President Matt Villella welcomed a lively crowd and following a land acknowledgement and toast, introduced our guest speaker Reuben Villagracia.
Reuben Villagracia
“I'm 48 years old, born and raised in Thunder Bay. My parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in the 1970s. I graduated from Port Arthur Collegiate in 1995 and from Carleton University in 2001. I am currently the sports editor at The Chronicle-Journal newspaper in Thunder Bay where I have worked since 2002. (I attended a rotary lunch with a family friend, Kishore Sakhrani, in 2018 or 2019, and my former publisher at the CJ, the late Colin Bruce, was also a very active member with your group). My wife, Jessica, and I have one daughter, Katelynn (9 years old). Jessica works at the Transitional Care Unit after graduating from Confederation College in the Practical nursing program in 2022.”
Reuben was president of the Filipino Canadian Association of Thunder Bay 2010-2013 and has an intimate knowledge and love for the Filipino community and its culture, especially to the benefit of the whole community. He spoke of his family background in the Philippines, and attraction to his work and cultural life in through the 90s and 2000s. Regular dancing/Folklore activity, and sports have been key (an example the Filipino basketball club).
He invited Rotarians and friends to join him and wife at the inaugural 1st Filipino Food Festival with food, music and dance, Saturday May 3rd at the Oliver Rd Community Centre, where he expects many of the 200 local members will attend and promises a fine evening.
President Matt thanked Reuben and invited ongoing relationship with the club.
He invited Rotarians and friends to join him and wife at the inaugural 1st Filipino Food Festival with food, music and dance, Saturday May 3rd at the Oliver Rd Community Centre, where he expects many of the 200 local members will attend and promises a fine evening.
President Matt thanked Reuben and invited ongoing relationship with the club.

Introduction of Outbound Exchange student 2025-2026
John Stephenson welcomed Ben Sunila , Grade 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) student at Superior CVI, heading for Brazil (District 4750). Ben spoke about his upcoming exciting year and thanked the club. He is pictured with mom Dr. Stephanie Block, John and Marg Woods.

REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
- John Stephenson and Marg Woods (club environment leads) encouraged members to join them for their deputation to City Council at City Hall, Monday April 14th - their acceleration/adoption of Green Development Standards proposal re the city Net Zero Strategy towards energy efficient building standards. Much great work has gone into this with members lending letters of support.
- John noted that Marg confirmed 2 district grant applications are submitted (with thanks to Roly Turner) to assist in programs with LRCA and Eco-Superior.
- Dew Drop Inn report for March 27th: 470 served and a very busy workday. Special thanks to new members Angela and Brian who really enjoyed their volunteer time. Next DDI day is April 24. (Bob Tomlinson).
- International Trail Day on June 7th - planting native species, in Pool 6 area (sign up to get out and assist the WTRCAT crew…looks like many are volunteering! (Warren Philp)
- Allocation submissions: opportunities to submit recommendations by April 30th. See website for process. (Matt Villella)
- Club Budget mini seminar: where we are at, and how it works. Interested parties to join the treasurer team invited (Kevin Holloway).
- Honouring Indigenous People (HIP) new pilot project here in Thunder Bay-Teacher to Teacher -T2T (using same model as Youth to Youth- Y2Y success): connecting 20 Ontario Indigenous and non-Indigenous teachers, at Confederation College (Shelley Crawford)
- Fellowship, RRD Appreciation this coming Monday April 15th, noon at Roosters restaurant. Celebrate the great work of Dougall media on successful Radio and TV fundraising campaign. Limited space so contact Matt V asap!
- Rotaractor Trivia night fundraiser - April 26th at LU – get teams of five organized. https://www.facebook.com/tbayrotaractclub/ (Matt Villella)
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Canada