Co-President Drina Tallo opened the meeting
Guests were introduced that included:
Spouses of some Rotarians
o Diane Milligan
o Marg Tait
o Barb Coleman
o Irene Davidson
Karen Trizzino the daughter of Rotarian Jim Gilmer
Many Students from the Port Hope High School including some members of the Interact Club
Lily Hall, the outbound student to Finland for next year and her parents Aaron and Sarah
Drina thanked all those involved with the successful Surf and Turf event and in
particular Olga and Jana
Drina toasted Canada, Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Monarchy
Lorenzo read the Land Acknowledgement and then said the Grace
Dinner was served that was prepared by Lorenzo, Steve and Drina Tallo
Club Business:
Leadership changes were announced that included:
Jan Boycott will Co-chair the Trust Committee with Bob Gibson and Paul Tait will Chair the Service Committee
Fran Mcilmolye introduced the guest speaker, our in-bound Rotary exchange student Lorenzo Fava
Lorenzo presented MY LIFE AND MY EXCHANGE YEAR
Lorenzo’s home is in the Piemonte Region of Italy, where he, his sister and parents live in the small village of Chivasso that is outside of the city of Turin.
Lorenzo’s parents are currently hosting two Rotary exchange students one from Argentina and the other from Switzerland Turin is known for its many famous historical buildings and is the birthplace of Fiat Motors
Lorenzo’s experiences so far:
When Lorenzo arrived, he was met by Kevin and Lori Moore
Lorenzo’s first Rotary experience was a trip to Algonquin Park with other in-bound Rotary exchange students.
Soon afterwards Lorenzo attended the annual Tuttle corn roast where he met many of the Port Hope Rotarians for the first time.
Soon after that Lorenzo helped at the Rotary booth at the Port Hope Fall Fair
Participated in the Rotary Foundation Walk
With other in-bound exchange students Lorenzo attended the trip to Mississauga
Has attended District 7070 conferences
Attended a Rotarian Christmas party in Toronto with other exchange students
Several additional outdoor Exchange student activities included:
o An outdoor experience in Mattawa, Ontario
o A sewing night and fundraising event in Campbellford, Ontario that included a Polar Plunge. Lorenzo raised additional donations by doing the plunge twice and survived.
o Dog Sledding
o A trip to Ottawa, Ontario
Lorenzo is grateful for the welcome he has received from Port Hope Rotarians that have included:
o Attending a Maple Leaf game with Kevin Moore (the Leaf’s lost the game)
o Going to Blue Mountain with the Tallos
o Going to the Canadian Canoe Museum with the Colemans
o Skiing at Calabogie with the Tuttles
While attending the Port Hope High School Lorenzo learned welding.
At the end of the presentation Lorenzo discussed how this experience has
changed him to the better and included:
His English language skills have improved
His public speaking skills have improved and he is less nervous about it
Very much enjoys community work
His social skills are improved
He is not afraid to get out of his comfort zone and is not afraid to say YES
Lorenzo thanked his host families that included the Moores, the Tallos and the Milligans.
Lorenzo thanked the Rotary Club of Port Hope for making this possible for him and making him feel at home. He indicated that he would love to do this again
and stated that Canada, and in particular Port Hope, are wonderful places to live.
Lorenzo wants to return soon to Port Hope.
When Lorenzo goes home, he will finish High School and then study Architecture at University.
Ken O’Neil on behalf of the Club thanked Lorenzo for being a part of our club for the past year. Ken then asked our out going exchange student for next year Lily,
to say a few words.
Lily stated that she will always remember Lorenzo and is looking forward to the coming year.
Club Announcements
Fran, our Treasurer reminded the members that dues for next year are now due and may be paid in whole or in two installments. Fran also stated the she will be
completing the 25/26 budget shortly, and reminded all Committee chairs who have not submitted their plans and budgets for next year to do so soon.
Fran also informed the Club that while in Barbados on vacation she attended the Barbados West Rotary Club meeting.
Co President Steve Tallo informed the members that the club will have a Canada Day Food booth at the Port Hope Canada Day celebrations. Steve also stated that the club will again have a booth at the Port Hope Fall Fair.
Past President Ken O’Neil stated that the upcoming Presidents Evening will be held at Centennial Park.
Co President Drina ended the meeting with the singing of O’ Canada.
Tom visited our club on March 10, 2025.png)
