1. Opening of Meeting
Land Acknowledgement – Mike Fisher
Mike opened the meeting with a land acknowledgement recognizing the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Treaty 14 and 22 territories.
Anthem – Larry Rodrigue
Larry led the singing of O Canada.
Toast to King Charles & Canada – Lynn Childs
Lynn offered the traditional toast.
Invocation – Peter DeGroot
Peter delivered a non‑denominational invocation.
Guests
Guests were welcome: Leen (Amin’s wife), Nikki (Friend of Rotary) and Stephen (Susan’s husband)
2. Birthdays of the Month
Celebrated for January:
- Karla Cabrera
- Ahmed Ezzat
- Ed Sweeney
3. Induction of New Members
Lori Holmes
Presented by Lynn Childs and sponsor James Montegue.
Lori shared heartfelt remarks about service, compassion, and her desire to contribute meaningfully to the club.
Aninda Sarker
Also inducted as a new member. Lynn read the formal induction statement and welcomed Aninda to the club.
Both new members received their Rotary pins and warm applause from the club.
4. Announcements & Updates – President Lynn Childs
District Governor Announcement
- Scott Hebert has been elected District Governor for Rotary Year 2028–2029, pending final confirmation on February 2.
District & Club Activities
Lynn shared highlights from across the district, including:
- Rotary Helps projects
- Clothing drives
- Turkey drives
- Water project updates (our club is participating)
Coldest Night of the Year – Susan Sheppard
- Event takes place January 28.
- Beneficiary: Frontline Outreach, supporting vulnerable youth.
- Members encouraged to join the walk or support a team.
Meal & Dessert Discussion
A vote was held regarding adding a more elaborate dessert option at an additional cost.
- Majority voted to keep the current meal format (fruit & tea included).
- No upgrade to dessert will be pursued.
Communications Committee – Rod Craig
Rod announced the committee is being rebuilt and seeking volunteers for:
- Social media support
- Photography
- Copywriting
- ClubRunner updates
- Google Business Profile management
Members can contribute even in small ways (e.g. posting photos to the Ramble Chat WhatsApp group and reposting club content once a month).
Global Medic Update – Ralf Soeder
- Monthly food‑packing session held last Saturday.
- Participants included several members and family.
- Food packaged will support local food banks and disaster relief in Jamaica.
- Global Medic is seeking a long‑term replacement for John, their outgoing lead.
Honorary Membership – Richard Roberts
Richard has resigned due to caregiving responsibilities.
The Board approved granting him Honorary Member status.
He expressed gratitude and may attend meetings when possible.
Remembrance Tour – District Initiative
A special tour of WWI battlefields in France, led by historian Neil Orford.
- Runs Nov 1–15, 2026
- Includes Remembrance Day ceremony participation
- $200 from each registration supports the Juno Beach Centre
Members asked to express interest if the club should request a presentation.
Rotary International Convention
- June 13–17, 2026
- Friendship exchanges before/after are available.
Golf to Give Tournament 2026
- Planning underway
- Volunteers and sponsorship leads needed
- More details to come
Club Storage
The club’s storage space has changed - a larger closet will be made available at Woodside Mews for Rotary materials.
Meeting Equipment Transportation
Lynn, James and Ralf raised the need for volunteers to help transport banners, AV equipment, and supplies to/from meetings.
Members invited to speak with Lynn if they can assist.
5. Happy Bucks – Mike Fisher
Members shared updates, travel plans, and moments of gratitude.
Highlights included:
- Warm weather escapes
- Family celebrations
- A remarkably inexpensive flight
- General appreciation for fellowship
6. Guest Speaker – Lori Holmes
Introduced by: Jamie Montague
Topic: An Introduction to Tai Chi
Lori shared:
- Her personal story of compassion involving a distressed young man, which shaped her teaching philosophy.
- The benefits of Tai Chi for balance, calm, and nervous system regulation.
- A guided Tai Chi session for the entire room, including breathing exercises and flowing movements.
The demonstration was warmly received.
Thanks was offered by: Mike Fisher
7. Recent & Upcoming Events
District Conference Contest
The club has qualified for a draw that may send two members to the District Conference at no charge. Results expected Thursday.
8. Club Business
- Reminder: Invocations must remain non‑denominational.
- Thanks extended to Holiday Inn staff for their support.
- Members invited to submit additional announcements to Lynn.
Four‑Way Test
Recited by the club.
Toast to Friends & Rotarians Around the World
Meeting adjourned.
