ADG Rotarian Kimberley introduced DG Beth.
Beth joined the RC of Belleville in 2004 and transferred to RC of Cobourg in 2008 when she retired. Her first involvement with Rotary was in 1993 as a host mom to a Mexican youth exchange student who they keep in contact with.
Beth spent 30 years in education. Originally graduating from the University of Guelph, then 3 degrees from the University of Toronto including a PhD in 2005. She was a faculty adviser at Nipissing University.
She has a long history of community involvement including YMCA. She and Barry live in Baltimore. They have two sons, one in St. Catharines and the other in Whitby with their families.
Beth shared her first experience with Rotary as a host mother to a young lady from Mexico, a shy 15 year old who cried a lot until talking to her father who told her to stop crying, she wasn't coming home, so she stopped crying and adjusted. Barry is her Canadian dad and attended her wedding, and they speak every Christmas.
Beth and Barry have hosted 5 students.
Their Danish daughter is here now and she visits most every year.
The Rotary International President Mark Malony (2019/2020) theme: Rotary Connect the World.
One way we connect the world is through the Youth Exchange Program. D7070 has exchanged with 21 countries and over 235 students since the 70's. The program can unlock the potential and build life long friendships and community.
RI Mark's 4 primary goals are:
1. Grow Rotary
2. Involve Families of Rotary
3. Build viable Path to Rotary Leadership
4. Rotary 115 years this year and United Nations involvement
Rotary Citation - Take Action and Unite People.
DG Beth's Goals:
Support Youth Exchange Committee's goal to have 20 students in 2020. We have 7 now.
Assist Club Presidents
Organize new clubs.
Focus on Rotary Families
Expand knowledge of District and Global Grants
Increase giving to Rotary Foundation
Increase community and international projects
Heighten Public Awareness of Rotary
District Conference in Muskoka this October. It is a beautiful location and we are getting great rates at $135 / night.
Also wonderful speakers.
On Friday night an Oktoberfest Party and hospitality suites.
Saturday night a 'fireside chat' with the exchange students.
Register to attend today. $349 per person for full weekend.
President Brigitte thanked DG Beth for joining us today.