WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER, 

JENNIFER COSTELLO

Jennifer was inducted into our club on Friday, March 13, 2026 and we are absolutely delighted to have her join our team! Read more about Jennifer here and be sure to chat with her at a club meeting. 

JOIN OUR “ROTARY READING BUDDY” TEAM 

A few volunteer spots have opened up for April and May 2026, to spend one hour a week in one-on-one time (2 children, 30 minutes each) at Priory Park Elementary School. The children are chosen by their teachers for this special time with a caring adult. It might be to encourage a slower reader, or to stimulate a super-bright child. Each week, the school librarian provides suitable materials for each child. All that is missing is YOU. Take advantage of this “Service Above Self” opportunity by emailing Marguerite Campbell.  

ATTEND OUR DISTRICT ASSEMBLY / CLUB LEADERSHIP LEARNING FOR FREE ON APRIL 18th AT UofG 

This is a fabulous opportunity to learn more about Rotary and meet members from many different clubs while gathering new ideas and new friends. It's held on campus at the University of Guelph which couldn't be more convenient for us! Find the details here and register no later than April 9th. 

OUR CLUB PROGRAM ON FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026

“THE ROTARY FOUNDATION”

(As relayed by Helmuth Slisarenko to the absent Bulletin Editor - thanks, Helmuth!) 

Our District Governor Susanne Zbinden always delivers authentic, down-to-earth food for thought rather than summarizing Rotary information that is readily available online. This meeting at our club was no exception. 

In fact, most of this presentation was delivered by Susanne's husband, Richard Delongte, also an active Rotarian, who told a moving personal story about why he supports The Rotary Foundation, and why we should too. 

Richard's story was about being a former firefighter in Florida who had moved to Canada but immediately volunteered his services in New York City after the 9/11 collapse of the World Trade Centres in 2001. For seven days he laboured alongside others like him in difficult physical and emotional conditions. On the one hand, the workers like him were being cheered on and thanked by the public, while on the other hand, they had to walk past hundreds and hundreds of photos of lost loved ones. Some years later, Richard developed both liver and bladder cancer, linked back to his exposure to chemicals and dust from the 9/11 rubble sites. Despite many challenges, he was eventually able to get a liver transplant that saved his life. His personal gratitude led him to wanting to contribute to life-changing opportunities for others in the world, and The Rotary Foundation became his avenue for this. 

The presentation ended with this remarkable offer: 

Susanne and Richard are leading a personal campaign to match up to $50,000 in donations made to The Rotary Foundation! Email them for details.

Susanne Zbinden                Richard Delongte

Thank you, Susanne and Richard, for being such awesome Difference Makers in the world!

NOTE THESE DATES

(also on our Club's Home Page Calenda)

Friday, March 27, 2026 - a Fellowship Meeting at our club. Share your insights and thoughts with others, and enjoy this time together. 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 - Guest Lecture fundraiser at Hope House, arranged by the Rotary Club of Guelph Wellington. Tickets are $25. Details are here.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - the 53rd annual Science and Engineering Fair in the morning. 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.

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6pm - Lobsterfest Committee meeting - sign up, and start helping to plan our 46th Lobsterfest in Guelph. Email Patrick Grist. 

April 17, 2026 - Environment Committee meeting - planning arrangements for the upcoming 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.

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.