Our club considers three of its members and a local resident to be worthy of this prestigious recognition:
Kateri Clark, past president (2018-present), was nominated by President Colin Rousseaux. “Kateri has been instrumental in saving the RCO during a very difficult time. It may not be in existence if not for her efforts,” he says noting how Kateri oversaw the club’s successful administrative transition. “I believe she deserves this award based on merit.”
Kateri Clark is a new Paul Harris Fellow
Bjorn Helby, a member of the Christchurch Cathedral community, was nominated by Angela Kelly, past president (2014). “Until very recently, Bjorn headed the committee that organized the sponsorship of both Othman families from Syria,” says Angela about the club's project, in 2016. “The countless hours logged by Bjorn before the families arrived, his continued personal contact at all hours in times of emergencies, and his cheerful demeanor in the face of setbacks was a glowing example for the other committee members.”
Incoming president Ché Weist and John Lark, past president (2016), were both nominated by fellow Ottawa club Rotarian Nabil Oudeh, past president (2012). “Ché and John were instrumental in securing the transfer of $350K worth of baby incubators to Zimbabwe,” says Nabil about their Herculean effort that ensured the success of Project Thrive Zimbabwe. “Through this project they showed leadership, collaboration, and commitment to the ideals of Rotary.”
John Lark and Ché Weist also received Paul Harris Fellows
Ché Weist received a second nomination from John Lark. “Ché is an outstanding, dedicated Rotarian and an active community leader who reflects the effort, values and achievements of a Paul Harris Fellow,” he says. “In her capacity as chair of the International Committee, she moved a motion to the club's board to request $14,000 from the Rotary Ottawa Children’s Foundation (for Project Thrive Zimbabwe), which was successful. While she will certainly do more for Rotary in the years ahead, she is one of the most active members of the club.”
A date to celebrate these four individuals will be announced soon.
Member Profile
Who is Rotary?Meet Max Kallenbach
My name is Max Kallenbach and I’m a graduate student at Carleton University, studying political science. I’m originally from Zurich, Switzerland, but have been living in Ottawa since January 2019. After graduating in December 2020, I’ll start working as an attaché at the Swiss Embassy, in Ottawa. This will be for six months. When I’m not working or reading (my favourite genres are political biographies and thrillers) in the library or at home nowadays, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, hiking, heated debates and playing badminton.
I’m a Rotarian because I believe strongly in community service and working together to achieve something greater. I think the COVID-19 crisis has shown the world how vital community work is, and we can only thrive when we support and help each other.
I joined the Rotary Club of Ottawa soon after arriving in Ottawa and quickly found a place on the Adventure in Citizenship program committee. I was impressed by all of the young people coming from every part of Canada to Ottawa (Canada is roughly 244 times bigger than Switzerland) and talking about the meaning of being a Canadian today and how they could give back to their country.
Now, I’m the club’s social media manager posting information about Rotary Ottawa on all of its social media pages such as Facebook and Instagram.
As a student, I was also active with Rotaract Ottawa and was even bestowed with the Honorary Canadian Award. A definite highlight! In fall 2019, while interning at the United Nations in New York City, I attended
I loved my time in NYC at the centre of world politics, and hope to return to the UN sometime. Wherever I went, I was amazed by the hospitality of Rotary clubs and their dedication to service above self. I’m honoured and humbled to be part of this organization.
I hope I can meet you all in person as soon as the situation allows. In the meantime, don’t forget to socially distance and wash your hands. Stay safe and happy.
Get to know your fellow Rotarians. Let us know who you'd like us to feature.
Rotary News
Welcome new members
Rotary Ottawa is thrilled to welcome Moosa Rafi, Scott Waldron, Shigehiro Nishiumi, Atsushi Murata, Daniel Disipio, Michael Nobel, Fabiana Caparroz Nobel, Anjum Israr, Vik Chawla, and Holly Lielkalns. In a non-COVID world, we'd be welcoming you over a meal with conversation. Until that day returns we look forward to speaking and working with you all virtually. If other members would like to reach out to these new Rotarians, please use ClubRunner.
Rotary Ottawa’s new podcast launches
We told you about People of Action: A Podcast by the Rotary Club of Ottawa in last month’s newsletter, and now, we're proud to share it! In the first episode, launched on November 30, Rotarian and host Fabiana Caparroz Nobel interviewed Dr. James Wright about what Rotary and the world learned from treating polio and how this knowledge can be used to tackle COVID-19. Dr. Wright is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon leading health system transformation as chief of the Ontario Medical Association’s Economics, Policy and Research division. He was the club’s guest speaker on October 26, 2020.
Thank you to editor and co-host Heather Taylor. A member of Rotaract Ottawa, Heather’s expertise and vision ensured the realization of the podcast. It (and future monthly episodes) will soon be available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Go ahead, listen and share!
Virtual recipe exchange: A delicious event
Yummy-sounding recipes such as Scott Waldron’s Fiddle Diddles were the topic of a virtual Rotary Ottawa old-school recipe swap, on November 28, 2020. All five participants coincidentally made sweets and most of them were old family recipes. The hour online went by quickly with each Rotarian describing their recipe and telling a story. Participants spent an hour getting to know each other personally beyond Rotary business. And just like many Rotary gatherings, a new fundraising idea emerged. More on that at another time as well as about future recipe swaps!
Kudos to the generous Rotaract Ottawa members, who helped their club donate to the Backpacks for the Homeless project. Each of the six donated backpacks contained essential items such as socks, scarves, toques, mittens, as well as shampoo, deodorant and tooth brushes. Although the club met their goal, Rotaractors continue to collect items and encourage donations. For more information, contact Andrew Famme, Rotaract Ottawa’s Community Service Director.
Announcements
Incoming directors
The 2021-22 board members was approved at the Annual General Meeting, on November 23, 2020. Selected by a nominating committee composed of President Colin Rousseaux, Past-President Kateri Clark, and Ché Weist, President-Elect, the new board is:
President: Ché Weist
President-Elect: Carol McCalla
Immediate Past-President: Colin Rousseaux
Vice-President: Caitlin Goodmurphy
Treasurer: Amir Guindi
Secretary: Caitlin Goodmurphy
Director: Robert Therrien
Director: Daniel Disipio
Director: Rudi Mueller
Director: Linda Scales
Holiday message from President Colin Rousseaux
“What a year 2020 has been! Our lives have been forever changed, especially for Rotary Ottawa. Thank you for hanging in there during these difficult times and continuing to reach out to each other, even if it is virtual.”
“Exposure (hence dose) seems to be the most important aspect and predictor of how the disease will develop in an individual and its severity, except for those with preexisting conditions,” by Dr. Colin Rousseaux.
Did you know?
Rotary and the United Nations have a long history of working together towards peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world?
District 7040: Take a virtual tour of Rotarians' decorated homes. To participate in the WTF (Where’s the Fun) Holiday Homes “Tour” send photos of your brightly lit houses, Christmas villages or gnome collections to Jenn by end of day December 12. No decorations? Come for the tour with your glasses of eggnog, glogg or whatever you have on hand. At 4 p.m.
January 9, 2021
Operation Come Home: Support the BottleWorksprogram by dropping off your empties at Kunstadt Sports, 680 Bank Street in the Glebe, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Last year, Rotary Ottawa provided hampers for the school’s families, however, this year we're collecting cash to buy gift cards for stores such as Walmart, Loblaws, Giant Tiger, and FreshCo. The families who receive them can use them for groceries and gifts. Alternatively, consider donating waterproof gloves and mittens for students from age 4 to 12. Contact Angela Kelly to pick up donations. DEADLINE is DECEMBER 14.
Holiday greetings for long-term care residents
Rotaract Ottawa’s holiday cards project is for long-term residents at Garry J Armstrong on Island Lodge Road, and Peter D Clark Centre, in Nepean. “We believe that something handmade would be better to receive and we are aiming to add a personalized note to all cards,” says Rotaractor Andrew Famme. “We welcome any contributions.” For more ideas or information, contact Andrew.
Rotaract Ottawa’s Service Challenge
One of Rotaract Ottawa’s casualties in its transition to a virtual club because of the pandemic has been the loss of in-person volunteering. The club has found other ways of fundraising and volunteering. Such as #RCOServiceChallenge, a multi-month initiative focussed on education, awareness, and service. Since its fall launch there’s been weekly themes such as the blood donor challenge and its flu shot challenge. Stayed tuned to Rotaract’s social media pages for more information.
Eradicating polio
December is Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Disease Month. Have you gotten your flu shot? If so, have you donated $20.20 (or rounded up to $25) to the Rotary Foundation? Since the Gates Foundation is continuing its 2:1 matching program for polio eradication for every dollar committed by Rotarians (up to $50 million per year through to 2023) your gift could become $60.60 (or $75). We are nearing the end of another battle— eradicating polio—waged tirelessly by Rotary International for decades.
Amazon affiliate commission for clubs
A no-effort way to financially support Rotary Ottawa and Rotaract Ottawa is allowing the clubs to collect affiliate commissions on your Amazon purchases. It’s easy and doesn’t cost you anything extra. When making a purchase, click this linkBEFORE buying.
Make a difference. Wear a Rotary mask
Buy your Rotary-logoed mask for $15 each through ClubRunner, and Rotary Ottawa will receive $5 per mask. Write “mask purchase” in the box at the bottom of the form and email Alan Acton your address. He’ll send you your masks.
Holiday gift buying ideas
Rotary Ottawa’s ever-expanding list of businesses owned by Rotariansand friends might help you find a special gift plus offer some support. If your business offers products and services suitable for this month’s celebrations, tell us about them and we’ll share it with our members and beyond.
Rewards for Rotarians
Rotary Global Rewards is a discount program for Rotarians that contributes—proceeds less expenses—to Rotary areas of focus. Think eradicating polio, supporting education and more. Many of the participating businesses are owned by Rotarians.
