Rotary Park Clean-Up

Stewardship of Bridgenorth Rotary Trail

Rotary School Cambodia

Gazebo Dedication to Charter President Bob Ash

Polar Plunge

Rotary Park Clean-Up

Sunshine for Seniors

We're neighbours who get things done, here and half a world away.

The Rotary Club of Bridgenorth–Ennismore–Lakefield brings together people from across Peterborough and Selwyn Township who share a commitment to service and to making a positive difference in their community. BEL Rotarians take part in a wide range of local projects—from clearing trails and park spaces, to packing Adopt-a-Family hampers during the holiday season and delivering Sunshine for Seniors care packages. The club also organizes the annual Polar Plunge, one of the area’s largest community fundraisers, raising significant funds for local charities and organizations.

The same club helped build a school in Cambodia, sponsors a Children's Village in Panama, and helped get the polio vaccine in children overseas. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million people in more than 200 countries, all working on the same short list: clean water, health, education, peace and ending polio for good. Our small, but mighty, club here is dedicated to that mission.

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The Power of BEL Rotary Recognized

At the recent District 7010 conference BEL Rotary was recognized for its incredible service to the community both locally and across the globe, during the 2025 – 26 Rotary year. The club received the District Citation and the Rotary International Club Excellence Award. The awards recognize clubs that through their service and programs transform lives and create lasting hope in the world.

To be successful, clubs are required to meet expectations in Rotary’s four pillars of focus: increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing the experience of our members, and increasing our ability to adapt. “Projects and programs transform lives and these recognitions recognize the service projects we did, the money raised, the support of the Rotary Foundation, the events that were organized, the partnerships that were built, and — most importantly — the members who continued to volunteer, participate and show up.” said Shannon Junkin, 2025 – 26 president.

At 23 members strong, we are reminded that a small group of dedicated individuals can make a huge difference.

BEL Rotary Spirit at the District Conference

The "Little Club that Can" showed its incredible spirit at the recent district conference and showed up at the gala dressed as referees! The theme - black and white - was not lost on the club. Not only did the club their sense of fun and fellowship they also showed what they stand for with slogans such as "blow the whistle on hunger", "blow the whistle on discrimination", and "blow the whistle on polio!"

Congratulations and Thank you Janet Markham

One of the true joys of being a Rotarian is to recognize members who make a difference to the club and in the world. Monday evening the BEL Rotary Club had the honour of presenting Rotarian Janet Markham with her Paul Harris Fellow +1. The Paul Harris Fellowship was established to recognize contributions of US$1000 to the Rotary Foundation, either by individuals or on behalf of individuals. Plus 1 indicates an additional US$1000 has been donated. Janet recognizes the difference foundation dollars make in the world: hunger is alleviated, clean water becomes a reality and children have access to health care and education. Locally the foundation has supported food sustainability, the seasonal Adopt a Family Program and Sunshine for Seniors, (to name a few).

Janet has also shown her belief in the foundation by becoming a member of the Paul Harris Society. This means that she has pledged US$1000 annually to the Rotary Foundation.

Congratulations and thank you Janet for recognizing the power of the Rotary Foundation! We become one step closer to peace as you make this significant commitment.

Welcome District Governor Drew

District Governor Drew Markham addressed the BEL Rotary Club. He talked about the power of Rotary and the far reaching impact that Rotary has. His theme “together Rotary can” says it all. When Rotarians across the globe work together hunger is alleviated, illiteracy is diminished and clean water becomes a reality.

DG Drew shared one of his Rotary moments, working a dental clinic with displaced Haitians in the Dominican Republic. He used his vocation as a dentist to provide young Haitians with the kind of dental care they would never be able to afford. The smiles told the story. For him – this is one of the many “whys” of Rotary – the opportunity to make a difference.

DG Drew is committed to serving the community and beyond. Thank you for your words, your service and your commitment. On behalf of the BEL Club a donation was made to Polio Plus in honour of DG Drew’s visit.

Congratulations Volunteer Darcy Usborne

When a person is recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow, it means that 1000 USD has been donated to the Foundation either by or on behalf of the individual.

Foundation dollars make a difference. We see this difference on our community in the form of the annual adopt a family project, sunshine for seniors, support of the Lakefield and Bridgenorth Food Banks, the BEL Rotary Bridegenorth Trail and food sustainability.

The BEL Club had the honour of recognizing volunteer extrodinaire Darcy Usborne as a Paul Harris Fellow. Darcy is always willing to step up – giving freely of his time, energy and resourses. He has been instrumental in the work of the polar plunge, helping with set up, sunning of the day and is often there until the bitter end, making sure everythign is put away.

Darcy is one of the creative minds behind the Santa Claus parade, designing and working on the float, getting costumes together and bringing energy and fun to parade day. He volunteers at Rotary Park, and is either participating or behind the scenes of most of BEL’s projects.

In his private and professional life Darcy exemplifies the ideals of Rotary. As a teacher he works with youth who often face challenges and need a little extra support and understanding to be successful. He has spent many volunteer hours coaching and helping young athletes reach their goals and dreams. Care and concern for each other is an important part of who we are as Rotarians. Darcy shows this care and concern in his interactions with family and friends, offering help, friendship and fellowship.

Congratulations Darcy. As you become a Paul Harris Fellow, the world moves one step closer to peace.

Jude's Joy: Because Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play

Jude’s Joy is a reality! The inclusive playground was officially opened at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday Sept 4^th. The playground is a community led initiative and is the first barrier free playground with rubber surfacing in Selwyn. The playground aims to create a welcoming and accessible play space where children and individuals regardless of their abilities can play and thrive.

The playground is truly the result of a strong community partnership. Led by the Ennismore Optimist Club, in partnership with Julie Grant and dedicated community volunteers and supporters, it was inspired by Julie Grant’s son Jude, with the belief that every child has the right to play. When barriers are removed and all children are included our community becomes stronger. Opportunities such as this build empathy, trust and a sense of belonging.

BEL Rotary is proud to be part of this project. In addition to raising money for the project through the polar plunge, the club also purchased the inclusive swing that is part of the structure. According to mom Julie, this is Jude’s favorite piece of equipment.

“Today celebrates a remarkable community achievement”, said Mayor Senis, “More than a playground, Jude’s Joy is a welcoming space where children and families of all abilities can play, connect and create lasting memories. This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal.”

The playground is located at Ennismore Waterfront Park, 1053 Ennis Road, Ennismore.

A New Rotary Year Begins

On Monday July 13th, The BEL Rotary Club celebrated the end of the successful 2025 – 26 Rotary year and the beginning of 2026 – 27 Rotary year.

Outgoing president Shannon Junkin reviewed the past two years of her presidency and the incredible difference the BEL Club makes to the local and international communities. “Our community would not be the same if it wasn’t for the dedication passion and hard work of our members”. Junkin highlighted the Adopt-A-Family Seasonal and Sunshine for Seniors’ programs, the club’s commitment to the environment, the work at Rotary Park, and the youth programs and educational opportunities that help students better understand their futures.

She expressed her deep gratitude to the Board of Directors, members’ families and every club member for their patience, trust, honesty and encouragement throughout these past two years.

It was then time to officially recognize incoming president Courtney Usborne. Courtney thanked Shannon for her exemplary leadership, inspiration and commitment the past two years. As President Courtney was sworn in, and outlined some of her goals for the year. “This is the 50^th year of service of the BEL Club. We have been a pillar of the community and worked to better lives at home and across the globe. We are going to continue our mission of service this year and continue to look for new ways to make a difference. I am looking forward to working with our members, families and community partners to make our world a better place.”

The incoming Board of Directors was introduced: President-Elect Trish Edwards, Secretary Courtney Usborne, Treasurer Tony Davidson, New Generations Wilf Gray, Public Image Kim Whynot, Foundation Shannon Junkin, Membership Susan Davidson, Service Projects Trish Edwards and Club Administration Janet Markham.

Foundation

Nov 09, 2026 6:30 PM

Santa Claus Parade Preparation

Nov 14, 2026

Lakefield Santa Claus Parade

Nov 15, 2026

50th Anniversary Celebration

Nov 23, 2026 6:30 PM

Chemong Lodge and Tavern

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