Rotary Club of Simcoe - AGM
November 29, 2021 Story by: Tim FitzGerald Club President Adam Veri hosted our 2021 AGM today. Our second "in person" meeting (post Covid, we hope!); and with our first catered lunch - 20 "in person" members for lunch with 6 more offsite via Zoom. The Rotary fellowship, face-to-face again, is appreciated - rejoice! |
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Silver Lake Preservation
November 22, 2021 Story by: Tim FitzGerald Jim Dover, Vice President of the Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association (PDWPA). Rejoice - the repairs to the dam on Silver Lake in Port Dover are completed. Jim spoke to us today. Phase two of the Silver Lake restoration project is being initiated |
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Simcoe Rotary Hybrid Meetings
November 21, 2021 Story by: C. Richard Campbell  After approximately 1 year and 8 months, The Rotary Club of Simcoe will resume in-person meetings on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the Club Rooms of the Royal Legion, Branch 79 in Simcoe, Ontario. The meetings will also be available to remote participants on Zoom. Members and quests must adhere to the rules in order to be admitted to meetings.
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Catlin Arrojo, the first Jeff Scott Bursary Award Recipient
November 8, 2021 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs provided by: The Jeff Scott Memorial Bursary For The Medical Arts Committee On September 15, 2021, the very first $ 1, 500.00 bursary was awarded in the memory of Rotarian Jeff Scott to Catlin Arrojo at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Ms. Arrojo, a graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Simcoe, Ontario and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at the university. Caitlin is keeping her options open and is interested in "Becoming a doctor, hospital director, occupational therapist, pharmacist, or epidemiologist, or working for the Public Health Agency of Canada, at local health units, or at the World Health Organization..." |
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Art With Heart in Simcoe, Ontario
November 1, 2021 Story by: Tim FitzGerald Nikki Campbell-Schram "Art With Heart" https://artwithheartstudio.ca/contact/ is a non profit with multiple locations. Nikki is well known to Rotary - first as a recipients of a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA); and subsequently as a founding |
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Karen Oakes 1950-2021
There are Rotarians and then there are outstanding Rotarians like Karen Oakes. On October 9th, 2021, Karen a former banker and community volunteer died. She was a devoted, committed and it seem at times a tireless Rotarian. Here is a snapshot of her Rotary life: "...member of the Rotary Club of Delhi since 1995, Delhi President (1999-2001), Chair of the District Permanent Fund (2004-2008), Recipient of the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service (2007), District Governor (2010-2011), District Foundation Chair (2012-2017), Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Benefactor, District Training Team member, Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation, Bequest Society member, current Zone Treasurer and Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor". As a Rotarian, we all strive to provide community service and to be volunteers whether in our backyard or around the world. Karen's absence from Norfolk Rotary will be noted. She was such an example of our motto.  |
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Shelter Box Hero Award
July, 2021 Story By C. Richard Campbell ShelterBox has awarded The Rotary Club of Simcoe the Bronze Hero status for the Rotary Year 2020-2021. The Club's continuing financial support has helped ShelterBox Canada " to deliver aid to families recovering from disaster in India, Honduras, Philippines, Tanzania, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ethiopia." "The partnership between ShelterBox and Rotary is serving to change lives." "But because of you and your continued support, more families can begin to rebuild and recover." [Dani Bristow, Community Program Coordinator, ShelterBox Canada] |
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George A. Renshaw 1916-2021
June 20th, 2021 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs from the archives On June 18th, 2021, Honorary Rotarian George Renshaw died at age 104. Before being designated an Honorary Rotarian in 2016, George was an Active member of the Club for some 62 years with the classification of Can Manufacturing. In 1989 - 1990, he was the President of the Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow award in 1997. Sixty-two years of community service is impressive by itself. But when you remember that this year The Rotary Club of Simcoe celebrated its 96th anniversary, one gets the idea of why his years of service and membership are just so remarkable. When you join Rotary, chances are that you will forge friendships that can last for decades, and even after you leave the Rotary Club. George was a likable and knowledgeable man. |
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Cody Lyons Classification Talk
April 19, 2021 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Images: Screen captures Cody Lyons Joined the Rotary Club of Simcoe in 2017 Corporate member - Classification: Senior Retirement Residential Each new Rotarian is required to present to the Club a Classification Talk. He is a Simcoe native. Cody told the Club about his involvement in community sports as a volunteer and as a participant. He graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a minor in Tourism. Cody is presently the Community Relations Coordinator of Cedar Crossing Retirement Community in Simcoe, Ontario. |
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RI President Nominee Jennifer Jones - RI Assembly 2021
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor and Roseland makes Rotary history by becoming the first woman named Rotary president nominee. She will become Rotary International President for 2022-2023. Jones joined Rotary in 1997 and is the founder and president of award-winning Media Street productions in Winsor, Ontario. The link below is a virtual presentation at the Rotary International Assembly 2021. You may also be interested in this video: For more information about this remarkable woman, visit Jennifer E. Jones makes history, becomes first woman named Rotary president-nominee | Rotary International |
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SLAPSHOT 2021
SLAPSHOT is a New Generations program of Rotary International. It is for high school student leaders, 15 to 18 years of age. This program promotes and fosters youth leadership. Once the individual is accepted. The "sponsoring" Rotary Club pays the $ 100.00 US cost to attend this virtual event which takes place from May 2 to 5, 2021. The deadline for registration is April 14th, 2021. For more information, read on. |
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Fanshaw - Norfolk Campus pushes forward during Covid-19
March 29, 2021 Story by Timothy FitzGerald Jessica Ryde is the Student Services contact at Fanshawe College - Simcoe Campus. During the pandemic, most programmes have been adapted with on-line learning reducing in-classroom requirements. However, welding is still 70 percent hands on instruction in the shops at the Simcoe campus. A new twist from the pandemic is an increased call for "at home" service vocations such as esthetics. Calls for the food service worker preparing meals "to go" are heightened in the new reality of more careers/families working remotely. Norfolk County is a great place for post secondary studies. Take a virtual tour of the campus https://www.fanshawec.ca/about-fanshawe/campus/simcoe-campus Contact Jessica jryde@fanshawec.ca Phone: 519-426-8260 x22 |
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Rotarian Stan Cox, 1936-2021
March 26, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell It will always be Stan. No Simcoe Rotarian would ever call him Reverend Doctor, especially when he was delivering a joke. The man who died on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton was so cheerful with a twinkle in his eye and ready with a good story. The story usually had an unforeseen twist with a touch of humour. He will always be a Rotarian's "Rotarian"! Stan is a Past-President of the Club in 1992-1993. He became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992. John Stanley Cox is one of a hand-full of present Rotarians that have resigned from the Club for whatever reasons and returned to the Club. |
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Ian Madge, Paul Harris Fellow
March 15, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell with the help of Rotarian Ken Smith’s notes Pre-Covid-19 photograph of Ian Madge from Toironto.com and has been edited Other photographs are screen captures of the You Tube live streaming of the church service or provided by Rotarian Mike Cobb On Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ontario; Ken Smith of The Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 55 years (and a St. Paul’s choir member) presented a Paul Harris Fellow award to Ian Madge of Simcoe. "Ian has been organist and choir director here for decades, and under our current Covid restrictions spends countless hours producing the hymn and anthem arrangements in such a form to accommodate these live-stream broadcasts, and was instrumental in the process of acquiring and installing the necessary equipment. |
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Empowering Young Women - Early!
March 8, 2021 Story by Timothy FitzGerald Its international Women's Day today - March 8th. Haley Wilson and Jennifer Lados are employed by Haldimand and Norfolk Women's Services. Each year, for grade 8 girls, they run a Girls Power Camp. http://www.hnws.on.ca/pages.php/18/G.I.R.L.S.-Power-Camp using Camp Trillium facilities in December. However with COVID challenges this year it will be held virtually in April. Their grins show their optimism, belief and understanding that young women can trust. Haley and Jennifer described that many young women are quite unprepared for the social and emotional storm that they face on day one of high school. Who will be my friends? Where do I fit in? What choices should I make (good vs poor)? The three day camp navigates Day 1: self-empowerment, self esteem, healthy relationships. Day: 2 high ropes, self defence, motivation. Day 3: healthy boundaries, sharing circles - roses and thorns. |
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Twenty-One New Paul Harris Fellows
March 1, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell Bob Stevenson, Simcoe Rotarian and District 7090, Area 1 Assistant Governor presented via Zoom, 21 Paul Harris Fellow Certificates and pins. When $ 1,000 US is donated to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, a Paul Harris Fellow can be issued to a designated person. In the case of the 21 Simcoe Rotarians who became Paul Harris Fellows, each Rotarian has been donating $ 100.00 Canadian per year. The Club has also made a number of donations to The Rotary Foundation in regard to the Polio Plus program to eradicate Polio worldwide. Since 1925, the Rotary Club of Simcoe has presented Paul Harris Fellows to a number of persons in the community for outstanding accomplishment and service. The Club has also presented Paul Harris Fellows to Rotarians in the club who have contributed "Service Above Self". |
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ShelterBox Canada
February 28, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell Allison Kingston, Community Fundraising Coordinator of ShelterBox Canada visited the Club via Zoom on February 8, 2021. ShelterBox is one of a number of Rotary International partners. The Rotary Club of Simcoe has a long history of contributing to ShelterBox. If you are new to ShelterBox, this is a brief introduction. In 2000, the Rotary Club of Herston-Lizard in Cornwall, United Kingdom started ShelterBox as a club project and it quickly became a success story. In 2021, the purchase price of a ShelterBox is $ 1,000 US. You donate the $ 1,000 US for a ShelterBox which is allocated along with others to strategic places around the world for distribution when there is a natural disaster or when people are displaced from their homes due to war and conflict. Once a need for shelter is identified, ShelterBox has response teams to travel the world. |
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WASH, Malawi, Africa
February 24, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell On January 25, 2021, Gordon Young and Patrick MacNeil of the Niagara on the Lake Rotary Club zoomed into our meeting and presented the WASH, (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) project in Chisimulka, Rumphi District, Malawi, Africa. Recently the Rotary Club of Simcoe contributed $ 1,500 US to the $ 8,000 US project being sponsored by the Niagara on the Lake Rotary Club. The Chisimulka Clinic will have a new water storage tank, piping and plumbing as well as water testing and filtration. The Clinic has pipes to toilets, showers, and inside sinks but they are not connected to the water supply. |
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Ducks, Waterfowl and Drones
February 24, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell On December 7, 2020, Dr. Scott Petrie, CEO and Chief Scientist of Delta Waterfowl in North Dakota spoke to the Club via Zoom about this international organization. He is no stranger to Norfolk County since he served as Executive Director of the Long Point Waterfowl organization for 18 years. Once you get your head around the fact that hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are now involved in a management and conservation organization that in the past, particularly in our the Long Point area were better known for their excesses. A number of highlights stand out from the presentation such as a commitment to waterfowl research, embracing new technology, fundraising programs and an on emphasizing waterfowl management and the conservation of the duck habitat. |
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Black History in Canfield, Ontario a sequence of Acts.February 22nd, 2021 Story by: Tim FitzGerald  Graeme Bachiu is a documentary film maker living in Canfield, ON . While there are many documentary films that cover history surrounding Ontario's larger urban areas, Graeme found that this can not be said of more rural. His career began with community channel TV (including coverage of a Rotary club event along the way), years at CHCH in Hamilton and then upon the reshaping of his industry as an independent film producer in Canfield, ON. You can sample his skills and passion at https://windeckerroadfilms.com/ In 1850 the United States passed the Fugitive Slave Act. Henceforth, both free northern Blacks and fugitive southern slaves no longer felt safe in the northern US states. Slavery in Upper Canada had been abolished by the Act Against Slavery, passed in 1793 - Black emigration to Upper Canada increased during the times of the "Underground Railroad" 1840-1860. |
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Canoes - Water Transportation of MilleniaFebruary 15th, 2021 Story by: Tim FitzGerald  Karen Taylor (upper right), Director of Programmes spoke to us today about the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, ON. https://canoemuseum.ca/ Peterborugh has been a centre of boatbuilding predating confederation. The museum displays not only canoes of Canada's early fur trade but coast to coast canoe histories of five continents. They feature tours, workshops for all ages and indigenous skills. Having outgrown their current facility and they will break ground on a new building this year. |
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Toronto Ski Hawks
January 26th, 2021 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Simcoe Rotarians are compulsive and even obsessive volunteers. "Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labour for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue." (Source - Wikipedia) The Toronto Ski Hawks is the organization that this article focuses on. Every Saturday during nine weeks of winter, trained volunteers guide skiers with low or no vision down the slopes. Some of Ontario's most prominent private and semi-private ski clubs welcome the blind and near-blind skiers. Although Covid-19 has interrupted the skiing, two former Simcoe Rotarians and two active Rotarians have or are guiding the downhill alpine skiers. People of "all ages and abilities" can ski with the aid a guide. Even if you do not know how to ski, they will teach you. |
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Keith Flexman, 1943-2021
January 25, 2021 Story by: C. Richard Campbell and Ron Baker Keith Flexman is a former member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. He was an active participant at club events and a leader in the founding of the Rotary Club of Norfolk-Sunrise. Norfolk-Sunrise became the third club that the Rotary Club of Simcoe sponsored. The energetic and successful Norfolk-Sunrise Rotary Club is because of Rotarians like Keith Flexman. Recently, there was a Keith Flexman’s ZOOM Celebration of Life visitation. Below are the remarks of President Baker of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. "Good afternoon. I am Ron Baker, President of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. On behalf of our club, I want to offer our sincere condolences to Joyce and the Flexman family, and to honour the life and legacy of Keith Flexman; a Great man. Dr. Martin Luther King jr. said: “Greatness is determined by service.” |
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When Time Stopped in Port Dover
January 18th 2021 Story by Tim FitzGerald Rick Dupp is a fan of old town clocks. Rick retired as Head of the Industrial Millwright Program at Mohawk College. Living in Port Dover and active with Lighthouse Festival Theatre as a volunteer and actor, it went against all he stood for that the time displayed on the old town clock had read 4:20 for over a decade. After all, the virtual background behind him is the celestial clock in Prague that had been keeping time for 600 years. In 2015, Rick exclaimed to the theatre's Artistic Director Derick Ritschel and General Manager Helen Wagner - our clock is only 109 years old - I'm going up there to fix it! As our speaker today, Rick told us the history of the clock, the bell before it, town fundraising and how he got it working again. Story and pictures below! |
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Shed a Tear for Rotary Beer
January 13th, 2021 Story by C. Richard Campbell In 2017, Rotary International, Ontario based Rotary Clubs and Wellington Brewery in Guelph, Ontario developed and produced Rotary Beer. The beer is described as a "crisp, blonde lager beer" which was sold in selected "Beer Stores" in Ontario. It has a brief but fulfilling 3 year life.  This is the link to the original story announcing the sale of Rotary Beer https://simcoerotaryclub.com/stories/rotary-beer-is-here Rotary International received a certain amount of the sale price for it's clean water projects. It seems fitting since most of the beverage is water. Rotary Clubs such as The Rotary Club of Simcoe and Norfolk-Sunrise also received cash from every sale which was applied to internal projects and programs. While it never was a great money maker, it was a fundraiser with little effort other than promotion and perhaps drinking the occasional glass of beer. |
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Lynn Valley Trail
December 14th, 2020 Story by C Richard Campbell The Lynn Valley Trail is an old abandoned railway right-of-way between Port Dover and Simcoe. The 11. 8 kilometer trail was originally purchased by the former Regional Municipality of Haldmand-Norfolk as a future utility corridor. It has a colourful past. As an example, in the 1930s and 1940's, Port Dover high school students rode the electrified railway to the Simcoe High School. Now there are walkers, joggers and bicycles enjoying the trail. The trail was officially opened in 1993. Today, it promotes recreation, health and tourism. Diane Luke, a Director with the Lynn Valley Association zoomed into our homes and businesses to update the Rotary Club of Simcoe on the activities and projects of the Lynn Valley Trail Association. |
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Caribbean Farm Workers Stranded in Norfolk County
December 21, 2020 Story by: C. Richard Campbell As Ontario and Norfolk County go into holiday "lock down" due to the resurging growth of Covid-19 infection, Caribbean workers are stranded here because of prohibiting travel restrictions at home. Over 80 farm workers will be spending the holidays far from their homes in bunkhouses. The Rotary Club of Simcoe is raising money, collecting winter clothing and "connecting" the workers with local agencies such as the Salvation Army. This is not the first time the Club has assisted off shore workers and their families. |
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Bob Morrow, Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club November 9, 2020 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Bob Morrow spoke to the Club from the comfort of his home about a number of space related subjects such as the Canadian Space Agency, the International Space Station, Mars exploration and yes, even growing tomatoes in space. With the aid of breathtaking photography and the occasional cartoon, he became our space tour guide. The Club members also learned of the new technology, some of which is developed and owned by the private sector for delivering humans and materials to outer space. Being a Canadian, you could not help be filled with pride when you saw the photographs of the Canada Arm doing such things as unloading a satellite from the American shuttle. Canadians have embraced space exploration with a number of men and women becoming astronauts. |
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Norfolk Pregnancy & Resource Centre Sonia Nunn, Norfolk Pregnancy & Resource Centre November 30, 2020 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Parenting is a challenge even when you have loving parents (future babysitters) and family support. It is a "learn on the job" experience. It can be an especially hard experience if you are alone, have no financial resources and have personal problems. Sonia Nunn via Zoom of the Norfolk Pregnancy & Resource Centre in Simcoe told the Club about the services and support it offers to mothers and fathers that need help being parents. A number have no role model growing-up and may suffer from addiction problems. |
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Norfolk County Public Library November 16, 2020 Story by: C. Richard Campbell The Norfolk County Public Library with branches in Delhi, Port Dover, Port Rowan, Simcoe and Waterford has been informed by Norfolk County that it's 2021 budget is to be reduced by 10 % or about $ 298,000.00. The Norfolk County Public Library is facing the possibility of eliminating staff, as well as reducing hours of operation and well-used services. The largest branch is located in Simcoe, Ontario is historic and unique since it is a converted jail which had an interior gallows prior to the renovation. Aaron Gautreau, Development Co-Ordinator of the library addressed the Club via Zoom about the library's $ 35,000.00 fundraising campaign by year end. |
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Be safe
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Rotarian Jeff Scott, March 23, 1970-November 25, 2020
Jeff, the owner and CEO of Great Lakes Physiotherapy has been a member of The Rotary Club of Simcoe since 2002 and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow in 2000 and 2014. |
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Who Are These Masked Men?
November, 2020 - Meet President Ron Baker (on the left) of The Rotary Club of Simcoe Who Presents The Club's Newest Member Jason Deland With His Membership Certificate |
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"Visitors" at The Rotary Club of Simcoe
Our online attendance was up today. Meet Aaron Gautreau, Lara Rockefeller, Hal Whitcomb, Doug Cater and Rotarian Rick Honcharsky. |
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Our Star Reporter Tim Fitzgerald October, 2020 - Rotarian Tim Fitzgerald visiting Wyoming and modeling his Rotary face mask. |
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Remembrance Day, November 11, 2020
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Rotarian John Making A Difference |
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Ron Baker 2020-2021 Simcoe Rotary President October 30, 2020 President Baker updated the Club on its Strategic Plan with an explanation of its purpose, lifespan and future member involvement. Accompanying the plan update was a modified classification talk. Ron joined the Rotary Club of Simcoe on June 1, 2006. He married Jacqueline A. Ferris, U. E.; (1938 -2018) in 1960, in Port Rowan, Ontario. They then spent 42 years, in the USA and Europe. He returned to Port Rowan in 2002. In 1969, he went on a Rotary Group Study Exchange to Australia. His career was in international business management in Asia, North America, and Europe; 17 years in Switzerland and The Netherlands and15 years in Brussels, Belgium; in commercial development, defense, chemical, science, and technology industries. Following university studies in Chemistry, Engineering, and International Business, his first Rotary connection was in 1969, in a Group Study Exchange to Australia. Ron was adjunct lecturer in Business for 10 years at three of Brussels leading Business schools. He speaks Dutch, French, German, and Spanish; pursues interests in the arts, English language, and literature. An Anglican Church Lay Reader, he's a Trustee of the Board of Historic Christ Anglican Church, Vittoria, Ontario . In Rotary, he supported International programs (Director (2009 - 2010; 2012 - 2014); Lynn River Music & Arts Festival; The Norfolk Musical Arts Festival; Rotary House Tour Committee Chair; 2016-'17, President-Elect 2019-2020 and President for the 2020-2021 year. |
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Josefa Michaelson, CAPP and CECOctober 23, 2020  Via Zoom, Josefa Michaelson, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Canada's Energy Citizens spoke to the Club about Canada's oil and natural gas industry. Some of the highlights of the presentation: ► Canada has the 3rd largest reserves of crude oil and is the 5th largest producer of natural gas in the world ► The country is the 6th largest producer of crude oil in the world ► The industry generates billions of dollars in revenue and over 500,00 jobs ►There has been a substantial investment in environmental protection amd a commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions  |
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Please Donate Blood |
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World Polio Day - October 24, 2020 October 20, 2020 - Simcoe Rotary donates $ 1, 567.17 US to the Rotary Foundation. |
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Norfolk Police Services Board - Chair Dennis Travale Explains From the top, the (Ontario) Police Services Act defines the Police Services Boards (PSB). In laymen's terms, to facilitate "effective and efficient policing" in the local community. The PSB's do not advise the OPP how to police; but rather communicates the local community's strategic policing priorities. Of the 5 members of the board, 2 are provincial appointees, 2 are members of Council (one is the Mayor) and a member from the local population appointed by Council - Dennis Travale. Dennis is the current Chair. Thus PSB is not a committee of Council nor reports to it. PSB focus areas are: 1. Crime prevention; 2. Law enforcement; 3. Assistance to victims of crime; 4. Public order maintenance; and 5. Emergency response. This is where the task of "effective and efficient" becomes difficult if the only solution would be moving resources from one area to another. A better solution that has been accomplished by our Norfolk PSB was to facilitate local community policies/programmes that reduced 'waste" of scarce police resources through four projects areas: 1. A new False Alarm Bylaw. The PSB, as an independent body has the authority to issue Bylaws, 2. An active discussion with County staff and subsequently Council to determine which, if any, County Bylaws they want the police to enforce. 3. A new County-wide Community Policing Committee; and 4. A Strategic Plan for policing in Norfolk County. And, across the news in all municipalities, who are the appropriate resources to be deployed to address areas of community safety and wellness - such as – BUT not limited to: Mental health; Health Care; Homelessness; Addictions; Poverty; Much has been accomplished by our PSB. There is always more to do. |
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Angela Wallace, Port Dover Harbour MuseumMonday, September 28, 2020  Angela Wallace, Port Dover Harbour Museum Curator guided Simcoe Rotarians on a virtual tour of the museum which has been closed to the public since mid-March. While the emphasis is on marine artifacts and history, Port Dover and area has a rich history of boat building and ship repair, fish processing, sports, tourism and industry such as the former W. F. Kolbe Company. A Maid of the Mist was built next door to the museum. The museum has reached out to the community by presenting special events such as the annual New Years Levee which appears to be very well attended and a lot of fun. While touring the museum, Rotarians learn that two Port Dover Rotarians namely Margaret Bancroft and Bob Perks are volunteers at the museum. Simcoe Rotarians are compulsive volunteers , so it is no surprise to learn of the two being involved with the museum.  The next page has a slideshow of of the tour. |
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Rotarian Margaret Making A Difference |
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Fortune Cookie Number 9 |
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Day of ActionThe Rotary Clubs of Simcoe, Delhi, and Norfolk Sunrise need your support collecting items for the local food banks throughout September.  |
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Local Golfers Support the good work of RotaryThe Rotary Club of Simcoe's annual fundraiser golf tournament was held today September 9th. Donating a few hours during their day - shown below foursomes of - Greg Smith and Connie Forsyth - out for the event!   |
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Right Person for the Job - Frank Adamson Rotary International District 7090’s Frank Adamson, District Governor attended our Zoom meeting today. Frank, with the full support of his wife, Judy, is very accomplished at fundraising. Be it for Rotary and/or community. How much you ask? – for example, chaired “Tour du Lac, Niagara” raising $250,000 for the United Way. Frank has goals for our District which spans through Western New York through to Delhi, Ontario. This 2020/21 year Frank is the right person for the job! |
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Norfolk Residents created Global Shores Opportunities in Guatemala  Cathy Penelton, Administrator and Shantelle Matos, Principal Fundraiser for Global Shore Opportunities spoke to us today. This Not-For-Profit was established by residents of Norfolk County in 2002 from a local farm group. An attachment to Guatemala showed the need for schooling K-12 grades. In Guatemala most students don't finish school. There is little government support. Rather most students drop out to support their families. Global Shore Opportunities thus started a school in the El Tizate countryside. 18 years later they have classes K-12, graduates, 33 Guatemalan staff and are becoming sustainable with graduates coming back to teach. They teach streams such as Graphic Design, Accounting and Secretarial. Students do a practicum (co-op) and are often hired as employees. Global Shore Opportunities has a following. An office has since been opened in Pennsylvania to allow US tax receipts to be issued to US donors there. Of course Covid-19 has upset regular donations. Visit them at https://globalshore.org/ |
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Covid-19 Golf Tournament FormatHarold Shantz Memorial Golf TournamentWednesday, September 9th, 2020Greens of RentonGreat news! Our annual golf event is now rescheduled for Wednesday September 9th! As usual, it will be held at The Greens of Renton Golf Club. There are several changes this year to cope with COVID-19. We will have tee-offs rather than a shot-gun start, starting at 9 am and using Blue and Green tees. We can accommodate 20 to 24 foursomes using this format. Golfers can have their own cart or if individuals are comfortable in sharing with someone else, that is OK too, and lessens the cart demand for us. Lunch will be provided as usual ‘at the turn’- burger or sausage plus a soft drink. Other beverages are available at the bar. There will be no banquet or prize awards this year due to COVID rules at this time. We appreciate the golfers’ support of our Rotary Club as we strive to create funding to carry on our work. Any financial support beyond golf fees would be welcomed. All previous sponsors’ signage will be displayed this year as well. Golf foursomes are strongly encouraged to pre-pay. This year, we will be charging only $100 per player-$400 per foursome. Electronic transfer can be made directly to the Tournament Treasurer Tom Pidduck (tspidduck@gmail.com). Your fees will be automatically transferred to The Rotary Club of Simcoe. In a separate email, please let Craig Hunter (chunter@kwic.com) know that you have signed on to play with the names of each player in your foursome. Please indicate your preferred tee-time (9-10 or 10-11) and how many carts your group will need. The Club will do its best to accommodate! Each foursome leader will get an email on Monday, September 7th prior to the event, letting them know their tee time, which course, and expected arrival time. Our Rotary Club deeply appreciates your support for this event at this difficult time! Gerry Goddard- Committee Chair Craig Hunter- Golf Coordinator |
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Learning About Sepsis - it starts with an infection!Sepsis – what is it? In lay terms, when infections from “external” sources, be they from deep cuts, sore throats or other causes bypass the bodies defences and reside “inside the body where no infections are supposed to be” sepsis can set in. Undiagnosed / untreated sepsis infection cans be deadly within relatively short periods of time.  Ellen Coffey (Zoom video) is a volunteer with the Canadian Sepsis Foundation. Her husband, was an healthy and avid outdoorsman. Not feeling right and undiagnosed, he suffered a combination of the signs/symptoms of sepsis. TIME (Temperature – higher or lower, Infection, Mental Decline (confused, sleepy, difficult to arouse) and Extremely Ill (severe pain or discomfort). Ellen's message "if you suspect sepsis – see a doctor immediately!" The infection was severe. A coma was induced. Unfortunately he never regained consciousness and passed. Presenting today with Ellen from the McMaster University Department of Medicine (Zoom video) were: Patricia Liaw, Phd.  Alison Fox-Robichaud, MSc, MD (on active duty)   The Rotary Club of Simcoe thank the three of you for your important presentation and answering our questions today. |
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Rotarian Ron Making A Difference |
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Simcoe Rotarians Assist Big Brothers & Big Sisters June 13, 2020 - King's Flower & Garden, Simcoe, Ontario |
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Rotarian Jim Making A Difference |
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Get A Busy Person To Do It
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A Virtual Presentation $1,000 to Lynndale Heights Public School  Rotary "Making a Difference" continues. Seen here, Rotarian Rick Honcharsky is passing a virtual $1,000 through the screen to Megan Allen. Megan is Chair of the Lynndale Heights Public School Parents' Council. Megan acknowledges receipt of the actual funds used towards the purchase of furniture for the “Learning Commons Project” (see picture in Megan's background) in the school. The school board is converting libraries into learning centres. The room and a grant were provided. When Megan is not working at First Ontario Credit Union, she and other parents were busy raising $20,000 to buy the furniture. Institutional furniture, computer work stations and the like are not cheap. The school provided 10 laptop computers, the grant 10 laptops and Rotary funds are being used to acquire more. Within the school some students have laptops at home; others may never have seen one. It’s a great leveller. In the learning centre the internet is free to the students. COVID presents unusual circumstances. But when things get back to normal the parent council hopes that they will be allowed to rent the space out (such as Saturday) to community groups or companies needing extra meeting space. |
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Vince Lombardi Quotation |
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Cabin Fever |
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Rotary Day of Action Revisited |
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Rotarians now Zoom their meeting New - yet entertaining - our Rotary work continues. |
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Quotation-Let's See What Happens |
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2020 Rotary Golf Tournament Postponed |
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Harold Shanz Memorial Rotary Golf Tournament Last year, our Rotarian Harold Shantz died. The Club recognized his contribution and exceptional service by renaming the Rotary Charity Golf Tournament to the Harold Shantz Memorial Rotary Golf Tournament.  Harold Shantz 1939-2019 The 2020 golf tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 at Greens At Renton with a rain date of Wednesday, May 20th, 2020. Should the COVID-19 viral outbreak persist into May, members of the golf committee will contact golfers who have registered and submitted information in which to contact them. Also this website will contain information on the status of the COVID-19 and its effect on the scheduling of the golf tournament. We thank our sponsors, the many golfers and the volunteers who support The Rotary Club of Simcoe. This event remains a major fundraiser and source of funds for our community and international projects such as ending Polio in the world. Now to register for the golf tournament, you can complete a paper copy and mail it to The Rotary Club, P.O. 1, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K8. Or you can download the PDF version of the brochure/registration form from this link https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000306/en-ca/files/homepage/2020-harold-shantz-rotary-memorial-golf-tourn/Golf_Brochure_2020-Fimal_0310-.pdf Fill out the Golfers registration part by placing your cursor in the pale blue (yellow the image below) highlighted area:  Then fill out the part with the title, Registration Form, place your cursor over the pale blue (again yellow in the image below) highlighted area and fill in the applicable parts:  Click on the Submit button and it is e-mailed to the Club. It is recommended that you rename the file and save it to your hard drive for your records. Don't forget to complete your cheque or bring your credit card to the tournament on May 13th, 2020. Yes, we do accept cash especially American currency at par  To be able to fill out the forms, you must have Adobe Reader installed on your device. It is always a good idea to check that your version of Adobe Reader is up-to-date. Having a problem completing the registration, e-mail us at simcoe.rotary.club@gmail.com with your information and it will be transmitted to our Rotarian in charge of registrations. The Club acknowledges the receipt of all electronically transmitted registrations. |
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Rotary Meetings Cancelled The health and safety of our Rotarian members and our families is of utmost importance and given the current COVID-19 pandemic necessitates cancellation of our meeting activities in the short term. We need to do our part to support social distancing and thereby the efforts of medical personnel to limit the spread of coronavirus. After consulting with AG Bob Stevenson and given cancellations related to schools, county facilities (libraries, museums and arenas until April 5) and community activities as well as those of Rotary District 7090 (details copied for your information below), I am cancelling the Rotary Club of Simcoe club meetings until April 20th. This effectively cancels scheduled meetings on March 16, 23, and 30 as well as April 6. No meeting was scheduled for April 13th due to the Easter holiday. I will be following up with specific Rotarians to ensure that our meeting arrangements at the Legion and our speaker engagements are cancelled. As time evolves we may need to make further decisions with regard to Club activities. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy and feel free to be touch with me as needed. Yours in Rotary,
Margaret Bancroft |
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A Thank You From St. Joseph's School, Simcoe, On |
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Rotarian Tim Making A Difference |
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Fortune Cookie No. 8 |
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Rotarian George Making A Difference |
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MINORI, IN HER OWN WORDSFrom The District 7090 February Newsletter
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Kids Need Playgrounds Rotarian Rick Honcharsky provides Meaghan Nadwodny with a cheque for $1,000 toward new playground equipment for St. Bernard Clairvaun School in Waterford. Where did the old equipment go? After 40 years or so original equipment becomes unsafe/not up to school board standards - the inspectors said it has to be removed/upgraded - so are the times! Repair/upgrading old equipment was judged a very poor investment in light of changing standards - better to put $10,000 toward new equipment. So what are they giving up now - six swings in a muddy lot for 245 students - each student is allocated only twenty-five swings then has to give it to another student. Interestingly an increase in bullying was noted since they lost their playground equipment! Kids need an outlet! Meaghan searched online for federal government grants - none found. It seems playgrounds are not funded by the Ministry of Education. So Meaghan found herself pursuing fundraising. The parent council advised that they can only have one fund raiser per year. The original concept was quoted as $85,000. The project was revised to $65,000. Modern playgrounds are expensive and more than just a few swings. Rather, site preparation, drainage, accessible walkways (as required), grades of mulch to current standards , round posts ... . Action so far - $15,000 raised from businesses, now campaigning services clubs, a ladies comedy night is upcoming. We wish Meaghan and the parents well. There are 600 new homes planned for Waterford. So the equipment will be used. |
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Rotary Club of Simcoe donates $1,000 to library "Reading Garden" Dolf Wynia holds the current picture of Port Dover Library entrance. Heather King (Chair Friends of the Library) and Marion Dowds (Project Manager) hold the design drawing of the "Reading Garden". The project is $50,000; and our Rick Honcharsky, Director -Community Concerns presented them with a $1,000 cheque towards their campaign. Why? Heather King recounted how most of us, if not all, in the room today had access to a library growing up, in school, careers, ongoing ... and as a community space. Libraries are great levelers. But literacy in Norfolk County is lagging. There are many possible reasons; but, perhaps there are those who have never experienced a library! A decade or such ago, the PD Library moved from main street into space leased from the Grand Erie District School Board. Its a good interior space but the current picture above leaves much to be desired and thus great opportunity. The library deploys many unique and valuable resources inside. The goal is to make the entrance "reading garden" inviting to first time visitors and a place of community to everyone. |
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Careers Heart Felt in Norfolk County Craig Hunter stepped up, impromptu, as our speaker today. Craig spent 30 years with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs advising farmers on crop diseases, pesticides and fertilizers. Post retirement he worked with the The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Always on the front line, he has seen the joys of successful treatments and harvests but also experienced "heart felt" the devastation that crop failure reaps onto farm and families in our area. Its no coincidence that today is the 115th anniversary year of the founding of Rotary by Paul Harris in 1905. Sergeant at Arms, John Valley had taken us through the Four Way Test. But it struck me that Craig (unwittingly) was speaking directly to those elements. "Is It the Truth", "Is it Fair to all Concerned", ... . "Memories from my career - different than yours - but similar!" (cont'd below) |
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Rotarian, Tom O'Neill keeps on giving!Simcoe Rotary has recognized Tom O'Neill for his many efforts within our Club. Tom is also being recognized within his industry. Congrats Tom! (reprinted from OPMA - Tom pictured on the right)  The OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the produce industry through their efforts to improve the quality and distribution of fruits and vegetables marketed within or outside the province of Ontario, was awarded to Tom O’Neill from the Norfolk Fruit Growers Association. Over the years, Tom has dedicated countless hours of his personal time to bettering the industry through his involvement in organizations like Ontario Apple Marketing Commission, Ontario Apple Growers and the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association. Tom has also served as the Canadian representative to the U.S. Apple Association and on numerous committees including CPMA (CTAC) and the OPMA Member Advisory Committee.  |
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Happy Holidays From Simcoe Rotary |
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Ontario Health System Update November 25, 2019 - Rotarian Larry Kormos thanks speaker and Rotarian Kelly Isfan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe and West Haldimand Hospital in Hagersville. Kelly Isfan updated the Club on the major organization changes in the Ontario Health System. Health consumes at least a third of the Ontario government's annual budget and it is growing. The creation of the new superagency to oversee the province’s massive health-care system is expected to save taxpayers about $ 350 million a year when it’s fully operational in four years. |
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Kristen Forsyth, 2018-2019 Brazil Exchange Student December 2, 2019 - Rotarian Bob Stevenson, Connie (Rotarian) and Kristen Forsyth, 2018-2019 Exchange Student to Brazil. With the help of a slick slideshow presentation, Kristen told us about in her year in Brazil. As a seasoned Rotarian, it always amazes that the Canadian exchange students are just teenagers. Kristen has also had some "seasoning" as a graduate of the Short term Exchange program with a summer in Hungary. Oh! By the way, shortly she will be visited another exchange student and friend in Mexico. Adiós. |
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Fortune Cookie No. 7 |
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Rotarian John Making A Difference |
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Guy Kaiser Quotation |
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Houston, We Have a Problem! |
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Norfolk Rotary Action Day Video |
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Simcoe Salvation Army Needs Volunteers Contact is Kettle Coordinator Frank MacMaster at frank_macmaster@can.salvationarmy.org or cell/text at 519-909-9421. |
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"Curling" For kids Sake  Today Rotarians - Garry, Jim, Mike, Dan, Craig, Dave, Tim, Marg and our exchange student Minori participated in the Curl for Kids Sake - Big Brother Big Sisters event at the Simcoe Curling Club. As the title sponsor through the New Generations Committee and with other sponsors, we contributed to the funding of 4 "Little" "Big" Partnerships! Executive Director Melissa Pollard thanked us for supporting "Little" "Big" partnerships. Their new slogan and rebranding is unveiled it the banner behind Melissa. Curlers can be a serious lot. To mix it up a bit in the afternoon, each end came with the opening and reading of the mystery white envelopes; new rules such as: "no sweeping this end" , "exchange scores this end", "no skips this end" and "you score two this end". But seriously again, even after mixing up the rules , our team "Rotary Simcoe #1" walked away with bragging rights until the next event being declared the bonspiel winner! A good day and also thank you to the "Little" Partners that served us lunch. |
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Remembrance Day is November 11th Our Rotarian Craig Hunter is passionate about the history and sacrifice of the brave men, women and relatives who landed and fought overseas in world wars and continue to this day in present conflicts. Craig has written books of his research and donated them to our national archives. In prior years, he has detailed these heartfelt sacrifices. This year, Craig detailed for us how, from 1939, for every airmen in the skies, soldier on the beaches, and sailors on the waves; Canada, the nation was with them training, provisioning and supplying armaments. And, so much of this war effort was right here in our backyards across Norfolk, Oxford, Haldimand and Brant Counties. In 1939, the British Commonwealth picked Canada as the training ground for air forces. Canada was remote from prying eyes of Europe and a natural deployment to Europe. The stipulation was that air force training had to be on the Great Lakes to simulate flying over the English Channel and North Sea. Canada trained 80,000 air crew and 131,000 ground crew. Craig and Rotarians are assembling at the Baldock Funeral Home November 11th to march in the parade to the Cenotaph. Please join them (and dress warm). |
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Salvation Army Kettles - "care for our Community".jpg)  Frank MacMaster from The Salvation Army kicked off the 2019 Kettle Campaign with us today. This year's goal is $100,000 with kettles stationed at retailers around the country starting November 22nd. Funds raised stay in our communities and fund social programmes. Campaign costs are kept to basics because of volunteer hours from Rotary, other service clubs, community organizations and citizens at the kettles. Each shift is 2 hours. Please give at the kettles and give often. To volunteer - contact Frank MacMaster at 519-909-9421 or frank_macmaster@can.salvationaemy.org |
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Pik-an-gi-kum its on the "Ice Road" in the north of Ontario.That is how it is spelt (phonetically) - just as it is pronounced! .JPG) Peter Wheatley (educator), Marjorie and Jim Dawson (both engineers) are members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (meetings Tuesday AM) and drove to Pikangikum last winter - being thanked today by our Rotarian Stan Knowles. The trio said the "Ice Road" serving Pikanjikum is reliable only two plus months of the year. The rest of the year its fly-in, fly-out or river barge for bulk deliveries during the summer/melt to stock up for the winter. The community is 3,000 people. Jim and Marjorie are not strangers to the area. They have completed many canoe trips and other adventures here over the years. They were joined by a Winnipeg Rotarian (Mennonite minister) and his adult son (yet another engineer). Rotarians on the road are bound to have good natured fun - usually at each others expense. Peter, quite tall, was a natural to organize basketball games at the high school. Jim became quite articulate backing up a big trailer behind a big Ford pick-up truck; but, was also self-appointed as a fuel conservationalist - "go green"! So to Jim, excessive warming up the truck in January was a no-no. Peter (tall boy) could not see out the top of the frozen windshield; but remarks that "positive" Marjorie (normal height or less) could look through the steering wheel at the defrosted area and did not "see" the problem. But what of the Rotarian (minister) from Winnipeg? He brought pictures of a visit he had made to Pikangikum some 30-40 years earlier. Showing them at the community centre, kids shouted out "that's my grand father", "that's my auntie" ... . Pikangikum translated from Ojibway is "one river, one people, one voice". The residents of Pikangikum even as they are gathering together bits of their history are trying to piece together their future culture. I Googled Pikangikum and found this video recorded by the youth of Pikangikum quite revealing. |
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2019 Rotary Holiday House Tour16th Rotary Holiday House Tour (November 30th & December 1st, 2019)Once again, the Rotary Club of Simcoe is featuring Port Dover. Last year, many of you toured a remarkable mix of homes with the unique Clonmel Castle. This year we are excited to present a mixture of the old, restored and new as well as something special a barn! What You Need To Know You can purchase the $20.00 tickets from Simcoe Rotarians, at the door on November 30th and December 1st, 2019 (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) or from the locations listed in the above image. Lunch, washrooms and rest stop at St. Paul's Community Hall, 302 St. George Street, Port Dover. Download 2019 Holiday House Tour Brochure in PDF FormatDownload the PDF to your personal computer or your smartphone or tablet. All you need is Adobe Reader (free) from Adobe.com. Here is the link to the brochure 2019 Rotary HHT. The Tour  Thank YouSimcoe Rotary thanks the owners for opening their homes and establishments to our tour, to our sponsors and to all of you that purchase tickets that support our local and international projects.  |
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Funds for Operation Eyesight - Nepal On the left, Jim Dawson accepts our cheque of $2,500 for Operation Eyesight from our Mike Cobb - International Affairs Director. As a new project, Operation Eyesight has placed a mobile van in Nepal - bringing eye care to the Nepalese. |
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Curl For KidsBig Brothers Big Sisters Grand Erie (BBBS GE) is hosting a fundraising bonspiel in support of their work with local, Grand Erie kids. It is scheduled for Saturday 16 Nov ’19 at the Simcoe Curling Club. The theme is ‘Wild West Adventure’. Rotary is assisting with the organization and contributing teams to the event. So far, we have registered one Rotary team from the morning club (Jim Simpson, Andy Kooistra, Cheryl Peck and Minori Kubode). But in the past Rotarians have been able to field two or more teams. So the challenge is out there. This year, we will be coordinate this with other Rotary clubs in the BBBS GE area so that we can best support the event in Rotary style. If you have a curling contact in a neighbouring club that would be interested, or if I can offer any other coordinating help, Rotarian or not, please let me know - Jim Simpson at jimandlyndasimpson@gmail.com or phone 289-680-0070. To register or fundraise for Curl For Kids Sake, click this link. http:// https://give.classy.org/cfks |
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Alzheimer’s – Stigma or Disease? When Alzheimer’s is viewed as a stigma it burdens families and raises health care costs. Alene Bradshaw – Director of Development and Maria Leitos – First Point Navigator (seen here with Rotarian Craig Hunter) are staff with our local Alzheimer Society. They explained that Alzheimer’s lies in a spectrum of dementia diseases. Like any disease, if proper information, diagnosis and medical treatment are not sought out – the disease may likely get worse. Shatter the myth – old age does not equal memory loss! If your family member or friend is losing memory find out why. It could be factors of seven reversable/pseudo causes; tumours, depression, diabetes … . There are eight irreversible causes in the many areas within the brain; frontal lobes, anterior lobes, and many more. Disease/dementia in one lobe may leave others intact and fully functioning – thus risk of family and friends ignoring symptoms and not seeking medical advice. When dementias remain undiagnosed, in some patients, activity deteriorates; others patients get agitated in unfamiliar circumstances (which may lead to involving the police) – both may end up in the hospital emergency room. Education and some things that have been learned: Education and learning – the more neural pathways that we develop over a lifetime makes us more resilient. So if you continue learning/using all five senses and then if you loose, say, two pathways through dementia then you still have pathways left to continue functioning with. So social groups and exercise are important therapies. Alene and Maria advised that walking enlarges the memory active part of the brain and is a most significantly beneficial therapy – for some reason especially in men. For patients with a diagnosed dementia moving them to their next residence early allows them to become familiar with new surroundings and routines. Please visit their website for more information www.alzhn.ca |
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Norfolk Inn Housing Conversion President-Elect Ron Baker thanking Leah Logan of Indwell for speaking to the Club. On September 30th, 2019, Leah Logan of Indwell Community spoke to the Club about Indwell organization, the completed Hambleton Hall housing project and the conversion of the Norfolk Inn into a $ 8.5 million dollar housing project in downtown Simcoe. The organization is asking the community to donate $ 1 million of the total cost. This will be one of the largest investments in the downtown which has seen better days over the years. Indwell was created in the early 1970's as a Christian charity. When Indwell describes housing affordability, they use the term deep affordability which means the tenants can pay their rent and have a remainder for food, transportation and expenditures that many of us take for granted.  Norfolk Inn, Downtown, Simcoe, Photograph from Indwell Website Indwell designs their own buildings and place a priority on high quality and energy conservation. The plan is to convert former Norfolk Inn complex into primarily 31 single bedroom units. The ground floor will have apartments, office space as well as a kitchen so that the tenants can get at least one hot meal a day. Construction begins in November, 2019 with the projected completion date of spring 2021. |
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Amelia Verlint (Brazil Youth Exchange Student) August 5, 2019, Garry McMillan, Simcoe Rotary, Amelia Verlint, Youth Exchange Student going to Brazil and Cheryl Peck, Norfolk-Sunrise Rotary |
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Rev. Bryan Robertson, D.C. Rev. Bryan Robertson, September 16, 2019 speaker with Rotarian Thor Olsen who presented a card with a donation to the Gord Watts Scholarship Fund in his name. A "civilian" solder, a chemistry teacher and now a Anglican minister. Rev. Robertson's story is a fascinating mixture of achievement, dedication and service. These are things that Rotarians can relate to when we say "Service Above Serve". |
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Simcoe Rotary Contributes to St. Joseph School Playground Project Jean Prouse, Tanya Gascoigne, St. Joseph School Playground Project as Director of New Generations and Vocational Service Janis Demmans presents cheque. |
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Rotary Day of Action Rotary Day of Action, Saturday, September 28, 2019, Planting Daffodil Bulbs, Northern Simcoe, OntarioThe morning of Saturday, September 28th found about 50 members of the Norfolk Sunrise, Delhi, Rotary Club of Simcoe and Rotaract planting daffodils along side the Norfolk Sunrise Walking Trail. Andy Kooistra loosened the soil with a hydraulic auger and 3,900 daffodil bulbs in plots of 75 were planted to beautify the trail and the environment. Daffodils were chosen as they are not eaten by animals.  |
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Rotary At Beerstock Rotary at Beerstock, Port Dover, Ontario, Saturday, September 28, 2019 |
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2019 Rotary House Tour, Port Dover, On |
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Federal Candidates Speakers CancelledThe local federal candidates were scheduled for the Rotary meeting on September 30, 2019. They will not be speaking to the Club. There is a candidates meeting scheduled by another organization on October 1, 2019. |
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Pull Up Your Socks District Governor Bob Artis and his wife Corine (Photograph from the District 7090 website) On August 26 , 2019, District Governor Bob Artis and his wife Corine visited Simcoe Rotary. My hearing isn't as good as it used to be. But I believe, I heard District Governor Bob tell Assistant District Governor Bob Stevenson (and Simcoe Rotarian) to pull up his pants. And surprise, surprise; District Governor Bob also pulled up his pant leg to display along with Assistant District Bob, the "Best of Friends" Rotary Theme socks.  Simcoe Rotarians who are style setters can purchase a pair of the socks from this link for $ 16.00. |
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Murray Porteus, Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program On September 9, 2019, Murray Porteous spoke to Simcoe Rotary about the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. In Norfolk County, we know when spring has come when the Whistling Swans arrive, the snowbirds return from Florida and we see the Seasonal Agricultural Workers, primarily from the Caribbean and Mexico shopping at the local supermarkets. The program has been in existence for 52 years. With the aid of a very informative video, the importance of the program to the agricultural industry and to the seasonal workers was explained. For some of the workers, it is the only way they can feed and shelter their families. |
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Changeover Meeting, June 18, 2019 Simcoe Rotary, Changeover Meeting, Culver Barn, Walsh, Ontario, June 18, 2019 Prior to June 30th of every year, the Club recognizes the service and contribution of the outgoing executive and the new President introduces the membership to future priorities and initiatives. This year Margaret Bancroft becomes President and Dave King joins a large group of Simcoe Rotarians as a Past-President. |
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Pancakes-In-The-Park, August 3-5, 2019 Simcoe Rotary Pancakes-In-The-Park, August 3 to 5, 2019 |
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Rotarian Albert Making A Difference |
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Emo Phillips Quotation |
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Fortune Cookie No. 6 |
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Bonnieheath Social Event 20190829 |
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Welcome To Canada Minori   Host Mother and Rotarian Connie Forsythe and Minori Kubode, 2019-2020 Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Kaga, Japan This young lady will be ordering take-out pizza from her cell-phone in no time. |
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Rotary Supports Community Art Rotarian Mike Cobb presented Roberta Grosland, Curator of the Norfolk Arts Centre (Lynnwood Avenue, Simcoe, ON), with $1,000 to aid in their programmes. "The arts centre is a public gallery, dedicated to the learning, preservation and nurturing of creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the arts throughout Norfolk County". This presentation to Roberta also coincided with the award, today, of our Gord Watts (Art) Scholarship to Chloe Shippey. Roberta explained that art programming in schools has been subject to provincial funding cutbacks. Gifts such as ours helps them procure materials, paint brushes and media to drop off at the local high schools. Not every graduate from these programmes goes on to an art career. However, in addition to appreciation of the arts, perhaps for some, students benefit from therapeutic aspects of lowering stress and blood pressure (that could be precursors to other medical conditions). The Arts Centre dedicates 1,000 sq. ft. (90 square metres) to the display of local talent - please visit them and their web site http://norfolkartscentre.ca |
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Good Bye, Old Friend Rotarian Harold Shantz, 1939-2019 |
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Rotarian Ken Making A Difference |
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Fortune Cookie No. 5 |
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2019 Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship Winner Rotarian Mike Cobb presenting Chloe Shippey with the 2019 Gord Watts Arts Scholarship
Chloe Shippey, 2019 Gord Watts Arts Scholarship Winner The Gord Watts Arts Scholarship has been expanded from interdiscipline fine arts to include visual arts, graphics, art history, film, photography, animation, and web design. |
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Be The Change We Want To See
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Youth and Skate Park Waterford"Why Not Waterford" (kids need a place to go) That's what Marlene McCulligh and Kerry Bockenholt (Kerry's St. James St. Eatery) thought when kids started doing projects about the hamlet.  There's no graffiti on these projects because the kids themselves planned and implemented them and took ownership of the projects. it was wonderful to see a diverse group of kids walk into a room, help each other out and become knit into one being. (Our Rotarian John Featherstone, on the left thanking Marlene and Kerry, and joking that he grew up in Waterford and there was no place to go!) So Why Not a Skatepark? How do you accomplish that? Marlene and Kerry are both doers. Kerry on the right is the talkative one and said that if you involve every group in Waterford (Lyons, Chamber, Foundation, Trail Assoc., Museum, Norfolk County, the list goes on) on the Board then no one is against you. A year ago it was a dream. Now they have Charitable status, a blueprint and fundraising plan. The Museum said we have land beside us. You can put the park there. The County will put up $200,000 if the group can fund raise $300,000. $70,000 is already being held in trust. "Keep them occupied" , the kids are involved every step of the way. To understand the cost and design have a look at the Skate Park in Port Dover. It begins with a very large concrete pad and sculpted features and a pump track (a rider can keep moving continuously up and down rolling features of the track - sessioning again and again with friends - a good workout. As we can see sports cost money. The park is free. However, the kids are participate in conception of the idea, design and fundraising. The next fundraiser is August 19th at Whistling gardens. If you take youth seriously they will take care of the park/projects. "I'm proud of you" - just saying that is enough!  |
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Simcoe Rotary and Alus Tree Planting, Kormos farm Last June, Simcoe Rotary planted over 100 trees on Rotarian Larry Kormos' farm. For the story, click on the link  What a difference a few months make! |
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Simcoe Rotary Donation to the Norfolk General Hospital June 10th, 2019, Rotarian and President/CEO of Norfolk General Hospital and West Haldimand Hospital in Hagersville Kelly Isfan accepts the latest installment from President Dave King of the Club's financial commitment of $ 25,000.00. |
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Rotarian Jim Making A Difference |
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Fortune Cookie No. 4 |
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Simcoe Sign Recently the County of Norfolk replaced the "community" signs on the highways entering and exiting Simcoe. The Rotary Club of Simcoe and Norfolk-Sunrise contributed to the cost of the modern signs. |
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Our Joan Shirlow and the Spring Arbour Farm Dedication In May, the Long Point Basin Land Trust dedicated the Spring Arbour Farm to its land inventory. Rotarian Joan Shirlow donated the land to LPBLT which "...works with landowners and the local community to provide a helping hand to wild species and ecosystems in one of Ontario’s most naturally diverse regions." |
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Rotarian Volunteers The for men wearing the "cute" blue hair nets and the one in the white baseball cap are Simcoe Rotarians. The ladies are associated with the Salvation Army. On July 9th, 2019, the men volunteered to assist the Simcoe Salvation Army in feeding those that need a meal. The Rotary Club of Simcoe and the local Salvation Army enjoy a relationship that spans decades. Our Rotarians volunteer for countless hours in the community for such organizations as the food bank, drivers for patients to medical appointments, blind skiers, their churches, Boy Scouts and the list goes on and on. |
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Three Young LeadersThe Rotary Club of Simcoe sponsored three young women to attend our Rotary District 7090 SLAPSHOT 2019 Programme.  In the photo Jada Dawson, Laci O’Reilly-Forrest, and Karly Hoak are flanked by Bob Stephenson (New Generations) and club President – Dave King. This Rotary programme stands for Student Leadership Awards Programme (SLAPshot). Like the hockey puck it propels students forward quickly and enables them to believe in themselves. The trio attended Ancaster last May with students from our Rotary District which also includes participants from our District's Western New York State Rotary Clubs. Of course, their expressions of their experiences were different. Howevr their communication of learning and confidence as to what leadership is was unified. The trio was split into separate cabins with twelve other students per cabin. Here are some of their blended reports and feelings. Leadership – there are many types but core aspects are get along, have fun and make the world a better place. Be yourself, take risks and don’t worry – step out of your comfort zone and away from the pressures of judgement. Skits, activities and experiencing leadership – such as getting all of your team downhill, through hoola hoops on wet grass (wearing inappropriate footware lol) in the Pacific Rim of Fire, in record time. Lessons learned – hold each other up – its difficult – but people are there to help you! I feel privileged to have advance my leadership skills that will be used as co-president of the student’s council next year. Counsellors are only there to watch you. Breakfast is served but from there on its your responsibility– last cabin to arrive does the clean up! Annalise Carr was a guest speaker – awesome. We tackled world problems of mental health, climate change and are taking back potential solutions to our schools. Thank you Rotary Club of Simcoe for sponsoring us! |
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Mayor Kristal Chopp joins us at lunch It has been four months since Mayor Kristal Chopp and the new Council took office. Her Worship shared with us “what’s on her plate” around the Council table. Kristal is an accomplished graduate from both the Richard Ivey School of Business and McMaster University holding an MBA plus engineering and law degrees. On the practical side, she is an Air Canada pilot on A737 aircraft. The Mayor outlined major issues facing the County today. Looming infrastructure spending is keeping the Mayor up at night – examples: $10M for a bridge on the Long Point Causeway, $2M+ for remediation of leaking gas wells in the vicinity of Silver Hill, the need to expand the water treatment plant capacity in Port Dover $? (current treatment capacity at 3,000 cu. meters is insufficient to service peak demand of 5,000 cu. metres should the water tower ever go offline by reason of service or failure). The list goes on. Strategically Norfolk County is only 16,000 sq. km. Yet an infrastructure assessment report shows 230 structures rated for risk of significant expenditure or near future replacement. However, the message is simple - Norfolk’s situation is non-enviable compared to other municipalities. On funding – Ontario announced a new $30 billion infrastructure fund – one of the primary tasks for the new CAO Harry Schlange is to go to Queen’s Park and get Norfolk’s share of that funding. If “The Hub” funding can be secured from these provincial and federal counterpart sources it could proceed – otherwise it would seem to be a non-starter. Questions from Rotarians: The Legacy Fund, reserves and taxes – interest rates have been low, if the Legacy Fund is not earning a decent return should we consider spending part of it on infrastructure repairs and replacements – in essence a better return? The new CAO is currently having meetings about that question. But it's not that simple! The existence of Legacy Fund gives the County a better Standard and Poor’s rating which lowers the County’s other borrowing costs. The County’s tendering and bid bonding requirements will be reviewed. An example was cited of a recent instance where 40 tender documents were picked up for a project but only 2 tenders were received –the question to be understood and resolved is why so few contractors are bidding on Norfolk projects. So No!, the County will not be blindly turning on the spending taps. Rather, the new CAO, the Mayor, Council and Staff are being tasked to get the County’s spending and tendering processes in order. The Misner Dam – similar to the “The Hub”, there is ongoing activity, but the looming infrastructure funding is the prime issue now. Painting your building in Port Dover – Kristal intends to do this when some decent weather arrives. Regardless - Council and Committee meetings, attending to seemingly endless information requests, appearances and not withstanding duties as a pilot, have all kept Kristal stretched to the limits. Asked if she will proceed with her property as a craft brewery – response, not any time soon! Thank You Mayor Chopp for spending time with us today. |
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Golf Tournament Rescheduled The 2019 Annual Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to September 11, 2019 due to the course conditions at the Greens of Renton. The rain date is September 17, 2019. Members of foursomes will be personally contacted. If you need further information, talk to a Simcoe Rotarian or e-mail us at simcoe.rotary.club@gmail.com |
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Zsa Zsa Gabor Quotation |
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Fortune Cookie No. 3 |
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Rotarian Tom Making A Difference |
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Jenna Antikainen – Rotary Exchange Student from Finland.jpeg) Jenna spoke to us today about her one year exchange in Canada; and presented club President – Dave King with the banner from her sponsor club The Rotary Club of Puijo, Suomi (Finland). The banner depicts mountains with their tower (like CN Tower but only 150 metres high), the city skyline and the sea. But for this year the Rotary Club of Simcoe along with host families and Holy Trinity School is her home. Jenna showed us pictures of her family and friends in Finland, her two dogs, her brother’s rabbit and sites around her home in the city of Kuopio. Maps of Finland showed changing borders over 600 years with encroachments and returns by both Sweden and Russia. The story goes that when drawing the eastern border, circa 1947, that Stalin put his thumb into the otherwise straight line eastern border to include a large nickel deposit (strategic metal) in Russia. We asked Jenna about their Russian neighbours. She said the predominate culture is that people either love them or dislike them. .jpeg) Jenna finds Canadians friendly and outgoing. She explained with cartoons that Finlanders only say hello to people they know. The caricature on the bus avoids eye contact with someone they don’t know hoping they will not sit in the empty seat beside them (really, that happens in Canada as well)! Jenna finds school easier in Canada. Finland has preschool but Grade 1 starts at age 7 and learning continues on a more intense basis. Jenna’s parents are coming to Simcoe in June to coincide and see Jenna perform with the Holy Trinity Concert Band. Garry MacMillan, our Exchange Student Coordinator, reminisced that when he first reviewed Jenna’s Rotary Exchange Application that she had listed interests mostly in the “Arts”. But since that time Jenna now lists as her memories numerous sports and outdoor activities – winter camping in Algonquin Park, attending a Buffalo Bills game last fall (which in Buffalo’s open air stadium can often be a winter camping adventure itself), skating on the canal in Ottawa, curling, swimming, skiing at Holiday Valley. Exchange student field trips and conferences included New York City and Central Park for four days, Niagara Falls, Toronto and the CN Tower, Jamestown Zoo, and Pumpkinfest in Waterford. For all of this Jenna says “Kiitos” (thank you). |
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How are Happy Children's Faces created? (left to right Principal - Tracy Rodrigues, club President - Dave King, club Community Service Director - Rick Horncharsky) Tracy was raised in Norfolk County and became principal of Langton Public School in 2015. Tracy observes that by standards across the Grand Erie District School Board, the Langton school is small with 180 students from 150 families. When Tracy arrived, as Principal, the aged playground equipment consisted of rusted swings, slides and teeter-totters. These were since condemned as unsafe and “roped off” with orange snow fencing. The playground today consists of sand pits and game areas with painted lines on pavement. The children are very creative. But play can be so much more! In education, the benefits of play equipment are many – learn safety, burn energy, mental wellness for stress relief and learning. After school the whole community benefits through use of the equipment. But it seems that new playground equipment is fund raised by local communities versus school board budgets. Playgrounds are expensive. It starts with “engineered mulch” to cover the ground at a cost of $5,000. All in the costs are $50,000 - well beyond the ability of 150 families in this otherwise low income area to support. But support it they did! So 4-6 parents took up the fundraising challenge. Numerous fund raisers were held and outreach taken into greater communities. Hard work is recognized. The “engineered mulch” is being donated by the manufacturer, 100 Women Who Care donated one third of the costs, Langton service clubs, Lucas Wilson, Taco Dinners all pitched in. Upon hearing this, the Rotary Club of Simcoe presented Tracy with our cheque for $2,500 to push them toward the top and more Happy Faces. Here are rendering of the equipment to be installed within 2019. 5-8 yrs old  8-12 yrs old .jpeg) |
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Rotarian Hadley Jackson – 80 years of living in Simcoe and Port Dover.JPG) Hadley grew up a few blocks south of Hwy 3 which was the de facto connector route for traffic to/from Detroit/Buffalo. As a youngster, Hadley remembers “gasoline alley”, between Queen Street and Norfolk Street, the colourful service stations signs enticing drivers to buy their brand of gasoline (most now long since forgotten); and long convoys of army vehicles, built in Detroit, making their way through Buffalo to East Coast ports for shipment to Europe during WW II. Simcoe was a thriving buzzing metro with 5 drug stores, 4 hardware stores, 3 shoe stores, a pair of 5¢/ 10¢ stores, 3 movie theaters and boasting 5 hotels. By 1948 Hadley, 12 years old, was walking, running and bicycling around Simcoe with his gang of friends. Robinson Street divided the town north and south. Living at the north end of Wellington Park, he attended North School where the girls and boys had separate entrances and playgrounds. Simcoe had a bus service that stopped at Norfolk and Robinson Streets every half hour. Hadley and his friends would get on the bus and tour the entire bus route on the south side of town and then return to their start point in the north end. There was no such thing as a school bus as every child could walk to school North School or South School (both now demolished). High School students from Port Dover rode the Lake Erie North Electric Railway trolley into Simcoe. Seniors were conscripted as school crossing guards. Wellington Park was very active with softball. Spectator bleachers held 500 people. Hadley sold refreshments to the crowds. There was no monetary remuneration; rather all the hot dogs you could eat. Wellington Park was created in the early 30's after a bad traffic accident at the north intersection of Hwy 3 and the trolley tracks. Dirt was moved to improve sight lines and steam shovels filled in what is now Wellington Park. The Talbot Arena was built in 1947. Hadley was a rink rat shoveling the ice clean between periods. After the games, Hadley and his friends played hockey until midnight when George Hofgraff would kick them out before watering the ice. Ridley College slid by and Hadley returned to Simcoe. There were three main service clubs - Kinsman, Lions and Rotary - plus several lodges. Hadley first was a Kinsman. Then it seems as a right of passage, at age 40, he became a Rotarian. Of fundraisers for service work and projects: The Kinsman sponsored figure skating and joined this with their annual sell-out comedy fund-raiser (Kinsmen Ice Carnival) where their members did comedy skits between figure skaters. One year the skit was based on the comic strip Little Abner. The two characters Earthquake Magoon and Indian Joe paraded around the ice with a big barrel making their Kickapoo Joy Juice. Hadley was hidden in the bottom of the barrel and fired off a CO2 fire extinguisher each time Magoon or Joe stirred the barrel with a long pole. The crowd went wild! Hadley stayed put in the barrel for the first and second acts. But, Hadley, realizing that he, with his CO2 fire extinguisher, was the "true" star of the show fired off the fire extinguisher unexpectedly. So startled was Magoon, that he dropped the heavy pole on Hadley's head nearly knocking him out! (heard from the gallery of Rotarians at lunch today "now we know why he is the way he is"). The Kinsmen also held street dances in the summer for the "farm hands". The Lions Club annual May 24th fundraiser variety show drew a lot of people and continues to this day. In those early years, Rotarians largely being the town fathers more often "passed the hat" versus being known for fundraiser events. Simcoe had a population of 7,500. The Salvation Army Band played on the corner Saturday nights. The largest employer was the American Canning Company, at Robinson and Queen Streets; along with the Canadian Canners next door. In the war years, it is said that they produced half of the cans for the British Empire, running shifts 24 hrs a day. The Canadian Canners started employing women and canned all the fresh fruits and vegetables in the area. The Brook Woolen Mill was located south of Victoria Street (Old Woollen Mill Road) beside the Lynn River. The white (now) apartments located at the end of Patterson Street were part of this complex on the south side. The mill had an end off day whistle at 5 PM which was also a signal for all children to start making their way home for supper. On the north end of town there are still remnants of former army barracks buildings hidden away on Second Avenue ,where 1,000 soldiers had been housed. After WW II, the buildings were deeded to the town. Two of the large buildings were moved to the Fairgrounds, now known as the Commercial Building and the Junior Farmers Building. So in conclusion, Simcoe was a safe place for children to grow up and roam the town with only two constraints - lunch at 12 noon, supper at 6 PM. “Thanks Hadley” |
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A Rotary Club That Makes Money! Rotary Dollar, December, 1976The Rotary Club of Simcoe, Ontario, Canada makes money as well as fundraises to obtain money! Technically, the Simcoe Rotary Dollar which is made of nickel is a token. The face of the "coin" contains the Rotary International logo and the Simcoe Rotary Dollar description and the date "DEC, 1976". It is believed that the EXP may refer to the foundry where they were made. On the reverse side, you see "COURT HOUSE SQUARE", Simcoe, Ontario, Canada and a registration mark of some kind. Governor Simcoe Square in downtown Simcoe was an unique collection of old, mostly vacant historic buildings in the early 1970's, namely the Norfolk County Courthouse, and adjacent Goal where condemned men have been hanged as well as the former Land Registry office and a small building. In the 1970's, the Town of Simcoe purchased from the County of Norfolk what was to become Governor Simcoe Square and renovated the Courthouse into the Town Hall and the Goal into a Public Library. The other two buildings fronting on Colborne Street South were use for offices and storage. A number of Rotarians became proponents of the restoration when it was proposed to demolish the old buildings. Their prominent and forceful involvement in the "Save The Courthouse" campaign contributed to its success. This important preservation and reuse of old and historic buildings lead to other downtown restorations such as the old Farmers Market and Firehall building as well as the old Armories. |
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Quotation 3 |
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PolioPlus Contribution March 18, 2019: President Dave King and John Featherstone, Director, International Service presenting Assistant District Governor 7090, Lisa Bishop of the Delhi Rotary Club with the Club's annual contribution to PolioPlus. |
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Let's Go Skiing - Take Two.JPG) Literally "Take Two"! Our Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Jenna Antikainen (right) was in Ottawa with her host family when Luis and I (center) went skiing in February. Jenna hails from Finland. So when Norfolk Sunrise Rotarian Keith Jones (left) was hosting Luis over March break, he suggested taking both students skiing, this time at Holiday Valley! The weather forecast was uncertain. But as you can see from the pic, we were blessed with sunshine. In Rotary, making an effort makes a difference - certainly for the smiles on Jenna and Luis. |
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Cannabis-A Smoking Hot Industry Rotarian Harold Shantz thanking Mar-Len Guzman, Editor of Grow Opportunity Magazine for her presentation. March 18th, 2019 Mari-Len De Guzman, Editor of Grow Opportunity Magazine (The Source for Canadian Cannabis Producers) published by Annex Business Media of Simcoe, Ontario introduced us to the Cannabis industry in Canada. Medical marijuana has been available in Canada since July of 2001. Recreational use of Cannabis is now legal in Canada. In October of 2018, the Liberal government passed legislation to permit Cannabis consumption. Early in 2019, on-line sales began and provincial retail outlets soon followed. Later this year, probably in October, edible cannabis products such as fudge brownies, cookies, pretzels and nuts could be for sale. Topical applications containing CBD (Cannabinoid) will join edible products on sale. Examples are face and body cleaners, moisturizers, soap and face and eye creams. Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) which will get you high, CBD will not.  Cannabis in Hot DemandThe demand for cannabis in Canada is outgrowing the supply. The licensed producers are scrambling to increase production. This situation has led to the closure of some retail outlets and also a reduction in hours of operation in the provinces of Canada. There are projections that the industry will generate $ 6 billion in 2021. Two of the largest producers in Canada are Canopy Growth Corporation of Smith Falls, Ontario and Aurora Cannabis. Canopy Growth Corporation is described in 2018 as the largest cannabis company by share value or capitalization. |
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Long Point Basin Land Trust Kristyn Richardson, LPBLT and Rotarian Dolf Wynia On March 11th, 2019, Kristyn Richardson, Program Manager of the Long Point Basin Land Trust presented an overview of the trust and its projects. The LPBLT which is based in Port Rowan, Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization that focuses on land acquisition and easements for the purpose of conservation. The majority of Land Trusts concentrate on “conserving the biological values of land, but some have been established to protect scenic, historical, agricultural and recreational lands…”  Credit: http://longpointlandtrust.ca/ website The Long Point Basin Land Trust All of the nine properties that the LPBLT own or managed are in Norfolk County. The acquisition strategy of the LPBLT concentrates on watersheds with priority given to wetlands, Carolinian forests, sand barrens and oak savannas. One of these properties acquired in 2018 is named the Ken McMullen and Joan Shirlow Spring Arbour Farm Nature Reserve. Joan is a member of Simcoe Rotary. This Norfolk County of ours is a special place. Most local school children are learning about the Carolinian forest that is growing here and the species of animals and birds which are dependent on the wooded areas to live. Remove the living area and the dependent species dies. Unfortunately, there are a number of species such as the Monarch Butterfly which are threatened. Ms. Richardson tells us of the efforts to learn more about the Monarch Butterfly by “tagging” them with a sticker. Even the 4,000 km fall migration from Canada and other areas to Mexico is threatened by insecticides and the lack of areas for their “food”. Wikipedia defines Carolinian forest as… “a life zone in eastern North America characterized primarily by a predominance of deciduous (broad-leaf) trees. The term "Carolinian forest",is used primarily in Canada, and therefore often refers only to the northernmost portion of the overall region, in Southern Ontario”. Within the southern Ontario "Carolinian forest", you find a diversity of trees such as ash, beech, American Chestnut, oak, hickory as well as hard and soft maple, butternut, black gum, sassafras, tulip and walnut. For generations, the forest has been home to various animal and plant species. Conservationists believe that the Carolinian forest contains among the most beautiful and rare trees in Ontario and Canada. |
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Quotation 2 |
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Rotarian Susan Making A Difference |
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Rotarian Kelly Making A Difference |
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Fortune Cookie # 2 |
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Corrine Barba Thank You Simcoe RotarySome individuals drink energy drinks to boost their energy levels. When you are a Rotary Club and receive a Thank You note like the one from Corrine Barba, it renews our purpose, energizes and reminds us of the slogan Service Above Self. July 9, 2018 Dear Rotary Club of Simcoe, I am sincerely thankful and honoured to have received your scholarship. Your generous support means so much to both my family and I. There are many financial challenges that university inflicts but your support will release some of that difficulty. I value my education greatly and I am fortunate enough to be the first in my family to attend university in Canada! Once again, I thank you greatly for serving as a substantial support in my educational pursuit. It is scholarship donors such as your organization that gives students this opportunity.
Thank you very much & God bless! Sincerely, Corrine Barba |
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Canada End Polio Now Postage Stamp |
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Rotary Curlers, January 14, 2019 There are three main sports that come to mind that our Rotarians are good, even very good at playing - Curling, Golf and Sailing. I was reminded that I couldn't add a fourth - visiting local craft breweries since it is yet to be considered a sport. On January 14, 2019, the Club met at the Simcoe Curling Club and upon adjournment some Rotarians retired to the locker rooms to change into their colorful costumes. Costumes is probably not a fitting word to describe what many were wearing. Apart from the color, you could hear the This is the link to the full photo album(slideshow). |
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Rotary Builds Friendships January, 2019. Rotarian Tom Pidduck, Honorary Rotarian George Renshaw, Rotarians Jim Jackson and Harold Shantz When you become a Rotarian, you build friendships. Some last for decades. George Renshaw was an active member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 63 years. The 102 year old Honorary Rotarian now lives in a nearby nursing home where the Rotarians in the photograph visit him frequently (but not before dining out a Simcoe restaurant). Photograph: Courtesy of Harold Shantz |
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Let's Do Lunch |
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Horizons of Friendship Rotarian Rick Honcharsky, Debbie Morales, Resource Development Coordinator and Raul Scorza, Community Outreach/Communications Coordinator of Horizons of Friendship, Cobourg, Ontario. In 1972, Father Tim Coughan, David and Christine Stewart founded the Horizons of Friendship. Last year, the Club donated money to the organization for The Newborn and Child Health project in Guatemala. The Club learned that a $ 1,000.00 donation becomes $ 4,000.00 when adding federal money. One of the six areas of focus of Rotary international is: Maternal & Child Health In Guatemala, The Newborn and Child Health project has reached 70,000 women and children with improved health services, training and life-saving equipment. If this is something you wish to contribute to, visit the website. Website: http://www.horizons.ca E-mail: info@horizons.ca |
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Major Rick January 7, 2019. Major Rick Honcharsky, Salvation Army and Rotarian reported to the club on the 2018 Christmas fundraising campaigns. There are two campaigns such as the general one and the more visible one of the kettles. Both targets were exceeded. The Major attributed the success in part to the many volunteers. The more volunteers, the more contributions filling the kettles. Simcoe Rotary and the Norfolk Sunrise clubs had a healthy competition to see which club would volunteer the most hours. Our Club set a new record and I believe Norfolk Sunrise did also. |
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Cruising In The Caribbean It is must be the Viking heritage that drew Rotarian Thor Olsen and his wife Elizabeth to the warm waters of the Caribbean. On second thought, -20 degree Celsius Ontario temperatures and cold blowing snow may have stimulated the Olsen's cruising in the Caribbean in January. Thor presented his slides of the trip at the rotary meeting on January 28th, 2019. One of the highlights was the visit to the Panama Canal. If you are going to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, this is the way to do it. Cruising in the Caribbean! |
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Guess Who Came to Dinner? While Rotarian Harold Shantz and his son (Doctor) Jessie were about to eat they had a surprise and uninvited guest. In the early 1960's, Harold was the administrator of the local hospital in Mussorie, Dehradun District, (Northern) India. Last year the two them visited India and Harold renewed acquittances and former colleagues.  Selfie? Jessie and Harold Shantz, India 2018. |
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Fortune Cookie |
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Let's Go Skiing Luis Portillo is the Rotary Exchange Student from Mexico with the morning club. When our Exchange Student Coordinator, Garry McMillan, asked if anyone would take Luis to the Ellicottville (NY) Rotary Club Ski Day, I said "I'm in". I picked Luis up from his Rotary host family (the Pecks) at 6:30 AM. We had spoken the day before and rehearsed that he had never skied before; but plays soccer and rides a road bike. "OK you're athletic and you understand what balance is" - I can work with that! During the drive to Holimont Ski Resort, we spoke about aspects of skis and what makes them turn, families and travel. An objective of his is to hone his fluency in English. At the end of his year, Luis said he plans to take the eastern Canada tour (Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime cities) option with fellow Exchange Student's to experience more of Canada's cultures. Luis starts University in August - studying international commerce. But - today skiing! We're going to advance from "pizza" (the "snow plough" - a beginner stance with skis in a wedge to control speed or stop), to "airplane" (no ski poles, arms out stretched just like kids running around the house - to initiate turns), to "french fries" (skiing with both skis in parallel). Luis learned quickly. After three "pizza" runs on the beginner slope, Luis was ready to advance to the main hill. Up the Exhibition Express Lift - introductions and conversation with two other skiers riding up on the same chair proposed some "green" (easiest) runs over to the right. A few more "greens" and now we're skiing the "blues" (intermediate slopes) under the Meadows Lift. High noon - into the lodge with Rotary friends, old and new, fantastic hot lunch, fundraiser 50/50 draw and mind testing quiz - all thanks to organization by John Weismantel and members of Ellicottville Rotary. After lunch and more good directions from table-mate Mike , we skied over to the Sunset Lift - a wide open slope. Bringing it all together, Luis was free-skiing "french fries" (pic below) in control and skied "blue" runs back to the lodge to end our day.  Service Above Self and fun at the same time! |
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"Tumaini" Hope Around the WorldIn the Swahili (Tanzania) dialect, Tumaini means "hope".  Lauren Fulton, being thanked for speaking to us today by Past President Dave Ferris, introduced that she grew up in Simcoe and now lives in Port Ryerse. She teaches swimming lessons and life saving at the Simcoe Recreation Centre. We know that life's path has many twists, turns and opportunities. In 2013, at her high school, SCS, Lauren met another local resident - Cherie Szucs, founder and director of the Tumaini Children’s Foundation (located in Tanzania). In 2015, Lauren took a leap of faith, boarded a plane for Amsterdam - with Tanzania as the final destination. So what does the Tumaini Children’s Foundation do"? Simple answer - "its an orphanage and a school" - but, that is where simple answers end and the humanitarian need and miracles begin. In Canada, many of us take for granted that children will attend primary and secondary grade schools; then phase into the work force or post secondary education. In contrast, Lauren told us that in Tanzania if one does not have schooling there is no opportunity to advance. If you don't have a family to pay for your schooling and uniforms, then you don't go to school. That's where the Tumaini orphanage miracle starts. Orphans now have a "family". They can go to school. Some arrive as toddlers; some perhaps aged 10-12. However, advancement is not guaranteed. An orphan, aged 12, who has never been to school starts in grade 1. If they fail they repeat grade 1. They must pass before advancing to grade 2. The Foundation's work is supported by ongoing fundraising in Canada, Europe and the United States. Also hands on volunteers bring their skills. Lauren teaches swimming, so it was natural to bring children back to her hotel pool and teach them how to swim. Being skilled at teaching (but not at mathematics), she set up a fun map of the world so the children could move their players around the world and calculate how many were in each country (another volunteer was skilled at mathematics and lead the mathematical game - a win/win). Last year Lauren returned to Tumaini. One of our Rotarians asked what happens when a child leaves the orphanage? She said Tumaini is a family. To those of you who have families, your adult children are still your "children" even when the're 45. Tumaini has supported some students through university. Some members of the Tumaini family have now "advanced" as safari guide, an anthropologist and a teacher - the miracle realized.. |
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Healing Hearts on Valentines Day.JPG) Our Ron Baker (soon to be stepping up to President Elect) has a big heart. Valerie Bailey-Phillips from the Rotary Club of Caledonia visited us today to fill our compassion with a "Gift of Life" (valentines day chocolate hearts). Our donations are healing little hearts around the world. Rotary does amazing work and fundraising. Due to volunteers like Valerie, 98% of the funds raised by Gift of Life are spent on direct care of children from developing countries around the world delivering sustainable cardiac surgery. |
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Holistic Nutrition and Technology ??Barbara Anstead, NNCP (Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners) comes from a well established working/advisory "wellness" history with local businesses such as Simcoe Health Foods, Clark Pharmacy and the Dover Apothecary.  Today Barbara operates her business from her home in Simcoe (and was brought to us by our Rotarian Jill Taylor - her next door neighbour - luck is with us). As the reporter today, I looked up the definition of the word "holistic". Of two dictionary definitions, I found "characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease". Barbara was asked how her work is coordinated with the medical community.? Barb advised that her work is neither practicing medicine nor pharmacology, but at the same time so much more than just nutrition. Whether clients are referred to her from the medical community or word of mouth, the holistic approach recognizes that simply buying and eating "health food" may not make you healthy. Many diseases or physical conditions have triggers. So if the "health foods" you buy have those triggers - well you get the picture! Barbara can recommend what diets and heath foods may either compliment or may exacerbate a condition. So what is the reference to "technology" about? Well there are also physical triggers. Barbara has seen amazing balance and wellness improvements with "thinsole" socks/tech inserts (by Neuro Tech). The technology works on wellness by creating balance/homeostasis (the reasoning for this is actually very sound) - especially in seniors where with age reflexes seem to slow or perhaps get lazy which can be the precursors to a fall. These specially designed socks/tech inserts change or stimulate sensory points just enough for faster response or perhaps use pathways that have long been dormant. When it came to shake a leg, four of our Rotarians pulled up their pant leg to show off their stylish Neuro Tech socks procured from Barb. To contact Barb: Phone 519-410-3544 |
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We Have Moved The Rotary Club of Simcoe meets at 12:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 79), 200 West Street, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4K3 (downstairs). Please use the Metcalfe Street Clubrooms entrance. Metcalfe Street is one way from West to Chapel Street. Also this Legion along with many others requests that anyone entering remove their head wear in respect to fallen comrades. |
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2018 Murder Mystery & Christmas Party December 11, 2018, Port Dover, Ontario It was a murder of mystery and a Christmas party at the Lighthouse Theater. Present was a good crowd of Simcoe Rotarians and guests. They were joined by the usual suspects. The suspects from the 1950's had names like Johnny Angel, Donna, Peggy, Coach and the Chaperone. At times, it was difficult to identify the suspects from Rotarians as various members and their guests were drawn into the mystery of the murder by the suspects. Everyone had an enjoyable time. The food was plentiful and tasty. |
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Kenzie Green-Johnson, 2017-2018 Exchange Student On December 17, 2018, "Kenzie" Green-Johnson, 2017-2018 Exchange Student to France told the Club about her year in France and her European travels. Sometimes you can get a feeling about a person's strength when they have to adapt to adversity. In this case, the slide presentation on the laptop computer failed to appear. However she recovered and presented her story with humour and a willingness to interact with her audience. There was a "joie de vivre" in the delivery of her story. Bienvenue "Kenzie". |
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Rotarian Mike Cobb Testing His Medal Our Mike Cobb is a lawyer who possesses a healthy amount of skepticism. When presented his medal for bowling (there was a delay while records were reviewed), he has "a taste for gold". |
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Reverend Stan Cox Classification Talk Some our best speakers are Rotary members. After the "divine association" issue was resolved, Reverend and Doctor Cox is indeed a Presbyterian minister. He presented his classification talk with humour and wit for the second time in his lifespan. Each time, a man or woman of the "cloth" speaks to the Club, there is the realization among the humour of balanced individuals with a purpose and strong mission in life. |
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Rotarian Jill Making A Difference |
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Seasons Greetings |
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Rotarian Mike Making A Difference |
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Fellowship meeting at White Horse Bowling LanesRotary Club of Simcoe's President Dave King cancelled our Monday meeting in favour of a social fellowship meeting today at the bowling alley. Twenty-four members and guests attended the event with pizza, a short business meeting and then the games began. Pics below:  |
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No Clonmel Castle High Tea Just A Reminder!
Without your ticket purchases and the support of our sponsors, Simcoe Rotary would not be able to contribute since 1925 to local and international projects. We thank you!
Tickets can be purchased from the above outlets and from Simcoe Rotarians. Tickets can also be purchased from Rotarians at the door of any of the homes on November 24 and 25th, 2018.
Simcoe Rotary has been informed that there will be no High Tea at the Clonmel Castle due to government regulations. Alternative arrangements have been made for a rest stop at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 302 St. George Street, Port Dover, Ontario.
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Kettle Volunteers Needed! |
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Simcoe Curlers getting ready for antarctic winter?Our Marg Bancroft, Rotary Club of Simcoe and Jim Simpson, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary continue to curl their way across Scotland with Rotary's curling exchange "Team Canada".  Today, time off, in Dundee, Scotland viewing the RRS (Royal Research Ship) Discovery famous for 1901-1904 Antarctic Expedition by Scott and Shackleton. Note their red maple leaf team curling jackets! Life long Rotary friendships are being made with the Scottish curlers. As emissaries, Marg and Jim are both delivering and receiving greetings to/from prior year's curling team members. |
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Remembrances Holland 1940-1945In 1940, when Holland was invaded by the Blitzkrieg, our Rotarian, Dolf Wynia was 6 years old.  (Dolf Wynia and Rotarian Craig Hunter at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 79) Dolf’s parents lived on the outskirts of Rotterdam. His mother kept him away from the windows lest stray bullets from aerial battles overhead enter the home. (The invading German armies wanted the shipping port of Rotterdam and the coastal airfields intact to launch invasions against England. Holland’s military put up a stiff fight; but with its outdated equipment soon exhausted the city of Rotterdam and Holland were surrendered within four days.) Dolf reminisced about his childhood experiences. Bricks from bombed out buildings were used to build low walls from which Dolf and his friends could challenge youngsters from other neighbourhoods. But, simultaneously, Dolf observed unexplained (to the eyes of a young child) variances in the daily life and routines of his parents – their secrecy where none had existed before, closing the curtains against the songs and propaganda of the Nazis, vinegar bottles in the liquor cabinet. (Dolf’s father was a vinegar salesman. Vinegar was manufactured from fermented gin. His father brought home gin in these vinegar bottles and used them as the only currency that could gain any cooperation of the German officers.) Dolf was fortunate to never experience a shortage of food during the war years. First - his mother had lain in supplies of salt and vinegar to preserve food before the war based upon newspaper reports of failing talks and fear of invasions. However, a German blockade of fuel and supplies from farm towns in 1944 threw Holland into famine. Second - Dolf’s family moved about 120 kms north to their uncle's farm (via some wood-burning motorized contraption but that’s another story). Their uncle’s farm was self sufficient in agriculture, livestock and energy from burning peat and tapping methane gas from the bogs. This is the point in Dolf’s presentation where his voice and emotion cracked - the proud (as a survivor) reminiscences giving way to memories (now at age 10) and horrors of starvation passing by the farm gates. His uncle built a shelter by the roadside and fed the humanity passing by. One man had a small suitcase under his arm. Inside the case were 12 place settings of sterling silver. Starving, he offered that just for a bag of potatoes. No one wins at war! |
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Norfolk County needs new "gateway signage"Norfolk Council/County asked local service clubs, business and other patrons to step up to the cause and donate to the funds required to update/replace "gateway signage" on the roadsides entering Norfolk. The Rotary Club of Simcoe was quick to do so. Seen here is Chris Garwood (left in photo) , Economic Development Coordinator - Tourism and Economic Division for Norfolk County accepting a cheque for $1,000 from our Rotarian and Club Secretary -Thor Olsen. Thor said it’s a community service and we’re glad to do so.  |
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World Vision visits Rotary Club of CanadaDid you know that World Vision is the third largest charity in the world, following the United Nations and the Red Cross. They are organized in 115 countries. Lindsay Gladding (left in photo being thanked by Rotarian Rick Honcharsky) is a Director of World Vision, Canada. A contact through our club President, Dave King's daughter brought Lindsay to us today.  Lindsay was on point but admitted some lingering lapses have spent 58 hours in the air last week touching down in disaster zones in Indonesia - earth quakes at 7.4 magnitude causing tsunamis and landslides from soil liquefaction- plus the jet lag home to Canada. World Vision began in 1947 when a missionary abroad spoke to the head of an orphanage in Pakistan who had to turn away children due to lack of capacity/funding. On the spot he gave her $5 in local currency and promised and did raise funds and sent funds every month thereafter. World Vision is focused on children's needs but their scope is coordinated through a global strategy. It may include rebuilding a school, it may include providing warmth and shelter. But needs are dynamic! One family may need a blanket, another may need food. Direct cash payments are used sometimes - so the family can buy what they "need". If cash is too risky, vouchers are used. If merchants try to rise prices, World Vision contracts with select merchants to keep fair prices. But most often the merchants business has been destroyed as well and they are also trying to rebuild their communities and charging fair prices. Lindsay told us that World Vision assisted in 170 crises this year. In 2017 86 cents on the dollar of funds raised was spent as direct aid. Thanks, Lindsay, for visiting us with your understanding and message. |
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Salvation Army Christmas KettleHal Whitcomb (on left in photo with Rotarian and Salvation Army Captain Rick Honchowski) is in charge of raising $100,000 this year through the kettle campaign across Norfolk and Haldimand counties. The Kettle Campaign is their biggest fundraiser. .JPG) He is asking us (Rotarians and others) to volunteer for 2 hour "kettle shifts" in front of local retail merchants. Each kettle shift gives the Salvation Army the ability to assist one more family. Whereas a shift unfilled brings in $0 dollars. That wry smile on Captain Rick, because just now he is mapping out a challenge to one of our sister clubs, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, to a contest to fill 50 Kettle Shifts! The campaign runs November 16th to December 24th but not on Sundays. To fill a shift call Hal at 289-377-9167. |
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Shelter Box - got Bronze going for SilverNancy Penny, Burlington Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, is presenting our club with a Bronze Award certificate for giving to Shelter Box.  Shelter Box is a charity supported by Rotary to dispatch aid relief (literally shelters in a box) around the world (including Canada if the need arises) at a moments notice. https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/about-shelterbox-canada/ Simultaneously our Mike Cobb, International Service Director and club President Dave King are presenting Nancy with a cheque for $2,500 to drive us to the Silver level of giving. Nancy explained to us that, while she is personally not the person to visit international disaster sites , she believes strongly in this humanitarian aid and gives back by volunteering to drive to Rotary Clubs across Ontario to showcase "what's inside" the Shelter Box. The Shelter Box contains a tent, blankets, steel cook ware, utensils, solar lights, a shovel, basic tools and water purification sufficient to house a family of 5-8 people. A family can be warm, dry and supply the most basic needs while they rebuild their lives. |
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Rotary Team Canada "fancy pants"Our Marg Bancroft (center photo) is going to Scotland to curl with Rotary's "Team Canada". Please note Marg is wearing the team's curling uniform "red maple leaf" pants.  It's a right of passage alternating bi-annually between Canada and Scotland - you can only attend once! Joined by previous pilgrims left to right Keith Sutherland, Dave King, Craig Hunter, Garry McMillan, Dan Hill, Mike Cobb and Wally Anderson. |
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Rotarian Jeff Making a Difference |
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2018 Rotary Holiday House Tour |
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New Limburg Brewery Tour (September 26, 2018) |
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Rotary in Norfolk County |
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Norfolk Day-Of-Action Video |
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New Limburg Brewing Company Ltd., Nixon, OntarioWednesday, September 26, 2018 Story and Photography by C. Richard Campbell I can't get these images of beer out of my consciousness. Once I wipe them out, they keep recurring! Let me explain. The Club meets on the second floor over the Blue Elephant microbrewery in the restaurant's meeting and banquet room. In April, there was the official kick off of Rotary Lager at the Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. At our June Changeover meeting at the Port Dover Yacht Club, someone "abandoned" a full can of Rotary beer in from of me. It is described on the can as a "crisp, blonde lager." The temptation was too great! At the Lynn River Music and Arts Festival during the August Civic Holiday weekend, Rotarians were serving Rotary beer at the beer tent and pancakes, beverages and grilled cheese sandwiches at another location. At an August off-site meeting at the Charlotteville Brewing Company, the club toured the new brewery and sampled a number of ales. |
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Volunteering at the Salvation Army Luncheon |
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Summer of '18 Photos |
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Rotarian Hadley Jackson Making A Difference |
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The Summer of '18Fall is officially here.If you belong to my generation, you will remember the Canadian musician Bryan Adams and his song – The Summer of ’69. It is a song of youth, playing in the band, love and drive-ins.
The summer of 2018 is no match for being young in 1969. By the way whatever happened to the Drive-Ins? This summer The Rotary Club of Simcoe had some fun, raised money, volunteered for community projects, and embarked upon a number of off-site meetings with outdoor dining and local craft beer. Here are some of the highlights of the summer of ’18.
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Rotarian Bob Stevenson Making a Difference.jpg) |
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Simcoe Rotarians Making a Difference |
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Short Term Student Exchange |
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Teresa Syms Story and Simcoe Rotary's Gift to Me September 10, 2018: Rotarian Kelly Isfan presents a Thank You card (with a donation in the speaker's name to the Gord Watts Scholarship Fund) to Speaker Teresa Syms and President-Elect Margaret Bancroft. |
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Simcoe Rotary Contributes to the Simcoe Caring Cupboard |
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Ride For Rotary |
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Friday-The-13th, 2018 In Port Dover, Ontario Police estimated that 200,000 people visited Port Dover (population 5,000) on Friday-the-13th, 2018. The previous attendance record was surpassed by 80,000. Every major street contained parked motorcycles and the huge crowd spilled over to the side-streets, vacant areas and residential front lawns. It was almost "wall-to-wall" people with motorcycles everywhere and a strong police presence. Up above, there was a no-fly zone where police helicopters circled almost continuously. Simcoe Rotary was there on Friday and Saturday at Lions Silver Lake Park selling pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches and beverages. |
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Walsh Public School, Ukuleles and The Rotary Club of Simcoe Wikipedia describes an "ukulele ( / j uː k ə ˈ l eɪ l i / yoo-kə- LAY -lee ; from Hawaiian : as a member of the lute family of instruments. It generally employs four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings. Some strings may be paired in courses, giving the instrument a total of six or eight strings."Earlier this year the Rotary Club of Simcoe purchased a number of ukuleles for the students at Walsh Public School which is 8.5 miles south and west of Simcoe. On June 11, 2018, the club was invited to an ukulele concert at the school. |
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Rotary Wally In June, our Wally Anderson was featured in the Rotary In Norfolk tabloid newspaper published by The Rotary Clubs of Delhi, Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe in association with Media Pro Publishing, Waterford, Ontario. The Rotary Wally webpage contains the story or click on the graphic above. |
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Rotary Club of Simcoe Partners with ALUS Norfolk for Tree Planting Initiative
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Norfolk Rotary Tabloid June 19, 2018 |
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Joint Rotary Meeting - May 2, 2018May 2, 2018 Story by: Tim Fitzgerald Photographs provided by: Tim FitzGerald The Rotary Club of Simcoe has been a source of community pride and giving since 1925.  Joint Rotary Meeting of Delhi, Simcoe, Norfolk-Sunrise and Norfolk Rotaract at the Port Dover Yacht Club. The agenda was stacked with Rotarian celebrities granting scholarships and community service awards to Norfolk County citizens. ROTARY BEER IS HERE!Rotary Beer is available at the Beer Store. Modelling the beer can T-shirts are local Rotarians Al Madill, Dan Hill and Dave King. The Rotary Emblem is on the front and the Rotary Four Way Test is on the back. Go to the Beer Store and ask for “Rotary Beer”!  
Norfolk Sunrise Rotarian Steve Malo examines a Rotary Beer with our member Mike Cobb. GUEST SPEAKEROur guest speaker (center) was David Cribbs, Chief Administrative Officer of Norfolk County who is flanked by Rotarian Janis Demmans (left) Rotary District 7090 Governor Reg Madison and Rotarian Gail Catherwood (right).
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President Jackson and Ukele Project Connie Forsyth A Smiling President Hadley Jackson and Rotarian Connie Forsyth who headed up our Ukele Project. Over the years, Simcoe Rotary has been committed to the young people that are coming along. We call it the New Generations Service. This project is a blend of this long-term commitment and the emphasis on the music and arts. Aloha! |
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Walsh Public School Thank You President Hadley Jackson holding large thank you card from Walsh Public School students. When you get older, you appreciate larger print when reading your correspondence. The young Walsh Public School students are both creative and sensitive in thanking the Rotary Club of Simcoe for the Ukeles (a small four-stringed guitar of Hawaiian origin). Nʻou ka hauʻoli! (You're welcome!) |
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The Launch of Rotary Lager Representatives of the Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe Rotary Clubs at the launch of Rotary Lager at the recent Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. |
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Serving Simcoe and Norfolk for Over 93 YearsThe Rotary Club of Simcoe Chartered April 9th, 1925. |
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HN Health Unit-Harm Reduction ProgramStory by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs by: C. Richard Campbell April 9, 2018  Amy Martin, Public Health Nurse of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit spoke to the Club about the Health Unit's Harm Reduction Program.Growing up in a small town in a rural community, you became familiar with the addictions or substance abuse of cigarettes, booze and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The only Blue Jays we were aware of those many years ago hung out on trees. Here are some of the highlights of the presentation. The members of the Club learned that in 2016 our area had the second highest rate of opioid related deaths. Since 2009, there has been a needle exchange program. Also the Health Unit has been providing street needles and syringes for quite sometime. Hepatitis B often associated with dirty needles can cost the health system about $35,000 a year per patient. At the left is a photograph of one of the three Simcoe Needle Drop Boxes. You can dispose of your needles, sharps or syringes in these bright yellow containers. The boxes are located to the east of Riversyde 83 (Arygle Parking Lot), the Simcoe Public Library in Governor Simcoe Square and the HN Health Unit on Gilbertson Drive. Diabetics take note. Also the Health Unit is working on a plan focusing on public health crisis. It is comparable to civil disaster plans that most municipalities have in place. |
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Rotary Golf Tournament |
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Rotary Beer |
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Rotary Beer Is Here Pictured: Standing, Gerry Goddard, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Gail Catherwood, President, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, Yvonne Di Pietro, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, Sitting, Hadley Jackson, President, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Dave King, President-Elect, Rotary Club of Simcoe. Absent from photo, but equally involved is Alayna Simpson, President of Simcoe Rotaract LOCAL LAUNCHING OF ROTARY LAGER Representatives of the Rotary clubs in Simcoe, Ontario are planning to launch Rotary Lager at an upcoming Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. Rotary Lager has been brewed by a prominent craft brewery and canned featuring the Rotary wheel along with the Four Way Test.
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Albin Jung, Youth Exchange Student 2017-2018Story by: Albin Jung, 2017-2018 Swiss Youth Exchange Student Graphics by C. Richard Campbell and Ottawa photograph sourced from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit by C. Richard Campbell  Hello my name is Albin Jung, I am 15 years old and I’m here in Simcoe, Ontario at an exchange year with Rotary. I am from Eschenbach LU in Switzerland and I live with my parents and my two brothers and two sisters on a diary farm. This summer I finished school and graduated, so I decided to make a exchange year in Canada before I start my apprenticeship as a construction machines mechanic next summer. I arrived at the 26th of August in Toronto, after an eight hour flight. My first host family picked me up, now I live with my second family. School started one week later. I choose these classes Woodworking, Basketball, Music and Canadian History for the first semester and in the second semester Transportation Technology, English, Healthy Active Living Education and Principles of Mathematics. In Switzerland, the school is a lot different then here in Canada, the Swiss school days are longer and we have every day other classes. In this District 7090, there are 19 inbound students from all over the world. We met the first time in a weekend camp in the US. Were we played games and had a lot of fun. With this group, we met again at the 2017 Rotary District Conference in Niagara on the Lake and the Buffalo winter weekend. |
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Blue Elephant Meeting |
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Travel Broadens The Mind! Photograph by: Tim FitzGerald Story by: C. Richard Campbell Travel can broaden your understanding of the world. Simcoe Rotarians do a lot of travelling, sometimes to exotic parts of the earth in their quests for enlightenment, recreation and cultural enrichment.  Now apparently our Tim FitzGerald has discovered that travel can result in a thirst. Tim send me this photograph that he had taken somewhere in a pub in British Columbia where he came to refresh himself during his travels. |
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Tax Time! It is early March and the tax statements, forms and receipts appear almost daily by land-mail and electronic mail. What to do when income is far outstripping deductions? You can get creative like the above cartoon or prepare for a larger payment. |
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Rotary Quilts November, 2017 Rotary Quilt On Display at the Simcoe Public Library Photograph and story by: C. Richard Campbell Over the years, being some 90 years, The Rotary Club of Simcoe has acquired hundreds of these Rotary banners from around the world. There are several sources but the primary ones are our globetrotting members, incoming and outgoing youth exchange students. |
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Neeko Paluzzi - returns "home" - 2006 Rotary Exchange Student to SwitzerlandNeeko Paluzzi (under the Swiss/South Tyrolean hat) returns "home" - But just where is home? Who is Neeko?  Perhaps for you and I simply reciting your street address and name will answer that question quickly enough. But not so for Neeko! Yes, Neeko grew up in Norfolk and now resides in Ottawa as an artist, an educator and with involvement in the Canadian Council for The Arts. However, in 2006, at age 17, he invested a year of his life as an outbound Rotary Exchange Student in Switzerland living and growing with host families finding himself. As is the custom, at the end of the exchange year, each exchange student writes a letter to him/herself detailing their experience and future expectations - Rotary collects those letters and mails them one year later. (pictured above - left to right - Rotarian Gerry Goddard thanked Neeko for speaking to us, next year's Rotary Exchange Students out-bound Kristen Forsyth, Ana Van Den Hurk-Cooke, Carly Burow now attending Holy trinity, Albin Jung (at back) is this year's in-bound Exchange Student from Switzerland attending SCS, Rotarian Robert Stevenson - Director New Generations on the far right) However, Neeko wrote a second letter to himself. He left it in the attic of a mountain house inside a travel alarm clock stopped at 9:00 o'clock - only be retrieved by Neeko himself upon return to that place Wengen, Switzerland at a future date unknown - he returned in 2011. Read on: |
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Winston Churchill Quotation |
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18th Annual Charity Golf Tournament |
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Yoga for Healthy Aging Jen Sitko has recovered from from debilitating health concerns largely through yoga therapy - Rotarian Janice Demans (right) thanked Jen for speaking to us today. Jen calmly walked us through stereotypes of Yoga starting with women decked out in the latest fashion attire and floor mats attending Yoga studios, to extremely fit people in extreme poses photographed on mountain tops. But there is so much more to Yoga available to all who practice its benefits and therapies. |
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Norfolk Rotaract Club a lively place Aylana Simpson President of the Norfolk Rotaract Club - gave us an update. For our readers unaware, Rotaract Clubs are Rotary Clubs geared and run by adults 18-30 years old. |
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Blue Jays Talk |
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Carrie Sinkowski Rotarian Stan Cox thanked Carrie Sinkowski, Community Developer and Co-Chair of the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand-Norfolk for speaking to the Club. January 22, 2018 Carrie Sinkowski explained to the Club what the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand-Norfolk does and about poverty in Norfolk County. Poverty is present in Norfolk. It effects individuals, families and children and it needs to be addressed. |
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Rotary Foundation PresentationPhotograph by: Andy Elkin December 11, 2017  Karen Oakes of The Rotary Foundation and a member of the Rotary Club of Delhi presents Past-President David Ferris with a certificate recognizing the contribution of the club in 2016-2017 to the End Polio Now Program. _______________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Rotary Foundation Presentation 2December 11, 2017  Karen Oakes of The Rotary Foundation presented the club with a special 2016-2017 banner for its generous support of the Annual Fund. The Simcoe Rotary Club is one of the only 1,573 clubs to achieve Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving honors in their district. One of only 5,o34 clubs worldwide to attain the status of Every Rotarian, Every Year Club (attain a US $ 100 Annual Fund per capita for every dues-paying member during the Rotary year.) And one of only 4,136 clubs worldwide to become 100% Foundation Giving Club. _______________________________________________________________ |
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2017 Holiday House Tour DrawDecember 4, 2017  Connie Forsyth who is the mother of the winner of the door prize draw Kirsten Forsyth of Waterford, Ontario and Rotarian Ron Baker, Chair of the 2107 Holiday House Tour. ___________________________________________________________________ |
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Kelly Isfan and the Inca TrailStory by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs from: Kelly Isfan and Rotary Archives December 4, 2017  Our Kelly Isfan has a taste for adventure. The Port Dover resident is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe and West Haldimand Hospital in Hagersville. When she relaxes with a glass of wine with a friend from Atikokan in northern Ontario, they decide to climb the Inca trail in Peru. What's next, the great wall of China, Nepal or the Egyptian pyramid of Giza. This story should read like a Canadian It wouldn't be the first glass or two to launch an adventure. At our Rotary meeting Kelly shared her story, humor and photographs with the club. The photographs from the digital projector were stunning and there was actually gasps from the audience. Wait a minute, maybe it was heartburn! Kelly and her friend landed in Lima with a population of about 10,000,000. They travelled to the assembly point and took on the Inca trail. There is little relieve. It just keeps going up and up and up. But the scenery is simply stunning or .... please hold while I find Uncle Harry's Thesaurus. Ah, here it is, a substitute ... spectacular. To add to the constant exertion, there is the reduced oxygen level available for breathing as you climb higher and higher. Altitude sickness is a real concern as the elevation keeps rising. Kelly commented that it was one of the hardest things she has done. Walking uphill and gasping for air, you must be fit. From the photographs, portions of the trail do not have a lot of width. So if you are clumsy, do not book this trip. And if your wife books the trip exclusively for you and reminds you to update your will, become suspicious.
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End Polio Now! |
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Season's Greetings |
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Lest We Forget - November 11th, 2017 |
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George Araujo, General ManagerStory by: C. Richard Campbell 177th Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show October 3-9, 2017  George Araujo, General Manager/Treasurer, Norfolk Fair and Horse show and Past-President David Ferris There is a lot happening in October right here in Simcoe and Norfolk County. There’s the Canadian Thanksgiving, the Norfolk Fair and Horse Show, the first frost, the turning on of central heating or alternate heating source, the harvesting of crops and of course Halloween. George Araujo, General Manager/Treasurer of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show looking somewhat refreshed after the conclusion of the 177th fair spoke to the club about the Simcoe and Norfolk County institution. This year the fair ran from October 3rd to 9th with the Young Canada Day opening up the fair. All the Norfolk schools closed so that the students can go to the fair. George emphasized that the fair attempts to educate the urban food consumers about rural agriculture providers. Over the years, the Norfolk County Agricultural Society which is primarily a volunteer organization has weathered the good times and lean financial periods. The buildings situated on the large fairgrounds are aging and need renovation and investment. Over $ 600,000 has been invested in such things as accessibility and washrooms upgrades.
It is a fair so expect midway rides, grandstand entertainment (from country singers to monster trucks), all kinds of exhibits and the animals. The General Manager commented that this year the fair had 15,000 entries, a $ 2.2 million budget and an (unofficial) attendance of 120,000. Simcoe and Norfolk County are fortunate to have large multi-use fairgrounds centrally located with an experienced, community-minded Agricultural Society and management. |
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ALUS NorfolkStory by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs: Tim FitzGerald and ALUS Canada (Ontario) website October 2, 2017, Norfolk Golf and Country Club
Larissa Breedyk, ALUS Norfolk Co-Ordinator accompanied by Chris Van Paassen, Chair of ALUS Norfolk spoke to the club about ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services). It is a farmer-delivered program to restore marginal lands such as wetlands and steam banks into natural habitats for wildlife and natural species. Since 2007, there are over 166 Norfolk farm families and 1,400 acres enrolled in ALUS. Some of the principles guiding ALUS are community-driven, accountability, science-based, voluntary and market-driven. It is the farmer who is delivering the program by restoring wetland habitat, planting tall-grass along streams and creating pollinator habitat. He or she is compensated for participating in the project. Norfolk farmers are innovative, progressive risk-takers who in my opinion can grow anything that the soil and the climate will permit. By embracing ALUS and similar conservation and restorative initiatives, they are once again showing that human beings are not alone on this planet.
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Norfolk Teen - Kristen Forsyth - Tours Europe on Rotary Student ExchangeKristen Forsyth went on a four week Rotary Exchange to Austria this summer sponsored by the Rotary Club of Simcoe.  She visited castles and village centers. This energetic young woman hiked and climbed in the the mountains. She stayed with Catharina (far right in picture) who then stayed four weeks in Canada with Kristen's family. Kristen spoke to us today at our regular meeting. Kristen,who said she enjoys history and buildings, visited cities in several adjacent countries touching Austria (such as Switzerland, Italy/Venice, Czech Republic). |
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2018 Rotary International Convention, Toronto, Ontario |
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14th Annual Holiday House Tour |
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Let's Talk Leafs |
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Simcoe Rotary Club Moving To Blue Elephant Restaurant  On Monday, October 16th, 2017, the Club will meet at 12:00 noon in the Banquet/Seminar Room (2nd floor) at the Blue Elephant Restaurant, 96 Norfolk Street South in Simcoe, Ontario. The restaurant/brew house is right across from the Eva Brook Donly Museum. There is off-street parking one building north. The parking lot is signed and accessible from Norfolk Street South. There is additional parking on Norfolk Street South. Two of our enthusiastic movers; Bob Stevenson, Director of New Generations and Vocational Service and his predecessor Janus Demmans.  |
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If You Want Something Done Ask A Busy Person To Do It Here is Rotarian Al Madill. In addition to his employment career and volunteer schedule, Al is our Club Treasurer. Al is on the Club's Board of Directors and today presented our financial statements and budgets accountable to the members. One person can make an impact, but banded together across the globe Rotarians Make A Difference to the communities that they touch. Thanks Al! |
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You Can Meet a Rotarian Anywhere! Just wear your Rotary pin or insignia to find one! Meet Connie Griffin from The Ogunquit, Maine Rotary Club. Connie operates a shop in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine and is involved in Young Maine Readers. When I saw her insignia, I introduced myself as a member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. An easy conversation ensued exchanging ideas and peaking the interest of another shopkeeper, into joining the conversation, about Rotary's good work. So wear your pin - you'll be surprised at the people you can meet local and afar. |
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"Canadians" in the American Civil War 1861 to 1865 - Canada was not a country yet but during the war 50,000- 60,000 citizens north of the border joined the ranks of either the Union or the Confederate armies. Mike McDonnell, of Waterford, did a stellar job condensing his one hour presentation into 20 minutes for our Rotary Club of Simcoe. He made the point several times that we should not attempt to judge or understand historical events based upon our current day values. Why did we join? - interestingly both men (along with underage boys) and some women as well. There was a strong abolitionist movement – some went south for the cause. Some went for adventure. Economics – the prospect of earning $13 a month in the Union army for you (your family) when you were otherwise cash poor was enticing. Mike related recited with pictures his research into the the individual histories of “canadians". Twenty-nine (29) were awarded Congressional Medals of Honour. Five (5) became Generals. His research and civil war passions include civil war reenactments and reading headstones in area graveyards for period clues. Example - Lieutenant William Cooke was raised, near us, in Mount Pleasant. He survived the war and is buried in Hamilton, ON. “Dundrearies” (long sideburns) was the Colonel Custards aide-de-camps during and after the War. “Dundrearies” also headed the detail that tracked down Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth; and is present (and died) in a painting of the infamous Colonel Custard’s Last Stand. Mike says that “Dundrearies” can be seen on the right center of the painting (three beards – two very long sideburns plus a chin beard). Of women in the army, as there were many underage boys enlisted, a smaller frame size and lack of facial hair was somewhat common. Further, there were no central latrine facilities. So the few women that did enlist were not easily discovered. They served and died beside their male counterparts. Thanking Mike is Rotarian Joan Shirlow, with a donation to our Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship. |
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2017 Changeover at PDYC - "Castaways"2016-17 President Dave Ferris has passed the gavel to President Elect Hadley Jackson. The theme at the PDYC was Gilligan's Isle. Many of the chartacters were present. Our exchange student from Spain, Jessie, wore a traditional Spanish attire.  More pics follow |
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Volunteers Helping Seniors and Disabled Adults Rotarian Joan Shirlow thanks Lisa Geoffrey of Haldimand-Norfolk Senior Support Services Inc for speaking to us today. What are Senior Support Services www.seniorsupport.ca ? They are funded 80% by the Province of Ontario LHIN (Local Health Integration Network). There are many local areas across Haldiman-Norfolk. Lisa is the manger of the geographic area centered in Simcoe. Lisa has approximately 500 clients aged 60 and over and disabled adults on ODSP. It is the responsibility of the local area Manager to raise the remaining 20% in the community. Lisa does this with four events:
Lisa relies on volunteers. This is a worthy cause for anyone to volunteer and be fulfilled. A significant service component is transportation in the community. Seniors unable to drive or without another network of support may require transportation such as to: social events organized for seniors, medical appointments or shopping. Transportation is arranged in advance and may include 3 stops before returning home. Very reasonable fixed rates are charged. The volunteers are paid a kilometer allowance for using their automobiles. Think of the services that a senior may require. Lisa has volunteers to assist:
For more information – contact Lisa – 519-426-6060 |
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Rotarian Tom O’Neill Leads District Vocational (fruit production) Training Team to Australia.  Tom is well qualified to do so. As General Manager of the Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association http://www.nfga.ca/ , his co-op members are interested to share and learn industry best practices. Tom O'Neil The scope of best practices was not limited; but to name a few: R&D, horticulture, plants, insects, harvesting, quarantine, supply management and governmental regulation. Fruit farming is a significant economic contributor to Norfolk County and supply of Ontario apples and pears. So this topic presentation is of high interest to our Rotary Club members and community. Tom spent one week in Melbourne meeting with and touring universities, the fruit growers’ association headquarters and national quarantine warehouses. Next, Tom’s team spent two weeks touring farm operations in the Shepparton/Goulburn Valley region area - about 160 kms north of Melbourne. Of the latter, from Tom’s Power Point presentation, the Rotarians, farmers and amenities looked similar to what we find in our rural district. Tom said that, the Rotary Clubs meet in the evening – work early – then meet after the heat of the day.  Tom highlighted some interesting observations. Although their climate is hot and dry, there are enough “chilling hours” to accommodate ranges of both citrus crops and apple crops in adjacent acreage. Irrigation is supplied from the Murray River watershed that starts toward the eastern coast. In 2007, the Australian government decoupled water rights from land ownership. Generally the practice was implemented that existing land owners received water which they could keep on their land or trade, 30% was set aside for environmental use, if required (e.g., flood gum trees in a drought) and the rest of the water became a commercial commodity. The delivery systems are computer controlled. The farmer gives notice three days in advance, confirms the order one day before and the next day computer controls pump the allocated water through weirs into poly lined ditches and into the farmer’s field. Due to sufficient rain fall the system in Victoria currently has stored enough water in reserve for a season should it be needed. The farmers use a migrant workforce – in their vernacular – “back-packers”. The government tried to institute a 35% tax on “back-pack” labour. It created an uproar and labour shortage! The government retreated and settled at 15%. Of significant differences:
Our Rotary District is international and includes Western New York. The team consisted of Fred Johnson – Westville, NY, Brian Kerry – Simcoe (apples), Torrie Warner – Beamsville (multiple fruits) and the Team Leader our Tom O’Neill – Waterford (NFGA). A reciprocal vocational team is being planned by their New South Wale District 9790 to our area in 2017) Story written by – Tim FitzGerald  More pictures: |
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Rotarian Ken Smith, The EdgeWalker Ken Smith and Daughter-In-Law Christine On The Roof of the CN Tower’s Restaurant April 29, 2017 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs: Courtesy of Ken Smith The next time your Daughter-In-Law says let’s go for a walk. You might want to ask where and how many metres above ground.
It’s billed as Toronto’s tallest extreme urban adventure - edgewalking. A 20-30-minute outdoor walk on the roof of the CN Tower’s restaurant which is 356 metres or 1,168 feet above the ground! Feeling adventuresome, tickets are $225 plus taxes and include a keepsake video, printed photos and a certificate of achievement.
There has been the odd comment about Simcoe Rotarians being a bunch of old fogies. But Ken Smith, the edge walker joins our other adventuresome Rotarians who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; zip lined in Costa Rica; sailed the Caribbean; dived on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and on and on! |
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Lighthouse Festival Theatre BTS Tour Story and Slide-Show by: C. Richard Campbell On Monday, April 3rd, 2017, The Rotary Club of Simcoe enjoyed a tasty and nutritious lunch at Scholfield's Bistro in Port Dover, Ontario. Then Derick Ritschel, Artistic Director and Megan Woods, Technical Director led the Rotarians and guests on a Behind-The-Scenes Tour of the Theatre. The building has history going back to 1900s. All those years ago, this was quite a grand municipal building for a small, fishing village. Since 1980, a reputation has been built as a successful theatre. One that bravely promotes Canadian productions. We also learn that a number of Simcoe Rotarians have contributed to the success by serving as Board Directors. Alas this is one of the reasons that President-Elect Jackson keeps referring repeatedly to Port Dover as the entertainment capital of Norfolk. He certainly isn't referring to the bare-breasted motorcycle riders on Friday the 13th. Although there is a certain element of spontaneous Improve theatre about it. There should be a slide-show located somewhere nearby to this story. |
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Touch of Haven The Global Standard for Equine Assisted (Growth And Learning Association ”Eagala”) for Psychotherapy and Personal Development, a Touch of Haven, Horses Healing Humans - big words that have yielded positive outcomes. How can horses heal humans? Julie Erb, Founder and Facilitator, spoke to us today to explain. Horses are highly intuitive. They are social animals without prejudice. They have the ability to mirror “your” feelings accurately. They are non-judgemental. Their difference, and effectiveness, is that they don’t judge you based upon the clothes you wear, your history or even the colour of your hair. Julie herself is an Equine Specialist. Julie explained that she suffered depression. Her journey back was significantly accomplished through association with horses. Her passion has assembled a team of like minded professionals - Registered Psychotherapists. There are two horse farms - one in Norfolk and one in Haldimand. These are not riding academies. They do not teach riding skills. Clients are placed with a horse or among a group of horses to interact with them. The trained psychotherapists don’t question the clients’ behaviour – rather they observe and explain the horse’s (mirrored) behaviours to the clients and suggest ways to re-approach the horse(s). The "healing" begins, for some groups, through simple achievement of positive “social” interaction. However, across a spectrum of mental health disorders, some clients (children, teenagers, adults) having seen themselves mirrored in the horses reactions, achieve heightened levels of trust, self worth and self confidence with lasting foundations in their communities, schooling and the workforce. Touch of Haven operates on a fee base. There is a sliding fee scale reduction based upon clients’ household financial abilities, if needed. Thus the programmes also rely on community fund raising to support operations. Although their staff compliment is quite low, ongoing feed, barns and veterinarian care for the horses can be substantial. A Touch of Haven can be reached: Ph. 519-429-9173 |
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The 9th Grate Groan-up Spelling Bee The Rotary Club of Simcoe has assembled its |
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Physician Recruitment in NorfolkMarch 20, 2017 Story and photograph by: C. Richard Campbell Kelly Isfan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk General Hospital and President and Chief Executive Officer, West Haldimand (Hagersville) General Hospital was accompanied by Carolynn Beam, Physician Liaison to talk to the Club about Physician recruitment in Norfolk.
Carolynn Beam and Kelly Isfan We learn that this year Norfolk County did not give $ 50,000 to NGH for Physician recruitment. This is puzzling since the County had contributed this amount for a number of previous years and there is evidence of some success. So, whose responsibility is it to attract Physicians for our predominantly older, below average income county residents? The image of the fee-for-service “Doctor Welby” of the past who actually made house calls, delivered babies whenever and where ever they arrived and worked horrendous hours is gone. Today’s Physician is a self-employed professional working 9 to 5 in an office and probably doesn’t visit you when admitted to the hospital. This has led to recruiting “Hospitalists” by the Isfan-Beam Team. These are the doctors that treat you within the hospital. Along with Hospitalists, the Norfolk recruitment team is looking for Internal Medicine Specialist, Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Emergency Physicians. The Recruiting Challenges - Norfolk is predominantly a rural retirement community - 54 % of Norfolk is over 55 - Scarcity of suitable spousal employment - No rural incentives to locate here - Higher than average employment rate You can understand an employer recruiting employees for a hospital. But why is the President and CEO having to divert operational funds to recruit Physicians for local communities and Norfolk residents. Shouldn’t that be the responsibility of the Province of Ontario Ministry of Health? Economic Stat 1 Physician directly employs 3.5 office/support staff which leads to an indirect economic spinoff of the equivalent of 4 persons for a total of 8.5 persons. |
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Vladimir Yefimtsev II, 2017 Rotary Cup Winner |
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Norfolk General Hospital Donation of $ 5,000 On February 27, 2017, Rotarian Kelly Isfan, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital accepts the second instalment of $ 5,000.00 from David Ferris, President of The Rotary Club of Simcoe. The Club has committed to contribute $ 25,000.00 over 5 years to the $13 million Building A Better Hospital Campaign. Simcoe Rotary and Norfolk General share over 90 years of history and community service. It began in 1925 when one of the first fundraising projects of the newly-formed Rotary club was the Norfolk General Hospital’s Sunroom. Over the years Physicians, hospital administrators, and staff of Norfolk General Hospital have become members of our club. Rotarians believe in “Service Above Self”! That service starts here at home and extends to our world. |
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Simcoe Rotary and The Salvation Army Jim Lewis, Simcoe Salvation Army presents David Ferris, Simcoe Rotary President With Plaque on January 30, 2017
The Rotary Club of Simcoe and the Simcoe Branch of the Salvation Army have associated with each other for so long that memories can recall when it all began. The club has traditionally had a Salvation Army officer as a member as we do today with Captain Rick Honcharsky. The members of the club volunteer to man the Christmas kettles each Christmas season. Jim Lewis informed the club that Simcoe Rotary members manned the kettles for 60 hours in 2016 in which approximately $ 6,000 was deposited in the various kettles.
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Connie Forsyth - Our Newest Member Our newest member Connie Forsyth, Richard Campbell, Sponsor and Past-President Tim FitzGerald
December 19, 2016 |
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Simcoe Rotary Curlers Extraordinary! Jim Stevens, Harold Shantz, Margaret Bancroft and Garry McMillan
Winners of The Rotary Club of St. Catharines 2016 Annual Bill Ford Memorial Bonspiel Photography by: Tim FitzGerald
If you look very closely at the plaque you will see that the Rotary Club of Simcoe curling team of Harold Shantz, Jim Stevens, Garry McMillan and Mike Cobb won the bonspiel in 2014.
It is official (the information came from an unimpeachable source), every time Harold Shantz and his curling team leave town for a bonspiel, he is taking a U-Haul trailer with him for the trophies.
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Holiday House Tour Door Prize Winner Holiday House Tour Chair Ron Baker with Gift Basket, Committee Members Kelly Isfan and Bob Stevenson
The winner was Kelly Lariviere of Hamilton, Ontario. (December 2, 2016)
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Dolly Parton's Imagination LibraryDecember 12, 2016
Story by Tim FitzGerald
Photograph by Tim FitzGerald
.JPG) Jeanne Smitiuch, Ontario Director of the Dollywood Foundation
Canada and Wayne Brantchaud, Brantford Sunrise Club Rotarian
Our speaker today was Jeanne Smitiuch, Ontario Director of the Dollywood Foundation Canada. Jeanne (Jan) enlightened us on their programme that delivers, free, one child's book directly to that child each month until age five years old. If a parent, relative or friend reads to the child, it has been shown that the child is better prepared and in advanced reading readiness than their peers. This is an effective tool to fight poverty.
However, there is no means test to qualify! The Canadian cost is approximately $42 to deliver the books directly to each child. The child owns the books. Seen above with Jeanne, is Brantford Sunrise Club Rotarian, Wayne Brantchaud who reinforces that the Brantford School Board testing of children against an Early Development Index observed that children in geographic sectors where the Foundation's reading programme was more prevalent showed otherwise unexplained higher scores. Wayne says the observation is not statistically or scientifically proven - but a positive sign just the same.
Wayne has his own children enrolled. Of course Wayne could afford the costs himself - so he simply donates much more back to the Foundation.
For more information please contact Jeanne Smitiuch.
Cell 519-771-2543
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Season Greetings |
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Hungry Waterford Interactors Simcoe Rotarian Bob Stevenson, Waterford Interactors Rebecca Davis, Bronwyn Riddoch, Ben Hoerdt, Maddy Burnett and Ms. Tiffany Chanyi (Staff Advisor to Interact)
This is a group of young people that are "hungry" for community service. Something Rotarians can recognize and applaud.
The Waterford Interactors organized and carried out a scare for food campaign as a Halloween Service project, to gather food for the Waterford Food Cupboard. On Halloween, they gathered the equivalent of 4-5 large cartons of canned food. In the picture above, they are shown after they delivered the food to the Waterford Food Cupboard. Hey people there are some empty shelves needing to be filled.
►Carry out hands-on service projects
►Make international connections
►Develop leadership skills and have fun
With a "cool" name like Waterford Interactors, the group should get some black leather jackets and some even cooler graphics. Just be careful when you are invited to bring your "hogs" to Port Dover on Friday the 13th.
Story by: C. Richard Campbell with help from Bob Stevenson
Photograph courtesy of Bob Stevenson
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October 24, 2016 Meeting CanceledThe October 24th, 2016 offsite meeting at Larry Kormos' has been canceled. |
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Marlee Diehl District Governor President Dave Ferris And District Governor Marlee DiehlOur October 17, 2016 guest speaker was Marlee Diehl, District Governor. Marlee is a vivacious, dynamic woman who has a heartfelt awareness of what it means to be a Rotarian.
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President Ferris, Past-President Fitzgerald & Dinner Leftovers President David Ferris, Past-President Tim FitzGerald And...Well Dinner Leftovers From June 14th, 2016 |
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Lynn River Music & Arts Festival Announces 2016 Lineup Lynn River Music & Arts Festival Announces Biggest Line-up Ever!There’s More of Everything at This Year’s Fest!June 21, 2016Simcoe, ON…This year’s Lynn River Music & Arts Festival has a lot more music, arts, crafts, food and merchandise vendors, and family-related activities than ever before and they can’t wait to welcome you to Simcoe on the Civic Holiday Weekend (July 30-August 1, 2016) to enjoy all that is on offer!
Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Simcoe (Ontario), this Festival (in its 49th year, and fondly remembered as Friendship Festival), retains many of the tried and true family traditions of yester-year. But the new Lynn River Festival brings much more music & arts to the forefront! “We have booked a stellar line-up of nationally & internationally recognized bands alongside many local and regional favourites”, said Festival Artistic Director Sara Moody Veldhuis. “Lead by JUNO Award Winner TOMI SWICK, our lineup this year, more than any other, includes more bands (30+) and more musicians (150+), making music all weekend long! And the best part?! It’s all FREE to the public!” said Moody Veldhuis. (Proceeds from this non-profit event benefit The Rotary Club of Simcoe, and dozens of other Service Clubs and community-based organizations, and their ongoing charitable fundraising throughout the year).
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Simcoe Rotary Commitment To Norfolk General Hospital President Tim FitzGerald is in Hillbilly Heaven on June 21st, 2016 as He Gives Rotarian Dr. Keith Sutherland of the Norfolk General Hospital “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign the first $ 5,000.00 of its CommitmentThe Rotary Club of Simcoe "delivers" on its first $ 5000 installment of $ 25,000 to the “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign. The local hospital is raising $13,000,000 for the renovation of Labour and Delivery, Same Day Surgery and developing the Minimally Invasive Operating Rooms.
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Dr. Jesse Shantz MD, MBA, FRCS (C) Former Exchange Student President-Elect David Ferris and Former Exchange Student To Brazil Dr. Jesse Shantz MD, MBA, FRCS (C)Dr. Shantz addressed the Simcoe Rotary Club on June 6th, 2016 to describe the impact on his young life being a Rotary Exchange Student. Dr. Shantz MD, MBA, FRCS (C) was introduced by his father Rotarian Harold Shantz who commented that his son had spent 29 years of his life being educated and qualifying as a surgeon. The Doctor also has a Masters of Business Administration degree. A very unusual match. The Shantz father and son are the second pair within the Club. If you have a torn rotator cuff, you might want to have your GP refer you to good Doctor.
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Alyssa Suderman 2016 Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship Winner |
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Students Auf Wiedersehen Hillary Wilbur, Step Student, Germany, Au Revoir or Adie Adam McConnell, Outgoing Exchange Student, Belgium and Rotarian Garry McMillian |
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The Simcoe Rotary Donation To The Canadian Red Cross Simcoe Rotary Director of International Service John Featherstone With $ 4,000.00 Donation To The Canadian Red Cross and Patsy Hoto TD Branch ManagerWe all know that money doesn't grow on trees. But it does grow when a bank matches your donation to a worthy cause. So lets look at the arithmetic. A $4, 000.00 Simcoe Rotary donation is matched by the Td Bank.
$4,000.00 plus $4,000.00 = $8,000.00. Now the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta are expected to match the enlarged donation. The $8,000.00 becomes $16,000.00. The final matching yields $16,000.00 + $16,000.00. = $32,000.00. Can this be right?
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Who's the "Finer", Who's the "Finest"? What is Rotary? In its simplest form, raise money, make a difference in our communities and have fun while doing it. |
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Simcoe Rotary Votes To Donate $25,000 To Norfolk General Hospital Monday, March 14, 2016
Photograph: From Archives
Story: By C. Richard Campbell
The Rotary Club of Simcoe voted at its meeting on March 14, 2016 to donate $ 25,000 to the Norfolk General Hospital's “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign. Starting with 2016, the money will be given at the rate of $ 5,000 per year over the next five consecutive years.
The “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign is raising $13,000,000 for the renovation of Labour and Delivery, Same Day Surgery and developing the Minimally Invasive Operating Rooms.
The soon to be ninety-one year old Club has a long relationship with the 90 year old Hospital. Both are local institutions that place a high emphasis on Service.
It started around 1925 when the Club raised $ 6,000 in "a whirlwind campaign" from public subscriptions for the construction of the Sunroom addition to the newly-opened Norfolk General Hospital. "It was an auspicious beginning and it set a standard that only a determined and Rotary-inspired group of men could maintain."
Many of our members are employees (both active and retired), hospital volunteers and served as board members. A number of our former members have been local Doctors. And some of us have been admitted as patients, well as expectant mothers anyway. Kicking and screaming from the delivery room.
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2016 Norfolk Musical Arts FestivalLucas Jones, 2016 Rotary Cup Winner Congratulations On Another Successful Musical Arts FestivalPhotographs: Courtesy of the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival
Story: C. Richard Campbell
 The Rotary Club of Simcoe has been there almost from the beginning. Thirty years is an important milestone. The fostering of art among our young people enhances and enriches the community. It would be a very dull place without such things as song, music, poetry and theatre.
Individual accomplishment does not come easy for the majority of the young people. They have to learn their craft and adapt to performing before an audience. We applaud the participants, their families, the teachers and the festival organizers.
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2016 Golf |
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FIRE AT 3 WEST TRENDS BISTRO
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Classification Talk and Home Club Banner - Rotary Exchange Student Emil Lill Emil Lill (on left), our 2015/16 is our Club’s inbound Rotary Exchange Student from Hannover, Germany. Emil presented his home Club's banner (Hannover-Luisenhof) to our Club President, Tim FitzGerald.In 4 1/2 months, so far, Emil has experienced a lot of "Canadiana" highlighting a Hamilton Ticats football game in late October, maple syrup, poutine, the Canadian use of the expression "eh". Germany is 350 thousand square kilometres, Canada is 10 million square kilometres. But in contrast, Germany's population is 82 million to Canada's 36 million. Emil said that his experiences in Canada have widened his outlook and understanding of different cultures and languages. Emil's current aspirations are in the airline industry.
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Allan Arthur, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology CentreAllan Arthur, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre Dolf Wynia, Former Superintendent of the Ontario St.Williams Forestry Station and Allan Arthur, Senior Ecologist / President, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre |
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David Beasley, Authour David Beasley reading an excerpt from one of his books! |
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Mellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager, Norfolk CountyMellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager, Norfolk County Rotarian James Jackson (A Man Of Culture) Presenting Mellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager
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Our New Meeting Place!Our New Meeting Place! On January 4, 2016, the Rotary Club of Simcoe will meet at the Three-West Trends Bistro located at Best Western Little River Inn,
203 Queensway West, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 2M9. The meeting room is on the lower level. If needed there is an elevator from the lobby to the lower floor meeting room.
Meetings wll start at the same time - 12:15 p.m. each Monday except for statutory holidays. Visit this website for cancelations or off-site meetings.
 Best Western Little River Inn Main EntrancePhotograph: Courtesy of Best Western Little River Inn
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2015 Rotary Holiday House Tour Wrap Up2015 Rotary Holiday House Tour Wrap Up This is our last major fundraiser of the calendar year. Thank you to the many people who purchased tickets. To our ticket sellers, sponsors, decorators and the good folks that opened their homes to Rotary and strangers, a very sincere thank you.
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2015 Christmas PartyRotary Christmas Party December 8, 2015 Springview Farm Golf Course, Waterford, Ontario Jeff Scott and Liana Thompson, Winners of the Ugly Sweater Contest Accepting Prize from Dave King
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Rotary Highlights of 2015 |
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We Are Moving!We Are Moving! We Just Don't Know Where!If you are a Rotarian planning on a make-up at our Club, please note that our next meeting is Monday, November 30, 2015 and the regular meeting on Monday, December 7, 2015 is canceled. Our last meeting of 2015 is Monday, December 14, 2015.
Our first meeting in 2016 is Monday, January 4, 2016 at a new location. After decades of meeting at the Norfolk Golf and Country Club, we are moving. On November 27, 2015, our new location is undetermined.
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Sleeping Children Around The WorldSleeping Children Around The World, Philippines A Wee One Holding The Rotary Club of Simcoe Bedkit |
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Season Greetings |
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2015 Rotary Christmas Party The Christmas party is for Simcoe Rotarians and their quests. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Strolling Dinner at about 7:00 p.m. Music by Norfolk’s own acoustic duo The Schotts www.theschotts.com Dinner Catered by Devlins Country Bistro www.devlinscountrybistro.com Dress Code- Ugly Sweater- Special award for the Ugliest Sweater
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Simcoe Rotarians And Guests Attend Ticat Football GameSimcoe Rotarians And Guests Attend Ticat Football Game Now that the 2015 Ticat Football Team's season is over. It seemed appropriate to post this photograph of Simcoe Rotarians and guests dressed in winter clothing on October 2, 2015. Actually the authour stumble upon the photograph while housecleaning the hard-drive.
The group is waiting for their bus to arrive. For many the ride on a school bus was a trip down memory lane to their childhood. It was an unseasonably cold and windy night and the Hamilton Ticats lost to Calgary in the final seconds of the game. Does this ending sound familiar!
The new stadium is impressive but with a wind-chill factor more suitable for January, I for one missed the big screen TV, the Lazy-Boy reclining chair and the fully stocked refrigerator.
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Toyotetsu Plant Tour (TTCA), Simcoe. OntarioToyotetsu Plant Tour (TTCA), Simcoe, Ontario, November 23, 2015 Seated left to right, Rotarian Albert Madill, President Norifumi Taniguchi, Toyotetsu Canada Inc. (TTCA), President Tim Fitzgerald, The Rotary Club Of Simcoe
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Recognition Plaque - Elgin Avenue Public School Snoezelen Room.jpeg) Just in - Past President Thor Olsen displays the recognition plaque of The Rotary Club of Simcoe, as major sponsor to the Elgin Avenue Public School Snoezelen Room. Seen here, PP Thor Olsen is celebrating the good work of our club's Community Concerns Service Committee with Club President Tim FitzGerald. The plaque will be affixed in the Snoezelen Room. Thor and Committee - thank you - a job well done!
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Lynn River Music and Arts Festival - re-branding a big success!.jpeg) The Lynn River Music and Arts Festival (LRMAF) took place on the August Civic Holiday weekend August 1st, 2nd, 3rd 2015. Tom O'Neil was the 2015 event Chair. Seen here, Tom is handing over the fundraising proceeds to Club President Tim FitzGerald. Tom said three music stages, three days of sun, record vendor attendance, twelve months of planing and above all our sponsors made the Festival. Adam Veri, incoming Chair for 2016 hopes for a fourth music stage, The public understand the music festival and love it! |
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7090 District Governor Kevin Crosby receives warm welcome at The Rotary Club of Simcoe This is District Governor (DG) Kevin Crosby receiving a warm welcome from The Rotary Club of Simcoe's President Tim FitzGerald. Our Rotary International District (RI) 7090 encompasses 69 clubs extending from Delhi to Hamilton and across the border including Western New York State. The DG is a busy person visiting all 69 clubs in his 2015/16 year. Kevin applauded our club for the service (Service Above Self) of its members and accomplishments (Be A Gift To The World) in improving both local and global communities.
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Local and International Markets for Pure Virgin Oils - How do you Start? How do you Compete? Rotarian Richard Campbell thanks Jason Persall, Farmer and President of Pristine Gourmet, Waterford, Ontario. Jason's business now produces 5/6,000 litres of edible oils per day. Jason shared how his original vocational skills (farmer) combined with value added skills (producer and international marketer) created an international business from the family farm.
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Norfolk General Hospital's $11 Million Fundraising CampaignNorfolk General Hospital's $ 11 Million Fundraising Campaign |
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Simcoe Rotarians Give $8,000 To The TUMAINI Children’s School in Tanzania, Africa"TUMAINI" means "Hope" in Swahili, it is also a school for poor kids. |
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Dennis Zukowsky, President-Elect 2016-2017Dennis Zukowsky, President-Elect 2016-2017 Left: Dennis Zukowsky and Jack Amico |
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AlohaAloha ʻO ... koʻu inoa Our names are Andy and Jeff |
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Steve Smith - Paul Harris Fellow Steve Smith Presented With Paul Harris Fellow By George Renshaw, A 62 Year Club Member And Paul Harris Fellow
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The Stovepipe-A Memoir By Bonnie E. Virag |
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Lake Erie Fisheries Management April 20, 2015 From Left: Hadley Jackson, Kurt Oldenburg, Gerry Goddard
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Look At These Rotarians!Look Closely At These Smiling Rotarians!
 Left: Garry McMillan, aka The Mathematician, Harold Shantz, aka The Hospitable Administrator, Davis Ferris, aka The Undertaker, and Mike Cobb aka The Peaceful Judge
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There Is A Rumour... |
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Rotarian Al Madill proudly displays Scottish Curling Tour 2014 BlazerRotary Club of Simcoe's Al Madill proudly wears his 2014 Rotary Curling Tour blazer at our Rotary Holiday Party held Tuesday evening, Dec 9, 2014, at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, in Port Dover. A Rotarian is only allowed to attend once. So it is another lifetime goal achieved for Al.
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Rotarian Dennis Zukowsky, Quenches Fire with Thor (Brand) Safe ClothingRotary Club of Simcoe’s Dennis Zukowsky, Quenches Fire with Thor (Brand) Safe Clothing
 At a meeting of the Rotary Club of Simcoe, new club member Dennis Zukowsky, a Port Dover resident, made a fascinating presentation of his full line of fire resistant protective outer wear clothing marketed under the Thor Brand. This is in addition to his original garments - safe protective work-wear, designed to protect people in a variety of dangerous and explosive locations.
Zukowsky has over 30 years of wide experience in textile garment manufacturing across Canada and abroad. Recently, Dennis has created Thor (Brand) Fire Retardant Fabrics. These are used to create comfortable protective outer garments for many active workers, who could be exposed to sudden, very dangerous, fire flare-ups, even explosions, in the work place. Example locations may be in the oil and gas industry, defense, traffic police and perhaps construction sites and forests, where flash fires may occur. Such workers are at risk to deadly burns when they wear conventional clothing made with conventional, unprotected, fabrics.
These are patented, modern garments that are both attractive and comfortable to wear, while greatly improving worker protection from the hazards of flash fires in both industrial and other risky situations.These are designed in Canada and fabricated in North America for world-wide markets.
Mr. Zukowsky held his Rotary Club audience, most of whom are business owners and active or retired executives, spellbound with photographs and film clips demonstrating his unique line of Thor (Brand) safety outerwear.
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March is Rotary Literacy Month“Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling
millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and creates alternatives for building a better life.”` Kofi Annan |
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2014-15: Rotary Theme - LIGHT UP ROTARY2014-15: LIGHT UP ROTARY
 RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang chose Light Up Rotary as his theme for 2014-15. Huang is urging club members to Light Up Rotary by hosting a Rotary Day in their community, continuing our fight against polio, and increasing club membership. "Light Up Rotary is more than our theme. It is how we make a difference -- every day, in every club, and every country we serve." |
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ROTARY DISTRICT 2014 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SATURDAY MAY 3, 2014ROTARY DISTRICT ANNOUNCES THE 2014 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SATURDAY MAY 3, 2014 HOLD THIS DATE IN YOUR SMART PHONE, BLACKBERRY OR CALENDAR RIGHT NOW!!
District assembly is for ALL Rotarians, but especially those in club leadership roles for the upcoming year and those who want to know what is happening in Rotary. Attend and learn:
This year’s Assembly will have 27 sessions. Some sessions are targeted for club leadership or those who are moving into leadership positions. Others are for all Rotarians. It is important to have several of your club members attend to cover the variety of topics being offered. Watch for the final plan so you can choose which sessions you may attend. Pre-registrations and on-line payment is mandatory this year. While pre-registering you can also choose the three sessions you wish to attend. Your choices will be printed out on your name tag.
CONFERENCE CENTER NIAGARA FALLS (HTTP://WWW.CCNFNY.COM/) Two minutes south of the Rainbow Bridge |
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2014 Rotary “Back to School activities in Cebu , Philippines.
International Service - Ron Baker, Director of International Service introduced Collingwood Rotarian John Van Laar, who travelled with wife Cora to report on their “Back to School” activities in Cebu , Philippines.
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Ashley Abraham our Outbound 2014/15 Rotary Exchange Student to Brazil
Youth and Community Service - Robert Stevenson - Director of Youth and Community Service introduced our outbound Rotary Exchange Student, for 2014/15, one excited Ashley Abraham. At the time of the meeting, Ashley was waiting for a weekend Rotary gathering of our international District 7090, in Welland, ON , to learn what country she would be going to. We now know this to be Brazil . When Ashley was eight years old she met a Rotary Exchange Student.
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Rotary Exchange Student - Madeleine (Madi) Mahoux's "Classification Talk"
New Generations & Vocational Service
Madeleine (Madi) Mahoux's (Belgium) Classification Talk and Home Club Banner Presentation to club President Thor Olsen   |
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Shelterbox Canada |
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New Interact ClubA New Interact Club Established at Waterford District High School |
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President Bob, Paul Harris Fellow Bob Hill, DG 7810 AllanMacLellan. |
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Presentation of Paul Harris Fellowship by Allan MacLellan, DG 7810, to Bob Hill |
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Sandra is a busy person. As a member of the Hammerhead's executive team, she helps the leadership get things done. Listening to Sandra, as parent of a 14 year old swimmer, with a new step daughter and to be working with the geriatric association takes discipline, perseverance, time management and character.
When I was a junior high school student, I wasn’t interested in exchange. I did like learning about the cultures of other countries but in Japan, we have to pass an exam to enter high school, so I was just studying for the exam. I have to pass the exam to enter university and the competition is very severe. I studied all the time and I thought it was normal. Being a high school student was a little bit boring for me. I wanted to do something different and special. I also didn’t think it was good to grow up without knowing about the world. When I was 16, we hosted two students from Russia just for 2 days. Then I used my English to have a conversation for the first time and it was so difficult and exciting. I decided I wanted to know about the culture of other countries by myself, through my English. At the same time, I knew about this exchange program through Rotary because my Grandfather was a Rotarian.
Melisa Pollard is the Executive Director in our area. Melissa was inspired by an article of a mother whose three daughters grew to become a Physician of Pediatrics at San Jose, a CEO at 23andMe, and a CEO at You Tube.
June 15th, 2015
June 23rd to 26th, 2018
uly 7th, 2018
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Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. 
FIRE AT 3 WEST TRENDS BISTRO
