Editor: Scott Vetter, Assistant Editor: Rosemary Parker
Announcements
Happy Canada Day! Hope that you all had an enjoyable Canada Day weekend with family, friends and the opportunity to show your love for our country and those who call it home.
The last meeting of the 2022-23 Rotary was a social soiree to celebrate change-over. Many members and some family gathered for some pizza and nibblies (compliments of RCOS), speeches and great conversation.
It was terrific to see "old" members and friends. Sam, Rowina and Julie Monsour were there, and Sam was looking quite dapper in a navy suit (he would've received his Honourary Membership if he showed up in a t-shirt and shorts). We were also grace with the presence of Joan Hunter, Alex Davidson and Gary and Gezina Pluim. Warm and wonderful people who have all made Rotary proud.
It was truly an enjoyable evening of gratitude, setting plans and camaraderie. Read below to hear from our outgoing and incoming Presidents. If you missed it, be sure to attend the next social soiree, or our picnic next week (see next bullet point).
Rotary Family and Friends Picnic and St. Lawrence Theatre Festival Performance - July 15: On Saturday, July 15, 2023 we'd love for you, your family and friends to join us at the beautiful RiverWalk Park in Prescott, Ontario for a zero-waste picnic followed by a performance at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Theatre Festival (optional). Please let us know you will be joining us by completing our Family and Friends Picnic and St. Lawrence Theatre Festival Play Sign up Form before June 9, 2023. As of today, only one person has signed up for the event. If we do not have more people interested in the event, we will cancel the event.
Honourary Member - Sam Monsour
Outgoing President Dave Gough awards longtime RCOS member Sam Monsour with an Honourary Membership. Several members spoke to Sam's ongoing commitment, dedication and generosity to our club. From being President to Treasurer (many times), to ardent committee member, not to mention hosting many events at his home, as well as long-serving Board member for Ottawa Rotary Home and Rotel Foundation Inc. – the award is well-deserved!
Outgoing President - Dave Gough
Rotary Ottawa South granted me the opportunity to be President of one of the most powerful and dynamic groups in Ottawa. Over the past two years, I hope that we have turned the corner from COVID and its effects on service clubs across the city. We have morphed from a membership of tried-and-true Rotarians into a group of younger diverse members. Youth, energy and commitment abound now. We have the perfect mix of honourary, active older, current and new members for Rotary Ottawa South to continue and grow for the next decade.
I hope that I have brought a new light to Rotary Ottawa South. Humor and good times. New ideas and more to follow with this crew New fundraising activities and ideas. Youth, diversity and inclusion is our future.
The future is in such terrific hands with your new President, Kateri Clark. I can only ask that everyone offer the same support and commitment you all have given me over the past two years.
"Thank-You" all very much. Stepping down now and moving to Membership Director. Still here my friends.
I am deeply grateful to Rotary Ottawa South for giving me the honour of being your President in Rotary year 2023 – 2024.
Even as the world faces new and serious challenges, Rotary Ottawa South takes care of its members and those we serve, works to bring hope, solve issues, address needs, and embeds belonging and inclusion in everything we do.
We all go through challenging times in our lives, but I have learned that, with courage and the support of others, there is always hope. In fact, it's my favourite word, because it is so empowering. As author Barbara Kingsolver, said: The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.
This year, just as Rotary International President Gordon McInally is asking everyone in Rotary to Create Hope in the World, I am asking Rotary Ottawa South to be brave and live inside our hope. Our community and the world need us.
Together, let's focus on offering an excellent Rotary experience! We must be as welcoming and as engaging as we can. Our goal is to create a sense of belonging because all people of action need is to be able to imagine a place for themselves in Rotary — it's up to us to ensure they can do so.
RCOS was thrilled to help sponsor the Riverside South Community Association's annual Canada Day event. Several members represented our club, and Rotary in general, and enjoyed some fun in the sun.
Many thanks to Kateri, Vik, Sean and Dave H for taking time out of their holiday weekend and spreading the good word.
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