Honourary Colonel Suzanne Hunt introduced Colonel Allan Ferriss, Commander of the RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre.  Colonel Ferriss joined the Canadian forces in 1997 as a naval communications and information operator.  In 1999, he attended the Royal Military College of Canada and graduated in 2003 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  As Suzanne put it, the Colonel has been lots of places aka as deployment and has done lots, from specific officer training to project lead in 2007 for the Transportable Local Area Network, playing pivotal roles along the way.  In 2010 Colonel Ferriss assumed the position of Officer Commanding Support Squadron and was afforded an opportunity to return to RMC to complete his Master of Business Administration.  More postings followed and in June 2023, the Colonel assumed command of the RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre.  He holds Professional Engineers of Ontario and Project Management Professional designations.  He is supported by his spouse and together they are the proud parents of two children. 

 

The Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warfare Centre (RCAF AWC) is the centre of excellence for leading modern advances to techniques, technology, innovation and concepts for the RCAF while also acting as its steward for history and heritage.  Due to the unique composition of experience and capabilities, it provides a multitude of specialist services and courses supporting the creation of doctrine, professional courses, synthetic environments, operational testing and evaluation and electronic warfare support.  The RAWC has been tasked to actively pursue new ideas, concepts and technologies, thereby developing the collective innovative mindset to generate optimal solutions to Canad's air power needs.  They can and must communicate with all levels of command, receive ideas from everywhere and from all ranks and occupations and develop ideas to their full potential.

 

Colonel Ferris explained the centre's role in influence and the change force or the WHY.  We certainly think more about the threat of military conflict and adversity at the global level.  We have dealt with traditional adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran as well as non-state terrorists over the years and now with state-on-state situations such as Ukraine, we have to incorporate those into our thinking and look at ways to defeat these threats.  Lessons learned requires analysis and identification of gaps and how to close those capability gaps by collecting information within the science and technology areas.  Research and development becomes top priority, taking a model and running it through test after test.  Documentation is critical with implementation the final step after government approval.  The Vision of the RCAF AWC -- to be the engine of transformation that drives the RCAF from the Air Force of today to the Air Force of tomorrow. 

 

Colonel Ferris proudly shared some exposure he had to Rotary when he was a youngster participating in a local public speaking competition hosted by the local Rotary Club.  He considers public speaking to be a valuable tool during his career, thanks to the work of Rotary.  Many youth have benefited from the Rotary programs over the years.  Rotarian Ken Wheeler thanked Colonel Ferris for sharing his knowledge, building our confidence in his professional role for the security of Canada along with all members of the RCAF who work and support the operation.

 

  

Janine Foster (and sometimes) Elmslie was introduced as Rotary's guest speaker today by Rotarian Dianne Spencer.  Dianne and Janine's paths crossed in various organizations and programs over the past several years and Dianne noted Janine's background in terms of fundraising and building programs and organizations, an early adapter of technology when it came to donor data and research, always looking to improve processes to get things done efficiently.  Janine was Senior Advisor of Philanthropy for the Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief organization and has worked in post-secondary education at St. Lawrence College in Alumni Relations and Annual Giving and also as Manager of Appeals at Queen's University.  Janine is the Director of Advancement at Loyalist College, sharing her talents and expertise there and in the community.  As a former member of Rotary in Kingston, we are pleased to welcome Janine to the Rotary Club of Belleville.

 

Janine was born in Toronto with many moves between that time and her current position as Loyalist College, in fact she had attended eight (8) schools by Grade 9.  But two places were a constant in Janine's life, her grandparents' place at Davenport and Avenue Road in Toronto and her aunt's place in Ivanhoe.  Having attempted to drive a stick shift in an urban setting down Front Street in Belleville in the middle of the night, unsuccessfully, Janine now lives in Godfrey in Central Frontenac and drives 1000 km a week to get to work and she never goes the same way twice in one day.  

 

Janine zeroed in on her journey to Rotary...in 3 acts.  In Act One Janine admitted that she was professionally nosey.  As a graduate from journalism school and working in weeklies and dailies as a business journalist, editor and publisher as well as hosting a weekly business radio show, Janine discovered very quickly in her career that everyone has a story.  Janine developed a heart for people overlooked and became interested in volunteering and being part of an organization of professional do-gooders.  That led her to Rotary who was renowned for its national reach with regional impact.  Before Rotary though, Janine worked for the Salvation Army's national office, a territory from Pickering to the Quebec border and along the Ottawa river up to Petawawa.  It was there that Janine learned that difficult conversations with people in need are an opportunity and necessity, developing the skills of story telling.  Janine needed a head for business and heart for caring in supporting a number of missions and found joy in helping as the manager of mass appeals at Queen's University.  Helping a student who worked hard to get there became a goal of Janine's.  She describes herself as an alleged workaholic, but happy to report that she had the luxury of living her values through her work and found that increased her drive to accomplish and share her expertise.  With an eye to winding down her professional life in a few years, Janine sees Rotary as a path where she can continue what she wants to do by building a focus on fundraising within the community.  

 

Rotarian Jo-Anne Wheeler thanked Janine for her classification talk and sharing her life story with the Club and acknowledged Janine's already important work for Rotary behind the scenes with Clubrunner and developing a bursary for  the Indigenous Peoples Partnership Committee. More to follow on that important step.

Janeen Halliwell was pleased to introduce a new member to the Rotary Club of Belleville, Graham Whitehead.  Janeen met Graham two years ago at a social event and formed a friendship that became an invite to Rotary.  A retired police officer, working in the field of service within the community, Graham was a great fit for Rotary.  Very glad to introduce and welcome him to the Club.  More about Graham to follow when he presents his classification talk.

 

Jared Bellemare introduced Danielle Pears as a new member, having met Danielle at a United Way appreciation dinner.  Recently relocating to the Quinte area from Toronto, Danielle was looking for a connection to the community and the Rotary Club of Belleville was an easy step in that direction.  Welcome to Danielle.  We are looking forward to hearing more from her in the coming months when she presents her classification talk.

Rotarian and Literacy Chair Sharon McConnell introduced Jenn Barrett and Kellie Brace as the speakers at today's lunch meeting.  Originally Kellie joined the Learning Foundation as Co-Ordinator and now provides leadership at Executive Director.  Jenn Barrett is an experienced fundraiser and the two are a great team in enhancing bright futures for students, every step of the way.  Sharon mentioned that the Learning Foundation made a donation to one of Rotary's literacy projects, Rescue Readers, to cover the cost of bussing students to the program as needed.  Very much appreciated.

 

The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation provides programs and resources that enhance student learning, well-being and achievement.  Through Food for Learning, students are provided with the meals and snacks they need, ensuring they are nourished, supported and ready to achieve their very best.  No stigma, no barriers, just a supportive environment for all.  Over 1.4 million meals and snacks served every school year!  The Student Emergency Fund provides immediate support to students in need such as essentials like food, glasses, clothing and medical supplies helping students stay focused and safe, overcoming life's challenges.  Over 450 Student Emergency Fund requests are supported each year.  Sharing Cupboards is housed in a designated space in schools filled with nutritious food and household items.  Students take what they need or contribute items to share if they can.  It allows students to choose what suits their needs, promoting dignity and inclusion.  Students access the cupboards over 4,000 times each year.  A great example of students helping students.  Other projects include Minds in Motion and Prom Project.  Minds in Motion is supported through the HPELF's Science and Technology Fund and provides authentic hands-on learning experiences that challenge students to further their learning in the areas of Science, Math, Engineering and Technology.  Prom Project is a community initiative that provides free formal wear to graduating students, ensuring every student can attend their prom or graduation with confidence, making special milestones accessible to all.

 

A recent initiative and goal is to install a Soundfield in every classroom from JK to Grade 3.  When a child can finally hear every word, they don't just learn better, they feel seen, included and valued.  Five thousand plus students will benefit every school day for years to come!  Research shows that students in classrooms with Soundfields score higher on reading and comprehension tests.  Soundfields use wireless microphones and speakers to create a consistent, evenly distributed sound environment.    Clear sound creates bright futures.  Students hear only 55 - 83% of a teacher's voice depending on where they sit.  Over 40% of primary students would fail a hearing test on any given day.  Clear, amplified sound is essential.  So when you are asked Have You Heard?  You can say yes, you know about the Learning Foundation's goal and initiative and the need to help raise $555,000 through a personal donation, hosting a fundraising event to share in the campaign, share with your friends and family, share the media you see on this project.  Every little bit helps.

Matt Somerville is Wolf Clan and grew up in Kenhte:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory).  His journey took him to Kingston, Ontario and Washington, D.C., before returning home in 2023.  Since 2025, he has served as the Director of Operations at Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawen:na (TTO) Language and Cultural Centre.  His focus is on serving his community and strengthening the Mohawk language, Kanyen'keha for the benefit of future generations.  TTO is a not-for-profit organization providing a Mohawk immersion elementary school, a learning program for adults, a nursery program and more.  Tyendinaga is part of the Mohawk Nation with communities in Ontario, Quebec and New York State.  

 

The Language and Cultural Centre is a much needed resource for all members of the community, present and future.  The centre will be located at 39 Salmon River Road within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.  The centre is coming to fruition after decades of dreams, planning and preparation, a transformative journey, creating a dynamic space that cultivates knowledge, celebrates culture and builds community for generations to come.  The Centre will provide educational and cultural programs for community members, non-indigenous organizations and individuals who are interested in learning about the Mohawk language, cultural values and traditions to support reconciliation.  Through funders, partners, allies and much collaboration, the Centre will be opened in January 2026.  In 1920 the government took over schools and the Indian Act was amended.  No longer was the Mohawk language taught in schools and it, along with traditions and culture was lost to generations of children and not passed on.  In 1970, small groups of people started the road to reclamation and created language circles and started a five year plan to lay a foundation of living language and cultural learning for generations to come.  Parents are learning as well as the children and there will be both primary students and adult learners at the new Centre.  Artifacts will be displayed in the new building.  As Matt said, education is always helpful.  It took 100 years to get here and it will take that to achieve what they want to accomplish to lessen the impact of oppression of language and other cultural history.

 

Rotarian Jamie Trudeau thanked Matt for sharing, noting it is so important to us as neighbours to know the history and the goals that are being set.  Moving ahead with culture for us all to learn, appreciate and support.

September is Education Month for Rotary and Sharon McConnell, chair of Literacy Committee for the Rotary Club of Belleville was pleased to share current initiatives, two of which are local and one is international.  The Committee is small and mighty -- Sharon as Chair, Ruth Mathieson and Amanda Smith.  The Spelling Bee involves 34 schools, 8 Rotary Clubs and after more than a decade, continues to be a popular offering.  Rescue Readers is a three way partnership with the Humane Society, the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Education and the Rotary Club of Belleville.  This is a program where classes of elementary school children come to the Humane Society, learn about what is involved in having and maintaining a pet, develop empathy for other living creatures.  The second half of the visit is spent reading to the animals.  Studies show that reading aloud, particularly to a non-judgemental audience, improves fluency and confidence.  Rescue Readers started as a pilot.  Last year was the first full year of roll-out.  It has gone very well with just under 1,000 students participating.  All teachers were very pleased and want to bring their new class again this year.  Both these programs support the work of teachers in their classrooms and enhance the educational experience of the students.

 

The Rotary Club supports The Amarok Society, an international program primarily in Bangladesh, now expanding into India.  This is a part of the world where education is a privilege, not a right and where millions of people remain unable to read and millions of children lack access to basic education.  Illiterate mothers are taught basic education skills in rented premises in slum neighbourhoods.  In turn, each mother commits to teaching a minimum of 5 children in her own home.  This program results in mothers being able to obtain better paying jobs and children's learning is accelerated enough to enter and succeed in the government run schools.  It enables the mothers to use their education in very practical ways to help improve their quality of life.  They have learned to work as a team and to advocate for things that are of benefit to the whole community.

 

The Rotary Club of Belleville has been working with the Amarok Society for almost 15 years.  Support has come from the Club's annual literacy budget and working with other Rotary Clubs on a Global Grant in 2016 and more recently (2025) receiving a District Grant!  As we celebrate Rotary's Education Month, the call to action from Rotary's new International President is to "strengthen the foundation of learning in every community we serve".  Sharon thanked all Rotarians who work so hard to raise the funds that enable our Club to make this possible.