The Spinner August 10 2023

President Jackie chaired the meeting. Guests, Ron’s wife Eudevilla, Donna Luther, Verbon’s wife Jean, Olaf’s wife Ellen were introduced and welcomed as were the District 7815 Governor Roger Sevigny, his wife Suzanne, and their daughter.

Jackie spoke of the two fundraising events held with Xavier House, namely on July 30^th a High Tea and on August 6th a drive -in Bingo which both were very successful.

This meeting will be hosted by Jackie at the Port on the dock where the cruise ships tie up.  The area for the meeting is not normally open to the public. She asked that those planning to attend let Olaf know early and security will need to have a list of those attending.

Jackie introduced Roger, and from her introduction Rotarians and guests realized what an exceptional humanitarian was leading Rotary District 7815 in 2023-24. Roger began by holding a lighthearted quiz based on Rotary questions with the table giving the winning answer receiving a Rotary notebook. He then continued by talking about one of the biggest problems in society today is loneliness which often leads into mental health issues. He suggested that people like Rotarians should be asking not just ‘how someone is’ but really ask this question to get a truthful reply. He noted that RI President Gordon is very involved with mental health organisations. The theme this year is for Rotarians to “Create Hope in the World.”

He went on to speak about upgrading Rotary Clubs and asking people to become Rotarians. He noted that anyone who is interested in the Rotary Motto “Service above Self” should become a Rotarian and quickly become involved in Rotary activities and projects.  Roger answered several questions before being thanked by Bernd on behalf of the club.

The meeting concluded with Jackie presenting Roger with a cheque for the Rotary Foundation as a thank you for visiting and speaking to the club.