Our weekly club meeting happened to fall on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. In remembering that event, President Crista spoke about “The Survivor Tree” that grows at Ground Zero and serves as a wonderful living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth.
In October 2001, a severely damaged tree was discovered at Ground Zero, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The Callery pear tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present.
Today visitors come to witness the beauty of The Survivor Tree in all four seasons and to leave behind a special message of hope.
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A ROTARY FELLOWSHIP OUTING:
LAST FEW TICKETS FOR THE ELORA ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
Our Membership Experience Team is pleased to inform you that Noma has purchased a block of 16 tickets for the upcoming Elora Adventure Film Festival for Saturday, November 7th. The tickets are $25 each. The films will start at 12:00pm and conclude around 2:30pm, providing us with an excellent opportunity to enjoy 10 to 12 short films. After the screenings, we can relax and socialize over tea and coffee at a local cafe, making it a delightful afternoon.
If you're interested in attending, please send an email to vales.noma@gmail.com to indicate your interest and reserve your ticket(s). Tickets are limited, so we encourage you to respond quickly to secure your spot. You may request tickets for spouse/partner or friends too.
We will meet at the Canadian Tire parking lot on Woodlawn Road to share rides to Elora.
Do you have an hour per week to Read with a Child?
Rotarians have been volunteering for a few years with students who just need an extra bit of time with an adult. Priory Park Elementary School and Rotary have a great system in place and we’d love for you to join us as a Reading Buddy volunteer.
If you’re available for an hour during the school day (exact times and week days to be arranged), please contact Marguerite Campbell at campbell.marguerite@gmail.com and she will get back to you with details.
Thank you for considering another opportunity for Service Above Self.
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THE GROVE YOUTH WELLNESS HUBS IN THE COUNTY ARE CELEBRATING THEIR 5TH ANNIVERSARY
Rotarians are warmly invited to join the celebrations! If you haven't visited any of these Youth Wellness Hubs, this is the perfect opportunity. Here are the details.
The program speaker, Mark Berardine, gave a powerful and informative presentation about “The Bench” in Guelph. This amazing community program helps our neighbours who are living in dire poverty, who are often unhoused. It is entirely volunteer-run and funded through donations. The history of this endeavour, past and present, is both shocking and inspiring. Shocking because it is hard to fathom how many people in our well-off city are struggling with almost nothing, and also how many bureaucratic obstacles are imposed. Inspiring due to the parties who are stepping forward to assist at The Bench. For the participants visiting The Bench, it offers them meaningful assistance with food, clothing and supplies as well as a place where they are welcomed and connected.
Our sister club, the Rotary Club of Guelph South, supports The Bench. Last spring, they ran a Scrabble Party with proceeds going to The Bench. At their upcoming Lunch At the Arboretum event on October 4th, The Bench will be one of their five beneficiaries for the funds raised.
Our club is investigating how we can lend a hand, too.
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CALENDAR DATES
Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 6pm … Rotary Club of Guelph's 46th annual Lobsterfest at the Italian Canadian Club.TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE. Event Chair Patrick Grist reminds us to help promote the event by boosting ticket sales. The event promises to be exceptional this year! Do you know it offers “all you can eat lobster”?
Thursday, October 1, 2026 … Our annual Family BBQ will be held at Ben McCarl's home. More details coming soon.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 … An all day Rotary District 7080 Conference in Brampton. “Peace Begins With You” is the theme. These meetings are really worth attending to learn, to share best practices and to meet wonderful people. Register for this amazing conference at thislink.
Sunday, October 4, 2026 … Lunch at the Arboretum, the annual fundraiser by Rotary Club of Guelph South. Tickets available here or from Celia Clark 519-766-1097.The Benchwill be one of five beneficiaries for the funds raised at this luncheon.
Friday, November 6, 2026 … our Remembrance Day meeting. Although still several weeks away, PLEASE be sure to plan your attendance at this meeting and bring family or friends. We have arranged a very special presentation for this date that you won't want to miss.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 6pm … Rotary Club of Guelph's 46th annual Lobsterfest at the Italian Canadian Club.