NO CLUB MEETING ON 

APRIL 3, 2026 (GOOD FRIDAY)

BOTH JOY AND SORROW

Within the past few days, we have heard both joyful news and terribly sad news concerning our members.

Jules Croskill-Brohman: On Thursday, March 26, 2026 Jules and Mike welcomed the safe arrival of their baby Callum James Brohman who checked in at 7 lbs 7 ounces despite being a little early. We wish them total joy in their new chapter and our club welcomes our newest “Rotary Baby” !

David Sandals passed away: During our Rotary meeting on March 27, 2026 we were deeply saddened to learn that David, the husband of Liz Sandals, had passed away that morning at hospice.  Obituary. 

Tom Funk passed away: Monday morning brought shocking news that our beloved Tom Funk had passed away suddenly on Sunday March 29, 2026, at home. Tom was at our Rotary meeting last Friday, actively participating in our Fellowship activities. 

Ruth Thatcher was celebrated by Guelph General Hospital Foundation: On Saturday evening, March 28th, our one and only Ruth Thatcher received the Inspirational Philanthropist Award for her many years of hospital volunteering. This photo shows Ruth on the “Red Carpet” at the Black Tie Bingo event where the award was presented in front of a packed room last Saturday night. 

More details will follow as they become available.

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OUR CLUB PROGRAM ON FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 WAS ABOUT “FELLOWSHIP, AND LOOKING AHEAD”

In addition to several announcements, our meeting included these key activities:

OVERVIEW OF OUR CLUB'S NEW POLICE CHECK POLICY

Dianne Dance and Ian Blain, both directors on our club's board, formally introduced and explained the club's new Police Check Policy which has also been communicated via email to all club members. Ian (a retired lawyer) now serves as our Club Safe Practices Officer (CSO) and will be coordinating the Police Check Policy. The key documents are filed on our ClubRunner website in the Member Area for reference at any time. Contact either Ian or Dianne with any queries. 

FELLOWSHIP

Every second month, our club has a designated day for “Fellowship” and this was one of those days on March 27th. Upon arrival at the club meeting, members were randomly designated to sit at a particular table to encourage conversation between members they might not know as well as others. The Membership Experience Team (MET) then used the opportunity to invite member-feedback in four areas. Marguerite Campbell set up and facilitated the exercise very efficiently with Post-it notes on each table and a clear list of four areas for members to note their thoughts and suggestions about our club activities:

• Clear the Path (things we should consider STOPPING?)
• Build the Bridge (things we should consider STARTING?)
• Protect and Strengthen (things we should KEEP BUT IMPROVE?)
• Membership Growth/Support (ideas for recruitment and retention)

The Post-it notes will be summarised and shared with members. 

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NOTE THESE DATES

(also on our Club's Home Page Calendar under EVENTS)

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - the 53rd annual Science and Engineering Fair in the morning at Bingamans. Several of our members are volunteering as Bus Monitors for the afternoon tour of Laurier University by senior students. Read more about WWSEF and our club's long history in starting and supporting this Science Fair.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6pm - Lobsterfest Committee meeting - join the committee and start helping to plan our 46th Lobsterfest in Guelph. Meeting will be at Luisa's home. Email Patrick Grist or Marty Fairbairn.  

April 17, 2026 - Environment Committee meeting - to plan arrangements for the annual Tree Planting Day on April 25th of the Hanlon Creek Forest. Email Carolyn Weatherson. 

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - District 7080 Assembly / Club Leadership Learning. This free all-day event will be held at the University of Guelph and is a FANTASTIC opportunity to learn, make connections, and fill your heart with Rotary pride. Sign up here by April 9th. 

Saturday, April 18, 2026 - Scrabble Party fundraiser by Rotary Club of Guelph South. Tickets are $25.  Details are here.

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Community Connections meeting for local charities and non-profits, courtesy of Rotary. Read more here. 

Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Tree planting day, with Rotary helping to plant another Forest in Guelph! Read about the Hanlon Creek Forest and Rotary's involvement here.

May 8, 2026 - Science Fair Winners will attend our Friday club meeting to share details about their winning projects.