Introduced by Rotarian Jennifer Savini, Fire Chief Dan Smith's career spans 25 years in the field of fire and life safety. He has been a chief officer in the fire service over the last 16 years with the last 4 ½ years here in Belleville. He is a certified fire officer and community emergency management coordinator, holds diplomas in fire protection engineering and municipal management and recently attended Harvard University where he studied Leadership in Crises.  Dan takes great pride in being part of a high functioning team that has seen great successes in public safety over the last several years, making Belleville a safer place for citizens, visitors, local business and for the first responders representing the City. Some of these successes include an approved fire master plan, an updated emergency response plan, a fire station location study, enhanced staffing levels, upgraded levels of service, procurement of new fleet and a major investment in firefighter cancer prevention programs and first responder mental health.

The current fire department consists of 78 full-time firefighters, 45 volunteer firefighters, 1 administrative assistant, 1 Emergency Planning Officer and 3 Chief Officers (Chief and 2 Deputy Chiefs). There are 5 fire stations, 2 that operate 24/7 and 2 that are staffed by volunteer firefighters. The fire department is an expensive emergency service with budget requests that include vehicles for the fleet, one pumper that comes at a cost of $980,000 plus depending on options. A ladder truck is now worth 2.5 to 2.6 million dollars. Even an off the shelf purchase for a big ladder truck would cost $3 million. The fire department includes a marine unit and recently purchased an inflatable boat. The department is full service in the City, attending fire and alarm calls, provides medical tiered response with EMS, ice and water rescue, hazardous material response, ensuring fire and emergency services preparedness as well as attending community events. 

A recent mass notification system called RAVE has been launched to inform residents of emergencies where there is a significant threat to life safety. Users can register to receive notifications online at Belleville.ca/Alerts or by completing a form and dropping it off at or mailing it to Fire Station #1 (60 Bettes Street). People are encouraged to stay informed and register today. Chief Dan advised that they have been focusing on response capabilities and have recently done a study on response times and how to improve and get there faster. This study includes vehicles that are out of service and how to get them back in full operation as quickly as possible. The current Moira West fire stations will be closed and re-located to the old City fairground and the current Harmony Road station will be closed and re-located to the new fairground to cover the north part of the City. Rotarian Graham Whitehead thanked Fire Chief Dan for his very informative presentation, for answering questions and sharing the professionalism and dedication of the Fire and Emergency Services in the City of Belleville.

Rotarian and Director Ruth Mathieson, Co-Chair of the International Service Committee introduced today's speaker, Rotarian Peter Chabursky, Chair of Intercountry Committee Canada Ukraine, a non-profit organization focused on building bridges of peace, service and friendship between Canada and Ukraine.  Originally Ruth connected with Peter through an initiative to help the Ukrainians survive a freezing winter without heat or electricity.  A critical need for generators was identified, ensuring food could be prepared and water heated during the winter months as well as keeping institutions running.  Various capacities of generators come at a cost of $667 to $2,500 Canadian dollars.  Peter is a perfect ambassador of this project as he is fluent in 4 languages, English, French, Ukranian and Russian.  He earned a BA (Hon) in Public Administration, followed by a degree in International Business Development and Organizational Behaviour.

The Rotary Club of Belleville donated money towards procuring generators to be used in hospitals, schools and apartment buildings and Peter Chabursky met with Ruth Mathieson to thank the Club for their generosity and present them with a banner from his Rotary Club of West Ottawa.  Overall, more than 50 generators and power equipment were delivered across regions like Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk and Volyn.  This was one of the committee's core humanitarian projects as well as children and refugee aid, supporting war orphans, internally displaced families and children with specialized medical needs through home renovations, supplies and community care programs.  Further assistance was provided for animals affected by ongoing conflict by supporting animal and community shelters.

Peter thanked the Rotary Club for their contribution.  By working together, light, warmth and hope has been brought to communities living in areas without electricity, where even in the harsh conditions of darkness and cold, everyday life continues.  Peter also pointed out the incredible efforts of Rotary Clubs in Ukraine, whose volunteers ensured efficient logistics and fully transparent, fast distribution of the generators.  The project is ongoing.  Unfortunately, as the number of damaged energy facilities continues to grow, so does the need for support.  The committee remains committed to continuing this important work.

Rotarian Andrew Kole thanked Peter for sharing the efforts of this important work and to help us gain an understanding of tangible ways that we can support this work.  It is very important and is making a difference in a meaningful way.  Andrew was born and raised in Ukraine and seeing the work being done and the magnitude of continuing with this work hits home for him.  Andrew presented Peter with a book on the history of the Rotary Club of Belleville.

A short story title for a long, challenging journey for Past President Kristin Crowe who invited everyone to follow her along a road that she never imagined she would be on.Twenty years ago, Kristin was the President of the Rotary Club of Belleville and describes herself as a dues-paying, missing-in-action Rotarian.  In true Kristin fashion, she brought her humour to the podium when she said if people got bored listening to her, they could quietly exit and she probably wouldn't see them leave, but she would hear them.  So leave quietly. No one left and you could hear a pin drop.  Kleenex boxes were in abundance and the room was packed.

Kristin became a member of the Rotary Club in 2002, having moved back to the area with her two boys to run the family business.  She immersed herself in Rotary, having grown up in a Rotary family, her dad being incredibly involved. She became President in 2007-2008, a special Rotary Year because Wilf Wilkinson was Rotary International President.  One of our own.  But not long after her President term, cancer entered her life with a primary diagnosis in 2009 when she was in her early 40's, her father had passed very suddenly the year before and her boys were only 10 and 8 years old.  Their little hearts were broken and Kristin didn't know then how many times cancer was going to try and rewrite their story.  Cancer consumed Kristin's life, but with determination she got back to living, doubling the size of the family business, running a marathon, elevation hiking, cycling through the Rockies with Lance Armstrong, raising $57,000 in 5 weeks for breast cancer research.  Breast cancer returned in 2017, this time to her lungs, but again, once treatment was done, Kristin went back to living, adding to her collage of travel adventures.  In 2022 following an MRI, alone  and terrified, she was told that breast cancer had found its way to her brain.  Following two craniotomies, radiation and complications from surgery and treatment, Kristin's vision was compromised and she found herself facing a mountain she didn't know how to climb!  Kristin's brain was receiving only half the visual information, an incomplete picture that made no sense.  And then came grief for herself, her boys, her family, losing her independence and the life she knew and loved.  Kristin lost hope, but eventually, picked herself up and slow started learning how to navigate the world differently.

Kristin became a researcher, an advocator and almost medical doctor as she learned how to navigate the world differently.  In 2025 Kristin did the Camino de Santiago with Rotarian Doug Peterson and Judi Rufo, two very special people and turned that walk into one incredible fundraiser, funding a much needed tissue processor for the lab at BGH!.  Kristin explained the impact of her declining vision.  Although the cancer appears to be stable, Kristin encounters daily challenges and the neurological effects that come with those challenges.  Testing, digging, advocating, learning for herself alongside her doctors who are also learning.  Still looking for answers, alternate treatment, possibilities, asking questions.  One of Kristin's most important lessons was to completely redefine what strength looks like.  Strength is not being capable or independent, holding things together, figuring things out, not needing too much from people.  Kristin has learned that her strength is to reach out, ask for help, cry, accept her fears, her hopes, her sadness and finding that enormous strength comes from vulnerability, being willing to accept and receive service from others.  Another lesson to learn is how to slow down, to become an observer, having the courage to sit in a quiet room and meet yourself there, to notice more of life without going anywhere.  None of us know how much time we have and Kristin's focus is being here, intending to live, not waiting for the future, knowing life is precious.  It can be messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, hilarious, unpredictable and Kristin is not finished living yet.

Two new members were introduced to the Rotary Club of Belleville at the club's lunch meeting on October 22nd.  Alex Bruce and Janet Jarrell.  Alex is a local entrepreneur who has given much to the community since he moved here with his family 10 years ago.  Busy opening a restaurant called The Lark, raising his two daughters with his wife Celine, meeting many wonderful people along the way, adopting a couple of dogs and getting involved with a few volunteer groups, Alex recognizes the kindness of people and feels privileged to be able to do more to give back and pay the kindness and generosity of the community forward.  He is particularly focused on Rotary's philosophy of “Service Above Self” and is excited to bring his energy, business experience and perspective to Rotary.  We will hear more from Alex when he presents his Classification Talk to the membership.

Rotarian John Smale introduced Janet, the Executive Director of the Quinte Arts Council, leading the organization since 2018.  With a background in business, not-for-profit leadership, marketing and strategic planning, Janet is committed to building strong organizations, fostering community partnerships and demonstrating the economic and social value of arts and culture.  Janet also serves as Chair of the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario, is a part-time Professor of Business Studies at Loyalist College, a published author, editor and grant assessor as well as raising 6 children and 8 grandchildren.  The strong partnerships that Janet believes in will be carried into her Rotary life as she brings her expertise to the Club.  More to come from Janet when she presents her Classification Talk to the membership.

The evening Rotary Club meeting held at Capers on Thursday, October 29th saw the introduction of five (5) new Rotarians and here is a little information on each of them.  Their upcoming Classification Talks will give us a bigger picture of themselves and why they chose to join the Rotary Club of Belleville.

Melissa Haig has called Belleville home since 1987 when she returned to manage the family business following her father's retirement from Kwik Kopy, now Allegra Belleville - Marketing, Print, Mail.  Melissa has been active in community service since childhood and that has expanded into her current career and volunteer work.  She admits to looking for a lasting community connection and has found that in Rotary with much encouragement from Past President Peter Malone.  Melissa is looking forward to learn more about the Club, the events and opportunities it provides in the community and getting involved.

Paul Haig was born and raised in the Quinte area and proudly calls Belleville his home.  His career has been focused on telecommunications, technical support, product trials, design testing and product ownerships with many opportunities to travel.  Paul is looking forward to becoming more involved in the community through Rotary and sees it as an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute in a meaningful way.

Heath Beatson is the principal of the Junior School at Albert College, with more than 20 years experience in education, including teaching and leadership roles in Canada and internationally.  Heath is passionate about creating environments where young people develop confidence, curiosity, character and a strong sense of belonging.  Heath has volunteered as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings and Prince Edward County as well as with the Children's Safety Village.  He is looking forward to being part of Rotary, contributing and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.

Paola De la Pena Seijas is a financial controller with White's Mechanical and Fabrication, a local manufacturing company.  Paola loves the culture of helping and community involvement and being part of Rotary that connects those dots.  She has volunteered with the Quinte Home Builders Association Home Show and has served on the YouthHab Board.  Paola loves numbers and is looking forward to sharing her expertise with others.

Patti McDougall is currently the Director of Sales and Growth with Tulips and Maple Catering following her professional life in the area of management with McDonald's and later Papa John's Pizza as owner/operator.  Patti's true passion is with children to ensure every child has the proper start and support to a successful life.  Patti's volunteer work includes being on the Learning Foundation Board and volunteering with a lunch program at one of our schools.  We look forward to hearing more about the experience that Patti brings to the table.

On June 4th the Rotary Club of Belleville hosted its second Annual Graduating Student Bursary Awards Luncheon at Capers, recognizing five students from area high schools for their exceptional volunteer service. Since the 1970's, the Rotary Club's bursary program has recognized high school students who embody the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.  Each student received a $400 bursary and a framed certificate celebrating their contributions.  This special event was organized by the Chair of the Student Bursary Program at the Rotary Club of Belleville, Jill Vanderkooy.  President Tracey Vandervoort quoted “when we celebrate young people for their accomplishments, big or small, we help build confidence, inspire future growth and show them that their contributions matter”.  

If you missed hearing these presentations, you missed alot of WOW!  Included here are some of the highlights of each student's presentation and the school they represent.  By recognizing these students' efforts, we encourage them to believe in their potential for tomorrow.  Rotarian Jill reminded the Club that each of these students were chosen by their teacher(s) through a committee process based on their acts of giving back to the community.  How to describe their accomplishments….impressive is not enough!

Ayla McCallum, Centennial High School – in thinking about what to say, Ayla realized that most ideas didn't start as big plans, but from really small moments that slowly grew over time.  She started a backpack program at school and the first year, it was just one backpack.  The next year it was three backpacks.  Now the project includes 30 to 40 backpacks every year for students from kindergarten all the way to high school. What Ayla remembers most is that the idea meant someone was going to school feeling a little more prepared, a little more included and hopefully a little more confident.  Ayla joined Student Council in Grade 9 and four years later is the Vice-President, something she never imagined, but now she sees as the biggest and most amazing changes for her over those 4 years.  Helping with meals for the unhoused in the community reminded Ayla how important simple acts of kindness can be, with a warm meal, a conversation or just taking taking the time to show someone care and respect.  Service Above Self doesn't always mean doing something huge or extraordinary, but sometimes it's the small things that stay with people the longest. Ayla's goal is to be the kind of person who shows up for others, supports the people around her and helps others feel like they truly belong.

Zoya Wannamaker, Eastside Secondary School-- started her Rotary journey at a young age as her mom was the President of the Rotary Club of Trenton.  This connection allowed Zoya to take part in the youth exchange program, travelling to Warsaw, Poland and becoming involved in the Friedrich Chopin Rotary Club. This experience taught Zoya to see firsthand the global impact Rotary has around the world, even in the most unexpected places.  Once back home, Zoya participated in many fundraising events with the Trenton Rotary Club and felt as though her commitment to community involvement had grown considerably.  Currently she volunteers twice a week at the hospital and hopes to increase those hours over the summer.  Through her volunteering, Zoya connected with unexpected people and opportunities to build her impact in helping others. Zoya's first stepping stone in her journey to development her community mindfulness came through Rotary, inspired by all the work they do.  There are groups of people everywhere who share her same goals and she is grateful to the Rotary Club of Belleville for the Service Above Self award.

Emily Esperanzate, Nicholson Catholic College –  Emily presented thoughtfully on what Service Above Self means to her, trying to understand through action, not words.  She has chalked up over 1,000 volunteer hours with a number of organizations including Student Council, Relay for Life, International Student Navigator, Terry Fox Foundation, helping at BGH on the front desk, in oncology and ICU.  Emily sees volunteering and leadership as one.  Volunteering is leadership, rooted in the community through generosity of time and effort, caring for others.  Service should be natural and part of human nature and she feels privileged to have the time and opportunity to do that.  Lessons learned?  Empathy before assumptions.  Listening before leading.  Small actions matter and people remember how you made them feel.  When Emily volunteers, she feels colourful! Her future plan is to pursue medicine and she is on her way.  

Jonah Harrison, Quinte Christian High School – one of the biggest parts of Jonah's life was swimming, working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, meeting many people and developing friendships, helping people become more confident and safe in the water.  The highlight of this was an opportunity to help coach swimming for Special Olympics.  At first Jonah was nervous and felt under qualified, but those worries disappeared the day he met the athletes who welcomed him as though they had known him forever.  Everyone was supportive of each other.  A team effort. Sometimes people think making a difference has to mean doing something huge, but Jonah realized it was the smaller things that matter most.  Encouraging somebody.  Including somebody.  Showing up for people and making them feel valued.  Service changes the person serving.  Jonah saw all that and more every week with Special Olympics.  He was taught patience, kindness, positivity and what true teamwork really looks like.  Service Above Self is not just something you do.  It's a way of living, wherever life takes you and for Jonah that will be to Queen's to study Health Sciences and become a doctor.

Taylar Stamper, St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School – Taylar began her journey to volunteer when she was quite young, but obviously very observant when it came to noticing opportunities to start small and build from that platform.  It all started with one Happy Meal from McDonald's and from there went to the Firefighters' Toy Drive at Christmas.  By that time, Taylar was earning an allowance by doing some chores at home and she used that money to buy toys to donate, being frugal and shopping for items on sale. Taylar has volunteered with the Humane Society as well as the Relay for Life and Terry Fox run every year. Wanting a career in the medical field, volunteering at the hospital became important and allows Taylar to build on experiences that will help her down the road. For Taylar, volunteering or helping others is not just something done for high school credits, but something that should be done naturally.  Service Above Self is rewarding.  Every little bit helps.