As we approach Remembrance Day, let us take some time to reflect on the values of courage, sacrifice, and service. This day is dedicated to honoring those who have served and those who continue to serve, including the countless heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom, justice, and peace. As Rotarians, we are called to uphold these values in our communities. We recognize the immense dedication of our veterans, family members, and relatives, many of whom exemplify “Service Above Self” in their military and civilian lives. Their contributions remind us of the power of unity, resilience, and empathy — qualities that we, too, strive to embody. In Canada and other Commonwealth countries, wearing the poppy has become a tradition of honoring fallen soldiers, veterans, and those currently serving. It’s a visual reminder of the gratitude and respect society owes to military personnel, symbolizing both remembrance and a commitment to peace. As Rotarians, let's proudly wear a Poppy for those who paid dearly for our Freedom. During this solemn occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive world, recognizing that each small act of kindness, respect, and service honors the legacy of those we remember today. Together, as a Rotary family, we have to honor their memories and renew our dedication to a better tomorrow. Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission, and this Remembrance Day should be a time for us all to reflect, remember, and rededicate ourselves to service.
--NOVEMBER IS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH--
Together, with your support, we funded 1,285 global grants, 485 district grants, and 105 disaster response grants in 2023-24. Donors like you make this work possible. Your generosity helped us raise more than US$417 million for our Foundation, which will continue to help communities around the world thrive through life-changing, sustainable projects. Thanks to you, Rotary members can continue to work toward solving some of the world’s most complex
problems, such as improving people’s health, supporting high-quality education, protecting the environment, and aiding communities affected by disasters. We accomplish this while remaining committed to eradicating polio to make sure children are free forever from its devastating effects. With your support, we can continue to unite and take action to create lasting change. Your donations make Doing Good in the World possible. Thank you Rotarians for strengthening your own community and communities everywhere. The Rotary Foundation.
-PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUT NEXT MEETING ON NOVEMBER 11th-
Good afternoon Rotarians. I want to welcome you to our meeting which happens to fall on Remembrance Day. (The SOG will be checking to see who has a Poppy). Our meeting is on Monday, November 11th, at the Highland Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London, Ontario. This meeting costs $30.00 per person, and it will be a self-serve light buffet. The meeting room will be open from 11:30 AM for fellowship, and the buffet will also be available. So, please plan on arriving no later than 11:45 AM so you have time to serve yourself and find a table. Our business meeting will start at noon. We will endeavor to end the meeting by 1:00 PM. As usual, we were hoping you could register for this meeting. The Registration Link will close at 2:00 PM Friday, November 8th so we can advise The Highland Country Club regarding numbers. Please register as soon as possible but be sure to register before 2 PM Friday. If you are registering yourself or any guests please make sure you pay for the lunch, as the Club will get charged for the meal by The Highland regardless of your attendance. After registering, please arrange to transfer your payment to The Rotary Club of London at sronson55@gmail.com. Also, be sure to put who you are paying for in your memo section on the e-transfer so that Sandy Ronson can track payments.
Our guest speaker for this meeting Dr. Eric Arts, is the Canada Research Chair of HIV-1 Pathogenesis and Viral Control, Executive Director of the Pathogen Research Center, and former the Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, all at the University of Western Ontario. Receiving his PhD with Dr. Mark Wainberg at the McGill AIDS Centre in 1994, Eric went on a post-doctoral fellowship with Dr. Stuart LeGrice at Case Western Reserve University and in 1997, started on faculty at CWRU until he returned to Canada in 2014, while maintaining a close collaboration with the Joint Clinical Research Centre in Kampala, Uganda where he has helped to shape antiretroviral treatment and drug resistance testing programs. Dr. Arts and his colleagues have developed new technologies to analyze HIV and HepCV drug resistance, tests which are now approved for clinical use in the US. He is also involve in various preventative and therapeutic vaccine developments.
--519 PURSUIT NEEDS SOCKS--
With winter fast approaching, many in our community will be experiencing the cold season without the necessities they need to stay warm. That’s why I am asking you for your support for an important initiative with 519 Pursuit — a local organization dedicated to helping our homeless community members during the harshest months of the year. This winter, 519 Pursuit is working to collect and distribute warm socks to those in need, and we’re asking each of you to join us by donating new pairs of socks to contribute to this vital cause. Warm socks are one of the most requested items in homeless shelters and can significantly protect people from cold-related illnesses and injuries. Your generosity can bring comfort and hope to someone struggling to stay warm this winter. Donations of new socks can be dropped off at our meetings in November. Those dates are the 11th and 25th. We’ll work directly with 519 Pursuit to ensure your contributions are quickly distributed to those in need. Thank you for embodying the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self” and supporting our efforts to care for our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for those experiencing homelessness this winter.
Check out the good work 519 Pursuit does in the London community at this YouTube addresshttps://youtu.be/Z1HgXbYbn6g?si=nDzp7j4CPd1iL1vK Want to lend a hand, here is a list of our most needed items are: - Tents and tarps- Blankets and sleeping bags - Adult sized clothing, all gender - Adult sized footwear - Individually wrapped, non perishable snack items - Brand new underwear, bras and socks (all sizes) - Flash lights - Mittens/Gloves - Toothbrushes/Toothpaste - Deodorant - Zip Lock bags (sandwich and freezer sized) - Razors - Juice boxes - Backpacks/ Reusable Shopping bag. Donations can be dropped off at 203 Bathurst St London (City Centre Storage) on Saturday mornings from 10:30am-11:00am. If Saturday's do not work please email Allison at contact@519pursuit.ca
--YOUTH EXCHANGE LETTTER--
October Newsletter Bonjour de France! Two months have already gone by! Everything is going well; my host family is great, I have many friends, and I am learning every day. In October alone, I have been able to visit Mont Saint Michel, Juno Beach, Lille, go bowling, do karaoke to the French version of “Country Roads”, and so much more. At the start of October, Rotary took us on a trip to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, and it was one of the coolest places I've ever been. The island dates back to the 8th century, it has been a commune a prison and an abbey. I had an amazing time with other Rotary districts (and other Canadians); however, my favorite part of the trip might have been the Juno Beach detour. It was one of the places I really wanted to go in France, but because my district wasn't anywhere close, I didn't think I would have the chance. Luckily Rotary said they were going to bring us before we went to Mont Saint Michel, and I was able to go for a swim (yes, it was a little cold but totally awesome). My host family continues to be awesome. I am lucky enough to be able to volunteer at my host dad’s pizza place, where I can make pizzas in a wood burning oven (the most fun thing to do well trying to learn a new language). They also took me to the oldest castle in Europe. It was very cool to see a castle from medieval times, it amazes me how much was built so long ago and still stands to this day. I was also able to see Transformers One in theaters with my host brother. In France, they don't have buttered popcorn, the popcorn at movies is sweet - kettle corn, which was very odd for me. Overall, I was just happy that I understood most of the movie. I have been able to introduce my host family to new things. On Halloween my host brother and I carved a pumpkin together, which he has never done before. Afterwards I cooked the pumpkin seeds (which they had no idea they could eat them). Another instance was when I made my host family a cake, they did not know what icing was. This was a big shock for me, but they loved it, and I had to promise my host mom I would show her how to make it. I believe I am learning fast and while school is still tough, speaking French is becoming a lot easier for me. Overall, I am happy, healthy, and doing better each day. I am ready for future challenges and am excited to do more here in France. Georgie Street.
--YOUTH EXCHANGE NEED STUDENT BILLET VOLUMTEER FAMILIES--
If you can help contact Randy Harden.
--NOVEMBER 3rd BINGO COMMITTEE IN ACTION--
Weekly Coffee Klatch
Weekly ZOOM “Coffee Klatch” each Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Bring your own coffee of course.
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Our guest speaker for this meeting Dr. Eric Arts, is the Canada Research Chair of HIV-1 Pathogenesis and Viral 
