Cassandra LOVES school so much she never, ever wants to leave!
Cassandra does not want to go home from school. She stays after the nice teacher leaves. She stays while the janitor with a tattoo mops the floors. She stays after the slightly scary principal turns off all the lights and goes home. She plays with the clay and reads until after dark, when her mom and dad realize she is missing and come in a panic to take her home.
The next day, Cassandra gets up, eats breakfast, gets on her bike and heads off to school ― but it is Saturday and all the doors and windows are locked. So on her way back home she stops by the store and places an order.
The next day she looks out the window to find her purchase has been delivered ― there is a brand-new red-brick school with a nice teacher, a slightly scary principal, and a janitor with tattoos in her very own backyard, so she can have school any time she likes!
This story was written for Cassandra, a girl from Pickering, Ontario who said that the most interesting thing about her was that she LOVED school!
Rotarians update Storybook Walk with Back to School theme
Congratulations to the Mennear Family, they won first in the 1939 & older category, with their 1929 Mercedes Gazelle and second overall for the Ron Johnston’s People’s Choice Award.
The Pender Harbour Rotary Show & Shine was resounding success with 75 spectacular cars, trucks, and motorcycles cruised in for this annual family friendly event. Hundreds of spectators cast their votes to choose the day’s 24 winners.
A big thank-you to the Legion and to Brent & Tracy Parker for lending their grassy field, and to all our generous sponsors.
And let’s not forget our pit crew of Rotary volunteers—working at top speed to raising near $9,000 for future community projects.
Ron Johnston People's Choice - Best of Show
1st Place: Bradley Stafford - 1961 Ford Thunderbird
2nd Place: The Mennear Family-1929 Mercedes Gazelle
1939 & Older
1st Place: The Mennear Family-1929 Mercedes Gazelle
Ahoy all classic car enthusiasts. The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour presents their 21st Annual Peoples Choice Show & Shine, Sunday August 9th at the Royal Canadian Legion #112 in downtown Maderia Park.
Entrants display their cars on the grassy apple orchard adjacent to the legion.
All makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles welcome. Registration is 9:30 am - 11:30 am. Show time 11:30 - 4pm.
All proceeds will go to Rotary community projects in the harbour.
This is a great family event, so come vote for your favourite vehicle. Multiple awards to be presented.
Food Fun & 50/50 Draw
Breakfast sandwiches & coffee start at 9am in the legion. Barbecued burgers & smokies start at 11 on the patio. Don't miss the legion's meat draw from 11am to 1 pm and enjoy live music while you wait for the winners to be announced. Half cut & the Slackers will be playing 2-5pm, $10 cover. Free admission for Car Show Entrants.
Executive Director Nick Gaskin (c) proudly displays the PH Health Center’s new examination bed and heart monitor. Funding for both came from a $4,000 donation by the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour.
The club also applied and donated an additional $2,750 raised through a Rotary district grant.
Pictured (L-R) PH Rotary President Sarah Johnson, Nick Gaskin and Past President Ian Grant.
Pender Harbour Health Center receives New Medical Equipment
Pender Harbour Health Center Executive Director Nick Gaskin recently received a cheque for $880. from PH Rotary President Sarah Johnson.
Proceeds from the Rotary Rocks 50/50 draw. This money will be earmarked for a new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as the current one at the Health Center is coming to the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced within the year.
In addition winner Ken Reynolds of Garden Bay donated back his earnings to the Health Center, for this valuable piece of equipment.
Rotary Club of Pender Harbour President Sarah Johnston (left) proudly presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Bill and Lyn Charlton in recognition of their countless contributions to our club and the Pender Harbour community.
Sean McAllister and Jon Paine were also honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards but were unavailable for the photo.
Thank you, Bill, Lyn, Sean, and Jon, for your unwavering commitment to Service Above Self. Your dedication has made a lasting difference in our community and continues to inspire us all.
Congratulations to Poppy Mackenzie-Arnet, Ava Young, Isla Mackay, and Kalen Zayshley, recipients of four $1,000 Rotary Club of Pender Harbour bursaries, presented by Bill and Lyn Charlton at the Pender Harbour Graduation Ceremony.
Your hard work, dedication, and achievements have earned this well-deserved recognition. We wish each of you every success as you begin the next chapter of your educational journey.
Bill and Lyn also gave a talk to the Grads about the importance of service and their involvement specifically in the community.
Congratulations, graduates—we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish!
Rotary Congratulates 2026 Graduates with Scholarships
The May 22nd PH Rotary Club meeting focused on hearing presentations from the PH Community School representatives about their youth support programs and discussing upcoming events.
Each director explained their role providing support to vulnerable youth in the Pender Harbour/Egmont area, through food programs, outreach services and recreational activities.
Darcie specifically handles year-round youth outreach, supporting 9-14 families and 6 youth living independently outside their family household.
The team discussed the new PH Community School project scheduled for completion in September, which will provide much-needed space for programs and better facilities.
The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour provided $30,000 to assist in the initial funding of the new building.
Pender Harbour Rotary president elect Sarah Johnson (r) & PHR Treasurer Kathy Riches (c) presented a cheque for $800. to Pender Harbour Music Society treasurer & Board member Kathleen Barlow. Funds raised through the clubs online 50/50 draw from March & April, will help fund the PHMS Youth and indigenous program.
The ongoing music concert/workshops are provided to the Madeira Park Elementary School, and Pender Harbour Secondary School. In addition a class of Sechelt Secondary students attend the PHSS student concert/workshops.
The PH Rotary Club proved an additional $1,000. to fund this worthy project.
MLA Randeen Neil proved to be a good sport, making a splash at the PH Rotary Dunk tank. New “Victims” rotated every 15 minutes throughout the afternoon, plunging into the icy water.
Thank you to all the volunteers, attendees and participants; over $1,300 was raised for future projects in the Harbour
Harbour Master Robin Miller takes a shot to soak MLA Randeen Neil
Sunshine Coast MLA Randeen Neil takes the Plunge for Rotary Fundraiser
Dreams Come True was founded by Jen in 2017, with the help from the Cinderella Project. The initiative provides free graduation dresses and accessories to students. Hairdressers and make-up artists are on hand to complete each girl's look for their special day. Held each spring at Chatelech High School in Sechelt, it offers a boutique-style experience to help grads from the entire Sunshine Coast, find their dream outfit without financial worry, The program accepts gently used donations.
Pender Harbour Rotarians Jennifer Peters (centre) with helpers; former graduate Georgia (L) and sister Rachelle(R)
The Pender Harbour Rotary Club provided funding to purchase two portable changing rooms
LOYAL & LOCAL PENDER HARBOUR ROTARY SPONSORS THE ATTACK OF DANGER BAY!!! ONE OF OUR OLDEST SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS OF 24 YEARS!!!! IT ALL STARTED WITH THE LATE GREAT ROTARIAN MICHEAL CROWE... EVEN STILL TO THIS DAY WE COMMEMORATE & CELEBRATE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS WITH THE MICHEAL CROWE ROTARY TROPHY HE PRESENTED US BEFORE HE PASSED.
History: The Attack of Danger Bay is the world's longest-running downhill longboard race. Founded 25 years ago by former RYLA student Bricin "Striker" Lyons. Held in Pender Harbour, this legendary event is a cornerstone of Canadian downhill skateboarding and coincides with the community's May Day festivities.
Posted by Bricin "Striker" Lyons, Founder of Danger Bay
All hands were on deck under the rotary tents to barbecue up a storm of hot dogs & burgers.
With extra help from our Pender Harbour High school students, Ava, Isla, Kalen and Poppy, this fundraiser fed a boatload of the public and brought in over $2,100.
In addition over 100 free hot-dog/chips and juice boxes were provided to children under 12.
Special thanks to our Madeira Park IGA for sponsoring the food for this event.
Sunny skies bring hot sales at annual April Tools Wooden boat challenge
Five Pender Harbour Secondary students shared their experiences at RYLA, a leadership camp they attended during March break. They discussed how the camp pushed them out of their comfort zones, helped them make new friends from diverse backgrounds, and provided valuable team building and workshop opportunities. Students described specific activities they participated in, including team competitions, community service projects, and public speaking events. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend and mentioned that they have continued making connections with peers from the camp through group chats.
Funds to cover each student’s $550 tuition to attend were raised in November, through the club’s annual Scotch Tasting event.
Linda Tamm and her team of hard working Rotarians built 38 Western Purple Martin nesting boxes and installed them throughout the inner Pender Harbour area.
Traditionally, the largest swallow in North America – the purple martin – nests in a colony in groups, returning to our area in early April migrating from Brazil.
From six nesting pairs in BC in the ‘80s, there are over 1,200 now. Natural nest sites had disappeared with waterside development, so human help is required. Special thanks to the amazing John Creviston from Brentwood Bay who helped us with education, planning and installation, and to Linda for coordinating this worthwhile project.
Angelo is a Financial Advisor with over 20 years of experience helping clients build and protect their wealth. Based in Vancouver, he’s now expanding his practice to the Sunshine Coast—a step toward his dream of opening an office there and eventually relocating full-time to his newly built home in Madeira Park.
Although he currently lives in Vancouver, Angelo spends at least one week each month on the Coast, embracing the lifestyle he and his wife Bettina love. Both are passionate about nature and hiking, and the Sunshine Coast has become their perfect escape.
Family is at the heart of Angelo’s life. He and Bettina have two children—Lucia, 20, and Matteo, 17. When he’s on the Coast, Angelo enjoys fishing, cooking, and ending the day outdoors by the fire with a glass of red wine in hand.
The Irish and Irish want-a-be’s amassed at the legion for a rotary social, to enjoy “The ShamRockers”, and Guinness Stew. All washed down with a bit of green beer or tot of their choice. The craic was ninety.
Pender Harbour Secondary School PAC lunch program coordinator, Stephanie Van Dyk receives a cheque from Rotarian Jen Peters for the high school lunch program. Our Rotary Club raised $615. for the program, proceeds from the club’s January & February 50:50 draws. The PHSS Parents Advisory provides a weekly lunch every Wednesday to 65 students at an average cost of $300.
Rotarian Guy Halford-Thompson recently received his Paul Harris Award from PH Rotary President Ian Grant. The award is in recognition of Guy’s $1,000 donation to the Rotary International Foundation
February saw the last Storybook Walk book changeover, for PH Rotary club, as the PH Community School volunteered to take over this very worthwhile project. The new book will be,
“Nature is an Artist” author , Jennifer Lavallee
Many thanks to the PH Library for donating this book and in the future.
Special thanks to
PH Community School Executive Director Cheyenne Howitt and the PH Community School for volunteering to take over this very worthwhile project.
The Pender Harbour Rotary family gathered for our annual Christmas luncheon & sing along.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the musical talents of Jim, Ginny and our delightful “flute girl” Leslie, whose melodies filled the room with cheer.
Attendees hung envelopes on the “Tree that Gives” for the local “Spreading Kindness” campaign.
The festive atmosphere underscored the joy of sharing special time together with our Rotary family, while still helping others in our community
Pender Harbour Community School Executive Director Cheyenne Howitt received a cheque for $650. from Rotarian Lyn Charlton. The proceeds donated by club members raised from the Christmas luncheon.
Funds will be dedicated to “Spreading Kindness” which will benefit families and youth struggling in our community.
Lyn & Bill Charlton put the finishing touches on the Rotary tree at the annual Light Up the Town event
Many thanks to our Rotary decorating team for bringing the Christmas spirit to our community, by erecting Santas & photo opp stands throughout the Harbour. Sean, Bill, Malcolm, Jon, Jim, Ian finished in record time as noted by Jim’s expression, checking his watch
Thank you to everyone for contributing to the annual Whisky tasting event.
Most importantly, the attendees and all the local businesses and individuals for their outstanding generosity.
This year's event raised over $12,000 for youth programs in our Harbour.
Special thanks to event chair Linda Tamm for all her organizational work, to Jim McKnight for his master of ceremony role, to Bill Charlton for keeping it all flowing , Lynn Charlton for organizing the servers, John King, for getting every dollar he could for the fine selection of Live Auction items, Lorraine Wareham for the 50/50, Wayne Stremel for the wine squares and Jane Blaiklock and Sarah Johnston for getting everyone in the door and seated. Special thanks to the RC Legion 112 for being the ultimate hosts.
People were genuinely surprised to learn of the award winning whiskies from our own back door.
Just some of the many volunteers contributed to the evening's success
Master of Ceremonies Jim McNight, Pipes in the fine selection of Whiskys.
Featured tastings included local whiskys from Macaloneys & Shelter Bay Distilleries.
Doug Lepatourel was the lucky winner of 12 bottles of wine from the Wine Square draw.
Auctioneer John King kept the Live Auction rolling
Special thanks to the many generous businesses and individuals for providing live & silent auction items.
And most importantly... having fun
Special thanks to event chairperson Linda Tamm for her hours of planning, organizing donations and coordinating volunteers.
Legacy Mushrooms, is a local business located on Garden Bay Rd. founded by Craig Dunn, a passionate advocate for the incredible potential of mushrooms in diet and cooking. Over the last few years he has built his business with a goal of creating a healthy, positive & lasting impact on the people it serves.
Associate speaker, James Ravensbergen
presented a overview for the business: the process of growing with samples and slides. Followed by where the company is heading.
Legacy Mushrooms are available for sale at our local IGA stores, Clayton’s, Independent and most recently Urban Fare and Quality Foods in Parksville.
They currently produce 60 pounds of various gourmet mushrooms per day, and hope to increase volume to 100 lbs by spring 2026.
Rotarian Bill Charlton (L) thanks James for a most informative presentation
Rotarian Ginny Byrnes-McKnight presents Deb Cole, Chair of the Pender Harbour Community School Society, with a cheque for $600. The funds will help sponsor 2 upcoming youth nights at the Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre on Friday November 28th & Friday January 16th, 7-9pm.
The events are co sponsored by the PH Rotary Club, the PH Community School and SCRD PH Aquatic and Fitness Centre. Themed team games, and food provided at no charge for ages Grade 6 and up.
Many thanks to Sean & Barb McAllister for hosting a menagerie of adult tricksters. From a very imaginative Bull Kelp to pirates and a hold over draft dodger. The tricksters had fun and the treats didn’t disappoint.
PH Rotary President Ian Grant received a Award of Excellence, presented to the club by District Governor Jan Gisborne, for meeting and exceeded goals set out for 2024. She spoke of how the club members should all be proud of what has been achieved for our community.
Jan then gave a inspirational talk about how her club in Powell River has recruited & retained new members and her views on the importance of governance.
Rotary’s continued partnership with the Gates Foundation
Rotary International is jointly committed to rid the world of Polio, through the Gates Foundation to match every dollar raised by Rotary 2 to 1.
Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease
Pender Harbour Secondary School PAC Chair Anne Pino received a cheque for $425 from PH Rotarian Lorraine Wareham. Proceeds from the August Rotary Rocks 50/50 draw
PH Rotarian Jane Blaiklock presents a cheque for $410 to Madeira Park Elementary School PAC chairperson Katie Ayers. Proceeds from the club’s September 50/50 draw.
Many thanks to everyone who came out from Gibsons to Egmont on Sunday September 6th, to help with the Camp Burley cleanup.
Special thanks to Rotarian & Scout Leader, Jenn Peters for organizing the event; bridging our PH Rotary club. with the 1st Gibsons Scouts. Together they tackled years worth of storm damage and overgrowth. The teams made an incredible dent in the fire mitigation - gathering firewood, clearing brush, and removing dead limbs to create a safer, cleaner camping experience for the scouts.
Some tired bodies but a job well done and a positive sense of having made a difference.
PH Rotary President Ian Grant (R) recognized two Paul Harris Fellows at the August 13, 2025 meeting. Bill & Lyn Charlton have repeatedly gone above and beyond in “doing good in the world.
“ You will likely never meet the children, women, and men who will benefit, but on their behalf I offer a sincere thank you to Bill & Lynwho havedistinguished themselves as multiple Paul Harris fellows. Thank you, Bill & Lyn, for using your time, talent and treasure to enhance the lives of others. You generosity means so much to so many. On behalf of the club, the district and our Foundation’s Trustees I thank you and I welcome you to receive your new multiple Paul Harris pins. Please wear these with pride in honor of all the lives that you will reach through your generosity, as you both continue to put “Service above Self.”
Pender Harbour Rotarians recently met at Tyner Park, to install the latest story and clean up the frames. Touching up paint and small repairs. The latest edition “Down at the Seaweed Cafe” is by local author Robert Perry, and beautifully illustrated by Greta Guzek
Everyone's welcome at the Seaweed Cafe, Where seaweed tea Is served all day... If you've ever played restaurant, made mud pies or hosted an imaginary tea party, you'll welcome an invitation to the The Seaweed Cafe. A compilation of song, storytelling and dance. Down at the Seaweed Cafe's sunken treasure, sea monsters and tsunamis will charm readers as they follow the adventures on the storybook trail.
The Storybook Walk is located on the Lily Lake trail, across from the Pender Harbour Medical Centre in Madeira Park.
Christine Alexander (L) receives a cheque on behalf of the Pender Harbour Wooden Boat Festival from Rotarian Jennifer Peters (R) The donation of $250 went to the PH Heritage Living Society for the "Kid's Craft Area" for the upcoming PH Wooden Boat Show, August 8-10.
June 6th, the membership gathered at the home of Ian & Jackie Grant to say goodbye to our international exchange student Emma. The club would like to recognize, with gratitude, Josh & Jodie Young for hosting Emma for the past year. Their generosity has enriched her life and those around her in so many ways.
The evening coincided with Rotary District Governors Jan Gisborne's visit to induct President Elect Ian Grant and his 2025/26 board members. Auctioneer extraordinaire John King added a levity, bidding up a special bottle of wine. The evening raised $270 for the Rotary International PolioPlus program.
All funds raised will be matched once by the Canadian Government, then matched again by the Bill Gates Foundation. The $270 will become over $1.000.to fight Polio.
June 13th, Haida Bolton made an informative presentation on the Pender Harbour Better at Home program. This program is funded by the provincial government and administered by the Unity Way. The program helps seniors with simple non medical home support services so they continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their community. The PH program services individuals from Halfmoon Bay to Egmont, providing meals, grocery pick up, housekeeping,and yard work, one on one transportation, friendship visits in home, or in a shared environment. All fees are determined on a sliding scale based on income and ability to pay. Clients are never responsible for paying workers directly.
Since December this program provided 390 rides and 847 meals alone to local seniors.
Haida is especially passionate about her "Conversations in the Woods Program". Seniors gather at Tyner Park amongst the trees to share memories and stories sitting together enjoying tea & cookies provided.
If you wish to reach out to Haida, call 604-212-2232.
Our club is pleased to introduce two new members Linda Tamm (L) and Jennifer Peters (R).
Linda has come to our community via Toronto, Calgary & Dallas. She has resided in Pender for the past 5 years with her partner Ron; building a beautiful home on Garden Bay Lake. Linda had a 20 year career with IBM in Sales & Marketing before starting her own business as a Tour Operator, specializing in wine destination travel. Linda & Ron enjoy boating, & water sports above and below lakes & the ocean,
Jennifer, is a local business owner, living and operating her Hair Salon in Madeira Park. Jen recently received the Sunshine Coast Rotary Club's Community Service Award for her remarkable Dreams Come True project. This year, the project provided 18 Coast Girls with Prom dresses at no cost. Each student may select a dress, shoes, purse & accessories, a value of between $500-$1,000 which many families can not manage. The program is designed to assist those in financial need and those who prefer more affordable options for a one-time event. She also is involved with son's scout pack as a scout leader. Her husband Sean Peters is a local musician.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on your acceptance into the Nursing Track Program at the University of the Fraser Valley.
We are proud to support your academic journey with a $2,000 Rotary Bursary and wish you every success as you work toward earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming a registered nurse.
May this bursary help you take one step closer to realizing your dreams. Best wishes for a bright and rewarding future in the field of healthcare.
Rotarian Lyn Charlton was recently recognized for her outstanding dedication to our community at the Pender Harbour Area Residents Association meeting on April 30th.
From PHARA president Peter Robson;
"It is with great admiration and deep respect that we honour Lyn with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Lyn is an extraordinary individual—kind, caring, trustworthy, and genuinely beautiful both inside and out. She exemplifies the true spirit of selflessness, consistently placing the needs of others before her own and inspiring all those around her through her tireless commitment to community service.
For the past 8 years, Lyn has led the “Spreading Kindness” fundraiser, an initiative she created to support local families and youth in need at Christmas and all year long which is ongoing. Through this annual effort, she has raised thousands of dollars and a multitude of toys and gifts. Our PH Community School Society distributes essential items such as clothing, food, whereever the need is required with the help of Spreading Kindness funds. Lyn has been on the Community School Board for years.
Lyn is also a dedicated and long-serving member of our local Rotary Club, where she holds the role of Youth Chair. In this capacity, she has championed numerous youth centered projects, most notably the Rotary Storybook Walk at Tyner Park. This initiative encourages literacy, physical activity, and outdoor appreciation. As a retired Elementary School teacher, her passion for youth development extends further. Lyn has played a key role in the Rotary Student Exchange Program, securing host families and acting as the Rotary Exchange Student Councillor for incoming students along with outgoing student support. She is also a vocal advocate for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, which offer transformative leadership training to PHSS students. Lyn also attends the annual presentation by PHSS graduates for the Rotary bursary award.
Lyn has been an essential part of the team behind the annual May Day festivities, overseeing the organization of the parade and awards for float entries. She is also a key member of the April Tools Boat Building team, recruiting volunteers and helping wherever she can with the annual event.
Lyn is constantly in motion, making time for everyone and everything with a heart full of compassion.
Her contributions are not only impactful—they are immeasurable. This nomination is just a small reflection of the immense gratitude we feel for all that she does for our community.”
Lyn was presented with a certificate attached below and a Limited Edition Print, titled Chatterbox Falls by a local artist, Cary Campbell.
Congratulations Lyn Charlton “Volunteer of the Year"
Thank you to the dozen participants/victims of the Rotary Club’s dunk tank, despite the cold weather..and even colder water, you helped raise $1,100 for future projects in our community.
Pender Harbour celebrated the 80th May Day, the longest running in British Columbia.
Rotarian’s assisted in organizing the parade participants and by judging the floats & entrants. A fabulous day for all.
Master Chef Niels manned the Rotary barbecue at the 22nd Annual April Tools Wooden Boat challenge.
Many thanks to all his helpers, especially the crew of Pender Harbour 2025 High School Grads. Partial proceeds from the day will help fund their graduation ceremonies.
This week our rotary club built and installed a cedar bench at Tyner Park at the end of the storybook walk, by the lake.
The club also installed a “Book Buddy Box.” Both the Book Box and Bench will provide countless hours of enjoyment for families, relaxing & reading a children’s book, listening to the birds, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Presenter – Wendy Tsao – talked about her project – Making Softies from children’s drawings – two artists involved in the production –Wendy and the child that drew the picture! A unique child’s stuffed toy.
Wendy made her first toy based on a drawing by her (then) 4-year-old son Dani. Dani’s school had asked the children to bring a toy from home. The idea was to use it as an emergency measure if the child was upset. Since Wendy didn’t want to send Dani’s favorite toy with him to school, she decided to make him a new toy based on a drawing he had done of a snowman. The idea snowballed into a popular home based business, using children’s art and their imagination to create a hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind personalized softie.
Thank you to Wendy for her presentation! President Ian Grant presented Wendy with a certificate stating that In Appreciation of her talk, the Rotary Club will donate $50 to Polio Plus in her name.
Presenter – Wendy Tsao – talked about her project – Making Softies from children’s drawings
Noah recently delivered a thoughtful presentation to the club about his experiences on the Rotary Youth Exchange program in Catania, Italy.
Upon his arrival on September 5th, Noah was warmly welcomed by his host family and Catania city officials. His host family, who had three adult children—two of whom had also participated in international exchange programs—showed him great hospitality. On weekends, they took him on tours to explore various parts of the region.
During his time in Sicily, Noah took up running as a hobby, allowing him to discover many fascinating places along the coastline. As part of his presentation, Pender Rotary members enjoyed a selection of photos showcasing his adventures.
Club members had many questions for Noah, and he shared that his favorite place was Palermo. He also spoke about his love for fishing and boating, as well as the friendships he formed with other exchange students from around the world, which enriched his experience beyond just Italian culture.
Noah also shared some interesting culinary experiences, including dining on authentic Italian pizza, which had a much thinner crust than what we’re used to at home—and was even cut with special scissors
Check out the new Storybook walk book on the Tyner Park trail.
Spring is Here! By Heidi Pross Gray
Discover the world as it wakes from its winter slumber as the flowers blossom, the animals come out from their resting place, and nature comes alive during this season of renewal. Head outside and play soccer and baseball with your friends while enjoying a wonderful picnic lunch from the food you grew in your garden! Heidi has done it again with this wonderful, wholesome book about the spring season, tying family and nature together in a book that will leave you feeling excited about spring!
The Pender Harbour Rotary Club gathered for a special social at the home of Bill and Lyn Charlton to celebrate Emma Valli’s 18th birthday. During the event, Emma shared highlights from her recent trip up north, where she joined fellow Rotary Exchange students from across B.C. in Prince George.
The weekend was packed with Canadian experiences, including attending a local hockey game, trying their hand at curling, and enjoying a fun evening at a pizza restaurant. Each exchange student also had the opportunity to reflect on and share their personal journeys so far, making for an inspiring and memorable gathering.
Pender Harbour Rotary Exchange Student Shares Prince George Experience
Pender Harbour Rotary Foundation Director Ian Grant presented past president Sarah Johnston with a Paul Harris plus 1 award recognizing her ongoing contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
Contributions to the annual fund help fund grants for projects in our community. Sarah has contributed $100 US annually over 22 years and $100 US to help fight Polio.
Her first Paul Harris award was for $1,000 US in 2016.
Raquel and Dawn Joe, daughters of Donna Joe, author of The Salmon Boy, along with councilor Rochelle Jones attended. Sechelt Language Instructor & Drummer Kwayimin (Andy Johnson) gave the blessing playing his drum and singing. Raquel gave a very touching, emotional tribute to her mother. Rochelle also spoke kind words thanking Rotary for honouring Donna Joe and featuring "Salmon Boy."
Donna Joe was a member of the Sechelt Nation. In 1953 she began attending residential school and went on to become the first member of the Sechelt Nation to receive a Master’s of Education degree. She worked for the school board for over 35 years. As a teacher of Sechelt culture and language, Donna significantly contributed to the shashishalhem dictionary and won the Frances Fleming Award for Inspirational Achievement, the school districts highest honor. She passed away from cancer at age 65 in 2013.
Author Donna Joe’s daughters Dawn Joe and Raquel Joe, proudly stand beside their mothers book.
Some pedestals include illustrations by Madeira Park Elementary students and their interpretation of the Salmon Boy book.
Rotarian Lyn Charlton taking a tour of the Storybook Walk.
Pender Harbour Rotary President Guy Halford-Thompson thanked our guests for sharing their stories and wisdom.
Raquel Joe spoke emotionally of her mother.
Councilor Rochelle Jones, spoke about the book and it’s significance to the Sechelt Nation.
Sechelt First Nations blessing of the Storybook Walk
President Guy Halford-Thompson presented Rotarian Kathy Riches with a certificate of appreciation for all her endless time and effort to make the recent club’s Scotch Tasting fundraiser a outstanding success.
Kathy coordinated, prepared & cooked all the food pairings, and managed all financing.
In appreciation the membership individually donated to purchase beautiful flowers for her and presented her with $175. for the charity of her choice. Kathy intern donated the funds to the Rotary Eradication of Polio Campaign.
Kathy, also graciously accepted the position of president elect for 2026/27.
Joka Wright, coordinator for the Pender Harbour Food Bank, receives a cheque for $855. from PH Rotary President Guy Halford-Thompson. The proceeds from our October & November Rotary Rocks 50/50 draws, will support their Christmas hampers.
Pender Harbour Rotary hosts their annual Scotch Tasting Extravaganza
What a wonderful, successful event enjoyed by all. Jim McKnight, our Master of all things Scotch; Kathy Riches our chef extraordinaire and chief organizer did an exquisite job as always, together with Ginny Brunei’s/McKnight, our creative decorator, collaborated and provided wonderful musical entertainment - accompanied by gastronomic delights the entire evening.
Sincere appreciation to all silent & live action donors, and to all who attended. The evening raised almost $6,000 which will be earmarked for youth projects in our beloved community.
Rotarians Ian, Bill, Sean & Guy display a selection of the evening’s scotches.
A sincere thank you to all our dedication and hard working volunteers for providing such a special night for all in attendance
Our young servers, Emma, Ava and Sarah were a great help. Thank you to Sarah Noel who gave a very heartfelt address thanking the rotary club for her bursary and the benefit of RLYA’s leadership skills training.
Each year the clubs elves gather to add a little Christmas cheer to the Harbour, erecting Santa’s and supporting the annual Christmas tree fundraiser for the MPES Parent Advisory Committee.
During the District Governor’s visit, Sarah received a citation. This award, was for the club, achieving the Rotary goals during her presidency, during the year 2023-24
Thank you Sarah for all your hard work.
Past President Sarah Johnston receives a ward from District Governor Drew Antrobus.
In Salmon Boy: A Legend of the Sechelt People, a young boy is captured by a Chum salmon and brought to the country of the salmon people-a dry land beneath water where "the salmon people walked about the same as people do above the sea." The boy lived with them for one year, and his captivity becomes a source of learning that will ensure the survival of his own people.
After accompanying the salmon people on their run, the Sechelt boy hops out of the river and returns home to teach everything he has learned to his people who, from that time forward, treat the salmon properly and always have enough to eat. The salmon people, now respected by the humans, happily "give their rich flesh to feed the people of the land."
This beautiful story is accompanied by black and white illustrations of the boy and his adventures. Though written especially for children, Salmon Boy, with its simple message of responsibility and respect, will appeal to all ages.
Rotarians Bill Charlton and Jon Paine installing the Salmon Boy story.
Follow the adventures of Salmon Boy. Rotaries latest Storybook Walk on the Lillies Lake Trail.
Released last December, colourful Sunshine Coast map puzzles are available for $35 each, with funds going to the Rotary Sunshine Coast Mothers School located in the slums of the city of Dhaka.
Connie Jordison Oct 24, 2024 4:02 PM
Rotary volunteers had the popular Sunshine Coast puzzle on display at the Pender Harbour Fall Faire earlier this month. Pender Harbour Rotary website photo
Ever wanted a piece of the Sunshine Coast to share with others? How about 1,000 pieces? And how about at the same time, helping the Amarok Society improve literacy for the underprivileged in Bangladesh? You can do all that by buying a jigsaw puzzle map of the upper and lower Sunshine Coast from one of three area Rotary Clubs.
The colourful puzzles depict a stylized map of the area from Langdale to Lund, with well-known locations like Molly’s Reach, BC Ferries terminals and the communities of the Coast marked with whimsical icons. Designed by Powell River-based artist Evelyn Kirkaldy, one example of the local insight map location-markers share includes the placeholder for Pender Harbour. It is the image of a popular local seafood delicacy, the spot prawn.
The genesis for the project came from Powell River Club member Bente Hansen. She told Coast Reporter via email she became aware of the work of Amarok Society founders Tanyss and Gem Munroe “many years ago." In 2007, the society partnered with Rotary clubs around the world to work as partners in pursuit of Rotary's ideals of peace, education, and service above self.
Sarah Johnston, secretary and past president of the Pender Harbour Club, a Rotarian of 21 years, told Coast Reporter that revenue from puzzle sales is being used to support the society’s work. She noted that puzzles sales revenues have reached the level where they can replace the $2,000 a year each of the clubs had been providing from their general revenues to this cause.
Johnston said the item has been a big hit with many, “People tell us they just love it." At a recent Rotary International conference, she said the puzzle drew the attention of members of that organization’s executive, who took the time to pose for photographs with it.
'Teach mothers to teach others'
A posting on the Powell River club’s website states the society’s Dr. Tanyss Munroe recently updated their group on the Rotary Sunshine Coast Mothers School located in the slums of the city of Dhaka. She noted that is now one of 27 society schools in that area which it cites as “the world’s most densely populated and highly polluted city." The first of those facilities opened in 2006.
As highlighted on the society’s website, using a school to teach 60 children at a time, in a world where 250 million children are growing up illiterate “was like trying to drain the ocean with a spoon." It opted for the approach to “teach mothers to teach others."
The society, with home offices in Edmonton, Alberta, explains in its online presence that its schools in Dhaka are open to mothers. When those women complete a class, they are tasked with relaying that knowledge to five of their neighbourhoods children in a “micro-school at home." In that way, Amarok schools can multiply the benefits of learning to read beyond the mothers, and in turn help the youth to advance to higher levels of education and break the cycle of poverty.
In Hansen’s view “the work that Tanyss and Gem have done to bring education to the poorest part of the world in a manner that allows both the mothers and the children to learn is courageous and inspiring."
Sunshine Coasters can purchase a puzzle with a purpose
Rotary exchange student Emma Valli arrived in Pender Harbour from Northern Italy in late August to begin the school year at Pender Harbour Secondary School. Valli 17, will be living with the Young family (pictured here) until late June. If you meet her say, ‘Salve, come va?’
From left to right. Ava Young, Josh Young, Emma,Lauryn Young( back) and Jodee Young.
Emma helped Rotarian Lyn Charlton, selling poppies outside the Madeira Park IGA. Everyone she met was very friendly and welcomed her to the community. One lady even brought them chocolate cookies. Lyn introduced Emma to a local resident, Jo, who is almost 100 years old; whose parents were from Northern Italy. Jo speaks Italian so conversed a little, however, she was adamant Emma speak English, not Italian. It was a special time all in all.
Rotary International Exchange Student assists n Remembrance Poppy sales.
PH Rotary Club President Guy Halford-Thompson presents Madeira Park Elementary School PAC Chair Katie Ayers a cheque for $500. for their Halloween Fun Night.
PH Rotary President Guy Halford-Thompson presents a cheque to Ann Pino for the Pender Harbour Secondary School hot lunch program. The PHSS PAC lunch program provides a hot lunch once a week to over 80 students.
The PHSS PAC received $840, and the Madeira Park Elementary School PAC received $775. All funds where raised from the Rotary Clubs online 50/50 draw through out the summer.
The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour and the PH Fire Department held a fire safety day in conjunction with the PH Fall Faire on October 6th. This family focused event taught visitors how to use a fire extinguisher, what to do in a medical emergency, safety on the water and how to be fire smart.
Children enjoyed colouring contests and putting out fires with supervision from our local firefighters.
In Pender Harbour the Serendipity Child Care Society is the only daycare program within a 20km radius to serve working families. The Society, run by volunteers and paid early childhood education workers, provides a daycare and social growth and development program for 15 to 20 toddlers and infants and their families. Its fundraising aims to keep daycare affordable and self-sustaining.
The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour Madeira Park purchased $3,150 in equipment the Society needed, with support of a $1,050 District Grant from The Rotary Foundation. The equipment included run bikes, tricycles, helmets, outside and inside water tables, play kitchen, sun/rain sandbox protection and educational toys.
Equipment purchased for child daycare society in Pender Harbout
Pender Harbour Secondary Student, Noah Sieben, recently arrived in Sicily to begin a one year Rotary youth exchange. Here he is being welcomed by his Sicilian host family.
A theme of red, white and green adorned Sarah Wray Hall, in celebration of welcoming inbound exchange student Emma from Northern Italy, and honouring outbound PHSS student Noah to Sicily.
Everyone enjoyed the evening with a delicious variety of shared dishes, accompanied by exquisite table decoration and presentation.
Pender Harbour Rotary President Guy Halford-Thompson addresses the full house gathering at the Sarah Wray Hall.
Guests of honor,International Exchange Student Emma, from Italy, and PHSS Noah on his way to Sicily, with Youth Exchange Officer Sarah Johnson.
In addition, John King shared in a chorus of “Happy Birthday" to wife Frankie on her special day.
Rotarians Gather to wish Benvenuta & Addio! to International Exchange Students
After a long 10 hour flight from Biella, Northern Italy, 16 year old exchange student Emma arrives to a warm welcome from PH Rotarians Lyn & Bill Charlton at Vancouver International.
Emma will experience an engaging, transformative year-long Rotary student exchange program to Pender Harbour, attending Pender Harbour Secondary School.
The club also extends a fond bon voyage to PHSS Noah Sieben on his Rotary Outbound Student Exchange to Sicily.
Introducing Pender Harbour Rotary's newest recruits! Each bring to the club their unique backgrounds, and love for our community.
Kyle Steel served two decades in the Canadian Army and then Navy as a career naval officer. He has resided in Pender Harbour as a Supplemental Reservist for 7 years, and Kyle has enjoyed living in the Harbour the past two years with his partner Danielle, hounds Sparkles and Tumbler, and further, is a contracted police instructor throughout the year.
Carole and her husband Bob have been married for 58 years. Carole is a retired elementary teacher, while Bob’s career as an Canadian Air Force pilot meant they were stationed in a variety of places. Carole enjoyed the to opportumity to teach in 5 provinces and in Lahr, Germany. They purchased their property on Hotel Lake in 1969 and still consider this to be one of the best decisions they ever made. The Stickley's find the community to be vibrant, active, interesting, and inclusive. Carole and Bob's family includes a son, a daughter, their spouses, 2 grandsons and a granddaughters.
Welcome New Members Kyle Steel & Carole Stickley
President Sarah Johnston can be applauded for her dedication and leadership through 2023/24. As her tenure ends July 1st, the club paid tribute to her at the June 19th luncheon held in her honor.
Under her guidance Club Bylaws were updated. A donation policy was formulated; an online application form is now conveniently available on the club’s website. The Story book Walk was completed for local families to enjoy. Under Sarah’s watchful eye, Club fundraisers; Show n Shine, Art Crawl, Scotch Tasting, April Tools and May Day were extremely successful. Puzzle sales for Amarok - Mothers teaching others, in Bangladesh proved better than expected.
Sarah’s legacy as president is the reinstatement of the International student exchange program. This will see local PHSS student Noah Sieben, travel to Italy for his grade 11 school year. In exchange, incoming student Emma Valli from Turin, Italy, will broaden world perspectives for students and citizens in Pender Harbour.
Bill & Lyn Charlton presented Sarah with a necklace and earrings on behalf of the club; and additionally, presented a photo album of memorable moments throughout the year.
Following these heartfelt and meaningful tributes, Sarah's life-partner Ren presented her with a beautiful “Talking Stick” creatively crafted from materials indigenous to his home in the Cowichan Valley.
The Talking Stick,
Created by Ren Settle, for the Pender Harbour Rotary Club.
The top, created by removing the rot from a burl, was cut out to resemble a brain - to remind one to use it - before speaking. The stick is B.C. Yew. The fish speer was carved from the femur from an Elk. The Halibut vertebrae are for luck, the eagle feathers for their majesty, and a small Raven feather tucked away, to recognize the trickster!
Presented to President Sarah Johnston June 19th, 2024.
This talking stick will guide and empower future PH Rotary presidents.
What better way to celebrate BC’s longest running May Day, than an old fashioned dunk tank. A special thank you to Patti Soos and the PH Community School team for organizing the dunk - tank "Dunky's", and thank you to those brave Dunky's for being such great sports and providing a fun, engaging sideshow!
Team Dunk Tank drew the participants and onlookers by the score!
Rotary Dunk Tank a big splash at 79th Annual Pender Harbour May Day!
President Sarah Johnston displays high praise toward Rotarian Kathy Riches for taking the leadership role for the April Tools Fundraising Barbecue, a staple presense at the annual April Tools event.
Kathy's superior organizational skills had the team on task to make April Tools Barbeque resounding success once again.
A special thank you to Matt McDonald, manager of our local Madeira Park IGA for their thoughtful contributions.
Congratulations Kathy! April Rotarian of the Month.
On a beautiful first of May, a evening social was held at the waterfront home of incoming President Guy Halford-Thompson and his wife Judy.
Assistant District Governor Jan Gisborne, from Powell River spoke of the “future and reality” of the many small clubs that make up the District 5040. A great declaration; as she said, since it is not always about the big city clubs.
Our club looks forward to Jan’s continuing leadership as the District Governor for 2025-26.
Jan followed with the installation of Guy Halford-Thompson as Pender Harbour Rotary Club’s 2024/25 president.
Assistant District Governor inducts President elect at Spring Social.
Teams of four build a boat in 3 hours, then race around the harbour for prizes and bragging rights.
And if you were not on a boat building team on April 27, you would be cheering for the racers! Spectators enjoyed a fun day of kids activities, snacks and food, and the excitement of watching the teams construct and race their crazy creations! Teams from the high schools also race their classroom-built boats around the course for prizes, and to cause a little nautical mayhem.
Once again the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour participated by barbecuing up a plethora of burgers and free hot dogs for kids, at this annual fun and always much anticipated family event.
This years boat building twist, a garage can & lid needed to be part of the boat.
Rotarian Jim McKnight takes the plunge.
(L-R) Event leader Kathy Riches, with fellow rotary volunteers Ginny, Lyn, Barb, and Jane.
The frontline rotary crew ready to go.
The barbecue master Niels Frederiksen.
Left to right , Kaya, Lyn, Kiara.
A special thank you to Pender Harbour High School students for volunteering their assistance.
Left to right Sarah, Rotarian and Director of Youth Services Lyn Charlton, with Luna.
President Sarah Johnston would like to recognize Ian Grant as our Rotarian of the Month for March.
Ian exemplifies everything Rotary. Currently as the club director of grants and the Foundation committee, this past 3X club President & past Assistant District Governor, is also a Paul Harris Fellow X 6.
He has most recently, during March, been instrumental in updating the club’s bylaws and, instructing fellow Rotarians in leadership skills.
A new book “Up the Creek” was installed on a beautiful sunny afternoon, at the Tyner Park trail. The book is a fun, contemporary fable that champions the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication; while also promoting the joys to be found in nature. The last few pedestals will include student drawings from Liz Haines’, grade 2/3 class from Madeira Park Elementary, of their interpretation of the book.
President Sarah Johnston, recognizes Youth Chair Lyn Charlton for her tireless dedication to youth in the Harbour.
Together with the assistance of Chris Lekakis, Principal, Pender Harbour High School, Lyn canvassed PHHS students for the RYLA Spring Leadership Camp (the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and seven students made applications; the highest number of ever!
Further, Lyn collaborated to identify and enroll our Rotary sponsored exchange student Noah Sieben. Lyn's efforts included keeping Noah organized and on task to support his acceptance to the Exchange Student program, and advised Noah on how to go about securing additional student funding.
Thank you to Lyn, as well, for organizing parent sponsors to support for our incoming exchange student. Special shout out to Josh & Jodie Young, who will be the initial host/parent sponsors for the incoming guest exchange student.
We look forward to learning and sharing customs, knowledge and experiences - from both our incoming and outgoing students - the value from which is greater than the sum of the parts it takes to manage and fulfill the student exchange program.
Congratulations, Lyn Charlton, Rotarian of the month for February
Bob Baker, president of the Legion gave a short talk on where the Legion is going to maintain and augment their inclusive environment, while attracting new younger members. Sarah presented a cheque for the generator fund to Bob. The legion received $1,155, the proceeds from the January & February 50/50 draws.
The PH Legion has volunteered to serve as a Reception/Support Services Center for our community. Due to the numerous power outages and extreme weather conditions we experience, the PH Legion hopes to install a standby generator. This will allow the PH Legion to assist our residents with food and shelter.
The cost of purchase and installation of the generator will be approximately $75-95,000. The PH Legion is applying for grants, but also needs community support for this important community initiative.
Rotary raises funds for Legion Emergency Shelter generator project.
Ginny Byrnes-McKnight received the January pin for being the awesome songbird at the Burns Dinner (January 25) and at our Christmas event, as well as our wonderful Social Director.
Jim McKnight received the Rotarian of the Month pin for December, for being the amazing host (complete with kilt and sporran)and presenter for our Scotch Tasting event on December 2. Other clubs want to rent Jim as well as our Scotch glasses!
Investing in our youth today; building leaders for tomorrow.
The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour is very proud of our 2023 accomplishments, and we have enthusiastically engaged in the (post Covid) reinstatement of the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program.
Over the past 14 years, 6 students from Pender Harbour High School have been sponsored on a year-long life changing experience. Denmark, Spain, Brazil, Belgium and Mexico have been host countries of the Exchange Program, while exchange students from Germany, Spain, Brazil, Russia, and Taiwan living with families in Pender Harbour, have broadened world perspectives for the students and citizens in Pender Harbour. This year's Outbound Youth Exchange student is Noah Sieben. Noah hopes to go to France, Italy, or Greece for his grade 11 year. Congratulations Noah!
Pender Harbour Rotary provides funding to support this Exchange Student initiative, both for outbound students and inbound students alike; though the inbound students are benefactors of a predetermined honorarium to support their life experience in our community and beyond. Our guest student is financially supported for such things as food, travel within BC to attend events such as Rotary Youth Leadership in Vancouver.
Fundraising efforts throughout the year include, April Tools, The Annual Show & Shine, Art Crawl, Scotch Tasting, Calendar Sales and a monthly online 50/50 draw. These funds were invested in the youth in our community, assisting in the PH High School Ski Trip to Whistler $2,250; sponsorship for 6 students to RYLA $2,250 (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy- an intensive three- day training program to develop character and leadership skills); providing $1.000 for the graduation ceremonies; and a $2,500 University Scholarship.
To help feed hungry minds, The club donated $3,500 to hot lunch programs in the high school and Madeira Park Elementary School.
To help support early learning the Club applied for and received grants from Rotary International, enabling a donation of $30,000 towards the new community school. The new building is ready and awaiting the appropriate permits to move and replace the current structure beside Madeira Park Elementary.
September saw the completion of the Story book forest walk, which is intended to create opportunities for children and their families to read and stay active. A series of 22 pedestals wind away along the paths of Tyner Park at Lily Lake, with captions that are centred toward physical activity while enhancing literacy. The entrance is across from the PH Health Centre
and pedestal stories are rotated on an evolving basis.
Locally the club continued to support the Pender Harbour Food Bank with $1,475 through proceeds from online 50/50 draws.
Yew Transition house received financial honorariums to help support women and families in crisis on the Sunshine Coast.
Internationally the club provided $2,000 in financial support to the AMORAK Society to help enable the “Mother’s Teach Others” program in Bangladesh. The premise of the program: a mother attends an Amarok School each day. Then, after class, she teaches five children everything she has learned. The boys and girls achieve higher levels of education - moving from destitution to better education and employment opportunities - while the educator gains a greater sense of confidence, self-esteem, education, and community engagement.
Supporters of Pender Harbour Rotary can be assured that their support directly enriches and impacts our community and the World community, as our organisation is 100% volunteer based.
The “Spreading Kindness,” Christmas Campaign received $420. donated by individual Rotarians during the Christmas Luncheon & AGM. The monetary gift will be used to help local youth and families in need. Jim & Ginny entertained all with wonderful Christmas music. Ginny your heavenly voice leading all in song and Jim on the piano, flute and bagpipes, always a joy.
In coming president Guy Halford-Thompson recognized his 2024/25 board, with help from a very special guest, daughter Amelie.
Merry Christmas to all.
Donations where hung on the Christmas Tree with Care
What a great evening, the overwhelming praise for the delicious, food, amazing Scotch, and beautiful decorations kept coming, many people stating it was the "Best Rotary Scotch Tasting Fundraiser Ever! Rotary spirit shone through what a great team !
Special thanks to our own Kathy Riches for her tireless hard work, hours spent cooking and organizing the Scotch Tasting Fundraiser.
Jim McKnight the "Whiskey Master." Piped in the Scotch, and presented informative info on all things Scotch. Samplers were amazed by his remarkable choices; Shelter Point Single Malt, Ledaig from Tobermory, Glenmorangie 14 Quinta Ruban, Old Pulteney 15, Ardbed Uigeadail and Glen Grant 18.
Ginny Byrnes-McKnight created the most lovely table arrangements with decorative lights, adding beauty and a festive spirit to the occasion.
Auctioneer John KIng encouraged the crowd to bid on live auction items, including a masterful painting by Paul Ygartua, donated to the rotary club by Dianna Wray.
Thank you to the Legion staff, Mary, Lori, Irene, Derek, Deb, Wendy for being so helpful, everything ran smoothly as planned.
All funds raised will support Rotary projects in 2024.
2023 Scotch Tasting Extravaganza an Outstanding Success
Lyn Charlton presents a cheque for $1,102 to Joka Wright of the Pender Harbour Food Bank, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour. The funds where raised through the clubs monthly 50/50 draw.
When you play our community wins.
Pender Harbour Food Band receives donation for Christmas hampers.
Special District Governor’s visit was hosted Friday, Nov 10, at Ian and Jackie Grant’s Daniel Point home. Shirley-Pat Chamberlain resides in Salmon Arm and is a remote member of the Rotary Club of Steveston.
Rotary District 5040 Governor Shirley-Pat Chamberlain spoke enthusiastically about the meaning of membership in Rotary, and recognizing the Club and some of the members.
As November is Rotary Foundation Month, a special recognition was bestowed upon the club by Rotary International for achieving “Major Donor Level Three”, for 2022-2023. by contributing $73,835 to the foundation part of which was a generous bequeathment from the estate of the late Rotarian Wayne Jobb, an personal donations by the members.
Shirley-Pat also presented Paul Harris Awards to Lyn Charlton, Kathy Riches, and Lorraine Wareham. The Paul Harris Award recognizes a member for outstanding contribution to the community.
Shirley-Pat Chamberlain is also a woman of mixed heritage, and is an adoptee of the Toosey community. She spoke passionately of social action literacy initiatives and community development innovation in rural and remote British Columbia, in both indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
Her extraordinary service above self, has been demonstrated in what is likely this District’s largest, most impactful program throughout the province: Write 2 Read -- a joint Government House of BC and Rotary International literacy equity initiative. Write 2 Read is now preparing to set up its 27th library or learning centre in a remote First Nation community.
Shirley-Pat has been a leader of Write 2 Read program together with Past District Governor Bob Blacker. The former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, The Honourable Steven Point, referred to Shirley - Pat as the ‘original champion sparkplug” founder of the program.
District Governor Recognizes Pender Harbour Rotary with outstanding achievement award.
Pender Harbour Rotary participate in the Madeira Park “Light Up The Town”fundraiser. Over one hundred trees where sold to benefit the Madeira Park Elementary School.
The Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast are selling puzzles to fund a school in Bangladesh for illiterate mothers. The mothers attend
classes and are then required in turn to teach five children. The program is very successful with students rising out of poverty and many of the children going on to higher education.
Puzzles are available now and are $35 each, help us support this worthy cause.
President Sarah Johnston congratulates Lyn Charlton, as October’s Rotarian of the Month.
Lyn amplifies Rotarians in Action. As the Youth Chair Person, she has been the liaison with both the Madeira Park Elementary School an the PH Secondary School. Promoting the school lunch programs and advocating for the youth exchange program. She was instrumental in completing the Madeira Storybook Walk, and making the Art Crawl fundraiser a financial success.
Her seemingly endless energy now focusing on her Spreading Kindness Christmas Campaign.
Congratulations Lyn Charlton - Rotarian of the Month
Pender Harbour Secondary School principal Chris Lekakis received a cheque for $580. from Rotarian Lyn Charlton. Funds raised from the September 50/50 draw, will help provide food to feed hungry minds.
50/50 Raises funds for PHSS Breakfast & Lunch Program.
September was Basic Education and Literary Month, and on September 23rd. after months of preproduction the PH Rotary Club, marked the occasion with the unavailing of their Storybook walk. The grand opening was held at 11am with cookies and juice for the children.
The Storybook Walk is intended to create opportunities for children and their families to read and stay active.
A series of 22 pedestals wind away along the paths in Tyner Park at Lily Lake, with captions that centre on physical activity and literacy,. The trail starts from the pathway entrance across from the Pender Harbour Health Centre; beside the parking lot. Books will be rotated on a regular basis.
Hard working volunteers made this day possible.
Mirelle Parr, and Michael Parr on a learning adventure along the Storybook Walk.
Pender Harbour Rotary completes Storybook Forest Walk Project
Cheyenne Howitt, with a cheque from the Pender Harbour Rotary Club for $5000. The cheque completes the total Pender Harbour Rotary Clubs’ donation of $30,000. towards the new Community School building
On Saturday August 26th, a group of volunteers completed the next phase of our storywalk project placing the pylons and mounting the frames along paths in Tyner Park.
After months of preparation, and planning the story book walk is nearing completion.
Jim's finger dexterity with the bagpipes translated into him being a maestro with the excavator used to carry the heavy pylons to location. The pylons needed to be levelled on a gravel base and placed in position before finally mounting the frames. Thanks to Bill, Jim,Len, Sean, Jon, Malcom and Guy for the heavy lifting and to Lyn for taking care of the crew and snapping the pictures.
Thanks to Don White for the loan of his bobcat and to Niels for the use of his trailer to haul the pylons from Sarah Wray Hall to Tyner Park.
Also special thanks to Bob Fielding for use of his excavator and to KER Enterprise for donation of the gravel.
Truth and Reconciliation event on Friday, at Lions Park August 25th at 10:30 am.
A informative and memorable presentation by Chief Craig Craigan (hiwus) to our Sunshine Coast Rotary Clubs, telling stories of early Pender Harbour.
kalpilin Pender Harbour was the location of a winter village site of the the shishalh Nation. Judging by the wealth of archaeological evidence, the local population in 1800 was greater than it is now. The shishalh people were highly industrious during the summer months, fishing for salmon, hunting venison and gathering berries, all of which were dried for winter use. They built large dugout cedar canoes and huge communal longhouses (up to 800 feet in length) with separate family compartments divided by cedar screens.
The name ḵalpilin is the shíshálh name for the location of present-day Pender Harbour. For the shíshálh, the place name ḵalpilin has been associated with the use of the region to shelter from the wind and rough seas; in winter. Winters were a time to celebrate, and Pender Harbour was the gathering place for Nation. Dances and potlatches lasting weeks or months, spiritual coming-of-age rituals and performances by medicine men helped to pass the long cold months. A severe smallpox epidemic in 1862 nearly eliminated this thriving people, and the introduction of the residential school system was an attempt to destroy what was left of their culture.
Historical presentation of kalpilin / Pender Harbour
Pender Harbour Rotary President Sarah Johnston presents a cheque for $539. to Carole Logtenberg of the Madeira Park Elementary School PAC, for their school lunch program. The first of two cheques raised through the club’s monthly online 50/50 draw.
President Sarah Johnston congratulates Kathy Ritches as Rotarian of the Month.
Kathy’s meticulous service as treasurer has been invaluable in preparing the clubs budget for 2023/24. In addition, her sales skills secured a record number of sponsors for the clubs recent Show & Shine, raising over $8,000 for future club projects. Way to go Kathy!
We had a very successful, and fun, Show n’Shine on Saturday August 13th. Temperatures soared and so did sponsorships & donations. A near record 72 cars & motorcycles participating in the fun family event.
Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to ensure success – to Sean, Kathy, and Lorraine (the organizers and do everything workers), to John, Carolyn, and Barb, who worked the tables, Ian who helped set up and take down, and to Malcolm who stood at the entrance and directed traffic for a HOT 4 hours in the morning!
Thank you to the students, Kaleigh, Luna, and Noah, who sold more Rotary 50/50 tickets than the Legion’s 50/50 draw!
A heartfelt shoutout to theRotary Club of Pender Harbourfor supporting our community! These wonderful folks are helping make a difference in the lives of women and children with experiences of domestic violence through their May and June Rotary Rocks 50/50 community raffle fundraisers - raising $494.92 for Yew Transition House! This generous contribution will help provide essential resources, support, and care for women and children seeking refuge and guidance at Yew Transition House and via the 24/7 Access Line. Thank you!
Vicky O’Rourke,
Sunshine Coast Community Services Society on behalf of the Yew Transition House.
Photo from left to right: District Governor Shirley-Pat Chamberlain, President elect Sarah Johnson, Past President Jane Blaiklock and Assistant District Governor Ross Cooper.
Let’s welcome the new Board
Past President Jane Blaiklock gave a brief outline of her 2022/2023 year, successes and disappointments (which were few). Jane then handed the gavel over to President Sarah Johnston, who gave an overview of what she wishes to accomplish in 2023/2024.
The floor was then given to DG Shirley-Pat who installed the new Officers and Board of the club.
A delightful summer evening get together was held at outgoing president Jane Blaiklock’s stunning waterfront home. Her husband, Dave, grilled salmon to perfection, whilst attending members provided accompaniments.
Our new honorary member Lucy Archbold
Lucy has been the club treasurer for over ten years. Thank you for your service, and enjoy your retirement.
Thank you so much for your generous support of April Tools 2023! The sun was shining, the crowd was large and enthusiastic, all the paddleboards floated, and the teens proved themselves to be really good swimmers.Plus the little kids used up all 120 or so of their boat hullsand most of the odd pieces of wood to complete their creations!
After all the hard work involved in getting an event like April Tools together, it is truly heartwarming to see our community come together as sponsors, volunteers, participants and happy spectators. Thank you so much for providing the much appreciated BBQ and for sharing your profits with us. It is support like yours that allowed us to put on April Tools 2023. We think our 20th year was one of our best!
Sincerely,
Jackie Ordronneau for April Tools and the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society
Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society letter of thanks for April Tools participation and donation
Proceeds from the May 50/50 draw will be donated to Yew Transition House in Sechelt, which supports women in cris on our coast.
Yew Transition House offers a safe haven for women throughout the Sunshine Coast.
The fear of abuse affects women in any community, regardless of all social, economic, racial and ethnic groups. Yew Transition House provides refuge in times of crisis, to women of all ages with or without children, where their choices will be respected.
Last year, 25 Sunshine Coast women and 25 children where supported through transitional housing, and 688 phone calls where responded to via the 24/7 Access Helpline.
For more info on the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society Yew Transition House sccss.ca
Pender Harbour Rotary Club donates $1086. for the PH Graduation Ceremonies.
The 20th Pender Harbour April Tools boat building challenge was a fabulous day for both weather and attendance.
Our hardworking crew of Rotary volunteers witnessed a sellout day, serving up over 168 burgers and 138 hot-dogs.
The Pender Harbour Rotary Club wants to recognize IGA Maderia Park together with store manager Matt MacDonald, for their role in this year's April Tools barbecue a resounding success...
IGA's generosity is so appreciated in our community!
For more information and photos go to the Coast Reporter’s coverage at:
The following is a letter received from Barbara Melara on behalf of the Amarok Society. For the past few years the Pender Harbour Rotary Club, and the other three Sunshine Coast Rotary Clubs have provided financial support to enable this program of “Mother’s Teaching Others” in Bangladesh.
Dear Members of the Rotary Clubs,
I am really pleased to send this wonderful letter on to you. Written by a few members of the Sunshine Coast Rotary Mother’s School it is from them all. It tells you about some of the many things they are doing and thinking about. While they all continue to hold their own Micro Schools their lives are all of personal development and Community Development. Your School has really become the bright light in their lives and in the Community around it. The women are able to do things they never dreamed possible and that has transformed lives!
Thank you most sincerely for the amazing opportunity you have given for the women who attend the school and for the children and community they impact so positively. Words cannot thank you adequately,
With Warm Regards,
Barbara Melara
For the Amarok Team
Below is a link to the to the letter received from the Sunshine Coast Rotary Mothers School March 2023
Pender Harbour Secondary students, Glenda, Sarah, Lei Lani, Dusty, and Jackson.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs, and districts where students develop their skills as leaders while having fun and making connections. Five Pender Harbour Secondary students attended RYLA, March 25th through 28th, st Camp Elphinstone, in Gibsons.
Here is what a couple of parents had to say.,
“I think they had a truly great experience! I drove Jackson and Sarah home and it was non-stop story telling. Rock climbing, talent shows, canoeing, team building games, red team vs blue team etc. All the new people they met were so nice and cool. Cherie said her drive home with her kids was similar, they were just so inspired and genuinely happy.
I knew they had fun when they didn’t fight me on the group shot :) they were happy to oblige.
Thank you for sending these teens to RYLA!”
Anne Pino-parent
Thank you so much Rotary I wanted to give you an update. Lei Lani sent me a text this morning telling me how much fun they are having already. That Dustin, (my son that never goes out, doesn’t socialize, doesn’t get involved at school) was up by 6:30 this morning in a voluntary yoga class! I cannot put to words how grateful I am for this opportunity for my children. Be still my heart! Thank you, thank you! Cherie Stone-parent
Rotarian Bill Charlton presented a cheque for $20,000. to Cheyanne Howitt, the Pender Harbour Learning Centre Administrator.
This is the second instalment of the $30,000 which Pender Harbour Rotary Club has pledged for this new building. Pender Harbour Learning Centre hope to have the project completed by the fall of 2023.
Pender Harbour Rotary Donates $30,000 for new Community School building.
Rick received his well deserved “Paul Harris Fellowship Award”, at the clubs April 1st meeting.
He graced the membership with a inspiring speech. Thank you Rick for your 21 years of devotion to our club. Both you and Jan have always embodied the spirit and heart of Rotary.
Pat & Ann Munro
In addition Pat & Ann Munro received their Paul Fellowship Awards in recognition of 14 years of “Service Above Self”. They kindly printed a thank you in the April 2023 Harbour Spiel.
Pender Harbour Rotary donation to Pender Harbour Secondary School PAC will help benefit the upcoming PHSS field trip to Whistler.
Anne Pino, Chair of the PHSS Parent Advisory Committee, accepts a cheque from Rotarian Lyn Charlton for the amount of $2250.
The funds where raised through the 2023 Rotary calendar sales. Thank you to the community for your support, the students will certainly benefit from this opportunity; an outstanding inclusive recreational learning experience.
45 students and 8 staff went on a field trip and Ski vacation March 8-10 to Whistler. Non skiers hiked and took in cultural events.
The PH Secondary School Field trip to Whistler was put into jeopardy after organizers learned the extremely affordable hostel they had previously stayed in was still unavailable for large groups due to Covid restrictions.
The PH Rotary Club stepped up with a cheque for $2,250 so the students could stay at the Blackcomb Springs Suite Lodge.
Presentation of $250 to Sydney More of the Pender Harbour Reading Centre to join as a Sponsor of Books ‘n’ Bloom Garden Tour, taking place May 13 in Pender Harbour.
Thanks to our caring, generous community, The Pender Harbour Rotary SpreadingKindness campaign donations amounted to just over $10,000. given to the Pender Harbour Community School. These funds will be used to help local families and youth in need all year long. Also, well over $2000. in SpreadingKindness donations were distributed to those locally in need over Christmas.
Our clubs first post Covid indoor event was a outstanding success! Pent up demand for a fun evening of merriment and fine scotches, led to a sell out crowd.
Six tastings where served and critiqued by Chris Funnell “The Wine & Whisky Guy”. Accompanied by a hearty selection of delicious platings. Guests supplemented their Christmas shopping with silent auction items.
All proceeds in support of Pender Harbour Community Projects
It is always our happiness sharing with you about our days, present situation and what we do in our neighborhood. Nobody tells us to do social work but we do it because we feel good doing something from our heart. We know about the Rotary Clubs as in our area there is a Rotary Club office beside the main road. They take projects for poor people and very poor children. Last year the club provided wheel-chair to the disabled people and arranged an eye-camp for the people suffering from vision difficulty. We know a doctor named Sawkat Laskar a Rotarian and bears a high-quality attitude & behavior. He helps poor patients and sometimes does not take any fees from the extremely poor people.
Experiencing the covid challenges, we are in another trouble of price hike. Price of goods and commodities is so high that we can’t afford it and are challenged again with our livelihoods. Taking experience from the past food crisis, mothers of our school started little savings in groups and personally in piggy banks which have come to us as beneficial to our life. We sometimes discuss the war and conflict between Russia & Ukraine and wish this will end soon. We think it’s an international political issue, again a commercial fight between Russia and America. Maybe both! Some of our neighbors again took loans from local cooperatives with a high interest rate to keep them alive. Mothers of our school are not much afraid as we are planning well and rationing costs that don’t have to fall in the loan trap.
You will be happy to know that in September we celebrated National Girls’ Child’ Day in our community. We arranged a common discussion session in our community where over 60 women and a few men attended. We planned for the event earlier and developed a panel of speaker to lift up the whole issue topic by topic including
= Why it is important to create an equal opportunity for girls. = What is the benefit? = Where is the barrier? = What the mothers have done so far for the girls. = Who can support and how?
Our government, community leaders and religious leaders talk nicely in favor of girls but hardly take good initiative. There are many parents who love their daughter a lot but provide the best support, food and opportunities for their sons. In the event mothers described their childhood, how they were deprived. Our friend Pakhi Akther Nupur said, “I can see the present situation of girls is almost the same as it was before considering the basic thinking of the parents. Still, boys get the best food served by their mothers, get pocket money, good dress and education. Poor or rich both bear an equal attitude and thinking which has come from generations. It’s a sickness of thinking”. But as the mothers of Amarok School, we have changed our thinking into action. Now is the time to change others so that they become sensitive to the girls. We are motivated and confident that we could change others and our girls will get a favorable environment in their family and society.
All mothers of our school have completed the booster dose vaccine and covid infection is almost zero now in our place.
Thank you very much for establishing the Mother School in our community and developing us as mother-teachers.
Yours lovingly,
Pakhi Akther Nupur, Mukta Begum, Rahima and Salma (Mothers of the school)
A mother’s heartwarming thank you letter the Amarok Team in Bangladesh.
“❤️Spreading Kindness Fundraiser❤️”were able to assist local youth and families in need throughout the year by supporting the "Pender Harbour Community School Youth and Families Support Program.” Funds are used to purchase essential supplies, grocery cards and to address the specific needs of youth and families locally in need all year long.
Additionally, funds are used to help those locally in need at Christmas, providing gift cards, food, toys and clothing, distributed at the PH Food Bank Christmas Hamper Day by myself and Bill with help from the local Lions Clubs.
The need is great this year especially with the incredible increase in the cost of food.
I have partnered with the PH Rotary to enable anyone to donate on line in a
quick and secure manner. Donors will receive an email confirming their donation was received.
There are 3 ways to donate as follows….
DONATE online
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1875/donate
Or etransfer to
phrotarydonation@gmail.com
Or mail cheque payable to PH Rotary, (Spreading Kindness in memo) Box 40, Garden Bay, BC, V0N 1S0
If more info is required please contact lyncharlton7@gmail.com
All donors can be proud of what they have and will accomplish for the greater good of our community.
It’s caring people like you who make Pender Harbour a great place to call home. Let our “Caring Community Spirit” shine 💫through again this year!
❤️With sincere thanks and appreciation❤️
Lyn Charlton
Garden Bay
Please forward to your friends for greater distribution
Kitchen Sink Rescue Farm in Roberts Creek, currently provides sanctuary, of healing and hope, for horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, cats, dogs and even a lizard. Pictured left to right; Rotarian Bill Charlton Cheryl Jensen and Mike Lewis.
Our busy beavers at work building picnic tables recently purchased by the Backeddy Carpenters, Kal Helyar , Bill Charlton , Sean McAllister, Len Lee, Ian Grant and Jim McKnight.
Pender Harbour Rotary President Bill Charlton presents 50/50 fundraiser cheque for $500. to Pender Harbour Secondary School PAC President Anne Pino in support of the breakfast and lunch programs at PHSS., on behalf of the PHSS 2021 Graduates
Pender Harbour Rotary President Bill Charlton presents 50/50 fundraiser cheque for $500. to Maderia Park Elementary School PAC President Troy Lacher, in support of the breakfast and lunch programs at MPES., on behalf of the PHSS 2021 Graduates
Please support Rotary Pender Harbour, and your community by purchasing our 50/50 tickets, a great chance to win cash and help your community at the same time. Click the title above to be directed to a page link where Tickets can be purchased at the following secure web address
https://penderharbourrotary.rafflenexus.com/
Since this is a monthly draw, your chances of winning are greatly improved by purchasing multiple tickets & tickets for each monthly draw.
Best of Luck and thank you for supporting your community
An expression of gratitude to Paul Hanson and his crew at West Coast Wilderness Lodge for hosting our District Governor Dave Hamilton and First Lady Tanya Hall. A delicious West Coast inspired luncheon was preceded by an afternoon Pender Harbour , aboard president, Bill Charlton and wife Lynn’s yacht, CANIK TOO
Friend of Rotary John VanTongeren and Rotarian, Niels Frederiksen recently installed three new book shelves in the Pender Harbour Reading Centre. Frederiksen crafted the cabinets, with materials purchased by the Pender Harbour Rotary Club. The Pender Harbour Reading Centre is open Tuesday - Saturday 11am -2pm - and offers an comprehensive array of titles. For additional information on the Reading Centre, go to: penderharbourlibrary.ca
Hosted by John Henry's Marina and Cafe, the take out food was enjoyed under social distancing protocols. With Glowing Hearts, We See Thee Rise, True North Strong and Free.
After months of learning to live with pandemic protocols, it was refreshing to once again enjoy the fellowship of fellow Rotarian's in our Community. How fortunate we are to have access to the splendor and wonderment of Pender Harbour; its' waterfront and surrounding beauty.
May1 2020, Rotarians gathered at the Legion parking lot for tailgate pizza, following strict social distancing protocol, followed by a drive past of 20 vehicles through Madeira Park, Garden Bay and Daniel Point to honour all the front line workers from all professions working to keep our communities safe during the COVID 19 crisis. Flags were flying and horns were blaring as we toured all the areas. A fantastic job by Richard and his crew at Harbour pizza, super good and not an order missed. We even celebrated Lucy's 70th, with cake Lucy generously furnished. All went without a hitch until the leader made a slightly wrong turn and did an unexpected tour of Murdock Rd. Everyone did an amazing job of doing 4 point turns on a narrow road to cover. Only one car was lost in the transition, and they finally caught up on the highway to Garden Bay. All other pictures are available to Rotary members on the members only site.
We had a great evening at The Corner Cafe our local Mexican Restaurant. Carla, the Sechelt Club's Mexican Exchange student along with Marg and Mike attended along with 21 of our members and spouses.
Bill, Glen and Ian put up six Santa's and two snowmen in locations around the harbour. They also put up new Christmas light on the boat at the entrance to Maderia Park as well as new lights at the community hall.
We had the privilege of having Chief Warren Paull from the Sechelt First Nation come and speak to us. He was accompanied by Counselor Keith Julias. It was interesting to hear the challenges faced by a relatively small group of leaders and support staff in dealing with the Federal, Provincial and Regional District Governments on multiple initiatives as well as logging companies, mining companies and developers.
Our Russian exchange student Diana Savenkova gave us a presentation on her home town of Magadan where the average temperature in January is -16C and the average temperature in August is 12C. We heard about her family, her school and her community. Diana did a great job especially considering she arrived in September with little to no English.
Her current host family, the Stewarts, came to see the presentation and provide moral support.
Our club has been active doing a community needs assessment through meeting with multiple organizations and key people in the harbour. One of the needs identified was for a blood pressure machine and thermometer for our home care nurse. They need
accurate instruments since the readings can mean the difference between calling an ambulance or continued home care. We presented a check to Alan Skelley, Les Falk and Kim Harris from the health centre to fund a new blood pressure machine and thermometer.
Glen and Ian made two plywood Santas, cutting out the santa image and then painting them. One was put on the boat at the entrance to Maderia Park, the other by the real estate office.
Jan Gisborne, our acting ADG invested the new board, introducing each member with a little anecdote about them written by our incoming President Mike Price. Mike then gave each board member a gift appropriate to their responsibility area. Sarah, our now past president is taking on the role of secretary and hence needs to learn clubrunner and it's associated computer skills so Mike gave her a bottle of "Oops I Just Hit Send" Wine.
Past President Patrick Munro presented John King with a certificate of recognition for all he has done for the club over his 9 years as a member. He has been president twice, a very entertaining Sargent at Arms, and has acted as auctioneer at numerous fund raising events. John looked after our calendar sales and our criminal record checks. He also kept and published our accumulated donations list to show what we have contributed to the community. His wit and slightly different sense of humour have been much appreciated. John is stepping down from Rotary to attend to health issues and will be sorely missed.
Mike Price presented the theme for the coming year "Making a Difference", talked a little of what to expect and then surprised everyone at the investiture by bringing in a cake to celebrate. It was a well attended event which included Mike's two sons and his daughter law there to witness his investiture. Jan Gisborne helped cut the cake and Mike presented her with a bottle of the Rotary Foundation wine as a thank you for coming down from Powell River for the event.
Mike brings a cake to celebrate a new year of Rotary
Glen Bonderud was surprised with a Paul Harris Recognition Award for all he has done for the club. Glen is a past president but perhaps his strongest legacy is with his role as club secretary and organizer of our wine tasting fund raiser. Glen takes care of all the administrative details of registering new members, club and event insurance and getting minutes out often within minutes after our meetings. He is the first one to offer his truck to pick up the barbecue, bring tables to any event, load up the display boards for the art auction... Glen is also well connected in the community and solicits sponsorships for our various fundraisers. Glen and Rosemary will be moving to Vancouver Island and hopefully he will be as active in Rotary there as he has been here.
Another successful year with our herring curtains. This is a picture of live eggs taken one week ago. You can clearly see the eyes. Yesterday the eggs had all hatched and the curtains were pulled from the water and cleaned with the assistance of our exchange students, Danny and Helena before being put in storage ready for next year.
On April 7th , President of Pender Harbour Rotary Club, Sarah Johnston, and Jan Gisborne ADG swore in five members of our club. This is the largest induction we have had for many years, our club was officially started in Dec , 2003.
From left to right Jan Gisborne, Peter Babik, Christine Turenne, Carol Pashniak, Stacey Stewart, Sarah Johnston, Richard Massullo
On March 24th, the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour met at the Royal Canadian Legion at Madeira Park to listen to Charles Ennis and Mike Bradley describe the Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club's activities. The SCAC is very active, meets weekly and weather dependent will view the heavens. They have two telescopes, one a 14" with camera capable of a high degree of power and resolution. They will do educational sessions and are open to the public at various times. In you are interested please see the following contact points.
Fat Tires and Walking Sticks, a booklet published by the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour has been completely updated. It has new maps and descriptions of trails in the Pender Harbour area. They are available at many establishments within the harbour or by contacting any Rotary member.
This October the International Fungi and Fibre Symposium was held right here in Pender Harbour. Over 135 delegates from around the world attended and the Rotary Club took on the task of providing a salmon barbecue lunch for the attendees. The lunch was a great success thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Volunteers and especially Richard Massulo who prepped all the salmon.
At the Welcome BBQ Helena prepared a special tea for us called Terere.
Brazilian Tea
Helena makes the Terere using very cold water with lime juice and the key ingredient is "mate"!
Tereré or Tererê is an infusion of yerba mate (botanical name Ilex paraguariensis), similar to mate but prepared with cold water and ice.
However, she will be offended if we don't follow their drinking custom with family and friends. Use same metal straw (it has strainer on bottom so don't pull it up) !
The host is the first one to take a drink of
Do not try to remove the bomba. This metal straw can not be removed. If it is removed or dislodged you will need a piece of wire to unblock its
You have to drink it all, you will know when it is finished as it will make a wheezing noise when you suck on the straw
If there are more than 2 people drinking it, it is important to remember to pass the drink round in a circle. For example, if there are three people the last one who drank it must give it back to the first one who drank it!
Dr. Michael Jackson - Executive Director of Ruby Lake Society Pacific Ocean Discovery Station - for the Concept see www.lagoonsociety.com Dr Jackson's Vision for 2020 is to have the Ruby Lake Lagoon Society open an iconic learning and gathering space in Madeira Park called PODS, which will include a spectacular salt and fresh water aquarium and state-of-the-art marine research centre, along with conference and meeting facilities, and indoor and outdoor interactive classrooms for students of all ages.
The Garden Bay Hotel will be closing on January 18th for renovations which are estimated to last at least 6 weeks. The Club meetings on Friday lunchtimes will take place in the Legion Hall #112 in Mad Pk.
The AGM for 2015 took on a festive note and was our social event of the season. We had a catered luncheon and then a Goofy Gift event.
The following members were elected to fill the Executive positions for the year 2016-2017
President Sarah Johnston
President Elect Mike Price
Past President Patrick Munro
Treasurer Lucy Archbold
Secretary Glen Bonderud
Director Services Dave Milligan
Rotary foundation John King
Director membership Bill Charlton
Director PR Lorraine Wareham
Director Admin Ian Grant
Director Programmes Sean McAllister
Director Fund Raising Rick Smalley
Sgt at Arms John King
New Generations Jan Smalley
A huge thank-you to everyone for making our December "Scotch" tasting event a huge success!
Our sponsors, - IGA Madeira Park, Sunshine Coast Credit Union, Gladiator Foods and Sunshine Coast Home.
Our paying attendees, the Rotary volunteers, & the sober event manager Dave Milligan.
A special thanks to Emelle’s Madeira Bistro for the excellent food and service.
The live auction, conducted by John King at the end of the evening was "very lively" and those who imbibed the most, bid the most!
Proceeds raised will go towards various projects in the community and for Rotary’s continued fight against polio and again a huge thank you to the community for their support.
The Pender Harbour club is often giving cheques to community organizations and so decided to ensure it captures and promotes the events to raise the awareness of Rotary in the community.
The first recipient was the local Community School.
Here is the new 'cheque' being presented to the school representative by President Patrick!
(Note: After the picture the dry erase marker was wiped off and the cheque is ready for the next event!
This is a speech that Po-Ya, an exchange student we hosted from Taiwan gave at the end of her stay in Pender Harbour. Reading the speech gives a good understanding of why we support the Rotary student exchange program.
Rotary Speech Po-Ya
Pender Harbour? Where is it? I remember I was sitting in front of the computer, trying to find information about it…but…didn’t really get much information about it.
So I started to picture this place, maybe it is a place full of malls and I can shop all day? Or maybe it is a place that never gets rain since it’s called “ The Sunshine Coast”? or it might be the opposite, it might never stops snowing because it is in Canada?... I had so many questions about this mysterious place, I couldn’t wait to figure it out!
So after saying goodbye with my family in the airport, I flew to Canada alone. I was on the plane, thinking” what am I doing? Poya, do you realize that you are going to be apart with your family for a year? A whole year!!” and then there’s a stronger voice” this is what I want to do, to be an exchange student, I’m making my dream come true, and I know I can do it, no matter what challenges I am going to face, I won’t give up! I won’t let my parents down, I won’t let myself down!”
So the journey started on Aug 16th, 2011, my first week in Canada was in Tweedsmuir Park with some other exchange students and Rotarians, my first impression to Canada..” Cold!”
Coming from Taiwan, where the temperature was 33 degrees the day I left…now I’m at Burns Lake about 5 degrees, mountains covered by snow…I looked at myself, gloves, scarf, thick socks, 3 sweaters, hoodie…and I looked at the student from Mexico who was standing beside me…well I wasn’t too bad actually, because she’s got 5 sweaters on…she could hardly walk…haha at least I could walk…just a bit slow…and then I noticed a tough girl with a T-shirt and shorts on, immediately, I knew where she’s from…she was the Real Canadian I could tell easily!
It was a fun trip, I was very homesick though…
Finally Dave drove me back to Pender, I thought it was a long way from Burns lake to Pender, but apparently Canadians didn’t think so, they said to me” not too bad, it’s just a 12- hour drive!”…well I thought to myself, I’d better get used to it!
Dave kept driving and driving…I wondered if he’s ever going to stop even though we were already in a place where all I could see was- trees! And then he stopped in Garden Bay and dropped me at my counselor- Jan Smalley’s house, well this was a bit different than what I had imagined, I was pretty sure I didn’t see any malls on the way here, and…I don’t have …neighbours! Well…maybe I did, just I couldn’t see them.
My exchange journey is hard to sum up in a few words, I just had too much fun and too many stories that I want to share…too many people that I want to thank…
My parents didn’t want me to study abroad until I found Rotary Youth Exchange program, though they are not Rotarians, they’ve heard of this program, and they always trust Rotary, this program has a successful reputation in Taiwan! That’s how everything started, that’s when I got this opportunity to have more perspective to view the world! It’s a big world, and I never got to know Canadian culture until I really lived with Canadians. I’m so happy that I have three amazing host families, they contribute so much but never ask anything back.
One year ago, being an exchange student was my dream. I've been making it real since then, now I’m here, with the friends of life, and you guys, the amazing Rotarians! I not only learned about Canadian culture from Canadians, but also I learned so many different cultures from others exchange students. This is such a wonderful life-changing program, definitely the best year in my life so far! I will never forget that it's because of you guys…my dream comes true!
All the happiness, sadness, craziness that I’ve been through with my host families, friends and Pender people.. I wouldn't want to change a bit of what had happened during my year in Canada, not even one little bit...because everything is just perfect! All the highs and lows, that's what makes it unforgettable!
I don’t want to count down my last 40 days with Pender people, and 23 days with exchange students, time really flies fast…but that's the reality, gotta wake up from my beautiful exchange student dream one day, but when I wake up, I will hold on to these memories that we created with laughter and tears, put them in my heart... with a big smile, I will continue making my next dreams come true...
Thank you Rotary and all the people who have helped me during this important year in my life, thank you so much for hosting me, everything is just perfect except for now…I think I have 4 Dads and 4 Moms…my family is visiting Canada in July, and that’s gonna be a problem, one of my dads might want me to do my homework, one of my moms might want me to wash the dishes…I hope I could just see them all in once at Christmas or Lunar new year, when I can get presents and lucky money…
Thank you Rotary! Now I’m gonna go back and said to people” Most of the Canadians don’t live in igloos, and they do have summer…well kind of…, and in Pender, chances are, hitting a dear happens more than hitting a car, and maple syrup goes the best with pancakes, and if you tripped someone on the street and that person said sorry to you, you know he or she’s Canadian…and by the way, try forks and knives, they are so much easier than chopsticks! and I want to say …Canadians are awesome, eh!”
It was a very rainy October 25th when a small group of club members and friends got together at Irvines Landing to do prep work for what will be another waterside park. Shovels gave way to pick axes as blackberry and broom roots were dug out and added to a large pile of brush from the site. Liberal amounts of fuel were needed to help burn the pile but by the end of the day the site was ready for the next phase when we will have an excavator come and lay out a path to the water. The plan is to have a couple of picnic tables and possibly another shelter at the site.
Show and Shine August 10, 2014 at the Garden Bay Pub
It was a beautiful August day when the classic cars and motorcycles started rolling into the grounds around the Garden Bay Pub. From the 1920’s, 30’s and right up the new 2014 models. Owners are proud to show the customization and restoration that takes thousands of hours of work and imagination to get the vehicles back on the road. The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour had BBQ of smokies and soft drinks with the GB Pub serving full meals and cold ones. We had a lucky winner on the 50-50 door prize and that made her day. A special thanks to Ron Johnston for again working on the show and emceeing the event. His dedication to Rotary and the community is an example to all.
This year we decided to participate in the Lion's Club two day Garlic Festival event. Rick Smalley pulled together a team who met to sample some trial menus and then agreed on selling a prawn dinner with ceasar salad and filone bread. The Lion's club were looking to double attendance over last year by having some big name musical entertainment along with multiple vendors. We ordered out food supplies based on the projected turnout and then thanks to Lucy at John Henry's had a place to store them for the event. We were also required to provide assistance to the Lion's with parking so with all the preparation required and the number of people required to cook, prepare salads, plate, take money cook bread we needed all hands on deck and the members and their wives, sons, RYLA students and friends rose to the occassion. It was a busy three days with setup Friday, some food preparation Friday and then final setup and food prepararation Saturday morning. Runners brought food supplies from John Henry's coolers and fresh baked bread thanks to Sue. John King's son John, a professional chef, showed us how best to cook the prawns and present the meal on a plate and away we went full tilt through both Saturday and Sunday.
It was a lot of work including the take down Sunday but everyone pitched in and had a good time working the event. The volumes of people did not show up so we did not raise any money at the event but we learned a lot of lessons. Thanks to all who helped out and especially Rick who had the courage to take on this new fundraiser.
Members have put in a lot of hard work to raise funds through calendar sales, our annual art auction, our very well received Hop Scotch, our new format wine tasting, our April Tools Barbecue, the Annual Show & Shine, and our first participation in the two day Garlic Festival.
These funds have helped youth in our community through the provision of bursaries to students at Pender Harbour High School, the sending of 7 youths to the Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly, the provision of computers and software for special needs students at Pender Harbour High School and the sponsorship of Brianna Milligan as a Rotary Exchange student to Sweden. We are also hosting an exchange student from Taiwan. Dave Bradley again took the district exchange students on a BC tour and then back to his place on Sakinaw lake. We had a hike into the Skookumchuck for them on the Thursday and then hosted a farewell barbecue on the Friday. The students did all the cooking and provided great entertainment.
In addition we helped sponsor the Attack on Danger Bay Longboarding Races.
We have kept busy this year building picnic tables some of which we sell to fund the provision of tables to local parks.
A very successful initiative which brought the whole community together and found us working with Fisheries, local fisherman, community volunteers and the local Lions Club was the herring enhancement program.
Another successful project which was well supported by community volunteers was a salmon viewing platform at John Daly Park.
We have continued to support Rotary International’s Polio Plus campaign through our Hop Scotch fundraiser and through pennies for Polio jars located throughout the community. We have also supported international relief efforts including our own club fundraiser for the Japan earthquake.
We have had herring spawn at both Garden Bay and Bargain Bay. The eggs at both locations have hatched successfully and the curtains have been pulled and cleaned at Garden Bay. It is very interesting to see a large number of dead eggs atached to the creosoted poles in Bargain Bay while the eggs on the curtains were very healthy and you could see eyes inside the eggs.
Fisheries have offered to store the curtains for us so we can repeat the process next year.
This is only the beginning of a project that may have significant impact to the Harbour by bringing back the herring.
We held our annual Hop Scotch event at the Pender Harbour Golf Course on January 11. Our thanks to all who contributed, donated and attended. Special thanks to IGA and Troy Callewaert, Rona and Russ Jones and Prudential- Sussex Alan Stewart. Dan Volway, Macallan ambassador from Vancouver, led us through Macallan's new scotches labelled by colour rather than age. It was very interesting to taste scotches within the same brand ranging in price from $65 to $300 per bottle. German specialty beers selected by Dave Mochuk provided the "Hops" component.
John King ably filled the job of auctioneer and we raised a good sum, many thanks to those who contributed baskets to the auction.
As a consequence we have donated $2,000 to Polio Plus and the campaign to fight polio, the balance of our net proceeds will go to local projects.
What started as a warm summer August day gave rise to a great Show and Shine. We had 73 entrants, with vehicles from 1923 up to modern "rods" and including some great motorcycles. Hosted again by Ron and Marita Johnston from the Garden Bay Pub and Restaurant ( and thank you Ron and Marita) the Rotary
Club of Pender Harbour-Madeira Park tended the registration desk, BBQ, sales of T-Shirts, 50/50 draw and tallied the votes.
Despite a downpour of about 15 minutes where we all thought this was the end , the rain stopped and the sun came back out. Except for a few convertibles no one was deterred and the show went on.
Dr Smalley did a wonderful job of the BBQ, Jan Smalley, Sandy Ryan, Mike Ryan, Patrick Munro delivered the goods, John King handled the sales of T-shirts, Lucy, Sarah and Lorraine handled the front desk and became the computers tallying up the votes on the cars. The voice heard around the grounds selling 50-50 tickets was Bob Steele who amazingly sold a total ring of tickets for a total of $1,450 giving the winner $725.
Many prizes were won by the entrants, fabulous vehicles and ones that we all wish we could at least have a chance to sit in or ride in. Best in show went to Allan Skelley with his '67 Corvette Stingray, matching numbers, high performance and just a joy to look at.
If you did not have a chance to see this show you truly missed a display of transportation from the 20's through to the modern era. The hours of labour and love into these vehicles is amazing and impressive. Make a note not to miss next year's show, Pender Harbour is truly fortunate to have this quality of vehicles for the public to see. A picture into yesteryear.
Assistant District Governor Jan Gisborne came down from Powell River to install the new board for 2014. Glen Bonderud was thanked for his service as President and then Glen who is the new secretary and the rest of the board were sworn in by Jan. John King was sworn in as the new president and in what has become a tradition the new president presented each of his board members with a bottle of wine. Jan was also presented with a bottle for her much appreciated trip to attend the ceremony.
Dave Bradley presented "the King" with his royal sceptre.
Wow! Another great event headed up by Dr. Rick Smalley. This year was our best yet as we made over $3,000. Kudo's to John King who did a great job as auctioneer, Rosemary Bonderud who did the decorating and pulled together the baskets and to all the members who pitched in and helped donating baskets, picking up the liquor, hosting our speaker, providing transportation and serving the night of the event.
We hosted a four club meeting on May 25th with the Club from Gibsons and the two Sechelt Clubs joining us at the Garden Bay Pub. Sixty people attended on a great evening with drinks on the deck admiring the view before the "formal" proceedings began.
Some of the students we had sponsored for RYLA attended and talked about their experiences. The Club Presidents talked about their year and the Presidents Elect then talked about what they wanted to achieve along with some good natured ribbing at the expense of the Presidents.
Poya, our exchange student from Taiwan gave an amazing talk on her experience and what it has meant to her. She demonstrated to the group the impact Rotary has had on her and why we do the work we do to
Congratulations to John King on receiving his Paul Harris award. Besides his contributions to the Rotary Foundation John has been a strong supporter of the club through sponsorship of many of our fundraisers. John is always ready to help out be it picking up tables and the BBQ from storage, attending calendar meetings or cleaning up after an event.
The Rona Barbecue was a great success. Thanks to all who came out to setup, cook, take cash, hand out food and cleanup.
Dave Bradley introduced Emanuel and quickly had him cooking at the event.
Jon Paine again led a project with the local community to help bring herring back to the coast through providing safe places for them to spawn rather than on creosoeted dock pilings which are toxic to the eggs.
This year we had more nets in the water…..and less herring than last year.
We had herring curtains in Garden bay, Whisky Slough, Bargain Bay, Egmont, and down the coast in Secret Cove and Halfmoon Bay. Where last year eggs were seen on the rocks and pilings in these areas this year the only place that experienced eggs was in Bargain Harbour at Don White's dock. The curtains placed at Don's dock had an estimated million eggs. Just south of Don White’s there were two curtains at Richard Paton’s dock but there were no eggs. It is hard to see why they would spawn at one dock but not 50 meters away at another.
This was our 10th Annual Art Auction and we keep getting more efficient at each one. This year Ron and Marita had the assistance of a committee, John King, Glen Bonderud and Jon Paine, thanks to all and a special thanks to Reg who put in many additional hours this year in support of our new system speeding up taking the money at the end.
Our 4th annual Hop Scotch was a great success. It has created a buzz around the harbour with people already looking forward to next year and bringing friendss who missed this years event. David Mochuck again did a marvelous job of choosing five scotches and three speacialty beers for our tasting pleasure. Heather Brown provided great food at the golf club and Alan Stewart as auctioneer helped raise funds for our Rotary Projects and Polio.
Many thanks to Rick Smalley who has organized all the Scotch Tasting events and is dedicated to making sure everyone has a great time and gets home safely.
After receiving approval from the Sunshine Coast Regional District and the Department of Fisheries for the design of a salmon viewing platform in John Daly Park Jon Paine jumped into action with his design and ordered the the materials to be delivered. Suddenly with the delivery date set we needed to dig and set forms for the concrete foundations. Then Jon arranged for concrete to be donated only to realize that the truck could not get under the park sign. A quick call and leonard Lee built a liner for his pick up truck and saved the day moving concrete from the delivery truck to the forms. Fill was donated and then a group of community volunteers came out and working with Jon's well laid out cutting list and plans cut and assembled the platform in one morning. Sue Paine came out and cooked hamburgers for the volunteers.
At our meeting January 14th Ian Grant presented a check for $4,000 to Nancy Brindley, principal of the local high School so the school can purchase Dragon Naturally Speaking software, headsets and computers in support of students who have problems writing. This means the students will no longer have to depend on a human scribe to take notes, write reports answer questions etc.
What a great night! Our Hop Scotch to raise funds for Polio rescheduled to January 15th was a great success. Thanks to Rick Smalley for organizing the event, Glen and Rosemary for hosting David Mochuk our scotch expert and Rick and Jan for hosting Francoise and Louis our two Belgium exchange students who did such a fantastic job with their presentation on Belgium beers. I now know the difference between Trappist and Abbey beers and that the largest beer company in the world is in Belgium. The food at the golf club got great reviews and Alan Stewart was able to coax every dollar he could from the tasters at the auction held at the end of the event to ensure an easy flow of money. Everyone had a good time and the real winner was Polio Plus.
The best laid plans of mice and men... Guests driving into the parking lot at the Golf Club November 27th were surprised to find the lights out and a very saddened Rick Smalley telling them the Hop Scotch had to be postponed until January 15th. A power failure meant no lights, no food and no water so the event had to be rescheduled. Glen and Rosemary Bonderud stepped in and ably hosted our guest speaker and his wife along with exchange students from Belgium and Rick and Jan Smalley.
Tickets are still available for January 15th.
On December 17th a group of members, along with members of the Harbour Authority, Coast Guard, and Lions led by Jon Paine cut, sewed (Sue Paine) and assembled almost 300 feet of herring curtain. A series of floats was installed at the top edge with a line to tie to the docks and a lead line was run through the bottom to weight the curtain in the water. Christmas Eve a small group again led by Jon installed a set of curtains on the Garden Bay Pub dock.
On Friday November 12th we had Dr. John Matsen and other members of the Squamish Streamkeepers come and give a talk on the success they have had in bringing herring back to Howe Sound through providing a safe and attractive to herring, place to spawn. They have covered creosote poles with a landscape fabric that the herring will spawn on rather than the cresote poles themselves which kill the eggs. They have had great success and we are now working with Fisheries and the local harbour authority on a project for Pender Harbour.
This year we decided to build picnic tables to donate for local parks. Ian Grant designed and built a prototype and then mass production started in Glen Bonderud`s garage until Rosemary declared enough and we moved to Wayne Job`s. A number of people saw the tables and wanted to buy them so we built a some for sale as well, in the end coming out a $125 to the good on a project budgeted to cost $1,200. It was great to get a number of members involved in building and assembling.
On September 10th District Governor Penny Offer and her husband Chris visited our club. We held a very successful progressive dinner with drinks and appetizers at Glen & Rosemary Bonderud`s, main course ant Jackie & Ian Grant`s followed by some very special desserts at Frankie and John Kings house. ADG Wayne Roy and his wife Cathy were also in attendance.
The 9th Annual Art Auction was held Saturday, November 6, 2010, in support of local artists and community projects. Thanks to all involved, and special appreciation to organizers Ron Johnston and Marita Jokela. With this years auction we have now surpassed $100,000 in revenues to local artists and we have raised over $68,000 for local projects since the auctions began.
The Rotary Club of Pender Harbour has sent five ShelterBoxes for the relief of the peoples of Haiti, at a total cost of $5,000.
Each ShelterBox contains a tent, bedding, dehydrated food, water, water purification tablets, first aid kit, cooking utensils, and stove; the box itself will act as a container for water storage. Each box will sustain 10 people for a month.
Story by Paola Stewart On January 22, 2010, the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour will be providing assistance and encouragement to the girls of Madeira Park and vicinity as they participate in a seven-kilometre run.
The year 2010 marks the centennial of Rotary going international. And it happened in Canada with the first meeting of the Winnipeg club in 1910 (chartered 1912).
Photograph of Ursula Hardwick, program facilitator, by Glen Bonderud
Roots of Empathy is an in-school program launched to foster a caring community within the classroom and to reduce bullying and other forms of peer aggression.
UPDATE! At the meeting of January 15, 2010, the club voted to donate $2050.00 to the program for 2010/2011.
The Rotary Club of PH has presented a cheque for $3070.06 to the Egmont and District Volunteer Fire Department. The funds will go toward a fire truck recently purchased from Vermont. The new truck significantly enhances fire protection in the area and, as an added boon, residents will now pay less for home insurance.
Left to right in the presentation photo, taken December 18, 2009: Fire chief and Rotarian Peter Sly, VFD members Doug Elliott and Jim Smith, Rotarians Ron Johnston and President John King
At the meeting of December 18, 2009, the club voted to allocate up to $1000.00 to help the Rotary Club of Mackenzie serve their community's needs. Unemployment in Mackenzie is around 90 percent, and the Rotary club's membership has dropped dramatically, from about 30 members to 7.
Pender Harbour Rotarians and friends gathered at the Pender Harbour Golf Club, November 28, 2009, to kick off the holiday season and to raise money in support of Rotary's program to end polio. The event featured a wide array of food, six different kinds of Scotch, and four unusual types of beer to sample.
The club extends its appreciation to the organizers of the event, Al Holt and Rick Smalley. Many thanks for your work, and congratulations on a successful event.
At the meeting of November 27, 2009, the Rotary Club of Pender Harbour presented a check for $3500 to Pender Harbour School principal Nancy Brindley and shop teacher Jay Walls. The funds will enable the school to purchase four new computers: two for special needs students and two for shop programs.
Left to right in the photo: Secretary Glen Bonderud, Principal Nancy Brindley, and President John King
As of November 4, 2009, the Rotary Foundation has raised US$100,823,000, thus passing the halfway mark of the $200 million committed to the PolioPlus initiative. To date, our club has contributed $2096.85 and has plans to add to the figure in the near future.
The 8th Annual Art Auction was held Saturday, November 7, 2009, in support of local artists and community projects. Thanks to all involved, and special appreciation to organizers Ron Johnston and Marita Jokela.
District 5040 Governor Gordon Dalglish visited our club, October 23, 2009. View video and photo highlights of the event below. For audio with the video clips, click on the Sound icon.
Vocational Service means being committed to business ethics and helping others. RI President John Kenny (2009/2010) remarks: "Many of the problems our world is facing today have been caused by the failure to observe such standards in business affairs."
Undeniably, the social event of the summer! It was also a chance for a lot of the club to say good-bye to Ricardo, our exchange student from Brazil. For pictures of Ricardo at the party, click here...
For other highlights of the evening, watch below...
To view the show with music, click on the Sound button. To switch from small to full screen and back, click on the Full Screen button.
What's Rotary glitz? To find out, take a look at the flashy images from the 2009 convention in Birmingham, England. Click here...
Image shown here: Closing Plenary Session of the 100th Annual Convention of Rotary International, June 24, 2009, Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, LG Arena, Birmingham, England.
The show includes both nights of the double Scotch tasting event hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Sunshine Coast~Sechelt, and Pender Harbour~Madeira Park, November 28 & 29, 2008. Click here for A Taste of Scotland . . .
The 2008 Jazz Festival Salmon BBQ was our most successful to date. Our SLIDE SHOW of the event, Jammin' with Salmon, tells the whole story. Click here . . .
Pender Harbour club member Jon Paine's commitment to building a trail at Garden Bay Lake is an example of a Rotarian at work for the good of all concerned . . .
The 4 Way Test supports Rotarian principles in life, work, and service. But the test was not always part of Rotary--it began with one member who set out to save a failing business . . .
RLI comes to the Sunshine Coast. On August 23, 2008, twenty-six Rotarians gathered at Capilano College, Sechelt, for part one of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training course . . .
Check out the new Storybook walk book on the Tyner Park trail. 
The Pender Harbour Rotary Club gathered for a special social at the home of Bill and Lyn Charlton to celebrate Emma Valli’s 18th birthday. During the event, Emma shared highlights from her recent trip up north, where she joined fellow Rotary Exchange students from across B.C. in Prince George.
Pender Harbour Rotary Foundation Director Ian Grant presented past president Sarah Johnston with a Paul Harris plus 1 award recognizing her ongoing contributions to the Rotary Foundation. 
PH Rotary President Guy Halford-Thompson presents a cheque to Ann Pino for the Pender Harbour Secondary School hot lunch program. The PHSS PAC lunch program provides a hot lunch once a week to over 80 students.
Jim McKnight received the Rotarian of the Month pin for December, for being the amazing host (complete with kilt and sporran)and presenter for our Scotch Tasting event on December 2. Other clubs want to rent Jim as well as our Scotch glasses! 
It is always our happiness sharing with you about our days, present situation and what we do in our neighborhood. Nobody tells us to do social work but we do it because we feel good doing something from our heart. We know about the Rotary Clubs as in our area there is a Rotary Club office beside the main road. They take projects for poor people and very poor children. Last year the club provided wheel-chair to the disabled people and arranged an eye-camp for the people suffering from vision difficulty. We know a doctor named Sawkat Laskar a Rotarian and bears a high-quality attitude & behavior. He helps poor patients and sometimes does not take any fees from the extremely poor people. 
Kitchen Sink Rescue Farm in Roberts Creek, currently provides sanctuary, of healing and hope, for horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, cats, dogs and even a lizard. Pictured left to right; Rotarian Bill Charlton Cheryl Jensen and Mike Lewis.
Pender Harbour Rotary President Bill Charlton presents 50/50 fundraiser cheque for $500. to Pender Harbour Secondary School PAC President Anne Pino in support of the breakfast and lunch programs at PHSS., on behalf of the PHSS 2021 Graduates 
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Glen and Ian made two plywood Santas, cutting out the santa image and then painting them. One was put on the boat at the entrance to Maderia Park, the other by the real estate office.
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President Patrick Presents: -
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Check out the Rotary videos now on our website.
As a consequence we have donated $2,000 to Polio Plus and the campaign to fight polio, the balance of our net proceeds will go to local projects.
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Story by Paola Stewart
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We have our own spin on Service Above Self