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.

- Other Business:
- Museum Exhibition David Legge: Our 100th year celebration includes a display at the Thunder Bay Museum Feb. 27 - April. Members are encouraged to submit applicable materials (artifacts et al) for possible display.
- Youth Exchange John Stephenson and his team are working with Canada Club on revamping and energizing inbound and outbound youth exchange programming.
Karan Shah Bio
An experienced Marketing Coordinator, deeply dedicated to cultivating community collaboration and enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities. Holding an MBA degree in Marketing and a Digital Marketing Diploma, I bring a distinctive mix of strategic insight and practical proficiency to my position. With more than 8 years in corporate sales, I've honed my abilities in crafting influential marketing strategies and establishing meaningful connections. My delight lies in observing intense cricket matches and exhilarating Formula One races. This passion for sports not only serves as a means of relaxation but also mirrors my admiration for strategy and precision, qualities seamlessly integrated into my marketing pursuits.
An experienced Marketing Coordinator, deeply dedicated to cultivating community collaboration and enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities. Holding an MBA degree in Marketing and a Digital Marketing Diploma, I bring a distinctive mix of strategic insight and practical proficiency to my position. With more than 8 years in corporate sales, I've honed my abilities in crafting influential marketing strategies and establishing meaningful connections. My delight lies in observing intense cricket matches and exhilarating Formula One races. This passion for sports not only serves as a means of relaxation but also mirrors my admiration for strategy and precision, qualities seamlessly integrated into my marketing pursuits.
FUTURE EVENTS
Saturday January 20
Women in Rotary (all local clubs) are invited to meet with the Women’s Tapestry Network and Sisters for Black Canadian Community at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Tuesday January 23
- Club Meeting Guest Speaker: John Andras from Rotary Club of Toronto and Board Member HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples)
- PAR Board Meeting 4:30 pm
Thursday January 25
- Dew Drop Inn (morning and afternoon shifts)
- Canada Club in-person All Members Meeting at 5:30 pm – 7:30 (location tba)
Tuesday February 13
- Club Meeting: Allocations recipients
Tuesday February 27
- Club Meeting
Friday February 23
- Canada Club Anniversary Event with Rotary International Paul Harris focus. Venue announcement to follow: Brenda Winter