Mahendra welcomed each club President, our current GG Brenda Halloran, and past DG Rudy Habesch

The Land Acknowledgement was read out by Norma Gable, Rotary Passport Club President

We then had a hearty rendition of O Canada, sang by 50 Rotarians from across Oakville

Mahendra toasted the King and Canada

Lauri Asikainen, President of Rotary Oakville Trafalgar, read the invocation

 

Guests this evening included Dayana Gomez and Lois Brown from HPIC and Sid Joshi – potential new member

Lois Brown thanked RCO CF for its recent donation to HPIC

 

George Farrow reminded us about the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Oakville, in April 2025

All clubs are working together to celebrate, and there will be a committee meeting later this month

George is in the process of creating a major capital project for RCO Foundation, with a budget of up to $100m and he mentioned that our DG had given him advice as to who to speak with at the Town of Oakville in relation to this

George has written one book and has illustrated a children's book - royalties from the sale of the latter will be donated to the Knox Presbyterian Church, in Oakville:

https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000356074303/George-Farrow-Miss-Lizzy

Bob Miskelly reminded us about the Rotary Online Auction

Nov 4 to Nov 18 – please have your lawn sign ready for day 1

https://event.auctria.com/3640e796-f103-4391-be52-370be3f47d54/

Reminded members to donate wine or make a cash donation, as Franziska will be creating her popular baskets of wine as auction items. Please drop off 2 wine bottles at Woodside Mews - for further information see the email from Bob sent October 10, or contact him directly.

 

David Angas, Rotary Club of Oakville West, heard from many happy club members, including this month’s Bulletin Editor who was very happy to announce that the Rotarian Metalhead Fellowship has recorded a new Rotary anthem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8uwc7QBxuc

“Is it true? Is it fair? Is it for friendship's sake? Does it bring benefit to everyone concerned?”

 

Rudy then introduced today’s speaker: DG Brenda Halloran

Brenda thanked Rudy for his mentorship, as she is a relatively new Rotarian who quickly stepped up to the plate to become our DG, and she apologized for introducing him as “Judy” at his District Conference a couple of year ago

Brenda told us that she is enjoying being DG, especially visiting clubs in the District. Before this evening’s meeting with the 4 Oakville Rotary clubs she visited Iroquois Ridge High School Interact club which is the largest Interact club in the District, with over 60 members and an executive team if 17.

[Ed’s note: Interact = high school, Rotaract = college to 40 ish, and Rotary, well, you know]

IRHS Interact club is fundraising for their school-building trip to Guatemala and they are holding a Spaghetti Dinner November 9 - all are welcome!

Brenda talked to us about her District Initiatives, including

• Promoting Rotary with a view to attracting more people, especially younger people

• Encouraging clubs to give presentations to Mayors and Councils about the Rotary’s good work in the community (Brenda plans to attend every one of these presentations)

• Monthly Club Presidents’ meetings

• District dispute resolution team that can be brought in by any club

• Planting trees with the District Environmental Committee

• Anti human trafficking (in conjunction with Zones 28 and 32)

• Mental health taskforce

• Refresh the District website “we don't know what each club is doing in their community and I am trying to change this”

• May 11 2024 District Conference will be a family picnic

Susan Sheppard, Rotary Oakville West Club President, thanked Brenda and informed us that all clubs are donating to Halton Women's Place to celebrate Brenda's anti human trafficking initiative

 

Mahendra reminded us that our next club meeting will be at OTMH, not at OGF. This meeting will again be open to all clubs.

Susan Sheppard asked us to nominate our favourite businesses for the OAKVILLE AWARDS FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

https://oabe.ca/nominations/nomination-form/

Nominations close at 4pm (EST) on October 31st

Susan also reminded us about our annual Paul Harris Awards Dinner in January 2024 – please nominate your favourite community volunteer

HPIC next Wednesday (Oct 25) 9am to 12pm hands-on packing of medical supplies for Ukraine

If you would like to volunteer please contact Dyana Gomez: dgomez@hpicanada.ca

 

Mahendra closed the meeting just before 8pm