Stories
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 Kristyn Richardson, LPBLT and Rotarian Dolf Wynia On March 11th, 2019, Kristyn Richardson, Program Manager of the Long Point Basin Land Trust presented an overview of the trust and its projects. The LPBLT which is based in Port Rowan, Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization that focuses on land acquisition and easements for the purpose of conservation. The majority of Land Trusts concentrate on “conserving the biological values of land, but some have been established to protect scenic, historical, agricultural and recreational lands…”  Credit: http://longpointlandtrust.ca/ website The Long Point Basin Land Trust All of the nine properties that the LPBLT own or managed are in Norfolk County. The acquisition strategy of the LPBLT concentrates on watersheds with priority given to wetlands, Carolinian forests, sand barrens and oak savannas. One of these properties acquired in 2018 is named the Ken McMullen and Joan Shirlow Spring Arbour Farm Nature Reserve. Joan is a member of Simcoe Rotary. This Norfolk County of ours is a special place. Most local school children are learning about the Carolinian forest that is growing here and the species of animals and birds which are dependent on the wooded areas to live. Remove the living area and the dependent species dies. Unfortunately, there are a number of species such as the Monarch Butterfly which are threatened. Ms. Richardson tells us of the efforts to learn more about the Monarch Butterfly by “tagging” them with a sticker. Even the 4,000 km fall migration from Canada and other areas to Mexico is threatened by insecticides and the lack of areas for their “food”. Wikipedia defines Carolinian forest as… “a life zone in eastern North America characterized primarily by a predominance of deciduous (broad-leaf) trees. The term "Carolinian forest",is used primarily in Canada, and therefore often refers only to the northernmost portion of the overall region, in Southern Ontario”. Within the southern Ontario "Carolinian forest", you find a diversity of trees such as ash, beech, American Chestnut, oak, hickory as well as hard and soft maple, butternut, black gum, sassafras, tulip and walnut. For generations, the forest has been home to various animal and plant species. Conservationists believe that the Carolinian forest contains among the most beautiful and rare trees in Ontario and Canada. |
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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 |
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 There are three main sports that come to mind that our Rotarians are good, even very good at playing - Curling, Golf and Sailing. I was reminded that I couldn't add a fourth - visiting local craft breweries since it is yet to be considered a sport. On January 14, 2019, the Club met at the Simcoe Curling Club and upon adjournment some Rotarians retired to the locker rooms to change into their colorful costumes. Costumes is probably not a fitting word to describe what many were wearing. Apart from the color, you could hear the  This is the link to the full photo album(slideshow). |
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 January, 2019. Rotarian Tom Pidduck, Honorary Rotarian George Renshaw, Rotarians Jim Jackson and Harold Shantz When you become a Rotarian, you build friendships. Some last for decades. George Renshaw was an active member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 63 years. The 102 year old Honorary Rotarian now lives in a nearby nursing home where the Rotarians in the photograph visit him frequently (but not before dining out a Simcoe restaurant). Photograph: Courtesy of Harold Shantz |
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 Rotarian Rick Honcharsky, Debbie Morales, Resource Development Coordinator and Raul Scorza, Community Outreach/Communications Coordinator of Horizons of Friendship, Cobourg, Ontario. In 1972, Father Tim Coughan, David and Christine Stewart founded the Horizons of Friendship. Last year, the Club donated money to the organization for The Newborn and Child Health project in Guatemala. The Club learned that a $ 1,000.00 donation becomes $ 4,000.00 when adding federal money. One of the six areas of focus of Rotary international is: Maternal & Child Health In Guatemala, The Newborn and Child Health project has reached 70,000 women and children with improved health services, training and life-saving equipment. If this is something you wish to contribute to, visit the website. Website: http://www.horizons.ca E-mail: info@horizons.ca |
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 January 7, 2019. Major Rick Honcharsky, Salvation Army and Rotarian reported to the club on the 2018 Christmas fundraising campaigns. There are two campaigns such as the general one and the more visible one of the kettles. Both targets were exceeded. The Major attributed the success in part to the many volunteers. The more volunteers, the more contributions filling the kettles. Simcoe Rotary and the Norfolk Sunrise clubs had a healthy competition to see which club would volunteer the most hours. Our Club set a new record and I believe Norfolk Sunrise did also. |
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 It is must be the Viking heritage that drew Rotarian Thor Olsen and his wife Elizabeth to the warm waters of the Caribbean. On second thought, -20 degree Celsius Ontario temperatures and cold blowing snow may have stimulated the Olsen's cruising in the Caribbean in January. Thor presented his slides of the trip at the rotary meeting on January 28th, 2019. One of the highlights was the visit to the Panama Canal. If you are going to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, this is the way to do it. Cruising in the Caribbean! |
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 While Rotarian Harold Shantz and his son (Doctor) Jessie were about to eat they had a surprise and uninvited guest. In the early 1960's, Harold was the administrator of the local hospital in Mussorie, Dehradun District, (Northern) India. Last year the two them visited India and Harold renewed acquittances and former colleagues.  Selfie? Jessie and Harold Shantz, India 2018. |
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 Luis Portillo is the Rotary Exchange Student from Mexico with the morning club. When our Exchange Student Coordinator, Garry McMillan, asked if anyone would take Luis to the Ellicottville (NY) Rotary Club Ski Day, I said "I'm in". I picked Luis up from his Rotary host family (the Pecks) at 6:30 AM. We had spoken the day before and rehearsed that he had never skied before; but plays soccer and rides a road bike. "OK you're athletic and you understand what balance is" - I can work with that! During the drive to Holimont Ski Resort, we spoke about aspects of skis and what makes them turn, families and travel. An objective of his is to hone his fluency in English. At the end of his year, Luis said he plans to take the eastern Canada tour (Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime cities) option with fellow Exchange Student's to experience more of Canada's cultures. Luis starts University in August - studying international commerce. But - today skiing! We're going to advance from "pizza" (the "snow plough" - a beginner stance with skis in a wedge to control speed or stop), to "airplane" (no ski poles, arms out stretched just like kids running around the house - to initiate turns), to "french fries" (skiing with both skis in parallel). Luis learned quickly. After three "pizza" runs on the beginner slope, Luis was ready to advance to the main hill. Up the Exhibition Express Lift - introductions and conversation with two other skiers riding up on the same chair proposed some "green" (easiest) runs over to the right. A few more "greens" and now we're skiing the "blues" (intermediate slopes) under the Meadows Lift. High noon - into the lodge with Rotary friends, old and new, fantastic hot lunch, fundraiser 50/50 draw and mind testing quiz - all thanks to organization by John Weismantel and members of Ellicottville Rotary. After lunch and more good directions from table-mate Mike , we skied over to the Sunset Lift - a wide open slope. Bringing it all together, Luis was free-skiing "french fries" (pic below) in control and skied "blue" runs back to the lodge to end our day.  Service Above Self and fun at the same time! |
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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.. |
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.JPG) Our Ron Baker (soon to be stepping up to President Elect) has a big heart. Valerie Bailey-Phillips from the Rotary Club of Caledonia visited us today to fill our compassion with a "Gift of Life" (valentines day chocolate hearts). Our donations are healing little hearts around the world. Rotary does amazing work and fundraising. Due to volunteers like Valerie, 98% of the funds raised by Gift of Life are spent on direct care of children from developing countries around the world delivering sustainable cardiac surgery. |
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Barbara Anstead, NNCP (Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners) comes from a well established working/advisory "wellness" history with local businesses such as Simcoe Health Foods, Clark Pharmacy and the Dover Apothecary.  Today Barbara operates her business from her home in Simcoe (and was brought to us by our Rotarian Jill Taylor - her next door neighbour - luck is with us). As the reporter today, I looked up the definition of the word "holistic". Of two dictionary definitions, I found "characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease". Barbara was asked how her work is coordinated with the medical community.? Barb advised that her work is neither practicing medicine nor pharmacology, but at the same time so much more than just nutrition. Whether clients are referred to her from the medical community or word of mouth, the holistic approach recognizes that simply buying and eating "health food" may not make you healthy. Many diseases or physical conditions have triggers. So if the "health foods" you buy have those triggers - well you get the picture! Barbara can recommend what diets and heath foods may either compliment or may exacerbate a condition. So what is the reference to "technology" about? Well there are also physical triggers. Barbara has seen amazing balance and wellness improvements with "thinsole" socks/tech inserts (by Neuro Tech). The technology works on wellness by creating balance/homeostasis (the reasoning for this is actually very sound) - especially in seniors where with age reflexes seem to slow or perhaps get lazy which can be the precursors to a fall. These specially designed socks/tech inserts change or stimulate sensory points just enough for faster response or perhaps use pathways that have long been dormant. When it came to shake a leg, four of our Rotarians pulled up their pant leg to show off their stylish Neuro Tech socks procured from Barb. To contact Barb: Phone 519-410-3544 |
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 On Monday, February 4th, 2019, The Rotary Club of Simcoe will meet at 12:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 79), 200 West Street, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4K3. Please use the Metcalfe Street Clubrooms entrance. Metcalfe Street is one way from West to Chapel Streets. Also this Legion along with many others requests that anyone entering remove their headwear in respect to fallen comrades. |
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 December 11, 2018, Port Dover, Ontario It was a murder of mystery and a Christmas party at the Lighthouse Theater. Present was a good crowd of Simcoe Rotarians and guests. They were joined by the usual suspects. The suspects from the 1950's had names like Johnny Angel, Donna, Peggy, Coach and the Chaperone. At times, it was difficult to identify the suspects from Rotarians as various members and their guests were drawn into the mystery of the murder by the suspects. Everyone had an enjoyable time. The food was plentiful and tasty. |
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 On December 17, 2018, "Kenzie" Green-Johnson, 2017-2018 Exchange Student to France told the Club about her year in France and her European travels. Sometimes you can get a feeling about a person's strength when they have to adapt to adversity. In this case, the slide presentation on the laptop computer failed to appear. However she recovered and presented her story with humour and a willingness to interact with her audience. There was a "joie de vivre" in the delivery of her story. Bienvenue "Kenzie". |
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 Our Mike Cobb is a lawyer who possesses a healthy amount of skepticism. When presented his medal for bowling (there was a delay while records were reviewed), he has "a taste for gold". |
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 This lady is no stranger to a microphone and an alarm clock. On December 3rd, 2018, Jill Taylor, Broadcast Meteorologist presented her classification talk without a weather map or a laser pointer. The Broadcast Meteorologist is often the face and personality that delivers weather information to us. She works for Rogers communications in Toronto and prepares radio reports starting at 3:00 am, Eastern Standard and Daylight time. Hence the need for a reliable alarm clock. |
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 Some our best speakers are Rotary members. After the "divine association" issue was resolved, Reverend and Doctor Cox is indeed a Presbyterian minister. He presented his classification talk with humour and wit for the second time in his lifespan. Each time, a man or woman of the "cloth" speaks to the Club, there is the realization among the humour of balanced individuals with a purpose and strong mission in life. |
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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:  |
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 Just A Reminder!
Without your ticket purchases and the support of our sponsors, Simcoe Rotary would not be able to contribute since 1925 to local and international projects. We thank you!
Tickets can be purchased from the above outlets and from Simcoe Rotarians. Tickets can also be purchased from Rotarians at the door of any of the homes on November 24 and 25th, 2018.
Simcoe Rotary has been informed that there will be no High Tea at the Clonmel Castle due to government regulations. Alternative arrangements have been made for a rest stop at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 302 St. George Street, Port Dover, Ontario.
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Our Marg Bancroft, Rotary Club of Simcoe and Jim Simpson, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary continue to curl their way across Scotland with Rotary's curling exchange "Team Canada".  Today, time off, in Dundee, Scotland viewing the RRS (Royal Research Ship) Discovery famous for 1901-1904 Antarctic Expedition by Scott and Shackleton. Note their red maple leaf team curling jackets! Life long Rotary friendships are being made with the Scottish curlers. As emissaries, Marg and Jim are both delivering and receiving greetings to/from prior year's curling team members. |
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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! |
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Norfolk Council/County asked local service clubs, business and other patrons to step up to the cause and donate to the funds required to update/replace "gateway signage" on the roadsides entering Norfolk. The Rotary Club of Simcoe was quick to do so. Seen here is Chris Garwood (left in photo) , Economic Development Coordinator - Tourism and Economic Division for Norfolk County accepting a cheque for $1,000 from our Rotarian and Club Secretary -Thor Olsen. Thor said it’s a community service and we’re glad to do so.  |
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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. |
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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. .JPG) He is asking us (Rotarians and others) to volunteer for 2 hour "kettle shifts" in front of local retail merchants. Each kettle shift gives the Salvation Army the ability to assist one more family. Whereas a shift unfilled brings in $0 dollars. That wry smile on Captain Rick, because just now he is mapping out a challenge to one of our sister clubs, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, to a contest to fill 50 Kettle Shifts! The campaign runs November 16th to December 24th but not on Sundays. To fill a shift call Hal at 289-377-9167. |
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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. |
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Our Marg Bancroft (center photo) is going to Scotland to curl with Rotary's "Team Canada". Please note Marg is wearing the team's curling uniform "red maple leaf" pants.  It's a right of passage alternating bi-annually between Canada and Scotland - you can only attend once! Joined by previous pilgrims left to right Keith Sutherland, Dave King, Craig Hunter, Garry McMillan, Dan Hill, Mike Cobb and Wally Anderson. |
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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. |
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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.
The summer of 2018 is no match for being young in 1969. By the way whatever happened to the Drive-Ins? This summer The Rotary Club of Simcoe had some fun, raised money, volunteered for community projects, and embarked upon a number of off-site meetings with outdoor dining and local craft beer. Here are some of the highlights of the summer of ’18.
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 September 10, 2018: Rotarian Kelly Isfan presents a Thank You card (with a donation in the speaker's name to the Gord Watts Scholarship Fund) to Speaker Teresa Syms and President-Elect Margaret Bancroft. |
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 Police estimated that 200,000 people visited Port Dover (population 5,000) on Friday-the-13th, 2018. The previous attendance record was surpassed by 80,000. Every major street contained parked motorcycles and the huge crowd spilled over to the side-streets, vacant areas and residential front lawns. It was almost "wall-to-wall" people with motorcycles everywhere and a strong police presence. Up above, there was a no-fly zone where police helicopters circled almost continuously. Simcoe Rotary was there on Friday and Saturday at Lions Silver Lake Park selling pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches and beverages. |
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 Wikipedia describes an "ukulele ( / j uː k ə ˈ l eɪ l i / yoo-kə- LAY -lee ; from Hawaiian : as a member of the lute family of instruments. It generally employs four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings. Some strings may be paired in courses, giving the instrument a total of six or eight strings."Earlier this year the Rotary Club of Simcoe purchased a number of ukuleles for the students at Walsh Public School which is 8.5 miles south and west of Simcoe. On June 11, 2018, the club was invited to an ukulele concert at the school. |
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 In June, our Wally Anderson was featured in the Rotary In Norfolk tabloid newspaper published by The Rotary Clubs of Delhi, Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe in association with Media Pro Publishing, Waterford, Ontario. The Rotary Wally webpage contains the story or click on the graphic above. |
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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. |
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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.  Joint Rotary Meeting of Delhi, Simcoe, Norfolk-Sunrise and Norfolk Rotaract at the Port Dover Yacht Club. The agenda was stacked with Rotarian celebrities granting scholarships and community service awards to Norfolk County citizens. ROTARY BEER IS HERE!Rotary Beer is available at the Beer Store. Modelling the beer can T-shirts are local Rotarians Al Madill, Dan Hill and Dave King. The Rotary Emblem is on the front and the Rotary Four Way Test is on the back. Go to the Beer Store and ask for “Rotary Beer”!  
Norfolk Sunrise Rotarian Steve Malo examines a Rotary Beer with our member Mike Cobb. GUEST SPEAKEROur guest speaker (center) was David Cribbs, Chief Administrative Officer of Norfolk County who is flanked by Rotarian Janis Demmans (left) Rotary District 7090 Governor Reg Madison and Rotarian Gail Catherwood (right).
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 A Smiling President Hadley Jackson and Rotarian Connie Forsyth who headed up our Ukele Project. Over the years, Simcoe Rotary has been committed to the young people that are coming along. We call it the New Generations Service. This project is a blend of this long-term commitment and the emphasis on the music and arts. Aloha! |
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 President Hadley Jackson holding large thank you card from Walsh Public School students. When you get older, you appreciate larger print when reading your correspondence. The young Walsh Public School students are both creative and sensitive in thanking the Rotary Club of Simcoe for the Ukeles (a small four-stringed guitar of Hawaiian origin). Nʻou ka hauʻoli! (You're welcome!) |
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 Representatives of the Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe Rotary Clubs at the launch of Rotary Lager at the recent Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. |
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The Rotary Club of Simcoe Chartered April 9th, 1925. |
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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. |
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 Pictured: Standing, Gerry Goddard, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Gail Catherwood, President, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, Yvonne Di Pietro, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, Sitting, Hadley Jackson, President, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Dave King, President-Elect, Rotary Club of Simcoe. Absent from photo, but equally involved is Alayna Simpson, President of Simcoe Rotaract LOCAL LAUNCHING OF ROTARY LAGER Representatives of the Rotary clubs in Simcoe, Ontario are planning to launch Rotary Lager at an upcoming Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. Rotary Lager has been brewed by a prominent craft brewery and canned featuring the Rotary wheel along with the Four Way Test.
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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. |
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 Photograph by: Tim FitzGerald Story by: C. Richard Campbell Travel can broaden your understanding of the world. Simcoe Rotarians do a lot of travelling, sometimes to exotic parts of the earth in their quests for enlightenment, recreation and cultural enrichment.  Now apparently our Tim FitzGerald has discovered that travel can result in a thirst. Tim send me this photograph that he had taken somewhere in a pub in British Columbia where he came to refresh himself during his travels. |
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 It is early March and the tax statements, forms and receipts appear almost daily by land-mail and electronic mail. What to do when income is far outstripping deductions? You can get creative like the above cartoon or prepare for a larger payment. |
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 November, 2017 Rotary Quilt On Display at the Simcoe Public Library Photograph and story by: C. Richard Campbell Over the years, being some 90 years, The Rotary Club of Simcoe has acquired hundreds of these Rotary banners from around the world. There are several sources but the primary ones are our globetrotting members, incoming and outgoing youth exchange students. |
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Neeko Paluzzi (under the Swiss/South Tyrolean hat) returns "home" - But just where is home? Who is Neeko?  Perhaps for you and I simply reciting your street address and name will answer that question quickly enough. But not so for Neeko! Yes, Neeko grew up in Norfolk and now resides in Ottawa as an artist, an educator and with involvement in the Canadian Council for The Arts. However, in 2006, at age 17, he invested a year of his life as an outbound Rotary Exchange Student in Switzerland living and growing with host families finding himself. As is the custom, at the end of the exchange year, each exchange student writes a letter to him/herself detailing their experience and future expectations - Rotary collects those letters and mails them one year later. (pictured above - left to right - Rotarian Gerry Goddard thanked Neeko for speaking to us, next year's Rotary Exchange Students out-bound Kristen Forsyth, Ana Van Den Hurk-Cooke, Carly Burow now attending Holy trinity, Albin Jung (at back) is this year's in-bound Exchange Student from Switzerland attending SCS, Rotarian Robert Stevenson - Director New Generations on the far right) However, Neeko wrote a second letter to himself. He left it in the attic of a mountain house inside a travel alarm clock stopped at 9:00 o'clock - only be retrieved by Neeko himself upon return to that place Wengen, Switzerland at a future date unknown - he returned in 2011. Read on: |
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 Jen Sitko has recovered from from debilitating health concerns largely through yoga therapy - Rotarian Janice Demans (right) thanked Jen for speaking to us today. Jen calmly walked us through stereotypes of Yoga starting with women decked out in the latest fashion attire and floor mats attending Yoga studios, to extremely fit people in extreme poses photographed on mountain tops. But there is so much more to Yoga available to all who practice its benefits and therapies. |
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 Aylana Simpson President of the Norfolk Rotaract Club - gave us an update. For our readers unaware, Rotaract Clubs are Rotary Clubs geared and run by adults 18-30 years old. |
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 Rotarian Stan Cox thanked Carrie Sinkowski, Community Developer and Co-Chair of the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand-Norfolk for speaking to the Club. January 22, 2018 Carrie Sinkowski explained to the Club what the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand-Norfolk does and about poverty in Norfolk County. Poverty is present in Norfolk. It effects individuals, families and children and it needs to be addressed. |
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Photograph by: Andy Elkin December 11, 2017  Karen Oakes of The Rotary Foundation and a member of the Rotary Club of Delhi presents Past-President David Ferris with a certificate recognizing the contribution of the club in 2016-2017 to the End Polio Now Program. _______________________________________________________________________________________ |
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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. _______________________________________________________________ |
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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. ___________________________________________________________________ |
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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 It wouldn't be the first glass or two to launch an adventure. At our Rotary meeting Kelly shared her story, humor and photographs with the club. The photographs from the digital projector were stunning and there was actually gasps from the audience. Wait a minute, maybe it was heartburn! Kelly and her friend landed in Lima with a population of about 10,000,000. They travelled to the assembly point and took on the Inca trail. There is little relieve. It just keeps going up and up and up. But the scenery is simply stunning or .... please hold while I find Uncle Harry's Thesaurus. Ah, here it is, a substitute ... spectacular. To add to the constant exertion, there is the reduced oxygen level available for breathing as you climb higher and higher. Altitude sickness is a real concern as the elevation keeps rising. Kelly commented that it was one of the hardest things she has done. Walking uphill and gasping for air, you must be fit. From the photographs, portions of the trail do not have a lot of width. So if you are clumsy, do not book this trip. And if your wife books the trip exclusively for you and reminds you to update your will, become suspicious.
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Story by: C. Richard Campbell 177th Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show October 3-9, 2017  George Araujo, General Manager/Treasurer, Norfolk Fair and Horse show and Past-President David Ferris There is a lot happening in October right here in Simcoe and Norfolk County. There’s the Canadian Thanksgiving, the Norfolk Fair and Horse Show, the first frost, the turning on of central heating or alternate heating source, the harvesting of crops and of course Halloween. George Araujo, General Manager/Treasurer of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show looking somewhat refreshed after the conclusion of the 177th fair spoke to the club about the Simcoe and Norfolk County institution. This year the fair ran from October 3rd to 9th with the Young Canada Day opening up the fair. All the Norfolk schools closed so that the students can go to the fair. George emphasized that the fair attempts to educate the urban food consumers about rural agriculture providers. Over the years, the Norfolk County Agricultural Society which is primarily a volunteer organization has weathered the good times and lean financial periods. The buildings situated on the large fairgrounds are aging and need renovation and investment. Over $ 600,000 has been invested in such things as accessibility and washrooms upgrades.
It is a fair so expect midway rides, grandstand entertainment (from country singers to monster trucks), all kinds of exhibits and the animals. The General Manager commented that this year the fair had 15,000 entries, a $ 2.2 million budget and an (unofficial) attendance of 120,000. Simcoe and Norfolk County are fortunate to have large multi-use fairgrounds centrally located with an experienced, community-minded Agricultural Society and management. |
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Story by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs: Tim FitzGerald and ALUS Canada (Ontario) website October 2, 2017, Norfolk Golf and Country Club
Larissa Breedyk, ALUS Norfolk Co-Ordinator accompanied by Chris Van Paassen, Chair of ALUS Norfolk spoke to the club about ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services). It is a farmer-delivered program to restore marginal lands such as wetlands and steam banks into natural habitats for wildlife and natural species. Since 2007, there are over 166 Norfolk farm families and 1,400 acres enrolled in ALUS. Some of the principles guiding ALUS are community-driven, accountability, science-based, voluntary and market-driven. It is the farmer who is delivering the program by restoring wetland habitat, planting tall-grass along streams and creating pollinator habitat. He or she is compensated for participating in the project. Norfolk farmers are innovative, progressive risk-takers who in my opinion can grow anything that the soil and the climate will permit. By embracing ALUS and similar conservation and restorative initiatives, they are once again showing that human beings are not alone on this planet.
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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. This energetic young woman hiked and climbed in the the mountains. She stayed with Catharina (far right in picture) who then stayed four weeks in Canada with Kristen's family. Kristen spoke to us today at our regular meeting. Kristen,who said she enjoys history and buildings, visited cities in several adjacent countries touching Austria (such as Switzerland, Italy/Venice, Czech Republic). |
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  On Monday, October 16th, 2017, the Club will meet at 12:00 noon in the Banquet/Seminar Room (2nd floor) at the Blue Elephant Restaurant, 96 Norfolk Street South in Simcoe, Ontario. The restaurant/brew house is right across from the Eva Brook Donly Museum. There is off-street parking one building north. The parking lot is signed and accessible from Norfolk Street South. There is additional parking on Norfolk Street South. Two of our enthusiastic movers; Bob Stevenson, Director of New Generations and Vocational Service and his predecessor Janus Demmans.  |
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 Here is Rotarian Al Madill. In addition to his employment career and volunteer schedule, Al is our Club Treasurer. Al is on the Club's Board of Directors and today presented our financial statements and budgets accountable to the members. One person can make an impact, but banded together across the globe Rotarians Make A Difference to the communities that they touch. Thanks Al! |
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 Just wear your Rotary pin or insignia to find one! Meet Connie Griffin from The Ogunquit, Maine Rotary Club. Connie operates a shop in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine and is involved in Young Maine Readers. When I saw her insignia, I introduced myself as a member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. An easy conversation ensued exchanging ideas and peaking the interest of another shopkeeper, into joining the conversation, about Rotary's good work. So wear your pin - you'll be surprised at the people you can meet local and afar. |
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 1861 to 1865 - Canada was not a country yet but during the war 50,000- 60,000 citizens north of the border joined the ranks of either the Union or the Confederate armies. Mike McDonnell, of Waterford, did a stellar job condensing his one hour presentation into 20 minutes for our Rotary Club of Simcoe. He made the point several times that we should not attempt to judge or understand historical events based upon our current day values. Why did we join? - interestingly both men (along with underage boys) and some women as well. There was a strong abolitionist movement – some went south for the cause. Some went for adventure. Economics – the prospect of earning $13 a month in the Union army for you (your family) when you were otherwise cash poor was enticing. Mike related recited with pictures his research into the the individual histories of “canadians". Twenty-nine (29) were awarded Congressional Medals of Honour. Five (5) became Generals. His research and civil war passions include civil war reenactments and reading headstones in area graveyards for period clues. Example - Lieutenant William Cooke was raised, near us, in Mount Pleasant. He survived the war and is buried in Hamilton, ON. “Dundrearies” (long sideburns) was the Colonel Custards aide-de-camps during and after the War. “Dundrearies” also headed the detail that tracked down Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth; and is present (and died) in a painting of the infamous Colonel Custard’s Last Stand. Mike says that “Dundrearies” can be seen on the right center of the painting (three beards – two very long sideburns plus a chin beard). Of women in the army, as there were many underage boys enlisted, a smaller frame size and lack of facial hair was somewhat common. Further, there were no central latrine facilities. So the few women that did enlist were not easily discovered. They served and died beside their male counterparts. Thanking Mike is Rotarian Joan Shirlow, with a donation to our Gord Watts Fine Arts Scholarship. |
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2016-17 President Dave Ferris has passed the gavel to President Elect Hadley Jackson. The theme at the PDYC was Gilligan's Isle. Many of the chartacters were present. Our exchange student from Spain, Jessie, wore a traditional Spanish attire.  More pics follow |
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 Rotarian Joan Shirlow thanks Lisa Geoffrey of Haldimand-Norfolk Senior Support Services Inc for speaking to us today. What are Senior Support Services www.seniorsupport.ca ? They are funded 80% by the Province of Ontario LHIN (Local Health Integration Network). There are many local areas across Haldiman-Norfolk. Lisa is the manger of the geographic area centered in Simcoe. Lisa has approximately 500 clients aged 60 and over and disabled adults on ODSP. It is the responsibility of the local area Manager to raise the remaining 20% in the community. Lisa does this with four events:
Lisa relies on volunteers. This is a worthy cause for anyone to volunteer and be fulfilled. A significant service component is transportation in the community. Seniors unable to drive or without another network of support may require transportation such as to: social events organized for seniors, medical appointments or shopping. Transportation is arranged in advance and may include 3 stops before returning home. Very reasonable fixed rates are charged. The volunteers are paid a kilometer allowance for using their automobiles. Think of the services that a senior may require. Lisa has volunteers to assist:
For more information – contact Lisa – 519-426-6060 |
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  Tom is well qualified to do so. As General Manager of the Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association http://www.nfga.ca/ , his co-op members are interested to share and learn industry best practices. Tom O'Neil The scope of best practices was not limited; but to name a few: R&D, horticulture, plants, insects, harvesting, quarantine, supply management and governmental regulation. Fruit farming is a significant economic contributor to Norfolk County and supply of Ontario apples and pears. So this topic presentation is of high interest to our Rotary Club members and community. Tom spent one week in Melbourne meeting with and touring universities, the fruit growers’ association headquarters and national quarantine warehouses. Next, Tom’s team spent two weeks touring farm operations in the Shepparton/Goulburn Valley region area - about 160 kms north of Melbourne. Of the latter, from Tom’s Power Point presentation, the Rotarians, farmers and amenities looked similar to what we find in our rural district. Tom said that, the Rotary Clubs meet in the evening – work early – then meet after the heat of the day.  Tom highlighted some interesting observations. Although their climate is hot and dry, there are enough “chilling hours” to accommodate ranges of both citrus crops and apple crops in adjacent acreage. Irrigation is supplied from the Murray River watershed that starts toward the eastern coast. In 2007, the Australian government decoupled water rights from land ownership. Generally the practice was implemented that existing land owners received water which they could keep on their land or trade, 30% was set aside for environmental use, if required (e.g., flood gum trees in a drought) and the rest of the water became a commercial commodity. The delivery systems are computer controlled. The farmer gives notice three days in advance, confirms the order one day before and the next day computer controls pump the allocated water through weirs into poly lined ditches and into the farmer’s field. Due to sufficient rain fall the system in Victoria currently has stored enough water in reserve for a season should it be needed. The farmers use a migrant workforce – in their vernacular – “back-packers”. The government tried to institute a 35% tax on “back-pack” labour. It created an uproar and labour shortage! The government retreated and settled at 15%. Of significant differences:
Our Rotary District is international and includes Western New York. The team consisted of Fred Johnson – Westville, NY, Brian Kerry – Simcoe (apples), Torrie Warner – Beamsville (multiple fruits) and the Team Leader our Tom O’Neill – Waterford (NFGA). A reciprocal vocational team is being planned by their New South Wale District 9790 to our area in 2017) Story written by – Tim FitzGerald  More pictures: |
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 Ken Smith and Daughter-In-Law Christine On The Roof of the CN Tower’s Restaurant April 29, 2017 Story by: C. Richard Campbell Photographs: Courtesy of Ken Smith The next time your Daughter-In-Law says let’s go for a walk. You might want to ask where and how many metres above ground.
It’s billed as Toronto’s tallest extreme urban adventure - edgewalking. A 20-30-minute outdoor walk on the roof of the CN Tower’s restaurant which is 356 metres or 1,168 feet above the ground! Feeling adventuresome, tickets are $225 plus taxes and include a keepsake video, printed photos and a certificate of achievement.
There has been the odd comment about Simcoe Rotarians being a bunch of old fogies. But Ken Smith, the edge walker joins our other adventuresome Rotarians who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; zip lined in Costa Rica; sailed the Caribbean; dived on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and on and on! |
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 Story and Slide-Show by: C. Richard Campbell On Monday, April 3rd, 2017, The Rotary Club of Simcoe enjoyed a tasty and nutritious lunch at Scholfield's Bistro in Port Dover, Ontario. Then Derick Ritschel, Artistic Director and Megan Woods, Technical Director led the Rotarians and guests on a Behind-The-Scenes Tour of the Theatre. The building has history going back to 1900s. All those years ago, this was quite a grand municipal building for a small, fishing village. Since 1980, a reputation has been built as a successful theatre. One that bravely promotes Canadian productions. We also learn that a number of Simcoe Rotarians have contributed to the success by serving as Board Directors. Alas this is one of the reasons that President-Elect Jackson keeps referring repeatedly to Port Dover as the entertainment capital of Norfolk. He certainly isn't referring to the bare-breasted motorcycle riders on Friday the 13th. Although there is a certain element of spontaneous Improve theatre about it. There should be a slide-show located somewhere nearby to this story. |
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 The Global Standard for Equine Assisted (Growth And Learning Association ”Eagala”) for Psychotherapy and Personal Development, a Touch of Haven, Horses Healing Humans - big words that have yielded positive outcomes. How can horses heal humans? Julie Erb, Founder and Facilitator, spoke to us today to explain. Horses are highly intuitive. They are social animals without prejudice. They have the ability to mirror “your” feelings accurately. They are non-judgemental. Their difference, and effectiveness, is that they don’t judge you based upon the clothes you wear, your history or even the colour of your hair. Julie herself is an Equine Specialist. Julie explained that she suffered depression. Her journey back was significantly accomplished through association with horses. Her passion has assembled a team of like minded professionals - Registered Psychotherapists. There are two horse farms - one in Norfolk and one in Haldimand. These are not riding academies. They do not teach riding skills. Clients are placed with a horse or among a group of horses to interact with them. The trained psychotherapists don’t question the clients’ behaviour – rather they observe and explain the horse’s (mirrored) behaviours to the clients and suggest ways to re-approach the horse(s). The "healing" begins, for some groups, through simple achievement of positive “social” interaction. However, across a spectrum of mental health disorders, some clients (children, teenagers, adults) having seen themselves mirrored in the horses reactions, achieve heightened levels of trust, self worth and self confidence with lasting foundations in their communities, schooling and the workforce. Touch of Haven operates on a fee base. There is a sliding fee scale reduction based upon clients’ household financial abilities, if needed. Thus the programmes also rely on community fund raising to support operations. Although their staff compliment is quite low, ongoing feed, barns and veterinarian care for the horses can be substantial. A Touch of Haven can be reached: Ph. 519-429-9173 |
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 The Rotary Club of Simcoe has assembled its |
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March 20, 2017 Story and photograph by: C. Richard Campbell Kelly Isfan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk General Hospital and President and Chief Executive Officer, West Haldimand (Hagersville) General Hospital was accompanied by Carolynn Beam, Physician Liaison to talk to the Club about Physician recruitment in Norfolk.
Carolynn Beam and Kelly Isfan We learn that this year Norfolk County did not give $ 50,000 to NGH for Physician recruitment. This is puzzling since the County had contributed this amount for a number of previous years and there is evidence of some success. So, whose responsibility is it to attract Physicians for our predominantly older, below average income county residents? The image of the fee-for-service “Doctor Welby” of the past who actually made house calls, delivered babies whenever and where ever they arrived and worked horrendous hours is gone. Today’s Physician is a self-employed professional working 9 to 5 in an office and probably doesn’t visit you when admitted to the hospital. This has led to recruiting “Hospitalists” by the Isfan-Beam Team. These are the doctors that treat you within the hospital. Along with Hospitalists, the Norfolk recruitment team is looking for Internal Medicine Specialist, Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Emergency Physicians. The Recruiting Challenges - Norfolk is predominantly a rural retirement community - 54 % of Norfolk is over 55 - Scarcity of suitable spousal employment - No rural incentives to locate here - Higher than average employment rate You can understand an employer recruiting employees for a hospital. But why is the President and CEO having to divert operational funds to recruit Physicians for local communities and Norfolk residents. Shouldn’t that be the responsibility of the Province of Ontario Ministry of Health? Economic Stat 1 Physician directly employs 3.5 office/support staff which leads to an indirect economic spinoff of the equivalent of 4 persons for a total of 8.5 persons. |
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 On February 27, 2017, Rotarian Kelly Isfan, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital accepts the second instalment of $ 5,000.00 from David Ferris, President of The Rotary Club of Simcoe. The Club has committed to contribute $ 25,000.00 over 5 years to the $13 million Building A Better Hospital Campaign. Simcoe Rotary and Norfolk General share over 90 years of history and community service. It began in 1925 when one of the first fundraising projects of the newly-formed Rotary club was the Norfolk General Hospital’s Sunroom. Over the years Physicians, hospital administrators, and staff of Norfolk General Hospital have become members of our club. Rotarians believe in “Service Above Self”! That service starts here at home and extends to our world. |
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 Jim Lewis, Simcoe Salvation Army presents David Ferris, Simcoe Rotary President With Plaque on January 30, 2017
The Rotary Club of Simcoe and the Simcoe Branch of the Salvation Army have associated with each other for so long that memories can recall when it all began. The club has traditionally had a Salvation Army officer as a member as we do today with Captain Rick Honcharsky. The members of the club volunteer to man the Christmas kettles each Christmas season. Jim Lewis informed the club that Simcoe Rotary members manned the kettles for 60 hours in 2016 in which approximately $ 6,000 was deposited in the various kettles.
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 Our newest member Connie Forsyth, Richard Campbell, Sponsor and Past-President Tim FitzGerald
December 19, 2016 |
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 Jim Stevens, Harold Shantz, Margaret Bancroft and Garry McMillan
Winners of The Rotary Club of St. Catharines 2016 Annual Bill Ford Memorial Bonspiel Photography by: Tim FitzGerald
If you look very closely at the plaque you will see that the Rotary Club of Simcoe curling team of Harold Shantz, Jim Stevens, Garry McMillan and Mike Cobb won the bonspiel in 2014.
It is official (the information came from an unimpeachable source), every time Harold Shantz and his curling team leave town for a bonspiel, he is taking a U-Haul trailer with him for the trophies.
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 Holiday House Tour Chair Ron Baker with Gift Basket, Committee Members Kelly Isfan and Bob Stevenson
The winner was Kelly Lariviere of Hamilton, Ontario. (December 2, 2016)
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December 12, 2016
Story by Tim FitzGerald
Photograph by Tim FitzGerald
.JPG) Jeanne Smitiuch, Ontario Director of the Dollywood Foundation
Canada and Wayne Brantchaud, Brantford Sunrise Club Rotarian
Our speaker today was Jeanne Smitiuch, Ontario Director of the Dollywood Foundation Canada. Jeanne (Jan) enlightened us on their programme that delivers, free, one child's book directly to that child each month until age five years old. If a parent, relative or friend reads to the child, it has been shown that the child is better prepared and in advanced reading readiness than their peers. This is an effective tool to fight poverty.
However, there is no means test to qualify! The Canadian cost is approximately $42 to deliver the books directly to each child. The child owns the books. Seen above with Jeanne, is Brantford Sunrise Club Rotarian, Wayne Brantchaud who reinforces that the Brantford School Board testing of children against an Early Development Index observed that children in geographic sectors where the Foundation's reading programme was more prevalent showed otherwise unexplained higher scores. Wayne says the observation is not statistically or scientifically proven - but a positive sign just the same.
Wayne has his own children enrolled. Of course Wayne could afford the costs himself - so he simply donates much more back to the Foundation.
For more information please contact Jeanne Smitiuch.
Cell 519-771-2543
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 Simcoe Rotarian Bob Stevenson, Waterford Interactors Rebecca Davis, Bronwyn Riddoch, Ben Hoerdt, Maddy Burnett and Ms. Tiffany Chanyi (Staff Advisor to Interact)
This is a group of young people that are "hungry" for community service. Something Rotarians can recognize and applaud.
The Waterford Interactors organized and carried out a scare for food campaign as a Halloween Service project, to gather food for the Waterford Food Cupboard. On Halloween, they gathered the equivalent of 4-5 large cartons of canned food. In the picture above, they are shown after they delivered the food to the Waterford Food Cupboard. Hey people there are some empty shelves needing to be filled.
►Carry out hands-on service projects
►Make international connections
►Develop leadership skills and have fun
With a "cool" name like Waterford Interactors, the group should get some black leather jackets and some even cooler graphics. Just be careful when you are invited to bring your "hogs" to Port Dover on Friday the 13th.
Story by: C. Richard Campbell with help from Bob Stevenson
Photograph courtesy of Bob Stevenson
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The October 24th, 2016 offsite meeting at Larry Kormos' has been canceled. |
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 President Dave Ferris And District Governor Marlee DiehlOur October 17, 2016 guest speaker was Marlee Diehl, District Governor. Marlee is a vivacious, dynamic woman who has a heartfelt awareness of what it means to be a Rotarian.
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 STEP Students Alisa Feder, Germany, Hilary Wilbur, Delhi and Rotarian Bob Stevenson (August 29, 2016) |
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Dr. Urmila Sharma, Manager, Infection Prevention, Norfolk General Hospital On August 22 ,2016, Dr. Sharma spoke to the Club about her participation with the World Health Organization battling the Ebola crisis in Liberia, East Africa. Working with local health professionals, the infection prevention specialist concentrated on keeping the medical professionals alive, reducing the transmission of the disease and setting up safe treatment and disposal procedures. Many of the African nations treating Ebola suffered substantial fatalities among their medical communities. While listening to her, you couldn't help recognize her attention to detail and the danger she was exposed to. Norfolk General Hospital is fortunate to have her on staff.
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Ray Barlow, General Manager, Portal Village This cheery fellow came to the Rotary club to speak about seniors! Many of our members have a few kilometres on their bodies. But they are not contemplating purchasing walkers and wheelchairs. They are too busy sailing, curling, golfing, fundraising, volunteering and travelling to exotic places in the world to do such things as climb a mountain. Ray Barlow spoke about being a senior. Demographics, marketing, and changing aptitudes were focused on but the key to healthy lifestyle seems to be to concentrate on living. All the better if it is a healthy lifestyle.
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David Comel, The Laughter For Paws Show (October 28,2016) Delhi Belgian club David Comel, Comedian and Friend To Animals Being Thanked by Rotarian Ron Baker
David is helping to raise money for the local Simcoe & District Humane Society. Canadians are among the top owners of pets in the world but the local society receives little or any government funding. The comedian has a serious side and pointed out to the audience that Norfolk County has a problem with thousands of feral (born in the wild) cats and dogs. These animals are not suitable for adoption as pets. On October 28, 2016 at the Delhi Belgian Club, he will perform. Tickets are $ 10.00. laughterforpaws.wix.com/davidcornel
norfolklaughs.wix.com/comedy |
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 President David Ferris, Past-President Tim FitzGerald And...Well Dinner Leftovers From June 14th, 2016 |
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 Lynn River Music & Arts Festival Announces Biggest Line-up Ever!There’s More of Everything at This Year’s Fest!June 21, 2016Simcoe, ON…This year’s Lynn River Music & Arts Festival has a lot more music, arts, crafts, food and merchandise vendors, and family-related activities than ever before and they can’t wait to welcome you to Simcoe on the Civic Holiday Weekend (July 30-August 1, 2016) to enjoy all that is on offer!
Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Simcoe (Ontario), this Festival (in its 49th year, and fondly remembered as Friendship Festival), retains many of the tried and true family traditions of yester-year. But the new Lynn River Festival brings much more music & arts to the forefront! “We have booked a stellar line-up of nationally & internationally recognized bands alongside many local and regional favourites”, said Festival Artistic Director Sara Moody Veldhuis. “Lead by JUNO Award Winner TOMI SWICK, our lineup this year, more than any other, includes more bands (30+) and more musicians (150+), making music all weekend long! And the best part?! It’s all FREE to the public!” said Moody Veldhuis. (Proceeds from this non-profit event benefit The Rotary Club of Simcoe, and dozens of other Service Clubs and community-based organizations, and their ongoing charitable fundraising throughout the year).
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 President Tim FitzGerald is in Hillbilly Heaven on June 21st, 2016 as He Gives Rotarian Dr. Keith Sutherland of the Norfolk General Hospital “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign the first $ 5,000.00 of its CommitmentThe Rotary Club of Simcoe "delivers" on its first $ 5000 installment of $ 25,000 to the “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign. The local hospital is raising $13,000,000 for the renovation of Labour and Delivery, Same Day Surgery and developing the Minimally Invasive Operating Rooms.
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 President-Elect David Ferris and Former Exchange Student To Brazil Dr. Jesse Shantz MD, MBA, FRCS (C)Dr. Shantz addressed the Simcoe Rotary Club on June 6th, 2016 to describe the impact on his young life being a Rotary Exchange Student. Dr. Shantz MD, MBA, FRCS (C) was introduced by his father Rotarian Harold Shantz who commented that his son had spent 29 years of his life being educated and qualifying as a surgeon. The Doctor also has a Masters of Business Administration degree. A very unusual match. The Shantz father and son are the second pair within the Club. If you have a torn rotator cuff, you might want to have your GP refer you to good Doctor.
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 Auf Wiedersehen Hillary Wilbur, Step Student, Germany, Au Revoir or Adie Adam McConnell, Outgoing Exchange Student, Belgium and Rotarian Garry McMillian |
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 Simcoe Rotary Director of International Service John Featherstone With $ 4,000.00 Donation To The Canadian Red Cross and Patsy Hoto TD Branch ManagerWe all know that money doesn't grow on trees. But it does grow when a bank matches your donation to a worthy cause. So lets look at the arithmetic. A $4, 000.00 Simcoe Rotary donation is matched by the Td Bank.
$4,000.00 plus $4,000.00 = $8,000.00. Now the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta are expected to match the enlarged donation. The $8,000.00 becomes $16,000.00. The final matching yields $16,000.00 + $16,000.00. = $32,000.00. Can this be right?
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 What is Rotary? In its simplest form, raise money, make a difference in our communities and have fun while doing it. |
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 Monday, March 14, 2016
Photograph: From Archives
Story: By C. Richard Campbell
The Rotary Club of Simcoe voted at its meeting on March 14, 2016 to donate $ 25,000 to the Norfolk General Hospital's “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign. Starting with 2016, the money will be given at the rate of $ 5,000 per year over the next five consecutive years.
The “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign is raising $13,000,000 for the renovation of Labour and Delivery, Same Day Surgery and developing the Minimally Invasive Operating Rooms.
The soon to be ninety-one year old Club has a long relationship with the 90 year old Hospital. Both are local institutions that place a high emphasis on Service.
It started around 1925 when the Club raised $ 6,000 in "a whirlwind campaign" from public subscriptions for the construction of the Sunroom addition to the newly-opened Norfolk General Hospital. "It was an auspicious beginning and it set a standard that only a determined and Rotary-inspired group of men could maintain."
Many of our members are employees (both active and retired), hospital volunteers and served as board members. A number of our former members have been local Doctors. And some of us have been admitted as patients, well as expectant mothers anyway. Kicking and screaming from the delivery room.
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Lucas Jones, 2016 Rotary Cup Winner Congratulations On Another Successful Musical Arts FestivalPhotographs: Courtesy of the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival
Story: C. Richard Campbell
 The Rotary Club of Simcoe has been there almost from the beginning. Thirty years is an important milestone. The fostering of art among our young people enhances and enriches the community. It would be a very dull place without such things as song, music, poetry and theatre.
Individual accomplishment does not come easy for the majority of the young people. They have to learn their craft and adapt to performing before an audience. We applaud the participants, their families, the teachers and the festival organizers.
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 Emil Lill (on left), our 2015/16 is our Club’s inbound Rotary Exchange Student from Hannover, Germany. Emil presented his home Club's banner (Hannover-Luisenhof) to our Club President, Tim FitzGerald.In 4 1/2 months, so far, Emil has experienced a lot of "Canadiana" highlighting a Hamilton Ticats football game in late October, maple syrup, poutine, the Canadian use of the expression "eh". Germany is 350 thousand square kilometres, Canada is 10 million square kilometres. But in contrast, Germany's population is 82 million to Canada's 36 million. Emil said that his experiences in Canada have widened his outlook and understanding of different cultures and languages. Emil's current aspirations are in the airline industry.
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Allan Arthur, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre Dolf Wynia, Former Superintendent of the Ontario St.Williams Forestry Station and Allan Arthur, Senior Ecologist / President, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre |
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 David Beasley reading an excerpt from one of his books! |
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Mellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager, Norfolk County Rotarian James Jackson (A Man Of Culture) Presenting Mellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager
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Our New Meeting Place! On January 4, 2016, the Rotary Club of Simcoe will meet at the Three-West Trends Bistro located at Best Western Little River Inn,
203 Queensway West, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 2M9. The meeting room is on the lower level. If needed there is an elevator from the lobby to the lower floor meeting room.
Meetings wll start at the same time - 12:15 p.m. each Monday except for statutory holidays. Visit this website for cancelations or off-site meetings.
 Best Western Little River Inn Main EntrancePhotograph: Courtesy of Best Western Little River Inn
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2015 Rotary Holiday House Tour Wrap Up This is our last major fundraiser of the calendar year. Thank you to the many people who purchased tickets. To our ticket sellers, sponsors, decorators and the good folks that opened their homes to Rotary and strangers, a very sincere thank you.
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Rotary Christmas Party December 8, 2015 Springview Farm Golf Course, Waterford, Ontario Jeff Scott and Liana Thompson, Winners of the Ugly Sweater Contest Accepting Prize from Dave King
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We Are Moving! We Just Don't Know Where!If you are a Rotarian planning on a make-up at our Club, please note that our next meeting is Monday, November 30, 2015 and the regular meeting on Monday, December 7, 2015 is canceled. Our last meeting of 2015 is Monday, December 14, 2015.
Our first meeting in 2016 is Monday, January 4, 2016 at a new location. After decades of meeting at the Norfolk Golf and Country Club, we are moving. On November 27, 2015, our new location is undetermined.
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Sleeping Children Around The World, Philippines A Wee One Holding The Rotary Club of Simcoe Bedkit |
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 The Christmas party is for Simcoe Rotarians and their quests. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Strolling Dinner at about 7:00 p.m. Music by Norfolk’s own acoustic duo The Schotts www.theschotts.com Dinner Catered by Devlins Country Bistro www.devlinscountrybistro.com Dress Code- Ugly Sweater- Special award for the Ugliest Sweater
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Simcoe Rotarians And Guests Attend Ticat Football Game Now that the 2015 Ticat Football Team's season is over. It seemed appropriate to post this photograph of Simcoe Rotarians and guests dressed in winter clothing on October 2, 2015. Actually the authour stumble upon the photograph while housecleaning the hard-drive.
The group is waiting for their bus to arrive. For many the ride on a school bus was a trip down memory lane to their childhood. It was an unseasonably cold and windy night and the Hamilton Ticats lost to Calgary in the final seconds of the game. Does this ending sound familiar!
The new stadium is impressive but with a wind-chill factor more suitable for January, I for one missed the big screen TV, the Lazy-Boy reclining chair and the fully stocked refrigerator.
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Toyotetsu Plant Tour (TTCA), Simcoe, Ontario, November 23, 2015 Seated left to right, Rotarian Albert Madill, President Norifumi Taniguchi, Toyotetsu Canada Inc. (TTCA), President Tim Fitzgerald, The Rotary Club Of Simcoe
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.jpeg) Just in - Past President Thor Olsen displays the recognition plaque of The Rotary Club of Simcoe, as major sponsor to the Elgin Avenue Public School Snoezelen Room. Seen here, PP Thor Olsen is celebrating the good work of our club's Community Concerns Service Committee with Club President Tim FitzGerald. The plaque will be affixed in the Snoezelen Room. Thor and Committee - thank you - a job well done!
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.jpeg) The Lynn River Music and Arts Festival (LRMAF) took place on the August Civic Holiday weekend August 1st, 2nd, 3rd 2015. Tom O'Neil was the 2015 event Chair. Seen here, Tom is handing over the fundraising proceeds to Club President Tim FitzGerald. Tom said three music stages, three days of sun, record vendor attendance, twelve months of planing and above all our sponsors made the Festival. Adam Veri, incoming Chair for 2016 hopes for a fourth music stage, The public understand the music festival and love it! |
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 This is District Governor (DG) Kevin Crosby receiving a warm welcome from The Rotary Club of Simcoe's President Tim FitzGerald. Our Rotary International District (RI) 7090 encompasses 69 clubs extending from Delhi to Hamilton and across the border including Western New York State. The DG is a busy person visiting all 69 clubs in his 2015/16 year. Kevin applauded our club for the service (Service Above Self) of its members and accomplishments (Be A Gift To The World) in improving both local and global communities.
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 Rotarian Richard Campbell thanks Jason Persall, Farmer and President of Pristine Gourmet, Waterford, Ontario. Jason's business now produces 5/6,000 litres of edible oils per day. Jason shared how his original vocational skills (farmer) combined with value added skills (producer and international marketer) created an international business from the family farm.
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Norfolk General Hospital's $ 11 Million Fundraising Campaign |
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"TUMAINI" means "Hope" in Swahili, it is also a school for poor kids. |
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Dennis Zukowsky, President-Elect 2016-2017 Left: Dennis Zukowsky and Jack Amico |
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Aloha ʻO ... koʻu inoa Our names are Andy and Jeff |
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 Steve Smith Presented With Paul Harris Fellow By George Renshaw, A 62 Year Club Member And Paul Harris Fellow
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 April 20, 2015 From Left: Hadley Jackson, Kurt Oldenburg, Gerry Goddard
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Look Closely At These Smiling Rotarians!
 Left: Garry McMillan, aka The Mathematician, Harold Shantz, aka The Hospitable Administrator, Davis Ferris, aka The Undertaker, and Mike Cobb aka The Peaceful Judge
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Rotary Club of Simcoe's Al Madill proudly wears his 2014 Rotary Curling Tour blazer at our Rotary Holiday Party held Tuesday evening, Dec 9, 2014, at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, in Port Dover. A Rotarian is only allowed to attend once. So it is another lifetime goal achieved for Al.
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Rotary Club of Simcoe’s Dennis Zukowsky, Quenches Fire with Thor (Brand) Safe Clothing
 At a meeting of the Rotary Club of Simcoe, new club member Dennis Zukowsky, a Port Dover resident, made a fascinating presentation of his full line of fire resistant protective outer wear clothing marketed under the Thor Brand. This is in addition to his original garments - safe protective work-wear, designed to protect people in a variety of dangerous and explosive locations.
Zukowsky has over 30 years of wide experience in textile garment manufacturing across Canada and abroad. Recently, Dennis has created Thor (Brand) Fire Retardant Fabrics. These are used to create comfortable protective outer garments for many active workers, who could be exposed to sudden, very dangerous, fire flare-ups, even explosions, in the work place. Example locations may be in the oil and gas industry, defense, traffic police and perhaps construction sites and forests, where flash fires may occur. Such workers are at risk to deadly burns when they wear conventional clothing made with conventional, unprotected, fabrics.
These are patented, modern garments that are both attractive and comfortable to wear, while greatly improving worker protection from the hazards of flash fires in both industrial and other risky situations.These are designed in Canada and fabricated in North America for world-wide markets.
Mr. Zukowsky held his Rotary Club audience, most of whom are business owners and active or retired executives, spellbound with photographs and film clips demonstrating his unique line of Thor (Brand) safety outerwear.
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“Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling
millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and creates alternatives for building a better life.”` Kofi Annan |
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2014-15: LIGHT UP ROTARY
 RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang chose Light Up Rotary as his theme for 2014-15. Huang is urging club members to Light Up Rotary by hosting a Rotary Day in their community, continuing our fight against polio, and increasing club membership. "Light Up Rotary is more than our theme. It is how we make a difference -- every day, in every club, and every country we serve." |
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ROTARY DISTRICT ANNOUNCES THE 2014 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SATURDAY MAY 3, 2014 HOLD THIS DATE IN YOUR SMART PHONE, BLACKBERRY OR CALENDAR RIGHT NOW!!
District assembly is for ALL Rotarians, but especially those in club leadership roles for the upcoming year and those who want to know what is happening in Rotary. Attend and learn:
This year’s Assembly will have 27 sessions. Some sessions are targeted for club leadership or those who are moving into leadership positions. Others are for all Rotarians. It is important to have several of your club members attend to cover the variety of topics being offered. Watch for the final plan so you can choose which sessions you may attend. Pre-registrations and on-line payment is mandatory this year. While pre-registering you can also choose the three sessions you wish to attend. Your choices will be printed out on your name tag.
CONFERENCE CENTER NIAGARA FALLS (HTTP://WWW.CCNFNY.COM/) Two minutes south of the Rainbow Bridge |
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International Service - Ron Baker, Director of International Service introduced Collingwood Rotarian John Van Laar, who travelled with wife Cora to report on their “Back to School” activities in Cebu , Philippines.
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Youth and Community Service - Robert Stevenson - Director of Youth and Community Service introduced our outbound Rotary Exchange Student, for 2014/15, one excited Ashley Abraham. At the time of the meeting, Ashley was waiting for a weekend Rotary gathering of our international District 7090, in Welland, ON , to learn what country she would be going to. We now know this to be Brazil . When Ashley was eight years old she met a Rotary Exchange Student.
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New Generations & Vocational Service
Madeleine (Madi) Mahoux's (Belgium) Classification Talk and Home Club Banner Presentation to club President Thor Olsen   |
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A New Interact Club Established at Waterford District High School |
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June 15th, 2015
June 23rd to 26th, 2018
uly 7th, 2018
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Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. 
FIRE AT 3 WEST TRENDS BISTRO
