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Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.3 million business, professional, and community leaders in 200 countries, who make a difference in the communities in which they live. Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Clubs are non-political, non-religious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary's main objective is service - in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

Together, we lead change in our own backyards and across the world.

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Stay Curious and Don’t Just Click: Cyber Security – Oct 2nd meeting

Rotarian Melissa DeBeau gave an enlightening talk on how to avoid scams. She gave us lots of advice such as change your password frequently and use lots of different characters, avoid using personal information such as birth dates and pets names as these are easy to hack. Set up MFA’s on important accounts, especially financial. She also spoke about how to identify suspicious messages. Melissa talked about how best to be secure using social media. Don’t share vacation plans in advance and pets and family names. Use the app’s privacy settings. Also avoid public Wi fi for sensitive tasks.

Celebrating the success of our Golf Tournament – Sept. 25th meeting

Trevor Van Nest told us about the history of the golf tournament. Tom Arkell found a very old tournament trophy that is dated 1922, so it appears this was the first tournament. It was originally Easter Seals and then when Dr. Bill Orr, a Rotarian, founded the Children’s Centre, it became the focus of the tournament. CAA is now the co sponsor. Trevor thanked all of the sponsors and the committee. The CAA’s recipient of their portion of the proceeds is the Distress Centre. Their Executive Director Stacy Terry was on hand to accept the cheque on behalf of her organization, along with CAA CEO Marrianne Wilson and committee co chair Chelcie Armstrong. Stacy commented that due to the additional funding they have been able to significantly increase their volunteers. From Niagara Children’s Centre Oksana Fisher, CEO and Rotarian, along with Pam Sharp, Director of Development accepted the cheque which will support children with disabilities and their families.

Our 50/50 Czar Marco’s Classification Talk – August 28th meeting

We were treated to Marco’s very interesting talk. He is a long time resident of St. Catharines. He and his wife Gail have two talented daughters. His family emigrated from Sicily. He had a 25 year career in I.T. sales and marketing and more recently, personal finances. He is also a musician, playing in the band Dragon Ritual Drummers. He believes in the family and the clan. He sees Rotary as a clan serving others and he is delighted to be a member of it. Marco did an amazing job of leading our 50/50 draw.

50 Year Anniversary of Exchange Student Visit

At the September 4th meeting Rick Evans had Fatima Barreto from Sao Paulo Brazil and Jesper Udsen from Copenhagen Denmark who were our club's inbound Rotary Exchange students 50 years ago! Rick presented them with a certificate, club banner and Ribfest t-shirts to mark the reunion. He has kept in touch all these years and they are staying with Rick and his family. A very special day for to have them here as Rick was also celebrating his birthday!

Ribfest 2025 - The 25th Anniversary

Congratulation to all the members, their families and friends who volunteered at Ribfest 2025. With your collective efforts and hard work we had a most successful event. Fellowship was at the forefront of this year’s event beginning with our reunion luncheon celebrating our 25^th Rib Fest. It was attended by 80 Past Presidents, Honorary Rotarians and former Rotarians. It was a resounding success. Over 50 Rotarians took shifts in the beverage tent, sponsor tent and cash trailer in addition to the 15 Rotarians who took on leadership positions for all the sub components of the event. We all had FUN.

We gave back to the Community with our new Sunday Family Day providing free entertainment for children and a free concert by the Caverners. The over 8,000 people who attended Montebello Park that day appreciated the event. A big thank you goes out to our Corporate Sponsor, Meridian Credit Union.

Thank you to Mayor Siscoe who opened our 25^th Ribfest and the media were there. All areas of media including radio and social media promoted the event and increased our visibility and positive image in the Community.

With the increased participation by our Ribbers, strong corporate support and the City of St. Catharines, we raised $89,156 which will go back into our community where there is the most need! We also raised $6,000 dollars through the 50/50 draw. The winner was past District Governor Lisa Bishop.

Submitted by John Potts Co Lead of the Rib Fest Committee

New Budget, New Member and Recognition – July 24th Meeting

Brian St. Hilaire presented the 2025/2026 budget. Our overall financial position is very positive. The budget was approved at the August 10^th meeting.

Audrey Wall was inducted into our Club. Her sponsor is Past President Jackie. Audrey is a Registered Nurse and has her own company. She has held leadership positions in non profit associations as well as with community groups. She sees Rotary as a way to contribute to humanitarian projects on a large scale and to build connections in the local and global community that creates a lasting impact.

Past President Jackie presented the club with a Recognition Plaque that was presented to her by Margaret Tuhumwire, the Director of EWAD (Environmental Women in Action for Development) in Uganda. Our club has financially supported a much needed expansion and infrastructure in a school in a remote fishing village in Uganda, through a global grant.

Yahoo! R.I. Convention in Calgary and focus on Club Committees – August 14^th meeting

President Duncan conducted a slide presentation on his recent trip to Calgary for the Rotary International Convention. He shared slides, information and anecdotes about the convention. Approximately 15,000 members from across the world attended. Highlights were presentations from the Premier of Alberta, Mayor of Calgary, Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Gina Davis, the R.I. outgoing and incoming Presidents and Peace fellows. There was a focus on Polio with Bill Gates renewing his foundation’s funding commitment and lots of information and opportunities to donate including a Stampede like pancake breakfast for polio.

WE NEED YOU! Committee chairs provided information about their committees – their focus, accomplishments and goals with a view to attracting club members to join and support their committees. Secretary Terry has sent out a reminder to all club members to sign up. Part of being an engaged club member is participating in club activities which includes being an active member of a committee. We need all of you to share the club responsibilities. Our ability to continue to fulfill our commitments both in our community and internationally depends on your participation. If you have any questions, please contact the committee chair whose name appears on the spread sheet on Terry’s email. Sponsors – please encourage members you have sponsored to participate

The secrets of their success

Rotary Action Groups have a lot to teach about volunteer organizing

Rotary donors surpass ambitious fundraising goals

Contributions will support projects around the globe, including a robust recommitment to the fight to end polio

Rotary’s History in Korea

Rotary’s History in KoreaThe first Rotary club in Korea was chartered in Seoul on 10 November 1927. Since then, Rotary members in Korea have maintained their commitment to fellowship, service, and leadership through difficult times —

Tastes of Taipei await convention attendees

From night markets to tea plantations, American chef Rick Bayless leaves no avenue unexplored as he tastes his way through Taipei. Find out what flavors he’ll never forget. Then, get ready to pick up the culinary journey yourself during the 2026 Rotary International Convention.

Rotary projects around the globe November 2025

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in Peru, the United States, Canada, Scotland, India, and the Philippines.

The gift of mothers’ milk

Sustained by donations from nursing women, milk banks provide a lifeline to vulnerable newborns

Peace center thrives on common ground

From vastly different countries and cultures, the first fellows at Rotary’s Istanbul peace center unite around a shared purpose

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November 2025

About Rotary Club of St. Catharines

Rotary at a Glance

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