CLUB MEETING HIGHLIGHTS - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Report by Barb Mitges
Club President Maria Derkacz welcomed 14 Rotarians and visitor, Johnathan Edwards. Past President John Kralt opened with the Land Acknowledgment followed by the Thought for the Day and Toast to the King and President Maria offered by Antonella Bernatchez
ANTONELLA'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We see Terry Fox Runs happening in the next few weeks around our neighbourhoods. As a teacher, we would participate in Terry Fox Walks every year. I feel that because of his strength and bravery, he should be remembered always, not just in September. Last week Don and I heard a new song as a tribute to Terry Fox when we were at the Bryan Adams concert. The song is called “A Ballad to Terry Fox”. Here are a few verses…
The wind was cold and thin
Out on the highway's edge
A solitary figure
With a solemn pledge
One leg of bone, one leg of steel A skip and a heavy heel
Brought up in Beese in Manitoba He didn't fail to make us feel
Yeah, the road was long where he once ran He did the best any human can Get across the country, that's the plan That's the spirit of a man
If there ever was a hero
If there ever was a saint
He ran through fire and through pain And he left us all a faint
He said it's a mission greater than himself And his words are still ringing true
He ran for everybody And he ran for me and you.
John Kralt's Point of Pride highlighted his experience when travelling with Martha in Northern Ontario this summer. They stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial near Thunder Bay where they shared in the pride of Terry's Marathon of Hope and his legacy that lives on to this day. As of 2026, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than one billion dollars for cancer research.
| The statue was created by sculptor Manfred Pirwitz to mark the place where Fox was forced to stop his run on August 31, 1980. |
50/50 DRAW - No winner
HAPPY BUCKS
$ Maria and Janusz had a date at the dump, Happy to see that stuff gone.
$ Barb thanked Lindsay and John M for Sunset Music Series (SMS) and Dale for Bike the Benchlands (BTB).
$ Gary and Dana are doing a fitness regime together.
$ Sue also commented on SMS and BTB.
$ Andy registered at the last minute for BTB and had a great time.
$ Martha spending time with grandkids.
$ Don indicated that Antonella had "big birthday ".
****HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTONELLA!****
$ Rob is now a retired politician!
$ Dale thanked everyone with BTB.
$ Justin is glad school is back in.
$ John M thanked everyone for their volunteer time. Loves time with his Grandsons.
NEWS
Maria announced that our club received a Rotary District 7090 "Club Excellence Award" for 25/26
BIKE THE BENCHLANDS REPORT
Dale Hatch was congratulated on BTB, there will be a follow up meeting soon.
Some comments: Great routes. One rider was stung by a bee and fell off her bike. Dale and team were there immediately, arranged Paramedics where she was taken to the hospital. The rider said she will be back next year!
SUNSET MUSIC SERIES REPORT - John Maynard
Weather was tough this summer, enough rain that John had mopping duty. Two extra concerts to support our sponsors Aug 18 and 26.
There is competition in our community playing every night with the same bands. SMS....15 years, thank you Margaret for starting this initiative. The Scouts volunteered one night which was great. Final $ coming soon.
OTHER BUSINESS
Handmade Market will be happening again next spring, we will need volunteers please. The $5,000.00 raised through parking at this event is a big plus for the club.
Thanks to John K and John M for working on the POD dates. There is a board member on each POD, if you are away, contact Barb to reschedule. We can make sure there is someone to do your duty.
John K would love ideas on speakers for regular club meetings.
Adam at The Local is ready for us with It's 5 o'clock Somewhere. Dates are October 21, November 18, December 16. The December event will be our Rotary Club of Lincoln Christmas Party.
CLUB ORGANIZATION for 2026-2027
Using a PowerPoint presentation, John Maynard provided an overview of the club's committee structure and discussed the leadership and areas of responsibility for each. Immediately following the meeting, John forwarded a copy of his PP presentation to all club members.
EACH CLUB MEMBER IS REQUESTED TO SIGN UP FOR AT LEAST ONE STANDING COMMITTEE.
In 2026-27, the club will be refreshing its STRATEGIC PLAN.
