Stories

Imagination Library 50/50

50/50 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! Proceeds to support literacy programs.

Follow this link to purchase tickets.

http://rotarycumberland.rafflenexus.com/

Purchase your tickets on the following link http://rotarycumberland.rafflenexus.com/ The Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial and The Imagination Library are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting one book a month to children from birth to age five residing in the Village of Cumberland. All net proceeds from this 50/50 draw will be used to help fund the Imagination Library program in Cumberland. Chances of winning are 1 in 12,300. BC Gaming Event Licence #132003

Humanitarian Aid to Mexico

ROTARIANS LIVE SERVICE ABOVE SELF

While vacationing in Mexico Kathy and Dave Stevens, Cumberland Centennial’s Director of International Services attend Rotary meetings at the Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay. Kathy and Dave took down kits from the Courtenay Chapter of Days for Girls for distribution. Through the local Rotary Club Kathy & Dave were put in contact with retired nurse, Vicki Flores pictured here with her two grandsons and Kathy Stevens. Kathy presented the Days for Girls kits and financial aid from Cumberland Centennial to help with transportation costs for a trip that Ms. Flores will take to distribute the kits and medical supplies; wheelchairs and food supplies including beans and rice to an isolated area in the interior of Mexico. Taking approximately 6 months to gather her supplies Ms. Flores’ trek will take her by truck transfer to 4 x 4 and then onto an open river boat to a remote village where she will supervise the distribution of her humanitarian aid.

Youth and Ecological Restoration

Wendy Kotilla Wows Our Club with her YER Presentation

YER provides youth aged twelve to eighteen with one-on-one work experience through ecological restoration methods, ecotherapy practices and mentoring support. Youth learn social, practical and communication skills to motivate them in becoming confident, respectful and productive members of our society.

Wendy Kotilla created YER in 2004 based on her own youth experiences of being constantly outdoors, surrounded by the healing powers of nature. She has a Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma from University of Victoria, and Negotiation and Mediation Certificates from the Justice Institute of BC. Her experience includes thirty years in Ecological Restoration and Restorative Justice. She received the UVic 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award for the YER Program.

Wendy presented her 30 minute video on YER that was filmed and produced in the Comox Valley. To see the trailer of the video and to learn more about Wendy and her program visit https://youthecology.ca

Random Act of Kindness

Free Corn on the Cob for Everyone!

On Friday, Sept. 20th we cooked 10 dozen corn on the cob and handed them out to passers by. Dipped into butter the grateful passers by enjoyed the corn in the Village Square downtown Cumberland. Pictured here is Treasurer John Jones, Foundation Director Keith Tatton, International Director Dave Stevens and Club Member Kathy Stevens.

Extravaganza 2019

15 Years & We've "Still Got It"

The Extravaganza Italiana was a huge success again this year. Auctioneer Dave Stevens played to a full house at times accompanied by his nephew Jeff. Bidding was frantic, the auction item on the block at the moment is a box of coal which went for a tidy sum. For a pictorial record of the evening please visit Extravaganza 2019 in our Photo Albums on the left hand side of this home page.

Golf Social

Fore!

In August club members held a “golf social” at Sunnydale. The golfing consisted of chipping and putting contests. The event was well attended by 11 members and 4 guests. A great big thank you to our members Kathy & Dave Stevens for organizing this fun time. The winner of the chipping contest was Leslie Baird (front and center of this picture). The putting contest was a draw won by Roberta Evans (2nd from left front row) & Debbie Lemire (sporting pink ball cap). The delicious buffet was catered by the chefs at Sunnydale.

Long Time Rotarian Honoured

Bob McQuillan Honoured

Cumberland Rotarians Roberta Evans and Caroline Bradfield welcomed Bob McQuillan as the newest Honourary Member of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial. Bob has been a long time member of Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise and we are thrilled to have Bob join his wife Judy in our club.

X-Ray Machine for Nepal

X-Ray Equipment for Nepal

International Director Dave Stevens presents a cheque to Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise Director Bayne Mann with a cheque for $500 (US) to help with their project of X-Ray Equipment for Nepal.

John & Jennifer Hedican

Honouring Ryan's Story

In June, John and Jennifer Hedican told of us their plan to reach as many students as possible on Vancouver Island to tell “Ryan’s Story”. John left his job to devote his time to this quest. Touching the hearts of Cumberland Rotarians we donated $1,000 from our “Heart Fund” to help with his transportation costs. Presenting the cheque is our Community Services Director Linda Oprica. Our Club has also written a letter to our government representatives in support of the Hedican’s mission.

15th Annual Extravaganza Italiana

Tickets Available Now!

Don't miss this popular fundraising event in it’s 15^th year. The proceeds earned from the generosity of attendees, donors and other contributors are used for our local and international projects. Thank you for supporting us in the past and we look forward to seeing you again this year.

Saturday October 5^th – Cumberland Recreation Hall – Doors open at 5:30 p.m. – Tickets are $40 and available by contacting Keith Tatton 250-334-7895 or at keithathow@gmail.com

Rotary Friendship Exchange

Special Visitors from Australia

In July we had the privilege to receive fellow Rotarians from Australia. These Rotarians were on a Rotary Friendship Exchange touring District 5020. In the foreground on his knee is the Team Leader Paul Denmeade Rotary Club of Lismore NSW. From right to left in this picture is Rotary Friendship Exchange Coordinator from our Club Liz Phillipson, Chris & Mary Bell Rotary Club of Lismore NSW, Franz & Catherine Huber Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise, Bill & Di Stewart Rotary Club of Warwick Sunrise, Lynn Gray President Rotary Club of Courtenay, Jane Flood Rotary Club of eClub NextGen, Ron & Lyn Chittick Rotary Club of Lismore West, International Director Dave Stevens of our Club (holding box of world famous Cumberland Doughnuts), Arne Einarson Youth Services Director Rotary Club of Courtenay.

Proceeds of Mexican Fiesta

President Keith Accepts Cheque

This past March, the Rotary Clubs of Strathcona Sunrise and Cumberland Centennial joined forces to put on a Mexcian Fiesta fundraising event. The proceeds would go to fund projects in El Tuito, Mexico. Fundraiser Chair person and International Services Director of Strathcona Sunrise presents a cheque for 1/2 the proceeds of the event to President Keith Tatton, Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial at Strathcona's recent Installation.

Empire Days Parade 2019

Some Heavy Reading For Parade

Pictured above from left to right is Dodie Brand, Ellen Klassen, Donna Frawley, Dave Stevens, Judy McQuillan, Debbie Lemire and Margaret Neal. These brave Rotarians marched in the 2019 Empire Days Parade handing out candies to parade goers. Check out the Slide Show in the Photo Albums on the home page.

RCMP BOOT CAMP 2019

Cumberland Rotary Supports Valley Youth

Graduating Class of the 2019 RCMP Boot Camp at HMCS Quadra this spring. Our member Leslie Baird attended the ceremony on behalf of the club and submitted this picture. At our May 7th meeting Randy James of SD 71 and Constable Monica Terragni of the RCMP spoke to us about the camp and thank us for our contribution.

Clothing Exchange

Having Fun For "Too Good To Be Threw"

Munchies, drinks and new clothes to try on. Club members (l-r) Ellen Klassen, Margaret Neal, Barb Giroday, Judy McQuillan and guest Lill Tosoff, Deborah Nolan, Frawley and Debbie Lemire (behind camera) gathered at Margaret's home recently to have some fun for a good cause. Surplus clothing will be donated to the Comox Valley Transition Society thrift shop "Too Good To Be Threw".

Advocate for Marginalized

Advocacy for Marginalized People

Club Secretary, Ellen Klassen was our speaker on April 23rd. Drawing on her life experience Ellen eloquently explained why she has a passion to advocate for marginalized people and outlined her plan with a well prepared power point. Her project which is still in the developmental stages is to empower the marginalized to attend appointments and jump through bureaucratic hoops.

World Immunization Week Apr. 24-30

Painting Pinkies Purple for World Immunization Week

Pictured here with Club President, Keith Tatton (R) the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial is promoting World Immunization Week April 24-30 by painting their pinkies purple. In countries where polio is a threat children's pinkie fingers are marked with purple ink after they are immunized. This helps health workers know which children have been protected. Club Members "on hand" to paint their pinkies were standing left to right Debbie Lemire, John Jones, John Challender, Ellen Klassen, Kathy Stevens, Judythe McQuillan, Keith Tatton. Seated left to right Barb Giroday, Leslie Baird, Dave Stevens, Margaret Neal.

Merville Community Association

Merville Community Association Says Thank You!

Dawn Ringrose of Merville Community Association spoke to our club to thank us for the $1,000 towards the upgrading of their children's playground in time for Merville's 100 Year Anniversary this year. She showed us pictures of the improvements to the playground area, Merille Hall and the heritage site and spoke of the planning for their 100th Anniversary celebrations.

Days for Girls

Thank You Cumberland Rotary!

The Courtenay Chapter of Days for Girls stopped by our club in April to thank us for our donation towards their groups efforts to empower women and girls worldwide through sustainable menstrual care and health education. Pictured above from right to left Greg Meynert & Helen Cox of the Courtenay Chapter and Deborah Williams of the Comox Chapter of Days for Girls.

Dawn to Dawn

Dollars for Jerseys

Grant Schilling of Dawn To Dawn Action on Homelessness accepts cheque from club Program Coordinator Donna Frawley. Dawn to Dawn will use this money to purchase jerseys for the street soccer team Maple Pool United.

Comox Valley Child Development Association

Supporting Children & Families Since 1974

Our speakers on April 2nd were Joanne Schroeder, Executive Director and Pam Crowe of The Comox Valley Child Development Association. The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) is a non-profit society that has served children and youth with special needs since 1974.

The Comox Valley Child Development Centre, later changed to Child Development Association, opened its doors in downtown Cumberland on July 12, 1974.

MARS

Rescue, Recovery, Rehabilitation & Release

These are the 4 R’s of MARS Wildlife Rescue. We had the pleasure of meeting MARS ambassador Ottis Jr.Volunteer handler Terry Chaney spoke at length about Ottis Jr. and other owls who inhabit the forests in the Comox Valley area. Ottis Jr. is a Pacific Northwestern Screech Owl. Our club has been a supporter of MARS for over a decade. Also visiting was MARS Vice President Pearl McKenzie who thanked us for our continued support and spoke extensively on the new Visitor’s Center at their facility on Williams Beach Road in Merville. We have auctioned Raptor Releases at many Extravaganzas, a very popular item.

Coldest Night Winner

"...the most money raised......."

Past District Governor Richard Clarke visited our club on March 12th to present us with a certificate for 1,000 Paul Harris Points for being the Rotary Club raising the most money per capita on the 2019 Coldest Night of the Year Walk. Accepting on behalf of our Club is Deborah Nolan. We raised over $1000. Our club was represented on the walk by Margaret Neal who carried our torch for our Club on quite a cold and rainy night.

Mexican Fiesta 2019

Mexican Fiesta A Huge Success

ME to WE

Aisha Hunter-Bellavia Gives Excellent Account of Her Trip to Kenya with Me to We

Aisha Hunter-Bellavia gave an interesting account of her recent trip to Kenya with ME to WE this past year. Our club donated $500 towards her trip and she wanted to thank us in person with this presentation. ME to WE's vision is to empower people to transform local and global communities by shifting from "me" thinking to "we" acting. Their mission is to inspire and enable people to do good through their everyday choices. Aisha impressed club members with her maturity and ease at public speaking.

Youth Exchange Thank You

Big Thank You From Island Exchange Students Attending 2019 Rendez-Vous

Byron Horner

Great Bear Rain Forest

After the presentation by Byron Horner you would just want to hop in the car and head out to the nearest IMAX theatre to see the film. The most amazing realization is that this gem of the earth is right outside our back yard! To quote director Ian McAllister “I hope people leave the theatre with a sense of real hope, knowing that places so valuable ecologically and culturally still exist and still can thrive, and seeing that ecological protection can be something exciting and beautiful, rather than dark and difficult".

To watch the "trailer" of this amazing film scroll down to LINKS and click on the Great Bear Rain Forest.

Mexican Fiesta Fundraiser

Strathcona-Sunrise & Cumberland Centennial Join Forces for Mexican Children's Education and Health Care.

The Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise and the Cumberland Centennial Rotary Club are putting on a Mexican Fiesta, dinner, silent/live auctions and entertainment on March 15, 2019 as a fundraising event.
We are working to provide school supplies, clean water, replace old toilets with clean proper working toilets, helping to construct a place to live for the teacher and more in Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. - just south of Puerto Vallarta.
The silent auction component is a great way to raise significant dollars for this very worthy cause. (and get some great deals)
Tickets $30.00 pp - Tickets available from President Keith.

Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay, Mexico

International Services Director, Dave Stevens "on the ground" in Mexico

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial donates $500 to Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay for improvements to schools in the area. Pictured here is Jaltemba Bay Rotary Club President Gilberto Sanchez (L); Schools Chair John Spry (C) and Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial International Services Director, Dave Stevens.

HER International

Ron Quilter - Adventurer & Humanitarian

Our speaker for our February 5th meeting was Ron Quilter. Ron made a presentation about HER International. The Mission of HER International is to empower women and girls through education. Their Mandate is to provide for the advancement of education and educational opportunities for people living in poverty in Canada and abroad, by increasing relevant knowledge, abilities and life skills of individuals and family members, with a focus on helping girls and women when doing so. Ron spoke about recent builds he has been on in Nepal and local plans to develop a School In A Box. Ron also gave us a pictorial account of his mountain climbing excursions while in Nepal.

Networking Rotarian benefits Days for Girls

Courtenay Team of Days for Girls

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Rotarian Deborah Nolan, seen here "holding the bag", surprised the Courtenay Team of Days for Girls. Days for Girls is a global movement that prepares and distributes sustainable menstrual health solutions to girls who would otherwise miss school during their monthly periods. Deb presented a $500 cheque from Cumberland Rotary held in this picture by Helen Cox. Other members of the team pictured here are Greg Meynert (foreground), seated behind Greg is Karen Milward and Mary Cowan, standing Jean Sibbald & Maria Box, Gail Jones far right. These folks meet every Wednesday from 10-2 to sew kits that are sent around the world.

Cumberland Rotary enters a team in Coldest Night of the Year

Join the Team - Walk and/or Donate

Rotary Club of Cumberland and Friends will be walking on Saturday, February 23rd.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a walk that raises money for people in our community who need our help. Some of them hungry, more than a few hurting and regrettably, some who are homeless too. Adults, moms and kids, seniors and youth as well. Coldest night of the year is a lot of fun and so valuable - would you join us or make a donation to our team?

Just click our team page link below to begin.

http://walk.w-ith.us/Cumberlandrotaryandfriends

Thanks!

ROTARIANS ROCK GALA

And the winner is............

Deborah Nolan and Bayne Mann were the recipients of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award presented to them at the Chamber Gala. Deborah is a Past President and current Director of Cumberland Centennial; Bayne is a Director of Strathcona Sunrise Club. Both are very active in their clubs and we are proud to call them Fellow Rotarians and friends.

Cumberland Rotary Supporting Lions Club Special Needs Golfers

Royston/Cumberland Lions Club

Mary Donner of Royston/Cumberland Lions Club was presented by Community Services Chair Linda Oprica a cheque for $500 to help with their upcoming Special Needs Golf Tournament for children 12-18 to be held at Sunnydale Golf Club this coming summer. Mary and the Sunnydale Golf Pro will be speaking to our club later in the spring.

Cumberland Centennial Supports Merville Community Association

ROTARY CLUB OF CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL "YELLOW GUMBOOT" CONTRIBUTOR

It was smiles all round when Dawn Ringrose of Merville Community Association gleefully accepts $1,000 towards the upgrading of their children's playground in time for Merville's 100 Year Anniversary this year from Cumberland Rotary's Community Service Director, Linda Oprica. With this contribution Dawn advises us that the upgrading of the playground fundraising component of their project is complete.

Working "Hands On" in our Community, Cumberland Centennial Rotary Members visit Extended Care Monthly providing Dinner & Fellowship.

Residents enjoyed Fish and Chips

Pictured here with Club Treasurer and a Past President, John Jones with Cumberland Lodge Resident, Winsome and Andrea the Lodge's Rehabilitation Assistant. Andrea is also a registered Recreational Therapist. It was fish and chips all round for dinners.

The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.

Contributing to Paul Harris Society demonstrates a commitment to serve others.

Pictured here is Bashir El-Khalafawi (seated second from left) Charter President of Rotary Club of Parksville AM and Past President of the Rotary Club of Parksville during his visit to our Club. Bashir has served as District Vocational Service Chair, District Foundation Annual Fund Chair and, as Assistant Governor he is currently the District Paul Harris Society Chair, Vancouver Island. Bashir was visiting our club to tell us why the Paul Harris Society is important to Rotary and how we can support support the Rotary Foundation.

Courtenay Little Theatre - Providing Opportunities for the Community to Experience the Joy of Theatre

Thank You To Cumberland Rotary

Tony Arnold and Adele Bailey of Courtenay LIttle Theatre were the speakers at our January 15th our first meeting of January 2019. They came to explain their recent fund raising campaign "Little Theatre Big Move", to thank us for our support, the reasons behind the move, the need for large rehearsal space and just a bit of history and their connection to the Sid Williams Theatre.

International Director Dave Stevens and Honoary Member Kathy Stevens visit Rotary Club of El Tuito - if you look closely you can see our Club Banner on the board.

Amanecer El Tuito Cabo Corrientes Club - Dave is presenting paperwork for the firetruck Ryan is driving down.

^{Dave presenting our Club International donation to Ignacio Palomera, presidente del club rotario “amanecer El Tuito”}

On The Road with Dave & Kathy

Kathy & Dave Visit Rotary Club of El Tuito

Dave Picks Ace Of Spades

A New Year is on it's way and so is a new deck!

The odds were against him, there was still a fist full of cards but Dave stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum and said "it's the Ace of Spades"! Way to go Dave!

Christmas Dining-In 2018

Santa's Elves Play Cumberland Lodge

All tuned up Cumberland Rotarians sang carols at this month's Dining-In at Cumberland Lodge Extended Care Facility in Cumberland. From left to right, Honorary Member Kathy Stevens, Club Secretary Ellen Klassen, International Director Dave Stevens, Public Image Director Debbie Lemire, Club Treasurer John Jones, Finance Director Margaret Neal.

A Brilliant Surprise!

President Keith Tatton arranged for the decorated Cumberland Ready Mix truck to come by the facility for the residents to enjoy the Christmas lights.

Club Meeting December 4, 2018

Local Realtor Explains Changes To Buying/Selling Real Estate in British Columbia

Tonia Frawley, REALTOR with Royal LePage In The Comox Valley explained how recent changes enforced by the Real Estate Council of British Columbia effects the buying and selling of real estate.

A Mountain of Scarves

CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL ROTARY GIVES E.D.A.S. A HELPING HAND THIS CHRISTMAS

Pictured with Club President, Keith Tatton (left) are members of Cumberland Rotary sporting fleece scarves they've made and toques purchased for E.D.A.S. The club members have made 200 fleece scarves and provided 15 warm toques that will be distributed to those in need this Christmas. EDAS (Everybody Deserves A Smile) has students putting packages together for people living on the streets in the community, across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

Firetruck to Mexico

Ryan Thorburn will be off to Mexico with 2nd Firetruck

International Director, Dave Stevens presents a cheque for $500 to support Ryan's trip to El Tuito, Mexico to deliver a firetruck. The truck was a trade in from the Courtenay Fire Department to Brian McLean Chevrolet dealership. The dealership in turn donated the truck to be transported to Mexico. Ryan will be approaching other Rotary Clubs in the valley for donations as well. The truck needs new tires and funds are required for gas and lodging en route to El Tuito. Ryan will also be checking on our previous projects in El Tuito.

Dining-In at Cumberland Lodge

Good Food & Good Company

Helping out with the serving is Honorary Club Member Kathy Stevens. Dave Stevens our International Director and Kathy spearheaded this project for our Club.

Special Guest From Calgary

We had the pleasure of the company of another Honoray Member, Anne Tressler with her grandson Owen. Owen lives in Calgary and this his second Dining-In visit.

Restor International 2018 MIssison

First Day at Hospital in Bahir Dar

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day 2018 in Cumberland

A Past President and current club Treasurer John Jones lays a wreath on behalf of Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial.	The bagpipes are the sound of our military legacy. That legacy is - literally - Canadian Freedom. We hear the bagpipes and we think of solemn soldiers in rows with poppies at the heart. We think of their sacrifice.
In military tradition, the Last Post is the bugle call that signifies the end of the day's activities. It is also sounded at military funerals to indicate that the soldier has gone to his final rest and at commemorative services such as Remembrance Day.	There was a large turn out for the Remembrance Day service at the War Memorial on Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland. The writer estimated the number of people attending was over 300. Click on the Read More button for a bit of history of the Cumberland War Memorial.

RESTOR 2018 TO Ethiopia

Deb & Keith's Great Adventure

And they're off on their great adventure. Deb and Keith left Comox this morning (11/09/18) at 11:45. We'll be receiving updates on their RESTOR Mission 2018 in Ethiopia. So stay tuned.

RESTOR 2018 Mission Ethiopia

Deb Nolan & Pres. Keith Tatton off to Ethiopia on Nov. 9th on RESTOR Mission

Pictured here is Deb Nolan on the 2016 RESTOR Mission to Ethiopia. Deb is leaving for her second mission to Ethiopia on November 9th. Accompanying Deb on his first Mission is our President Keith Tatton.

RESTOR International (formerly Rotaplast Canada) is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to disadvantaged children and adults in developing countries. With the support of Canadian medical and non-medical volunteers, they work to build local health care in the countries where they work. RESTOR International’s roots date back to 2004.

November 6th Meeting

Welcome New Member Stephanie Sorensen, AG Stu Tunheim, Guest Speaker Grant Schilling Outreach Worker for Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial's newest member, Stephanie Sorensen. Stephanie is a Financial Consultant with IG Wealth Management. Stephanie was inducted by AG Stu Tunheim. We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie into our Rotary family.	President Keith Tatton "pins" our new member Stephanie Sorensen. We are all looking forward to working with Stephanie on our local and international projects.
Grant Schilling, Outreach Worker for Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society spoke to our membership on the state of homelessness in the Comox Valley and the work being done by Dawn to Dawn and BC Housing to provide assisted living situations for homeless in our communities.	Assistant Governor Stu Tunheim brought greetings from District 5020. He reminded us of how close we are to the eradication of polio worldwide and were all encouraged to contribute to Rotary Foundation.

Haunted House Tour

Courageous Rotarians

On a rainy Tuesday evening, Cumberland Centennial Rotary went on a walking Haunted House tour of our historic village. Undaunted by the weather the brave Rotarians visited many locations and listened and shared stories of many haunted properties in locations around the village.

October 23rd Speaker

Is Cumberland Prepared for a Disaster?

After listening to our guest speaker, Cumberland Fire Chief Mike Willamson, the opinion of this writer is yes, as best we can be. It was quite apparent that we can never be 100% prepared for any disaster but it is comforting to know that there are people who are thinking ahead and preparing our Village for any situation. It was also very clear that as citizens of the Village it is up to each of us to think about our own emergency preparedness.

MC DC Gillis

District Governor Craig Gillis and Gerry Gillis

You know you've got a "good guy" for District Governor when he is willing to arrange his very busy schedule to MC your club's annual fundraiser with very little notice. DG Gillis did a bang up job to boot! Didn't know he could sing either!

WestJet Winner 2018

Happy Recipient of WestJet Raffle

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Cumberland Lodge

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Creates Christmas in September for Extended Care Residents at Cumberland Lodge

It's Christmas in September at Cumberland Lodge. Seen here are Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Treasurer, John Jones (standing at left) and Committee Chair, Dave Stevens (standing at right) presenting a representative group of Cumberland Lodge residents with a new refrigerator for their recreation room and also MP3 players and head phones for use in in Cumberland Lodge's Music Therapy Program. Seated starting at left is Mona Johnson, President of Residence Council John Rheault, Charlotte Lauret and Norm Silvester. Having just finished dinner at Cumberland Rotary's monthly "Dining In" Program the residents retired to the recreation room where the presentations were made. Research has proven that music cannot only improve the mood of people with neurological diseases it can also increase cognitive skills and listening to familiar loved music can awaken the person inside.

Vancouver Island Paddling

Cumberland Centennial Donates $1,000 Towards 10 person Dragon Boat for Comox Lake

Pictured to the far left is Andrea Keenan of Vancouver Island Paddlers and Linda Oprica, Community Service Chair. Vancouver Island Paddlers started in Victoria in 2012. It now has a membership of 250 with the bulk of members in Victoria but Vancouver Island Paddlers North is located right here in Cumberland on Comox Lake with members increasing every year.

Forbidden Plateau Reclamation Society

Dave Mellin and Greg Sawchuck, Directors of Forbidden Plateau Reclamation Society visited our Club on August 14th with an extremely interesting presentation outlining all the work being done to return the old ski hill site back to nature. It is amazing how much work has been accomplished to date. There is still the gargantuan task of removing the towers. Our hats go off to the Society and their volunteers for making the site safer.

2018-2019 Installation

2018-2019 Executive & Directors

The Installation was held at the Fallen Alders Hall in June 29, 2018. Pictured from left to right is President-Elect 2019-2020 - Robb Flannery,

Immediate Past President - Judythe McQuilllan, Club President 2018-2019 - Keith Tatton, Sergeant-at-Arms - Barb Giroday, Extravaganza Co-Chair - Deb Nolan, International - Dave Stevens. Literacy - Leslie Baird, Orchard - Steve Galbraith, Finance - Margaret Neal. All were installed by Assistant Governor Stu Tunheim. Missing from this picture are Secretary - Ellen Klassen, Community Service - Linda Oprica, Membership - Chris Becir, Treasurer - John Jones

14th Extravaganza Italiana

Tickets are now available for our 14th Annual Extravaganza Italiana. To get tickets contact cumberlandrotary@shaw.ca or call Deb 250-792-3107 or Donna 250-465-8179 A fun filled evening of family style dinning with great food and live and silent auctions. We would like to thank you all for your continued support of this event. Please contact us for ticket information or to make a donation for our auction.

Club Has Changed Meeting Time

Times They Are A Changing

Thirteenth Annual Extravaganza Fundraiser

THE CLUB'S THIRTEENTH ANNUAL EXTRAVAGANZA ITALIANA WAS ANOTHER SELLOUT AND A VERY SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER THANKS TO THE TREMENDOUS GENEROSITY OF DONORS AND PARTICIPANTS!

On Saturday, 30 September 2017, the club held its 13th annual major fundraiser at the Cumberland Recreation Centre. Funds raised will be used for club projects.

Club Participated in Cumberland Victoria Day Parade

Cumberland Rotarians Manning Telephones During Variety Club Radiothon

Rotary Reads

Rotarians promote Literacy

Community Schools Update and Club Assembly

Community Schools Adam Kuzma

At the regular weekly meeting we had an excellent attendance for the monthly club assembly.

Guest Adam Kuzma from the Cumberland Community Schools, spoke on the increase in school meals 800 to over 1400 a year. They are looking for more funding above what they already receive from School District #71 and others. He thanked the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial for their contribution that goes a long way to feed the children.

A Paul Harris Pin was presented to Secretary Sharon MacDonald for attaining 1000 points of contribution to the foundation.

Linda Oprica updated the meeting on the progress with Christmas hamper and the social evening planned for December 8 at the Cumberland Legion. Don’t forget it is a potluck and reversed item presents.. (No morning meeting).

E.D.A.S. founder, Chantal Stefan gave a very interesting talk on the structure and work they are doing this holiday season.

Keith brought the meeting up to date on the bench for the orchard in memory of Stefan.

Updates on the Road to Recreation & Bear Aware progress were received. President John asked for interest on a couple of spring social projects -
Trivia Night and Club Darage Sale.

President John Jones

Director of Wheels for Wellness SocietY

Wheels for Wellness Society

The guest speaker at last week’s meeting was was Don Bucner, founder and Executive Director of Wheels for Wellness Society.

The Wheels for Wellness Society was formed in Comox by the owner of Designated Drivers in 1997. The purpose is to provide transportation to centralized medical appointments for those requiring it. The Society depends on donations to maintain the long term viability of this service.

The Society Driver will pick you up at your home, take you where you need to go, wait for you and return you to your home. We will take you to any out of town medical appointment, for example Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River that exceeds 60 KM (one way) from your point of departure.

Comox Valley Farmer's Market .

Our presenters were Anne Millian and Vickey Brown from the Comox Valley Farmers' Market.

The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Association was born early in 1992 when a group of local growers saw the need for a gathering place for farmers to sell directly to the consumer.

Sock It To Polio!

Posted on Oct 27, 2015

Cumberland Centennial Rotarians were out and about the Comox Valley this past Friday & Saturday collecting coins and folding money in support of the elimination of Polio.

Rotarians have been fighting to eradicate polio for more than 20 years.

Top 5 Reasons to Eradicate polio:

The human cost:
If we choose to control polio rather than eradicate it polio could rebound to 10 million cases in the next 40 years.

It’s achievable:
We have the tools to end polio and the means to reach all children. The new, bivalent vaccine successfully targets the two remaining strains of polio in one dose.

It’s a good investment:
An independent study published in the medical journal Vaccine estimates the $9 billion global investment in a polio-free world will net an economic benefit of $40 to 50 billion over the next 20 years.

It strengthens the system:
Our polio eradication efforts have established an active disease surveillance network in all countries that is being used for other health interventions such as measles vaccinations, de-worming tablets, and mosquito bed nets

It sets the stage:
The ability to reach all children with the polio vaccine is proof of concept that we can succeed on our next major global health initiative.

Souce www.rotary.org

West Jet Tickets Featured at the Extravaganza Italiana

A feature at the 2015 Extravaganza Italian was the donation by West Jet of two return tickets to any destination the airline flies. Pictured are West Jet's Comox Station Manager with the winning couple, Meghan Haas and Tyler Alderson and event organizing committee chair, Rotarian Linda Oprica.

Eleventh Annual Extravaganza Italiana a Sellout

The Tables set and ready to go!!!
Event organizer, Rotarian Linda Oprica is delighted to announce that once again the club's signature fundraiser has sold out.

Thanks to all who have donated auction items and those who have bought the tickets for the event.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Posted on Sep 15, 2015

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

It was our pleasure to welcome Bert Herring owner of Courtenay Canadian Tire Store!

Bert spoke this morning about Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, a project launched to address an issue of national concern - the inactivity of children. National in scope, but local in its focus, Jumpstart helps children in financial need in organized sports and physical activities by assisting with the costs associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation.

Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) has been a part of communities large and small for more than 90 years.

Prior to Jumpstart Canadian Tire had a program called Foundation for Families providing a helping hand to families in need, to ensure that life’s basic needs were met: food, shelter, clothing and essential goods. The dealers felt very strongly that there should be program more focused on children and activities along with community partners.

Last year Jumpstart helped out 550 children with a maximum of $300 per child. The average was about $100/child. This year there will probably be about 700 children helped out.

The program is anonymous and a wonderful investment in the community and the child’s self-esteem.

The biggest fundraiser is a 24 hour “Spin-a-thon” at Comox Rec Center. All the monies raised in the Comox Valley stays in the Comox Valley. Canadian Tire also do a national fundraiser bike ride in different parts of the country.

Mia Bradfield returns from Thailand Exchange

Posted on Sep 07, 2015

Mia Bradfield - exchange student in Thailand!

Our special guest and speaker at our last meeting was Mia Bradfield. Mia was an exchange student to Thailand sponsored by the Courtenay Rotary Club. Mia spent one year in the south of Thailand and greeted us with a few words in Thai. She attended school with other Thai young people and was in full immersion in the Thai language and culture. She had four different host families over her year in Thailand.

She gave us a good look into the life of an exchange student in a foreign country and had a lovely photo presentation of her school and Rotary friends. She took Japanese class, Thai dance, Thai music & of course Thai language and art classes.

She advised us that speaking Thai is challenging as it is a “tonal” language. Mia was also able to go with one class on a school trip to Singapore and Malaysia. She introduced us to Thai food which was even more challenging to her because she left Canada as a vegetarian and had to practice eating meat before she left. There were 15 students in her district.

She was able to visit exotic locals like Cambodia with her exchange student group. We are grateful to Mia for allowing us this brief but interesting insight into her year as a Rotary Exchange Student. Thank you Mia!

It's a Wonderful World!

Posted on Sep 01, 2015

It's a Wonderful World!

Club Members and Guests gather around to record the well known Louis Armstrong favourite "It's a Wonderful World!"

Our recording will be blended with 39 other videos to make up one virtual choir to be showcased at the Dalai Lama Center in Vancouver's annual conference in October at UBC

Becky Kiser - Trampled Rose,

Trample

d Rose, Inc. was started by accident. The main accident was that Rebekah (Becky) Kiser was traveling in Ethiopia in 2003 and she thought that she was healthy enough that she didn’t need to take a typhoid shot. This big error in judgment almost cost her life and it ended up changing the course of life for many. During her sickness her tour guide took her to the small clinic in the town of Bahir Dar, the source of the Blue Nile river.

A few months later she was traveling to Africa for another purpose but she stopped in Ethiopia to express her gratitude to the tour guide and his family. At that time she helped his sister who had a condition called fistula. His sister needed someone to take her to the hospital for treatment. Becky had never heard of fistula and thought it must be an Amharic (the main language in Ethiopia) word. She tried to look it up in different translation dictionaries with no success. But when she arrived to help husbands, and their social position, but they have also lost their hope for the future and they think even God left them. They all suffer from obstetric fistula, a hole in the bladder and/or rectum causing them to leak waste for the rest of their lives unless they are one of the lucky ones that can be fixed with surgery.

It broke her heart. She knew she had to help on some small scale. At that time she worked as an independent sales director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Her small team and some friends decided they had to do something and sent Becky back to Ethiopia. The original goal was to help five woman and then go back to her normal life. The program was first started to shelter women who were waiting for their fistula surgery but Becky soon realized that the problems of fistula are so very much deeper and that rehabilitation was what is needed for these women to ever begin a new life.

Every woman is a tragedy. Becky now realizes that prevention has to be the main focus. Even if the woman can be cured, even if she can be taught to read and write and a way to empowerment by having her own income she has still suffered a tragedy no human should ever have to endure. Especially since we know fistula is a preventable problem.

It’s been virtually eradicated in our own countries for more than 100 years. Now Trampled Rose, Inc. is still focused on its original three activities:

Pre surgery fistula care
Post-surgery rehabilitation for women already suffering from a fistula
Prevention of new fistula cases.

The Ethiopian Government recently legislated and enforced a law against early marriage (the legal age is now 18). This has resulted in a great drop of new fistula cases but it has left those girls who were planning to get married with a whole new future. Becky is passionate that “prevention really is better than a cure”. The crisis has moved from housing women with fistula to how to keep them from developing fistula in the first place. The most effective way is keeping girls in school and giving their little bodies and minds a chance to mature.

Source: www.trampledrose.org

Photo: John Challender

Orchard Meeting

Posted on Aug 15, 2015

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL MORNING IN THE ORCHARD!

Our last meeting was held in our orchard.There is still lots of fruit on the trees and no appreciable signs of the bears that frequent the orchard.

We had two special guests Peter Buisman, a retired apple grower who wowed us with his expertise on cultivation of apples and gave us good information about planting and buying trees.

Our second guest was baby Samuel Haas. He was out with his mom Meghan enjoying the fresh air.

District Governor Rose visits our club

Posted on Aug 03, 2015

It was our pleasure to welcome 2015-2016 District Governor Rose Bowman and her husband Leon Bowman..

DG Bowman began her presentation to us by thanking AG Robert Buckley for his contribution to District 5020 and also to our own John Challender for his years of service at the District level in Public Relations and also to our guest Chip Ross who serves as the Vocational Services Chair for the District. She also thanked her husband of 53 years Leon for his support and encouragement.
She brought us greeting from RI President K.R. Ravindran. “Each one is made because so many people have helped us become who we are, we are molded by family, by community, by country and by Rotary” That’s why the focus for his year as RI President is about giving back and that’s why the focus for you and I should be all about giving back. How do we do that? There are many, many opportunities, we just have to recognize them when they come along.

DG Bowman asked a very interesting question “Are you a member of Rotary or are you a Rotarian”? She said that she was a member of Rotary when she started in Rotary in 1996 and through many “Rotary Experiences” became a Rotarian.

DG Bowman also announced that the District Conference in June 2016 will be held in Olympia Washington and encouraged everyone to make plans to attend.

New Rotaract Club formed in the Comox Valley!

Rotatract Founding Committee

The Comox Valley Rotaract Club is a Rotary sponsored service club for young adults interested in giving back to their local and international community.

Golf at Sunnydale

Golf at Sunnydale.

It could not have been a more perfect afternoon/evening for the golf “9 & Dine” get together. Blue skies, not to hot and a beautiful evening stroll along manicured lawns.

Dave S had efficiently sorted us into teams of four (which was not too much disrupted by the few no-shows - S at.A, contact me to make them pay big!!!!)

Equipped with a dinner receipt and two golf balls, I went outside to find club members, and guests waiting to tee off. From experts to others who had never golfed before (putt putt on the beach is my experience) we were all assigned to our foursome. In the interest of fairness, Dave balanced the teams, so that each group consisted of experienced golfers to would be golfers!

After all this exercise (which included scrambling in the rough looking for lost balls) we unwound with a glass in our hand and a good dinner. This was accompanied by much humour and prize giving.

Many thanks to Kathy, Linda and the two Daves!

What a wonderful fellowship evening!

Chris inducted as a new member!

Posted on Jul 27, 2015

We had the pleasure of welcoming into the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial, Chris Becir, a Cumberland Dentist, pictured here with his wife Kelsey. Chris was inducted by Caroline Bradfield. Caroline reminded us that the object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and in particular to encourage and foster:

the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations and the dignifying by each Rotarians of heir occupation as an opportunity to serve society
the application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to their personal, business and community life;
the advancement of International understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Caroline charged Chris to judge himself by the Rotary 4 Way Test

Of the things he thinks, says or does:

First, is it the truth;
Second, is it fair to all concerned;
Third, will it build goodwill and better friendships and
Fourth, will it be beneficial to all concerned

ELK FALLS SUSPENSION BRIDGE

ELK FALLS SUSPENSION BRIDGE - A MUST SEE ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Lorrie Bewza, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Campbell River and Chair of Elk Falls Suspension Bridge Project was our speaker this morning. He gave a very interesting presentation on the building of the suspension bridge and also information on the upgrades to the John Hart Dam.

The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge officially opened on May 9th. The bridge is 90 metres long and hangs 60 metres above the Campbell River canyon floor offering a top to bottom view of Elk Falls. The structure includes two viewing platforms and cantilevered platform that provides an extension over the falls. The first 40 metres of the bridge on the south side of the canyon is in the tree canopy. This will allow the suspension bridge to start slightly below the elevation of the existing trail along the south side.

This project is a partnership between BC Hydro, BC Parks and the Rotary Club of Campbell River and is expected to be a must-see tourist destination for visitors on Vancouver Island. There is parking for approximately 83 vehicles, and the walk from the parking lot to the suspension bridge is approximately 800.

New Member Interviews

Linda Oprica interviews our two newest members!

Roberta Evans

Roberta was born in Kingston, Ont. and lived most of her childhood in Ajax, Ont. Roberta graduated from York University and worked for a time at the Toronto Star in the marketing department. From there she moved to Calgary and received her education degree . Roberta moved to Cumberland in 2007 onto Camp Road. Roberta became a teacher in 1993 and taught in Calgary for 11 years before moving to British Columbia. Roberta has been a teacher for 20 years and is currently teaching at NIDES. Roberta’s interests include gardening, mountain biking, karata (holds 2 black belts), running with her dog Banjo. To watch Roberta on Youtube!

Way to go Roberta!

Caroline Bradford

Caroline owns her own Marriage and Family Therapy practice in Courtenay. Doula, mother of 3 and partner to Tom, Caroline moved to Cumberland in 2000 and lives on Camp Road.

Tom and Caroline will be getting married in Tofino on the beach, next month.

Caroline grew up in Ontario as the youngest of 4 children and has been associated with Rotary since she was 5 years old, through her dad. Caroline’s interests include mountain biking, running and travelling.

Thanks to Linda for helping us get to know Roberta and Caroline a little better.

David Dickinson

Our last meeting began with two minutes of silence for David Dickinson, husband of our member Christine Dickinson. David will be missed by us all and our sincerest condolences go out to Christine, Joanne, Becky, James and their extended family. A celebration of life will be held on at Piercy's-Mount Washington Funeral Home on Friday July 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

As You Like It Products & Catering

It is stated in the Shakespearian play “As You Like It” “Can one desire too much of a good thing?”

Local business owner, Laura Agnew of “As You Like It Products & Catering” believes you cannot.

Located in the kitchen at the old school in Union Bay, her goal is to supply the local region with gourmet food and food products using local, sustainable and ethically harvested all natural foods, prepared “As You Like It” at a reasonable price.

Laura’s apprenticeship included attending the Culinary Olympics in Frankfort Germany the first year Canada won a gold medal. She achieved her Red Seal certification with the Hilton and Delta hotels and has worked with several other top quality hotels and fine eateries around the world for over 30 years. With extensive traveling she has done, it makes her the ideal candidate to offer you these diverse flavours.

She has a product line which is available at the Comox Valley farmer’s market most Saturdays and in stores around Vancouver Island.

$40.3 Million in new funding from Rotary for polio eradication

Infant receiving polio immunisation drops

The continued fight to stamp out polio will receive an additional $40.3 million boost from Rotary in support of immunization activities and research to be carried out by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The funds will be used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for polio immunization, surveillance and research activities in ten countries, as well as to provide technical assistance to additional countries in Africa.

$1,500 for Rotaplast

Cumberland Centennial Rotary Club Donates $1,500 to Rotaplast

President Liz Phillipson presents Bent Harder with a $1,500 cheque for Rotaplast. Rotaplast Canada is a Rotarian non-profit humanitarian organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to disadvantaged children and adults in developing countries with cleft lip and palate anomalies, burn contractures and other disfiguring and disabling conditions. With the support of Canadian medical professionals and non-medical volunteers, they promote building capacity by training local physicians and health professionals and promoting the development of sustainable and preventative programs.

Cumberland Rotarians present cheque to Cumberland Forest Society

MORE SUPPORT TO SAVE OUR FOREST

Camile Douglas from the Cumberland Community Forest Society is pictured here accepting a cheque for $350 on behalf of the Society. Cumberland Community Forest Society is a non-profit society raising funds to purchase and preserve the forests surrounding Cumberland.

Donation to Cumberland Youth

Cumberland Centennial Rotary Club Donates $1,000 to Cumberland Youth.

.Genevieve Burdett, Youth Coordinator, Cumberland Community School Society is seen here accepting a $1,000 from President Liz Phillipson on behalf of Cumberland Centennial Rotary Club. The donation will support the Society's youth programs such as the new Cumberland Youth Center which is housed on the Cumberland Community School Campus and opened this past March for youth between the ages of 11 & 16, open 3 evenings a week and supervised by 2 qualified youth support workers. Research shows the many benefits of a youth center such as in helping prevent drug use and anti-social behaviour and will provide leadership opportunities for young people.

Community Recipe Booklet

ON LINE RECIPE BOOKLET CREATED BY ROTARY CLUB OF CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL

Our Social Committee, Cathe Egan, has created this beautiful recipe booklet comprised of favourite recipes of our club members and community members. You can view the complete booklet by clicking on the Community Recipe Booklet under Downloads on the right hand side of this home page. Enjoy!

Mobile Library Project

CUMBERLAND ROTARIANS SUPPORT MOBILE LIBRARY PROJECT IN MEXICO

Dave Stevens presents a cheque from the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial to Club Rotario Bahia de Jaltemba, LaPenita. Left to right is Club President Carlos, Kathy Hankins of Stetler Rotary Club, Sydney Richomond - Champion of the bookmobile program and Dave Stevens on the far right. This program is for kindergarten children aged 3,4 & 5 in which Hema, the licensed teacher goes to 2 schools a day. There are 10 schools in total involved in this program. The money donated goes to buy books and some craft and writing materials.

School Library Project

CUMBERLAND ROTARIANS SUPPORT MOBILE LIBRARY PROJECT IN MEXICO

Dave Stevens presents a cheque from the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial to Club Rotario Bahia de Jaltemba, LaPenita. Left to right is Club President Carlos, Kathy Hankins of Stetler Rotary Club, Sydney Richomond - Champion of the bookmobile program and Dave Stevens on the far right. This program is for kindergaten children aged 3,4 & 5 i which Hema, the licensed teacher goes to 2 schools a day. There are 10 schools in total involved in this program. The money donated goes to buy books and some craft and writing materials.

Breakfast Program

ROTARY CLUB OF CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL SUPPORTS
CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Rotarian Linda Oprica presents a cheque for $1,000

earmarked for their breakfast program to

Terra Brown, Chair of Cumberland Community School Parents Association and

Dana Dixon, Past Fundraising Chair for Cumberland Elementary Parents Association.

Caroling at the Lodge

Santa's Singing Elves

On Wednesday December 17th Santa's Elves sang Christmas carols and songs for residents of Cumberland Lodge after their monthly "Dining Out". Pictured here from left to right in the front row Anne Tressler, Penny Vroom, President Liz Phillipson, Cathe Egan, Hendrika Stigter and two of her children, back row right to left, Paul Vroom, Barb Giroday, Elmer Phillipson and Dave Stevens. Missing from this photo are Kathy Stevens, Bill Tressler and Debbie Lemire.

Stefan

TAKEN FROM US SUDDENLY OUR DEAR FRIEND AND FELLOW ROTARIAN - STEFAN PLETSCHER

Stefan’s life was taken away from us too soon and it is hard to understand why tragic things like this happen to such good people. However, this is a question without an answer and we should not dwell on the loss of our dear friend. Let’s celebrate that he was a part of our lives for 10 years; for some of us even more, and remember all of the remarkable things Stefan accomplished and how wonderful his life was.

Stefan was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial. He continued to be an active member until his death.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 13th, 2 p.m. at Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay.

Basics For Babies 2014

HELP SUPPORT COMOX VALLEY FOOD BANK - PLEASE ATTEND BASICS FOR BABIES SUNDAY DECEMBER 7TH 10 A.M-12:30 P.M.

Annual In-House Auction & Dinner

FOOD, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP AT OUR ANNUAL IN-HOUSE AUCTION AND DINNER

Our club secretary, Sharon MacDonald toasts the event along with Foundation Chair and Sergant -at-Arms Margaret Keresztesi.	The Evenings Auctioneer Charter Member Dave Stevens, lovely guest Kathy Stevens with Meghan Haas prepare for dinner.
Honoured guest Judy Jones and members Dodie Brand and Leslie Baird were three of the diners enjoying the tasty prime rib dinner catered by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 28 Members. For more pictures of this event check out the Photo Album.	Dave Stevens with his lovely assistant Margaret Neal auctioning off one of the many items from the slate of varied donations. There were home baked goodies, attic treasures and many other items donated by club members for the auction. Funds raised from this event are used for club administration.

Paul Harris

PENNY VROOM BECOMES A PAUL HARRIS FELLOW

President Liz Phillipson had the honour and pleasure of recognising Penny Vroom as becoming a Paul Harris Fellow at our Annual In-House Auction and Dinner. A world of peace and goodwill comes closer to realty today as Penny Vroom becomes a Paul Harris Fellow. It is because of gifts like one made in Penny's honour that The Rotary Foundation is able to carry out an array of programs that achieve beneficial changes in our world: improved living conditions, increased food production, better education, wider availability of treatment and rehabilitation for sick and disabled, new channels for the flow of international understanding and brighter hopes for peace.

Service Award Recipient

CONGRATULATIONS DEB NOLAN FOR BEING AWARDED ROTARY CLUB OF CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL "CLUB SERVICE AWARD"

President Liz Phillipson awarded Deb Nolan the prestigious Club Service Award at our Annual In House Auction and dinner. The citation commends the service carried out by an individual Rotarian in the club. Deb is a founding member of Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial. She has been a valuable member of the committee that writes a summary of the weekly programs, has served as a club greeter, a member of the board of directors, and is a past president. Deb has constantly made her contribution to our club efforts and through her professional and organization skills. Together with other clubs in the valley, she spearheaded the “Basic for Babies” event, forged relationships with the other rotary clubs in our district, and made a significant contribution to our playground project in the village. Deb was involved in the organization of the El Tuito project in Mexico, and together with members of our club, and those from Strathcona Sunrise, drove down to Mexico to deliver vehicles and supplies to the people of El Tuito, She continues to provide our club and community with many international service opportunities. She has also hosted exchange students both long and short term. Congratulations Deb!

Remembrance Day 2014

ROTARY CLUB OF CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL HONOUR THE FALLEN

On a beautiful sunny November 11th, 2014 Rotarian Margaret Neal lays a wreath on behalf of Cumberland Centennial Rotary Club at the foot of the Cumberland Cenotaph. Please see the photo album for more pictures of this event.

Hallowe'en Parade 2014

CUMBERLAND ROTARIANS DON THEIR TRAFFIC VESTS TO HELP KEEP CUMBERLAND'S GHOSTS AND GOBLINS SAFE THIS HALLOWE'EN

Things started out at the Cumberland Recreation Center, the parade of ghosts, goblins, witches and various characters are seen here in front of the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department building collecting treats as they pass from one of our fire fighters.	President Elect John Jones readies himself for the onslought. If you're interested in more photos of this event check out the photo album.
President Liz Phillipson seen here with crowds of eager trick or treaters heading back up Dunsmuir to check out the many businesses handing out candies and goodies to passers by.	Honorary Cumberland Rotarian, Jean Cameron, joins in the festivities in front of her business, Cameron's Salon and Barber Shop. All business up and down Cumberland's main street participated in this very popular event.

END POLIO NOW EVENT AT THE WAVERLEY

MARK R. ISFELD SECONDARY INTERACT CLUB ASSISTS CUMBERLAND CENTENNIAL ROTARIANS IN END POLIO NOW EVENT AT THE WAVERLEY HOTEL IN CUMBERLAND.

Cumberland Rotarians held a fundraiser on October 24 at the Waverly Hotel in Cumberland. To bring attention to this event the End Polio Now symbol was projected onto the historic ILO-ILO building in Cumberland directly across the street from the Waverley Hotel.	The first shift of Interact Volunteers from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary gave away hot chocolate for a donation on the street in front of the Waverly to help raise funds and hand out information about the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
The late shift of Interact Volunteers from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary pictured here braved the declining temperatures to carry on the hot chocolate distribution to passers by and collect the very generous donations!	Project organizer Dr. Margaret Keresztesi makes the rounds of the Waverley with a very colourful donation sock. Dr. Margaret has a special interest in Polio Eradication as she is a polio survivor herself.

Light Up Rotary - End Polio Now

JOIN US - COME ON DOWN - ORDER SOME DINNER INSIDE FROM THE "WAVE'S" SCRUMPTIOUS MENU OR HANG OUTSIDE ON DUNSMUIR WITH A DELICIOUS CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE. EVERY $1 DONATED WILL BE MATCHED BY AN ADDITIONAL $2 FROM THE GATES FOUNDATION TO END POLIO NOW!

10TH ANNUAL ITALIANA EXTRAVAGAZA

WORKING HARD FOR OUR LOCAL & WORLD COMMUNITY

Headliner Auctioneer Dave Stevens, a Charter Member of our club is seen here with Rens Stigter donator of his homemade apple pie for our auction. Rens' mom, Hendrika, a member of our club and artist, created the cover of our program.	Event Chair and Charter Member, Linda Oprica, presents an honorarium to members of Cumberland Marching Band who do a stellar job serving our delicious dinner.
More than fund raising, our Extravaganza is a night to celebrate members of our community who exemplify Service Above Self. Charter Member, John Challender presents an Honorary Membership to Jean Cameron, Cumberland business owner and the driving force for Cumberland's Motor Cycle Round Up for Cancer Research.	A sold out event, the doors opened at 6 p.m. Members worked diligently to turn a community gymnasium into an elegant dinner setting.

Cumberland Rotarians Support Cumberland Community Forest Society

President Liz presented a cheque for $250 to Caroline Timchuk of the Cumberland Community Forest
Society at our meeting on 12 August.

Adventures in Citizenship

Our guest speakers on Tuesday August 5th were Heather Wilson, Matt Ehrler
and Quinna Laver who participated in the Adventures in
Citizenship programme that has been conceived and hosted by
the Rotary Club of Ottawa for some 60 years. Heather was
sponsored by the RC of Courtenay, Matt by our club and Quinna
by the RC of Comox. The three decided to tell their sponsoring
clubs about their adventure together. Using a PowerPoint show,
the three told highlighted their experiences, making new friends
from among the 200 students from every province and territory
of Canada. A very worthwhile program indeed.

DG Comes To Call

DG Michael Procter Is Kept Very Busy in Cumberland

Installation 2014-2015

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Board 2014-2015

LOOK OUT WORLD - HERE COMES LIZ AND HER CREW!!

On Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the Cultural Center in Cumberland, Liz Phillipson (pictured here on the left) was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial 2014-2015. Pictured with Liz (from left to right front row) is Kim Sleno - Past President & Public Image; Judith McQuillan - Membership; Christine Dickinson - Administration; Margaret Keresztesi - Sergeant-at-Arms & Foundation. (Back row) John Jones - Treasurer & President Elect 2015-2016; Barb Giroday - Community Services. Missing from this picture is Keith Tatton - Finance; Charlie Sallis - International; Secretary - Sharon MacDonald.

Rotarian's Supporting Literacy in Cumberland

Community Service Director Barb Giroday &

President Elect Liz Phillipson

For the past two years Cumberland Rotarians have been promoting literacy in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Parents of young children in Cumberland have been encouraged to register their pre-school children in a program that provides a free, age-related book to each child each month until they are 5 years of age. The books arrive in the mail personally addressed to each child. More than 100 children are now registered in the program including thirty-three new children registered on Cumberland Market Day, Friday 16 May. The program has spread through word of mouth and through the efforts of Rotarians who volunteered to inform the public at their table on Dunsmuir Avenue on Market Day. Money raised from the club’s Extravaganza Italiana are used to fund the program.

Cumberland Rotarians Present Cheque for $110,000

Cheque Presented to Mayor Baird

L-R: Club President Elect (2014-15) Liz Phillipson, Club President Kim Sleno presented a cheque for $110,000 to Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird with support from Club Treasurer John Jones

The Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial and the Village of Cumberland partnered to create a family-friendly, fun-filled playground in the Village Park for the community to enjoy. The playground was completed with the installation of modern, safe equipment and an universally accessible surface. One of the most popular features is a zip line. Funds provided by the Rotarians came from the proceeds of the Club’s popular annual Extravaganza Italiana and with support from the Province of BC that provided $50,000 through the Community Gaming Grant program and Tire Stewardship B.C. A cheque for $110,000 was presented by Rotary Club President Kim Sleno to Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird on Friday, 9 May, as the club’s share of the cost of the new facility.

Official Opening of Cumberland Playground

At 11:00 AM on a snowy Saturday, 22 February, our MLA Don McRae, Mayor Leslie Baird, Club President Kim Sleno, members of the community and the club gathered to witness the official cutting of a handmade ribbon created by the students at Cumberland Elementary School. To make this project a reality, the club partnered with the Village of Cumberland and contributed $110,000 to create an universally accessible playground complete with a zip line in the Village Park.

Pancake Breakfast at Ecole Puntledge Park - 14 February 2014

On Friday morning, Valentine's Day, Club members, spouses and friends served more than 500 pancake breakfasts to the students and staff of Ecole Puntledge Elementary School in Courtenay who were having a winter Carnival complete with Bon Homme Carnaval. Click the link below to watch a short video of the event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRYci_ZLGCY&feature=youtu.be

Cumberland Rotarians Continue Support of Cumberland Marching Band

On Saturday, 5 October, Cumberland Rotary president Kim Sleno presented a cheque for $500 to Josie Patterson and Kelsey Barton, members of the Cumberland Marching Band. Band members served the food at the Rotary club’s 9^th annual Extravaganza Italiana that evening. The Cumberland Marching Band is well recognized for its development of young musicians and Cumberland Rotarians have been strong supporters since the band was created.

Cumberland Rotarians Support School’s Emergency Preparedness

On Saturday, 5 October, Cumberland Rotary President Kim Sleno presented a cheque for $300 to Dana Dixon of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) of Cumberland elementary School. The funds will be used by the PAC to help in the important task of ensuring that the school is prepared for an emergency. Dickson and members of her committee were a great help to the Rotary club at the 9^th annual Extravaganza Italiana club fundraiser at the Cumberland Recreation Hall that evening.

MEXICO PROJECT

Our speakers on Tuesday were Chip Ross and Bob Johnson of the Rotary club of Strathcona Sunrise. About twelve years,ago, during a trip to Mexico, Bob Johnson discovered a great need among the villages in an area about one-quarter the size of Vancouver Island on the Pacific Coast almost due west of Mexico City. For more details about this areas needs and what is happening with regard to assistance click on The Miner's Lamp September 10, 2013 in the Download portion of this Home Page.

Cumberland Rotarians Provide Funds to Help Tea Farmers in India

At the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial on 3 September, Deb Nolan presented a cheque for $1000 to Peggy Carswell the founder of Fertile Ground. Carswell has been working for a number of years helping small tea farmers in Assam move away from chemical fertilizers and other unfriendly chemicals by making and using compost to produce organic teas and help the soil and environment recover from decades of use of chemicals. Carswell will be travelling to Assam this fall to participate in a conference that will include representatives from the United Nations and other international groups interested in the practices of the tea farmers in Assam.

Valley Humanitarian Honoured By Cumberland Rotarians

Jared Hendry is a twenty-three year old Comox Valley resident who is a humanitarian in every sense of the word. Hendry graduated from UVic in 2012 and began training at BCIT to become a sonographer in the fall of 2012. While he was at UVic he became aware of the living conditions of the 5,000 residents of Smoky Mountain, a community in a garbage dump in metro Manila. He decided to do something for the children of that community and began collecting hundreds of soccer, rugby and basketballs, sports uniforms and shoes and put them all in a forty-foot container, raised $5,000 and shipped it to Manila. The equipment has been distributed to the children and has changed their lives. In the spring of 2013, Hendry travelled to the Philippines and spent five weeks visiting Smoky Mountain and several hospitals in the area. In honour of his service and dedication to others, the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial has named Jared Hendry a Paul Harris Fellow by donating $1000 in his name to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and at the regular meeting of the club on 20 August, he was presented with a certificate and pin that identify him as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Cumberland Fire Department Providing Smoke Alarms With Rotarians Help

The Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department has promoted the installation of fire alarms in homes in the Village for many years. The Fire Department has raised funds and donated alarms to a large number of homes in the Village of Cumberland. At its regular meeting on Tuesday, President Kim Sleno of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial presented a cheque for $500 to Fire Chief Mike Williamson. Chief Williamson was grateful for the support and, because the department is able to purchase good alarms for one half the normal price, will distribute alarms to fifty homes in the community. Funds raised at the club’s annual Extravaganza Italiana are used for community and world service projects.

Cumberland Rotary Helps Out The Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup

Good Sport!

Pictured here is Cumberland Mayor and Cumberland Centennial Rotarian Leslie Baird just after her trip down Dunsmuir Avenue on the back of a motorcycle. Cumberland Rotarians help out the Cumberland Motorcycle Roundup by hosting a pancake breakfast in the Village Square. For the whole story in pictures of this fun event click on the title in Photo Albums.

Cumberland Centennial Rotary - New Member

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial Welcomes Newest Rotarian

At the club’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, Meghan Haas, Realtor with Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty, was inducted as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial. Haas brings with her a desire to be involved in her community and the vitality of her youth. She was inducted by Membership Chair, Judythe McQuillan and welcomed by all of the members of the club.

Village of Cumberland and Rotarians Partner to Refurbish Playground

Leslie Baird, Mayor of the Village of Cumberland and key members of the Village staff met with Cumberland Rotarians on Tuesday to discuss details of a planned renovation of the Village Park Playground.

The equipment currently installed has reached the end of its useful life and will be replaced by new structures. The site will become universally accessible. The final cost of the project is awaiting proposals from suppliers so is not available at press time. Cumberland Rotary has committed to partnering with the Village using funds raised in the community through its various fundraising efforts. The club’s major fundraiser in 2013, the Extravaganza Italiana, will occur on Saturday, 5 October. Tickets at $35 per person for the ninth annual Extravaganza Italiana are now available from Rotarian John Challender at 250-339-4068 or johnpegc@shaw.ca

Visit from AG Lana Eagle

At our last meeting, held in our Community Orchard the Club was pleasantly surprised by a visit by AG Lana Eagle. An on-going project of Cumberland Centennial is the rehabilitation of century-old apple orchard in the oldest art of Cumberland. Trees have been "sold" to families keen to support us and plaques bearing their names have been erected by their trees. A commemorative bench was added in 2009. Visited on a regular basis by citizens and wild life, our club regularly organizes work parties to maintain this wonderful gift to the citizens of Cumberland from Cumberland Centennial Rotary Club.

Extravaganza Italiana 2013

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Our club will hold its Ninth Annual Extravaganza Italiana Dinner Auction, at the Cumberland Recreation Centre on Saturday, October 5, 2013. This event is our major fundraiser for 2013 – 2014. During our eight years of service to the community, businesses and individuals have generously donated goods and services for our auction.

Our club has grown to become a positive, well-recognized and respected force for good in the local and world communities. Since our Charter in June 2005 we have raised sufficient funds through our dinner auctions to provide a thermal imaging camera for the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department; ten automated, electronic defibrillators to organizations in the Comox Valley; provided Cumberland with its first two transit shelters; donated $30,000 to the Comox Valley Hospice Society Building Fund; numerous local and International projects. Our major community project last year and this coming year will be to continue to raise funds for a new playground in the Village of Cumberland to replace the one in the Village Park. Our aim is to make the new playground one that is universally accessible to its users. We are well on our way to making this a reality and with a successful fundraising year, we will reach our goal.

Donors receive public recognition for support, unless they prefer to remain anonymous. If you would like to make a donation for the auction please email deblemire@shaw.ca.

If you are interested in attending our event please call John Challender at 250-339-4068 or

e-mail him at johnpegc@shaw.ca to reserve your tickets. Tickets are $35.00 each. Tables for 8 or 10 are available. Tickets can be delivered.

Cumberland Rotarians Helping Out At Cruise 2013

Once again, Cumberland Centennial Rotarians will be helping out the Comox Valley Cruisers when they arrive in Cumberland at the end of their annual cruise. Saturday, July 27th 5:00 to 7:00 pm Cruise- in and dine at the A&W on Cliffe Ave., Courtenay Golden Oldies music in the parking lot – Overflow parking directly across the street at the Driftwood Mall 7:00 pm Cruisers leave the A&W for a cruise of the Comox Valley After cruise dessert in downtown Cumberland. Pictured here is Cumberland Rotarian Robb Flannery. For more information on Cruise 2013 visit http://comoxvalleyclassiccruisers.com/Cruise_Night_2013.html

ROTAPLAST Receives Boost From Cumberland Rotarians

At the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial on 25 June, President Kim Sleno presented Bent Harder with a cheque for $2000 to be used on a mission of ROTAPLAST. ROTAPLAST (ROTary PLASTic surgery) was begun as an international project by the Rotary Club of San Francisco. ROTAPLAST conducts missions of medical professionals (plastic surgeons, anesthetists, dental surgeons and nurses) and Rotarian volunteers to countries to provide corrective surgery to children with cleft palates and cleft lips. Bent Harder, a member of the Rotary Club of Courtenay, is fondly known as “Mr. ROTAPLAST” has been on seven missions to the Philippines, China and Venezuela. Rotarians who volunteer for these missions pay all their own travel and accommodation expenses. The volunteer medical professionals receive no fee for their skills but their expenses are paid. Funds are used primarily for medications and medical supplies. The Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial is a strong supporter of ROTAPLAST http://www.rotaplastcanada.com/

Christine Dickinson Newest Paul Harris Fellow

At the Installation Dinner on 11 June, Christine Dickinson became the club's latest Paul Harris Fellow, honouring her service to humanity through Rotary. John Challender presented Christine with her pin, certificate and an engraved crystal.

Club Installs Executive and Board for 2013-14

On 11 June, the executive and board for 2013-14 were installed. (L-R)Secretary John Challender, President Kim Sleno, President-Elect 2014-15 Liz Phillipson, Administration Director Christine Dickinson, Treasurer John Jones, Service Projects Director Barb Giroday and Membership Director Judythe McQuillan.

Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snow Sports - VISAS

Posted by John Challender on Feb 04, 2013

Cathe Egan spoke to us about the work of the society. VISAS is the largest organization of its kind in Canada. Its cadre of 90 volunteers provide instruction in snow sports to 550 people with a wide variety of mental and physical challenges. She presented the following video to inform us of the work done by the organization:

For more information see: www.visasweb.ca

Club Presents a Cheque to the Strathcona Symphony Orchestrra

Posted by John Challender on Jan 21, 2013

At its meeting on Tuesday, 22 January, Deb Nolan presented a cheque to Music Director, Pippa Williams and Michelle Morton, president of the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra Society. The Orchestra has been a great attraction at the Basics For Babies breakfasts sponsored by the Comox Valley's four Rotary clubs in 2011 and 2012.

(L - R) Pippa Williams, Deb Nolan and Michelle Morton

Rotarians Provide Entertainment Equipment to Seniors

Posted by John Challender on Dec 22, 2012

The Club, using funds raised at the annual Extravaganza Italiana, has purchased and donated a 50" digital TV, a Blu Ray player and two Kobo readers to the Cumberland Lodge Intermediate Care Centre's residents. Local merchants who supplied the equipment at a discount were: Digital Sound - the TV and wall mount, London Drugs - the Blue Ray player and Courtenay Walmart - the two Kobo readers. David Stevens, Community Service Director of the Rotary club presented the new equipment to residents: Maureen Derycke, Fern Bianowsky and Alice Poole.

What is Rotary?

Posted by John Challender on Sep 27, 2012

Club's Activities Featured on CTV

Posted by John Challender

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