Sponsor
Lakehead University Bartley Residence Conference Centre is proud to be the Home of Port Arthur Rotary.  Lakehead’s Conference Services is the venue sponsor for our meetings.
 
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Special thanks to our club sponsor The UPS Store.  Thank you for everything you do for Port Arthur Rotary 
 
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Looking for some funds from our Allocations Committee? 
Thank you for considering Port Arthur Rotary to help support your organization or
group.
 
October 15 is our first deadline of the year for Allocations.
 
Port Arthur Rotarians work hard to raise much-needed financial support for the
community. Funds raised are distributed through an allocation process that involves a
committee of volunteers who review applications from across the region.  Please be
aware that we cannot support applications for individuals. Also, requests for funding
for items of an operational nature are not supportable. We continue to support
charitable activities of many kinds that benefit our community, however, this year we
have a special focus on projects that support mental health and the environment.
 
There are normally 2 grant cycles per year and the Port Arthur Rotary Club strives to
meet the needs of our communities. When we receive your submission, we will contact
you and advise you on the grant cycle status. Deadlines for application are: Oct. 15
and March 15.
 
Are you interested in writing an application for support from the Port Arthur Rotary Club? 
 
After completing the form, please email to Judi Turner at judit@tbaytel.net.
             
If you have any questions, please email Judi Turner at judit@tbaytel.net, or call 807-683-
3609.
Mailing Address:
Port Arthur Rotary,  
P.O. Box 33016,   Thunder Bay, Ontario,   P7B 0B1     CanadaChange
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Club Information
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Port Arthur Rotary

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Lakehead University, Bartley Residence Conference Centre
955 Oliver Rd
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Canada
Lakehead University Bartley Residence Conference Centre is proud to be home and sponsor of Port Arthur Rotary. 2nd and 4th Tues Zoom link, email: mavillel@lakeheadu.ca Meals to be ordered by the Weds. prior: parotarytreasurer@gmail.com
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Venue Map
Home Page Stories
At our meeting October 24
1. Amy Kembel, on her life with Synergy North as Manager of Human Resources and Safety.
Her leadership in promoting and upholding workplace safety standards, including mental health
well being was highlighted. She has extensive knowledge and training in all aspects of leading
programming for Synergy North, including mentoring, labour relations, arbitration, and outreach
as well as a successful consulting business with The Kembel Group.
 

 2. Dr. Marg Woods, on World Polio Day, and our local Pizza for Polio fundraiser (with Eat Local
Pizza). Marg presented a comprehensive overview on Rotary International's extensive
involvement in eliminating polio: 2.5 billion immunizations in 125 countries. The first North
American outbreak was in 1895 in Vermont; in 1910 in Canada in Hamilton Ontario. The RI
president of 1979 brought Rotary into action on vaccination in public health management. The
POLIO PLUS campaign was born in 1985 and the POLIO PLUS PARTNERS program in 1985.
A primer on the virology and immunization programming for the 3 strains (two wild and one
derived) of the disease then led to a discussion of the ongoing Rotary determination to finalize
the goal of complete elimination (WPV 1 remaining only in Afghanistan and Pakistan). Rotary
clubs around the world hold this service dear to their hearts. Of note our own PA Rotary club
has seen members engage in international service, providing oral Sabin immunization clinics in
India, and of course benefiting from the cultural exchange

 
At our meeting Oct 10, 2023
HOME PAGE

The Challenges of Recovery: a timely overview of the current addiction/mental health crisis in Thunder Bay, and how to deal with this.
Rotarian Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre has extensive professional and personal knowledge and insight into this critical issue.
His presentation was candid and highly sobering. The needy are many; demand for recovery services is great (overwhelming?).
The work done at the Centre is a great model for integrating men back into a healthy lifestyle. The challenges" include addiction, recidivism following treatment sessions, and often combined with diverse forms of mental illness. The key take away-"finding a purpose."
There have been many wonderful success stories: time, patience and understanding required.
The Field of Greens, a PA Rotary project has been one strategy yielding positive results
 


President Shelley Crawford introduced the theme in her reflection on WHO's World Mental Health Day (on this day) and with Rotary International President R. Gordon McInally's focus for his year on mental health.

Gary was introduced by Paul DeBakker and thanked by Bill Everitt.
At our Meeting on September 26, 2023
A packed house was energized by 2 presentations (as well as multidimensional reports on  all club events and service opportunities (see club runner website):

1.  Jeremy Bryan 
Our club 1997 Rotary Outbound Exchange student to Costa Rica, where is interest in international affairs took off. He credits Rotary for much of this great career start. He is a graduate of Hammerskjold High School, and  presented from his home in Ottawa. With Foreign Affairs Canada, preceded by NGOs in Bangladesh and Paraquay, his career has been highly eventful and meaningful, representing Canada as a diplomat. Pictures show him at various stops including Penang, Malaysia, Sudan, Kyiv, Ukraine and a reunion with his Costa Rican family.
 

 
2.  2023 Country on the Bay Festival Rotary (and Rotaract )   volunteer leads on hand for cheque presentations (Dawn Sebesta, Bob Hookham from Fort William Rotary club along with PA Rotarian Bob Tomlinson pictured with treasurer Kevin Holloway and President Shelley Crawford) accepting cheque for  $16,928.70. This reward for hard toil will be used for a variety of service opportunities in our upcoming year. In addition, Rotaract President Aja Melanson is pictured receiving her cheque for $2000. The Rotaractors were once again in big force in this year's success story.



 
At our meeting 
SEPTEMBER 12/23 MEETING-Lakehead University

A packed house heard a great presentation outlining the many dimensions of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA)  protection and stewardship work of our Thunder Bay watersheds.
Ryan Mackett (Communications Manager) and Jessie McFadden (Stewardship Program Coordinator) spoke on the jurisdiction, regulatory powers, flood management and conservation efforts in this large conservation area (36 total CAs in Ontario). Of particular interest are the 10 properties offering unparalleled opportunities for nature/conservation exploration open to the public.
The LRCA Healing Trail is an exciting new urban conservation area development right on their property (Oliver and Golf Links Rd)  with a healing trail, medicine garden and more. Ideal for people to access and enjoy. Stay tuned.
https://lakeheadca.com/ Check out the comprehensive website. There are many great event importunities in the immediate future.
 


Rod Morrison introduced  his spouse Lesley Bell who is our latest Family Associate member. 

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Celebration of 2022-2023 year
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 Meeting Aug 22, 2023
1. Dave Long, District 5580 District Governor, met with the board and presented a highly informative overview of Rotary as a great service organization with major impact around the world.
His background in Rotary at Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary, began simply with a friend inviting him to meetings. His Power Point then covered all the way from Why Did I Join? to Why am I still In? to the impact around the world of Rotary International. His passion for international service and leadership within 5580 shone through.
Dave's affable presence and fellowship carries on, he visits other Canada clubs Wednesday and Thursday, now a third of his way through his district tour.

One of his favourite quotes: It is NOT "it is what it is" but "It is what you make of it." Well worth pondering on, and so apt.

2. The club welcomed new members Amy Kemble and her daughter Olivia, (an Associate member ) and Cindy Kisken.
Past District Governor Roly Turner, current DG Dave Long, Past president David Legge and PA president Shelley Crawford were all involved in this brief ceremony.
Welcome Amy, Olivia and Cindy. 
 
At our meeting Aug 8
President Shelley Crawford, with assistance from Kevin Holloway (and thanks to Mark Tilbury and LU) conducted a great meeting at Lakehead University.
RYLA students presenting on their fine experience at RYLA Camp, Crookston MN- Dawson Haack, Jayla Hygaard, Prisha Brar.
New club family membership introduced - Amy Kembel with daughter Olivia Kembel.
 
At our Meeting July 25
Today’s meeting welcomed new member, Cindy Kisken, who is happy to be part of our club and looks forward to volunteering at Dew Drop Inn next month.
 
 
Club members vigorously bid at a Chinese Auction, led by Brenda W, on a handcrafted bowl signed by David Suzuki to raise money for the Rotary Foundation in support of global environmental protection programs…congrats to David L on winning!
 
We said a sad goodbye to Fern, our Rotary International Exchange student from Thailand…she’s off home on August 1. Thanks, Fern, for all your service involvement this past year.
 
Bob T thanked all volunteers for their Country on the Bay efforts…this terrific fundraiser will bring in around $16,000 for each of the three local Rotary clubs! And we thank you Bob! 👏🏻
 
 
Port Arthur Rotarians and friends enjoyed Border Cats baseball, even though they lost.
 
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At our club Meeting July 11 2023
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.
 
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Be The Bridge July 1st 2023
Port Arthur Rotary is extremely proud of the great Be the Bridge event at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino on July 1, 2023. It was a special event that included dignitaries
Terese Tomanek, Duluth City Council
Gary Melander ,Rotary Duluth 25 president
Kay Biga, Past District Governor
Dave Long, District Governor
Beverly Soloway, historian, president, "The History of the Outlaw Bridge."
Dominic Pasqualino- Acting mayor of the City of Thunder Bay
Special thanks to past president Brian Walmark for leading the charge on this great event. What a wonderful legacy project. Thank you for this amazing event.
We thank our sponsors for making this event happen.
Gold Sponsors
Hedgehog Technologies
Phoenix Consulting
Rosslyn Family Dental
Silver Sponsors
Hector Dougall
City of Thunder Bay
UPS Store on Memorial Ave
Thank you for helping us celebrate. Looking forward to another 100 years of partnership with Duluth and Thunder Bay.
 
At our Meeting June 27 2023
AT OUR CLUB June 27, 2023
 


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.
 
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At our Meeting June 12 
Special guests:
Vijaykumar and Savita Nazare of Rotary Club of Dombivli, India, District 3142
Olivia Kembel :- Grade 9 St Ignatius High School
Fernanda Soto Venezuela- St Ignatius HSan
Fern (Manatsanan)-St Ignatius HS
Amy Kembel-Amethyst

Today’s focus was on the diverse Rotary Youth involvement in the community

The new PA Rotary Interact club pilot was discussed by lead Olivia Kembel
She has good experience already in multiple leadership endeavours already
Fern in interview with Shelley Crawford
Recounted her own experience with Interact in her home city in Thailand.

Fernanda and Derek Monias (Sandy Lake FN) reported on their fine experience at the Honouring Indigenous People in Winnipeg in March. Derek reported on Zoom from Sandy Lake.
The interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in multiple forums was exceptional
Potential linkages with Rotaract and Interact were all cogent.
The club was treated to youth leadership in full force.

At our Meeting May 23 
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 Meeting April 25
Allocations Chair Judi Turner reviewed the mechanics again for the club's funding. The following were acknowledged and all spoke with a passion about their cause with thanks to the club.
1. Community Clothing Assistance providing very practical anti-poverty assistance to needy groups, mainly kids: The Undercover Program provides new undergarments and socks to kids 4-14 years of age
2.Fort Severn First Nation: the Rural and Remote Challenge fosters rediscovery of Indigenous knowledge relevant to the 21st century for youth. Video presentation by Levius Miles
3. Dennis Franklin Cromarty School : funding for transport to the hockey arena, interaction with elders, and professionals all promoting energy and purpose to move ahead, especially with school.
Teacher Sean Spenrath was on hand to thank the club and explain the program.
4. United Way of Thunder Bay: Event coordinator Alyssa Ryan described the assistance to help fund the commUNITY BBQ (with proceeds to assist Shkoday)
5. Dew Drop Inn represented by manager Julio Chiodo received funsing to assistance in replacement upgrading of lights in the main hall, all to improve lighting/health in general
 
At our Meeting April 11
Winner of the 2023 Rotary 4 Way Test Essay Contest, Grade 12 Superior High School student David delighted members and guests with his extraordinary effort.
David composed his message on the potential adverse effects on young (and old) resulting from social media influencers, putting his mind to its relevance to the 4 Way Test.
It took him all of 1 1/2 hours to write this gem. It was the top essay in Rotary District 5580 (62 clubs).
David's passion for history and philosophy shone through as well his excellence in articulation of his premise. Then his answering of probing questions by members further confirmed the outstanding result of this competition.
The title: How the Personas that we create online are not consonant with the Rotary 4 -way test
At our club meeting 
FEATURE PRESENTATION

Past President and current Club Trainer Warren Philp delivered a very timely overview on Rotary as a whole and our own Port Arthur Rotary club.
Past President Kevin Holloway provided the full tech support. 

It was timely because members are always beneficiaries of updates on  club functionality in these ever changing dynamic times (right now emerging out of the recent pandemic and getting back to some degree of normality, with meetings now at Lakehead University). His presentation on Power Point is available on the left side of our webpage..


His address is very aptly named: WHAT'S OUT THERE FOR YOU.
The subtitle is: ROTARY IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.
There is a great deal to be done and be proud of.

The key messaging involved acquisition of skills and ease entering the club digital platform ClubRunner.
The tutorial clearly explained the mechanism for using this effectively. Members may need updating of their Log in User Name and Password.

There is a real wealth of information therein, all the way from the basics of personal id, to being informed in social media, and copious opportunities within the world Rotary movement.

The club is indebted to Warren for his leadership in catalyzing club excellence. Hopefully a follow up in the future will cement much of this material.
 



 
 
 
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At our club meeting March 14, 2023
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.
 


 
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AT OUR CLUB February 28, 2023: Rita Komendant’s Love of ARCHITECTURE!
 
The Love of Everything, the Love of Architecture!  Rita Komendant, Architect and Member of our Club, gave us her take on the magic of designing built form with a slideshow presentation of iconic structures and accompanying discourse.  We met in person at the Roots to Harvest location on Fort William Rd. The thinking and dynamics of the design process are woven into Rita’s life experience as a design architect.
   
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In our Meeting Feburary 14, 2023
AT OUR CLUB February 14, 2023:  Derek Lucchese, Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria and Bakery
 
 
Derek Lucchese, co-owner of Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria and Bakery, gave a love-ly, heart-warming talk about bread-making, pizza-oven making, running a pizzeria, teaching others how to make pizza ovens and mentoring.  He lives his values of inclusion and is committed to giving youth, including Indigenous youth, job opportunities in his shop and restaurant.  What a great way to practice Reconciliation!  His business survived Covid-19 selling hot pizzas for pick-up and frozen pizzas. Things are back with a one less table for romantic couples due to the new freezer (sorry, Rod!).  The hot pizza ovens have enough residual heat to bake bread the next morning.
 
 
At Our Club:  Upcoming Programming
 
Feb 28 meeting - Rita Komendant (Architecture) at Roots to Harvest on Fort William Rd (in person only) 
  
 
March 28 meeting – Rotarian Warren Philp will speak on Club Training topics at Bartley Conference Centre (hybrid)
 
 
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In our meeting January 24, 2023
THE SCIENCE NORTH NW ONTARIO EXPANSION PROJECT with Lead and Senior Scientist Emily Kerton
Emily's dynamic presentation covered the entire gamut of:
1. History of Science North to present day activity in Thunder Bay
2. The exciting new build at the Thunder Bay waterfront Pool 6 area and it's impact in partnership with the WTRCAT (Waterfront Rotary Community Action Team) and new Thunder Bay Art Gallery
3. The principal focus of Science North- science learning and fun for all of northern Ontario in a carbon zero hub braiding knowledge in education, relationships, water, future generations and ecological systems,
4. The visitor experience concepts were outlined and are very impressive. The project expansion will also move to Kenora for the Lake of the Woods Expansion.
5. We learned of the funding strategies and figures, architect collaboration, time line and upcoming capital campaign.
Emily's energy and determination are highly contagious. This was a visionary and very effective presentation. She was introduced by David Legge and thanked by Joe Wasielewski.
INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
The club was pleased to formally induct:
Community member Roots to Harvest (ROOTS COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE) and Sandy Jennings (individual).
In our meeting January 10, 2023
 
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.

 
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In our meeting on Dec 2, 2022
 
Today's (business) meeting was held under the leadership of President Brian Walmark, at the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre (JTL).
It was  by no means all business.

The club is indebted to ED Gary Ferguson and Community Engagement Manager Gail Kromm for hosting us.
 Members and guests were treated to a delicious fried rice dinner cooked in the kitchen and using produce from the Field of Greens (FOG) garden. 
Following the presentations, Gail toured a number of members around the building, a wonderful achievement in all respects.

GUEST PRESENTATIONS

A. Gail Kromm welcomed members and showed the excellent video of the Journey to Life Centre, highlighting the building, the staff, the residents and overall huge impact of the centre in the community.


B. Next, our inbound exchange student Fern Sirichaikeereekosol presented a fine PowerPoint video of herself, family and country Thailand. Fern's mother Chollada is a member of of the Rotary Club of Khun yang Mo-Korat in Amphur Mueang, Thailand. The experience to date here in Canada, with host parents John Stephenson and Marg Woods has been both challenging and rewarding. She is attending St. Ignatius high school. All members are urged to contribute to Fern's year here.
 


C. Fern was followed by an overview by her friend and school mate, returning RYLArian, Fernanda Soto Valenzuela, who hails originally from Chile. Fernanda clearly extolled the many benefits of this important leadership experience ( two fellow RYLA partners presented several weeks ago, also to acclaim).
Both of these addresses were a real tonic recognizing the power of youth leadership through Rotary. As in the past members are very enthused about this element of service in the organization. They were generously introduced and thanked by President Walmark. 

Photos show Gail Kromm welcoming members, Fernanda (left) and Fern  pictured together, and then along with President -elect Shelley Crawford  and Past Rotaract President and Rotarian Karissa KiIby.
 


BUSINESS UPDATE

There is ongoing enthusiastic progress with events such as the 2023 Country on the Bay Rotary volunteer planning (Bob Tomlinson), Rotary Radio Day (B. Walmark, Matt Villella, Hector Dougall et al), and the Rotary Christmas at the Courthouse gala (S. Crawford).
 Past President Jim Madder then announced the result of the selection of  (by the past presidents) and subsequent  acceptance of nomination for the 2023-24 President-elect position. That individual is Albert Brulé. 

As stated by Jim, there is an opportunity at the next Rotary meeting for any additional members to come forward with candidate(s), and if so, then an election would be held. 
Members are very happy indeed with the acceptance of by Albert, stepping up, at this stage.

As above, we enjoyed this off site meeting at the Salvation Army JTL and again thank Rotarian and Executive Director Gary Ferguson, and Gail Kromm ( a very longstanding cog in the organization, friend of the FOG, and yes, also a Lakehead Rotarian).
In our meeting November 22, 2022
PA ROTARY MEETING November 22. 2022

FEATURE PRESENTATION:

The club welcomed Executive Director Michael Quibell of the Dew Drop Inn "compassion kitchen"(at St. Andrews church), accompanied by DDI  Manager Melody Lavallee.


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.

 
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In our meeting November 8th, 2022
Today's hybrid meeting at the Bartley Centre, Lakehead University, featured a strong presentation on Indigenous contributions in the conflicts we are remembering, on and around November 11th.
President Brian Walmark welcomed all and had the pleasure of securing and introducing our guest speaker on Indigenous Veterans Day.
 


FEATURE SPEAKER
David Thompson is a teacher, researcher and writer who has worked extensively to raise public awareness about the role of Native Veterans in Canada's wars. David is a graduate of Lakehead University, from Rocky Bay First Nation (Lake Nipigon), with extensive knowledge of Indigenous history in northwestern Ontario.  As a young university student, David worked and mentored with Willy John, a Native Veteran, who together identified and recorded the stories of every Indigenous Veteran in Northwestern Ontario who served in World War One, World War Two and the Korean Conflict. He and Willy proudly took part in the November 1988 founding of the Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario.

Today, David spoke very eloquently and very candidly on the role of  Anishinabek veterans, with particular emphasis on the work of Willy John, to ensure that these veterans received the benefits that they earned through their sacrifice and service to this country and the proper recognition that they deserve. The team of David and Willy John, as his mentor, has formed the basis of strong advocacy for Indigenous Veterans, who as David put it, stepped up overseas to "protect the land" (in Canada) on  behalf of the crown (the Queen), in these conflicts, only to return home and face the stark reality of discrimination in a myriad of ways.

This disenfranchisement simply had to be redressed. The story telling prowess of Willy John and thus David Thompson was an especially powerful tool in today's address, the topic being yet another important reconciliation issue.

David is pictured following his address. A shot of Willy John (Shingosibi or Sitting Weasel) is included.

David was thanked most sincerely by Past President Rod Morrison. Meegwitch David.
 

 
 
 
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Rotary Radio Days 2023
 
Rotary Radio Family Day 2023
Celebrating 57 years in partnership with Dougall Media CKPR
Click the link provided to get your order in today.  
 
Please listen to Rotary Radio Day – February 20th, 2023 on CKPR 91.5 FM  Thank you to Dougall Media for their support! 
 
Any issues please email parotaryradioday@gmail.com.
 
 
 
 
What is Rotary Radio Family Day and how does it work?
Individuals and businesses make donations toward the Rotary Radio Family Day campaign and in turn receive advertising spots on CKPR 91.5 FM on Family Day Feb 20th, 2023.   Port Arthur Rotary’s partner, Dougall Media (CKPR 91.5 FM Radio), is once again donating all advertising spots on this day.  In turn, the Port Arthur Rotary Club is able to continue supporting many important community projects and organizations such as:
 
  • Ongoing community service initiatives in organizations, such as Dew Drop Inn, Rotary Shelter House and St James Public School.
  • Roots to Harvest, Our Kids Count, Community Clothing Assistance, and Fort Severn First Nation.
  • Polio eradication - Rotary International has been at the forefront of the World Health Organization’s program to eradicate polio from the world.
  • Wilderness Discovery Centre accessible campground.
  • The Salvation Army’s Community Response Unit van and the Field of Greens garden project.
  • Beyond our support of these great community projects and organizations, Port Arthur Rotary, together with approximately ten Active Living organizations, have formed the Waterfront Trail Rotary Community Action Team (WTRCAT) to advocate for the extension of the City of Thunder Bay Waterfront Trail system.
We invite you to join us by continuing to support the vital work that continues in our community. 
 
What can the radio ad be used for?
Use your ads to promote your business or organization, or to say ‘Thank You’ to:
  • Customers, clients, patrons, suppliers;
  • Employees and/or their families;
  • Service providers (retail, non-profit group, health care, public service);
  • Friends, family, partners.
You have the option of having your ad voiced by a Rotarian, you can voice your ads yourself (even from your home or business!) or we can use your existing commercially produced ads. 
Need help writing or recording your own ad?  We can help make it easy!
 
Don’t need a radio ad?
No problem!  Donate your ad time to acknowledge the important work happening right now in our community.  Just choose ‘Donate My Ad’ on the order form and we will take care of the rest!  Please note:  This option is not available in the “All in the Family” category.
 
Be a part of the Rotary family!
Donation categories are listed on the following pages along with an order form to print and fill out.  We would be happy help you through the process regardless of whether you are a first time or ongoing supporter.   For further information about Port Arthur Rotary, visit www.parotary.com, contact one of our members, or email parotaryradioday@gmail.com
 
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Thank you for your support!
 
 
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December 2023
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President

Shelley Crawford

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Port Arthur Rotary will enter a new century of service this coming year. The Rotarians that have worked so hard, over so many years, to build our community and who travelled the globe to help those in need, deserve a huge thank you. I am so proud to be among the giants… to be able to count on the good will, the passion and the hard work of our members. Let’s make this a banner year, as we boldly tackle the challenges of our time. Join us in fellowship, in service and in celebration of a century of Port Arthur Rotary.
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Matthew Diegel
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Shelley Crawford
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Albert Brule
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Kevin Holloway
Past President
Brian Walmark
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David Silliman
Director
Margaret Woods
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Brenda Winter
Director
Mark Tilbury
Director
Matthew Villella
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Hector Dougall
Director - Youth/New Generations
Margaret Woods
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Warren Philp
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Leslie Savitsky
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Brenda Winter
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Port Arthur Rotary
PO Box 33016
Thunder Bay, Ontario
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