As we turn the calendar to February, I want to take a moment to reflect on a meaningful and energizing January for the Shelburne Rotary Club. January is Rotary’s Month of Renewal, and it certainly lived up to its name. It gave us the chance to reset, refocus, and recommit to the service that defines who we are.
January Recap
Throughout the month, our club embraced the spirit of renewal by revisiting our goals, strengthening our connections, including meeting with the Town to ensure proper alignment and impact, as well as laying the groundwork for the year ahead. We reviewed our recent initiatives, celebrating the successes of our fall and winter projects, which included providing the Food Bank with a cheque for $20,000 and identified opportunities to grow our impact in the community.
A key part of this renewal was beginning our planning for 2026. We’ve started mapping out long‑term priorities, exploring new service opportunities, and considering how we can continue to support youth, local families, and community. If you are interested in being part of our impactful development, we would be happy to hear from you. Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas and energy — your vision is shaping our future. Keep it coming.
Looking Ahead to February
February brings its own charm and traditions. Groundhog Day reminds us that even in the heart of winter, we’re already looking toward brighter days. Whether the groundhog predicts an early spring or a longer winter, our club will keep moving forward with optimism.
And of course, Valentine’s Day offers a perfect reminder of the power of kindness. Rotary’s work is rooted in compassion — for our neighbours, our community, and the world. This month, I encourage each of us to share a little extra warmth, whether through a service project, a friendly gesture, shoveling your neighbour's driveway or simply checking in on someone who could use support.
In Closing
Thank you for your dedication, your ideas, and your continued commitment to “Service Above Self.” January set a strong foundation for the year, and February gives us the chance to carry that momentum forward with heart.
Yours in Rotary,
Karen Webster
youth exchange - highlights from natalie
I started into this year with a lot of fun and curiosity for all that will come. So much has happened this month. I had a total of about 12 snow days. I played pickle ball for the first time and went snowboarding a couple of times. I also had my first ever exams and I think they went pretty well. I'm excited for the next month.
In January, the French celebrated King's Day, where everyone eats cake throughout the month and each cake has a little action figure in it.
If you pick the piece with the figurine you are the king for the day and you wear a crown for the rest of the meal.
I also had the chance to go to Ypres, Belgium, a city that was destroyed during World War I, but has since been rebuilt.
There are many monuments, including Canadian, honouring the past.
I also found myself in a WW I-II antique store, looking for a relic to bring home. I was talking to the owner and it turns out he was from Kitchener.
He gave me a tour of his store and a short history lesson. Then he showed me a couple of things related to Canada and I bought an 18 pounder shell fuse.
I've been busy with an internship that I'll talk a little about in another article.
The Shelburne Rotary Club was very happy to be able to recently present the Shelburne Food Bank with a cheque for $20,000. The money was raised at the Nutcracker Gala on November 15, 2025. Everyone’s generosity in supporting the Nutcracker Gala to make this donation possible is very much appreciated.
Neil Orford, retired history teacher, fixture at Shelburne Remembrance Day ceremonies, and past speaker at Shelburne Rotary, is organizing a two week tour in November, 2026 of World War I and World War II sites in France and Belgium, including Remembrance Day at Juno Beach.
This tour is planned in conjunction with Orangeville Highlands Rotary for Rotarians and friends.
