District Governor Art Wing Visits St. Catharines South
Bob Mahoney, Assistant District Governor, introduced Mr. Art Wing, District 7090 Governor.
Art, a retired Secondary School Principal and Superintendent of Education, is President of Marwing Services Ltd.
For over 20 years, Art has been involved with community groups providing services to children and developmentally handicapped people. He was founding Chair of Contact Niagara. Currently, he is a volunteer committee member of the Early Years Action Group that is coordinating regional services for children under six years of age.
Art is married to Jacqueline, and, together, they have three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren ranging in age from three to 13 years.
Art is a Past President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines.
Jacqueline is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines AM and has been a Rotarian since 1993.
Both Art and Jacqueline have been involved with committees at the club level. In addition, they have both served as Chairs of the District 7090 Membership and Retention Committee. Jacqueline continues in her role as District Co-Trainer and District Literacy Coordinator.
Art and Jacqueline are committed to our Rotary Foundation and both are sustaining members and benefactors.
Art explained that District 7090 was the first International District in Rotary and that our Rotarians have led the way in many areas - the good work of
Currently, in District 7090, there are 3,100 Rotarians involved in the greater good of Rotary and 74 clubs.
Art explained that he was Principal of St. Catharines Collegiate when he first became a Rotarian. He attended a conference where he was invited to sit with other Rotarians from around the world. It was then that he had his "epiphany" about what it meant to be a Rotarian.
Art asked, "Have you thanked your sponsor recently?" "Or more importantly, have you honoured them by asking someone else to join Rotary?"
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South is the 70th club that Art has visited. He is impressed by the quality and diversity of the Rotarians he has met.
Art noted that the
Art commented that Rotary is an organization that adapts very quickly to change. Every July, there are 31,000 new Presidents and Past Presidents!
In our second century, our motto for 85 years - Service Above Self - has become our theme.
Our pin, with the Rotary wheel, let's others know that we are all in the same business of serving people. It serves to let others know who we are and what we stand for. We represent strong, clear ethics.
Clean water, literacy, and health are priorities for Rotary. To-date, as a result of our polio eradication program, over two billion children have received polio vaccine drops. Today, millions of children are walking thanks to our role in this program. And we are not finished yet.
The Rotary Foundation is very important. It is Rotary's greatest resource. And it is our funding vehicle.
Our Group Study Exchange Program presents a world of opportunity to youth and Rotarians alike. Art had the privilege of being part of a Group Study Exchange in
Rotary is bigger than any one purpose.
There are lots of challenges ahead, particularly with respect to membership. Art noted that the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South has made great strides in its membership recruitment efforts this year.
Art was President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines when the first woman joined the club. This was Anne Bain, who became President 10 years later. Women bring talent, ethics, and skills to Rotary. In North America, there are 85,000 women Rotarians.
In May 2006, District 7090 will host a conference at the Quality Inn/Parkway Convention Centre, which will emphasize youth programs and literacy.
Art concluded by stating that he is proud of Rotary, and he encouraged all Rotarians to give the dedication known for its service - Service Above Self.
"Thank you for committing to serve."
President Bob warmly thanked Art, noting his passion for the Rotary Foundation and presenting, with
(Editor's note: some figures could not be verified in time for distribution of the bulletin.)