The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose & the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the Second Object, which calls on Rotarians to “encourage and foster”:
• High ethical standards in business and professions
• The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
• The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society
Some suggestions on how you, as a Rotarian, can put these ideals into action...
• Talk about your vocation in your club, and take time to learn about the vocations of fellow Rotarians.
• Use your professional skills to serve a community.
• Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through your own words and actions.
• Help a young person achieve his or her career aspirations.
• Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
If you do any of these things, you are performing vocational service.
President Joanne Serkeyn called the meeting to order and extended a warm HAPPY NEW YEAR to all. In attendance were 20 Lincoln Rotarians & special guest, Barb Peters.
Following the Land Acknowledgment, Joanne offered her Thought for the Day by citing the Albert Schweitzer quote, “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others”, which she believes is a definition of a Rotarian. Her toast was to the King, Canada, Lincoln Rotary, our community & members.
Pod 4 member Alice Klamer inspired us all with her Point of Pride. She explained that during her recent visit to Japan, she toured Mukyudou, or the Eternal Cave - an air raid shelter dug by the Miya village elementary school teachers and students during World War II. The then principal, Ikeda Chiaki, suggested the plan and the construction lasted for about two years, from 29 Aug 1943 to 15 Aug 1945. The cave was designed to let children be able to live and study even during the evacuation time. This was a unique shelter which had an Imperial Room, a food storage, a kitchen, and a restroom as well as a classroom. After the end of the war, it was used briefly as an underground classroom, but after that it remained untouched for about 60 years. The complex was renovated and opened to the public in 2002 on the occasion of the centenary of the founding of the City of Sasebo, located in the Nagasaki Prefecture. Alice noted that she was very proud to see the Rotary emblem posted on the site, signifying the support of local Rotary clubs for the restoration project.
HAPPY BUCKS
Rotarians were full of fond memories of Christmas 2023 celebrations and good wishes for a happy & healthy 2024!
Alice - enjoyed the Town of Lincoln New Year’s Levee (January 6)
Anna - looking forward to her upcoming vacation with her family on a beach in warmer climes
Martha - sporting her Coldest Night of the Year sweatshirt & encouraging all to support the CNOY 2024 Lincoln Rotary team. (Note: Martha has already garnered $2,000 + in pledges.)
Terry, Dave, Bill & more - full of praise & appreciation for Joanne’s tireless work to ensure the success of the 19th annual Dr Davey Holiday Breakfast (December 12, 2023)
Bob - safely back from travelling to many destinations
John K - does not know why everything has to be so expensive especially taking the grandkids bowling.
Andy - not so happy about the dark mornings
Vernah - plugging Lincoln Rotary’s upcoming Ecoseries beginning with the first session on Wednesday, January 10, 7-8pm, featuring Bruce Mackenzie with his presentation on the Hamilton Wetlands
Brenda - finished a very special project for her daughter - a beautiful live edge resin table
Dave - delighted to have his 3rd grand daughter arriving in 5 weeks
Barb Peters - appreciating so many happy people so early in the morning
Dale - already reserved 4 campsites for 2024 season
Sue - to see Andy back & feeling good following his knee surgery last November
50/50 DRAW
Rob Foster pulled the winning ticket but not the winning Ace of Spades. So the pot grows…
PROGRAM
Vineland Community Garden Hub
Sue Foster extended a special welcome to Barb Peters - pinch-hitter for her husband, Dave Peters, as guest speaker. Barb is Dave's partner in both their Absolute Change Management (ACG) business, founded in 1999, and farming enterprise in Vineland Station. The Peters recently purchased “the farm”, which was once owned by Barb’s great grandparents. In 2023, the Peters donated the use of a 2-acre portion of the property to create the “Vineland Garden Hub” as part of the United Way Niagara’s Community Garden Network. This community garden is a space for people to come together and grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in support of various pop up produce markets, and with other community partners offering emergency food relief.
UW Niagara’s initial hub, established in partnership with Niagara College, combined with the Vineland Garden Hub, provides 88,500 square feet of fertile growing space along with their partners’ unwavering support of time, talent and resources. During the 2023 growing season, 11,602 lbs of fresh, healthy produce was harvested and distributed.
All fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown at both garden hubs were donated to agencies running food programs across Niagara region. Every week, volunteers worked hard to plant & nurture the crops and harvest & package the produce for pickup and distribution to 16 community organizations running affordable food markets in high needs neighbourhoods and 8 agencies delivering meal or food programs. To date, more than 9.000 families have benefited from this initiative.
The Vineland Community Garden Hub Official Opening - Summer 2023
Centre: Dave & Barb Peters
Centre Right: Erin Riseling (Niagara Community Garden Network) & Frances Haworth (United Way Niagara)
The Niagara Community Garden Network is a collaborative network of local food security leaders working together to build thriving community gardens. In 2020, the Network found their home at United Way Niagara as part of their commitment to improving food security for all residents. United Way Niagara is providing the backbone support for the Network including support with funding opportunities, marketing and communications and community engagement and development.
Network members include nonprofit agencies, schools and childcare centres, public libraries, churches, neighbourhood groups and community members working together to grow healthy, nutritious food.
If you are interested in learning more about the Niagara Community Gardens Network, becoming a volunteer or a member of the network, visit niagaracommunitygardens.ca.
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Pod 4 member Alice Klamer inspired us all with her 
Terry, Dave, Bill & more - full of praise & appreciation for Joanne’s tireless work to ensure the success of the 19th annual Dr Davey Holiday Breakfast (December 12, 2023)
