Rotary club launches dinner events

The inaugural event brought together the Rotary’s leadership team—Immediate Past President Mike Katsidakis, President Dr. Grace Vincent, President Elect Deepak Rai, Treasurer John Narcisian, and Assistant to the District Governor John Lohuis—who joined Mayor Jerry Acchione in marking the launch of the new series. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

The Woodstock Oxford Rotary kicked off its new monthly evening series, Dining and Dialogue, with an inaugural event held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Chartwell Oxford Gardens Retirement Residence.

Community members, business leaders, and local professionals gathered for an intimate dinner and conversation with Mayor Jerry Acchione, who headlined the Premiere Edition, An Evening with the Mayor.

Guests enjoyed a warm meal while escaping the February chill, setting the stage for an engaging and forward-looking discussion. Mayor Acchione shared early insights into the ambitious Oxford Food Recycle Hub, outlining its potential to reshape sustainability efforts across the region. Rather than a formal presentation, the evening unfolded as an open dialogue, with attendees asking questions, offering perspectives, and exploring the future of waste reduction in Woodstock.

“We wanted this series to bring people together in a meaningful way,” said organizers from the Woodstock Oxford Rotary. “Last night proved that our community is eager for spaces where ideas can be exchanged openly and constructively.”

The event also provided a relaxed networking environment, allowing guests to connect with civic leaders, neighbours, and fellow professionals. With the first edition now complete, the Rotary looks forward to hosting future Dining and Dialogue evenings, each designed to spark conversation, build community, and spotlight important local initiatives.