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MINUTES OF MEETING ON Tuesday, 17 June 2025 Editor: Tess Pierce President’s Night Meeting Called to Order at 6:30 PM: by Chairperson Tess Pierce Grace: led by Ted Morrison “Oh Lord, The Giver of All Good, We Thank Thee for our Daily Food, May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to Serve Thee All our Days” Toast to the KING: Al Finnigan Land Acknowledgement: Tess Pierce We respectfully acknowledge that the Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood is meeting on the traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nations, within the jurisdiction of the Williams Treaties. We are committed to our responsibility of stewardship, in these relationships and for this land on which we learn, share and live. Toast to Canada: Jan Coupland Visiting Rotarians and Guests: Welcome to our visiting guests: Sharron Morrison John Daniel Jan Penney Patti Koski Esther Trotter Rachel De Lio Maria Igbokwe Craig Porritt Lenore Baboolal Areef Rahman
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: The Birthdays for June are: June 20 – Robbie Larocque June 21 – Caroline Kipling June 23 – Keela Efraim, David Penney, & Linda Biddle
SPECIAL DINNER MEETING: PRESIDENT’S NIGHT SUMMARY OF FESTIVITES Induction of New Members: Farzana Ali John Babooldal Amandeep Singh
All sponsored by Rotarian Shashi Bhatia Dave Andrews spoke about the key aspects and expectations for Rotarians. He thanked Shashi Bhatia for sponsoring these three impressive candidates. He then asked Ted Morrison, Lennis Trotter & Shashi Bhatia to present them with their Rotary Pins and Welcome packet. Dave turned it over to Shashi to introduce our three new members. She told us of Amandeep’s transition from Waterloo Police to the pharmaceutical sector. He joined the police to help people and realized Rotary would be better suited to achieve this goal. We learned about John’s journey from Trinidad to Canada. He has experience with Rotary as a former member of Rotary-Scarborough. He is an entrepreneur and teacher in the Driving Instructor sector. Shashi touted Farzana’s extensive experience in both Bangladesh and Canada working to empower women. Through her real estate work she helps women become independent and successful. Each new member spoke about their personal journeys, and we enthusiastically welcomed them. 
Awards & Presentations Perfect Attendance Awards President Hilda reminded us that perfect attendance does not mean only weekly meetings. Our work on committees or service projects all contributes. Perfect attendance recipients were: Al Finnigan – 5 years Hilda Finnigan – 5 years Linda Porritt – 6 years David Penney – 11 years Ted Morrison - 12 years Dave Andrews – 19 years Camille Miquel-Farfan – 1 year Don Igbokwe – 1 year Tess Pierce – 1 year 
A message from (now) Past President Hilda Finnigan “It has been my privilege to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa Parkwood for the past year 2024/25.” This heartfelt statement resonated throughout her speech. She spoke of the Rotary family and her pride in the continued work being done locally and globally. She described the recent donation to Grandview Kids, in partnership with Lakeridge Health, that proves for an electrosurgical generator for the onsite OR. This operating room allows children to be treated onsite, in a familiar environment, and reduces wait times. Hilda’s experience as an OR nurse personalized this achievement. She recognized our international service that supports clean water, hygiene, and disease control initiatives. We also provided disaster relief to those in need. Hilda was especially proud of our work as the lead club for District 7070 in the WAKAM (West Africa Kenya Against Malaria) program. President Hilda reflected on the past year and thanked many club members for their contributions. She also thanked her husband, Allen, who stepped willingly when necessary to “ensure things get done.” “Thank you one and all ‘great Rotarians’ of the Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood.” 
A vision for 2025/26 from President David Mankiewicz: “I stand before you today deeply honoured and humbled to accept the role of President… Thank you for putting your trust in me.” David spoke of the room of friends, leaders, problem-solvers, and community champions. All representing the heartbeat of Rotary – Service above Self. This year’s theme – United for Good calls on Rotary members to be a force for unity even in a world increasingly divided by politics. From local service projects to global initiatives, Rotary brings people together. Our club is an important part of this. David outlined his three guiding club goals for 2025/26. Deepen our impact by evaluating and enhancing our existing projects. Grow with purpose and continue to attract new members, especially younger professionals, and strengthening the engagement of current members. Celebrate our story. We have an incredible legacy, but the best is yet to come Let’s share our successes more boldly with our community and each other.
He encouraged us to feel joyful and continue to laugh often and celebrate milestones. He concluded by thanking the Past Presidents who led with wisdom and grace. He thanked the Board and committee chairs for their leadership. He thanked us for the unwavering support of his family and friends and especially, “his better half- RACHEL.” He concluded with this. “Let’s make this year one of connection, compassion, and community. Together, let’s continue to transform lives-including our own. 
Tess reminded us that there are no meetings on June 24 and Canada Day July 1. Our next meeting is July 8. Tess got to ring the bell and adjourned the meeting @ 8:05 pm MORE INFORMATION IN THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Be sure to check out our Calendar for details.!! IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, YOU CAN MAKE UP: Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Secretary Janice Coupland, or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting. 
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