By Gordon R. McInally, 2023-24 Rotary International President

As Rotary President for 2023-24, I am placing a special focus on global mental health. Mental illness and emotional wellness can be difficult topics for anyone to discuss, and I know that there are some places in the Rotary world where those conversations are especially difficult.

But we have so much to gain by helping each other address mental health and wellness more openly. As we come out of a global pandemic that forced many to experience hardship and isolation, so many of us and the people we serve are experiencing lasting challenges to our emotional well-being that we cannot handle alone. As Rotary members, we have a unique ability to reach out to people who may have no other access to this kind of care. And as an organization built on friendship and service, we can help guide our fellow Rotary…

The Tabby Cat seemed pleased to hear that some Asian cultures celebrate this Lunar New Year as The Year of the Cat rather than The Year of the Rabbit.

Around here it’s always about the Cat.

We have been following the news of the efforts by one Asian culture in Canada to bring awareness of their animal of choice. It seems like a challenge to get the message out above the noise from a culture with more marketing clout.

Year of the Cat: Vietnamese Canadians want their zodiac recognized this Lunar New Year
(CBC BC)

This older white Rabbit lady is willing to partake in the food and colours of celebrations either way, just to get through the dark, cold days of January and February.

These different cultural interpretations seem insignificant considering the war, hunger and strife that surrounds us, needing our support and attention.

If…