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Mailing Address
Port Arthur Rotary
PO Box 33016
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 0B1
www.parotary.com
www.facebook.com/PARotary
PO Box 33016
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 0B1
www.parotary.com
www.facebook.com/PARotary
Welcome to our Website!
Service Above Self
We meet Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Prince Arthur Hotel
Prince Arthur Hotel
17 Cumberland Street North
Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4K8
Canada
Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4K8
Canada
Email:
District Site
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Venue Map
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AT OUR CLUB-September 18,2018
A presentation from HIP (Honouring IndigenousPeoples) provided an insight into the goals of this Rotary initiative. The goal of HIP is to create an organization of Rotarians and Rotary clubs working in partnership and in collaboration with indigenous people in Canada and other interested parties whose focus is on indigenous education in all its forms, for the purpose of: empowering indigenous people, and creating awareness and understanding of indigenous issues amongst Rotary members and others.
Our speaker John Andras, the Project chair of HIP, stressed the need and the benefits of establishing good communication with indigenous people. John provided examples of how HIP has successfully acted as a facilitator and has been able to provide solutions through Rotary connections with industry and businesses.
In the photo from the right: Rotarians: President Warren Philp; Guest Presenter John Andras, Projects Chair HIP, John Currie, Executive Director HIP; and David Newman Q.C. Counsel for HIP. More information on HIP can be found at http://www.rotaryhip.com .
Lee-Ann Chevrette,Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Coordinator, presented a sobering but enlightening overview of the many faceted problem ( a huge challenge) of crime prevention in Thunder Bay. A holistic approach is required for sure, with the elements of creating public awareness, causation analysis, and program development to mitigate the many problems (which Lee-Ann tells us, are complex and pervasive, but occurring sadly throughout Canada) outlined today.
Her background in evidence based science, specifically the field of environmental/wildlife ecology, is of huge benefit, in that she can draw parallels between rural/wilderness animal (and the environment) ecology and urban human "systems" ecology. Aberrations and losses in each sphere predictably result in many problems (hence crime in human society).
Lee-Ann reviewed the facts about Thunder Bay: sobering to say the least. Her focus is in upstream advocacy targeted at high risk populations. And the Advisory Committee for Crime Prevention has identified many of the sources of these problems, down to stats on neighbourhoods at risk, homelessness, drug and substance abuse, racism and others. The knowledge is evidence based, hence credible, and the strategic priorities make good sense.
She mentioned as a good example of positive feedback the work done ( by the City) on recommendations of the jury at the Seven Youths Inquest (31 of 145 total directed at Thunder Bay): water course and river safety surveillance, as well as missing persons protocol being mentioned in some detail.
Lee-Ann could have gone on much longer to enlighten the audience. maybe she will come back, hopefully.
She is pictured with President-elect Rod Morrison (L) who graciously introduced and thanked Lee-Ann, and President Warren Philp.
Her background in evidence based science, specifically the field of environmental/wildlife ecology, is of huge benefit, in that she can draw parallels between rural/wilderness animal (and the environment) ecology and urban human "systems" ecology. Aberrations and losses in each sphere predictably result in many problems (hence crime in human society).
Lee-Ann reviewed the facts about Thunder Bay: sobering to say the least. Her focus is in upstream advocacy targeted at high risk populations. And the Advisory Committee for Crime Prevention has identified many of the sources of these problems, down to stats on neighbourhoods at risk, homelessness, drug and substance abuse, racism and others. The knowledge is evidence based, hence credible, and the strategic priorities make good sense.
She mentioned as a good example of positive feedback the work done ( by the City) on recommendations of the jury at the Seven Youths Inquest (31 of 145 total directed at Thunder Bay): water course and river safety surveillance, as well as missing persons protocol being mentioned in some detail.
Lee-Ann could have gone on much longer to enlighten the audience. maybe she will come back, hopefully.
She is pictured with President-elect Rod Morrison (L) who graciously introduced and thanked Lee-Ann, and President Warren Philp.
AT OUR CLUB-September 4,2018
The Allocations Committee recommends the distribution of funds raised by Port Arthur Rotary to benefit Groups or Organizations within the community, fairly and wisely. Specifically, we try to provide seed money to get worthy projects up and running. (Community generated projects are ideal), and we favour projects for youth, elderly, health-care, and community projects that benefit large number of residents of Thunder Bay.
On Sept 4th the Port Arthur Rotary Club provided a total of $9,155.00 to the following seven community organizations:
Organization | Attending the meeting: |
Consortium Aurora Borealis | Father Francisco Blazek |
Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario | Mary Kozorys |
MS Society- Lake Superior District Chapter | Sandra Lychowyd |
Northwestern Ontario Regional Science Fair | David Legge (for Robert Jackson) |
Our Kids Count | Amy Silvaggio and Jocelyn Kloosterhuis |
St Johns Ambulance, ‘Camp 911’ | Diana Sustawenko |
Team Unbreakable - Children’s Aid Society | Charmaine Cades |
Allocations Chair, Past-President Kevin Holloway presented the recipients of the latest allocation cycle with their cheques, with accompanying very helpful information about the specific programming to which the donations are being targeted.
Representatives were on hand, and thanked the club and were congratulated on their meaningful community contributions. They all added the conversation of each project.
Diana Sustawenko (pictured with Kevin Holloway) for St Johns Ambulance 911, supporting young emergency response learners in a variety of practical experience settings
Kevin pictured with Amy Silvaggio (R) and Jocelyn Kloosterhuis, representing Our Kids Count, supporting in- need youngsters, breaking barriers and nurturing families, with 2 fully stocked kitchen kits.
Kevin with Charmaine Cades, for Team Unbreakable-CAS (returning to this club), supporting therapeutic running programmes for young people for mood enhancement
Kevin with Mary Kozorys for Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, supporting much needed bus tickets for their clients attending many essential meetings during their various journeys to recovery in the criminal justice system.
Father Francisco Blazek, board member with Consortium Aurora Borealis, supporting purchase of the new French double (Hubbard-Munschy) harpsichord for this remarkable music organization (a video showed Music Director Elizabeth Ganistasos playing the fine instrument)
MS Society- Lake Superior District was represented by Sandy Lychowyd, supporting the Society developing a video for funding raising purposes.
Sandy is, concurrently, the Assistant District Governor for our 5580 Rotary District (from Lakehead Rotary club). Busy lady!
Finally, On behalf of coordinator Robert Jackson, David Legge of PA Rotary (a judge at the Fair), subbed for the allocation supporting 2 winning students at the 2018 Fair: the Rotary Peace and Sustainable Development Award, and the Rotary Preserve the Planet Earth Award. The former was won by Nicholas Biesenthal (Bishop Gallagher) for "What is the environmental impact and overall efficiency on current battery technology?" The latter winner was Zachary Gothard (Nor'Wester View P.S.) for "What substance melts ice the fastest?"
This was a feel good meeting as PA Rotary clearly demonstrated it's mandate of service to the community. Congrats to all recipients and good luck going forward.
Rotary Field of Greens on the Move!
Rotary Field of Greens on the Move!
In 2009, the Port Arthur Rotary Club sponsored the Field of Greens Community Garden at the Salvation Army Community & Residential Services property on Cumberland Street in Thunder Bay. For eight seasons, the large community garden consisting of about 20 fruit trees, a 'main' section and smaller individual boxes has provided fresh fruits and vegetables to the Salvation Army food bank and to their kitchen.
According to Port Arthur Rotary Club President Warren Philp, “Given the general upswell and interest in community vegetable gardening in Thunder Bay and internationally, Port Arthur Rotary Club felt that it would be a good fit to partner with The Salvation Army Thunder Bay given the historic relationship with the organization.” Philp continued, “there have been many benefits in the project. The vegetable garden has supplied a large percentage of fresh vegetables for the residents’ immediate use given there is a full service kitchen on site, not to mention, a Food Bank.“
In 2009, the Port Arthur Rotary Club sponsored the Field of Greens Community Garden at the Salvation Army Community & Residential Services property on Cumberland Street in Thunder Bay. For eight seasons, the large community garden consisting of about 20 fruit trees, a 'main' section and smaller individual boxes has provided fresh fruits and vegetables to the Salvation Army food bank and to their kitchen.
According to Port Arthur Rotary Club President Warren Philp, “Given the general upswell and interest in community vegetable gardening in Thunder Bay and internationally, Port Arthur Rotary Club felt that it would be a good fit to partner with The Salvation Army Thunder Bay given the historic relationship with the organization.” Philp continued, “there have been many benefits in the project. The vegetable garden has supplied a large percentage of fresh vegetables for the residents’ immediate use given there is a full service kitchen on site, not to mention, a Food Bank.“
The Field of Greens met one of Port Arthur Rotary’s community-focussed goals namely to address the needs of the poor, hungry and homeless in Thunder Bay. Produce has also been used for the nightly mobile feeding program carried out by Salvation Army staff utilizing the Soup Van. As the garden developed, the residents and staff of the Salvation Army took over ongoing care and nurturing of the garden.
Because of the planned construction of the new Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre and the site preparation that is necessary beforehand, it was necessary to forego the garden this year. The Centre will replace the current aging structure and is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Salvation Army is grateful for the community support they have received in ensuring that they still have fresh produce during the construction. Also, in an effort to preserve the fruit trees that were part of the garden, volunteers from the Port Arthur Rotary Club have recently worked with the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) to transplant twenty of the fruit trees to land that hosts several food security projects. The twenty trees now effectively adds an apple orchard to the RDFA projects on the go at Tapiola Park on the outskirts of the city of Thunder Bay.
Because of the planned construction of the new Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre and the site preparation that is necessary beforehand, it was necessary to forego the garden this year. The Centre will replace the current aging structure and is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Salvation Army is grateful for the community support they have received in ensuring that they still have fresh produce during the construction. Also, in an effort to preserve the fruit trees that were part of the garden, volunteers from the Port Arthur Rotary Club have recently worked with the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) to transplant twenty of the fruit trees to land that hosts several food security projects. The twenty trees now effectively adds an apple orchard to the RDFA projects on the go at Tapiola Park on the outskirts of the city of Thunder Bay.
"This project has provided an opportunity for our residents to contribute to their own care. They have an opportunity to exercise and have social times growing fresh produce while at the same time, helping to reduce operating costs. The Salvation Army is grateful to the Port Arthur Rotary Club for having made this possible," said Major Lori Mitchell, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Thunder Bay Community & Residential Services. “Going forward, we are looking forward to working with Port Arthur Rotary to establish a new community garden on the grounds of the new Journey To Life Centre scheduled to be completed in 2020.“
Port Arthur Rotary welcomes any individuals, business or community minded not-for-profit organization to share in the development of the next phase of the project; examples: earthboxes, gardening expertise, seeds, labour or services.
For more information, please go to www.parotary.com or www.facebook.com/parotary or contact Port Arthur Rotary Field of Dreams Committee Co-Chairs Chairs Warren Philp (cell:632-3998; wphilp@tbaytel.net), and David Legge (cell 624-6474; dlegge@tbaytel.net). The Salvation Army Executive Director is Major Lori Mitchell. (345-7319-w 627-9999 Cell; lori_mitchell@can.salvationarmy.org)
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Rotary is the world's largest and oldest humanitarian service network. There are four local clubs in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon area with membership that includes and welcomes individuals who are interested in serving their community and making a difference in our world. Our clubs work to serve and financially support local and international initiatives with a primary focus on health, water and sanitation, literacy and education, community development and peace. Port Arthur Rotary was established in 1924.
Induction of Melanie Blanchette as a new member. Welcome Melanie (pictured after the ceremony with Past President Irene Kozlowski(who delivered the "charge"), Bonnie Moore (who proposed Melanie-centre L) and President Warren Philp). Melanie is the Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation and brings a wealth of diverse experience to the club.
Rotarian club member from Scarborough, Ontario, Nevine Yassa Sonbol spoke to us about her 2 passionate international Rotary efforts: 1) The I.C.C. Rotary Inter-Country Committees, dedicated to fostering cultural diversity and unity amongst different countries; already involving several countries including Canada, Italy, Cypress and others, and 2) Roota Zabaleen, a non-profit organization supporting marginalized women in Egypt. International Service epitomized.
She is pictured exchanging club banners with President Warren Philp.
Guest speaker Michelle Zapf-Belanger. President of the newly formed Thunder Bay Conservatory of Music (pictured with President Philp and President-elect Rod Morrison, who introduced and thanked Michelle), Michelle spoke passionately for the conservatory model for fine music encouragement of both youth and adults through connection, learning, ensemble playing together and all around diversification appropriate to Thunder Bay. She and her very musical family..all concert level professional musicians, have already livened up fine music in TB and are bent on substantially increasing the impact in this northern community. Michelle and husband Tom Cosby are well known (violinists and viola) with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
At our club August 14, 2018.
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President Warren Philp chaired a well attended meeting today (including several guests/prospective members), anxious no doubt to get in on the membership drive discussion.
Warren is pictured (R) with Past-President Kevin Holloway (L), both working on elements of membership and public relations development through our website, We are transitioning from Sencia Canada Ltd.managed website (Thanks Past President Irene Kozlowski for your 9+ years of hosting) to ClubRunner hosting facilities. Other marketing, social networking and face to face strategies will be used to try to grow the Club.
Kevin presented a topical follow-up on the Field of Greens- The Salvation Army Thunder Bay Community and Residential Servicesproject, specifically on the transitioning of the apple orchard trees from the SA site on Cumberland St to the RFDA Thunder Bay Regional Food Distribution Association managed Tapiola site off Government Rd, where the apple produce will be welcomed by the RFDA (one of our many partners in Service). This presentation included video and aerial of the site and the remarkable feat of numerous surviving trees, some already laden with apples (despite the trauma of transplanting and the hot weather). (See video click: https://www.facebook.com/PARotary/videos/258422534881599/)
President Philp then outlined the basics of the Board 3 year Membership drive, based on consultations both internally within the club and via professional advice. The members and guests were made aware of the many facets of this high priority direction for the club.
Immediate Past-Presidents Brenda Winter and Bob Tomlinson also provided an update on the Wilderness Discovery Centre project, one of TBay and Nipigon Rotary clubs premier service obligations. This huge challenge is starting to see real progress as summer winds down. The clubs had a fine tour this past weekend of the WDC site. Members are still encouraged to pull up their sleeves going forward this month.
AT OUR CLUB-August 7, 2018
The club had the pleasure of hearing a dynamic a passionate presentation today by Tracie Smith, Senior Director: Communications, Indigenous Affairs and Engagement, at Thunder Bay District Regional Hospital.
The club had the pleasure of hearing a dynamic a passionate presentation today by Tracie Smith, Senior Director: Communications, Indigenous Affairs and Engagement, at Thunder Bay District Regional Hospital.
Sub-titled "Your Hospital-our Commitment to Indigenous Health", the address comprehensively covered the demographic and numerous health care challenges of the large population of Anishinabek people in NWO (20% of the general population), many living in remote isolated communities. The realities are stark and Tracie covered the entire gamut.
The history dating back to the colonialization period was reviewed, as was the challenge of economics in a vast geographical territory and the sad legacy of the Indian Act, residential schools on down the line. Urgently needed: awareness, education and trust and respect; all huge requirements to move forward.
Tracie then outlined the plethora of fine programming at the hospital under her wing: Indigenous health being a top priority. Indigenous patient navigators and liaisons, culturally sensitive regional critical care, spiritual care, screening services, discharge planning (very important) were but some of the important programs extant and moving forward.
All in all, a superb and powerful, challenging address and the club thanked Ms. Smith for appearing during her vacation time.
Pictured beside Tracie are Past-President Brenda Winter (L) and President-elect Rod Morrison (R, who invited Tracie and introduced her). Dave Legge thanked the speaker.
AT OUR CLUB-July 31/2018
President Warren Philp was joined by Maria Hudolin (far L), Steve McAuley (centre L) and Kishore Sakrani (far R) in today's feature presentation on their attendance and involvement at the 2018 Rotary International Convention, in Toronto (June 23-27).
The Power Point and positive feed back from our members (Leslie Savitsky and Chris Bailey from PA Rotary also attended) was exceptionally positive. Upwards of 25,000 delegates from over 150 countries, met and exchanged Rotary ideas, friendships and aspirations. There was no paucity of celebrities lending a hand, including 3 prime ministers (Canada's included), a princess (Anne), a former first lady of the U.S. (Laura Bush) as well as the leadership of RI itself.
Steve McAuley cited the numbers and opined "think of the power."
The scope and grandeur were impressive (for example, the House of Friendship at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, had 100s of booths).
Next year's convention is in Hamburg, Germany, then Hawaii and Houston.
Members were urged to make one or more of these pilgramages as a life time goal.
The club welcomed new member Patti McCluskey to our ranks today. Delighted we are to have Patti on board, keen to serve and enjoy Rotary fellowship. She is pictured with President Warren (in his Rotary Brew Fellowship shirt) and Past President Doug Shanks (R) who read the charge to Patti. Dave Legge provided the introduction in the absence of Leslie Savitsky, Patti's sponsor.
President Warren Philp was joined by Maria Hudolin (far L), Steve McAuley (centre L) and Kishore Sakrani (far R) in today's feature presentation on their attendance and involvement at the 2018 Rotary International Convention, in Toronto (June 23-27).
The Power Point and positive feed back from our members (Leslie Savitsky and Chris Bailey from PA Rotary also attended) was exceptionally positive. Upwards of 25,000 delegates from over 150 countries, met and exchanged Rotary ideas, friendships and aspirations. There was no paucity of celebrities lending a hand, including 3 prime ministers (Canada's included), a princess (Anne), a former first lady of the U.S. (Laura Bush) as well as the leadership of RI itself.
Steve McAuley cited the numbers and opined "think of the power."
The scope and grandeur were impressive (for example, the House of Friendship at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, had 100s of booths).
Next year's convention is in Hamburg, Germany, then Hawaii and Houston.
Members were urged to make one or more of these pilgramages as a life time goal.
The club welcomed new member Patti McCluskey to our ranks today. Delighted we are to have Patti on board, keen to serve and enjoy Rotary fellowship. She is pictured with President Warren (in his Rotary Brew Fellowship shirt) and Past President Doug Shanks (R) who read the charge to Patti. Dave Legge provided the introduction in the absence of Leslie Savitsky, Patti's sponsor.
AT OUR CLUB-July 17/2018
President Warren Philp was pleased to commence the new Rotary year with a visit from the new 2018-19 District 5580 Governor, Blaine Johnson (bjohnson@crowleyfleck.com), all the way (to his first Canadian Rotary meeting) from Bismark North Dakota.
His presentation was superb and struck to the core of why we join Rotary: giving back to the community and developing strong relationships.
Mr. Johnson (DG) quickly got the attention of members by quizzing the oldest and youngest members of our club as to their motives in joining the organization.
A business example from the U.S. spoke to the need for a successful club to accept and deal with change. The importance of evolving new approaches started with the founder Paul Harris. It resonates today.
A business example from the U.S. spoke to the need for a successful club to accept and deal with change. The importance of evolving new approaches started with the founder Paul Harris. It resonates today.
At the end of a stirring address, Mr. Johnson encouraged us all to "stop talking and get doing." PA Rotary likes to think we are complying. Mr. Johnson was generous in praising our club and received a warm reception.
Pictured are (L to R): PA Rotary President Warren Philp , Barb Philp, Sandy Lychowyd (Lakehead Rotary club and 2018-19 Assistant DG), Blaine Johnson (new District Governor and Guest of Honour), Maria Hudolin (Past President PA Rotary and Assistant DG..who thanked Mr. Johnson) and Roly Turner (another PA Rotary PP and Past DG) who introduced Mr. Johnson.
On the same programme, President Philp presented President-elect Rod Morrison with his pin, and they are pictured with DG Johnson.
Also, Past President Winter is pictured with 2017-18 Rotarian of the Year Bob Tomlinson..great work both!
Pictured are (L to R): PA Rotary President Warren Philp , Barb Philp, Sandy Lychowyd (Lakehead Rotary club and 2018-19 Assistant DG), Blaine Johnson (new District Governor and Guest of Honour), Maria Hudolin (Past President PA Rotary and Assistant DG..who thanked Mr. Johnson) and Roly Turner (another PA Rotary PP and Past DG) who introduced Mr. Johnson.
On the same programme, President Philp presented President-elect Rod Morrison with his pin, and they are pictured with DG Johnson.
Also, Past President Winter is pictured with 2017-18 Rotarian of the Year Bob Tomlinson..great work both!
AT OUR CLUB-July 3, 2018
Plenty of celebration today(the new Rotary year has dawned) as President Brenda Winter "passed the gavel" to new President Warren Philp.
Brenda had a magnificent year and skillfully thanked all Rotarians for their constant support.
She is pictured with incoming President Warren Philp (minus the gavel but having been pinned).
Past President Vonnie Cheng then passed on her PP pin to Brenda (see picture).
The hardworking, dedicated (also a PP) Bob Tomlinson (newly retired at that) was awarded (and rightly so), Rotarian of the Year. No one toiled longer and harder at numerous Rotary projects during the year..well done Bob.
Warren Philp's leadership in the past/present/future was on full display today, with his inaugural address, certainly promising as a creative and innovative "spark" going into the new year. He introduced his new executive board, which in addition to PP Winter includes Rob Grady, Joe Wasielewski, Jim MacDonald, Jaro Kotalik, Joe McEachern, Brian Thompson as well as treasurers Leslie Savitsky and Chris Bailey. Warren has some excellent fresh ideas up his sleeve; including monthly off-site meetings, increased fellowship get- togethers, return to youth exchange, and strong participation in District 5580 affairs. Warren has just returned from the Rotary International Convention in Toronto with plenty of ammunition and insights.
New Director Jaro Kotalik presented Mo Nelson with his Paul Harris plus 3 pin for ongoing support of Rotary..very generous and appreciated Mo!!
New President Warren was welcomed, Past President Brenda saluted as well as Rotarian of the Year Bob Tomlinson and depicted also with Warren displaying his 2018-19 mantra "Be the Inspiration"
