The Magical Mystery Tour has been making its way through Saskatchewan, learning about the great work done by clubs in the province and meeting some outstanding Rotarians.

At a multi-club barbeque in Regina, I chatted with Joanna Alexander. Quick to smile and share a story, Joanna explained that her father was a long-time Rotarian before her. Women couldn’t yet be members when her late husband, Doug, joined Rotary. Undeterred, Joanna worked alongside him to support the Rotary Club of Regina. Eventually, she became a proud member herself, partly to honor Doug and continue their Rotary work. Today, she’s an active “senior” member, managing her club’s communications and regularly contributing to website stories and media releases.

By any measure, Teegan Knibbs is a brand-new Rotarian. I met him at the Estevan club meeting, which was only his second week in Rotary. Invited by his friend and club President, Chris Hoffos, Teegan joined to make friends. Unsurprisingly, as he learned more about Rotary, he became eager to help others.

These two meetings reflect my experience in Rotary: veterans and beginners working together, learning from one another, and collaborating to strengthen our communities.