President's
VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH
Since joining Rotary 5 years ago I have struggled with my job and how I can use it in Rotary service. You see, I'm a Financial Advisor, Estate Planner, and stock market 'guru'. I have spent my entire life creating wealth for people.I find it easy - and I love doing it. In fact (in my mind at least), I'm the best there is.
My problem is - as far as I can tell - not too many people in real need are worried about whether to buy Microsoft or Telus, to invest in corporate bonds or infrastructure stocks, are worried about topping up their TFSA, or have a tax situation that needs fixing. Real needs are water, safety, shelter, and love.
My vocation just doesn't seem particularly appropriate for 'vocational service'. And I was stuck at that point for a long time.
Sooooo .... in the last few years I put time into this and tried to figure out how I might fit in. As President Elect Sean writes below, its a lot broader than we realize - and I feel I managed to figure some of it out.
I now promote vocational service in several ways, such as "providing career guidance", "inspiring the next generation", "educating those who need or want it", and "having high ethical standards in the workplace".
I literally take hours to talk to teens or young adults to drive them in a financial direction. I know will benefit them in the future. It's my thing - educating the young. In a lot more cases than I expect, it's educating the older people also!
My point here isn't to toot my own horn, it's to show you can make a difference, you can apply your vocation to service and bettering the world. Your vocation can fit the 4-way test. No matter how obscure, how old, how young, or how irrelevant it seems, your knowledge can make a difference to those around you.
Don't squander it - find a way to give. Figure out how to spread your wisdom. Don't keep it to yourself. It makes the world a better place.
-Christopher Thompson
President Elect's
Rotary International sets a side this first month of year, January, as Vocational Service Month. What does this mean and how can we apply this in passport club?
In 1905, Paul Harris and three other Chicago business men met on a regular basis. This exchange was not as we would see Rotary today, but rather a networking of different professions, hence the importance of Vocational Service.
We all come with different perspectives, talents and uniqueness, as we serve in different areas of employment. Collectively as we all bring our different perspectives, talents and uniqueness, to the table and combined them together we can make great things happen. This holds true for our club, as we begin 2025, I ask you what can you/we do to improve our club and make a larger impact both in growth and what we can do throughout the world. Remember that one small stone can produce a large ripple.
As you think about the month of Vocational Services, remember to apply The Four Way Test in all you do be put your Service Above Self.
Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2025 be a year of happiness, laughter, growth and more importantly a new exciting chapter in your life and career
-Sean Goodall
Secretary's
Remember, on Tuesday, to join our Club social online
Once more, the note about Tuesday from Club Past President Jacinthe Paille:
Dear Club Members,
You're invited to attend the D7040 Passport Club Social, online only, on Tuesday, January 7 which I'll be pleased to host!
As you know, I've been District 7040 Literacy Chair for a few years, and my passion is books and reading.
For this social, I'd like to invite you to join in with a glass/cup of your favourite beverage and a book you'd like to share with us.
Which book? It can be a work of fiction or non-fiction; in English, French or any other language; a book you loved as a teenager or a book you received during the holidays, a book that inspired you, comforted you..... As long as you're ready to share!
Of course, if you know some information on the author(s), the plot or topic, and the reason you chose it, that's even better :)
Hope to see many of you online!
-Jacinthe
-Chris Cochrane
The Montréal Mystery Festival, which had its inaugural event in May 2024, is already preparing for its second edition.
'Second Degree.' on May 23 and 24th, 2025, more than 20 authors of crime, mystery and thrillers from Quebec, the rest of Canada and beyond will meet with their readers for book signings and panels in French and English.
Last year, the festival was proud to announce the D7040 Passport Club as one its main sponsors, and we are thrilled the club has accepted to sponsor the event for 2025. If you're not attending our major fundraiser, the festival would love to have your help as a volunteer at the Grande Bibliothèque de Montréal! You can find more information and also donate personally on the website:
Did you know a late comedian,
Jacob Cohen, was a Rotarian for over 50 years with the Rotary Club of New York in District 7230 where he was noted for raising millions of dollars for various causes?
You may be thinking who was
Jacob Cohen? Never heard of him.
Perhaps you have but under his stage name : Rodney Dangerfield.
In his memory, and to give him the respect he sought in life,
( his catchphrase "I get no respect")
we share some of his humor:
A girl phoned me the other day and said .... Come on over, there's nobody home.
I went over. Nobody was home.
It's been a rough day. I got up this morning .... put on a shirt and a
button fell off. I picked up my briefcase.... the handle came off.
....... I'm afraid to go to the bathroom.
When I played in the sandbox the cat kept covering me up.
I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio.
My father carries around the picture of the kid who came with his wallet.
When I was born .... the doctor came out to the waiting room and said to my father .... I'm very sorry. We did everything we could ... but he
pulled through. My mother had morning sickness after I was born.
I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father.
He said he wanted more proof.
Once when I was lost..... I saw a policeman and asked him to help me find my parents.
I said to him ..... do you think we'll ever find them?
He said.... I don't know kid .... there are so many places they can hide.
On Halloween .... the parents send their kids out looking like me.
Last year... one kid tried to rip my face off! Now it's different... when I
answer the door the kids hand me candy.
My wife made me join a bridge club. I jump off next Tuesday.
I worked in a pet shop and people kept asking how big I'd get.
I went to see my doctor.
Doctor, every morning when I get up and look
in the mirror... I feel like throwing up; What's wrong with me?
He said... I don't know but your eyesight is perfect.
My psychiatrist told me I'm going crazy. I told him .... If you don't
mind I'd like a second opinion. He said .... Alright.... you're ugly too!
When I was born the doctor took one look at my face ... turned me over and said.
Look ... twins!
RIP Rodney!
