Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, August 21, 2025

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Guests prospective Rotarians Linda Carroll, Janice Spencer and Kim Legge were welcomed. Kim had brought two guests to the lunch meeting, Jennifer Lewis and Stephanie Webb who both work with Kim at Fonemed. 

 The Toonie Quest West 50-50 draw had a winner this week. Remember if you have paid in advance to the weekly toonie draw to check the date you need to start paying your weekly toonie again.

Olaf introduced and welcomed Rotarian Linda who spoke about her experiences at the International Rotary Convention held in Calgary from June 21 – 25.

 Linda began by talking of the steps she took to attend the Convention which began through a Rotarian from New Brunswick helping her find accommodation in a student residence in Calgary for herself and her husband.

 She went on to speak of the House of Friendship held in a huge exhibition hall in the BMO Centre. This was filled with hundreds of booths, interactive displays, foods from around the world and cultural exhibits.  In the House of Friendship there was an Indigenous Pavilion and speakers talking about a variety of Rotary projects. Here Rotarians from around the world could come together and talk about their different projects plus exchange ideas.

 The general sessions were held in the Scotiabank Saddledome for about 2 hours each day as well as sessions being held concurrently. There were several sessions that Linda attended about the work being done by Rotary throughout the world.

Linda had photos of the filled Saddledome with the huge television screens so all could see and hear clearly the major speakers.

 On Wednesday June 25 the convention closed with Tawakkol Karman, a Yemeni journalist, human rights activist and 2011 winner of the Nobel Peace prize speaking and being interviewed.

 Linda spoke about the sessions relating to Rotary membership, club leadership and club activities. She asked those at lunch what attributes they thought made good club leaders. Members responded after which she itemized some of the ideas given at the session she attended in Calgary.

 She finished her very interesting talk by looking at the July edition of the Rotary Magazine in which all RI’s 2025 – 26 leaders throughout the world were listed from the Board of Directors, Rotary Foundation Trustees, District Governors plus the areas of focus of Rotary.

  Linda had had a marvellous and eye-opening experience in Calgary when the world-wide scope of Rotary and its membership became more apparent. The Rotary Club of Corner Brook was honoured to have Rotarian Linda represent the club at the Calgary International Convention and then share her thoughts with everyone.

 Linda was thanked for speaking about her impressions and inspiration gained from her time at the Calgary International Rotary Convention before the meeting was adjourned.