Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, November 13, 2025.
President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Club Business
- After lunch, President Olaf thanked Past President Jackie for serving the club as President for three years. He presented her with a token of appreciation for her strong leadership and hard work during this time. Congratulations from all Corner Brook Rotarians go to Jackie for the leadership she has shown and the support she gave and still gives to the club.
- Olaf announced that Rotary’s Giving Tuesday is Tuesday December 2, 2025.
On this day, Rotary encourages members and supporters to make donations to The Rotary Foundation to fund projects that promote peace, provide clean water, support education, and fight polio.
- Olaf also announced that the Zoom AGM for Corner Brook Rotary Club’s District 7815 will be held on Tuesday, November 18. All Rotarians are encouraged to register to join and participate in this zoom meeting.
Guest Speaker
The guest presenter Savannah Burden was introduced by Rotarian Dianna.
Dianna is the chair of the Adventures in Citizen Program held in the spring in Ottawa. The Corner Brook Rotary Club each year sponsors a high school student to attend this event. In the spring at a regular Rotary meeting, a high school speak-off was held and the winner then was sponsored to attend the 4-day Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa joining high school students from across the country.
Savannah was the student who won the speak-off so attended the Adventures in Citizenship 2025 Program in Ottawa.
Savannah began her power point presentation by thanking the club for this amazing experience.
She then went through the activities for each day starting with day 1, May 24 when she arrived in Ottawa. She met other students attending the program and friendships began to be formed.
Day 2, May 25 when they students explored significant areas of Ottawa and looked at the historical significance of these areas.
They visited Parliament and were the last group to visit parliament before the official opening by the King and the Acting Clerk spoke to the group. The evening was fun time at the Sugar Shack with a traditional meal followed by line dancing.
The next day, Day 3 started with a tour of Ottawa then there were advocacy presentations. The participants were asked to write down the problems that mattered most to them. After doing this, suggestions were made as to how to look for help, who to approach etc. That evening a Talent Show was held and Savannah participated in the show with new friends. She was amazed at the different talents showcased and the diversity in the country.
On Day 4 the group visited the Canadian Museum of History, a Citizenship Ceremony at which people of different ages and walks of life from about 90 countries became Canadian citizens with the hope of to finding a better life.
The day finished with dinner at Dow’s Lake Lago Grill. Each province selected a representative to speak about the experience and Savannah represented Newfoundland and Labrador. She played a clip of her inspiring speech that included thanks to Corner Brook Rotary Club for sponsoring her. Closing ceremonies were held and the following day the students headed for home.
Savannah was thanked by Dianna for speaking about her experiences. She is wished well as she continues her studies at Dalhousie University studying General Science.
Savannah again thanked the club for this amazing opportunity and general conversation ended the meeting.