On Tuesday morning, 06 Oct, 26 of our RCNS members ‘zoomed-in’ to welcome our guest speaker. As introduced by Dave Douglas, we greeted Josefa Michaelson, an Eastern Region Engagement Advisor for outreach programs of the Canadian Assn of Petroleum Producers, not to mention a long-haul survivor of the Covid virus. 
Josefa summarized the impact that the oil and gas industry has had, and continues to have, on Canada. In a very well-prepared presentation, she went on to describe the essential nature of that sector as well as the degree to which they are coordinating operations, innovations, initiative and plans with those who lead environmental imperatives. 
Josefa was asked to comment on her Covid experience and related the challenge she faced, the awful nature of it and the residual effects that she still experiences even today, 6 months later, as a ‘long-hauler” ... a very thought-provoking story. 
On behalf fo the club, Andy Kooistra, thanked Josefa for the great presentation giving us a bit of a reality-check into the industry, wished her the very best in her continuing recovery from the virus, and presented her with a club momento whereby we’ve restored the vision of a person in India in her name.

Early on Tuesday morning, 29 September, we welcomed Mark Boerkamp back to the Club; this time as our 'Zoom' guest speaker. Gail Catherwood introduced Mark as a very active yet previous member of the RCNS, a Paul Harris Fellow and a Past President of our Club.

Mark offered a very entertaining talk on his responsibilities as the Norfolk County, Superintendent of Trails and Cemeteries. During the session, Mark discussed the development, and status, of the 45 km of walking trails we have a joint interest in, the issues and little-known aspects of the 45 (19 of which are active) cemeteries that Norfolk County is responsible for, as well as some updated information concerning certain bridges and dams in our County. Of course, Mark couldn't conclude without an 'Environmental Moment'; this one related to the challenge of waste plastics in our world. All in all, a great presentation, drawing much interest and many questions.

On behalf of the RCNS, Joanne Keifer offered our appreciation for such an informative and entertaining perspective. BZ.

Hosting a Rotary International exchange student is a unique and rewarding experience.  Differences in language, culture and personalities creates a welcome challenge for both the student and the host family.  Day by day, as this challenge is addressed, a bond develops that inevitably leads to a lifelong relationship.
The year 2020 has added a new twist to the exchange:  COVID 19.  Some students were sent home as a result of decisions made by District, some students returned home at the request of their parents while other students returned home concerned with uncertainty of COVID. Our Japanese student, Minori Kubode stayed in Canada for the entire exchange.