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.

__________

OUR CLUB PROGRAM ON FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026 WAS xxx

In advance of our club's Environment Committee's Tree planting activities on earth day, they are delivering a fantastic program to the club.

Speakers - Mike Schreiner in conversation with Jordan Phelps.

Jordan Phelps is the Bee City Program Coordinator for Pollinator Partnership Canada. His passion for pollinators was sparked as an undergraduate at Western University, where he studied animal cognition and learned about the incredible feats of learning and memory that bees and other small-brained but mentally mighty pollinators are capable of. He went on to complete an MSc at Western in neuroscience, where he studied how exposure to common pesticides impacts the ability of bumblebees to learn about and gather food from flowers. This experience launched a lifelong interest in pollinators – not only for the good of our food crops and the ecosystem, but also because they are fascinating creatures to watch and learn from.

Jordan is delighted to bring this passion to Bee City Canada, where he works with municipalities, Indigenous communities, campuses, schools and businesses to make meaningful change for pollinators.

__________

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.