We had a wonderful gathering at Red Lion Smokehouse to celebrate the past year of 2022-2023 and the Presidency of Brian Walmark.  Lots of things to be proud of including raising $33,000 from Rotary Radio Day and $15,000 from Country on the Bay.  These funds go directly back to our community.  We also had the Be the Bridge ceremony that say Rotarians from Duluth and Thunder Bay celebrating 100 years of partnership.  We also had many other great memories with our efforts at the Dew Drop Inn, working on CRA application and the Waterfront Trail.  Thank you Brian for a wonderful Rotary Year! 

 

AT OUR CLUB July 11, 2023

New President Shelley Crawford welcomed a healthy crowd live and on Zoom for her first meeting.

Notable new guests are both prospective members: Cindy Kisken, and Amy Kemble. Present also were the new Rotaract President Aja Melanson and Past President Elyse Pither. Also Past Past President Karissa Kilby

Her Land Acknowledgement and introductory comments re a focus on Mental Health, the Environment and Diversity, Equity Inclusion included a board approved a one year trial  initiative to offer up to five bursaries to support prospective members who would be excellent Rotarians but who lack the financial means to pay the full membership. The hope is to attract young entrepreneurs, newcomers, people on a disability pension, and others who are underrepresented in our club based on inability to pay the full fee. These comments were followed by our 2022/23 Inbound Exchange student Manatsanan (Fern) Sirichaikeereekosol's final presentation, a hybrid verbal and video that entertained and informed the members of her fine year here. She presented the club with a Rotary banner from her home club (her mother is president there).

She was introduced by 2 of 3 host parent cohorts: John Stephenson and Marg Woods, and Shelley Crawford and David Legge. All are pictured along with Rotary YEO (acting) and Secretary, the always reliable Matthew Diegel. Absent for this celebration where the other host parents Yan Yan and Hau Chen. Fern received a lovely piece of Indigenous art sourced by Marg Woods as a gift from the Club, presented by John and Marg.

 

 

President Brian Walmark's concluding meeting as President commenced with an outstanding "Land Acknowledgement/Refection" summarizing our progress in club reconciliation with Indigenous peoples: what has the club learned and what has the club undertaken?  Brian's passion and commitment to this mission shone through.

There were then salient announcements concerning RYLA (driver requirement from Duluth home), Dew Drop Inn, Country on the Bay volunteers urgently needed, and an open invitation to attend the gala Outlaw Bridge celebration July 1st at Grand Portage.

President Walmark's  farewell address was thoughtful and reflective. It themed on the continuous evolution of Rotarian activity over the years consistent with that of the city and asking what relevance the organization has achieved over these many years (100 coming up).
He thanked all for their support in his presidential year.

His "thank yous "were most heartfelt:
 Highlighted were: Art Warwick, Rod Morrison, Jaro Kotalik and Kevin Holloway. Others were almost too numerous to mention.

 

AT OUR CLUB May 23, 2023

President Brian Walmark welcomed guests, and provided a thought provoking land reflection (asking how do we benefit from living on this First Nation Treaty Land?).
He then offered  a general reflection summarizing feelings of his recent Focus Group (of non Rotarians) on the value of service clubs and challenges to recruitment.

FEATURE PRESENTATION

Results of the 57th annual 2023 Rotary Radio Day were provided by Chair Matt Villella, along with Administration lead Krysta Logozzo Daniele.
The final add total was 581 and gross revenue an outstanding $32,355.

On hand the club were delighted to thank Dougall Media President and club member Hector Dougall along with long standing primary support for RRD- Ann Snell and Rosa Tucci (pictured).

A tremendous amount of hard work was put in by Dougall media and many club members, with additional congrats (beyond the above named) to the Money Men Chris Bailey and Albert Brulé, as well as the top 3 sellers (astounding work): Bill Everitt (119 ads), Warren Philp (72 ads) and Shelley Crawford (68 ads). Then there were many who provided live interviews, ad reader and Family Day Supporters.

The wrap up included valuable commentary from members and Hector Dougall, who put tremendous effort into promoting the event through his many channels.

 

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE REPORT

Past DG Roly Turner and club international project lead gave a fine update on the Mano A Mano "20 de Septiembre Health Clinic" in rural Bolivia, complete with slides, blue prints and a cogent message that partnership is key and extremely important in pulling off the rather amazing feat of a full service health clinic for cost of just $100, 000 USD. Our club inputted $2000. Along with 12 other U.S. District 5580 and 3 canadian clubs and using District matching grants, this building is nearing completion and is an outstanding Rotary accomplishment.

IMPORTANT ACTIVITY UPDATES

Upcoming service opportunities are highly recommended and include: DDI (May 25th-D. Silliman), Highway trash pickup ( June 3-D. Silliman), Big Plant Day at Salvation Army Jpourney to Life Field of Greens II (June 6-D. Legge and P. DeBakker), Outlaw Bridge Ceremony a joint Canada -United States venture( at Grand Portage Hotel July 1-B. Walmark with a host of dignitaries and speakers).

Finally, Congratulations in order to Past President Vonnie Cheng receiving a fellowship award from Lakehead University.



 

AT OUR CLUB March 14, 2023

FEATURE PRESENTATION

Kerry Berlinquette has a wealth of experience in the travel and event business in Thunder Bay. She self describes as a "self appointed community ambassador." 

Her address amply confirmed her passion as an altruist promoter for good in the community, focusing on the brilliant initiative Empower the North (www.empowerthenorth.ca) with 3 things to pledge in Thunder Bay.
 President elect Albert Brulé is also CEO of United Way of Thunder Bay and the force behind this program. He introduced Kerry. 
 
Kerry recently spent 3 weeks in Kenora in discussion with and leading a class with Indigenous people looking for a positive way forward: highly successful for both sides: an example of her unselfish passion to help.

She went on to explain the power (Empower the North) of individuals (Rotarians being a great cohort example) coming up with novel ideas on acts of kindness leading to action and a reward system with the those providing the acts eligible for a monetary prize for their own gift to a charity of choice. Kerry's example of her own involves collecting clean, recycled, decent clothing in various sizes that she will package in sets of three (by size) to give to the  Elizabeth Fry Society for clients facing the outside world, applying for work, going to court etc. Ingenious.

The presentation was well received and full of energy, generating many questions and plaudits. She was thanked by President Walmark. Kerry has presented to the club before and is welcome back anytime.

 

 

 

AT OUR CLUB  January 10, 2023

President Brian Walmark chaired today's meeting, commencing with a relevant reflection by elder Stephen Paquette on the meaning of "land ownership" by indigenous peoples in Canada. His interpretation distinguishes this phraseology from caretaking and stewardship of the land (his preferred interpretation). 
 
Kevin Holloway was at the helm of tech for this well attended hybrid meeting, making for an excellent experience for all.
Today's O Canada emanated from the world junior hockey tournament event.

GUEST SPEAKER

 

Prominent business manager Brent Boyko has a lengthy and valued relationship with Rotary, dating back  ago (age 16) when he was an outbound Rotary Exchange student (Fort Frances Rotary) to Akita, Japan. 
The impact of this experience has enriched his life thereafter, and today he presented on "My Rotary Experience." He was accompanied by two Hammarskjöld students that he and family are currently hosting (through Home Stay), pictured with Brent today (Theresa Moik on the right from Hamburg Germany, and Sofia Villena from Mexico City on the left). Of note they were able today to meet our own inbound student from Thailand, Fern.

A (brief ) CV of Brent follows. He has a successful career in management largely in the forest sector looking at improving the environment.

Brent Boyko is a seasoned manager with over 30 years’ experience in the forestry sector. He has managed pulp and paper mills and understands the impact that these facilities have on host communities. He led a 210 MW power facility conversion from coal to wood pellets, a first in Canada. He has contributed to several industry organizations, presenting at conferences including IEA task 32, Canbio, WPAC, and NRCAN. At the director level he explored bioenergy business development opportunities in First Nation communities. He has a Chemical Engineering degree and an MBA from Athabasca University. In his spare time, he volunteers in his community, supporting children and elder charities and local service clubs. He is passionate about community, running for municipal politics in the 2022 election.

His presentation commenced with a fine testimonial letter from Heihadhiro Okamoto, who himself was a Rotary Exchange student (from Japan) staying with the Boykos in Fort Frances, almost 44 years ago, a life changer for him. 

Brent's life in Japan and now years later his giving back to international students here in Thunder Bay were highlighted and well understood by the members.

Brent was introduced and thanked by President Walmark.

 

Michael has been an active member of the Thunder Bay community since he moved to the Lakehead in 2005.  He has been an active member of the Thunder Bay Country Market, Rotary Shelter House, the Dew Drop Inn and the Kwae Kii Win Center, and the Regional Food Distribution Center -- to name just a few.  Serving those who are in need have been the defining moments of his life. “The market had made a decision to become more community minded,” he said.  “It was decided to host a community feast at Shelter House. We were all busy with the meal preparations for our 2 pm meal service when I glanced at the time (1:50 pm) and then at the dining room which now had a lineup of people around its perimeter. All of these people in line were there because they were hungry. I had never encountered this before. When I left that day, I knew that I needed to do something, I needed to do more.” 

Michael gave a succinct but powerful overview of the Dew Drop Inn, serving the hungry people of Thunder Bay and environs, with "no questions asked, no one denied" since it's inception in 1981.
Described by Rene St Jacques in his introduction as "a team player, leading by example, and on the front line" the presentation laid out clearly the Who, What, Where, When, Why  and How, people with hunger and food insecurity can get access to healthy food on a daily basis at this important place.
The need is there and skyrocketing: last year's numbers were in the 120,000 visit range. For thanksgiving this year, over 620 were fed! With Covid, the flu, housing prices and general inflation, the beat goes on.

The base problem said Michael, is lack of affordability of food. The "living wage" is simply too low.
There are clients that are regular daily customers, a majority being seniors over 60. There are many issues on an individual basis contributing.
 Volunteerism is essential and certainly a dedicated staff willing to deal with all the demand on a daily basis- year round. 

Our club has been a staunch supporter for many years. Members have not only prepped and served food, but also toiled at and supported financially, many renovation projects there, both in the hall and kitchen. 
Our big day is the fourth Thursday of each month. Dave Silliman is the force behind our club support.

The club was thanked by Michael and Melody. The partnership remains strong.
Our guests were then thanked by no less a hands on DDI inspired guy than Rotarian Bob Tomlinson.

 

 

Please listen to Rotary Radio Day – February 20th, 2023 on CKPR 91.5 FM  Thank you to Dougall Media for their support! 

 

 

 

 

 

PORT ARTHUR ROTARY  CLUB MEETING October 11, 2022


President Brian Walmark welcomed members and notably guests Dan Brown (ADG -District 5580, Nipigon Rotary Club), Gail Brescia, Lakehead Rotary Club, and Bob Hookham, Fort William Rotary Club.
Matt Villella handled the technology including Zoom hosting.

Following an appropriate reflection and O Canada, we had a two special presentations and then club current activities update.

FEATURE PRESENTATIONS

1. Zoya Rehman, and Harleen Hayer, (Superior CVI students) attended the annual RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp in Crookston MN as our club representatives/ambassadors.
Regrets today came from the third student, Fernanda Soto Valenzuela (St Ignatious High School) who will present later.
They were selected following interviews by the club committee (Bob Tomlinson, Brenda Winter, Leslie Savitsky, Doug Shanks and Art Warwick). Bob introduced Zoya and Harleen and they were thanked by Art.

Zoya (on left) and Harleen (on right) are pictured.

They both spoke with exceptional poise and articulated how the experience enriched their lives considerably, and by extension all their friends and family. As with other past RYLA alumni, the interaction with many peers (mainly from U.S. District 5580 clubs) followed a pattern of transition to a new and comfortable comfort zone with honing of leadership skills and developing life long friendships.

The club was delighted to hear from them a positive response to invitations to pursue their new skills within the Rotary family through a variety of opportunities.

2. Bob Hookham (Fort William Rotary), and Bob Tomlinson (PA Rotary) were thrilled to announce final results of the Country on the Bay event held at Fort William Historical Park, and the highly successful volunteer effort by the Thunder Bay Rotary clubs as major volunteers handling alcohol sales, to the tune of a profit of $63,571. Our costs were but $6096, so we netted $57,474.29, which split 3 ways to a tidy $19,158.29 for  each club
Treasurer Chris Bailey was pleased to accept the cheque. The two Bobs detailed the Rotary experience, and committed to our involvement for next year's return engagement.

Pictured are Bob Tomlinson (L) and Bob Hookham (R), dynamo workers: (Allan Kozlo and his spouse from Lakehead Rotary were also major leads).

ANNOUNCEMENT UPDATES


1. Bob Tomlinson (board member and tireless tradesman) with Bob Hookham (the patriarch force at his side) of Wilderness Discovery Camp (Lake Shebandowan) summarized a very successful season at this amazing facility.
2. Karissa Kilby outlined her position developing our new and improved social media platform. Facebook is the preferred engine. Instagram is also in the mix. The Featured Rotarian feature is gaining steam and members     are encouraged to submit.
3. Marg Woods reported on our inbound Exchange Student Fern, integrating well, and in need of support by the whole club. A third host family is still to be finalized.
4. Shelley Crawford announced three exciting Rotary fellowship events upcoming: TBSO with Nancy Freeborn vocalist, Magnus Theatre (Man of La Mancha) and a wonderful Christmas Party (December 10th at the Courthouse Hotel). Come out and support your colleagues and enjoy excellence in all respects. Shelley welcomes all enquiries.
5. Dan Brown (ADG from Nipigon) is encouraging participation in a Push against Polio luncheon in Nipigon with raffle and lunch (October 22).
6. Dew Drop Inn report (Dave Silliman) for September 22nd: 440 folks partook. The need is inexorable it seems. Food insecurity is a big issue. Next opportunity is the 4th Thursday of October (27th).
7. Gail Brescia (Lakehead club) encouraged participation at their CanEHjun event October 27th at Victoria Inn. Great Cajun food with music by James Boraski and Mardi Gras theme.
8. Rotary Radio Day (Matt Villella) It is coming soon indeed: expect an important message very soon.