Club Information
Welcome to our Website!
Port Arthur Rotary

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m.
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
Want to Be a Rotarian?  Join our Club 
Are you looking at making a Difference?  Are you looking at joining a community organization that has been impactful to our community for 100 years?  
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.
 
Special thanks to our club sponsor The UPS Store.  Thank you for everything you do for Port Arthur Rotary 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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
Home Page Stories
A St. Patrick's Day theme today included a rousing singalong concert with the Rotary Rover Philharmonics (Kevin Holloway, Shelley Crawford, Albert Brulé, Brent Boyko, Dave Legge and David Silliman).

President Shelley Crawford chaired  a number of celebrations:

1. Induction of 2 new club members:

We welcomed Priscilla Owusu and Ian Moorfield:
(pictured: Krysta Logozzo Daniele, David Legge, Ian Moorfield, Athena Kreiner, Shelley Crawford, Priscilla Owusu, all partaking in the ceremony). Of note present also were Edmund and Asda Owusu (cheering for Priscilla) and Sandra Moorfield (same for Ian). Welcome to this amazing family.


2. Presentations from the 2 B's in the Bay (pictured: Bruno Ceci and Bolly Olatunde making an impromptu video for social media): two extraordinary city ambassadors ("love all things local"). They gain great joy out of the great little things and connecting players in the business and not for profit community. They were introduced by Albert Brulé, who worked with these Bs in the Novemburger Challenge (United Way).
 


3. Nefry Falla (RBC-business)  (pictured) explained her passion supporting Tapestry International Women's Network and PARO. Yet another wonderful ambassador for integrating folks in the Diversity Equity Inclusion world (in TB).

4. Kevin Holloway and Steve McAuley  (pictured with Rotary Foundation Chair Brenda Winter) received their Paul Harris pins for continuing excellence in supporting RI. Exceptional generosity gentlemen, thank you!
 


Shelley was still able to fit in many announcements on varied club activities.
One major focus now is the April 20th Centennial Gala at the Delta Hotel. There are many ways to contribute (Brent Boyko's exercise drew  many suggestions). David Legge and Albert Brulé exhorted members to get tickets and solicit their older Rotary contacts as well.

Members: consult your Email Communique for full details of the many events, service opps.
 
FEATURE PRESENTATIONS

Chair Judi Turner reviewed the club Allocation process and was delighted to introduce this phase round 1 of recipients.
All spoke eloquently on their respective programming and thanked the club.

Pictured :

L-R: Shelley Crawford (PAR president), Gail Kromm and Gary Ferguson (Salvation Army), Jason Pilot (Northwestern Ontario Regional Science Fair-Gold Level Sponsorship), Sue Paskoski (Eleanor Drury Children's Theatre-microphones for "every child a voice"), Rhonda Harris (Easter Seals- needy equipment), Melody Macsemchuk (Grace Place-plates) and Judi Turner (PAR Allocations Chair).
On Zoom screen upper left is a beaming Casey Charles, (Principal St James Elementary School). Casey and Salvation Army are co-running a fine Student Nutrition program.
President Shelley Crawford and LU Bartley Conference Centre staff conspired to present  a fun mix of Valentines theme and Rotary apparel to accompany a fine presentation by Dr. Mark Henderson and plenty of exciting events and club accomplishments.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
 

Dr. Mark Henderson, Cardiologist (introduced and thanked by Rod Morrison and Lesley Bell) photo below

When Dr. Mark Henderson joined the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as the first interventional cardiologist, his vision was to launch a full cardiovascular program right here in Northwestern Ontario. “Bringing cardiovascular surgery to Thunder Bay was one of our goals,” Dr. Henderson said. “It’s been the goal of cardiologists here for over 30 years.”

That’s important because Northwestern Ontario has the highest incidence of heart disease and the highest need for heart procedures per capita in Ontario. Yet our patients have to travel the furthest for services. Almost every family in the region knows someone who has travelled to southern Ontario or elsewhere for care.“We’re still sending hundreds of patients to southern Ontario for routine bypass surgery that could be done here. That needs to change.” 
 
Dr Henderson's vision is coming true. Today he outlined the extraordinary work of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, beginning with the earliest attempts at cardiology, and then melding with neurosciences and stroke management..

The need in the northwest here is great as heart disease and stroke are major health issues. The current aims from the Mission Statement relate to improving survival rates through rapid access to care, closing the inequity gap between haves and have not vulnerable people at risk, heart failure and keeping on top of congenital heart disease cases.
 The address was superb. It was candid yet hopeful about the challenges. We hope Dr Henderson can return again. he had to get back to his waiting patients!

HIGHLIGHTS

President Shelley Crawford welcomed guests Ian MoorfieldPriscilla Mankwa Owusu and Harold Wilson (back now at Confederation College).

Our scheduled speaker John Andras, (on behalf of the Honouring Indigenous People (HIP) Y2Y 2025-26 Conference possibility for Thunder Bay District) was unable to make flight connections but will lead the discussion at the Canada Club meeting January 25th (see below). The inaugural Turtle Lodge HIP at Selkirk Manitoba in 2023 was a big success. Our own Olivia Kembel will be our own district rep for the upcoming HIP in B.C!

In Lieu, our newest member Brent Boyko deftly stepped up for a "classification" talk on his vocation (engineering) and his many contributions to the community.
Brent s pictured holding a news clipping of his days as outbound Rotary Exchange student to Japan.
This very interactive presentation was a delight and the club warmly welcomes Bret on board.

 



Doug Shanks gave a timely lesson on the essence of our newly incorporated Port Arthur Rotary Club charitable organization status, emphasizing it's arms length relationship to the club itself. The numerous regulations for charitable status organizations were outlined, and how important it is to abide carefully by them. Doug cautioned transactions to proceed with caution first consulting/vetting with the new board executive.

Brian Walmark and Matthew Diegel conducted a follow-up call for nominations for President-elect. None forthcoming, the club ratified the position for Matt Villella. Congratulations Matt.

Upcoming Events:

 

Thursday January 25

    • Dew Drop Inn (morning and afternoon shifts)
    • Canada Club in-person Meeting at 5:30 pm Thunder Bay Art Gallery (all welcome) Important discussion re HIP Conference 2025

Tuesday February 13:

Club Meeting Speaker TBA

Tuesday February 27:

Club Meeting Allocations Presentations – Judi Turner

Board Meeting 4:30 pm

Friday March 1

Tentative opening reception of Museum 100th PAR Anniversary Exhibition (Time and date tbc)

Thursday March 7:

                        Talking About the Tough Stuff Speaker Series, Confederation College Lecture Theatre, 7 pm

Saturday April 20

                        THE GALA!!!! Save that date – info and ticket sales starting very soon

Port Arthur Rotary Meeting
January 9, 2024, 11:30am – 1 pm
 
A New Century!
 
Happy New Year, and President Shelley Crawford welcomed Rotarians and Guests: Jeff Villeneuve and Karan Shah (see below re his entry to the team)
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Introduction of new member Brent Boyko. Brent is pictured with wife Samantha, Doug Shanks, Warren Philp and president Shelley Crawford at the New Years Day Levee, January 1st: a highlight fellowship event kicking off the club’s 100th Anniversary.
 
  • Introduction of Karan Shah, Marketing Coordinator (one year position shared with PAR and United Way of Thunder Bay) – Key areas where Karan will assist the club: Gala Committee, Public Image and Marketing, Museum Exhibition, Event Management, RRD sales, Youth projects and Membership Development to name a few. Karan is pictured along with his bio.
 
  • Review of New Year’s Day Levee highlights (thanks to Karan Shah’s video)            Shelley Crawford
 
  • Status of Rotary Club of Thunder Bay (Port Arthur) Community Charity. Doug Shanks outlined the lengthy and eventual successful venture culminating in the granting of charitable status to the club (and the significant benefits accruing). Congratulations to all and heartfelt thanks to the negotiating team (Chris B, Krysta L-D, Doug S and others)
 
  • Update on President Elect and President Elect Nominee positions: Brian Walmark and Matthew Diegel were pleased to announce that Matt Villella has agreed to accept a nomination for the position of President Elect Nominee for 2024-25. The process leading to ratification was reviewed. Matt was congratulated warmly by members present. The PE position will be decided by January 23 at the next meeting. The PEN process for 25-26 continues.
 
 
  • Update on Rotary Radio Day and viewing of TV Ads (Matt Villella). The campaign is in full swing and doing well, with encouragement to continue this trajectory to the $40,000 goal mark. The excellent TV ads were shown. They have commenced already. Thanks to Hector Dougall, speakers and sponsors for this great opportunity.
 
  • Toast to Olivia Kembel and Haven Walton – HIP Y2Y (Youth to Youth) chosen candidates for District 5580. Brian Walmark outlined the process involving selection from our Canada Club District 5580 sponsor partners. The inaugural HIP Y2Y conference was an outstanding example of reconciliation and learning for our new leaders. Pictured are Olivia Kembel (who’s mother Amy quoted that she was “beyond thrilled “) and Fernanda Valenzuela, last year’s rep along with Derek Monias, who verified this life changing experience.
President Shelley Crawford emceed a gala PA Rotary Christmas party at the LU Bartley Conference Centre.
There was a great turnout of 40 (plus) members and guests ( including some new and prospective members, thinking of Brent Boyko and Harold Wilson).

The sing -along under the direction of Kevin Holloway and many others (including special ringer on guitar Michael Lyngstad) was a big hit.
 Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie, meal and gift exchange. Of note, the opportunity to really "sing" was truly energizing for all.

Brief announcements on Dew Drop Inn service December 28th and good early progress on Rotary Radio Day were highlighted.
 
Warren Philp, Club trainer focusing today on accessing Rotary International Online
 
Bill Everitt, on his effective model for attracting sales for the club- Rotary Radio Day Major Fundraiser
 
Brenda Winter provided an overview for the Rotary International Foundation
 
We had new inductions for two new members. 
 
For complete summary of today's meeting, members click on President Shelley Crawford's Annotated Agenda email communique of November 14th

Feature Presentation:

The Role of Ontario's Conservation Officers

Sgt. Davis Viehbeck
Conservation Officer
Thunder Bay MNRF Enforcement Unit



The role has changed significantly for those dedicated  MNRF conservation officers (formerly "game wardens") providing this service   over their 125 year plus history.

Sgt Viehbeck's address was a comprehensive overview of the history, duties, and many challenges. There are (only) 200 COs in Ontario, (the catchment area larger than France).

The message and conclusions?: Sgt. Viehbeck epitomizes the need for dedication to fairly enforce the legislation (primarily the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and regs), being a spokesperson for conservation ethics, dealing with the public often directly in remote areas, and promoting awareness and outreach generally to the public at large. Today's talk was just that.
 For him the rewards are numerous, each day being a new experience as a steward for  life on the land (and water). 
There was a valuable Q & A session with members testimonials to his great work and personal interactions with him from their own past. He was introduced by President Shelley Crawford and thanked by John Stephenson.
His mother Barb Viehbeck and past president Guy O'Brien were special guests attending.

 
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

 
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.
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.



 
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. 

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! 
 
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. 
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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 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.
 
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 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.



 
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
 
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
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.
 



 
 
 
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.cawith 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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March 2024
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Villella, Matthew
 
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Holloway, Kevin
 
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Port Arthur Rotary
PO Box 33016
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 0B1
www.parotary.com
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parotarytbay@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
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Remembering Paul Alexander, who lived 70 years in an iron lung

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Rotaract club in Bangladesh rocks on, raises profile

Members of the Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid use popular music to boost Rotaract’s profile, attract members, and raise funds for projects.

Rotary honors a tireless advocate for women and girls

The 2024 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award recipient promotes women’s health and empowerment

New film tells story of Sir Nicholas Winton, World War II hero and humanitarian

Rotarian saved hundreds of children at risk of being killed by the Nazis in the lead up to World War II

Rotary projects around the globe March 2024

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Canada, Hungary, South Africa, and India.

Rotary Links
Thunder Bay Waterfront Trail