September is here, and North Atlantic Rotary is heading into the fall with plenty of momentum. Septembre est arrivé, et le Rotary Atlantique Nord aborde l'automne avec beaucoup d'élan.
The new Rotary year is off to a busy start for youth programs across District North Atlantic!
From international exchanges and the return of our 2025–26 exchange students to opportunities through Interact and Honouring Indigenous Peoples, there are plenty of ways for Rotary clubs to support, encourage and connect with the next generation of leaders. Our Youth Exchange students are beginning their journeys around the world, international students are settling into their new Canadian communities, and returning exchange students are reflecting on experiences that will continue to shape their lives. At the same time, new opportunities are opening for young people to learn, grow and become leaders in their communities.
Read on to see what’s happening, how clubs can get involved, and which opportunities are coming up this fall.
Friendship Continues: Return Exchange from the Netherlands September 30 to October 9
This fall, Rotary friendship will come full circle as we welcome our exchange partners from the Netherlands for their return visit from September 30 to October 9. Their visit follows our district team’s wonderful exchange to the Netherlands in May, where we experienced the warmth, generosity, and international fellowship that make Rotary exchanges so memorable.
The visiting team will travel through the Valley, Charlottetown, Moncton, and Halifax Regional Municipality, experiencing local communities, culture, and Rotary fellowship along the way. The story will highlight the personal connections and lasting friendships created through Rotary Friendship Exchanges, while showcasing the spirit of hospitality and international fellowship that makes these exchanges so meaningful...
Read more for the full details or for further information on Rotary Friendship Exchanges, contact PDG Tom McCaughey at dgtom7820@gmail.com or 709-682-7259.
District Governor's Monthly Update – August 2026 | Mise à jour mensuelle de la gouverneure du district – Août 2026
All organizations need good leadership, and Rotary North Atlantic is no different.
Our district of about 75 Rotary and Rotaract clubs and over 1700 members is governed by a board of directors led by a District Governor. The DG role is selected 3 years in advance, and the chosen person goes through three years of training paid by Rotary International and involvement with the district before assuming the role. During the summer and fall of 2026 Rotary North Atlantic will select the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) who will serve as DG in Rotary Year 2029-30.
The future District Governor will work collaboratively with the other members of the DG Line and the other district leaders to help build and strengthen our district and, above all else, to help clubs in our district to thrive.
Now is the time for you or a great Rotarian that you know to start finding out more about the challenging and rewarding DG role. Why not reach out to a Past District Governor or other experienced district leader for information about the role or for help in explaining the possibilities to that great Rotarian? The formal call for nominations from clubs was issued on July 15th with the deadline to submit nominations by September 18th.
Thank you,
PDG Don Sword. Chair of the D7815 Nominating Committee
Celebrating Our 2025–2026 Rotary Club Excellence Award Recipients
Rotary District North Atlantic is proud to recognize eight clubs that have earned Rotary International's 2025–2026 Club Excellence Award, the highest recognition a Rotary club can achieve.
Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of:
- Bathurst
- Halifax Harbour
- Kentville
- Montague & Eastern PEI
- New Minas Sunrise
- Sackville & Area
- Truro
- Wolfville – Mud Creek
The Club Excellence Award recognizes clubs that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, meaningful service, membership engagement, effective public image, support of The Rotary Foundation, and a commitment to achieving their annual goals. Through their dedication and teamwork, these clubs have strengthened Rotary's ability to create lasting change in their communities and around the world.
On behalf of Rotary District North Atlantic, congratulations to each club president, board member, committee chair, and every Rotarian whose commitment made this achievement possible. Your success is a reflection of the passion, service, and fellowship that define Rotary at its best.
Thank you for your leadership and for inspiring others through your commitment to Service Above Self.
Meet Your 2026–2027 LeadershipTeam!
Here’s the team leading the way this Rotary year! Dedicated, passionate, and ready to serve — our 2026–2027 Board is here to support our club’s mission, strengthen our impact, and make this year one to remember.
District Governor 2026–2027: Chris Hornberger
District Governor Elect 2027–2028: Wayne Thompson
District Governor Nominee 2028–2029: Phil Warren
Immediate Past District Governor (2025-2026): Marcel Gervais
District Treasurer: Dave Kowlessar
District Executive Secretary: Karla McLean
Data Management: Holly Thompson
Membership Engagement: Noel Eustace
Foundation: Miriam MacLeod
Youth: Paula Hiltz
Rotaract: Nader Houella
Training: Candace Boone
Public Image: Andrew Dumond
Events: Stephanie Letemplier
(see more for enlarged poster)
You're invited to celebrate 100 years of the Rotary Club of TruroJoin us on Wednesday, September 23 for a special evening celebrating a century of service, friendship, and community impact.
Best Western Glengarry
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.The evening will feature:
Music by Morrissey Dunn
Performances by the Cobequid Dance Academy
Rotary Awards
Special guest speaker Ellie Black, Canada's most decorated female gymnast, four-time Olympian, Order of Canada recipient, and a champion for fair play and women in sport.Come celebrate the Rotary Club of Truro's incredible legacy, recognize the people who have made a difference over the past 100 years, and look ahead to the future.
Tickets are available by clicking the link or scanning the QR code on the event poster.Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Truro on this incredible milestone—we hope to see you there!
