Events

Please contact Secretary Joe Kapron (secretarypeterboroughrotary@gmail.com)  if you wish to attend.

Kevin Donovan is the Toronto Star's Chief Investigative Reporter. His focus is on journalism that exposes wrongdoing and effects change. Over almost four decades he has reported on the activities of charities, government, police, business among other institutions. Kevin also reported from the battlefields in the Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan following 9/11. He has won three National Newspaper Awards, two Governor General's Michener Awards, the Canadian Journalism Foundation award and three Canadian Association of Journalists Awards. As the Star's editor of investigations for many years, Donovan led many award-winning projects for the paper. He is the author of several books, including the Billionaire Murders; Secret Life: The Jian Ghomeshi Investigation;  and the "Dead Times" (a fiction novel).  You can listen to his Suspicion podcast series wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the Billionaire Murders documentary on Crave. Kevin will join our meeting by Zoom.

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meals at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

The Spelling Bee Committee Meeting will take place by Zoom. Please contact Donna-Marie Fennell or Mary Anne Greco if you would like to attend.

Our club's International Service Committee will give a presentation on the exciting projects they are working on right now. 

Join Us for an Inspiring International Update 

Our Rotary Club is making a real impact around the world! Join us at our meeting on April 14 as members of our International Committee share updates on the projects we support in Honduras and Nepal.

✅ Honduras – We’re wrapping up a waste recycling project that is helping communities improve their environment.

✅ Nepal – Our first Global Grant empowered women through trade skills, and we’re now working on a second grant to continue this important work in 2025.

This presentation will be packed with insights, photos, and details on how our club is making a difference. Plus, if you’re interested in hands-on international service, we’re tentatively planning a trip to Nepal in November 2025—a mix of service, meeting grant participants, and optional sightseeing. Stay tuned for details!

Also, Anita Erschen-Pappas will present her Classification Talk and we will induct Gerry Marcotte as a new member of our club.

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meal at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

Please contact Secretary Joe Kapron (secretarypeterboroughrotary@gmail.com)  if you wish to attend.

Please join us Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Langley Park For a Rotary Day of Service. We will be doing a cleanup to assist the Scouts who use Langley Park for many of their spring and summer activities. Due to the ice storm, there is extensive damage from fallen trees and we will to help clear as many roads and paths as possible. 

Bring Tree-cutting items/protective gear, if you have them such as:

- Chainsaw

- Hard hat

What to Wear:

- Durable work clothes appropriate for carrying logs and wood from where they are cut to piles nearby

- Heavy/protective boots

- Work gloves

- Hat

- Safety glasses (recommended but not necessary - if it's sunny, bring sunglasses)

- Rain gear, if rain in the forecast

Don't Forget:

- Water

- Snacks

The weather looks somewhat rainy but we will go forward with the day unless there is a lot of rain in the morning. Please register for this event or if you have difficulty doing so please contact Marie Press directly.

You are welcome to bring any enthusiastic and strong family and friends to help us out.

Later this year we will return to Langley Park to inaugurate the storage trailer we are purchasing for the Scouts but first it is important to help them clean up the park to make it safe for the youth going there for activities. 

Marie emailed Rotarians with a map showing how to get you to Langley Park. You may get more specific parking instructions later this week. If you have any questions or wish to carpool please contact Marie Press.

*** SPECIAL LOCATION for this meeting: Ashburnham Funeral Home & Centre, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough, K9H 2A2 **

Mark Reesor from the Peterborough Police is our Guest Speaker. Mark is currently a Staff Sergeant and the 2^nd In Command (2IC) of Operational Services with the Peterborough Police Service. Operational Services encompass all frontline officers including the four frontline platoons, the emergency response team, K9, the Community Services unit, the Community FIRST unit, the Traffic unit, the Training unit, the Uniform Financial Crime unit, and the Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams (MCIT).

➡️ We will also have the Carl Oake Rotary Swim wrap up AND new member Deb Walker will present her Classification Talk.

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (Note: McDonnel St. Activity Centre is unavailable on this day due to the Federal Election)

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meals at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

The 2025 Rotary Spelling Bee takes place at Fleming College on Saturday, May 3, 2025. It will be recorded and replayed on YourTV.

Participating schools (including Public, Separate, Private & Homeschools) are sending their top two students in the Grade 4 - 6 Division and the Grade 7 and 8 division to this regional Spelling Bee. Prizes will be awarded to the top students and literacy bursaries will be donated to winning students' schools.

Guest Speaker, Mary Smith, will tell us about the Nine Ships 1825 initiative. It is a community-driven project honouring the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration, a pivotal moment in the history of Nogojiwanong-Peterborough and surrounding areas. In 1825, nearly 2,000 Irish emigrants arrived on nine ships seeking new beginnings in what is now Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. This migration laid the foundation for many of our local communities and continues to shape our collective identity today.

Also, new Rotarian Tim Moloney will give his Classification Talk

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel St. Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meal at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

Our Guest Speaker is Trent’s new president, Dr. Cathy Bruce, who will share campus news and updates, and her plans for the future of Trent University.

We will also have a Classification Talk by new member Vishrut Shah.

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meals at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

Winners of the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) will be announced at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre.

Will be held at McDonnel St Activity Centre

Constable Keith Calderwood from the Peterborough Police Service, a dedicated police officer with 21 years of experience, including five years as a Major Fraud Detective, will be joining the us to share his expertise on scams. Throughout his extensive career, Keith has gained a deep understanding of the various types of scams that target individuals and businesses alike. During his session, he will provide valuable insights on how to recognize the warning signs of scams, offer practical advice on how to protect yourself from falling victim to them, and explain the crucial steps for reporting fraudulent activity. Keith’s wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience make him an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to stay informed and safe in an increasingly digital world.

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meals at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary's picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies.

Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers from around the world.

Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025.

Learn More: https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/

Join Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation for an update on the current Campaign for PRHC.

Since 2011, Lesley Heighway has dedicated her career to the healthcare needs of her community and the surrounding region through her leadership of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation. As President & CEO, she leads a team of passionate and dedicated professionals, and together with the community, they’ve raised $45 million over the last five years to ensure world-class health care remains the standard. Lesley is known and respected for being a champion of innovation, a strategic and visionary leader, and for leading her organization to new and unprecedented levels of success. A graduate of the University of Ottawa and Northwestern University, Lesley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Master of Business Administration degree. Lesley serves on the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) Canada Council Board of Directors, and she also serves as a mentor with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Toronto Chapter. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences. In 2021 Lesley received the prestigious Fellow designation from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), an honour bestowed on less than 2% of the professionals working in the field of healthcare philanthropy across North America.

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meals at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

If you would like to attend this meeting as a Guest, please email: contact@peterboroughrotary.ca

Meeting Location: McDonnel Activity Centre

Deadline for optional Lunch order ($20) is Thursday at noon the week before the meeting or you may bring your own meals at no charge.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82832051360?pwd=LzRYcGZsTjYrUk5BYTd1WHYySWpKdz09

SAVE THE DATE - Rotary social at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook is scheduled for Saturday, August 16. We'll see Wild Irish Geese by Megan Murphy. There will be an optional potluck dinner at the venue beforehand. Rotarians, family and friends are welcome.

Wild Irish Geese is the story of Irish settlers and their journey to the Peterborough region. Peter Robinson was the architect of an 1820s emigration plan which saw thousands of Irish families come to Canada to escape the brutal poverty which they were facing in Ireland. Eventually over 2,000 impoverished Irish settled in Scotts Plains, later renamed Peterborough and began their lives anew. These new Canadians planted deep roots in the Peterborough area and have thousands of descendants both locally and across the globe.

Event Organizer: Kelli Grady