The Rotary Club of Barrie recently welcomed two new members, Martin Rochon and Meghan Oliver, during a member induction led by Jim Williams. While Jim shared a brief overview of Rotary’s purpose and values, the focus of the evening was on getting to know the individuals joining our Club and the experiences they bring with them.

Martin Rochon

Martin Rochon was inducted by Marshall Green and will be serving on the Program and Information Committee. His Rotary classification is Social Innovator, reflecting his interest in creative problem-solving and community impact.

Martin thanked the Club for the warm welcome and shared his enthusiasm for becoming involved. He expressed a strong interest in contributing his ideas and skills in meaningful ways and is looking forward to learning more about Rotary projects and initiatives as he settles into his role within the Club.

Meghan Oliver

Meghan Oliver was inducted by Lawrence Vindum and joins both the Evening Club and the Membership Committee. Her classification is Investment Banker, and she currently works at BMO.

Meghan shared her lifelong connection to Rotary, having grown up in a family where service and community involvement were strongly valued. Her background is both diverse and global. She is a former hairstylist and makeup artist, and she previously participated in a student exchange program that took her to Australia, an experience that deepened her appreciation for service, culture, and connection.

Meghan spoke about her passion for giving back and her excitement about becoming actively involved in Rotary, continuing a tradition of service that has been part of her life for many years.

A Warm Welcome

The Rotary Club of Barrie is pleased to welcome Martin and Meghan and looks forward to the perspectives, energy, and commitment they bring to the Club. We are excited to see how their experiences and interests will shape their Rotary journey and contribute to our shared work in the community.

The Rotary Club of Barrie recently welcomed guest speaker Leah Zecchino, introduced by Aaron Hesson, whose story reminded us of what can happen when curiosity outweighs comfort.

Leah is a professional freelance photographer and visual storyteller whose work blends travel, environment, and personal growth. A solo, nomadic traveller, she has built a life on the road, quite literally, living and working out of a van as she travels the world. Through photography, YouTube, and social media, Leah documents not only where she goes, but what it means to choose an unconventional path.

Her journey is rooted in a desire for freedom and a willingness to step outside familiar boundaries. With support from her father, who helped convert vans for long-distance travel, Leah designed a lifestyle that allowed her to pursue education and adventure side by side. She attended both Limerick University and Wilfrid Laurier University, proving that learning does not need to follow a single, fixed route.

Leah spoke about resilience, independence, and defining personal limits, mentally and physically, on her own terms. She shared how challenging convention has shaped her confidence and worldview, and how growth often begins the moment comfort ends.

In addition to her creative work, Leah is also deeply committed to environmental stewardship. She has already planted over 800,000 seedlings and is on track to reach one million trees planted within the next two years. This commitment to the planet runs parallel to her travels, reinforcing the idea that exploration and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Later this month, Leah will once again be stepping beyond her comfort zone as she heads to the French Alps to photograph a wellness ski retreat. It is another chapter in a journey defined by courage, adaptability, and an openness to new experiences.

We thank Leah for sharing her story and inspiring us to reflect on the paths we choose, and the possibilities that open when we dare to walk them.

The Rotary Club of Barrie is thrilled to announce Oaklyn and Ivy as the winners of this year’s Apple Dumpling Baking Contest. What began as an after-school baking activity quickly turned into a heartwarming family moment, complete with gluten-free apple dumplings so Ivy could safely enjoy every bite. According to the young bakers, they were “the best thing they ever tasted,” and we hear the recipe has already earned a spot on their family’s Christmas dinner menu.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest. The creativity and enthusiasm shown in the submitted entries truly made judging a challenge. It was wonderful to see so many families baking together and sharing their experiences with us.

More Than a Contest: Supporting Literacy in Our Community

The Apple Dumpling Baking Contest is part of a larger literacy initiative led by the Rotary Club of Barrie. Each November, Rotary Book Day brings the joy of reading to over 1,350 Grade 2 students across the Simcoe County District School Board. Through this program, students receive a copy of Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure, a story that highlights important values such as honesty, fairness, goodwill, and teamwork.

Rotarians visit local elementary schools to read the book with students, often joined by community leaders and local celebrities. During the years when in-person visits were not possible, students still took part by watching a special reading video featuring Rotary’s mascot, Sprocket.

Baking Brings the Story Home

Since 2020, the Apple Dumpling Baking Contest has encouraged children to take the story home and turn reading into a hands-on family experience. The book conveniently includes an apple dumpling recipe at the end, inviting families to bake together and submit photos of their creations.

Each year, one participating family is selected to win a Chromebook, adding an exciting incentive while also supporting learning at home. The contest has become a joyful extension of Rotary Book Day, helping families connect literacy, creativity, and time spent together.

Thank You to Our Community

We are incredibly grateful to all the families who entered, shared their stories, and helped make this initiative such a success. Your participation helps us continue our mission of supporting literacy and strengthening community connections.

Congratulations again to Oaklyn and Ivy, and thank you to everyone who baked, shared, and celebrated with us. We cannot wait to do it all again next year.

The Rotary Club of Barrie recently welcomed Rabbi Emma Gotlieb, who offered a candid and deeply thoughtful reflection on what the Jewish community has been experiencing since the October 7 attacks. She described how profoundly this moment has affected Jewish people around the world, noting that the attacks represented the largest mass killing of Jewish people since the Holocaust. For many, it shook a sense of safety that felt newly gained after generations of instability.

Rabbi Gotlieb spoke from her perspective as a Liberal Zionist, someone who believes Jewish people have the right to a homeland, while also believing strongly in holding Israel to ethical and moral standards. She shared how difficult it has been for rabbis and Jewish leaders globally to navigate a time of intense polarization, where speaking out risks being misunderstood no matter what is said. At first, she kept her discomfort private, unsure of how to express her concerns without causing division.

As the conflict continued, she realized that remaining silent felt more difficult than speaking. With the High Holy Days approaching, she chose to address the war directly in a Yom Kippur sermon she described as the scariest of her career. Some congregants struggled with her message, while others felt grateful for her honesty, but she was at peace knowing she had spoken from conscience.

Rabbi Gotlieb also worked to clarify widespread misunderstandings about Zionism and Judaism. Judaism, she reminded us, is a diverse global people and a religion, while Zionism is simply the belief that Jewish people have the right to a homeland — an idea that spans many viewpoints. She provided historical context and described the long-standing Jewish connection to the land, shaped by both sacred texts and centuries of displacement under conquering empires.

When discussing paths to peace, she acknowledged that grassroots initiatives have succeeded in bringing individuals together, but political realities make progress extremely difficult at the moment. Still, she emphasized that empathy does not need to be rationed — caring for one group’s suffering does not require diminishing the suffering of another.

The meeting concluded with a welcome touch of levity when President Todd mentioned he had only recently discovered that many beloved Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers. It was a simple reminder of how our cultures overlap in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Rabbi Gotlieb’s visit left our Club with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of this moment and a renewed commitment to approaching difficult conversations with compassion, nuance, and humanity.

This week, Rotarian Jason McArthur introduced Laura Slingerland, a Nurse Practitioner with a decade of pediatric experience who now provides affirming, comprehensive care for trans and gender-diverse individuals, along with Emily West, a Registered Social Worker specializing in social transition support. Both work in Trans Health Services at the Couchiching Family Health Team in Orillia.

Laura and Emily offered an eye-opening and accessible presentation on the foundations of gender diversity. They explained the distinctions between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, and the various pathways a person might take when transitioning. They reminded us that getting terminology wrong is human — what matters is kindness, respect, and a willingness to listen. Stigma remains a major barrier, and they emphasized that accurate information and gender-affirming care genuinely save lives, while supportive communities make all the difference.

Their talk explored the three main forms of transition:

• Social transition, such as names, pronouns, and presentation
• Legal transition, including identification documents
• Medical transition, when desired and appropriate

They also addressed several common myths and provided clarity rooted in evidence and lived experience. The presentation included a short clip from Will & Harper, Will Ferrell’s documentary about a 17-day road trip with a close friend who was transitioning — a warm, human reminder of what true support can look like.

To close, they offered practical guidance for being an ally: ask for pronouns, respect each person’s identity, create safety, stay informed, and support people in the choices they make for their own wellbeing. Julia Goldstein offered heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Club for helping us better understand how to support gender-diverse individuals. President Todd also thanked the speakers, who were pleased to hear that a donation to Youth Haven was made in recognition of their presentation.

Mayor Alex Nuttall visited The Rotary Club of Barrie to present a detailed update on the City’s ongoing progress and major capital initiatives. He began by recognizing the Rotary Club of Barrie’s deep and lasting influence on the community, noting that many of Barrie’s most valued amenities and partnerships trace back to Rotary leadership. The Mayor emphasized that Rotarians remain central to the city’s identity and long-term vision.

A key focus of his address was the City’s financial turnaround. Over the past three years, Barrie has reduced debt by $85 million, significantly increased reserves, and shifted from a negative net financial position to a positive one. The City has also maintained four consecutive years of 0% increases to core operating budgets and is now positioned to achieve an AAA credit rating. This strengthened financial footing is enabling major infrastructure and community projects that had been stalled for years.

Mayor Nuttall also highlighted notable improvements in public safety, downtown revitalization, and infrastructure planning. Police presence has been restored, daily maintenance and BIA support have increased, and the number of encampments has been reduced dramatically. Traffic-calming investments continue to expand, funded in part by speed-camera revenue and a capital surcharge that has supported infrastructure growth without adding debt. Economic development has accelerated as well, supported by a concierge service for large projects and more than $50 million in provincial funding to open new industrial lands.

Looking ahead, Barrie is preparing for several transformative developments. The new South Barrie Recreation Centre is under construction, the YMCA is progressing, and long-awaited facilities such as Fire Station #6 are now complete. Lakehead University and Georgian College expansions are set to open in 2026, and additional downtown projects are expected to spark further growth, including a planned hotel and a forthcoming “game changer” development soon to be announced. Marshall Green closed the meeting by thanking the Mayor for his leadership and for sharing these impactful updates with the Club.

Last month, The Rotary Club of Barrie joined the city-wide Clean and Green Barrie initiative, helping to beautify our community and protect local parks, trails, and neighbourhoods. From October 16–18, volunteers across Barrie came together to pick up litter, enhance green spaces, and ensure our environment remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Rotary’s Environmental Committee proudly participated in the cleanup, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to community stewardship and environmental sustainability. Whether assisting schoolyards, parks, or public trails, our members contributed their time and energy to making Barrie cleaner and greener.

Clean and Green Barrie replaced the former Spring into Clean initiative this year and has become an important annual event, encouraging citizens of all ages to take action. Last year alone, over 17,000 participants collected more than five tonnes of litter, preventing waste from harming wildlife or entering waterways. Rotary is proud to be part of this effort, helping to ensure our city’s natural spaces continue to thrive.

Rotarian Chris G. recently presented a $2,500 cheque to Karen at the Barrie Food Bank on behalf of the Community Service/Charitable Foundation. This contribution supports the Food Bank’s ongoing work to reduce food insecurity in our community.

We also welcomed guest speakers Ian and Sarah Pavlik, who shared the inspiring work of The Pavlik Foundation and their new initiative, The Kids Pantry. The program provides nutritious weekend food for children experiencing food insecurity, beginning with a pilot at one Barrie elementary school for the 2024/25 school year. The Kids Pantry aims to offer consistent, year-round support that helps families facing crisis and strengthens children’s well-being.

Rotary is proud to highlight and support community partners who are making a real difference for local families.

World Polio Day provided Rotary Club of Barrie members with an inspiring reminder of the impact one person can make. This year, Rotarian David Tisch, affectionately known as the “Prince of Polio” in our Club and District, shared his expertise and passion for polio eradication with members.

David has served as our Club’s representative to the Rotary International Foundation since 2013, a role typically held for three years, yet his dedication continues to set the standard for engagement and leadership. From chairing multiple committees to serving as board secretary, and even stepping in to cover other roles when needed, David demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces Dental Corps and a seasoned professional, he blends knowledge, commitment, and a hands-on approach that inspires all who work with him.

During his presentation, David highlighted the critical role Rotary has played in polio eradication since establishing World Polio Day in 2012 to honour Jonas Salk. He addressed misconceptions about the polio vaccine, explained circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), and emphasized that global eradication is fully achievable; the challenges are logistical, not scientific. With Africa now wild polio free and cases limited to Pakistan and Afghanistan, David reminded members that maintaining high vaccination coverage and supporting innovative vaccines like nOPV2 are key.

David also shared Rotary’s ongoing goals, including Club donations to PolioPlus and membership in the PolioPlus Society, and proudly reported that District 7010 leads its zone in contributions, raising $29,983 CAD — roughly $67,630 USD with the Gates Foundation match. His message was clear: through collective action, Rotarians can give the gift of health to children worldwide and bring hope to communities still at risk.

As always, David Tisch exemplifies what it means to be a model Rotarian — dedicated, knowledgeable, and ready to lead by example. Members left the meeting inspired, reminded of the impact Rotary can have when passion meets action.

Introduced by Arkady Spivak as the “Mary Poppins of human potential,” Jennifer Podemski captivated Rotary members with her thoughtful reflections on storytelling, leadership, and the power of creating lasting change.

Best known for her award-winning performances and groundbreaking work behind the camera, Jennifer has become one of Canada’s most respected creative voices. Her breakout role in Dance Me Outside marked the beginning of a remarkable career — not only as an actor, but as a producer and advocate shaping the future of Indigenous representation in film and television.

In 1999, she co-founded Big Soul Productions, Canada’s first Indigenous-owned film and television company, and later launched Redcloud Studios to open doors for Indigenous creators across the country. More recently, through The Shine Network Institute, she continues to empower Indigenous women in media with mentorship, training, and advocacy.

Jennifer’s impact reaches far beyond the screen. Her work embodies the spirit of service, collaboration, and leadership — values that resonate deeply within our Rotary community. Through every project, she reminds us that true progress happens when we stop waiting for change and start building it ourselves.