CLUB MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 9, 2025 Fleming Centre, Beamsville President John Kralt called the meeting to order with 17 Lincoln Rotarians + two very special guests District Governor Aaron Carlson & Rotary Exchange Student Joaquin Guglieminentti in attendance. To lead the opening exercises, he invited Pod #1 representatives, Debbie Klassen & Terry Kotwa. Debbie began with the LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT followed by her THOUGHT FOR THE DAY inspired by this Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: "Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." She continued with the following words of gratitude… Today, we are thankful for the district leaders of Rotary. We’re thankful they’re willing to give their time & talent, willing to risk, & willing to inspire each of us to become the best we can be. We’re thankful for their sacrifices & ingenuity, their experience & wisdom. We’re thankful that Rotary brings together opportunities to improve our community & our world. We’re thankful that we’re together today, ready to learn and be inspired by another year of service. Lastly, we’re thankful for our President John Kralt & District Governor Aaron Carlson. Debbie ended with a TOAST to Canada, the United States of America, Rotary International & the Rotary Club of Lincoln, and to President John & DG Aaron Terry’s POINT OF PRIDE (POP) featured Bike the Benchlands & Sunset Music Series. He expressed an abundance of pride for these Lincoln Rotary community events, successfully held during Summer 2025. Terry highlighted John Maynard’s outstanding leadership for Sunset and that of Joanne Serkeyn for BtB along with the steadfast support of the many volunteers involved in these events. HAPPY BUCKS This meeting marked the first time in more than two months that club members were convening as a group. Consequently, many shared how happy they were “to be back”. In addition... Martha - to introduce Joaquin, our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Argentina. Joaquin - to have arrived safely in Canada just 2 days ago Debbie - for her granddaughter Emily’s beautiful wedding this summer Dale - thankful and proud of SMS and BTB Bob - Bike the Benchlands - “a magical day” Andy - a great summer Phil - Bills are back & the grape harvest is looking good Alice - successful completion of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital construction project + a recent chance to do some fundraising while enjoying Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake hospitality Sue - for good times at the cottage all summer + moving forward with fundraising for Global Grant Project in Guatemala Jennifer - for her Dad who is now permanently settled in at The Jacob Maria - niece Helen has been visiting from Poland Barb - for a road trip stateside including a visit to the Rotary Club of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania while Helen house sat and took care of Dot and Emma Margaret - to welcome Aaron & Joaquin. Joanne - much happiness & appreciation for 2 years as Club President; Daughter Skye is working in Algonquin and son Chase in 3rd year at University of Waterloo David - for great summer vacation in Florida with grandchildren; prospect of playing chess with Joaquin; his father-in-law who is a “new man” with his newly installed pacemaker Aaron - impressed with our Rotary Park | 
