2014
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On November 20th we enjoyed hosting representatives of the sponsors, teams and beneficiary organizations for the 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee".

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Teams and sponsors were provided with special "thank you" plaques, with photos of the team they participated in or sponsored (all team photos courtesy of Sam Anderson-Coats Photography).

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We so appreciated Westwood Public School's recognition of our donation to their Breakfast Program from the Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee proceeds.

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We handed out cheques totalling $11,500 that morning - it was a very good day!

GIVING BACK....Proceeds from "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" 2014-11-28 00:00:00Z 0

NOVEMBER - Rotary Foundation Month

Posted on Oct 29, 2014

One of the highest profile programs associated with The Rotary Foundation is the End Polio Now program, a global initiative to eliminate polio forever.  Started in 1985 by Rotary and now a partnership of Rotary International, the Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, we are "thisclose" to achieving our goal.  Only 3 countries - Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan - still have reported polio cases, and even those have drastically reduced in numbers.  Our goal is to ensure that no other child ever has to endure the the disease and the debilitating and often times fatal effects of it.

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On October 24th - World Polio Day - Rotarians representing the 6 Clubs in the Guelph, Fergus & Elora cluster assembled with Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge outside of Guelph City Hall for a flag raising.

NOVEMBER - Rotary Foundation Month 2014-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS to 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" Champions!

Posted on Oct 28, 2014
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The "Blue Grass Boys" team from Blue North Strategies managed to nail every word they were presented with, on their way to an impressive 3rd Spelling Championship.  As other teams fell from contention, it was down to the last 2 teams:  "Blue Grass Boys" and the "Literally Quacked" team from the Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington.  It was a classic and exciting competition as the victorious teams from the last 2 years (Blue North in 2012, Rotary Guelph-Wellington in 2013) went head to head for this year's award.  Blue North prevailed and took home - for the third time! -  the coveted Spelling Champion trophy, medals and prizes.

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CONGRATULATIONS to 2014 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" Champions! 2014-10-28 04:00:00Z 0

2014 DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted on Sep 20, 2014
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Congratulations to District Governor Patsy Marshall and her District Conference organizing team on an awesome event held the weekend of September 19-21st 2014 at Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre.  In an innovative move, the program included an actual on-hands service project....packing bags of dry soup mix "soup meals in a bag".  Ably assisted by Rotaractors and Rotary Youth Exchange Students, teams of District 7080 Rotarians wound up packing thousands of bags of soup mix!

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A mixture of different dehydrated ingredients were added to the soup mix bags, providing nourishing meals.  It was work, but worth it!

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Congratulations to Event Chair Margaret Nixon and the organizing team for coming up with a great District Conference.

2014 DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2014-09-20 04:00:00Z 0

ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM: ROAD CLEAN-UP IN ABERFOYLE

Posted on Sep 15, 2014

A small but mighty group of dedicated volunteers met early on Saturday September 13th and cleaned the stretch of Brock Road in Aberfoyle (between the Aberfoyle Mill and Duff's Church).  By starting at 7:30am they were able to escape most - but not all! - of the rain that developed. Thanks to all of you for helping us meet our obligation to the County of Wellington.

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ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM: ROAD CLEAN-UP IN ABERFOYLE 2014-09-16 00:00:00Z 0

17th Annual Guelph Ribfest!

Posted on Aug 25, 2014

District Governor Patsy Marshall, along with ADG (and Rotary Club of Guelph South Member) Margaret Nixon, welcomed Guelphites, and
assisted the event host Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium's President, Mary Visser Kerr, to open Guelph's 17th Annual Ribfest.

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17th Annual Guelph Ribfest! 2014-08-26 00:00:00Z 0
LOBSTERFEST! Saturday September 27th 2014 2014-08-10 00:00:00Z 0

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY (Multiple Sclerosis Society Guelph-Wellington)

Posted on Jul 15, 2014

     This year the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Guelph-Wellington Chapter) is holding our very first Summer Relay! The Val Bremner Memorial Summer Relay is a brand new fundraiser that will be held on August 9th at Ponsonby Recreation Park in Guelph. Participants attending this event will bike or run the country roads of Wellington. The event will be followed by music and entertainment! We will need many volunteers to help on the day of this event to ensure its success.

      I am wondering if members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South would be interested in helping? Volunteers are needed to assist in set up, registration, rest stops, food prep and serving, route logistics, prizes and bartending.

      Interested volunteers can contact me, Sandra Clarke at Sandra.clarke@mssociety.ca or (519) 569-8789. Your support with this initiative would be greatly appreciated! Sandra Clarke | Volunteer Coordinator | Central West Ontario Division MS Society of Canada | 35 Belmont Ave W | Kitchener, ON N2M 1L2 Phone: 519-569-8789 | Fax: 519-569-8475 | Email: sandra.clarke @mssociety.ca

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY (Multiple Sclerosis Society Guelph-Wellington) 2014-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARIAN PAUL MORAN

Posted on Jul 15, 2014

Paul has officially joined the Rotary Club of Trenton as of July 1st  (his moving to Trenton being the lame excuse he came up with for not attending any more of our weekly meetings....).

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 Paul is shown here with Angie Gill, the President of his new Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Trenton (proud home of the 2007-08 Rotary International President, Wilf Wilkinson). 

Seriously though, we're glad that Paul continues to be a Rotarian, even if it's no longer with our Club, and we wish him and his Club all the best!

 

ROTARIAN PAUL MORAN 2014-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

RIBFEST! August 22nd to 24th - Volunteers Needed

Posted on Jul 15, 2014
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Hosted by our sponsor Club, Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium, Ribfest is a wonderful 3-day event (held at "Ribberside Park" in Guelph) that is managed and staffed by volunteers.  Volunteers make this wonderful event happen and we need your support.  There are many different opportunities available for everyone and we encourage you to explore the different volunteer positions and find something that is right for you!   If you are interested in meeting new people, gaining skills, listening to wonderful music and helping your community enjoy itself; Ribfest has an opportunity for you.  (Oh yes, there are also those wonderfully tasty ribs!)

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Go to www.ribfestguelph.com and follow the links for volunteer opportunities.  All volunteer positions will require a police check. Any volunteers serving at the beer tent are required to be Smart Served. All the qualifications are listed with each volunteer opportunity.

Looking forward to seeing you at Ribfest,  volunteers@ribfestguelph.com  (Donna Graham,  Volunteer Coordinator)

RIBFEST! August 22nd to 24th - Volunteers Needed 2014-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

COME JOIN US.....

Posted on Jul 09, 2014
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An awesome 4-minute video, inspired by RI President (2010-2011) Ray Klinginsmith and the work of Rotarians worldwide.  You won't see one photo of rich old men sitting around having lunch!!  Because that's not Rotary, not today.  What you WILL see is what Rotary actually is - examples of more than 1.2 million committed men and women, in more than 200 countries and geographic areas around the world, fulfilling the Rotary objective of "Service Above Self" and President Ray's theme "Building Communities - Bridging Continents".   (The song was written by Jerry Mills.  The video was produced by Rotarian Bob Gallagher with full cooperation from Jerry Mills)  ENJOY!

 

 

COME JOIN US..... 2014-07-10 00:00:00Z 0

THERE'S A ROTARY APP FOR THAT....

Posted on Jul 06, 2014
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Considering how many smartphone devices are now in use, it shouldn't be a surprise that Rotary-specific applications have been developed.  These are all free to download and can become very valuable to Rotarians by providing them with information they need quickly, including contact information for their fellow club members (if they have a ClubRunner website), a club locator (with day and time of meeting and contact information) and subsets of Rotary International website data without having to drill through many screens!

1.  Club Locator:

Find Rotary clubs with our free Rotary Club Locator app. Using your smartphone or tablet, you can search for clubs by keyword, country, state/province, district, and even by meeting day. Or you can simply select the “Near me” feature and find club meeting dates and times within a certain radius of your current location.

The Rotary Club Locator app is available for iOS devices in the , for Android devices in , and for BlackBerry in . Key features:

  • Display a club’s location on a map
  • Search clubs by keyword
  • Search clubs within 1-100 miles of your physical location
  • Save your search results
  • Add a club to your contact list
  • View club officer information (only available to Rotarians and Rotaractors)

2.  ClubRunner Mobile App:

 

The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your ClubRunner website on the go! Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app is comprised of 3 main modules.You now will have the ability to view your member directory, view thearticles posted to your website and locate the nearest club right from your iPhone or iPod, bringing you even closer to being able to connect, collaborate and communicate

 
To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. Our mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 3.1 or later and with versions of Anrdoids that are 2.3.3 or better.
 
Released as Version 1.1, the app currently features the following modules:
 
Member Directory
Immediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse your member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call to any of their phone numbers, email them directly from your iPhone, or even add them to your contacts list.
 
View Posts on Your Website
View the latest feed of home page stories that are on your website, directly on your phone, so you never miss any information!
 
Club Locator
Based on your current geographic location, ClubRunner’s Club Locator will instantly show you a map to visually locate the closest clubs near you. Click on a drop pin to expand and view more information on the club, including their meeting day and time and address. Perfect for doing makeups anywhere in the world!
 
3.  Take Rotary With You
 
     Don't let the slim description of this app fool you!  This smartphone and tablet app enables you to stay connected with Rotary wherever you go. Read the latest Rotary news, keep in touch with Rotary’s social networks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and watch videos. The app also provides direct access to popular documents, Rotary Showcase, Rotary Club Central, the Rotary Shop, and End Polio Now.
     The home screen of the app lets you access the information most regularly and frequently accessed by Rotarians on the Rotary International website, without the need for logging in and drilling through screen after screen to find it.
     It is available only currently for Android and iOS (sorry Blackberry & Windows Phone users!)
THERE'S A ROTARY APP FOR THAT.... 2014-07-07 00:00:00Z 0

SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL TOUR de GUELPH

Posted on Jul 05, 2014
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This inaugural event, in memory of George Vettor, was jointly organized by The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, Rotary Club of Guelph South and Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium.  Not a race, it was a family-friendly cycling event that everyone could enjoy with routes ranging from 5km through University of Guelph grounds up to the 100km route that wound through beautiful countryside roads in Guelph, Puslinch Township, Halton Region and Guelph-Eramosa Township - starting and ending at the University of Guelph.

This event, long overdue for an increasingly cycling-crazy town like Guelph, was modeled after the Cambridge Tour de Grand, now in its 18 year and a local institution.  We are so grateful to Don Pavey, Chair of the Cambridge event, for so graciously sharing his vast knowledge of the organization of events like this.

Our objective was to try to attract about 500 riders for the inaugural event, and we got pretty close, 463!  Mother Nature smiled on us as well, blessing us with a perfect day for a ride that attracted many last-minute registrants.  

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We are so grateful to the many generous sponsors, donors, riders and their pledges, and especially the team of volunteers that made everything go so smoothly for a first-time major event.

We are confident that word will get around about Tour de Guelph, and that it will become a regular and in-demand fixture on the annual Guelph events calendar!  See you in 2015!

SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL TOUR de GUELPH 2014-07-06 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME 2014-15 PRESIDENT GEOFF ALLEN

Posted on Jun 30, 2014
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July 1st is the start of the new Rotary year and that means that we say goodbye, with our thanks, to outgoing 2013-14 President Brian Cowan and welcome new 2014-15 President Geoff Allen.

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Brian passed the gavel over to Geoff at his final regular weekly meeting on June 26th.  Geoff will chair his first regular weekly meeting as President at Springfield Golf & Country Club on Thursday July 10th, 7:30-8:30am.

We are so grateful to Brian for his leadership and contributions to our continuing success over the past year!  Watch our "Past Presidents" page (link on left side of home page) for Brian's wrap-up presentation to the club on June 26th.

Geoff, we are looking forward to your year as President and helping you, as a club, to "Light Up Rotary".

WELCOME 2014-15 PRESIDENT GEOFF ALLEN 2014-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

NEW ROTARY YEAR STARTS JULY 1st "LIGHT UP ROTARY"

Posted on Jun 30, 2014
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RI President Gary C.K. Huang chose "Light Up Rotary" as his theme for 2014-15. Huang was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius who said: "It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness."

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"There are so many problems in the world, so many people who need help. Many people say, 'There's nothing I can do.' So they sit there doing nothing. Meanwhile everything stays dark. The Rotary way is the Confucius way. The Rotary way is to light a candle. I light one, you light one, 1.2 million Rotarians light one. Together, we light up the world," said Huang, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei in Taiwan.

Huang urged club members to "Light Up Rotary" in the coming year by hosting a Rotary Day in their community and including local Rotaract and Interact members in their service projects. "How you Light Up Rotary is up to you," Huang said. "You know where you are strong, you know what your community needs, and you know how you can help."

Huang also shared his membership development goals, including the need for more women and young adults and his goal to increase membership to a total of 1.3 million members. He asked Rotarians to invite their spouses, family members, and friends to join Rotary.  "We need to assume leadership for building strong clubs, and that starts with bringing in new members," he said.

Addressing the status of the fight against polio, Huang noted that with the current momentum Rotary is on track to achieve full polio eradication by 2018.  "When we eradicate polio — and we will — we will have proved ourselves an organization capable of great things. And we'll be even better equipped for the next challenge we choose to take on. We'll have given the world a gift that will endure forever," he said.

By continuing to fight against polio, setting an example in local communities, and growing membership, Huang hopes to see Rotary shine brighter than ever.  "Light Up Rotary is our theme, but it is more than our theme. It is how we live in Rotary, how we think in Rotary, how we feel, how we work," Huang said. "It is how we make a difference — every day, in every club, every district, and every country where we serve."

NEW ROTARY YEAR STARTS JULY 1st "LIGHT UP ROTARY" 2014-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH WINS 4 AWARDS!

Posted on Jun 29, 2014

We couldn't be more proud - our small but mighty Rotary Club took home 4 awards at the District 7080 Changeover Dinner & Awards ceremony held at Hanlon Place Convention Centre on Wednesday June 25th.  President-Elect Geoff Allen represented the Club and received the awards from outgoing District 7080 Governor Mike Gauthier in recognition of our Club's efforts over the past Rotary year, from July 1st 2013.

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The awards included:  2013-14 Presidential Citation with Distinction; 2013-14 Rotary Club Central Award; Recognition of Smaller Club Membership Growth; and Membership Development and Extension Award. Congratulations to all members of the Club who made it all possible!

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH WINS 4 AWARDS! 2014-06-30 00:00:00Z 0

CANADA DAY AT RIVERSIDE PARK July 1st 2014

Posted on Jun 09, 2014

July 1st is Canada Day - and that means the Canada Day Celebration at Riverside Park in Guelph, hosted by the Rotary Club of Guelph!

For more information or to volunteer check out their website at www.canadadayinthepark.ca.

Got Duck? - Race for charity & WIN!

Canad Day in the Park also means the annual Duck Race, a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington.
Information on where you can buy tickets is available on their website  www.gotduck.ca  and tickets are also available at the event.

 

CANADA DAY AT RIVERSIDE PARK July 1st 2014 2014-06-10 00:00:00Z 0

TOUR DE GUELPH....less than 4 weeks away!

Posted on Jun 08, 2014

There's still time to register, either as a rider or as a volunteer, for the inaugural 2014 "Tour de Guelph" family cycling event being held on July 6th 2014 in Guelph.  For more information, or to register online, go to www.tourdeguelph.ca.  

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We're proud to be co-sponsors of this event along with Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium and the Guelph General Hospital Foundation.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation and worthwhile Rotary projects.

TOUR DE GUELPH....less than 4 weeks away! 2014-06-09 00:00:00Z 0

FAREWELL AND BON VOYAGE, WILBERT AND BERTHA ABBOTT

Posted on Jun 01, 2014

      At our May 29th weekly meeting we had an opportunity to spend some time with Majors Wilbert and Bertha Abbott before they retire from their careers with the Salvation Army, most recently as pastors of the Guelph Citadel.  
     
Wilbert was a member of our Rotary Club from October 2009 through June 30th 2013.  At that point he and Bertha focused their efforts on preparing the Citadel for the transition to new leadership and, as of late, getting ready for their move back to their home in St. John's NFLD and retirement!

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       (Rotarian Ann Caine, Wilbert Abbott, Bertha Abbott, and Rotarian Celia Clark - May 29th 2014) 
     Wilbert and Bertha related to us how they came to meet more than 45 years ago and how they moved through the ranks in the Salvation Army through to their current posting in Guelph.  Retirement will allow them more time to spend with their 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
     Thank you to Wilbert and Bertha for their service to our Rotary Club and our community....enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

FAREWELL AND BON VOYAGE, WILBERT AND BERTHA ABBOTT 2014-06-02 00:00:00Z 0

CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted on May 21, 2014

At today's Rotary meeting we welcomed the 3 students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School (Guelph) that we sponsored in the May 6-8 Golden Triangle Camp Enterprise.
As usual, these 3 grade 11 students wowed the group with their presentations and how well they expressed themselves.
All 3 spoke eloquently about how much they took from the 3-day camp, and how they made connections and took life and business lessons that will be helpful to them in their future endeavours.
Thank you Alex, Harrry & Raechel!

 

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                    (L-R:  Raechel Mills, Alex Varney, Harry Sivashankaran)       

CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS 2014-05-22 00:00:00Z 0

OUR NEWEST PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARD RECIPIENTS

Posted on May 12, 2014
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At the May 8th 2014 weekly meeting Rotary Foundation Committee member Anna Lammerding presented President Brian Cowan and Rotary Foundation Chair Andreas Hug with their Paul Harris Fellow Award.  

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                              (L-R   Andreas Hug, Anna Lammerding,  Brian Cowan)

Brian and Andreas are the 10th and 11th respectively Club members to be so awarded.

OUR NEWEST PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARD RECIPIENTS 2014-05-13 00:00:00Z 0

2014 CAMP ENTERPRISE

Posted on May 09, 2014
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      From May 6th to 8th, 3 senior students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School that we sponsored attended the 2014 Camp Enterprise residential program at the University of Waterloo.     Our Rotary Club has sponsored at least 3-4 students to attend this camp every year.
 
     Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle is a cooperative effort between multiple Rotary Clubs (including Rotary Club of Guelph South) in the ‘Golden Triangle’ region surrounding Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and Fergus. Selected students have the opportunity, at no cost, to attend a 3 day immersive camp at the University of Waterloo about business and entrepreneurship. Students get to attend keynote speaker lectures and participate in collaborative activities culminating in a business plan presentation at the end of camp.  More information, programme, photos etc are available on the website www.rotarycampenterprise.com.  
     Our Youth Service Committee Chair, Karen Dowell, quarterbacked our Club's involvement in the camp and had the assistance of other Club members (who transported students, acted as chaperones, etc) and the Guidance Department at Bishop Mac in the selection of the 3 students sponsored for the 2014 camp.
      We look forward to welcoming the 3 students (Harry Sivashankaran, Raechel Mills and Alex Varney) to our May 22nd 2014 weekly meeting where they will tell us about their experience at the 2014 event.

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(I had a great time at the Golden Triangle's Camp Enterprise last week. It was great to see the students' business plans come together from beginning to end. They did a great job and I look
forward to helping out again next year!  
Gabby Dickert, Rotaract Club of Guelph)

2014 CAMP ENTERPRISE 2014-05-10 00:00:00Z 0

TOUR DE GUELPH - Exciting!

Posted on May 05, 2014

It has been wonderful to watch the enthusiastic response to the inaugural 2014 "Tour de Guelph" family-friendly cycling event that is being organized for July 6th.
This event, organized by and benefitting The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital plus worthwhile projects supported by Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, is perfectly timed to coordinate with an increased focus on the benefits of cycling at both the municipal and provincial level.

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Be sure to visit the website  www.tourdeguelph.ca  and register.  Or, if you won't be riding, register to volunteer for one of the many jobs available that day, become a sponsor or make an online donation.

However you can help, it will be appreciated and will be instrumental in making this event the signature event that we know it can be!

TOUR DE GUELPH - Exciting! 2014-05-06 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER SUE ARNOTT

Posted on Apr 24, 2014

On April 17th 2014 we were so pleased to welcome yet another new member to our Rotary Club.....Sue Arnott.  Sue is a Wellness Consultant, through her company and website, www.vitalitylady.ca.  

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         (L-R   President Brian Cowan, Rotarian Sue Arnott, Past President Thomas Newby)


WELCOME NEW MEMBER SUE ARNOTT 2014-04-25 00:00:00Z 0

2014 "Grand Taste" Event - Rotary Club of Centre Wellington

Posted on Apr 13, 2014
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(Rotary Club of Centre Wellington is based in Elora, and is part of our Guelph & Wellington Cluster of 6 Rotary Clubs)

The 9th Annual, this is always a popular event to attend....just be sure you take a big appetite when you go!  
So much wonderful food from all of the different vendors, a great way to get to know some of the Elora-area restaurants.

 

2014 "Grand Taste" Event - Rotary Club of Centre Wellington 2014-04-14 00:00:00Z 0

GUELPH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S TABLETOP SHOW

Posted on Apr 12, 2014

Our Rotary Club joined the Guelph Chamber of Commerce (Category: Service Club) and was proud to register a table at the 2014 "Tabletop Show" hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at Cutten Fields.  We used the opportunity to promote our Club, the inaugural Tour de Guelph cycling event, and our annual Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee.

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We shared the booth with the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium, due to the Tour de Guelph promotion, and Cynthia Walker-Parks and Geoff Allen represented our Rotary Club at this very well attended event!

GUELPH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S TABLETOP SHOW 2014-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

TOUR DE GUELPH - New Website Now Available!

Posted on Apr 08, 2014
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The new website for the 2014 Tour de Guelph in memory of George Vettor is now up and running!  www.tourdeguelph.ca

Check it out!  You will be able to get information and register for the ride.  You can also make a donation, sponsor a rider, or take advantage of many of the sponsorship opportunities available.  Tax receipts for donations are issued immediately.  The website also has a volunteer registration page where you can sign up if you'd like to help out that day.

Just click on the links on the website home page, to either register or donate....it's that easy!

The Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph-Trillium, and the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, thank you for your interest in this event.

 

TOUR DE GUELPH - New Website Now Available! 2014-04-09 00:00:00Z 0

Registration Information for July 6th 2014 Tour de Guelph

Posted on Mar 31, 2014
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Registration forms are now available on our website (under "Site Pages" and "Downloads") and from the new Tour de Guelph website hosted by Foundation of Guelph General Hospital (www.tourdeguelph.ca).  That site will be live very soon and there will be online registration and pledging functions available.  You'll want to take advantage of the discounted early registration fees, only in effect until June 27th 2014.

Also take an opportunity to review the growing list of generous sponsors who are making this event possible.  Again, information on how to become a sponsor is also available on our website or on the Tour de Guelph website.  Any amount is welcome and will support the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital along with worthwhile Rotary projects supported by Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.

Here are the key contacts then for the event, for more information:

For Information on the Event: info@tourdeguelph.ca

Registration registration@tourdeguelph.ca

To Volunteer for the Event: volunteer@tourdeguelph.ca

Thanks for your support!

Registration Information for July 6th 2014 Tour de Guelph 2014-04-01 00:00:00Z 0

TOUR de GUELPH 2014 In Memory of George Vettor

Posted on Mar 29, 2014
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Rotary Club of Guelph South is so excited to formally announce the upcoming inaugural "Tour de Guelph" family-friendly bicycling event to take Sunday July 6th 2014 starting from and finishing at the University of Guelph.  This event is in support of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, and is being jointly organized by the 3 groups.

For this inaugural event a minimum of 600 participants and volunteers of all ages are anticipated, all coming together in support of our community and healthy, active living.

A critical aspect of the event will be sponsorships, and there are many opportunities available, starting with any level of cash donation, in-kind sponsorships and recognized sponsorship levels from "Friend" ($300) to "Presenting" ($15,000).  Information on sponsorship opportunities and logistics of the day itself is being posted on the home page of our Club website as soon as it becomes available.

As well, this event is being held in memory of George Vettor, and some biographical information on this legend of the Guelph bicycling community is included in the "Site Pages" section of this website, under the "2014 Tour de Guelph" heading.

A copy of the Sponsorship Opportunities brochure is found in various places on the left hand side of this website:  in "Download Files", "Site Pages" and "Club Links" areas - please feel free to download the brochure, and to circulate it to anyone or any Company that you feel may appreciate the opportunity!  Please note the critical date of April 25th 2014 for confirming sponsor participation.


TOUR de GUELPH 2014 In Memory of George Vettor 2014-03-30 00:00:00Z 0

DOUGLAS DANE - March 20th 2014

Posted on Mar 20, 2014

On March 20th Doug Dane was our guest speaker, bringing us an inspirational message on overcoming adversity.  In fact his own personal experience - that might have ruined some - he has turned around to become a strength and his motivation to become a motivational coach, through presentations and workshops or one-on-one coaching and guidance.

Douglas Dane is a cognitive authority on changing your life.  He is living proof that it doesn’t matter what you have been through, anyone can achieve amazing things!   For anyone struggling with their past or present, who want to change their future, Doug’s passion is teaching people the secrets to moving through the pain of their past.

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     (Rotarian Celia Clark thanks Doug Dane for his talk, March 20th 2014)

Doug challenges us to "step out on the ledge", to move out of our comfort zone, with reassurance that you won't fall - you'll fly.  He asserts that vertigo - that fear of falling - is actually essential to your success, and that if you change your mind, you can change your life.

(More information on Doug and his story can be seen on his website   www.talkingworks.com)


DOUGLAS DANE - March 20th 2014 2014-03-21 00:00:00Z 0

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - March 13th 2014

Posted on Mar 18, 2014

At the March 13th 2014 weekly meeting we welcomed Rotarian Cheryl Ewing (Rotary Club of Kitchener) who heads the District 7080 Mexico Shoebox Project, now in its 16th year. 

When I took my first trip to Nogales I finally truly understood the power of Rotary. The willingness of strangers to put us up and help us get to the project—the diversity among us, but at our core, common values— it was overwhelming.

The project, now entitled “Shoebox & Beyond”, brings much-needed aid to two impoverished Mexican communities – Nogales and Aqua Prieta.  The program provides shoeboxes filled with necessities such as groceries, blankets, warm clothes, backpacks, hygiene supplies, and textbooks. Through the project they have also been able to provide the community medical supplies, firefighting equipment, educational fire safety colouring books, and one year, even an ambulance!

After four years with the project, one of the Nogales Rotarians said, “Cheryl, you keep coming back and we trust you because you do so.” Cheryl realized that her real success had been about building relationships with the Rotarians of Nogales; getting to know the people her work was helping on a deeper, richer level. Today she says the project is as much about going to visit friends as it is about doing the work of Rotary.

It’s about sustainability; not necessarily in providing things, but in building sustainable relationships. By building these relationships, you truly know the people you are working with and helping, and they feel they can be honest with you about the needs of their community. Even better, understanding how much alike we are in our hearts, that this is where change takes place. That is the power of Rotary.

Today Cheryl leads a District/US team of over a dozen volunteers to make the annual trip to Mexico. “Seeing the changes in the community as a result of our work, and being a major part of that, is something I am deeply proud of.”  In January of 2014 the Shoebox & Beyond project celebrated its 16th anniversary. And it shows no sign of stopping!

Our Rotary Club has supported this project for many years, and Club member Margaret Nixon has gone on 2 of the trips with the District team and serves on the organizing committee.  We were pleased to once again present Cheryl with our donation of $1,000 towards the project.

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   (Rotarian Thomas Newby presents Cheryl Ewing with our $1,000 donation)

And while we were handing out cheques, we presented Rotarian Ann Caine with our cheque for $4,000, our donation made to the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre from the proceeds of the recent "Taste Of Italy" Pasta Dinner held at the Puslinch Community Centre.  (Ann is Executive Director of Sunrise).

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   (Rotarian/Service Projects Committee Chair Frank Oudesluys presents Ann Caine with our $4,000 donation)

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - March 13th 2014 2014-03-19 00:00:00Z 0
ROTARACT CLUB DINNER EVENT - MARCH 28th 2014 2014-03-08 00:00:00Z 0

MARCH IS ROTARY'S "LITERACY MONTH"

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 28, 2014

Every March Rotary International puts the spotlight on the important issue of literacy.  Here is the message from Rotary International President Ron Burton for March 2014:

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MARCH IS ROTARY'S "LITERACY MONTH" Dianne Paron 2014-03-01 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS, RICH & ELAINE

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 28, 2014
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On February 27th 2014 we were excited to welcome 2 new members to our Rotary Club:  Rich Van Dyke and Elaine Bradshaw.

Rich has taken over the Co-operators insurance brokerage on Scottsdale Road in Guelph, previously operated by Rotarian Paul Moran.  Paul also sponsored Rich as a member.  Rich's new involvement with Rotary is consistent with Co-operators long-standing practice of supporting Canadian neighbourhoods and communities.  (L-R:  Rich Van Dyke, Assistant Governor Margaret Nixon and President Brian Cowan)

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Elaine is a Certified Professional Coach and Certified (Advanced) Energy Psychology Practitioner, and through her business provides consulting services to individuals to help them relieve stress and support their success and well-being. She helps them to release stress and anxiety, and achieve their goals with confidence.  (L-R:  President Brian Cowan, Elaine Bradshaw & Rotarian Celia Clark, Elaine's sponsor).

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We know both Rich and Elaine will add value to our Rotary Club and we look forward to getting to know them better!

"Coming together as strangers.....working together as friends"

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS, RICH & ELAINE Dianne Paron 2014-03-01 00:00:00Z 0

INTERESTED IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE?

Posted on Feb 23, 2014

WELCOME TO OUR HOME PAGE!

You may have seen the CTV spots that began on February 24th 2014 and found our Rotary Club through the http://joinrotaryontario.com/ website. 

If so - welcome! - and please feel free to wander through the pages of our website to get an idea of what we're all about.

We're a smaller, newer Club than many others but one that we feel can offer some distinct advantages.  We'd love to meet you in person, so please accept this as our invitation to visit us at one of our regular weekly breakfast meetings.  You will be our guest for the first visit.  We enjoy fellowship, a breakfast, and a program that usually involves an interesting speaker.  We're finished by 8:30am so that everyone can get on with their important business.  We meet at the Springfield Golf & Country Club, 2054 Gordon Street, in the south end of Guelph. 

If you would like to join us for breakfast, and find out if YOU are the missing piece, please give one of us a call ahead of time, and let us know you'll be attending:

          Membership Chair       Margaret Nixon             519-824-0852
          President                    Brian Cowan                 519-763-1268
          Secretary                   Dianne Paron                519-763-1935

Looking forward to meeting you!

INTERESTED IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE? 2014-02-24 00:00:00Z 0

HAPPY 109th BIRTHDAY ROTARY (FEBRUARY 23rd, 2014)

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 21, 2014

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris,  Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.

Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. 

Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

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(The first four Rotarians (from left): Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele,
Hiram Shorey, and Paul P. Harris, circa 1905-12.)

Today - 109 years later - there are more than 1.2 million Rotarians in more than
34,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries!

We are the world's first - and largest - service club.

HAPPY 109th BIRTHDAY ROTARY (FEBRUARY 23rd, 2014) Dianne Paron 2014-02-22 00:00:00Z 0

12th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 21, 2014

The 12th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner at the Puslinch Community Centre was another wonderful success!  A capacity crowd enjoyed a yummy dinner and relaxing fellowship, while a wandering accordionist added to the ambience.  There were door prizes handed out to some lucky guests, and some very impressive raffle and silent auction prizes.

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(Thanks to our friends at Rotaract Club of Guelph for the terrific photo!)

The leftover food was all delivered and donated to the Guelph Drop-In Centre the next morning, and was very much appreciated by Sister Christine.

We're so grateful to all of those that attended, Event Chair Frank Oudesluys and the team of volunteers who made the event happen - especially the very important cooks, it's a big job! - and the many door prize, raffle and silent auction donors.  We are confident that we will, again this year, be able to make a sizable donation to the main beneficiary of the event, Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.  

Thanks for your support and see you in 2015!

12th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 2014-02-22 00:00:00Z 0

12th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY PASTA DINNER" - FEBRUARY 21st 2014

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 31, 2014

Get your tickets NOW for the oh-so-popular "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner being held on Friday February  21st 2014, 6:00pm, at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle. 

Proceeds support Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre and other worthwhile local and international Rotary projects.  This is the 12th annual event and it's always a crowd pleaser, with wonderful food, ambience and fellowship.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children (5 - 12 years of age) and $2.00 for children (4 years of age and younger).  Tickets are available from any Rotary Club of Guelph South member, from Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch, or by calling 519-767-1502.

EXCELLENT FOOD - SILENT AUCTION - RAFFLE AND DOOR PRIZES

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12th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY PASTA DINNER" - FEBRUARY 21st 2014 Dianne Paron 2014-02-01 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARACT CLUB OF GUELPH

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 26, 2014
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The Rotaract Club of Guelph is selling roses for Valentine's Day!  $40 per dozen for beautiful red roses wrapped in cellophane and decorated with ribbon.  Orders can be emailed to rotaract@uoguelph.ca or use their online ordering form (link below):

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LPcod2PcFqd4yT8FpyiQdFeGJ9naLHI4WnehSfuCo04/viewform

Orders will be delivered to the 4 Rotary Clubs in Guelph on their usual meeting day just before Valentine's Day, and can be picked up there.  Alternatively for an additional $10 they can be delivered to another address.

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Proceeds are going to support ShelterBox Canada, providing emergency sheltering options for disaster victims all around the world.

ROTARACT CLUB OF GUELPH Dianne Paron 2014-01-27 00:00:00Z 0

GUELPH-WELLINGTON CLUSTER DINNER JAN 21st 2014

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 24, 2014

The Rotary Guelph-Wellington Cluster held the first of several area, multi-club events
of the 2013-2014 year. The featured speaker, Ron Denman, charter president of
WASRAG (the Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group) and worldwide authority
on Rotary water projects, spoke to a group of approximately 100 Rotarians, spouses,
friends and 16 Guelph Rotaractors on Tuesday evening, Jan 21stat the Guelph Golf
and Country Club.

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  (Featured guest speaker Ron Denman, Guelph Country Club, Jan 21, 2014)

His message was clear. Many past water projects have failed in that they provided
wells, western technology and goodwill, but fell short of meeting true local needs,
aligning with local culture, providing local employment and revenue opportunities,
and most importantly long term sustainability. But the good news was that the
new Global Grant structure has worked to address these issues and now projects
must adhere to clear needs assessments, involvement of local people and be truly
sustaining in nature. WASRAG has numerous projects on the go and even more
clubs are getting involved in long term work. Gone are the days of a simple small $$
project developed and completed in one year. Collaboration with multi clubs here at
home and working closely with the host clubs and local recipient peoples abroad are
solving real problems and making a lasting difference in the world.

Water is not the end goal. Water is a means to it.

Other dinners are planned and Ron’s presentation is available for all to share.
Check out more information about WASRAG onwww.wasrag.org.

GUELPH-WELLINGTON CLUSTER DINNER JAN 21st 2014 Dianne Paron 2014-01-25 00:00:00Z 0

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Dec 15, 2013

Thomas Newby, on behalf of wife Becky, son Lucas and especially daughter Hannah (@HopeforHannah12) expresses his family's gratitude to everyone that so generously contributed all of the new unwrapped toys that will be distributed next week to children in both Sick Childrens' Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Toronto.

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(Lucas and Hannah with about half of the toys collected, ready to be distributed on December 19th 2013)

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!! Dianne Paron 2013-12-16 00:00:00Z 0

GUELPH CLUSTER DINNER - January 21st 2014

Posted by Dianne Paron on Dec 15, 2013
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On Tuesday January 21st 2014 the Guelph Cluster of Rotary Clubs will proudly host a very special dinner meeting with the theme being Rotary International's "Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group" (WASRAG).  The dinner meeting is being held at the Guelph Golf & Curling Club, and will feature a very special keynote speaker - Dr. Ron Denham, Chair of WASRAG and a member of the Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton.

 

(In the Youtube video above, Dr. Ron Denham, Chair of the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group, talks about the importance of work undertaken in the areas of water and sanitation for sustainable development. How Rotarians contribute through projects and local clubs and how UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education can be more involved through its vast knowledge and expertise, as well as its alumni network and partner institutes in the regions.)

GUELPH CLUSTER DINNER - January 21st 2014 Dianne Paron 2013-12-16 00:00:00Z 0

2013 SPELLING BEE DONATIONS & PLAQUE PRESENTATIONS

Posted by Dianne Paron on Dec 11, 2013

On December 12th 2013 the Rotary Club of Guelph South held a special meeting where $11,500 in donations were distributed (Wyndham House STEP Program, Westwood Public School Breakfast Program & Friends of Ile a Vache Haiti) and some of the team representatives were in attendance to receive "thank you" plaques with team photos for their participation in the very successful event held on October 24th 2013.

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2013 SPELLING BEE DONATIONS & PLAQUE PRESENTATIONS Dianne Paron 2013-12-12 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEWEST MEMBER....BRUCE MACEACHERN

Posted by Dianne Paron on Dec 04, 2013

On November 28th 2013, prior to the start of the Rotary Club of Guelph South's Annual General Meeting, Bruce MacEachern was inducted as our newest member.  Bruce is owner of Amplify Coaching & Consulting, and was looking for an opportunity to give back to the community.  After attending a few of our meetings, he indicated an interest in joining Rotary, and was subsequently sponsored by Rotarian Paul Moran. We welcome Bruce to the Club, and know that he will be a wonderful addition.

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(L-R Rotary Club of Guelph South 2013-2014 President Brian Cowan, newest Rotarian Bruce MacEachern, sponsoring Rotarian Paul Moran and Rotarian Karen Dowell, at Bruce's induction on November 28th 2013)

WELCOME NEWEST MEMBER....BRUCE MACEACHERN Dianne Paron 2013-12-05 00:00:00Z 0

2014-2015 Board of Directors

Posted by Dianne Paron on Nov 27, 2013
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The Club's leadership team for the 2014-2015 Rotary year (that begins on July 1st 2014) has been pretty much finalized.
 
Two Directors from the 2013-2014 Board will not be returning - Frank Oudesluys, a Charter Member and 2 time Past President, will be taking a well deserved break from the Board, having served on it continuously in some form since we were chartered....thank you for your service Frank!  And Past President Paul Moran, also a member of the Board for many years, will be relocating to the Quinte area after the new year....thank you too for your service Paul, you will be missed!

So here is the current roster for the incoming Board of Directors - the status of the President-Elect position will be updated as it too becomes finalized.  Thank you to the Club members who allowed their names to stand for nomination to the Board of Directors.

PRESIDENT        Geoff Allen
PRESIDENT-ELECT       TBA
PAST PRESIDENT       Brian Cowan
SECRETARY       Dianne Paron
TREASURER       Peter Clark
DIRECTOR       Thomas Newby
DIRECTOR        Karen Dowell
DIRECTOR       Celia Clark
DIRECTOR        Cynthia Walker-Parks

 

 

2014-2015 Board of Directors Dianne Paron 2013-11-28 00:00:00Z 0

SHELTER BOX CANADA - Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Relief

Posted by Dianne Paron on Nov 17, 2013
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We’ve all been shocked by the devastation in the Philippines as a result of the enormous and destructive Typhoon Haiyan - believed to be the most powerful storm ever to make landfall.
ShelterBox Canada, a registered charity, is assembling funds from donations that will be matched by the Canadian Federal Government until December 8th, for humanitarian aid shipments of temporary shelters and other essential goods.

A Global Gift catalogue is also available on their website, where you can order holiday gifts starting from $20.00 All Global Gift donations received by December 8th 2013 will be going towards Typhoon Haiyan relief and will be matched by the Canadian Government.  Start a new holiday tradition!
** Special Note:  this date has been extended now to December 23rd 2013 **
Go to www.shelterboxcanada.org or phone toll-free 1-855-875-4661 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Eastern Time) to donate quickly and easily online:

 

 

Ever wondered what's actually in a Shelter Box?  Here's a graphic showing typical contents:

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SHELTER BOX CANADA - Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Relief Dianne Paron 2013-11-18 00:00:00Z 0

NOVEMBER IS "ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH"

Posted by Dianne Paron on Nov 11, 2013

On Thursday November 7th we welcomed Past District Governor Robert Palmateer to our weekly meeting.  Bob is the District 7080 Chair for Rotary Foundation and spoke of "why" it is so important for us all to support Rotary Foundation, "our charity".

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(L-R Rotary Foundation Chair Andreas Hug, PDG Bob, Assistant Governor Margaret Nixon and President Brian Cowan)

The Club was proud to make a $500 donation to Rotary Foundation's "Polio Plus Fund" that will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, making it into $1,500 - enough to immunize about 2500 children against this terrible crippling disease.  Rotary has been working with the United Nations, World Health Organization and Centre for Disease Control since about 1985 in a global project to finally eradicate the disease.

NOVEMBER IS "ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH" Dianne Paron 2013-11-12 00:00:00Z 0

"PICK A POINSETTIA" FUNDRAISER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 31, 2013
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The Rotary Club of Guelph South is pleased to offer this wonderful selection of poinsettia pots (provided by Terra Nurseries) to help support our fundraising projects.  A part of your purchase price will be donated to the Rotary Foundation Fund, in support of community projects in Puslinch, the City of Guelph and programs that help communities in developing countries.

What a wonderful seasonal gift to deliver your greetings, whether it's "Cheers" or "Thank you" or "Thinking of you".  Something special for family and friends, but don't forget your local dry-cleaner, corner store manager, the person who cuts your hair....or just brighten up your own space, at home or office.

THE DEADLINE FOR ORDERS IS THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7th 2013.  Follow through the rest of this story for a copy of the order form.

Thanks for your support!!

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"PICK A POINSETTIA" FUNDRAISER Dianne Paron 2013-11-01 00:00:00Z 0

WORLD POLIO AWARENESS DAY (October 24, 2013)

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 24, 2013
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Presidents of the Guelph Cluster of Rotary Clubs, along with the Assistant Governor, assembled at Market Square (Guelph City Hall) for the official flag-raising in honour of 2013 World Polio Awareness Day on Thursday October 4th 2013.

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WORLD POLIO AWARENESS DAY (October 24, 2013) Dianne Paron 2013-10-25 00:00:00Z 0

8th ANNUAL "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE"

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 24, 2013

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(L-R Rotary Club of Guelph South President Brian Cowan, "Literally Quacked" team members, Rotarian Bill Hammond)

Congratulations to the winners of the 8th Annual "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" held at Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre on Thursday October 24th 2013:

"Literally Quacked"  team from Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington

In their 8th appearance, the Rotary Club of Guelph-Wellington's team finally captured top prize, nailing the word G-N-E-I-S-S-I-C.

Other winners:

Most Pledge $$ Raised:                         "BEE-Leeve in Realtors" team (Royal LePage Royal City Realty & Re/Max Real Estate Centre)

Runner-up Most Pledge $$ Raised:         "Spellicans" team (Paul Moran Insurance Inc, The Co-operators)

Best Costume:                                      "Wicked Spellers" team (AIDS Committee of Guelph & Wellington County)

Best Team Spirit:                                  "BEE-Leeve in Realtors" team (Royal LePage Royal City Realty & Re/Max Real Estate Centre)

 

Watch for a photo gallery from the event within the next few days - photos courtesy of Bob Housser Photography.

 

8th ANNUAL "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" Dianne Paron 2013-10-25 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH IS ON TWITTER!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2013

 Twitter  We're looking forward to sharing our latest news.....in 140 characters or less! Follow us and we'll keep you informed as to upcoming speakers, events and other relevant Rotary news.  Our Twitter handle is @gsrotary (GuelphSouthRotary).

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH IS ON TWITTER! Dianne Paron 2013-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

2013-2014 ROTARY THEME - A Message from Rotary International President Ron Burton

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2013
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    The Rotary club meeting you walk into today might, at first glance, seem very different from the weekly meetings of 50 years ago. And if you could pay a visit to every one of Rotary’s 34,000 clubs, you’d see men and women from all different backgrounds, speaking just about every one of the world’s languages, involved in service projects from the local to the global. You’d see clubs that are getting together to repair a neighborhood playground this weekend, while working in partnership with other clubs to install sanitary facilities in a school thousands of miles away. And you’d see a group of people who are absolutely committed to making the world a better place, in ways large and small.
   There’s a lot that’s different about Rotary today. But the foundation that Rotary is built on hasn’t changed. Rotary is based, as it’s always been, on our core values: service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. These are the values that define us as Rotarians: they’re the values we live by, and the values we strive to bring to the communities we serve. Every one of us in Rotary is here because we
were invited, and because we made a choice to accept that invitation. Every day since then, we’ve been faced with another choice: whether to just be a member of a Rotary club, or to truly be a Rotarian.
   Being a Rotarian is a commitment that goes far beyond just showing up at meetings once a week. It means seeing the world, and our role in it, in a unique way. It means accepting our communities as our responsibility, and acting accordingly: taking the initiative, making the effort, and doing what’s right, not what’s easy.
   All of us came to Rotary to get involved, and to make a difference. And in Rotary service, as in just about everything else in life, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. If you only put in a token effort, you won’t accomplish very much, and you won’t find very much satisfaction in what you do accomplish. But when you make the decision to truly engage Rotary — to bring Rotary service and Rotary values into every day of your life — that is when you start to see the incredible impact that you can have. That’s when you find the inspiration, the excitement, and the power to truly change lives. And no one’s life will be changed more than your own.
   In the 2013-14 Rotary year, our theme, and my challenge to you, will be Engage Rotary, Change Lives. You’ve chosen to wear a Rotary pin. The rest is up to you.

Ron Burton, Rotary International President 2013-2014

2013-2014 ROTARY THEME - A Message from Rotary International President Ron Burton Dianne Paron 2013-07-01 00:00:00Z 0
HAPPY 146th BIRTHDAY CANADA! Dianne Paron 2013-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

2013 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 17, 2013
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John Hewko, General Secretary of Rotary International, shared this photo and story from Lisbon Portugal, site of the 2013 Rotary International Convention.  More than 20,000 Rotarians will be in attendance at the event that runs from June 23-26.  The photo is of Belem Tower, illuminated with the "End Polio Now" image.

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After 25 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions.

Reaching the ultimate goal of a polio-free world presents ongoing challenges, not the least of which is a hundreds of million dollar funding gap. Of course, Rotary alone can't fill this gap, but continued Rotarian advocacy for government support can help enormously.

As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk. The stakes are that high.

                                                        *****

Good news from the Independent Monitoring Board, which said that "Stopping polio transmission by end 2014 is a realistic prospect."

Rotary International and its partners CDC, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and World Health Organization (WHO) have been working tirelessly to eradicate polio. Learn more about our work at www.endpolio.org

The Independent Monitoring Board , which is charged with evaluating progress and assessing risks in the global polio
eradication program, issued its seventh report.

The report concluded that "stopping polio transmission by the end of 201...4 is a realistic prospect" if the program continues to improve and address key risks

"All of those who work towards polio eradication should be proud of what they have achieved over the last two years. The prospects of interrupting polio transmission globally have been transformed by their work." http://ow.ly/lKzk5
See More
2013 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN LISBON, PORTUGAL Dianne Paron 2013-06-18 00:00:00Z 0

VISIT FROM GRAEME ARCHIBALD, DISTRICT 1010 ASSISTANT GOVERNOR

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 04, 2013

At our June 6th 2013 weekly breakfast meeting we were pleased to once again welcome Graeme Archibald who is here from Scotland visiting his daughter and grandson who live in Guelph.  Graeme last visited our club in October 2012, and it was wonderful to see him again!  Graeme is Assistant Governor for District 1010 in northern Scotland, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Rotary Club of Elgin, a club of 74 members with one very special honourary member.....HRH Princess Royal (Princess Anne).  Graeme's role as Assistant Governor has him responsible for 12 clubs.  Graeme's club meets on Thursdays as well, although they are a lunch club.

Our club also boasts an Assistant Governor - Margaret Nixon - so we couldn't resist the opportunity to photograph the two Assistant Governors together!

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Some more information on District 1010, and Graeme's home club, follows.....

VISIT FROM GRAEME ARCHIBALD, DISTRICT 1010 ASSISTANT GOVERNOR Dianne Paron 2013-06-04 04:00:00Z 0

1st GRATE GROAN-UP SCAVENGER HUNT

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 02, 2013
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   On Saturday June 1st the Rotary Club of Guelph South held its first "Grate Groan-Up Scavenger Hunt".  This event was developed, a joint effort by the Membership and Public Relations Committees, to have fun as a Club and to raise both the profile of our Club and the nearby new local businesses in the Clair & Gordon retail/commercial quadrant.
   There was no fundraising involved here!  Rather, teams of members (with their distinctive yellow Rotary shirts on), some with family or friends, were given a set of clues - from those clues they had to identify the business that clue represented, then go to that business and "scavenge" some token (eg. business card) to show that they had been there.  The winning team was the one that captured the most within the 1 hour time limit.
   Following the event the teams met back at the Hug residence for a barbeque lunch and more fellowship.  Just more of the fun and camaraderie that our Rotary Club is known for!

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       (Scavenger Hunt team members with LOTS of samples from Global Pet Foods & Royal Canin)

We are grateful to the local businesses that participated.  A link to the Photo Journal from the event is posted on the left side of the website home page.

Now we can't wait to hold another, even bigger and better, event!

1st GRATE GROAN-UP SCAVENGER HUNT Dianne Paron 2013-06-03 00:00:00Z 0

GRATE GROAN-UP SCAVENGER HUNT!

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 25, 2013

The Rotary Club of Guelph South is pleased to announce an innovative new event designed to raise the profile of our Rotary Club and the new retail/commercial businesses in the Clair & Gordon quadrant.  Not a fundraiser, this is also a fun fellowship event for the Club members.  Having fun wihile serving others is very much a priority for ALL Rotary Clubs.

The First Annual "GRATE GROAN-UP SCAVENGER HUNT"

What?   This is a fun event where club members follow clues that lead them to colect small items or photos from businesses in the south end of Guelph.

Why?     The Rotary Club of Guelph South is staging this event to raise awareness about the Club and to promote local businesses in the south end of Guelph.  We are hoping to gain new members and we are hoping that businesses will gain new customers as a result of this event.  It is NOT a fundraising event.

When?    Saturday June 1st 2013   11:00am to 3:00pm

Where can I get more info?  Call Geoff Allen (519-766-1091 or 519-546-3991) or Karen Dowell (519-763-0366)

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GRATE GROAN-UP SCAVENGER HUNT! Dianne Paron 2013-05-26 00:00:00Z 0

2013 CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 25, 2013
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"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

On May 23rd our Rotary Club had a presentation by 3 of the 4 Camp Enterprise students from Bishop MacDonell High School that we sponsored for the 2013 event. 

Started in Canada in 1976, by the Youth Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Toronto. Camp Enterprise is a 31/2 day program for high school students.  The program consists of a series of panels, presentations and discussions on the subjects of business and the free enterprise system where students can interact with business professionals.

Since 2005 (9 years) our Rotary Club has sponsored students to attend the Golden Triangle Clubs Camp Enterprise (14 Rotary Clubs from Cambridge, Fergus, Guelph and Kitchener/Waterloo) and this year we sponsored 4 students:  Tyler Lipke, Jackson Jacobi, Sarah Schlotzhauer and Alicia Black.  We are indebted to Les Schmidt, past Guidance Counselor at Bishop Mac and their business club advisor, for his assistance over the years in selecting the future leaders from that school to attend Camp Enterprise.  Les refers to these Grade 11 students as the "best of the best".

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      (L-R:  Bishop Mac students Tyler Lipke, Sarah Schlotzhauer, Alicia Black along with Rotarians Frank Oudesluys & Karen Dowell)

Les introduced the students who all expressed their feeling that the event was FANTASTIC, they loved it and appreciated the opportunity to attend.  The 4th student we sponsored, Jackson Jacobi, unfortunately was unable to attend.

Tyler and Alicia found the negotiating skills workshops and role-playing to be the most valuable (eg. labour vs management).  Sarah's favourite was the famous "Dragon's Den" where they grouped to develop business plans, in their case an eco-friendly cab company using electric cars. 

Alicia expressed that it opened her eyes to both business and Rotary Clubs, and what we do.  They found that you had to quickly get to know the other student participants as you were put in groups for interactive projects.  Tyler expressed that what he got out of it was that you have to fight for what you really want, not low-ball.  Alicia echoed that - you need to stand your ground for something that is important to you.  Sarah appreciated the opportunity to learn about different aspects of business, in particular e-commerce.

The 3 students proceeded to answer questions from the Rotarians in attendance.  Tyler and Sarah are both hoping to attend Wilfred Laurier University because of its business-oriented programs - Alicia is still considering her future plans.

We enjoyed hearing from the students, and from Les Schmidt (although he really needs to work on his shyness, and putting more energy and enthusiasm into his presentations - NOT!) and wish them well in their continuing educational endeavours.

2013 CAMP ENTERPRISE STUDENTS Dianne Paron 2013-05-26 00:00:00Z 0

COAST-TO-COAST BIKE RIDE FOR GUELPH HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 24, 2013
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On May 16th we welcomed Terry Manning who is about to embark on a 6000km bike tour across the US and Canada.  Terry is a member of the Board of Directors for the Foundation, and was accompanied and introduced by David Parr from the Foundation's Planned Giving Committee. Terry came dressed appropriately to promote a bike ride!

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Terry Manning's incredible 6,000 kilometre bike ride across North America begins June 16 at Astoria, Oregon and ends August 5 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with one leg running through Ontario from Sarnia to Niagara Falls. Terry's target is to raise $10/kilometre, a total of $60,000 for Guelph General Hospital's Emergency Department!

Rotarian Geoff Allen, on behalf of our Rotary Club, was pleased to be able to present Terry with a donation cheque for $500.  As of May 16th Terry had already raised more than $14,000 in donations.

A copy of the May 14th Press Release regarding the Coast-to-Coast bike tour follows (click on the "more" link......)

COAST-TO-COAST BIKE RIDE FOR GUELPH HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Dianne Paron 2013-05-25 00:00:00Z 0

R.I.P. PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR DAVE PATTERSON

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 14, 2013

Past District Governor (2007-2008) Dave Patterson has passed away.  Suddenly at his home on Monday, May 13, 2013, David Ray Patterson, long time Palgrave Rotarian, in his 75th year, beloved husband of Pamela Patterson for 49 years. Loving and guiding father of Warren and his wife Heather, Natalie and her husband Brian James. Proud grandfather of Blake, Liam, Sydney, Evan and Chantal. David was honoured to be appointed as District Governor for Rotary and he believed in everything Rotary stood for. Funeral service will be held at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton on Thursday morning, May 16 at 10:30 o’clock.  A reception will follow at the funeral home. A private family interment will be held at Morningside Cemetery, Palgrave. 

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(President-Elect Karen Dowell with District Governor Dave Patterson & Pam Patterson, Oct 4th 2007)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Palgrave Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 844, Bolton  L7E 5T5  - or -  Sleeping Children Around the World, 28 Pinehurst Crescent, Toronto  M9A 3A5.  Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com.

 

R.I.P. PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR DAVE PATTERSON Dianne Paron 2013-05-15 00:00:00Z 0

OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL'S JANNALEE ANDERSON

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 09, 2013

Our May 9th 2013 weekly meeting featured a guest speaker from Opportunity International, VP Operations Jannalee Anderson.  Jannalee gave a presentation on Opportunity International, founded in 1971, an international organization which combines microfinancing and education for sustainable business start-ups in developing countries.

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                                (Rotarian Andreas Hug introduces Jannalee)

Based in London, Ontario, Jannalee is a graduate of both the H.B.A. and the M.B.A. programs at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, where she became an instructor and an international recruiter. She also taught at Tong Ji University in Shanghai and worked as a forecasting and pricing analyst at McCormick Canada.   

Subsequently, as an Assistant Professor of Business at Tyndale University College, Jannalee developed a Micro-enterprise Development course and field research trip to Central America as well as co-founded the International Development degree program. As a result of her growing passion and involvement with microfinance, Jannalee accepted a position on the Philanthropy team with Opportunity International Canada. In this role, she seeks to build partnerships with individuals, businesses, and foundations that want to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for people living in poverty.

Having visited more than twenty countries in the developing world, Jannalee has witnessed the need for transformational microfinance first-hand. “I have not discovered anything more effective than microfinance in breaking the cycle of poverty.” says Jannalee. “Opportunity is a story of hope, dignity, stewardship, and sustainable development.”

 

OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL'S JANNALEE ANDERSON Dianne Paron 2013-05-10 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER OLIVIA HADAR

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 24, 2013

The Rotary Club of Guelph South held a most special new member induction ceremony today, Thursday April 25th 2013.  At that meeting Olivia ("Livvy") Hadar received her new member pin and was formally welcomed to the Club by Assistant District Governor Margaret Nixon and her sponsor (and the Club's Membership Chair) Geoff Allen. 

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(L-R:  New Rotarian Livvy Hadar, Sponsor Geoff Allen, ADG Margaret Nixon)

What was very special about the event was the fact that it was both Livvy and Margaret's birthday!  Both "birthday girls" sported special badges for the day.

Livvy is owner of an English Language Consulting firm in Guelph, and we know already will be a valuable addition to our Club.

Welcome to Rotary Livvy from all your new Rotarian friends!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER OLIVIA HADAR Dianne Paron 2013-04-25 00:00:00Z 0

GRAND TASTE 2013 EVENT IN ELORA

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 13, 2013

 The Rotary Club of Centre Wellington Centennial (Elora) is hosting this, their marquee event, on April 28th.  It is a wildly popular event - amazing food and it raises funds for a great cause, the Groves Hospital (Fergus) Foundation.

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GRAND TASTE 2013 EVENT IN ELORA Dianne Paron 2013-04-14 00:00:00Z 0

ATTENDING HER FIRST ROTARY MEETING.....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 03, 2013

We were so pleased to welcome a very special visitor to our April 4th 2013 weekly meeting - Miss Hannah Newby!

Hannah's father is Rotary Club of Guelph South President (2012-2013) Thomas Newby.  Hannah is clearly daddy's girl.  Hannah just turned 1 year old last month, 2 months after a very successful heart transplant operation.

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ATTENDING HER FIRST ROTARY MEETING..... Dianne Paron 2013-04-04 00:00:00Z 0

2013 CAMP ENTERPRISE

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 01, 2013

Camp Enterprise Golden Triangle is a cooperative effort between multiple Rotary Clubs in the ‘Golden Triangle’ region surrounding Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and Fergus. Selected students have the opportunity, at no cost, to attend a 2 day immersive camp at the University of Waterloo about business and entrepreneurship. Students will get to attend keynote speaker lectures and participate in collaborative activities culminating in a business plan presentation at the end of camp.

The Rotary Club of Guelph South continues its annual tradition of sponsoring 3 students from Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School in Guelph, providing the cost of the program and transportation to and from the event.  Members of the Club also serve on the organizing Committee for the annual event.

Following the event we welcome the students to a weekly meeting where they give us their impressions of the event and an overview of the various activiites that they took part in.

For more information see the webpage:   http://rotarycampenterprise.com

Correspondence received from a previous year participant:  

Prep Exercise

Camp Enterprise is very physically and mentally exhausting, but well worth it. I thought I knew a lot about business before this camp, but I will walk away from it with new and interesting knowledge about the business industry. Overall, Camp Enterprise is one of the best experiences I have had during my high school career and I would encourage anyone who is interested in business to participate in this camp. As well as having fun and making new friends, Camp Enterprise has helped prepare me for university. And what I can expect next year in a business program.          Sophie Roe

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2013 CAMP ENTERPRISE Dianne Paron 2013-04-02 00:00:00Z 0

WE'RE THIS CLOSE TO ENDING POLIO....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 23, 2013
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 Rotary International and Rotary clubs throughout the world have partnered with the World Health Organization and UNICEF in a project to eradicate the scourge of polio for once and for all....and we are THISCLOSE to finishing the job!

     

Click on the 'More" link below to see a timeline of Rotary's involvement with this worthwhile global project.  Donations towards eliminating the $5.5 billion funding gap - the amount estimated to complete the eradication of polio in the last 3 endemic countries - can be made online at the Rotary Foundation Canada website (www.trfcanada.org).

WE'RE THIS CLOSE TO ENDING POLIO.... Dianne Paron 2013-02-24 00:00:00Z 0

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 10, 2013

 

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Once again the annual "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" in Puslinch, supporting Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, was a resounding success!

Despite the worst snowstorm in 5 years, hungry supporters of Sunrise and Rotary turned out in large numbers to feast on sumptious pasta, meatballs, salad, desert and beverages.  Generous donors and sponsors provided gifts and services that were auctioned and raffled off, and some lucky diners walked away with great door prizes as well.

We're grateful to all those who supported the event, and to the volunteers who organized, decorated, cooked and cleaned.  We're also grateful to the Township of Puslinch for ensuring that the Community Centre parking lot was cleaned, even during that snowstorm, allowing easy access for all our hungry guests.

 

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Dianne Paron 2013-02-11 00:00:00Z 0

11th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 10, 2013

Get your tickets NOW for the oh-so-popular "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner being held on Friday February 8th 2013, 6:00pm, at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle.  Proceeds support Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre and other worthwhile local and international Rotary projects.

This is the 11th annual event and it's always a crowd pleaser, with wonderful food, ambience and fellowship.

 

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Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children (5 and older) and $2.00 for children (4 and younger).  Tickets are available from any Rotary Club of Guelph South member, from Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch, or by calling 519-767-1502.

EXCELLENT FOOD - SILENT AUCTION - RAFFLE AND DOOR PRIZES

11th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 2013-01-11 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER BRUNO MARZIANO

Posted by Dianne Paron on Dec 03, 2012

On Thursday November 29th 2012 the Rotary Club of Guelph South was pleased to induct its newest member....Bruno Marziano.  Bruno was sponsored by Past President Frank Oudesluys.  Frank could not attend the induction ceremony, so Membership Chair Geoff Allen stepped in and did the honours.

Bruno's classification is "General Contracting - Design/Build".  It is particularly appropriate that he would become a Rotarian - he is the son of Rotarian Ralph Marziano, a member of our sponsor club (Guelph-Trillium) and Jane Marziano, a past member of our club.

We know that Bruno will add energy and commitment to our group, and we are proud to welcome him!

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WELCOME NEW MEMBER BRUNO MARZIANO Dianne Paron 2012-12-04 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Membership Update - November 22nd 2012

Posted by Dianne Paron on Nov 24, 2012

On November 22nd we welcomed Kathi Smith, a Rotarian who serves on the Membership team at District 7080.  She updated the club members on  the latest Rotary membership numbers, and initiatives being developed at the District level to help clubs attract new members and retain the members they already have.  Assistant District Governor Margaret Nixon (L) and the club's Membership Chair Geoff Allen (R) thanked Kathi for her presentation.

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Rotary Membership Update - November 22nd 2012 Dianne Paron 2012-11-25 00:00:00Z 0

LEST WE FORGET.....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Nov 08, 2012

On November 8th 2012 we were honoured to welcome MBdr Evan Shields who spoke to us about his career in the Canadian Military, including serving in Afghanistan.  "MBdr" is the "Master Bombardier" rank in the Canadian Artillery branch of military.  MBdr Evan is a Guelph native, a reservist bombardier with Guelph's 11th Field Artillery who served in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009.  His inspiration for a military career is his grandfather, Howard Wilson, a Second World War veteran and soldier for 31 years.  We are grateful to Rotarian Geoff Allen and his wife Deb for arranging such an inspirational speaker during Remembrance Week!

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(L-R President Thomas Newby, MBdr Evan Shields, Rotarian Geoff Allen)

LEST WE FORGET..... Dianne Paron 2012-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY PEACE DINNER - November 14th 2012

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 31, 2012

  2012ThemeLogo       Local Rotarians Advocate for Peace

Rotarians across Wellington County will come together on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 to advocate for peace. Charged by Rotary International, Rotary will host a dinner to advocate for global peace beginning at 6 pm at Guelph Place, 492 Michener Rd., Guelph.

Dr. Ian Spears, associate professor, Department of Political Science, University of Guelph will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Spears has spent his professional career studying conflict and war; why it remains such a part of our contemporary world; and, how to put an end to war and conflict.

Who?                           Local Rotary Clubs across Wellington County

What?                          Rotary Peace Dinner

When?                         Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Where/Cost?               Guelph Place Banquet Hall, 492 Michener Rd., Guelph. $35/ticket

Who is invited?           All members of the community including youth, immigrants to forge new friendships and partnerships

Why?                           The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace is one of the cornerstones of the Rotary movement. Rotary has established itself as a world leader in fostering Peace Through Service. Rotary has accomplished a great deal in this area throughout our history, but we must continue to look forward and recognize the future of Rotary and the future prospects for world peace.

To purchase tickets contact: tel: 519-824-0852

For more information contact: Sandra Lastovic,

tel: 519-835-9930, Lastovic.s@mortgagecentre.com

ROTARY PEACE DINNER - November 14th 2012 Dianne Paron 2012-11-01 00:00:00Z 0

2012 "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE"

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 18, 2012
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As promised....here are the 10 words used during the "Audience Spelling Game" at the 2012 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee".  Congratulations to all the winners!

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2012 "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" Dianne Paron 2012-10-19 00:00:00Z 0

2012 SPELLING CHAMPIONS!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 18, 2012
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Congratulations to 2012 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" winners - BLUE NORTH STRATEGIES!

BLUE NORTH STRATEGIES also won the 2008 Spelling Bee, and have been back each year attempting to repeat.  Last night their team "The Blues" held on to beat out a persistent opponent, the DAVIES & MAHNKE PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT "Money Bees" team, going six rounds to finally decide who would be able to claim spelling supremacy for another year.

Congratulations to the members of the Blue North Strategies winning team - Brent Klassen, Kris Culp and Lisette Vanderkamp.

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The winning team with their Champions Trophy, Medals and Prizes - with (r) Rotarian Brian Cowan (photograph courtesy of Bob Housser Photography)

2012 SPELLING CHAMPIONS! Dianne Paron 2012-10-19 00:00:00Z 0

WHO DOES THE "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" HELP???

Posted by Dianne Paron on Aug 31, 2012

For 2012 your support of the Spelling Bee will help Wyndham House, Guelph Wish Fund for Children, and our Nicaragua project, Condimentos del Carizal, along with our worthwhile Rotary projects.

ImageWYNDHAM HOUSE:
Located in Guelph, Wyndham House operates both a young men and young women's Long Term Residential Program, each staffed 24 hours a day, each with capacity for eight youth.  The clients have full access to a Life Skills Development Program as well as an After Care Support Program, thus empowering and educating them with the skills and abilities needed to make positive, healthy life choices about their future.  In addition to the Long Term Residential Program, their programs include an Emergency Youth Shelter as well as a Youth Resource Centre in the downtown.  For more information visit their website at www.wyndhamhouse.org.

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This organization grants a favourite "wish" to children who are 19 years of age and under, who have serious or life-threatening illnesses, severe handicaps, or who have been critically injured.  The child must reside in Guelph and South Wellington County.  It is the hope of the charity to provide the child and family with a special moment or memory that will help, if only for a short time, to relieve the pain and anxiety caused by their illness or injury.  The Guelph Wish Fund for Children also provides support to deserving children, and their families, who must travel outside our community for treatment and therapy.  For more information visit their website at www.guelphwishfund.org.

CONDIMENTOS DEL CARIZAL:
This is an economic development project in Nicaragua, initiated by our Rotary Club.  We have provided start up funding for a group of women to start a small preserve making business using locally available tropical fruits.  Several members of our Club have already visited this economically disadvantaged village near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.   More information is available on our website.
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We are grateful for the support of everyone through the "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" and look forward to continuing to support such worthwhile projects and organizations!

WHO DOES THE "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" HELP??? Dianne Paron 2012-09-01 00:00:00Z 0

THE ROTARY CLEAN-UP CREW AT WORK....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Aug 21, 2012

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Members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South took advantage of the beautiful weather on Saturday August 18th to clean the stretch of Brock Road in Aberfoyle that they have taken responsibility for, through the County of Wellington's "Adopt-A-Road" program.  Public Relations Chair Karen Dowell had recently arranged for custom t-shirts for club members and volunteers, and on Saturday they had their debut!

 


THE ROTARY CLEAN-UP CREW AT WORK.... Dianne Paron 2012-08-22 00:00:00Z 0

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE SPELLING BEE TEAM....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Aug 02, 2012
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Every team registered for the 2012 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" will be collecting pledges, and there are prizes for the team members of the two teams that collect the most in the way of pledges.  Also, teams that collect more than $500 in pledges are eligible to collect a "Spell-Over" allowing them another chance to spell a word that they may not have spelled properly.  Teams that collect more than $1,000 in pledges are eligible for a second "Spell-Over".  As a bonus, the 1st team that collects $500 in online pledges is eligible for yet another "Spell-Over"!  

While we have about a dozen teams confirmed verbally to date, teams only get added to the CanadaHelps list when we receive their registration forms.  Congratulations to the Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School team for being first!

You can support your favourite team by making an online pledge via the CanadaHelps website....click on either of the English or French buttons below and support your favourite team of spellers!
Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org! Faire un don maintenant par CanadaHelps.org!

***  For the latest information on sponsors and teams, be sure to click on the
GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE link on the left hand side of this webpage  ***


SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE SPELLING BEE TEAM.... Dianne Paron 2012-08-03 00:00:00Z 0
WHAT ROTARIANS DO WHEN THEY'RE NOT HELPING OTHERS.... Dianne Paron 2012-07-21 00:00:00Z 0

CONFESSIONS OF TWO ROTARY-HOLICS

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 19, 2012

At the July 19th weekly meeting, President Thomas and Past President Frank performed this skit (from PETS, the President Elect Training Session) for the club members:

Confessions of Two Rotaryholics

THOMAS
My name is Name1 and I’m a Rotaryholic.
I really don’t know how it happened.

One day, a friend asked me to join this organization called Rotary. I went to one meeting, it looked like fun. I told my wife: “They meet for about an hour a week. We enjoy a meal, talk about stuff and do a community service project every now and then. I can afford an hour a week, for goodness sake”. 
 
FRANK
Hi, my name is Name2 and I too am a Rotaryholic. What’s an hour a week? And I will make some new friends and help the less fortunate.

What’s that? Our club’s going to help out with Habitat for Humanity next Saturday. Sure! After all, that’s why I joined – community service. It will be fun! You need some folks for the fund-raising committee? I haven’t done anything like that before, but … what the heck. 

THOMAS
Oh yeah, we need someone to volunteer to get the supplies for our Rib-Fest fundraiser next month. Anyone? Anyone? Oh I guess I can handle that.

You need some members to read to deliver dictionaries next week? Sure, why not. Those kids are always so appreciative.

You know, there are AIDS orphans in South Africa that need money so they can go to school and get an education so they’ll have a brighter future. Come on folks, we can help. Let’s put together a committee and see what we can do. 

FRANK
You need fresh water and improved sanitation after the earthquake in Haiti; sure we can raise money for that.

So the club needs volunteers to go house to house and collect food for the food bank. Sure, I can do that and I’ll get my wife and kids to help too.

No, we are not addicted to Rotary or anything like that. We can stop any time we want to. 

THOMAS
What’s that? Our President–elect just left the club and it’s April and we need someone to step up to the plate ‘cause PETS 2 is next week? Sure I can step in.

So, there’s an all-day training program called Club Leadership Training coming up on Saturday in April? Yeah, I guess I need to go.

What’s that? A District Conference in October – 3 days of fun, fellowship and inspiration? Count me in! Come on honey, you should come too. 
 
FRANK
Yes dear, it does seem like I’m spending a lot of my “free” time on Rotary, but it’s all good stuff. You know, we’re making the world a better place! Let’s take our vacation money and instead of lying on a beach somewhere, let’s go to India to combat polio.

The Foundation Dinner, you say? Great speaker, recognizing lots of clubs and individual contributors? The entire district is invited. It’s only $125 for the two of us! 

THOMAS
Oh, as a past club president you think I should serve as an Assistant Governor or at least serve on a District Committee. Yes, I guess I can make that fit. And I guess, no, I won’t drop off any of the club committees I’m already on.

So we need to find a host family for our Youth Exchange student for a few months? We REALLY need someone desperately… I’ll ask my wife and see if we can do it. It’s only for 3 months. We will have to repaint the bedroom. 
 
FRANK
What’s that, Director of Training? You’d like me to accept a leadership role at the District level? I’m flattered. Thank you for the honor….

Thank you for recognizing my work for the District for the last year… well, yes it’s been a lot of work but I’ve enjoyed it. What’s that? Another year? Well, thank you for the vote of confidence. It’s all for the good of Rotary.

What’s that you want me to do? A Rotary International Convention? Sure we can go to Japan or England or New Orleans. Let’s go honey. It will be fun. Let’s rationalize the cost as our vacation. We will get to be with 30,000 other Rotarians all in one place. Wow! 
 
THOMAS
Honestly. It started with just a little job here, a committee there, an event here, a project there... 

FRANK
Pretty soon, everyone around me was telling me: Hey man, you’re hooked. My son thinks I am in a sect of some kind. He say’s, “All you talk about is Rotary.” I tell him it can’t be a sect because it is non-political and non-religious. 
 
THOMAS
Things like Service Above Self, Rotaractors, Interactors, Earlyactors, PolioPlus, TRF, World Community Service, AGs, PEs, DGs, DGEs, DGNN’s, GSEs.

You know, I thought I found a 5-step program to get help. Turned out to be the 5 Avenues of Service! And now I realize I haven’t done anything lately for Vocational Service! Got to do something for Vocational Service…. I’m a TERRIBLE Rotarian! 
 
THOMAS & FRANK
We thought we could stop anytime. We were wrong. What can we say? 
 
THOMAS
My name is Name1 and I’m a Rotaryholic. 
 
FRANK
My name is Name2 and I’m a Rotaryholic. 
 

CONFESSIONS OF TWO ROTARY-HOLICS Dianne Paron 2012-07-20 00:00:00Z 0

2012 DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 10, 2012
The 2012 District Conference features a new twist - it will be a joint event for both Districts 7080 and 7070. 

2012 DISTRICT CONFERENCE Dianne Paron 2012-07-11 00:00:00Z 0

ATTENDANCE RECORDS AVAILABLE ON CLUBRUNNER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2012

Club Members:

You can now check out your Attendance for the year-to-date. Log on to the website and, in the "My ClubRunner" table, click on "My Attendance". You will see a list, by meeting date, as well as make-ups showing when and where you made it (e.g. date, location, club name or committee etc.).

If you find any discrepancies, please advise Secretary Dianne so corrections can be made.



ATTENDANCE RECORDS AVAILABLE ON CLUBRUNNER Dianne Paron 2012-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW PRESIDENT THOMAS NEWBY.....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2012
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July 1st saw the start of a new Rotary year for our Club, and the changeover to a new President, Thomas Newby.  Thomas is looking forward to a productive year, and Past President Paul Moran is looking forward to a well-deserved rest!

On June 28th Paul turned over the gavel to Thomas, President and Past-President pins were exchanged, and Paul was given a gift for his service to the Club.

WELCOME NEW PRESIDENT THOMAS NEWBY..... Dianne Paron 2012-07-01 00:00:00Z 0
PEACE THROUGH SERVICE: 2012-13 ROTARY THEME Dianne Paron 2012-07-01 00:00:00Z 0
DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD: ROTARY FOUNDATION Dianne Paron 2012-06-30 00:00:00Z 0

2012 "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE"

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 20, 2012

 2012 Spelling Bee Poster


Planning for the 7th Annual "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" is well underway and teams and sponsors are being actively recruited. 

Check out the "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" link to the left for more information including sponsorship opportunities, team and sponsor registration forms, pledge forms and more.

Never seen a "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" before?  Go to YouTube and search on Guelph-Rotary-Spelling Bee for a 15-minute video from one of our earlier events....see how much fun you can have by participating!

2012 "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" Dianne Paron 2012-05-21 00:00:00Z 0

WHERE'S GEOFF?

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 22, 2012
About 225 Rotarians attended the Annual Club Leadership Training and Assembly at EC Drury in Milton on the weekend. DGE Ian Ferguson launched the day-long event words of inspiration for the coming year.

Incoming club executive members had an opportunity to listen to veteran Rotarians, who provided valuable information about club management as well as fundraising, Foundation, Public Relations and New Generations to name a few.

Pictured, DG Brian Carmichael speaks to Rotarians about membership.  2012-2013 Director and Membership Chair Geoff Allen was in attendance....can you find him in the photo?

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WHERE'S GEOFF? Dianne Paron 2012-04-23 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER WENDY BANKI

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 08, 2012

On April 5th we welcomed our newest member, Wendy Banki.   Wendy was sponsored for membership by Rotarian Margaret Nixon (left) and formally inducted as a member by President-Elect Thomas Newby (right). 

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Wendy's mentor will be Rotarian Celia Clark.  Wendy is retired from the Commercial Printing industry.  She will be a wonderful addition to our Rotary Club....

WELCOME NEW MEMBER WENDY BANKI Dianne Paron 2012-04-09 00:00:00Z 0
MARCH 22nd IS "WORLD WATER DAY" Dianne Paron 2012-03-22 00:00:00Z 0

WATERLOO WELLINGTON COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS CENTRE

Posted by Dianne Paron on Mar 14, 2012

WWCCAC CEO Kevin Mercer

Waterloo Wellington Community Care Access Centre CEO Kevin Mercer with Rotarians Brian Cowan (who sits on the WWCCAC Board of Directors) and Margaret Nixon at the Rotary Club of Guelph South's March 15th weekly meeting.  Kevin was the guest speaker and updated the Club members on the activities of the WWCCAC and the recent Drummond Report recommendations to the provincial government on health care issues.  Brian introduced Kevin. Margaret thanked Kevin, presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation, and advised him that the Club is making a $20 donation to the PolioPlus worldwide polio eradication cause that Rotary International is partner to that will innoculate 40 children.

WATERLOO WELLINGTON COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS CENTRE Dianne Paron 2012-03-15 00:00:00Z 0

NEW KITCHEN BEING CONSTRUCTED IN NICARAGUA

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 27, 2012

Members of our Rotary Club have been traveling back and forth over the past year to El Carizal, a small community just outside of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, where we have been supporting a local womens jam-making cooperative "Condimentos el Carizal".

Right now Rotarians Richard Puntis and Frank Oudesluys are there (Rotarian Geoff Allen was there a couple of weeks ago) and construction of a proper kitchen has begun, with financial support from Rotary Club of Guelph South.


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NEW KITCHEN BEING CONSTRUCTED IN NICARAGUA Dianne Paron 2012-02-28 00:00:00Z 0

10th ANNUAL TASTE OF ITALY PASTA DINNER A GREAT SUCCESS!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 26, 2012

Pasta for Ponies!! 

Rotary Club of Guelph South recently held their 10th annual Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner at Puslinch Community Centre. This year they raised over $6,000 in support of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre and other worthwhile Rotary projects.  Sunrise is celebrating their 30th anniversary and their volunteers and families came together with Rotarians and the community to enjoy delicious pasta and meatballs, live entertainment and great silent auction items.  The Rotary Club of Guelph South extends a sincere thank you to all who donated or attended and made this event such a success.

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Pictured are MC for the evening Rotarian Brian Cowan and Scott van Engen, Chairman of the Board for Sunrise.

10th ANNUAL TASTE OF ITALY PASTA DINNER A GREAT SUCCESS! Dianne Paron 2012-02-27 00:00:00Z 0

MARGARET NIXON 2012-2014 ASSISTANT DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 12, 2012

Congratulations to Charter Member Margaret Nixon who has been appointed by Rotary's District 7080 to serve as Assistant District Governor, responsible for the Guelph Cluster of 6 Rotary Clubs (Guelph, Guelph-Trillium, Guelph-Wellington, Guelph South, Fergus-Elora and Centre Wellington Centennial).  She will assume this role on July 1st 2012.

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Margaret served two terms as our Club President (2002-2003 and 2006-2007) and is the first member of the Rotary Club of Guelph South to be appointed an Assistant District Governor!

MARGARET NIXON 2012-2014 ASSISTANT DISTRICT GOVERNOR Dianne Paron 2012-02-13 00:00:00Z 0

SORRY FOLKS...IT IS SOLD OUT! 10th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 11, 2012

Get yours before they are sold out!   IT IS A SELL OUT, ONCE AGAIN....

Tickets for this popular fundraising dinner event, held at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle, are now available.  Contact any Rotary Club of Guelph South member, or Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.

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SORRY FOLKS...IT IS SOLD OUT! 10th ANNUAL "TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 2012-01-12 00:00:00Z 0

2nd "PAUL HARRIS FELLOW" FOR NEIL MAHNKE

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 11, 2012

Congratulations to Rotary Club of Guelph South Charter Member Neil Mahnke who was awarded his second Paul Harris Fellow at the December 22nd 2011 weekly meeting.  He received his first in March 2009.

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2nd "PAUL HARRIS FELLOW" FOR NEIL MAHNKE Dianne Paron 2012-01-12 00:00:00Z 0

ONE YEAR WITHOUT ANY NEW POLIO CASES IN INDIA

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 11, 2012
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Rotary club members worldwide are cautiously celebrating a major milestone in the global effort to eradicate polio. India, until recently an epicenter of the wild poliovirus, has gone one year without recording a new case of the crippling, sometimes fatal, disease.
 
India’s last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal State on 13 January 2011. The country recorded 42 cases in 2010, and 741 in 2009.

A chief factor in India’s success has been the widespread use of the bivalent oral polio vaccine, which is effective against both remaining types of the poliovirus. Another has been rigorous monitoring, which has helped reduce the number of children missed by health workers during National Immunization Days to less than 1 percent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rotary celebrates India’s first polio-free year. from Rotary International on Vimeo.

ONE YEAR WITHOUT ANY NEW POLIO CASES IN INDIA Dianne Paron 2012-01-12 00:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS 2011 "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" CHAMPIONS!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Oct 20, 2011

 

 

 The 2011 Champion Speller team is "The U of G Bees" sponsored by the University of Guelph's Office of Research.  The 3 team members were Jane Colwell, Steve DeBrabandere and Laura Beaupre.....all decked out in Harry Potter gear, complete with wands, dry ice and chants! 

CONGRATULATIONS 2011 "GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE" CHAMPIONS! Dianne Paron 2011-10-21 00:00:00Z 0

BUILDING PEACE.....ROTARY WORLD PEACE FELLOWS

Posted by Dianne Paron on Sep 10, 2011
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SEPTEMBER 11, 2011.....We today remember the terrible tragedy of the terrorist attacks against the U.S.  The quest for world peace is even more important since that day.

"Building Peace" takes a look at The Rotary Foundation's Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution program. Hear from the Peace Fellows themselves about the program and learn what they are doing now out in the field. 


 

BUILDING PEACE.....ROTARY WORLD PEACE FELLOWS Dianne Paron 2011-09-11 00:00:00Z 0
NEW ROTARY CLUB FINDER APP Dianne Paron 2011-08-30 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY FOUNDATION 2010-2011 YEAR RESULTS

Posted by Dianne Paron on Aug 21, 2011
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Rotarians and friends of Rotary responded with extraordinary generosity again during the 2010-11 Rotary year. Contributions to our Annual Programs Fund exceeded US$100 million for the fourth time in history, and we far surpassed our goal of $95.5 million. In fact, contributions to the Annual Programs Fund were the second-highest ever, at nearly $108 million. Thanks to each of you for your efforts and personal financial support.


2010-11 RI President Ray Klinginsmith and 2010-11 Foundation Trustee Chair Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar appreciate your contributions. Watch their video message.

Rotary Thanks You from Rotary International on Vimeo.

ROTARY FOUNDATION 2010-2011 YEAR RESULTS Dianne Paron 2011-08-22 00:00:00Z 0

CLASSIFICATION TALK - GEOFF ALLEN

Posted by Dianne Paron on Aug 20, 2011
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Newest member Geoff Allen gave his Classification Talk on August 4th, giving us some insight into his life.  Wife Deb was also in attendance - our first opportunity to meet her as well!

CLASSIFICATION TALK - GEOFF ALLEN Dianne Paron 2011-08-21 00:00:00Z 0

DID YOU KNOW?.....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 31, 2011

There is a WORLD POLIO DAY and it is celebrated on October 24th of each year.

  Ending Polio Worldwide

 There will be more information provided as it becomes available from Rotary International and the District on publicity and events surrounding this day. 

 

DID YOU KNOW?..... Dianne Paron 2011-08-01 00:00:00Z 0

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE FUTURE OF ROTARY

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 31, 2011

Rotary International has embraced the use of social media (eg. Twitter, Facebook) as a means of increasing and improving dialogue between Rotarians and those they interact with.  The following is a 2-minute video overview of what RI considers to be the potential for the use of social media by Rotarians.

 

RI Social Media video from Rotary International on Vimeo.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE FUTURE OF ROTARY Dianne Paron 2011-08-01 00:00:00Z 0

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 30, 2011

On July 31st 2011 the Rotary Club of Guelph South celebrates the 10th anniversary of its chartering.  There are still eight original Charter Members in the Club (Ann Caine, Celia Clark, Peter Clark, Bill Hammond, Neil Mahnke, Margaret Nixon, Frank Oudesluys and Dianne Paron) and there is a vigor, vitality and congeniality in this Club that would be the envy of many others!  Every year we get better and do more good, both locally and internationally.  And we have a heck of a good time doing it!  NOTHING BUT GOOD NEWS AS WE START OUR SECOND DECADE.....

(The original Club photograph taken at the 2001 Charter Night, along with Ralph Marziano of the Guelph-Trillium Club, our sponsor Club, who very much championed our formation) 

Charter Night - Club Photo
HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH! Dianne Paron 2011-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

MARK YOUR CALENDARS.....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 30, 2011
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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26th 2011

5:30pm at the Italian Canadian Club in Guelph 

The Guelph Area Cluster of Rotary Clubs will participate in a District 7080 Mini-Conference (in lieu of the usual annual District wide Conference) that will include a dinner and speakers.   More information will be forthcoming.....

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS..... Dianne Paron 2011-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

DID YOU NOTICE?

Our Club website's "favicon" icon is now the round "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" logo.  A favicon is a small icon, usually 16 x 16 pixels. It is used by browsers for display in the browser's address bar and bookmarks..   For those using the Internet Explorer web browser, when you type in our website URL or otherwise link to it, you will notice in the address bar (at the top of the screen) that, instead of the Internet Explorer "blue e" icon, there is now our Spelling Bee icon! Thanks ClubRunner for this cute little addition to the website.

DID YOU NOTICE? Dianne Paron 2011-07-09 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME 2011-2012 PRESIDENT PAUL MORAN

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jul 08, 2011
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New 2011-2012 President Paul Moran chaired his first weekly meeting as President on July 7th 2011.   He outlined his vision for what the Club could realistically accomplish during the 2011-2012 Rotary year, consistent with the visioning exercise done in June 2010.....

WELCOME 2011-2012 PRESIDENT PAUL MORAN Dianne Paron 2011-07-09 00:00:00Z 0

2011 GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE....TEAM PLEDGES

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2011
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HELP YOUR TEAM REACH THEIR PLEDGE GOAL AND EARN AN ADDITIONAL VALUABLE "SPELL OVER"

Take advantage of the opportunity to donate online via "CanadaHelps", an online website where you can use the drop-down list to select the team that you want to donate to, then make your donation by credit card (VISA, Mastercard or American Express), Interac debit or even PayPal, in a safe and secure online environment.  BONUS: You can even have your tax receipt emailed to you immediately upon making your donation if you choose that option.  You'll be helping your team, and you'll be helping others at the same time.  For 2011 the proceeds from the "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" will be going to Michael House in Guelph, Condimentos el Carizal in Nicaragua, and other worthwhile Rotary projects.

 Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org! Faire un don maintenant par CanadaHelps.org!

2011 GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE....TEAM PLEDGES Dianne Paron 2011-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER.....GEOFF ALLEN

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2011
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June 30th marked the end of the 2010-2011 Rotary year, but happily it was also the induction date of new Rotarian Geoff Allen.  Geoff was sponsored for membership by our incoming 2011-2012 President, Paul Moran.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER.....GEOFF ALLEN Dianne Paron 2011-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

NEW PHOTO ALBUM POSTED

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2011

A new photo album has been posted to the Club website (home page, scroll down on right hand side to "Photo Album" section) and a selection of photos from our 10th Anniversary Charter Night event have been posted.

This new version of the website now has a 'slide show' feature....enjoy! 

NEW PHOTO ALBUM POSTED Dianne Paron 2011-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY....BY THE NUMBERS.....

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 30, 2011
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Did you know these Rotary facts?

Number of Rotarians worldwide

 1,223,083

Number of Rotary Clubs worldwide

       34,164

Number of countries/geographical areas that there are Rotary Clubs

            214

Number of Rotary Districts

            530

Number of Rotaract Clubs (ages 19-30)

         8,440

Number of Rotaract Club Members  

     194,120

Number of Interact Clubs (ages 12-18)  

       13,009

Number of Interact Club Members

     299,207 

 

 

  (May 31st 2011 numbers)

 
   
   
                                                                                            

    

ROTARY....BY THE NUMBERS..... Dianne Paron 2011-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

DONATION OF CISTERN TO HAITIAN VILLAGE

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 25, 2011

The Rotary Club of Guelph South was pleased to be able to donate $600.00 on June 23rd to Bonnie Melichercik of the charitable organization "Friends of Ile a Vache" for the purchase of a rainwater cistern in order to provide clean water.

 

DONATION OF CISTERN TO HAITIAN VILLAGE Dianne Paron 2011-06-26 00:00:00Z 0

10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 25, 2011
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July 31st 2011 marks the 10th Anniversary for the Rotary Club of Guelph South.  To celebrate, Club members, spouses, partners, friends and representatives of other local Rotary Clubs and District 7080 enjoyed a "Nine 'n Dine" event at Springfield Golf & Country Club. 

The event was organized by Past Presidents Margaret Nixon and Neil Mahnke, and Neil MC'd.  

 

10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Dianne Paron 2011-06-26 00:00:00Z 0

"THE ROTARIAN" MAGAZINE....GOING DIGITAL

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 25, 2011

Beginning in July 2011, The Rotarian will bring you the same print content you’ve enjoyed for years -- in paperless form.

If you switch to digital, a link to the new issue will be delivered to your e-mail inbox each month from Zinio, the world’s largest digital newsstand. Plus download the Zinio app on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Samsung Galaxy to take The Rotarian digital magazine with you wherever you go.

Want to trade your print subscription for digital? Go to the Rotary International website and fill in a form to begin receiving your digital subscription. As a current subscriber to The Rotarian, your method of payment will not change.  Go to  www.rotary.org then click on the "Media and News" tab, then click on "The Rotarian" look below....then click on the "Subscribe Now" link under tne notice that the digital version of The Rotarian is coming in July.  That will take you to the form that needs to be completed to change your print subscription to the digital one.

Want the digital edition but don’t want to give up your print subscription? Starting in July, you'll be able to add a year's subscription to the digital edition for US$12 through Zinio (watch for details on www.rotary.org). You will continue to receive your print subscription through Rotary International, and the method of payment for your print subscription will not change.

"THE ROTARIAN" MAGAZINE....GOING DIGITAL Dianne Paron 2011-06-26 00:00:00Z 0
2011-2012 ROTARY THEME: REACH WITHIN TO EMBRACE HUMANITY Dianne Paron 2011-06-25 00:00:00Z 0

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARDS

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 23, 2011

On June 16th the Rotary Foundation Committee had the honour of presenting Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 2 deserving non-Rotarian candidates:  Barbara Zuccala (nominated by Rotarian Cheryl Cowan) and Dr. Paul Thistle (nominated by Rotarian Wilbert Abbott) who were selected after nominations were solicited from Club members.....

(A photo album from the awards event is on the Rotary Club's home page

 

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARDS Dianne Paron 2011-06-24 00:00:00Z 0

PROGRESS FOR ROTARY'S $200M CHALLENGE FOR POLIO ERADICATION

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jun 06, 2011

As of 31 May, Rotarians have raised about $174.7 million for Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge. These contributions will help Rotary raise $200 million to match $355 million in challenge grants received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The resulting $555 million will directly support immunization campaigns in developing countries, where polio continues to infect and paralyze children, robbing them of their futures and compounding the hardships faced by their families.   As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk. The stakes are that high.

PROGRESS FOR ROTARY'S $200M CHALLENGE FOR POLIO ERADICATION Dianne Paron 2011-06-07 00:00:00Z 0

OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY CHARTER NIGHT CELEBRATION

Posted by Margaret Nixon on May 24, 2011
July 31st 2011 is the 10th Anniversary of our chartering as a Rotary club.  And what a 10 years it has been!  A celebration is in order, and that's exactly what's being planned for June 24th at Springfield Golf & Country Club (2054 Gordon Street, Guelph)....a "Nine 'n Dine" event with golfing (for those that like to chase little white balls around) and sumptious food, including an "around the world" experience with food stations.  Dinner is $35 - the awesome fellowship is free!  Golf is extra - $40 for 18 holes, $20 for 9 holes (that doesn't include a golf cart, that cost is extra again).
OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY CHARTER NIGHT CELEBRATION Margaret Nixon 2011-05-25 00:00:00Z 0
BILL GATES GIVES KEYNOTE SPEECH AT ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Dianne Paron 2011-05-24 00:00:00Z 0

CLUBRUNNER MOBILE APP NOW AVAILABLE

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 12, 2011
ClubRunner Mobile App Now Available!
We're very excited to announce that the ClubRunner Mobile App is now available for download! Released on May 4, 2011, the ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your ClubRunner website on the go!
CLUBRUNNER MOBILE APP NOW AVAILABLE Dianne Paron 2011-05-13 00:00:00Z 0

2011 'CAMP ENTERPRISE' STUDENTS

Posted by Dianne Paron on May 12, 2011
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Our Rotary Club was pleased to once again sponsor four students from Guelph's Bishop Macdonell High School, so that they could attend the 2011 Golden Triangle Rotary Club's "Camp Enterprise".  Our Rotary Club is one of nine (9) local clubs that participates in this program annually.

2011 'CAMP ENTERPRISE' STUDENTS Dianne Paron 2011-05-13 00:00:00Z 0

2011 SPELLING BEE NEWS

Posted by Dianne Paron on Apr 22, 2011
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The "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" will be held on Thursday October 20th 2011 and this will be the 6th Annual event.....but this year with a brand new "hive"!

We are excited to announce that new Platinum Sponsor Delta Hotel Guelph & Conference Centre will be hosting the event for 2011 and 2012.  Not only are we happy to welcome this new event sponsor, we look forward to being able to accommodate even more participants with the larger venue.

We are also honoured to once again have the support of Title Sponsor Hammond Power Solutions, and Gold Sponsor Investors Group.

Honourary Chair for the event for 2011 will be Wellington County Ward 7 Councilor Don McKay. Esteemed Judges Jo Phenix and Lloyd Longfield will be doing an encore performance.  Our new MrPronouncer for this year will be Hugh Spencer, former head of the English Department at Guelph Collegiate (GCVI) where he taught for close to 25 years.

If you have never seen an adult Spelling Bee and are wondering what it's all about, we would humbly suggest that ours is the best but you be your own judge....watch our YouTube video, a 15 minute production from the 2006 inaugural event that will give you a good idea of how much fun it is for everyone involved.  Recruitment for the limited number of teams for the 2011 event will be underway very soon.

 

2011 SPELLING BEE NEWS Dianne Paron 2011-04-23 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY MONTHLY THEME - APRIL

Posted by Dianne Paron on Mar 31, 2011
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APRIL is "Magazine Month" - Share your copy of The Rotarian with your community during Magazine Month, and help promote Rotary’s work around the world.....
ROTARY MONTHLY THEME - APRIL Dianne Paron 2011-04-01 00:00:00Z 0

2011 ROTARY "CAMP ENTERPRISE"

Posted by Dianne Paron on Mar 28, 2011
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Rotary Club of Guelph South is proud to continue its tradition of sponsoring students from Bishop Macdonell High School in Guelph to attend the Golden Triangle Rotary Clubs Camp Enterprise, held each year in Waterloo on the first weekend in May.

This year we will be sponsoring 4 students, and we look forward to hearing about their experience at a regular weekly club meeting in  May.

What is "Camp Enterprise"?

Camp Enterprise is an extensive three-day camp offering students the opportunity to participate in leadership activities. The programme consists of a series of panels, presentations and discussions on the subject of business and the free enterprise system where students can interact with business leaders. Camp Enterprise involves:

  • Face-to-face opportunities to discuss issues
  • An insight into business concepts
  • An opportunity to build skills in the Art of Negotiation
  • Presentations on the Private Enterprise system
  • An opportunity to develop teamwork skills
  • Challenging team games
  • Panel discussions
  • A chance to meet and speak with today's business leaders
  • Inspirational speakers
  • An opportunity to forge new friendships

 The objective of Camp Enterprise is to expose, to challenge and spur student's imagination on the whole subject of business and private enterprise.   The programme is intended to provide students with a broad view of professional, business and management careers. The programme presents business and management as challenging positions offering enormous personal satisfaction, allowing the individual to exercise maximum creativity and providing endless opportunities.

The 'Leaders of Tomorrow' are selected from Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph & Cambridge area high schools. Attendees will be students who are enrolled in Grades 11 or 12, have demonstrated leadership skills and who are active in various school committees and activities.

Contact the Rotary Club of Guelph South for more information on Camp Enterprise or Rotary itself....come and have breakfast with us (Thursday mornings 7:30-8:30am at Springfield Golf & Country Club, 2054 Gordon, Guelph).

This YouTube video is from Northumberland Rotary's Camp Enterprise - it's safe to assume that when you get a group of motivated students and inspirational speakers together for a weekend at a residential retreat, that you'll get very similar results! 

 

2011 ROTARY "CAMP ENTERPRISE" Dianne Paron 2011-03-29 00:00:00Z 0

1st ANNUAL 'FOUNDATION CUP' EVENT IS A WINNER!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Mar 03, 2011
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Congratulations to Andreas and his team (Anna Lammerding & Neil Mahnke) for coming up with a winning social event - a "glow in the dark mini putt" golf tournament. It was also a fundraiser for the Rotary Foundation and early results indicate that it may have raised as much as $400 for our charity. They sold lots of "mulligans" and everyone had a lot of fun. Great job by the Committee and congratulations to all of the prize winners!
1st ANNUAL 'FOUNDATION CUP' EVENT IS A WINNER! Dianne Paron 2011-03-04 00:00:00Z 0
ONE DAY ONLY....DOUBLE RECOGNITION POINTS FOR ONLINE CONTRIBUTIONS Dianne Paron 2011-02-22 00:00:00Z 0

PETER & CELIA VISIT NICARAGUA

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 20, 2011
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 Welcome back Peter & Celia from their trip to Nicaragua where they were able to visit the El Carizal "jam project" that our Rotary club is very involved with....
PETER & CELIA VISIT NICARAGUA Dianne Paron 2011-02-21 00:00:00Z 0

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 12, 2011
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Our 9th Annual 'Taste of Italy' Pasta Dinner was not only a sell-out, it was an unqualified success.  A collection of photos from the event have been posted in a new Photo Album  now available from the website home page.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 2011-02-13 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY CANADA CENTENNIAL PROJECT

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 01, 2011

On November 3, 1910 the first Rotary club meeting in Canada was held in Winnipeg. Today is a great day to celebrate Canada's Rotary Centennial project.

 

Our Rotary Centennial School in Afghanistan was dedicated on Sunday September 26th, five months ahead of schedule and under budget.

ROTARY CANADA CENTENNIAL PROJECT Dianne Paron 2011-02-01 22:30:06Z 0

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Feb 01, 2011
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The members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South wish everyone a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Dianne Paron 2011-02-01 22:28:41Z 0

"TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 31, 2011
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Planning is enthusiastically underway for the annual "Taste of Italy" celebration, hosted by the Rotary Club of Guelph South.  Proceeds from the February 11th 2011 event will be used by the Rotary Club of Guelph South to support charitable works on both the local and international scene.  We are happy to announce that Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre in Puslinch will be a key beneficiary again this year.
"TASTE OF ITALY" PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 2011-02-01 00:00:00Z 0

ANOTHER SOLD OUT PASTA DINNER!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Jan 30, 2011
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Congratulations to the organizing committee....the 2010 "Taste of Italy Pasta Dinner" is a total sell-out.   We look forward to welcoming our guests on Friday February 11th at the Puslinch Community Centre, and providing them with a delicious meal, entertainment and fellowship.

ANOTHER SOLD OUT PASTA DINNER! Dianne Paron 2011-01-31 00:00:00Z 0
SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS Dianne Paron 2010-12-21 00:00:00Z 0

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

Posted by Dianne Paron on Dec 19, 2010
On November 25 2010 the Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted a special breakfast meeting with some of the sponsors and beneficiaries of the October 2010 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee".....
SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES Dianne Paron 2010-12-20 00:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS ANN CAINE!

Posted by Dianne Paron on Nov 25, 2010

Rotarian Ann Caine, a charter member of our Rotary Club, was among thirteen exceptional Ontarians that received the 2010 Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for their contributions to their communities. Created in 1973, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes people who have made exceptional long-term contributions to the quality of life in the province.

CONGRATULATIONS ANN CAINE! Dianne Paron 2010-11-26 00:00:00Z 0
END POLIO NOW Dianne Paron 2010-07-18 00:00:00Z 0

CONGRATULATIONS Cynthia and David

Posted by Dianne Paron

Cynthia Walker, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Guelph South, and David Parks were married on January 12th 2013 in Guelph. 

Congratulations and best wishes from everyone for a long and happy life together!

 (Is that a beautiful bride or what???)

Image

 

CONGRATULATIONS Cynthia and David Dianne Paron 0
REACH WITHIN TO EMBRACE HUMANITY Dianne Paron 0

EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR

Posted by Dianne Paron

The Rotary Foundation is OUR charity, and all Rotarians are encouraged to support our charity with an annual donation commitment.

The Rotary Foundation is a multi-faceted force for good in the world - watch this 9 minute video for information on the various programs that are funded through donations made:

 

EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR Dianne Paron 0

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPION SPELLERS!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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On Thursday October 21st the Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted its 5th Annual "Grate Groan Up Spelling Bee". Before an almost capacity crowd 16 able teams competed for spelling supremacy, with returning 2009 Champions "Suite Segue Schpellarz" from Segue Music repeating as 2010 Champions!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPION SPELLERS! Dianne Paron 0

NOVEMBER is Rotary Foundation Month

Posted by Dianne Paron
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There are as many reasons to support The Rotary Foundation as there are ways to do good in the world.   By contributing to the Foundation, you help support the Foundation's six areas of focus, which help to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. By giving US$100 a year through the  Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative, you become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member. Contributions to EREY are the primary source of funding for Foundation programs.

NOVEMBER is Rotary Foundation Month Dianne Paron 0

2010 HONOURARY CHAIR

Posted by Dianne Paron
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We're pleased to announce that the Honourary Chair for the 2010 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" will be Barb McKay.  Barb McKay is currently Ward 7 County Councillor, having been elected to that role following 3 terms as Township of Puslinch Councillor.  Barb's term on County Councillor is finishing and she is retiring from active public service at the municipal government level.  She will continue her many community-oriented volunteer involvements though, and with a special education background, being Honourary Chair for the 2010 Bee is a perfect fit!
2010 HONOURARY CHAIR Dianne Paron 0

2010 DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted by Dianne Paron

TOMORROW IS TODAY.....

It's only 3 weeks away!  The annual Rotary District 7080 Conference is being held this year in Mississauga at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel (Hwy 401 and Mississauga Road) from Friday October 15th through Sunday October 17th.  You MUST watch this absolutely awesome 2:25 minute promotional video for more information.

2010 DISTRICT CONFERENCE Dianne Paron 0

WEEKLY MEETING - Sept 9 2010

Posted by Dianne Paron
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President Frank chaired the meeting: moment of silent reflection, toast to Canada and Rotary around the world.  There were no guests or visiting Rotarians at this meeting.      

WEEKLY MEETING - Sept 9 2010 Dianne Paron 0

2010 GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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6 weeks and counting .....plans are well advanced for the 5th annual Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee, including 18 teams already registered.  The beneficiaries of this year's fundraiser will be Hopewell Children's Homes PlaySense Activity Centre and Michael House, along with other worthwhile local Rotary projects.

2010 GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE Dianne Paron 0
SEPTEMBER IS ROTARY'S "NEW GENERATIONS" MONTH Dianne Paron 0

THIS IS ROTARY...Service Above Self

Posted by Dianne Paron

What would it take to change the world? Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

THIS IS ROTARY...Service Above Self Dianne Paron 0

The Last Hurdle

Posted by Dianne Paron

After 20 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions.

The Last Hurdle Dianne Paron 0
Rotary International President' Monthly Message Dianne Paron 0

$200 Million USD Polio Plus Challenge

Posted by Andreas Hug
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 As of 19 August 2010, Rotarians have raised approximately US$144.4 million for the US$200 Million Challenge. These contributions will help Rotary raise US$200 million to match US$355 million in challenge grants received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Charitable Foundation.

$200 Million USD Polio Plus Challenge Andreas Hug 0

NEW ROTARY YEAR!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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July 1 2010 is the start of a new Rotary year.  The Rotary International Theme for this year is "Building Committees, Bridging Continents".   Incoming Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith wrote the following about how he came up with this theme:
NEW ROTARY YEAR! Dianne Paron 0

CELEBRATE CANADA DAY

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Thursday July 1st is Canada Day, and our Club will be withdrawing our regular weekly meeting for that Thursday - we'll meet again for the first weekly meeting of the new Rotary year on Thursday July 8th with new President Frank chairing the meeting...

CELEBRATE CANADA DAY Dianne Paron 0
ROADSIDE CLEANUP IN ABERFOYLE Dianne Paron 0

SAD NEWS....

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Joan Wilkinson, wife of Rotary Foundation Trustee and 2007-08 RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson, died on 22 March. She was 78.

SAD NEWS.... Dianne Paron 0

CONGRATULATIONS THOMAS NEWBY

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Thomas, a member of our Rotary Club since 2007, won an "Emerging Leader Award" from the Chartered Insurance Professionals at their National Leadership Awards....way to go Thomas!

CONGRATULATIONS THOMAS NEWBY Dianne Paron 0
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PASTA DINNER... Dianne Paron 0

GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT

Posted by Dianne Paron
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This year, the club increased its level of support in the provision of dictionaries to eligible Grade 3 students by extending a presence into the private school sector of our community....

GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT Dianne Paron 0

SOLD OUT!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Congratulations to the organizing committee for the upcoming "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner - the tickets are all sold out more than 2 weeks before the event....
SOLD OUT! Dianne Paron 0

SPELLING CHAMPIONS!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The team from Segue Music "Suite Segue Schpellarz" won the 4th Annual Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee.  They successfully spelled the word 'vexillologist" (definition: a study of flags) in the 6th round - the only team of the 3 in that final round that spelled their word correctly....
SPELLING CHAMPIONS! Dianne Paron 0

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Our Rotary Club celebrated not only the visit by the 2009-2010 District Governor Bob Palmateer, along with wife Sherrin, but also the induction of new member Wilbert Abbott...
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION Dianne Paron 0

FOUR AVENUES OF SERVICE CITATION

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The Rotary Club of Guelph South awarded its first "Four Avenues of Service" Award to Charter Member and Past President (twice!) Margaret Nixon at a special awards dinner on September 21 2009 at the Springfield Golf & Country Club....
FOUR AVENUES OF SERVICE CITATION Dianne Paron 0

2010 PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Tickets are now available for the 8th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner, held each February at the Puslinch Community Centre.  Proceeds from this fundraiser go to support the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.

 

 In this, the 8th year, we're going to continue to improve the meal that you'll be offered....this year there will be meatballs too!

So get your tickets NOW before they sell out....and bring your appetite.

2010 PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The Rotary Club of Guelph South was pleased to be able to welcome two new members - Brian Cowan and Cheryl Cowan.  Brian and Cheryl are Puslinch residents and are eager to join the rest of the club in "Service Above Self" both in their community and internationally.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Dianne Paron 0

A NEW ROTARY YEAR!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The new Rotary Year starts on July 1st with a new Theme "The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands"...
A NEW ROTARY YEAR! Dianne Paron 0

PRESIDENTIAL CITATION

Posted by Dianne Paron
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President Karen Dowell capped off a most successful year with a visit from outgoing District 7080 Governor Norm Bindon, who presented the Club with the 2008-2009 Presidential Citation....
PRESIDENTIAL CITATION Dianne Paron 0

ROTARY FOUNDATION EXTRAVAGANZA

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Thursday June 18th's weekly meeting will be the big year-end finale for the team that has been keeping OUR charity - Rotary Foundation - front and centre throughout this Rotary year....

ROTARY FOUNDATION EXTRAVAGANZA Dianne Paron 0
ADOPT-A-ROAD CLEAN UP IN ABERFOYLE Dianne Paron 0

2009 SPELLING BEE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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We're happy to announce that the 2009 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" will have Honourary Co-Chairs:  Paul and Jean Truex...
2009 SPELLING BEE Dianne Paron 0

SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED....

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The Rotary Club of Guelph South has donated $1,500 to the Guelph Food Bank, and thanks to the "Kraft Hunger Challenge" our donation is being matched by Kraft Canada...
SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED.... Dianne Paron 0

WELCOME NEW MEMBER ANDREAS HUG

Posted by Dianne Paron
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On April 2, 2009 we were proud to welcome our newest member....ANDREAS HUG.  Andreas is a Management Consultant.  Rotarian Ann Caine is his sponsor.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER ANDREAS HUG Dianne Paron 0

DONATION TO SUNRISE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTRE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The Rotary Club of Guelph South was pleased to be able to provide a donation of $4,000 to the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, located in Puslinch Township, at its March 19 2009 weekly meeting...

DONATION TO SUNRISE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTRE Dianne Paron 0

NEIL MAHNKE, PAUL HARRIS FELLOW

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South were pleased to observe the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow Award to Neil Mahnke, a charter member and Past President of our Rotary Club....

NEIL MAHNKE, PAUL HARRIS FELLOW Dianne Paron 0

GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT

Posted by Dianne Paron
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WHO SAYS GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS WON'T USE A DICTIONARY???  On Monday February 9th our Rotary Club visited their second school, the new Rickson Ridge Public School in the south end of Guelph, where they handed out dictionaries to the Grade 3 student, then watched the students dive into them...
GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT Dianne Paron 0

7th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Don't miss this family favourite being held on Friday February 20th at the Aberfoyle Community Centre in Puslinch Township.  Doors and bar open at 5:30pm, dinner is served starting at 6:00pm....
7th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 0

2009 GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Four members of the Rotary Club of Guelph South visited the 2 Grade 3 classes at Aberfoyle Public School on Friday January 23rd and presented each Grade 3-er with their own dictionary, courtesy of Rotary....
2009 GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT Dianne Paron 0

PRESENTATION TO PLAYSENSE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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On December 4th the Rotary Club of Guelph South welcomed sponsors and team members from the 2008 "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee", along with other guests, to a special weekly club meeting in the "Pines" room at the Springfield Golf & Country Club...
PRESENTATION TO PLAYSENSE Dianne Paron 0

2008 GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Looking for more information on the 3rd Annual "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee"The link on the left (Under "Site Pages") will take you to another series of pages that will have information on not only this year's event (October 23, 2008 at Guelph Place Banquet Hall) but on last year's event as well....
2008 GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE Dianne Paron 0

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW FRANK OUDESLUYS

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Congratulations to Charter Member (and Past President) Frank Oudesluys as he was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award at the December 4th weekly meeting.....
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW FRANK OUDESLUYS Dianne Paron 0

NEW ROTARY YEAR!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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July 1st marks the start of the new Rotary year.  We have a new President (Karen Dowell) and a new Board of Directors and an energized club ready to make a difference!  The Rotary International theme for 2008-2009 is "Make Dreams Real" and the July 2008 message to all Rotarians from 2008-2009 RI President Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee follows....
NEW ROTARY YEAR! Dianne Paron 0

A Visitor from England....

Posted by Dianne Paron
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On Thursday July 10th we were honoured to welcome a visitor from Rotary of Bexley (Borough of Bexley, Greater London area) in District 1120.  He is here currently on a visit to his daughter who lives in the south end of Guelph....

A Visitor from England.... Dianne Paron 0

SPELLING BEE WINNER!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Congratulations to the 2008 Winners of the "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee", THE BLUE PRINTS team from Blue North Strategies and team members Kris Culp, Nancy Harper and Brent Klassen.
SPELLING BEE WINNER! Dianne Paron 0

2008 CAMP ENTERPRISE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Again for 2008 our Rotary Club sponsored 3 students from Guelph's Bishop MacDonell High School to attend the 3-day Rotary-sponsored "Camp Enterprise" in Waterloo....
2008 CAMP ENTERPRISE Dianne Paron 0

ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Our Rotary Club is now a proud supporter of the County of Wellington's "Adopt-A-Road" Program.  We have made a 3 year commitment to conduct roadside cleanups 3 times a year of the stretch of roadway through Aberfoyle down to McLean Road....
ADOPT-A-ROAD PROGRAM Dianne Paron 0

DONATION TO PLAYSENSE ACTIVITY CENTRE

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On Monday April 14th "Buzzie" the Bee and President Elect Karen Dowell presented a $4,500 cheque to Program Director Karen Calzonetti at the Playsense Activity Centre in Guelph.

DONATION TO PLAYSENSE ACTIVITY CENTRE Dianne Paron 0

GUELPH ROTARACT CLUB

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Guelph Rotaract is a non-profit organization affiliated with Rotary International for 18 to 30 year old young professionals in Guelph and surrounding area that strives to serve the community on a local and international level.

GUELPH ROTARACT CLUB Dianne Paron 0

ROTARACT 40th ANNIVERSARY

Posted by Dianne Paron
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In the late 1960s, noting the success of the recently formed Interact program, the RI Board realized the need for a program of service, activity, and fellowship for young adults no longer of Interact age (14-18). The name Rotaract (Rotary in Action) was selected to show the program's close affiliation with both Rotary and Interact clubs.
ROTARACT 40th ANNIVERSARY Dianne Paron 0

6th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER

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The Rotary Club of Guelph South hosted its 6th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner, held annually at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle that featured a tasty meal, friendly table service, a silent auction and penny raffle.

6th ANNUAL 'TASTE OF ITALY' PASTA DINNER Dianne Paron 0

ROTARY'S 103rd BIRTHDAY

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During the first Rotary club meeting on 23 February 1905 in Chicago, Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram Shorey, and Silvester Schiele met to talk about their personal experiences.  Harris then unfolded his general plan for their club meetings...

ROTARY'S 103rd BIRTHDAY Dianne Paron 0

MEXICO SHOEBOX PROJECT

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Past President Margaret Nixon has just returned from Mexico, representing our Rotary club on the team of 18 Canadians that traveled to Nogales Mexico to provide shoeboxes (and baskets) of gifts to underprivileged children there....

MEXICO SHOEBOX PROJECT Dianne Paron 0

GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT

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Dictionary delivery to Grade 3 Children

The Rotary Club of Guelph South, along with the three other clubs in Guelph, donated dictionaries for all Grade 3 children in Guelph, Aberfoyle, Elora, and Fergus....

GRADE 3 DICTIONARIES PROJECT Dianne Paron 0

What a "GRATE" Evening...

Posted by Dianne Paron
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CONGRATULATIONS to the winning teams at the 2nd Annual Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee held on Thursday October 25th at Guelph Place Banquet Hall!  Here's a photo of the Champion Spellers team "The Spell Checkers" from John Calvin Christian School (sponsored by Hammond Power Solutions) with the trophy presented by Charter President Bill Hammond...
What a "GRATE" Evening... Dianne Paron 0

THE TEAMS...

Posted by Dianne Paron
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All of the team names and team members are set for the October 25th "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee"...

THE TEAMS... Dianne Paron 0

THANKS TO THE SPONSORS...

Posted by Dianne Paron
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We're grateful to those sponsors who have made such a significant contribution to the 2007 event, including: 

TITLE Sponsor Hammond Power Solutions
GOLD Sponsor Investors Group
GOLD "Audience Spelling Game" Sponsor Guelph Mercury
GOLD Event Sponsor Straight Street Event Services
GOLD Prize Sponsor Research In Motion
THANKS TO THE SPONSORS... Dianne Paron 0

INTRODUCING...OUR SPELLING BEE MASCOT

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Our weekly meeting on Thursday October 11th had the theme "The BUZZ on the BEE" and the focus was the preparations that have been ongoing for the upcoming event on October 25th.  Past President Margaret Nixon chaired the meeting, and was no sooner finished the announcements, when in walked our new Spelling Bee mascot!

INTRODUCING...OUR SPELLING BEE MASCOT Dianne Paron 0

RETURN OF 2006 CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The Champion Speller trophy is back in our possession, after spending the past year with the 2006 Champion team, "ALL CAPS" from the University of Guelph's Communications & Public Affairs Department.  President Elect Karen Dowell picked up the trophy on Friday October 5th from team leader Andrew Vowles.
RETURN OF 2006 CHAMPIONS TROPHY Dianne Paron 0

HONOURARY CHAIR FOR 2007 SPELLING BEE

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We are pleased to announce that acclaimed author Jean Little has agreed to serve as the Honourary Chair for our 2nd Annual Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee that will be held on Thursday October 25 2007 at the Guelph Place Banquet Hall....   

HONOURARY CHAIR FOR 2007 SPELLING BEE Dianne Paron 0

A Special Visitor from Australia!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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We were so pleased to welcome a very special visitor to our regular weekly meeting today.  Reg Pugh, a member of the Rotary Club of Gladstone-Port Curtis, Queensland, Australia has been on a home exchange program with a professor from the University of Guelph, and did a make-up today with us....
A Special Visitor from Australia! Dianne Paron 0

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

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Welcome Thomas Newby...

On Thursday July 19th at a special Visitors Meeting we were pleased to welcome Thomas Newby as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Guelph South.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION Dianne Paron 0
2nd Annual "Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee" Dianne Paron 0

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Posted by Dianne Paron
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Rotary International has approved our club's name change to

ROTARY CLUB OF GUELPH SOUTH

Nothing else has changed..."Wellington South" or "Guelph South"...we're still the club that  "came together as strangers, and work together as friends".

IT'S OFFICIAL! Dianne Paron 0

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM INSTALLED

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The Pikangikum Water Purification Project

  This project was designed to respond in a small way to the desperate needs of children and families in Pikangikum First Nation.  Children in Pikangikum (population 2,400) live in severe poverty.  Hunger is part of normal life.  Housing conditions are indescribable, with serious overcrowding, lack of running water, and outdoor toilet facilities.  The community's infrastructure is in desperate need of upgrading, with an overtaxed hydro generating system and lack of community facilities.  The school is outdated, having been built some forty years ago for 250 students and now trying to accommodate more than 800 students; 200 students cannot attend school because of lack of space there.  Many children and youth engage in solvent abuse (gas sniffing).  The rate of youth suicide is extreme.

 

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM INSTALLED Dianne Paron 0

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PASTA DINNER...

Posted by Dianne Paron
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On Friday February 23rd our Rotary club held the 5th Annual "Taste of Italy" Pasta Dinner at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle.  Diners were treated to a tasty meal, attentive table service, a comfortable ambience, and opportunities to participate in a silent auction and raffles.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PASTA DINNER... Dianne Paron 0

A NEW NAME!

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On January 25th a 2/3 majority of the members in attendance at the weekly meeting voted on a proposal to amend the name our Rotary club, from "Wellington South" to "Guelph South".....

A NEW NAME! Dianne Paron 0

1ST "TOUCH A WORD" PROGRAM DONATION

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The Rotary Club of Wellington South has committed up to $3,500 from the "Touch A Word" program to the PlaySense Activity Centre in Guelph for adaptive computer technology...

1ST "TOUCH A WORD" PROGRAM DONATION Dianne Paron 0

FRIENDS OF TIKINAGAN DONATION

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Rotary Club of Wellington South Donates $12,000 to Tikinagan (First Nations)

The Rotary Club of Wellington South has donated $12,000 to provide a reverse osmosis water purification system for the Pikangikum School.

FRIENDS OF TIKINAGAN DONATION Dianne Paron 0

FUN AT THE 2006 "RIBFEST"

Posted by Dianne Paron
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   We had a good weekend at the 2006 "Ribfest" celebration, hosted by the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium, held at Riverside Park.   The weather co-operated a little more than it has the past couple of years, and the coffee business was steady....

FUN AT THE 2006 "RIBFEST" Dianne Paron 0

NEW ROTARY YEAR

Posted by Dianne Paron
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July 1 2007 marks the start of the new Rotary 2007-2008 year.  The new Rotary International President, Wilfred (Wilf) Wilkinson, has selected the theme "ROTARY SHARES" for his year in office.  His main priorities for the upcoming year will be Health, Literacy and Water, as he has stated that "continuity is essential to Rotary's success".

President Wilf - the first Canadian Rotary International President in more than 50 years - was interviewed for the March 2007 issue of The Rotarian magazine....

NEW ROTARY YEAR Dianne Paron 0

MARGARITA ISLAND FOG COLLECTOR UPDATE

Posted by Dianne Paron
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(A report to Gerry Duncan from Melissa Rosato on Margarita Island - February 2005)
I have revisited the first collector we have installed and know that I can be assured the materials are suitable (this is the first time we are working with PVC plastic posts); I am in the process of buying the rest of the materials and getting those 8 young men to build the remaining collectors.
MARGARITA ISLAND FOG COLLECTOR UPDATE Dianne Paron 0

FogQuest - Margarita Island Project

Posted by Dianne Paron
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The members of the Rotary Club of Wellington South are proud to be funding the 10 fog collectors for the project that will determine the feasibility of collecting adequate potable water from fog in the arrid relatively unoccupied side of Margarita Island, Venezuela.
FogQuest - Margarita Island Project Dianne Paron 0
How secure is all this data? Dianne Paron 0
Don't forget the eBulletin! Dianne Paron 0

Welcome to our new website!

Posted by Dianne Paron


Rotary's 100th Birthday Celebration

We are all excited to see how ClubRunner will revolutionize the way we manage our day to day club activities, as well as communicate more effectively.

Welcome to our new website! Dianne Paron 0
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