Events

Registration link:  https://www.crsadmin.com/eventportal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=c0ad9eb9-2e8c-4adf-bcc8-4d52bffb1e7a

The Orange Shirt / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day Walk

Each year, September 30, a federal statutory holiday, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Wear Orange

Orange Shirt Day, also taking place on September 30, is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

Local Event

One of the local events in recognition of Orange Shirt Day will be a walk from the Healing of the Seven Generations building at 300 Frederick Street to Victoria Park starting at 10:00 a.m.   There will be drumming and Indigenous dancing once the group arrives at Victoria Park.

As part of our club’s efforts toward Indigenous Learnings and Reconciliation we are inviting members who are interested and available (along with family and friends) to wear orange and join in the walk.  We will be gathering at the Frederick Street and Edna Street corner of the Frederick Street Mall at 9:15 a.m. (by the Tim Hortons).  We will have Rotary Vests to wear as well.

So we know who all to expect and so we can join/walk as a group we are asking those planning to attend to please register by Saturday evening, Sepetmber 28, at 6:00 p.m.

Presentation and Tour of KW Habilitation

Please join us on Monday October 7 for a tour and presentation at KW Habilitation highlighting affordable housing initatives.  Our host will be Ann Bilodeau, the CEO of KW Habilitation, the tour will be conducted by clients who use their services.

Parking will be available, please enter though the main entrance.

We will have a catered boxed lunch from EVO at $24.  Please indicate your choice from the following in the comment box on the registration page:

Griiled Chicken Foccaci
• Fresh Focaccia Bun, Grilled Chicken, Roasted Red Peppers, Grilled Portobello Mushroom, Spring Mix, Goat Cheese, Pesto Mayonnaise
• Spring Mix Salad with Strawberries, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onions, Candied Almonds and Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Fresh Fruit
• Peanut Butter Stack
• San Pellegrino (250ml)

Vegetarian Spring Rolls *GLUTEN FREE*
• Two Fresh Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Thai Sauce
• Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries, Sweet Potato, Black Beans and Pumpkin Seeds
• Fresh Fruit
• Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
• San Pellegrino (250ml)

Italian Ciabatta Sandwich
• Fresh Ciabatta Bread, Provolone Cheese, Prosciutto, Genoa Salami, Spicy Calabrese Salami, Green Leaf Lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes, Honey Mustard
• Cold Penne Salad with a Creamy Pesto Dressing, Red and Green Peppers, Sundried Tomatoes, Black Olives
• Fresh Fruit
• Peanut Butter Stack
• San Pellegrino (250ml)

Deadline for registering is Thursday, October 3.

Member Mixing and Youth Exchange!

In response to suggestions made at the club strategic planning brainstorming session our meeting on Monday October 21 will provide an opportunity for members to interact with and get to know fellow members.  There will also be a couple of other timely items on the program.

> Member Mixing & Fellowship– Get to meet and learn about fellow members
> Youth Exchange - Report from our recently returned Exchange student Serena Gillespie from Japan
> Auction Action – Bring in items and donor forms you have acquired to date – pick up lawn signs to place at your home or place of work

NB! Pre-Registration and meal selection is required!

Our meeting will be held at the Charcoal Restaurant.  We will have a fully private room with lunch served at a cost of $32.00 with tax and gratuity included which is to be paid in advance as part of registering for the event.  Doors open at 11:30 and the program will begin at 12:00 noon. 

 Deadline for registering is Thursday, October 17.

Online Auction Sign Distribution
Your Help is Needed!  Response Requested!

A significant number of people who purchase items on our Online Auction indicate that they learn about the auction through our roadside / lawn signs. And, again this year we need your help to distribute these throughout the region.

Our Sign Distribution has two components again this year.

1. All members are asked to pick up 2 or 3 signs to put up at their homes and/or place of business.

2. We need an additional 8 to 10 members to take about 10 to 15 signs each and distribute them in a geographical area in the region assigned to you. This will only take about 1.5 to 2 hours and after you have picked up your signs you can set them up as soon as of the start of the Auction on November 2.  We wil provide you with the rules for where signs can be placed.

Signs will be available at our meeting at the Charcoal on October 21 and at our Auction Warehouse on the morning of Saturday, October 26 - 128 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener.

All members are asked to respond by Thursday, October 24 and indicate in the Comment Box that:

1. You will participate in the full Sign Distribution in the region and pick up the signs on Saturday, October 26 or at the meeting on October 21.

OR

2. You will just be able to take 2 or 3 signs for use at your home and/or office and will pick these up on Saturday, October 26 or at the meeting on October 21.

OR

3. You would like to have 2 or 3 signs to have at your home and/or office but are unable to pick them up on either October 21 or 26 and will need to make alternate arrangements to get them.  We can deliver!

Please remember, we need your help to make the Auction a Success!

Your 2024 Online Auction Committee

FALL DOM CARDILLO TRAIL CLEAN UP

Our next Dom Cardillo Trail Clean-Up will be on Monday, October 28 (we go rain or shine unless there is thunder and lightening).  As uusual we will meet at Stanley Park Mall by the new Canadian Tire Store and the River Road entrance at 4:00 p.m.  

If interested, please join us afterwards for a social at the Whale & Ale Pub on Victoria Street.

To help with planning we would like members to sign up.  As always, though, feel free to bring along friends and family members but please indicate if you are doing so in the comments box on the registration page.  

STORYTELLING PIANO SHOW

Kitchener Rotary hosts Klaus Scharffenorth, 1978 Youth Exchange student, for music and stories at Waterloo's Jazz Room, showcasing Youth Exchange Program's impact and opportunities.

No Cover Charge
Donations to Rotary Charities Welcome
Food and Drinks Available

Visit the auction website rotaryonlineauction.ca

The auction starts on Saturday November 2nd at 9AM

The auction ends on Saturday November 16th at 10PM

Please contact auction@kitchenerrotary to donate items, become a sponsor or ask questions.

https://rotary7080.zoom.us/j/86031395729?pwd=WkRRemcwV1BERkVPL0R6YWRvNVhkQT09

Club Fall Tree Planting Outing

On Tuesday, November 5 we will be joining staff from the city of Kitchener for tree planting in Lynnvalley Park from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  We will be adding potted trees and shrubs to naturalized areas within the park to increase canopy cover and improve biodiversity.

Shovels, gloves and all materials will be provided by the city, please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and sturdy foot wear and bring your own water bottle.

Lynnvalley Park is in the Highland West Community in the University Road / Fischer Hallman Road / Victoria Street South area. Access the park through the sidewalk near 166 Lennox Crescent.

Family and friends are welcome to join in, please register by Monday, November 4.

Kitchener Rotary - Remembrance Day Program
Stories of Remembrance

Our Remembrance Day program for this year will have several of our members telling personal stories related to previous wars and conflicts - fathers coming home from the war, family remembrances, the loss of relatives, all from the heart.

Please join us for what will be a touching and meaningful tribute - Lest We Forget.

NB! Pre-Registration and meal selection is required!

Our meeting will be held at the Charcoal Restaurant.  We will have a fully private room with lunch served at a cost of $32.00 with tax and gratuity included which is to be paid in advance as part of registering for the event.  Doors open at 11:30 and the program will begin at 12:00 noon. 

 Deadline for registering is Thursday, November 7.

Visiit the auction website: rotaryonlineauction.ca 

The auction is open for bidding until 10pm Saturday November 16th.

A Tour of the New KidsAbility Kitchener Facility

The connection between Kitchener Rotary and KidsAbility goes back to our very origins.  With our support, KidsAbility has continued to grow and increase the number of clients they can service.  They have recently opened a new facility in Kitchener and our meeting on Monday, November 25 will be a tour of this site and an overview of all of the services provided there.  Please note that this is in the South Kitchener / Sportsworld area and the start time for the tour is 10:00 a.m.

In response to comments at our strategic planning, information gathering sessions we are continuing to explore alternate meeting locations and meal options.  At the new KidsAbility Kitchener location there is space for regular club meetings and in addition to learning about the whole site and the services offered we will have the opportunity to use and check out this area for some lunch and regular club business.  This will be a BYOBBL event - "Bring Your Own Brown Bag Lunch".  As an alternative to catered or restaurant meals we are going to try this approach.  Pack a lunch or stop by one of the many food shops in the area to pick up your favorite snack.

As always, to help with planning, members are asked to register with a deadline of Sunday, November 24.

https://rotary7080.zoom.us/j/86031395729?pwd=WkRRemcwV1BERkVPL0R6YWRvNVhkQT09

You don't want to miss our annual Holiday Social!  This year at the Westmount Golf & Country Club, Kitchener, starting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 09.  Dinner served at 7:00 p.m.

Private Room
Turkey Dinner with all of the Fixings and Dessert
Great Fellowship
The Ever Popular Pie/Dessert Auction*
Musical Interlude and Special Presentations
Cash Bar

Price is just $75.00 per person
(paid online with registration)​

At this meeting we will also be collecting winter clothing and outdoor wear for the reistents of A Better Tent City.

We need to confirm numbers with the venue, please sign up as soon as possible (don't forget to include your guests). Deadline is Wednesday, December 4.

Please indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions in the Comment Field on the registration page.

*Note: For the Pie / Dessert Auction again this year payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card and not charged to your account.

https://rotary7080.zoom.us/j/86031395729?pwd=WkRRemcwV1BERkVPL0R6YWRvNVhkQT09

 Wealth, Legacy, OR Taxes: It’s Your Choice

While Canadians are in the midst of the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth we have ever seen, the majority are unaware of the effect taxes will have on their estate or the generous solutions available.  This presentation plants a seed to motivate listeners to engage in planning to reduce taxes, protect families and support the community by re-directing taxes to charity.

Please join us for an informative presentation by Lynn Whetham CFP,      Strategic Generosity Consultant, Mindful Money Management.

NB! Pre-Registration and meal selection is required!

Our meeting will be held at the Charcoal Restaurant.  We will have a fully private room with lunch served at a cost of $32.00 with tax and gratuity included which is to be paid in advance as part of registering for the event.  Doors open at 11:30 and the program will begin at 12:00 noon. 

 Deadline for registering is Thursday, January 9.

Guided Tour at The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

On Monday, January 27, we will treated to a one-hour private, guided tour of two special exhibits at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.

The two exhibits are: Beyond the Bricks, 100 Years of St. Mary's General Hospital and Black & Free.  For more details on these exhibits see the attached flyers.  The tour will start at 6:00 p.m. sharp.  Initially this will be a members' only event but will be opened up for guests if numbers allow.

Following the time at the Museum, those interested will gather at the Edelweiss Restaurant for dinner and fellowship.  Please indicate in the comment box when you register if you will be joining the group for dinner.

There is no cost for the tour but to assit with planning we would like members to register by Friday, January 24.

Financial Prospects and Possible Financial Strategies for 2025

We are delighted to have Robin Stanton, VP of Portfolio Management at Raelipskie Partnerships, back with us again for our annual Financial Forecasting event where he will provide his insights into Financial Prospects and Possible Financial Strategies for 2025.

Please join us for this informative and timely presentation.

At this meeting we wil also be collecting items for the next  "A Better Tent City"  drive to collect kitchenware (plates, saucers, bowls, mugs) and flatware (knives, forks, soup spoons).  Incomplete, new or used sets or pieces are welcome.

NB! Pre-Registration and meal selection is required!

Our meeting will be held at the Charcoal Restaurant.  We will have a fully private room with lunch served at a cost of $32.00 with tax and gratuity included which is to be paid in advance as part of registering for the event.  Doors open at 11:30 and the program will begin at 12:00 noon. 

 Deadline for registering is Thursday, February 6.

Tour of the Gustav Bakos Observatory

The Gustav Bakos Observatory, named in honour of the first astronomer at the University of Waterloo, houses a twelve-inch telescope, which is located on the roof of the Physics building. The observatory has been in operation since 1967. The telescope has been used for research on visual binary stars and for undergraduate student assignments.  We have arranged for a private tour of the Observatory on Monday, February 24.

For more information on the Observatory, visit their website at:
https://uwaterloo.ca/physics-astronomy/community-outreach/gustav-bakos-observatory

Location and Parking:
Please see the attached map for the location of the Physics Building and for Parking locations.  The most convenient Pay Parking is available in Lot H (off the Ring Road) or C (off Seagram Ave.).  The tour will start at 6:00 p.m. and it is recommended that you allow at least one-half hour for parking and walking to the Physics Building.
NB Note: To access and pay for parking an App is required.  For detailed information and instructions go to:
Detailed Parking info: https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainable-transportation/visitors

A Full Campus Building and Parking Map is available here: https://uwaterloo.ca/map/

This event is open to members and family and guests but is limited to a maximum of 25 persons on a first-come-first-served basis.  Registration deadline is Thursday, February 20.

Please note that while telescope usage is limited to clear skies, the tour runs regardless of weather conditions (unless they are severe). Please also note that, regrettably, the observatory is not presently wheelchair accessible.

Indigenous Relations

with Jean Becker, AVP Indiginous Relations, University of Waterlo

Jean's talk will seek to answer questions about the place of Indigenous peoples in contemporary Canadian society and shed light on the continuing work of reconciliation 10 years after the release of the report of the Truth and reconciliation commission and the 94 Calls to Action.

NB! Pre-Registration and meal selection is required!

Our meeting will be held at the Charcoal Restaurant.  We will have a fully private room with lunch served at a cost of $32.00 with tax and gratuity included which is to be paid in advance as part of registering for the event.  Doors open at 11:30 and the program will begin at 12:00 noon. 

 Deadline for registering is Thursday, March 6.