President Hector Dougall welcomed a standing room only crowd to this meeting at the LU Bartley Conference Centre.
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr Gordon Legge, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, who spoke on his specialty low vision, it’s very large spectrum of prevalence in the general population, and how his career in research and teaching has enabled advances in dealing with this problem in the general population. His talk showed some simple examples of low vision and its day to day challenges. His new book, now available on Amazon, is entitled Low Vision: What It’s Like to Live with Vision Loss.
His bio is available on our club email communique. Gordon’s research work is also available on the world wide web at several sites. Gordon was introduced by his brother, David Legge of PA Rotary and thanked by his sister-in-law Shelley Crawford.

TWO NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED
The club welcomed new members Dr. Sudip Rakshit, distinguished professor of chemical engineering and biotechnology at Lakehead University, and John Zelinski, prominent (retired) chartered accountant and business executive. They were introduced by proposers David Legge and Hector Dougall respectively. The charge was delivered by Bob Tomlinson.
Special Announcement (within the Happy Dollars segment) from Roopa Rakshit
- Gratitude and Invitation – Tapestry International Women’s Network It was shared that Tapestry International Women’s Network had been selected as one of twenty-two organizations across Ontario under the Equity Stream Fund of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants—proudly standing as the only unincorporated organization chosen. Roopa, Founder of Tapestry, conveyed her sincere gratitude to Rotary Port Arthur for their support, including the letter of endorsement. She also noted that the proposal had been highly detailed and time intensive. To celebrate this milestone, Rotary members were invited to attend a reception on April 22 at 5:00 PM at Lakehead Alumni House.
- Invitation – Annual Global Food Picnic Roopa also invited Rotary members, along with their families and friends, to attend the annual Global Food Picnic, organized in partnership with Roots to Harvest. The event showcases home chefs and entrepreneurial caterers, offering them an opportunity to present their skills, and share their cultural heritage. It celebrates culture through food while fostering community connections. The picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, from 12:00–4:00 PM at Moose Hall.
PORT ARTHUR ROTARY ALLOCATION RECIPIENTS
Allocations Chair Brian Walmark reviewed the new process for selection and along with Matt Villella, summarized the results (communicated via email to members only). Approximately $19,000 plus some extra monies from TV ads was used. Social media will display photos of cheque giving.
BUDGET PROCESS UPDATE
Treasurer Kevin Holloway is asking for input from members seeking budget applications for the upcoming year.
THUNDER BAY GOOD CITIZEN AWARD
Congratulations to member Andrei Rosario, recipient of the Thunder Bay Citizen of Exceptional Achievements - Good Citizen Award
UPCOMING EVENTS AND UPDATES
- Evergreen United fundraiser “Rocking Spring” at the Columbus Centre, Friday April 17th 6-11 pm. (Iliana Suzin)
- WTRCAT Open House at Mariners Hall April 22 (5-7 pm) public consultation in updating the plan (W. Philp)
President Hector Dougall welcomed a standing room only crowd to this meeting at the LU Bartley Conference Centre.
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr Gordon Legge, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, who spoke on his specialty low vision, it’s very large spectrum of prevalence in the general population, and how his career in research and teaching has enabled advances in dealing with this problem in the general population. His talk showed some simple examples of low vision and its day to day challenges. His new book, now available on Amazon, is entitled Low Vision: What It’s Like to Live with Vision Loss.
His bio is available on our club email communique. Gordon’s research work is also available on the world wide web at several sites. Gordon was introduced by his brother, David Legge of PA Rotary and thanked by his sister-in-law Shelley Crawford.

TWO NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED
The club welcomed new members Dr. Sudip Rakshit, distinguished professor of chemical engineering and biotechnology at Lakehead University, and John Zelinski, prominent (retired) chartered accountant and business executive. They were introduced by proposers David Legge and Hector Dougall respectively. The charge was delivered by Bob Tomlinson.
Special Announcement (within the Happy Dollars segment) from Roopa Rakshit
- Gratitude and Invitation – Tapestry International Women’s Network It was shared that Tapestry International Women’s Network had been selected as one of twenty-two organizations across Ontario under the Equity Stream Fund of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants—proudly standing as the only unincorporated organization chosen. Roopa, Founder of Tapestry, conveyed her sincere gratitude to Rotary Port Arthur for their support, including the letter of endorsement. She also noted that the proposal had been highly detailed and time intensive. To celebrate this milestone, Rotary members were invited to attend a reception on April 22 at 5:00 PM at Lakehead Alumni House.
- Invitation – Annual Global Food Picnic Roopa also invited Rotary members, along with their families and friends, to attend the annual Global Food Picnic, organized in partnership with Roots to Harvest. The event showcases home chefs and entrepreneurial caterers, offering them an opportunity to present their skills, and share their cultural heritage. It celebrates culture through food while fostering community connections. The picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, from 12:00–4:00 PM at Moose Hall.
PORT ARTHUR ROTARY ALLOCATION RECIPIENTS
Allocations Chair Brian Walmark reviewed the new process for selection and along with Matt Villella, summarized the results (communicated via email to members only). Approximately $19,000 plus some extra monies from TV ads was used. Social media will display photos of cheque giving.
BUDGET PROCESS UPDATE
Treasurer Kevin Holloway is asking for input from members seeking budget applications for the upcoming year.
THUNDER BAY GOOD CITIZEN AWARD
Congratulations to member Andrei Rosario, recipient of the Thunder Bay Citizen of Exceptional Achievements - Good Citizen Award
UPCOMING EVENTS AND UPDATES
- Evergreen United fundraiser “Rocking Spring” at the Columbus Centre, Friday April 17th 6-11 pm. (Iliana Suzin)
- WTRCAT Open House at Mariners Hall April 22 (5-7 pm) public consultation in updating the plan (W. Philp)