Stories

Angelle van Kleef Classification Talk

May 1, 2023

Story by: Angelle van Kleef
Photographs and graphics from the archives

It is not often that the reporting staff (Tim Fitzgerald and C. Richard Campbell) welcomes a new reporter. For years there has been a search for new Rotarian reporters without success. What is so remarkable about this woman is that she has only been a Rotarian for a couple of weeks. And she consented to write this story of her own Classification Talk. We are impressed.

Here is her story.

Angelle was born and raised on a greenhouse farm in the Netherlands. Her parents grew grapes, tomatoes, and sweet peppers while she was growing up. After high school in The Hague, she got her degree in Horticulture. For 3 years she worked as a civil servant, as a consultant to greenhouse growers on their growing practices. In 1988 together with her husband Clen, they started greenhouse growing on her parent’s 2-acre greenhouses. They grew potted flowering plants, i.e. Hibiscus. Around that time her 2 children, Mats and Estelle were born. In 1994 they moved to a newer 3-acre greenhouse.

Five years later, the family sold their greenhouses and moved to Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. They bought a 46-acre farm and built a 1-acre greenhouse and started producing Hibiscus and later Bromeliads.

Summer Theatre in Port Dover

May 8th 2023

Story by: Tim FitzGerald

Photography by: Dave Ferris

These two actors lol - well, actually President Gerry and Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Derek Ritschel. Derek told us - One: How LFT persevered through the pandemic, in part, based upon continuing previous records of good governance qualifying for government grants and local benefactors saved the day. Two: How to stage its comeback post pandemic in 2022. Its all about "bums in the seats". Studies showed that live theatres who came back strong with a full slate of shows did well. So no redacted season last year and kicking off a full season below this year:

Come Down From Upriver - May 17th
On The Air - June 7th (World Premiere)
Bed And Breakfast - June 28th
Where Are You - Jul 19th
A Pack of Thieves - Aug 16th (World Premiere)

Meet Salvation Army's Pastor - Lieutenant Stephen Frank

April 24th 2023

Story by:

Tim FitzGerald

Meet our new Rotarian Stephen, Salvation Army Pastor/Corps Officer serving both Simcoe and Dunnville https://www.salvationarmysimcoe.ca/index.html through their community church https://www.salvationarmysimcoe.ca/whoweare.html located at 184 Colborne St N, Simcoe.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe has long been a supporter of the Salvation Army - be it volunteering for the Christmas Kettle Drive, serving meals in their kitchen and other assistance.

Earth Day in Simcoe - Imagine That

April 23rd 2023
Story and photography by:
Tim FitzGerald

Earth Day Project - sunny and cool, 30 + Rotarians from Norfolk Sunrise and Simcoe clubs joined together with friends, along with a crew of volunteers from Scotlynn transportation, "to pitch in" and clean up roadside trash - this year in Simcoe - Sunrise Trail, 14th Concession and the Kent Creek.

Its our community, if we all do a little we accomplish a lot.

President-Elect Janis Demmans

April 19, 2023

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photograph from the Archives

At its meeting on April 17, 2023, an election of Officers and Directors was conducted. Janis Demmans was acclaimed as President-elect for the balance of the 2022-2023 term and will become the Club's 2023-2024 President starting on July 1st, 2023. The following Rotarians were also acclaimed to the respective office for two-year terms, 2023-2024 and 2024-2925 as follows:

Connie Forsyth, Treasurer
Thomas O'Neill, Director of Club Service
David Ferris, Community Service
Michael Cobb, International Service

In 2023-2024, the present President Gerry Goddard becomes Past-President and by virtue of his office a member of the next Board of Directors. On July 1st, 2023, there will be 3 vacancies on the Board of Directors, namely President-Elect 2024-2025, Secretary and Director of New Generations and Vocational Service.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe has been fortunate to have experienced, skillful, and knowledgeable people today and in the past to serve as officers and directors.

Invasive Phragmites Control in Norfolk

April 17th 2023

Story and photography by:

Tim FitzGerald

Invasive Phragmites (European Common Reed) is an invasive plant that has been causing damage to Ontario’s biodiversity, ecosystems, wetlands and beaches for decades.

Sam Sommer and Lexi Armstrong from the Nature Conservancy of Canada (field office Walsingham) gave us a very informative presentation today.

Phragmites is a bamboo-like grass. The stands are tall/dense and choke (emit natural toxins) out native plants' growth, provide poor wildlife habitat and disrupt natural wetland flows and functions.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is an active member of the Long Point Phragmites Action Alliance https://longpointphragmites.ca/ . "Full-court press"! (In basket ball - the purpose of the full-court press is to overwhelm offensive players, preventing them from running offensive formations.) Currently LPPAA has thirty-one members from every corner of Norfolk County - conservation groups, government, hunters, anglers, farmers all aligned to eradicate phragmites in Norfolk infesting the Big Creek Watershed from Delhi to Long Point Bay.

Caring Together Children's Hospice

March 27, 2023

Story by: Tim FitzGerald

Photography by Dave Ferris

A children's hospice is different that those funded for adults. Staff, equipment and medical supplies are specialized and sized (eg. needles and syringes used) for children.

Trish Mongeon - Campaign Director and Diane Murray - Fundraiser Campaign explained the shortage and hurdles to be overcome. Their campaign is to raise $25 million to add a 10 bed children's hospice. The differences stretch beyond specialized child's medical devices. A child's environment is different than an adult. Like any other children's space - it will have bright and accessible play and gathering areas - both inside and out - open concept kitchen and dining spaces - private and quiet areas for families.

It was said that the in contrast to adults where hospice care could be 6 months; a child's hospice care could last 3 years. The hospice programmes include offsite care, respite, support and education. It is felt that at any time, up to 500 children in this region of southwestern Ontario would benefit from hospice care.

Bob Perks Awarded Honourary Membership

March 20, 2023

Story and Photograph by: Tim FitzGerald

Bob Perks has retired from active membership with the club after 33 years of active service. However, he returned today to accept a Certificate of Honourary Membership (seen here with Craig Hunter).

Bob started his career in the oil refinery business with Frontenac Oil in Port Credit before moving to Port Dover and joining Rotary in 1990. He served as club President in 2008/9. Bob is also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

Our Rotarian John Featherstone recalled the generosity and fellowship of Rotary on the occasions when he and his wife Deb would share a meal and beverage at Bob's house or upon an invitation to the entire Board of Directors.

Bob, it's an honour to know you - congratulations.

Apple Hill Lavender Farm

February 27, 2023

Storey by: C. Richard Campbell

Photography by: Dave Ferris

Melissa Schooley, Director of Operations spoke to the Club about Apple Hill Lavender Farm. There are different ways to communicate with an audience and each speaker has her or his own style when making a presentation. Forget the slick PowerPoint presentation. Fill two bags with Mason jars containing Medicinal herbs, add a healthy measure of enthusiastic delivery; combine with knowledge about your subject and you have the recipe for telling your story.

The "farmers" of Norfolk County have adapted to changing environments and reinvented themselves to grow new crops and establish new agricultural-related businesses. Many have made the transition from the profitable Tobacco crop to alternate crops. The Windham Centre-based Apple Hill Lavender Farm is composed of a 40-acre apple orchard, 10 acres of Lavender fields, a commercial boutique, and a Medicinal Herb business. Apple Hill Lavender Farm is another excellent example of Norfolk County's "farmers" adaptability, innovation, and risk-taking.

Rotary Simcoe Welcomes Another Two New Members

March 6, 2023

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photography by David Ferris

Gerry Goddard, President and Sponsor, Rotary Simcoe, New Member, Stephen Frank, New Member, Brian James, and Craig Hunter, Sponsor

On March 6, 2023. Stephen Frank and Brian James were inducted into The Rotary Club of Simcoe by Rotarian Dan Hill. The Rotary Club of Simcoe which was charted in 1925 now has a membership of 35 active members.

Rotary Vocal Arts Award - Cameron James Ngnie-Teta

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photograph provided by: Norfolk Musical Arts Festival

Norfolk Musical Arts Festival

February 27 to March 2, 2023

Simcoe, Ontario

After a Covid19 interruption, the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival resumed. The Rotary Club of Simcoe has provided financial assistance to the Festival for probably more than 30 years.

Rotary Simcoe Director of New Generations & Vocational Service Janis Demmans

Presents to Cameron James Ngnie-Teta the Rotary Vocal Arts Award

2023 Harold Shantz Memorial Rotary Golf Tournament

Port Dover Library Reading Garden

The Rotary Club of Simcoe contributed to the Port Dover Branch of the Norfolk Public Library.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe Welcomes Two New Members to the Club

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photograph by: David Ferris

On February 27, 2023, Jean Hickman and Angelle van Kleef were inducted as members of The Rotary Club of Simcoe by District Governor Lisa Bishop and Rotarian Dan Hill.

Why join The Rotary Club of Simcoe? Rotarians tell us that they want to give back to local and international communities and have some fun doing it.
One member of The Rotary Club of Simcoe has said, "we have fun raising money for worthwhile projects whether it is just down
the street or halfway around the world.”
It is fitting that the motto of The Rotary Club of Simcoe and Rotary International is “Service Above Self”. Friendship is generated as the
members of the Rotary Club get together to raise money for a variety of worthy projects such as food banks, Ukrainian refugees, child nutritional programs, or just volunteering for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Mike Fredericks, Latest Paul Harris Fellow

December 19, 2022

Story by: Tim Fitzgerald

Photographs by: Tim Fitzgerald

Mike Fredericks (left), President and CEO of Annex Business Media, was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award on Monday, December 19, 2022 at a meeting of The Rotary Club of Simcoe by Rotarian and long-time friend Wally Anderson (right).

Mike first came to Simcoe some thirty years ago when he and his business group were looking to acquire the Simcoe Reformer. Wally Anderson and a committee convinced him to stay and, through Wally, to join Rotary. Mike told us that the principles of Paul Harris (Rotary's founder in 1905) - truth, fairness, benefit to all concerned and goodwill - have guided him all his life.

When he established his company Annex Business Media, the goal was to be the "best" business media publisher in Canada. Little did he know that, years later, he would also become the "biggest".

As the business grew and expanded, he was unable to attend Simcoe Rotary consistently. Eventually he left the club but has always directly or indirectly supported the work of The Rotary Club of Simcoe, other community service clubs and volunteer organizations.

You can't keep a good man down. While visiting his parent's home in Nova Scotia, his passion for fishing involved him with a group restoring a habitat of a salmon river. Likewise, when hurricanes struck at his southern vacation spot, the home of this small community's "pillar/justice of the peace" was destroyed. Again, Mike and a group have undertaken to get it rebuilt.

Mike Fredericks is a deserving recipient!

Local Rotary Clubs send Relief Supplies to Ukraine

December 1, 2022

The Rotary Club of Simcoe, in combination with local Rotary District 7090 which includes over 70 Rotary Clubs in Southern Ontario and Western New York, are pleased to announce that a $25,000 grant to aid the citizens of Ukraine has achieved maximum success.

In September of 2022, local Rotarians applied to Rotary International for a grant of $25,000 US to assist in sending medical equipment and humanitarian necessities to Ukraine. Collaborating with the Rotary Club of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine – and Warehouse of Hope – Not Just Tourists in North America, as well as AMA Hope, a total of over $169,000 of relief supplies including 500 Trauma Kits, 50 Hygiene kits, medical equipment, supplies and bandages were sent and distributed in war torn areas of Ukraine.

Rotary District 7090 Governor Lisa Bishop from Delhi said “It is the efforts of Rotarians in D7090, committed to “doing good in the world”, The Rotary Foundation and strong partnerships with humanitarian organizations, that made this project happen so quickly, and we delivered hope to Rotarians in Ukraine.”

Simcoe Rotarian John Vallee and Norfolk-Sunrise Keith Jones To Join 2024 Canada to Scotland Curling Tour

November 10, 2022

Story By: C. Richard Campbell

Photographs provided by the Norfolk-Sunrise Club and from the Simcoe Rotary Club archives

The Scots came, curled, ate, curled some more, attended a banquet, slept, ate once more and departed for London, Ontario.

At the November 10th, banquet and reception, it was announced that Simcoe Rotary John Vallee, an accomplished curler and Norfolk-Sunrise curler "Bones" Jones (more on the "Bones" later) are candidates to join the 2024 Canada to Scotland Tour. Bones who looks dashing in his kilt will have to caution non-Scots to never, never ever describe a kilt as a skirt! There is the mystery of what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt if anything.

John Vallee, 2016 (Courtesy of The Simcoe Reformer)

Jim Simpson (left), Keith "Bones" Jones Looking Quite "Dapper" in his kilt!

This is a grueling tour. The 16 Scots landed in Toronto on November 6 and will depart from the same city for Glascow on November 26, 2022. Sandwiched in between arrival and departure are curling competitions in 13 locations in Ontario from Ottawa to Windsor.

Christmas Kettles Are Coming

The Rotary Clubs of Simcoe have a long relationship with volunteering at the Salvation Army Kettles. Our Club President Gerry Goddard (right) is shown with Doug Montgomery (left). Doug has lived in Waterford for 48 years. Both he and his wife are recipients of Rotary's Paul Harris Fellowship awards. Doug is a long time volunteer at the Kettles. Now that he is retired, he has stepped up to replace Hal Wickham to chair the programme this year.

Last year's campaign raised over $300,000. The funds stay in Norfolk and the need is great - our citizens give generously. This year's campaign goal is $320,000. There are 1,100 Kettle shifts to be filled - all volunteers, so the administration costs are low. When you visit local merchants - please give generously.

Bill Culver, Mayoral Candidate, Norfolk County

October 2, 2022

Story by: C Richard Campbell

Photograph by: David Ferris

Bill Culver, Mayoral Candidate, Norfolk County

He believes that Norfolk County “… is an amazing place to live! I am running (for Mayor) because I have respect for its citizens and want Norfolk to flourish.”

Bill Culver is a business owner and operator who lives in Walsh. With an extensive background in real estate, he knows “every community in all of Norfolk County from Clear Creek to Port Dover.” Bill was a Councilor for the Town of Simcoe from 1988-2000. He is currently the President of Venture Norfolk which helps entrepreneurs with provincial and federal funding as well as assisting them with starting and operating their own business.

Fraud! Scammed! Ask Officers Ed and Brad

Well known in the community OPP P/C Ed Sanchuk (left) - and no that's not a chin strap lol (just lettering from the projector); along with Auxiliary Sergeant Brad Weirs told us what to avoid.

What to watch/listen for:

Did you start that conversation? No!

Did you ask for that service? No!

If you didn't, it may be a scam or a fraud. Don't volunteer your personal information: name, family or grandchildren. Keep your personal information private. If you answer the phone or record a message of your answering service "Hi! This is Joe or Julie" Now, I've got the first piece of info about you; and I'll call back as your friend. If I can find your Facebook page, I know parts of your life, family and grandchildren. I can geo-locate data from posted pictures, so I know where pictures of personal events/birthday parties occurred.

Alan Duthie Candidate for Councillor Norfolk County Ward 5

Post Script

Late breaking news - Alan Duthie candidate for (one of two spots) as Councillor, Norfolk County - Ward 5 has been elected. Congrats to Alan!

Original Story

Alan on the (right) and his Rotarian neighbour Dave Ferris (left) spoke to us today.

Alan is the General Manager of our local radio station 98.9 myFM, so he should have a good voice on council. Some of his other involvements are Past President of the Norfolk County Fair Board, Chamber of Commerce and one of "100 Men Give a Dam" - they meet and fund local beneficial projects.

Adam Veri Candidate for Ward 6 Councilor, Norfolk County

September 26, 2022

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photograph by: David Ferris

Ward 6 is composed of Port Dover (Population 6,161 in 2016) and a large portion of the former Woodhouse Township.

Over the past years, the small town has experienced explosive growth primarily from older persons who want to retire here. It is also home of the recurring Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.

Adam Veri is an active member and Past-President of The Rotary Club of Simcoe and a small business owner in downtown Port Dover. He is an accomplished volunteer in the community and personally places a high priority on service to others. Adam now wants to add public service to his extensive service record.

Some of his priorities are:

Community Building
Fiscal Responsibility
Providing Exceptional Services such as Seniors and Parking
Boosting The Local Economy

Canada and Scotland Rotary Curling 2022

Story by: Jim Simpson, The Rotary Club of Norfolk-Sunrise with some tinkering by C. Richard Campbell

The Scots are Coming November 10, 2022

Whether you're a curler or not, you'll want to mark your calendar for this!

For over 60 years, Canada and Scotland have enjoyed a biannual exchange of Rotary members who want to promote fellowship and engage in a curling friendly. This year, 17 Scots have formed a team and will be touring Ontario in November. The third stop on the tour will be here in Norfolk on 10th of November. To mark the occasion, there will be an afternoon bonspiel at the Simcoe Curling Club and a special joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe at the Simcoe Legion in the evening. Details to follow.

Whilst the bonspiel will be a particular attraction for the Rotary curling community, the special joint meeting will be open to all Rotary members and their families.

Come on out and meet a Scot!

Incumbent Mayor - Kristal Chopp

Story created by

Tim FitzGerald

Right off the bat, incumbent Mayor Kristal Chopp communicated a firm grasp of the facts that govern Norfolk County's finances and thus the taxes that you pay. Kristal explained that the Mayor has only one vote on Council. The Mayor (and Council) hire the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer). Its the CAO who makes operational decisions and runs the County through the senior management team.

Each year, municipalities tax and contribute to "Reserve Funds" to "fund" ongoing and significant future upgrades and renewal expenditures. However, the Mayor showed us a graph of the County's Reserves (its in her campaign brochure). Since 2010, until Major Kristal Chopp arrived, the County's Reserves declined and went negative. How did it get this way?? Well, sometimes the use of "creative funding", whereby otherwise current expenditures get charged to reserves would keeps the year's tax levy low. Exclusion of major water supply upgrades would also keep the need for reserve funds low. Did the senior management know? Did the previous councils know or hint that it should be done this way? Its now in the past! The buck stops here! The binding solution passed by Mayor Chopp with the current council is a "15% Reserve Fund limit" - if the CAO/Council want to exceed 15% it must be debated and passed in open/public council meetings.

Mayoral Candidate - Ian Rabbits

Story created by

Tim FitzGerald

Ian Rabbits has been a Norfolk County Councillor going on four years now.

He has seen both the ups and downs of County politics.

Ian studied political science at Brock University and continued education in PR and HR at Niagara and Conestoga respectively https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ian-rabbitts-b-a-chrl-ab11b546 . Ian expressed that he is local and has experienced the same challenges "that you have" - making a living, cost of living and taxes.

Ian advises that he will use his experience and skills in HR to build consensus across council and deliver on the kitchen table issues that concern voters in Norfolk County.

A few issues - water supply constraints are constraining development leaving us with fewer rate payors to spread the load. The legacy costs of maintaining ancient buildings for youth and senior citizen centres have precluded investment in modern facilities.

A few questions from Rotarians - downtown Simcoe appears to suffer from decline? One causation is the lack of affordable housing, there is a a less than 1% vacancy in the area. Ian has seen other jurisdictions with an independent housing corporations achieve a higher per capital success - this needs to be explored.

Ian is a fiscal conservative and has never been shy of "honest - hands on work".

The 2022 Jeff Scott Bursary Award

August 22, 2022

Story by C. Richard Campbell

Photography by David Ferris

At the August 22, 2022, Rotary meeting a bursary and three scholarships were awarded.

Alan Leatherland was presented with the $ 1, 500.00 Jeff Scott Memorial Bursary for the Medical Arts by Rotarian Bob Stevenson. Maggie Scott attended as a representative of the Scott family.

Mr. Leaterland becomes the second student to be awarded the bursary in its two year life span.

The young fellow is going to be a Pharmacist. As a drug dependent senior, his skills should be in hot demand when he graduates.

Alan Leatherland, Maggie Scott and Rotarian Bob Stevenson

Three 2022 Gord watts Fine Arts Scholarships Awarded

August 22, 2022

Story by C. Richard Campbell

Photographs by David Ferris

The Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship (established in 2012, $1,500.00)

Mike Cobb, Chair, Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship Committee and the Three 2022 Award Winners, Daphne Huyge, Hannah Woodley and Tiara Barrow

Kiara Barrow, Delhi, who will go to McMaster University (Integrated Arts), Daphne Huyge, Valley Heights, who will be attend Fanshawe College (Fine Arts) and Hannah Woodley, Holy Trinity, who will be enrolled at the University of Waterloo (Architecture).

Rotary Wally

August 29 2022

Story by C. Richard Campbell

Photograph by David Ferris

There are just two men in this club who have been Rotarians for over 50 years. B. Wallace (Wally) Anderson became a Simcoe Rotarian in 1957. Ken Smith followed in 1966.

In presenting a caricature of the avid golfer, Rotarian Keith Sutherland (1976) commented that Wally was not just being recognized for his membership longevity of 65 years but for his extensive club contribution and his community involvement. This man has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations.

During his Rotary life, Wally was a extraordinary fundraiser both within the club and in the community. He worked hard for many, many years to obtain sponsorships for The Harold Shantz Memorial Rotary Golf Tournament (formerly Rotary Charity Golf Tournament). He involved himself in all aspects of club service.

Pancakes In The Park

Saturday July 30 to Monday August 1, 2022

7:00 am to 1:00 pm

Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival

Simcoe Rotarians will be flipping pancakes at its usual location in Wellington Park between Bonnie Drive and Windham Street.

You are welcomed to visit us and try our pancakes.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe

1925-2025

Serving Simcoe, Norfolk County and the worldwide communities

2022 Gord Watts Scholarship Awards

July 18, 2022

Press Release by Rotarian Mike Cobb

The Rotary Club of Simcoe Gord Watts Scholarship was established in 2012 to honour one of it’s own, Gord Watts, who passed away in 2007. Gord Watts was a long time Rotarian active in all areas of the Club. He had a dental practice in Simcoe for a number of years, but was also an accomplished artist, active in the Lynnwood Arts Centre, now Norfolk Arts Centre. The scholarship is awarded yearly to deserving students graduating from a Norfolk County high school who plan on a post secondary education in the interdisciplinary fine arts.

Mike Cobb of The Rotary Club of Simcoe confirmed that Watts Scholarships have been awarded to the following students; Kiara Barrow, Delhi, who will go to McMaster University (Integrated Arts), Daphne Huyge, Valley Heights, who will be attend Fanshawe College (Fine Arts) and Hannah Woodley, Holy Trinity, who will be enrolled at the University of Waterloo (Architecture). Cobb said that tuition has increased steadily over the years but the scholarship has remained at $1,000 since the initial one in 2012. Accordingly, Cobb said that The Simcoe Rotary Club has increased the amount to $1,500.00 this year and plans to continue at this level in the future.

Amy Martin - Norfolk County Mayor Candidate

July 11 , 2022

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photograph by: David Ferris

Ward 6 (Port Dover) Councillor, Amy Martin visited the Rotary club meeting to speak to the members why she wants to be Mayor of the County of Norfolk. She has the distinction of being the first Ward 6 female Councillor as well as the youngest.

In her 4 years of council, she has served a Deputy-Mayor.

During her speech, she mentioned that she is presently speaking to people rather talking about a platform. The Rotarians heard about stability in the Norfolk County Corporation and a re-emphasis on respect. She will attempt to narrow the gap between the west and east parts of the County. Each region having there own municipal service needs and wants. She also spoke of Infrastructure particularly water, service delivery and the cost thereof as well transparency in local government.

President Gerry Goddard 2022-2023

July 1st, 2022

Story and Photograph By: C. Richard Campbell

The Passing of the Baton Gavel

On the left is "double-double" Gerry Goddard, incoming Club President accepting the gavel from Past-President "Hybrid" Adam Veri. The Port Diver dominance of the executive of the Rotary Club of Simcoe continues.

When we affectionally

nick name Gerry "double-double" it is not for his coffee consumption but this is his second time as President. "Hybrid" Adam will forever have the distinction of being our President, presiding over Zoom and In-Person club meetings during his term of office.

President Gerry Goddard and Past-President Adam Veri

Gerry Goddard, President 2022-2023 and Past-President Adam Veri (President 2021-2022)

Honoring Rotarian Ken Smith, A Member Since 1966

June 21, 2022

Story By: C. Richard Campbell

Photograph By: C. Richard Campbell

Rotarian Ken Smith Receiving a Caricature of Himself from Rotarian Jim Stephens (The Photo is Blurry)

This Rotarian has been a member for over 56 years. He began his Rotary life on January 2, 1966. His classification is Food Industry and has been retired for some time. While his longevity as a Rotarian is remarkable, the years have been packed with Rotary service. He has done it all and continues to be an active member. We see him as we enter the meeting area almost every meeting with his laptop taking attendance. There is a flood of words that come forth such as: commitment, leadership, service, friendship, sense of humour and dedication. Well done Rotarian Ken Smith.

Candidate Colverdale - open mic!

May 31, 2022

Story by Tim FitzGerald

Erik Cloverdale is the newest neighbour of our Rotarian Dolf Wynia, residing in Walsingham, and his guest at lunch today.

Erik is the GPO (Green Party of Ontario) candidate running for MPP of Haldimand and Norfolk in this week's provincial election.

A person of diverse interests, he is an engineer by trade working in the arena of solar panel and electrical distribution, a director of a company in the Puslinch area - interests include a motorcycle, being an air plane pilot and boating on Long Point Bay.

Erik's platform is understanding the necessity for sustainable energy. Energy sustainability is not an overnight solution. However, the lifetime "unit of power" cost of solar energy is now reaching or at par with traditional nuclear, coal, gas and hydro.

Simcoe Rotary Donates To Big Brothers & Big Sisters

May 15, 2022

Story By: C. Richard Campbell

Soon this Rotary Club will be 100 years old. From the early years, Simcoe Rotary had a "soft spot" for children and teenagers. The Club donated to the Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto and involved itself in Easter Seals. Club members also drove the wee ones and parents to Toronto for treatment and medical appointments.

Today the commitment remains. In the photograph, David Ferris, Chair of the Community Service Committee gives Anna Reu, Director of Services of Big Brothers Big Sisters Grand Erie a cheque for $ 5,000.00. This has been a trying time for service organizations and families coping with Covid19.

Larger photograph on next page.

Simcoe Rotarians Receive Paul Harris Awards and Pins

April 6, 2022

Story By: C. Richard Campbell

Each Paul Harris Award represents a $ 1,000.00 US contribution to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International either by an individual or by an organization such as the Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe has ben recognized for its 100 per cent participation by its members in contribution a number of times. Our members contribute $ 100.00 CAD per year earns a Paul Harris Award after about 14 years. The Canadian dollar has not been at pare for many, many years. There are also Simcoe Rotarians who contribute an additional $ 1,000.00 US to the Rotary Foundation. In addition to individual members making contributions, the Club itself has consistently donated to the Polio Plus campaign to eradicate worldwide polio.

Group photograph on next page.

Bobbi Ann Brady - Independent Candidate

May 9, 2022

Story By: C. Richard Campbell

Photography by David Ferris

Bobbi Ann Brady, an Independent Candidate in the provincial riding of Haldimand-Norfolk introduced herself to the Club and addressed issues that she is focusing on. Ms. Brady joins a growing number of eight candidates at the time of writing this story.

Ms. Brady has been an executive assistant to retiring MPP Toby Barrett (Conservative) for 23 years. Barrett represented the riding since 1995 and is campaigning with her. Haldimand-Norfolk is a traditional "Tory" riding. For those voters that like their representatives to be born and raised in the riding, she qualifies. She and the other non-Conservative candidates have a challenge ahead of them.

She has experience as an editor and writer of a small town newspaper that has give her an " appreciation for the struggles that people face."

Guess who's coming for lunch? Why its Norfolk CAO, Al Meneses of course!

April 4, 2022

Story by Tim FitzGerald

Al joined Norfolk County, as CAO, last September bringing with him career experience from Vaughn, Brampton and Georgian Bluffs - these are "lower tier" municipalities (part of a greater regional municipality). Whereas, in Norfolk - a "single tier" municipality - there's no such place to kick issues upstairs - they are addressed right here in Norfolk. This presents Al with some exciting challenges and he's up the job. Al observed that Norfolk has had multiple CAO's in many short years. Although the media has long reported the disagreements on how things were being accomplished or should be accomplished, Al complimented the current Council for tackling foundational issues and laying the groundwork for the next 20 years.

Norfolk residents gave their lives in WWII - who were they?

March 14, 2022

Story by Tim FitzGerald

Their names are listed on the Carillon Tower downtown in Simcoe. At that time, theses young men and women were well known to the citizens of Norfolk County. They grew up here, went to high school here, worked here, played sports here. But years later, parents have passed on and many families have moved in the great diaspora.

Dave Stelpstra is one of a large volunteer group of some sixty-three "editors" who have researched the history and war records of those that enlisted in the army/navy/air-force and published them so that we can know them and remember them as people - ordinary from all walks of life.

Rotarian Larry Kormos Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro Again

March 12, 2022

Story by C. Richard Campbell

"I wanted to ask you if you would be kind enough to forward to club members the following appeal.
As you may know I am attempting to summit Kilimanjaro again this March 26.
I am dedicating my climb to raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital. It is an amazing organization having been rated the #1 children’s charity and paediatric hospital in the world.
I am appealing to my Rotary friends for their consideration in helping me raise funds for this great cause.

Please find attached the link to my fundraising page.

My very Best Regards.

Larry.

https://fundraise.sickkidsfoundation.com/kilimanjaroforkids "

Simcoe Rotary Facebook Account Disabled

March 9, 2022

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Much to our surprise, The Rotary Club of Simcoe discovered that it's Facebook Account has been disabled because it does not comply with Community Standards. You will not be able to access the Facebook page. At the present, an assessment is being made about establishing a new account.

Jean Hickman - Simcoe Rotary's Newest Member

March 8, 2022

Story by C. Richard Campbell

On February 28th, 2022, Jean Hickman presented her classification talk to the Club. A classification talk introduces a new member to Club. It is an opportunity to tell the membership who you are, what you do and why you joined the Club. Jean's membership comes at a time when Rotary International is growing again to about 1.2 million. District 7090 of which Simcoe Rotary is a part of is among the fastest growing Districts.

The stereotypical Rotarian in North America is male, older, perhaps a golfer, a volunteer, community (both local and worldwide) supporter and a successful professional or businessman. There is nothing even remotely stereotypical about Jean Hickman. As an example, she gets her kicks jumping out of airplanes and skydiving to earth.

Rotary Virtual Membership Drive

March 8 , 2022

Story posted by C. Richard Campbell

Do you want to be more involved in your community, and create a better world through community and international service?

IMAGINE JOINING ROTARY!

Rotary is 1.4 million passionate individuals in 46,000+ clubs worldwide. We are both an international organization and a local community leader, Together we lead change in our own backyards and across the world.

Please join The Rotary Clubs of DELHI, NORFOLK SUNRISE & SIMCOE for a Virtual “Meet & Greet” Membership Drive, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 7:00 pm.

You will hear about the good work Rotary does here in our community and internationally. Club members will engage you in conversation about Rotary Membership and answer questions. Come out and experience Rotary Fun & Fellowship!

DISTRICT# 7090 GREAT LAKES WATERSHED CLEANUP

February 4, 2022

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

WEEK of EARTH DAY APRIL 22 (16^TH-24^TH) 2022

One of Rotary's Area of Focus is Protecting the Environment. So it is fitting that District# 7090 joins with

14 Districts surrounding the Great Lakes in this large International Service Club initiative.

Last year, COVID19 forced the cancellation of the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup (AKA Day of Action) in Norfolk County.

Hopefully, the Rotary Clubs of Delhi, Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe along with the Rotaract club will be engaged in cleaning up rivers and shoreline in the County. Volunteers as well as other organizations are welcomed to join us in cleaning up the environment. At this time, the planning is being done. When more information is available, it will posted on the website.

Turkey Point Beach

New District # 7090 Scholarships

February 1, 2022

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District # 7090 has announced the following scholarships for eligible high school graduating students:

"TWO - $1,000.00 USD Awards

ONE - $1,500.00 USD Award for a student with a median family income of less than $37,000 USD/year"

For more information. visit the District # 7090 website at District Scholarship 2022 | Rotary District 7090 (rotary7090.org)

District # 7090 is composed of rotary clubs in southern Ontario and northern New York. The Rotary Clubs of Delhi, Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe within Norfolk County are all part of the district.

Community Living Access (CLA)

December 13, 2021

Story by: Tim FitzGerald

Living - yes! That is what all of us want to do. Perhaps jump into a car and explore other cities and sites at will. But for persons with developmental disabilities that is not their reality. So they need "access" to "live" right here in their "community"!

Patricia Morris and Don Lawson of CLA showed us a video of their client Kevin. Kevin, explained, "... I have goals and dreams to accomplish and look forward to ... when I am writing for our magazine I feel the same as you ... ".

Port Dover Yacht Club Sailing School

December 6th 2021

Created by: Tim FitzGerald

Good people volunteer! Rotary Club of Simcoe members Janis Demmans and Hadley Jackson are also volunteers at the Port Dover Yacht Club directing the Sailing School (kids and adult programmes). This Non-profit school is in its 12th year. Its a great asset for Norfolk and surrounding counties. Initially launched from the Port Dover and Port Ryerse beaches, it operates from floating ramps at the Port Dover Outer Harbour Marina.

2022 Jeff Scott Memorial Bursary For The Medical Arts Announcement

December 4, 2021

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

The Jeff Scott Memorial Bursary For The Medical Arts

The Bursary Committee has announced that the application form is now available for downloading. Also anyone interested in the bursary should read the Announcement since there have been changes to the application deadline and some updating of the bursary description.

The link to the 2022 Bursary Announcement is here page/tjsmbftma-2022-announcement

To download the Bursary Application which is in PDF format, click here https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000306/en-ca/files/homepage/2022-tjsmbftma-app20211202/2022_TJSMBFTMA_AppSubmit_20211202.pdf

For more information on the bursary, e-mail the Club at simcoe.rotary.club@gmail.com

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!

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

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.

You must self-declare if you are or have been experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19, otherwise not enter the building;
You must wear a properly fitted mask on entering the building and at all times when not seated to eat and/or drink;
You must sign in with your contact information on the sheets provided and show proof of vaccination;
Face coverings and physical distancing in effect.

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..."

___________________________________________________________________________________

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

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJXj2fPEs0g

You may also be interested in this video:

Rotary International President Elect, Jennifer Jones Closing Speech D3800 Discon 2021 - YouTube

For more information about this remarkable woman, visit Jennifer E. Jones makes history, becomes first woman named Rotary president-nominee | Rotary International

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canoes - Water Transportation of Millenia

February 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.

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.

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.”

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Be safe

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.

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

"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.

Our Star Reporter Tim Fitzgerald

Rotarian Tim Fitzgerald In Wyoming, October, 2020

October, 2020 - Rotarian Tim Fitzgerald visiting Wyoming and modeling his Rotary face mask.

Remembrance Day, November 11, 2020

Rotarian John Making A Difference

Ron Baker 2020-2021 Simcoe Rotary President

Ron Baker, Simcoe Rotary President 2020-2021

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.

Josefa Michaelson, CAPP and CEC

October 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

Please Donate Blood

World Polio Day - October 24, 2020

October 20, 2020 - Simcoe Rotary donates $ 1, 567.17 US to the Rotary Foundation.

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.

Angela Wallace, Port Dover Harbour Museum

Monday, September 28, 2020

Angela Wallace, Curator, Port Dover Harbour Msuem

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.

Rotarians Margaret Bancroft and Bob Perks

The next page has a slideshow of of the tour.

Rotarian Margaret Making A Difference

Fortune Cookie Number 9

Day of Action

The Rotary Clubs of Simcoe, Delhi, and Norfolk Sunrise need your support collecting items for the local food banks throughout September.

Local Golfers Support the good work of Rotary

The 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!

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!

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/

Covid-19 Golf Tournament Format

Harold Shantz Memorial Golf Tournament

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Greens of Renton

Great news! Our annual golf event is now rescheduled for Wednesday September 9^th!

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

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.

Rotarian Ron Making A Difference

Simcoe Rotarians Assist Big Brothers & Big Sisters

June 13, 2020 - King's Floer & garden, Simcoe, Ontario

June 13, 2020 - King's Flower & Garden, Simcoe, Ontario

Rotarian Jim Making A Difference

Get A Busy Person To Do It
Norfolk Hammerheads Aquatic Club

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.

These are the very same qualities that are self-instilled in the swimmers. Its competitive swimming. Each child (and their coaches) target self improvement. The swim meets are progressively regional, provincial and national culminating in national swim meets - perhaps in the olympic pool in Montreal.

How do the swimmers do it? Multiple weekly practices leave them too tired to get in trouble. Likewise homework is completed before swim practices. They are voracious at meals and will eat most anything. Swimming provides physical and mental fitness (whole body and mind exercise). The swimmers support each other and display a strong sense of community - participating in events and volunteering.

Registration fees only cover 80% of their costs else participation would become unaffordable. Chorine is not friendly too swim wear. Their elite swimmers are doing laps in the pool up to 14 times per week. Some starting at 7 AM and then again after school. At national levels swim wear "skin suits" can cost $400.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe is pleased to donate $1,000 to the Hammerheads and the development of these future community leaders.

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.

Vince Lombardi Quotation

Cabin Fever

Rotary Day of Action Revisited

Rotarians now Zoom their meeting

New - yet entertaining - our Rotary work continues.

Quotation-Let's See What Happens

2020 Rotary Golf Tournament Postponed

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.

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
President 2019-2020

A Thank You From St. Joseph's School, Simcoe, On

Rotarian Tim Making A Difference

Fortune Cookie No. 8

Rotarian George Making A Difference

MINORI, IN HER OWN WORDS

From The District 7090 February Newsletter

Norfolk Sunrise News

Posted by Mary Mercato

MINORI, IN HER OWN WORDS

Minori Kubode, 2019-2020 Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Kaga, Japan

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.

I was so excited to be accepted as an exchange student and I chose to come to Canada. I didn’t think about what it would be like to leave my family and my friends for a whole year. So many people came to the airport to say goodbye to me. I suddenly realized how much I loved them all. It was still very exciting though.

When I arrived in Canada I was stuck in immigration because of problems with my visa and I couldn’t speak good enough English to work it all out. This was very hard for me and I was crying. After that, I met my host family but I don’t remember very well because I was so nervous. Everything in Canada seemed so big and I saw lots of beautiful nature with many animals like little chipmunks, cows, and horses in the fields and everything was so flat with no mountains.

At first, it was very hard for me to find how to spend time with people because I didn’t speak very good English and I couldn’t understand what was going on around me. I was also very homesick and it was hard for me to talk to my family and friends back at home. I was lonely and I didn’t know how to spend my free time because it was something I never had in Japan.

When I started school in Simcoe it was difficult for me to make friends because of the language problem. It was harder because I took classes with students who were younger than me. As my English got better I was able to talk more with the students and teachers and the teachers especially helped me a lot. In Japan, we do not have a friendly relationship with our teachers but the teachers in Canada were so friendly and that really helped me to feel better at school.

Now I have been in Canada for 6 months and my English has got a lot better. I have made friends at school and now I am teaching Japanese to a friend. I have found that there are many people from all around the world in Canada and I have learned about all their cultures as well. I have many exchange student friends from different countries and we have the same experience all being away from our homes. We are interested in each other because we all want to learn about the world together. Now I have friends who are from all over the world which is so exciting for me.

A huge portion of my experience in Canada has been about food. It is very, very different! Of course in Japan, we eat a lot of rice and fish but here there is a lot of meat and junk food and Tim Hortons which is my favorite. At the restaurants, the portions are very big but we can take left overs home which we don’t do in Japan. I am working with chef Tracy on cooking Japanese dinners for Rotarians and their friends. We have such a good time learning about cooking each other’s foods. I am learning about cooking Canadian foods and foods from other countries as well which I love.

I have had lots of exciting new experiences since arriving here. I have been to Niagara Falls, skating, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, hot tubbing and up to a cottage in Muskoka. I like walking in the woods and on the trails in Simcoe and Waterford. Christmas was very different for me because it was big with many gifts and a lot of parties. The food was good with turkey and many desserts. I am going to miss Christmas in Canada.

I still have lots of things that I want to see and do in Canada especially when the weather is warmer. I am so excited for all the new experiences and I am very thankful for the wonderful opportunity that this exchange has given me. I am spending wonderful times with my lovely host families and thank you so much.

Minori Kubode, 2019-2020 Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Kaga, Japan

Kids Need Playgrounds

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Mar 09, 2020

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.

Rotary Club of Simcoe donates $1,000 to library "Reading Garden"

Posted by Tim FitzGerald on Mar 02, 2020

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.

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)

Rotarian, Tom O'Neill keeps on giving!

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Dec 10, 2019

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. OPMA - Ontario Produce Marketing Association

OPMA - Ontario Produce Marketing Association

Happy Holidays From Simcoe Rotary

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

rotarian Jeff Scott, Liana Thompson, Rotarian Dave King

Ontario Health System Update

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

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.

Kristen Forsyth, 2018-2019 Brazil Exchange Student

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Bob Stevenson, Connie and Kristen Forsyth

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.

Fortune Cookie No. 7

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Rotarian John Making A Difference

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Guy Kaiser Quotation

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Houston, We Have a Problem!

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Norfolk Rotary Action Day Video

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Simcoe Salvation Army Needs Volunteers

Posted on Dec 03, 2019

Contact is Kettle Coordinator Frank MacMaster at frank_macmaster@can.salvationarmy.org or cell/text at 519-909-9421.

"Curling" For kids Sake

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 16, 2019

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.

Remembrance Day is November 11th

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 05, 2019

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).

Salvation Army Kettles - "care for our Community"

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 04, 2019

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

Pik-an-gi-kum its on the "Ice Road" in the north of Ontario.

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 30, 2019

That is how it is spelt (phonetically) - just as it is pronounced!

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5D-1TyJmSE

2019 Rotary Holiday House Tour

Posted on Oct 29, 2019

16th 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 Format

Download 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 You

Simcoe 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.

Funds for Operation Eyesight - Nepal

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 28, 2019

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.

Curl For Kids

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 26, 2019

Big 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

Alzheimer’s – Stigma or Disease?

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 21, 2019

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

Norfolk Inn Housing Conversion

Posted on Oct 01, 2019

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 Photograph from Indwell Website

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.

Amelia Verlint (Brazil Youth Exchange Student)

Posted on Oct 01, 2019

Gary McMillan, Amelia Verlint, Cheryl Peck_

August 5, 2019, Garry McMillan, Simcoe Rotary, Amelia Verlint, Youth Exchange Student going to Brazil and Cheryl Peck, Norfolk-Sunrise Rotary

Rev. Bryan Robertson, D.C.

Posted on Oct 01, 2019

Rev. Bryan Robertson and Rotarian Thor Olsen

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".

Simcoe Rotary Contributes to St. Joseph School Playground Project

Posted on Oct 01, 2019

Jean Prouse,Tanya Gascoigne, Rotarian Janis Demmans

Jean Prouse, Tanya Gascoigne, St. Joseph School Playground Project as Director of New Generations and Vocational Service Janis Demmans presents cheque.

Rotary Day of Action

Posted on Sep 29, 2019

Rotary Day of Action, Saturday, September 28, 2019, Planting Daffodil Bulbs, Northern Simcoe, Ontario

The 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.

Rotary At Beerstock

Posted on Sep 29, 2019

Rotary at Beerstock, Port Dover, Ontario, Saturday, September 28, 2019

2019 Rotary House Tour, Port Dover, On

Posted on Sep 29, 2019

Federal Candidates Speakers Cancelled

Posted on Sep 29, 2019

The 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.

Pull Up Your Socks

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

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.

http://www.wilsonandbow.com/2019-rotary-7090-theme-sock

Murray Porteus, Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

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.

Changeover Meeting, June 18, 2019

Posted on Sep 12, 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.

Pancakes-In-The-Park, August 3-5, 2019

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

Simcoe Rotary Pancakes-In-The-Park, August 3 to 5, 2019

Rotarian Albert Making A Difference

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

Emo Phillips Quotation

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

Fortune Cookie No. 6

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

Bonnieheath Social Event 20190829

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

Simcoe Rotary Social Event, Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery, August 29, 2019

Welcome To Canada Minori

Host Mother_Connie_Forsythe_Minori_Kubode

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.

Rotary Supports Community Art

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Aug 19, 2019

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

Good Bye, Old Friend

Posted on Aug 19, 2019

Rotarian Harold Shantz, 1939-2019

Rotarian Ken Making A Difference

Posted on Aug 19, 2019

Fortune Cookie No. 5

Posted on Aug 19, 2019

2019 Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship Winner

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Aug 19, 2019

Rotarian Mike Cobb presenting Chloe Shippey with the 2019 Gord Watts Arts Scholarship

" ...I am incredibly honoured to receive the Rotary Club of Simcoe Gord Watts Scholarship. Art is a universal form of communication. It is like a language that allows both the artist and the observer to express their emotions and ideas, while engaging both the mind and the body.

Art has a transformational effect, and it is clearly evident in Norfolk County, as it continues to bring individuals together, while fostering a stronger community. From the Norfolk Arts Centre where I had my first gallery showing, to the annual Studio Tour, to the art exhibit and school showings at the Norfolk County Fair, to the Norfolk Potters Guild, we are incredibly fortunate to live in a County that encourages, supports and celebrates artists of all ages.

Art is my passion and passion has no limits. I am excited to be heading to Sheridan College, in just a few weeks, to study Animation. With this scholarship, named in the memory of Gord watts, a community-minded volunteer and artist, you are ensuring that my dreams are turning into reality. On behalf of myself, and all the aspiring artists in our community, thank you for ensuring that the arts continues to be alive and vibrant in Norfolk County."

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.

Be The Change We Want To See
Big Brothers Big Sisters Grand Erie

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jul 22, 2019

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.

Quite a success story! As a parent, how did she engender such success?

Teach kids to care!
The importance of community!
The American ideal is all wrong (chasing personal wealth ...)!
Prioritize service and purpose!

So given these elements "Be The Change You Want To See" (in the world). Be a mentor!

Most of us remember a person in our lives who was there when we needed it most. Who listened to us. Who gave us the inner well being and peace to keep moving forward.

But what would could have happened if you had no siblings/neighbours/parent who would listen to you or had time to do so? Could this compound into loneliness, anxiety or lack of purpose? The future social outcomes would probably be quite different simply because there was no such person at hand.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an agency that recruits volunteers to act as that mentoring person (since 1904). Not onerous, perhaps just two hours a week, to be with the little brother/sister and listen to them.

Melissa is vivacious and inspirational. She mentored a little brother, age 8, along with her fiance. The "little brother" attended her wedding ten years later. Another slide in her presentation showed a man, age 70, who was a "little brother" who kept in touch with his big brother the rest of his life.

The Grand Erie chapter is a lean organization. 6 paid staff members, 130 volunteers and 313 little brothers/sisters. But there are still 200 more little brothers/sisters on a waiting list.

While the agency relies upon volunteers, as lean as it is, it takes $1,200 in costs to sponsor a child for a year. The Rotary Club of Simcoe is proud to do so. Rotarian Capt. (Salvation Army) Rick Honcharsky (Community Service) thanked Christine (staff and volunteers) for their good work and sponsored a little brother/sister for a year with our cheque of $1,200.

Melissa has 15 years of private sector experience in start ups and large corporations. Effective at organization, agile innovation, there are plans to rebrand BigBrothers BigSisters and colours in its logo. Watch for these changes this September. Plans mission/values are being examined to ensure they are reaching our to each of the diverse communities of the Grand Erie District (Norfolk/Haldimand/Brant inclusive of Six Nations).

https://granderie.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/

Youth and Skate Park Waterford

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jul 19, 2019

"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!

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

http://simcoerotaryclub.com/Stories/rotary-club-of-simcoe-partners-with-alus-norfolk-for-tree-planting-

initiative

What a difference a few months make!

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.

Rotarian Jim Making A Difference

Fortune Cookie No. 4

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.

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."

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.

Three Young Leaders

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jun 27, 2019

The 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!

Mayor Kristal Chopp joins us at lunch

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on May 13, 2019

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.

Golf Tournament Rescheduled

Posted on May 13, 2019

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

Zsa Zsa Gabor Quotation

Fortune Cookie No. 3

Rotarian Tom Making A Difference

Jenna Antikainen – Rotary Exchange Student from Finland

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on May 08, 2019

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.

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).

How are Happy Children's Faces created?

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on May 07, 2019

(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

Rotarian Hadley Jackson – 80 years of living in Simcoe and Port Dover

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Apr 29, 2019

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”

A Rotary Club That Makes Money!

Rotary Dollar, December, 1976

The 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.

Quotation 3

PolioPlus Contribution

President Dave King, John Featherstone. Director and ADG 7090 Lisa Bishop

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.

Let's Go Skiing - Take Two

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Mar 25, 2019

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.

Cannabis-A Smoking Hot Industry

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Mar 20, 2019

Rotarian Harold Shantz and Mar-Len Guzman, Editor of Grow Opportunity Magazine

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 Demand

The 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.

Long Point Basin Land Trust

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Mar 20, 2019

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.

Quotation 2

Rotarian Susan Making A Difference

Rotarian Kelly Making A Difference

Fortune Cookie # 2

Corrine Barba Thank You Simcoe Rotary

Some 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

Canada End Polio Now Postage Stamp

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 ~~barking~~ issuing of orders from the skip or vice-skip to team mates who are all very competitive and take the game very seriously. You might have noticed the weeks that have gone by between the event and the publishing of the story and the photographs. The delay was due in part to the heavy use of Photoshop to render the photographs.

This is the link to the full photo album(slideshow).

Rotary Builds Friendships

Tom Pidduck, George Renshaw,Jim Jackson, Harold Shantz

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

Let's Do Lunch

Horizons of Friendship

Rotarian Rick Honcharsky, Debbie Morales and Raul Scorza

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

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.

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!

Guess Who Came to Dinner?

Mussorie, Dehradun District, (Northern) India

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, Mussorie, Dehradun District, (Northern) India

Selfie? Jessie and Harold Shantz, India 2018.

Fortune Cookie

Let's Go Skiing

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 15, 2019

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!

"Tumaini" Hope Around the World

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 11, 2019

In 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..

Healing Hearts on Valentines Day

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 11, 2019

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.

http://giftoflifeinternational.org

Holistic Nutrition and Technology ??

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 04, 2019

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:

barb@healthywellandwise.ca

Phone 519-410-3544

healthywellandwise.ca

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.

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.

Kenzie Green-Johnson, 2017-2018 Exchange Student

Kenzie Green-Johnson Exchange Student 2017-2018 France

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".

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".

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.

Rotarian Jill Making A Difference

Seasons Greetings

Rotarian Mike Making A Difference

Fellowship meeting at White Horse Bowling Lanes

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 13, 2018

Rotary 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:

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.

Kettle Volunteers Needed!

Simcoe Curlers getting ready for antarctic winter?

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 08, 2018

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.

Remembrances Holland 1940-1945

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 05, 2018

In 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!

Norfolk County needs new "gateway signage"

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Nov 05, 2018

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.

World Vision visits Rotary Club of Canada

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 29, 2018

Did 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.

Salvation Army Christmas Kettle

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 29, 2018

Hal 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.

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.

Shelter Box - got Bronze going for Silver

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 22, 2018

Nancy 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.

Rotary Team Canada "fancy pants"

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 22, 2018

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.

Rotarian Jeff Making a Difference

Posted on Oct 17, 2018

2018 Rotary Holiday House Tour

New Limburg Brewery Tour (September 26, 2018)

Posted on Oct 03, 2018

Rotary in Norfolk County

Posted on Oct 03, 2018

Norfolk Day-Of-Action Video

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Oct 02, 2018

New Limburg Brewing Company Ltd., Nixon, Ontario

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Sep 30, 2018

Wednesday, 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.

Volunteering at the Salvation Army Luncheon

Summer of '18 Photos

Rotarian Hadley Jackson Making A Difference

The Summer of '18

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Sep 27, 2018

Fall 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.

“Those were the best days of my life

Back in the summer of ‘69”

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.

June 15^th, 2015

Valleyridge Farms

2017-2018 Rotary International President Ian Riseley asked each club to plant a tree for every Rotary member. That would be about 1.2 million trees world-wide. Simcoe Rotary teamed up with ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) and our own Rotarian Larry Kormos to plant over 100 trees.

June 23^rd to 26^th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario, Rotary International Convention

President-Elect Dave King attended the convention as the club’s official delegate. He was joined by about 4 other Rotarians. Each conveyed their experience with club.

July 1^st, 2018

This is the start of the Rotary New Year with a fresh executive with a new leader in President Dave King. Of the 9 Board members, six are new.

July 7^th, 2018

Off-Site Meeting. Memorial Park, Rotary Bridge, Lynn Valley Trail

Rotarians such as the late Christopher Lee were instrumental in converting this abandoned railway right-of-way into a trail from Simcoe to Port Dover. Other Rotarians were generous contributors to the start-up funding and the “Club” adopted one of the railway bridges.

https://www.lynnvalleytrail.com/

July 13^th, 2018

Port Dover, Friday The 13^th, Lion’s Silver Lake Park, The Rotary Pancake Booth

Simcoe Rotary was there along with over 200,000 bikers and visitors.

Rotarian Bob Stevenson Making a Difference

Simcoe Rotarians Making a Difference

Short Term Student Exchange

President Dave King, Alessamdra Fuzmo, Italy and Carly Burow

August 13, 2018: President Dave King accepts a Rotary Banner from Short Term Exchange Student Alessamdra Fuzmo, Italy, Carly Burow and Rotarian Bob Stevenson.

Teresa Syms Story and Simcoe Rotary's Gift to Me

Rotarian Kelly Isfan, Speaker Teresa Syms and President-Elect Margaret Bancroft

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.

Simcoe Rotary Contributes to the Simcoe Caring Cupboard

On August 13, 2018, Rotary President Dave King presents a cheque to Deb Madill of the Simcoe Caring Cupboard for a food preparation table.

Ride For Rotary

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Jul 23, 2018

Friday-The-13th, 2018 In Port Dover, Ontario

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Jul 22, 2018

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.

Walsh Public School, Ukuleles and The Rotary Club of Simcoe

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Jul 22, 2018

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.

Rotary Wally

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Jul 22, 2018

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.

Rotary Club of Simcoe Partners with ALUS Norfolk for Tree Planting Initiative

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Jun 21, 2018

Stephanie Drayer ALUS, Simcoe Rotarians Thor Olsen, Bob Stevenson and Janis Demmans, Chris VanPaassen ALUS

June 15, 2018

Simcoe, Ontario – ALUS Norfolk receives donation from the Rotary Club of Simcoe to plant trees for each Rotary Member on a parcel of marginal farmland

Representatives from the Rotary Club of Simcoe came together today to present a $2,500 donation to ALUS Norfolk to help support a tree planting initiative.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe was established in 1925, and has a long and varied history of community and international service. Most recently, Rotarians have emphasized that protecting the environment and mitigating climate change is essential to Rotary’s goal of sustainable service.

“When taking office for his year of presidency, Rotary International President Ian Riseley asked that each Rotarian in the world, roughly 1.2 million, plant a tree to better our environment.” explains Hadley Jackson, President of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. “Shortly after making that request we had a speaker from ALUS Norfolk attend one of our weekly meetings and spoke to us about how they make better use of non productive farmland. One of our farmer members had a small piece of land that fit the bill. So here we are, partnering with ALUS Norfolk and Larry Kormos to plant over 100 trees on land that is too wet for any productive crop but hopefully will result in a small forest for future generations to enjoy.”

ALUS Norfolk received $2,500 from the Rotary Club of Simcoe to purchase a variety of Carolinian trees in order to create a picturesque, natural space that provides ecosystem services while making use of unproductive farmland.

Norfolk Rotary Tabloid June 19, 2018

Click on the graphic or here to see the pdf file.

Joint Rotary Meeting - May 2, 2018

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on May 25, 2018

May 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.
Recently, the Rotary Club of Simcoe hosted a supper meeting of the four Rotary clubs in Norfolk County using the Port Dover Yacht Club as a waterside venue.

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”!

Rotary Beer Can T-Shirts - Four Way Test

Steve Malo and Mike Cobb

Norfolk Sunrise Rotarian Steve Malo examines a Rotary Beer with our member Mike Cobb.

GUEST SPEAKER

Our 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).

Rotarian Janis Demmans (left) Rotary District 7090 Governor Reg Madison and Rotarian Gail Catherwood (right)

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!

Walsh Public School Thank You

President Hadley Jackson and Large thank You Card

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!)

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.

Serving Simcoe and Norfolk for Over 93 Years

The Rotary Club of Simcoe Chartered April 9th, 1925.

HN Health Unit-Harm Reduction Program

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Apr 13, 2018

Story 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.

Rotary Golf Tournament

Rotary Beer

Rotary Beer Is Here

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Mar 23, 2018

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.

Albin Jung, Youth Exchange Student 2017-2018

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Mar 07, 2018

Story 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.

Blue Elephant Meeting

Travel Broadens The Mind!

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Mar 05, 2018

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.

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.

Rotary Quilts

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Mar 05, 2018

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.

Neeko Paluzzi - returns "home" - 2006 Rotary Exchange Student to Switzerland

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 26, 2018

Neeko 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:

Winston Churchill Quotation

18th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Download PDF Version of Fillable Golf Brochure/Registration Form

Yoga for Healthy Aging

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 12, 2018

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.

Norfolk Rotaract Club a lively place

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Feb 08, 2018

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.

Blue Jays Talk

Carrie Sinkowski

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Jan 22, 2018

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.

Rotary Foundation Presentation

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Dec 12, 2017

Photograph by: Andy Elkin

December 11, 2017

Karen Oakes and Past-President David Ferris

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.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Rotary Foundation Presentation 2

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Dec 12, 2017

December 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.

_______________________________________________________________

2017 Holiday House Tour Draw

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Dec 12, 2017

December 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.

___________________________________________________________________

Kelly Isfan and the Inca Trail

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Dec 09, 2017

Story 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 ~~Indiana~~ Ontario Jones script.

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.

More of Kelly's personal photographs are on the next page!

End Polio Now!

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Dec 04, 2017

Season's Greetings

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Dec 04, 2017

Lest We Forget - November 11th, 2017

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Nov 03, 2017

George Araujo, General Manager

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Oct 26, 2017

Story by: C. Richard Campbell
Photograph: Tim FitzGerald

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 177^th fair spoke to the club about the Simcoe and Norfolk County institution. This year the fair ran from October 3^rd to 9^th 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.

Norfolk County Fairgrounds

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.

ALUS Norfolk

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Oct 26, 2017

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photographs: Tim FitzGerald and ALUS Canada (Ontario) website
http://alus.ca/alus_community/alus-norfolk/

October 2, 2017, Norfolk Golf and Country Club

Larissa Breedyk, ALUS Norfolk Co-Ordinator

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.

Before - 9 years ago

Before

After

Norfolk Teen - Kristen Forsyth - Tours Europe on Rotary Student Exchange

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Oct 23, 2017

Kristen 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.
Kirsten Slideshow 2017

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).

2018 Rotary International Convention, Toronto, Ontario

14th Annual Holiday House Tour

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Oct 17, 2017

Let's Talk Leafs

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Oct 09, 2017

Simcoe Rotary Club Moving To Blue Elephant Restaurant

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Oct 04, 2017

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.

If You Want Something Done Ask A Busy Person To Do It

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Sep 11, 2017

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!

You Can Meet a Rotarian Anywhere!

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Aug 30, 2017

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.

"Canadians" in the American Civil War

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jul 31, 2017

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.

2017 Changeover at PDYC - "Castaways"

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jun 20, 2017

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

Volunteers Helping Seniors and Disabled Adults

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jun 12, 2017

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:

Flowers for Life
Annual September Golf Tournament
Decorate X-mas Tree at the Mall
Draw – The 12 days of X-mas

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:

Adult Day Programmes
Meals On Wheels
Dinner’s Programme – for $11 including transportation a nutritious meal monthly or bimonthly
Volunteer Hospice and Caregiver Support
Friendly Visits by caring volunteers
Hone maintenance, cleaning and yard work brokered at low cost fees
Home safety assessments
Telephone reassurance – based upon regular telephone contact with the senior (to ensure they are OK

For more information – contact Lisa – 519-426-6060

Rotarian Tom O’Neill Leads District Vocational (fruit production) Training Team to Australia.

Posted by Timothy FitzGerald on Jun 05, 2017

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:

Kangaroos shelter from the sun in the orchards. Kangaroos are unpredictable. So caution is exercised when approaching in a vehicle. You never know which way they will jump!
Also every bakery, along the way, proclaims with signage e.g. Billy’s Bakehouse - “The Best Vanilla Slices”.
Of quarantine, Australia, over the decades, has suffered some severe industry losses due to “imported” diseases. Thus any animals, plants or root stocks are strictly quarantined to be sure no unwanted pests are introduced

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:

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.

Ken Smith

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!

Lighthouse Festival Theatre BTS Tour

Posted by C. Richard Campbell on Apr 13, 2017

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.

Bill Culver, Mayoral Candidate, Norfolk County

The Scots are Coming November 10, 2022

The Passing of the Baton Gavel

WEEK of EARTH DAY APRIL 22 (16TH-24TH) 2022

The Jeff Scott Memorial Bursary For The Medical Arts

Harold Shantz Memorial Golf Tournament

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Greens of Renton

MINORI, IN HER OWN WORDS

16th Rotary Holiday House Tour (November 30th & December 1st, 2019)

What You Need To Know

The Tour

Thank You

WEEK of EARTH DAY APRIL 22 (16^TH-24^TH) 2022