Rotary Smiles from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Rotarian Gail Dempsey sent us this picture of her husband, Rotarian Gary Froude, learning to drive his new chair as his recovery continues at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto.

"BMLSS Graduate Aaron Noonan is the 2014 recipient of the Tim Greavette Bursary from the Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes.  

Rotarian Greg Hammond presented the $500 bursary to Aaron, who will be attending Durham College this fall.  Congratulations Aaron!"

Rotarian Kim traveled to NYC to catch up with vacationing Past Rotary Exchange Student Sophia and her family!

For Kim it was a wonderful time to catch up with the family and see NYC at the same time.  So many sights to see and things to do, I think another week is in order!

L-R  Sophia, Kim, Matti, Ulli Sabine & "hang" out on Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Tower) as the men who built it did so many years ago!

We had a full house this morning and a lot to cover!  Thanks to President Dave for a lively, fast paced meeting!

Vistors from the Little Free Library were on hand to give us an update on the new library in Annie Williams Park for anyone who would like to read a book or leave a book.

Past member of our club Diane Chantler was in attendance from St. Thomas and she brought Rotarians Bill Chantler and Ian Chantler with her for a visit!  The visit is always too short when friends come to call!  It was so wonderful to see Diane & Bill again, they always bring smiles to my face!

Assistant District Governor Marg Walton was in attendance and busy with inducting new members and presenting Paul Harris pins to some of our members.

Two new members were inducted and we look forward to getting to know Shelly Duben & Phyllis Winnington-Ingram and welcoming them into our club!

Two members received recognition for multiple Paul Harris pins, Valda Hoar was recognized for her contributions in the form of a Paul Harris +5 and Jeff Hodges was recognized for his contributions in the form of a Paul Harris +6.  Thank you both for your dedication!

Alisa Drouillard spoke to us about taking care of our mental & spiritual health as well as our physical health, something we all need to remember in our busy stress-filled lives!

Wishing you all a happy & healthy week....oh and a week off next week for me, I'm off to visit Sophia, Ulli, Sabine and Matti as they tour NYC. 
For those who haven't met Sophia, she was our Rotary Exchange student 2010-2011.  Sophia's parents are Ulli and Sabine and Mattie is her brother.  I know they all extend greetings all around and I will give a full report when I return for the July 29th meeting.

Gary was very happy to be pinned at this morning's meeting by Marg.

Over 150 hotdogs & cake pieces were given out at the 3rd Annual Annie Williams Park Family Picnic Day

A great turn out to enjoy the park and a beautiful day!

Our club honoured two very special people in our community and one local business for all of their tireless work in the community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Tony Armstrong, Orville Hammond and Rocky Island Tire (Greg Smith and Jamie Vanderveer) for their efforts to make our community a better place.
Unfortunately Rocky Island Tire was not able to attend our event but we will have them to one of our regular meetings to receive their award.

 

Thank you to all the sponsors and attendees of the Annual Spring Gala held April 12, 2014 in Port Carling

A good time was had by all and some of the proceeds from the evening will be directed to the Nursing Station in Port Carling

A huge thank you goes out the BMLSS Improv Teams for getting up early and attending our meeting on Tuesday April 1!!

Congratulations to the teams for their placing in recent competitions and best wishes for their upcoming Canadian Competition!

A reminder that the Improv Teams are holding an evening show at the Rene Caisse Theatre Tuesday April 8 at 7pm Tickets are $10 and available at the door.
Please come out and support these talented students!

Due to 3 warnings issued for our area tomorrow, our first meeting of the year will be canceled....so enjoy your lie in while we brace for

"BLIZZARD WARNING"
"WIND CHILL WARNING"
&
"SNOW SQUALL WARNING"

Stay warm & we'll see everyone for our "first meeting of the year" next Tuesday Jan 14, 2014

Thank you to everyone who supported the duck race this year!  We sold almost 1200 duck tickets!

 

Thank you to the Rotarians who were able to attend and show support!
Don MacLean, Cathryn Willard, Anita Greavette & Bruce Reville pictured here

Gertie the Turkey has been making an appearance on Nicole's deck....do you think she'll stay until Thanksgiving?

This morning we were joined by Joy McCormack of Interval House.  Joy was present to receive a cheque for $3000.00 for Interval House.

Thank you for coming out so early to join us for breakfast Joy!

Joy McCormack or Interval House receives a cheque from Rotarian Nicole Binsted at March 5 meeting

Rotary Club of Bracebridge–Muskoka Lakes donated 10 bears from the annual Duck  Race held in Bala at the Cranberry Festival Weekend this year.

The 1st place duck is a cash prize and the following 10 ducks cross the line receive a bear, all the prize winners graciously donated their bears back  

to the Township of Muskoka Lakes Fire Department and EMS. The bears will be given to children in situations as house fires, car accidents etc., alleviating the  

turmoil.

L to R Rotarian Bruce Reville, Richard Hayes (Township of  Muskoka Lakes Fire Chief) and Rotarian Dave Nodwell.

7 members of our club woke up early on November 22 to attend the morning meeting of the Rotary Club of Orillia Lake Country.

We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast, great conversations and a terrific speaker.
L-R Gary L, Dave N, President Leslie M, President Chris P, Kim R, Don M, Dianna S, Cathryn W

Thank you to Quinn Michell for speaking to us this morning about the District of Muskoka's Recycling and composting programs

Very informative session regarding what is and what isn't recyclable or compostable...not to mention fun, great sense of humour Quinn!

Rotary Bears for Sale $20.00 each

Talk to any member of the Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes Rotary Club to purchase your bear ... Your choice of colour until supplies last

The Annie Williams Memorial Park Extreme Makeover Committee is being presented with the Mayor's Award for Community Service on Thursday, June 21 7 pm at Rene Caisse Theatre. 
This is a gala event, with entertainment and reception, with many community awards being presented.  We are able to invite those who have supported us (family & friends). 
As Rotary has been a big part of the support for this project, it would be fantastic to have as much representation from Rotary in attendance as possible. 
A great opportunity to make a visual impression of the support we provide our community.

At the leadership weekend in North Bay President Elect, Leslie McCann & Kim Rixon were invited to join the Orillia Lake Country Club for their 10th Anniversary dinner.
After re-arranging schedules Kim & Leslie were able to attend the evening and met with some Rotarians they met in North Bay along with DG Brian Menton and Dorothy Menton.  It was a nice evening with honours to the existing charter members along with past members and their newest member.
The evening was shared with the induction of the Orillia Rotaract Club induction, 27 members between the ages of 18 and 30, most were present for the occasion and Katina from North Bay travelled down with her sister to celebrate the newest Rotaract Club in the District.

The weather was a bit iffy on Thursday night (again) for our Christmas party but thank you to everyone who came out, provided food or services for the evening.

Thank you to Chris Thwaites and Martha Gillan, prospective members, for joining us and Chris for setting up his photography equipment to document the evening and taking profile pictures for the website. 

A special thank you to the organizers of this year's party, it was apparent that a lot of effort went into getting the night orgainzed and we appreciate your efforts.

Pictures will be uploaded to the membership directory shortly so be sure to login and check them out. 

 To follow Sophia's Blog click here :"My Canadian Adventure" 

The Countdown is on....Sophia leaves for home August 13, 2011 :( 

This has been a busy week for Sophia and family!

Valda had a great turn out for the Backyard party and Sophia and her family were quite impressed with the thoughfulness of everyone involved.  Thank you Valda for a wonderful annual party!

Paintball was a fun time and I came away with only one bruise this time!  Probably the last time for the year that this will happen.

Sunday at Don MacLean's island was a perfect day, we dodged rain drops & hid in the shed when the torrential rains came, then out for a tube ride and wakeboarding for the adventurous and a jet ski for those who prefer to stay drier.  Thank you to Don, Nancy, Dave & Sandi who go to so much trouble to make this a wonderful annual event!

Monday was a canoeing trip into Algonquin Park.  They saw a moose who stayed around for them to video!

  

Welcome home Katie!

As you look back on the past year I am sure you have some wonderful memories and started some terrific friendships that you will carry on long into your life.

  We look forward to hearing your presentation.

 We are this close to wiping out Polio - golf with us and help us contribute to this and the other good works of Rotary. Tuesday August 9th we would normally be meeting at the Old Station. However, this year, we will meet at Muskoka Highlands for either a Morning Draw or an afternoon draw. Both will have a meal beforehand, and a pig roast meal at the end of the round.

There are hole sponsorships available ($100 per sign) and there is room to play ($135 per player).

Play the pictureseque and Scottish Muskoka Highlands Golf Links in Bracebridge and you will have a feeling of actually being in Scotland. 

There will be a draw at the end of the day for a significant travel voucher  - tickets will be $20 per.

July 5, 2011

 Our club had the honour of hosting District Governor Brian Menton and wife Dorothy Menton for breakfast this morning.

They shared with us their lives in Northern Canada and their entusiasm for Rotary.

We look forward to a wonderful year and wish them well on their travels around the District and beyond!

June 12 was a fun-filled day at Back Country Paintball where Sophia celebrated her 17th birthday with fellow Exchange Students (Incoming & Outgoing), Rotarians, and friends.

Thank you to Don & Joyce MacKay for providing burgers & sausages after the paintball for the hungry!

 

Find us on Facebook  

Muskoka Lakes Rotary

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary destination for your summer vacation? Check out these 10 top trips, hand-picked by National Geographic Traveler editors as the best of summer 2011. Where do you want to go this summer? Share your travel plans—real or ideal—below.

 10 Best Summer trips of 2011 by National Geographic

 

1. Muskoka Cottage Country, Ontario, Canada  

Join your local Rotary Club!

The benefits are endless.

Great people, great cause and LOTS OF FUN!

Become a member of a positive change.  Rotary provides benefits that go beyond our backyard and allows you to connect with interesting people around the globe.  

If you have been thinking about joining and haven't done it yet, ask yourself why?  If it's because you need more information, please come to a meeting.  Rotarians love meeting new people and you will have the opportunity to see for yourself the benefit of Fellowship and Service above Self..

For further information please click Rotary International site

Our club, the Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes Club meets 7:00am Tuesday's at the Old Station in Bracebridge and the Bracebridge Club meets 12:00 noon Friday's at the Rotary Centre for Youth on Wellington Street in Bracebridge.

Feel free to contact any of our members to arrange to come to a meeting...we'll even buy you breakfast!

 

This is RotaryEN from Rotary International on Vimeo.

 

Bruce introduced plans for next year as well as the criteria for various awards that clubs can earn….Presidential Citation, Club Achievement Award and Best Website award.  He also passed around sign-up sheets for members to indicate their committee preference.

Next years theme is:  Reach Within to Embrace Humanity

 

Time was spent encouraging members to sign up as soon as possible for the District Conference at the end of September.  You can register on our website at the following link…   http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Events/EventDetails.aspx?accountid=50040&eid=10993&tid=2

 

Our club is hosting this conference so let’s be sure to have a knockout turnout!!

Muskoka Mardi Gras

Congratulations and thanks to Don MacLean, Leslie McCann and the gala team for their huge success this past Saturday at our Muskoka Mardi Gras gala.  This was a fantastic, successful event that has once again been taken to great heights through the commitment, creativity and team effort of all our members.

To all Rotarians, Musicians and Friends,

 

I wish to sincerely thank everyone who so graciously donated their time, food, prizes, talents and most of all... your hearts... towards the 38^th Annual Cancer Dance.

The two Rotary Clubs were able to donate a total of $1,132.00 to the Canadian Cancer Society all of which is used right here in Muskoka.

To the Black River Gang and your callers, please accept our heartiest congratulations and thanks for such an outstanding evening, filled with joy, fun and charity!

 

Best regards,

 

Bruce Kruger

Chair, Cancer Dance

(Mr. Athlete) entertained us with his life and work history during his re-classification talk today….with technology!!   He showed us some terrific pictures of his recent diving experience while in Dominican Republic as well as many other shots of significant moments in his life.

 For those of you who wish to follow the GSE Team from District 7010 in their travels around Central America here's the link!

7010 Goes Central

Bob Neibert was informed today that there was an excess of $1000 left over from the Appreciation Dinner we held on March 2nd.  It was our intention to let Bob decide where any excess funds should be directed and his choice was to donate this money to Polio Plus.

  

Pics of the evening can be seen on Tim Du Vernet’s Gallery at:

http://www.duvernetphotography.com/portfolio159112.html

 

Once again, special thanks to all club members for making Bob’s dinner such a successful evening…in particular, thanks to our illustrious Master of Ceremonies, Gary Lachance, who kept us on track in his uniquely, humorous fashion.

“The Bonspiel committee is looking for donations of prizes valued at $20-$25.00 from our club members for the Bonspiel. Please bring them to Rotary or make arrangements with me for  drop off or pick up. Gift cards would be accepted.”

Nominations are beind accepted for the position of Vice-President for next year's board.  This person will become our club's president in the year 2013/2014.  Elections will take place at our December club assembly on Tuesday, December 14th.  Please forward your nominations to President Sandra.  Remember, if you would like to take on this position you can nominate yourself.

 

Special thanks to:

Patricia Murray and her team for organizing such a fantastic, festive Christmas celebration on Dec. 10^th
Bruce & Kathy Turner for letting us use the Turner Centre and for all their help that evening;
Don MacLean for generously donating our beverages;
Patricia’s co-worker Vern for adding to the fun of the evening by being our DJ;
all members for contributing to the delicious buffet;
also to our special guests for joining us ...Doug and Debbie Fitzmaurice, Anita Greavette, Lean-Guy, Amy & Isaac, Terry Wakeling and John, Carol Wakefield & Neil. 
Mark your calendars for next year’s Christmas party – Friday, December 9^th, 2011.

Nicole Binsted for donating $170 to Polio from the sale of glass Christmas ornaments.  Thanks Nicole for taking the time during this busy Christmas season and for your commitment to Polio.

Happy Anniversary  to Richard and Sally Onley for their 25^th and Sandra & Bob Morandin on their 30^th

I would like to take an opportunity to promote and remind all Rotarians that our new Learning Academy with be launching this January 2011.

Click here to go to the District Website for more infomation on the Learning Academy

Details and applications are available in the Main Body or our District 7010 Web site.

This new program will consist of 5 assignments and  are 25 questions in length
They are all multiple choice and True and False.
It will begin in January and wrap up in May. Certificates of completion will be awarded at the District conference next September 2011.
Rotarians taking this program will find this a wonderful mentoring tool or a great way to brush up on their Rotary Knowledge.

*IMPORTANT*  CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION!!  Starting next week, January 11 through to Feb. 1^st and possibly Feb. 8^th - our meetings will take place at Muskoka Highlands as the Old Station will be closed – same time.

Happy New Year to everyone!!  According to Oprah…This is another chance to get it right!
Special thanks to:
…all club members who contributed to the Salvation Army when Gary Lachance passed the hat on Dec. 21^st.  Thanks to all of you, we were able to contribute an additional $1400+  which was over and above the $1500 the club donated.  This was a wonderful gesture and on behalf of every person who may have benefited from your generosity, I say thank you!
Belated happy birthday to Barb Wright – December 16^th – glad to see she’s feeling back and better!

 

December 7, three float winners attended our meeting to receive their official Santa Clause Parade award plaques….From left to right Janet Back from the Bracebridge Examiner, Andrew Bridle (for Cathy Anderson) from Classy Cuts, Marg Walton from the Rotary Club of Bracebridge and Gary Froude from the Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes.

When Bruce Reville heard that the Muskoka Lakes Emergency Services were running out of toys to hand out to children in times of crisis, he quickly persuaded our club members to donate our remaining Polly & Frosty toys.

On November 18 Bruce presented 4 cases of the toys to Richard Hayes, Jim Schneider and Barry Quinton of the Muskoka Lakes Emergency Services.

A cheque presentation was made to Colin Miller of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation.  The $5700 donation was part of the proceeds from our very successful golf tournament held this past August.

Colin assured us that this donation will be used to purchase a very necessary piece of equipment....a pain machine.

Thank you to Deborah Watson, District Chair of RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy) for making the trip from Orillia to inform us about this valuable youth initiative.

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership abilities in our youth.

This year's RYLA will be held April 15-17 at Geneva Park on Rama Road in Rama.
The cost is $320.00 per student

Do you know a student who would be interested?  Contact Deborah for more information

Contact      

Registrar : Deb Watson,

Rotary Club of Orillia-Lake Country

705-327-3210 deborahwatson@rogers.com

146 Brant St. W. , Orillia, ON  L3V 3P1

 

Nov 9 ~ Jack Naulls and Terry Hodges presented a cheque for $5700.00 to Beth Ward of the YWCA of Muskoka.  Our golf tournament was held in August.

It was another beautiful weekend in Muskoka for the 25th Annual Bala Cranberry Festival.

Bruce Reville did a fantastic job of organizing the crews and the weather.  Way to go Bruce!  I think from now on, we should call him "Bruce, The Duckman" Reville.

As usual our Rotary Club was out in force on Saturday selling duck tickets to anyone who would stop and listen.  The air was fill of cries such as "Ducks, ducks, ducks", "you can't win if you don't have a ticket" and "buy your duck tickets here"  As the day progressed, it changed to "Sorry, we are SOLD OUT!"  Great job to all the Duck Sellers.
The race was highly anticipated with people lining both bridges and both banks of the dam!  Some ducks found it difficult to continue down the course as they were distracted by the pools and eddys along the way.  Fortunately with help most ducks were rescued with thanks to the Duck Brigade in the bay & special thanks to "Spidey Erroll" who risked life & limb to rescue some poor ducks stuck in a swirling eddy at the start line!

This year's winner is duck # 532 bought by Yvonne Carbert.

Clean up and rescue were finished by 4:30pm and everyone made their way to the Corn's beautiful home in Torrence for a wonderful meal prepared by Marie Corn & Ron Ruthven.  Many people brought food to share and there was plenty of delicious food to go around.

 Thank you to everyone who sold tickets or supplied food or libations.  What a wonderful day of fellowship and fun!

 

 

Reminder of highway clean up on HWY 118W tomorrow
Meet at Kirrie Glen 5:30
Garbage bags & safety vests provided
Please bring gloves & bug spray

TRUSTEE CHAIR'S MESSAGE

What is media teaching our children?...
That it is Ok to objectify women
That to be a man they have to take what they want
That if they buy a girl dinner sex is included
That using derogatory words is Ok
That bullying anyone (women, each other, GLTG, children, disabled) is a form of humor
That it’s Ok to judge a book by its cover

If you agree that this is something society needs to re-evaluate…..BE THE CHANGE

We are trying to get this important message into the schools. There are many programs in place to help girls deal with the media and the way it distorts and objectifies women. Currently there are no programs for boys and some schools are saying the boys don't need to hear the message that it is not okay to objectify women or bully others or how to recognize how the media distorts messages

Come and hear Nigel Wilson as he offers insightful and effective stories which may reshape the way we think about the media and its message. In particular, the challenges facing our youth.

Nigel Wilson was born in Scotland and raised in New Zealand. He now lives in Muskoka with his wife and three children. He runs a small custom woodworking and furniture business and does various public speaking engagements drawing on his experience as an ex-Royal Marine Commando with special duties in the British Forces. He is one of the founding members of the local group “Dads of Muskoka”. 

Admission is free but donations will be accepted at the event

This year our theme is “Heroes and Villains”  (Think superheroes & villains or political or your 5^th grade math teacher perhaps?)

 

Same great format for this all-inclusive night, cocktails & appetizers start at 6pm, dinner and dancing to follow until 11:30. 

Free shuttle bus from Bracebridge, Gravenhurst or Bala and back to your house at the end of the evening.

Please consider supporting your local Rotary Club for this fun evening!!

 

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Bruce Reville, he would be happy to answer all of your questions regarding the event!

 

Hope to see you April 20!

 

Richard D. King, Rotary International President 2001-02, Offers 20 Reasons to be a Rotarian:

1. Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905. 2. Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others. 3. Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development. 4. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership: - learning how to motivate, influence, and lead leaders. 5. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community. 6. Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics. 7. Fun: Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. The service is fun. 8. Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills. 9. Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says “Rotary International.” There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend any of the 29,000 clubs in 194 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community. 10. Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary. 11. Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide diversion in one’s business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education, and service. 12. The Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one’s personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people. 13. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values. 14. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one’s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc... 15. The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships. 16. Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process. 17. Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks include executives, managers, professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy. 18. Nice People: Rotarians above all are nice people - the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of it is nice to be important but it is important to be nice. 19. The Absence of an “Official Creed”: Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meeting or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others. 20. The Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind. Its product is service. Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding

We also sell our bears to other clubs, schools or church groups for a great fundraising opportunity!

Contact Marg Carey  mcarey@vianet.ca for more information!

Aren't they sooooo cute!

 

This video will show you the importance of making the most out of your free time and your daily routine

Starting June 4, 2013 our morning meetings will be held at Patterson-Kaye Lodge 1360 Santa's Village Road, Bracebridge

Hope you can join us!

Or on Facebook British Music Invasion Pictures on FaceBook

Financial Speakers Warren Jestin and David Foot at the Rene Caisse Theatre in March

On behalf of District Governor, John Gordon, I am pleased to invite you to attend the first RLI Part 1 workshop to be held in D7010.

 

The Rotary Leadership Institute is new to our District but this grass roots leadership program has been in operation since 1992 and at this time more than 200 Districts are involved. Rotary cannot rise above the quality of our club leadership. The future of Rotary and the service we give to our community locally and internationally depends on strong club leadership . Our District has always had a culture of training and this program will greatly enhance this.

 

D7010 has joined with D6330, 7070, 7080, and 7090 to form the Shining Waters Division of RLI.

Rotarians of all levels of experience will be encouraged to attend sessions for Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the program at workshops held in all 5 Districts. Faculty to provide the training will be drawn from a pool of facilitators from all 5 Districts.

 

District 7010 is hosting a Part 1Workshop at the Days Inn at Barrie on Saturday May 11 beginning at 8:30 AM. This meeting will be facilitated by several experienced Rotary trainers from neighbouring Districts.

 

To register for the Faculty Development Workshop please email Jim Williams at jwilliams@jimwilliamsleasing.com. For more information about the Rotary Leadership Institute please visit our website at www.rli-shiningwaters.org.

David Porter - Webmaster
District 7010

Rotary members, Angela LeMaitre and Leslie McCann presenting a cheque to Colin Miller for $5000 to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

It is with honor that that we are inviting you to join us to celebrate our club’s 25^th Anniversary!

Save this date to celebrate - Saturday, June 1^st 2013

Place des Arts de Hearst, 75 Ninth Street, Hearst, Ontario

 

Program:

5:30 – Cocktail

6:30 – Greeting and presentations

7:30 – Diner

8:30 – Special presentation

9:00 – Dance with Live Band, Phil and Pat Norman

Entrance fee:

50.00 $ per person (a free drink during cocktail)

Masters of ceremony: Gaëtan Gosselin & Hélène Vachon

 

Tickets available:

Email:sevigny@ntl.sympatico.ca

Call: Diane at 705-362-4800 (bus.) or 705-362-8876 (res.)

 

For more information, call Hélène at 705-362-4884!

 

Hope to see you in June,

Carole Lambert

I just wanted to remind you that 2013 District Conference at Fern Resort October 4th to the 6th is filling up fast.  There are  very few rooms left at Fern, and as a President/President Elect it would be ideal to have your room at the conference location as opposed to off-site.

There are 2 steps to ensure you are part of the conference. 

1.  Register online for the conference.

2.  Book your room in Orillia.

This link below has all the information you need including speakers, proposed schedule, maps, hotels and the registration link. 

http://district7010conference.com/

I look forward to working with you for a very successful year.

Yours in Rotary,

Marilyn Hanson CGA Professional Corp. 
Rotary District 7010 Governor Elect

The Bracebridge and Gravehurst Golf Clubs are hosting a golf tournament at Club Link's spectacular Rocky Crest Golf Course on May 30th to raise money for polio plus.
The Registration Forms are attached. We would love to have you join us for this great cause. 




To download and view the attachment, please click on the link below:
2013Rotary Golf Tournament Intro and Registration Form 1doc.htm

If you cannot open the above link, copy and paste the following address into your browser:
http://www.crsadmin.com/gen/Accounts/50040/Eml/ce6907e6-2604-44e3-acd3-1e024f792397.htm

The Rotary Club of Bracebridge will be sponsoring the Spinning Reels movie April 8th at the Norwood Movie Theatre in Bracebridge. Please buy your tickets in advance so that you will not be disappointed. Information on where to purchase your tickets can be found on the Spinning Reels website. http://www.spinningreels.ca/



We also plan to have a booth set up outside the theatre where you can get information about Rotary’s efforts to eradicate Polio. 

All of us can remember while we were growing up seeing family members, schoolmates or neighbours with splints and crutches to help them walk because Polio had struck them. Many more were confined to wheelchairs or bed. Those in our community under 30 years of age have little knowledge of this dreadful disease. Thank goodness for that. Sadly, the rest of us do remember what Polio can do to a young body. As the slogan says we’re “This Close” to eradicating Polio from the world. We need your help to make that happen.

You can see what Rotary and other well known organization are doing to in the fight against polio at these websites. Please take the time to view them.
http://www.endpolio.org/
http://vimeo.com/49343906

April 8th you can see a great movie, have some popcorn and help us to “END POLIO NOW”

District 7010 is holding its annual Leadership Weekend on Saturday, April 13^th and Sunday, April 14^th at the Pinewood Clarion Resort in North Bay.  This weekend is for all Rotarians – not simply current leaders in your club.

 

Would you like to learn more about rotary; be inspired; meet other Rotarians from all around our district; and have a lot of fun doing it?

 

As District Governor Elect, I wanted to personally invite you to attend this informative and fun event.  We have put together an exciting program for you with some great speakers.  The Agenda is posted on the District website http://www.rotary7010.org/   At the home page, just click on District Leadership Weekend on the left.

 

One of our speakers is Rotary International Director, Bryn Styles (a member of our district) and Paul Beaulieu, Rotary International Coordinator for Zone 24 East.  I think you can learn a lot from them.

 

In addition, we have more than 20 breakout sessions on rotary topics of membership, public relations, service projects, technology, New Generations, social media, club conflicts and lots more.

 

A highlight of this weekend will be a presentation of the Group Study Exchange team from Taiwan, who are currently here, as well as a Youth Exchange presentation.

 

For President-Elects, attendance at the weekend is mandatory.  We certainly hope all the incoming Secretaries will attend, as well as Treasurers, Board members and especially new members.  There will also be a session for club President Nominees, lead by our current Governor Nominee.

 

As you are probably aware, the way club projects are funded is changing July 1^st, 2013.  In order to participate in the new programs it is mandatory that 2 members of your club attend the Grant Management Seminar that we are offering in 3 parts over the weekend.

 

If your club participates in Youth Exchange it is mandatory that you have a club member certified in the Youth Exchange Training that we are offering.

 

Online registration is now open on the website.  Please sign up today!  I look forward to meeting all of you and especially working with the President Elects.

 

The Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes presents

“An Evening with David and Warren”
An Economic Insight

Wednesday March 6, 2013 @ 7 p.m.

Rene Caisse Theatre - Bracebridge

Tickets $60

David K. Foot is a Professor for the Department of Economics at the University of Toronto.  Author of the best-selling Boom Bust & Echo Books.  His interests lie in the interrelationships between economics and demographics and their implications for both private and public policies.  Prof. Foot is a two-time recipient of the University of Toronto undergraduate teaching award and a recipient of one of the nations 3M Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Dr. Warren Jestin is Scotianbank's Chief Economist and has been with the Bank since 1979.  He has worked at the Bank of Canada and taught at several Canadian Universities.  Warren is Economist in Residence, College of Management& Economics, University of Guelph, and he has served on advisory boards for the University of Guelph and the Sobey School of Business at St. Mary's University.  He has been a member of the C.D. Howe Institute's Monetary Policy Council and been involved with policy committees of the Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade.  As Chair of Scotiabank's Sponsorship and Donations Committee, Warren works closely with a wide variety of charitable institutions.

For tickets or more information contact

Scotiabank Port Carling  705-765-6099      Muskoka Highlands  705-646-1060

To visit our website for more information click here

Best Commercial ~ Fowler Construction

Best Private ~ Alzheimer Society of Muskoka  

Best Community Group ~ Rotary Club of Bracebridge  

Our January 8 meeting will be held at Muskoka Highlands.

 

2012 Parade Theme -"British Invasion" (music)

Bring out your Beatles, Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, Elton John, Dusty Springfield costumes & music and get on the floats

Floats need to be in place along James Street by 12:00 noon

To Register your Float ~ Click HERE

Don Skinner and Mark Hvasti spoke about the ongoing project of “Rebranding Muskoka”.
The team is working on the transition from minor industry to arts and cuisine focus

1) Foundation: Marg reported that Hammond Transportation has made a significant donation of $447.00 from the War Horse event, in spite of it not being profitable for them. Thank You.

2) Public Relations: Angela reported that Marianna had done the research on T-shirts and the vote was for polo shirts. They will be $40.00 payable with your order. Next week we will have the colour selection to look at.

3)Community Projects:                     

a)The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka were presented with a cheque for $5000.00 to assist in their operations this year. Jennifer Jackson spoke briefly about the programme.

b)The YWCA Moose-Deer Point “Girls Unplugged programme was given a cheque for $2100.00 so they could run this programme this year. Jen Starratt and Molly Ross were on hand for that.

1)  Last week’s change of officer’s evening was well attended and awards were given to Paul Harris Fellows, both community and club members .

2) Perfect attendance awards were also handed out.

3) We honoured Don MacLean as our Rotarian of the Year this year for outstanding commitment to club activities.

4)Thanks to Susan and Leslie for their able management of the past 2 meetings

Margaret’s name was drawn but unfortunately she wasn’t a winner today  *We're down to 5 cards!!!*

Sandra W had her name drawn

Q  What is the Rotary Theme for this month?

A   Fellowship

Kim was the winner this week *she didn't get the chicken dinner!*

1) Don MacLean had the sorrow of having his boat stolen, one of many on the lake last week, and this week it was found abandoned by a neighbor – Yeah!

2) Bruce K had the opportunity to walk the trail with his name over in Grey County and saw a long snake that was deemed non-rattler for which he and Lynn were grateful.

3)Leslie had Gary’s help to remove the bat from her house and the event was amusing in retrospect

4)Valda was happy this week to be able to sing O’Canada instead of God Save The Queen which is part of life in Wales.

August 11 & 12 at Annie Williams Memorial Park during the Multisport Triathalon.

There will be approximately 500+ people each day, from about 7 am to 1 pm held captive in the park during the course of the triathalon.

Thinking of peameal bacon on a bun, sandwiches, muffins, choc bars, etc and water, pop, coffee

Please contact Cathryn Willard or Dave Nodwell for more information regarding this event.

Dave
info@muskokacontracting.com

Cathryn
cath.willard55@gmail.com

What a wonderful presentation by our Rotary Exchange student, Alice, this morning!

Thank you for sharing your home and family with us, it was nice to get to know you better!
For a small island Taiwan certainly is a busy place with lots of people but still very beautiful.
Hopefully some of our Rotarians will get over to visit your beautiful homeland someday soon!

This year's theme was Saturday Night Fever 

Best Community Group Float:  Bracebridge Girl Guides 

 

Best Corporate Float:  Back Country Paintball 

Best Private Float:  Amanda Beaumont 

Thank you to Chris Thwaites of Blue Canoe Photography for the pictures
 

 

Thanks to the terrific weather last Wednesday the road cleanup went as scheduled.

 Thank you to those who participated and Mike Clipsham for organizing again this year! 

Observe World Polio Day on 24 October by making a contribution to help End Polio Now. During the week of 24-28 October, Rotarians will receive 2-for-1 recognition for every contribution of US$100 or more made to PolioPlus at www.rotary.org/contribute.

The promotion will begin at 06:00 CT on Monday, 24 October, and end at noon CT on Friday, 28 October. Contributions on the Rotary website may be made in U.S. dollars or one of 11 other currencies: AUD, CAD, CHF, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NZD, NOK, SEK, and ZAR.  

Online contributions cannot be made on behalf of another individual, club, or district. Double recognition cannot be used to designate others as Paul Harris Fellows.

Because a high volume of online traffic is anticipated with this promotion, please allow four to six weeks for the promotional recognition to appear in your account, and before requesting recognition materials. 

Click here to create your own "We're this close" ad

Applications for the 2012-2013 Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships are now available from Rotary District 7010

The Scholarships are designed to further international undestanding and goodwill, provide for study abroad for 1yr in one of 162 countries andd 35 geographical regions where Rotary clubs are located.

Academic -Year Ambassadorial Scholarships are for one academic year abroad and provide funding for round trip transportation,tuition and fees ,room and board, necessary educational supplies and language training (if Necessary) up to a maximum award of US $23,000  or its equivalent.

During their studies abroad the Scholars act as ''ambassadors of goodwill''
 through appearances at Rotary Clubs and Districts Schools ,civic organizatios and other forums the students represent their homelands and work to further international understanding.

The deadine for applications is Sept 4th 2011.
Required in person inerviews will be held on Sept 17,2011 in North Bay.

To find out more information and to see an application for, go to www.rotary.org and click on Students and Youth .
To get a feel for the Scholarship go to the blog of Sharon McQueen. a recent Ambassadorial Scholar.

 If any of our members knows of anyone that would be interested and would meet the Ambassadorial Scholarship requirements please contact me or when I am away (Aug 7th to 17th) Bruce Kruger .

  It is an exceptional opportunity for the right person.

Margaret Carey

Register Early and you WON'T be disappointed!

$135.00 per player

Individual players welcome! 

*  Give-aways throughout the entire day!  Golf packages, dinners at fine dining restaurants and much more!

 *  FUN & FELLOWSHIP attitude is a must

*  HOLE IN ONE prizes and others for each par 3 hole

*  Live auction to be held during meal for each draw

*  18 holes of golf with power cart

*Draw tickets will be offered upon entry for a $1500.00 trip voucher for $20.00 per ticket.  (A maximum of 200 tickets will be SOLD!  Get yours NOW!) 

Morning Draw  (shotgun start at 8am)  Click here to register for the Morning Draw

*Continental breakfast from 7:00am - 7:20am

*Lunch to be served at 12:30pm  Fresh pig roast & salads 

*Four ball scramble

Afternoon Draw  (shotgun start at 1:00pm)  Click here to register for the Afternoon Draw

 *Lunch starts at 12:30pm  Bratts & dogs under the tent

*Fresh pig roast & salad dinner

*Four ball scramble 

Our outbound exchange student, Katie O’Hearn is writing up a storm.

Her blog is like reading a live novel…please take a look and feel proud that our club is supporting this experience.   Katie's Blog

District Governor Elect, Bob Neibert, with Rotary International President, Ray Klinginsmith in London, Ontario

Thanks to Angela LeMaitre who gave an even more recent update….

Globally, there have been 767 new cases this year compared to 1337 cases at this time last year.  Read the following link to get the most recent updates on polio eradication as of November 9^th, 2010:  http://www.polioeradication.org/   (click on “monthly situation report”).   Additional terrific news is that we have now reached $152 million dollars of our $200 million dollar challenge.

    

Dr. Bruce Aylward, director of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative at the World Health Organization in Geneva, made an impassioned speech at the Montreal Convention this past June regarding the current status of polio and Rotary’s success in wiping out this crippling disease.

 

      Dr. Aylward shared “terrific news” that polio is on the run, and that Rotary’s vision of a polio-free world is in sight.  He urged us to finish the task that we began 25 years ago and had much praise for all Rotarians and what we have accomplished in fighting polio.  “You have fundamentally changed the polio eradication game, and you have changed it in your favour”, he said.

 

      He added “But it is critical to finish the job, something made clear by the recent outbreak in Tajikistan, noting that 300 children in the country have been paralyzed by the virus, adults have died, borders have been closed, and travel banned.  This outbreak is a stark reminder of the consequences of global fatigue in this battle.  The stakes are now much higher because in the past 12 months you have proved, without a doubt, that polio can be eradicated.  The world has learned the consequences of failure.”

 

      Emergency funds from Polio Plus – a total of US $500,000.00 – were released within 48 hours of the Tajikistan outbreak, which is now showing signs of stopping.  Dr. Aylward also shared the encouraging news of the new bivalent vaccine, effective against both remaining types of the polio virus, and noted the absence of new cases in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India, in the past six months.

 

      “Rotarians have done the extraordinary in the pursuit of polio eradication,” Dr. Aylward said.  “You have truly put Service Above Self.  And you have truly put Rotary on the world’s stage.”

Your support of the Annual Programs Fund through the Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative makes it possible for The Rotary Foundation to continue its work of Doing Good in the World.

Please follow the Foundation links on our Home Page to learn more and to make your contribution today!

Nov 23 ~  Many thanks to Margaret Carey who presented a two-minute infomercial on the Foundation and how the dollars we raise have significant impact on global projects.

Dan and Marla Willard & family wish to express their appreciation for the support and concern of the Rotarians of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes Rotary Club.

It may seem like a small thing to do - prepare and donate a meal - but having a meal ready to heat up at the end of extremely challenging days meant so very very much to them. Benjamin is well on his way to recovery and enjoyed sharing breakfast with our Club last week.
Marla is at home and continues to recover from her injuries - the cast is now off her left hand and we hope she will soon be able to take a few steps without the crutches as her pelvic fractures heal.
Thank you so much Rotary for your support !

PS If you provided a meal in a casserole dish or pan that you would like back, please get in touch with Cathryn - she has an abundance of such dishes, but is not sure what belongs to whom!

Update on Marla & Benjamin, Marla and Benjamin are both home and are doing well. Recovery for Marla will be a long process. Marla's mom is now living with them in order to help with the baby and day to day assistance for the family. Anyone looking for a way to help is urged to drop dinners off to Cathryn at Two Guys Auto.

The photo shows mBruce receiving a beautiful plate received from His Worship, Mayor Bruce Tokens and Host Crier Brenda Wilson of Market Deeping. The others in photo are winners from various categories. This event was held at a large exhibition hosted by the Rotarians of the Deepings with thousands attending. (Wonder if I get a make-up for this?)

A Happy 25th Anniversary goes out to Mike Warr & The Old Station Restaurant~! Way to go Mike & Staff! Here's to 25 more!

The Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes is proud & pleased to report that a HUGELY successful event "Happy Daze" was held this past weekend at the Port Carling Community Centre. Main contributors were Mike Fry & Wendy Gray as MC's and many personal & corporate donors. The club raised over $30,000.00 thanks to many personal and corporate donors. The main beneficiaries this year are Hospice Muskoka and The Children's Foundation of Muskoka. Many other worthwhile causes are supported with the funds from this function as well.

What exactly is polio?
Polio is:

A crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, polio (poliomyelitis) still strikes children mainly under the age of five in countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Polio can cause paralysis and sometimes death. Because there is no cure for polio, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US$0.60 worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. It can cause paralysis within hours, and polio paralysis is almost always irreversible. In the most severe cases, polio attacks the motor neurons of the brain stem, causing breathing difficulty or even death. Historically, polio has been the world's greatest cause of disability. If polio isn't eradicated, the world will continue to live under the threat of the disease. More than 10 million children will be paralyzed in the next 40 years if the world fails to capitalize on its US$5 billion global investment in eradication.

A fter 20 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions. Your contribution will help Rotary raise $200 million to match $355 million in challenge grants received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The resulting $555 million will directly support immunization campaigns in developing countries, where polio continues to infect and paralyze children, robbing them of their futures and compounding the hardships faced by their families. As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk. The stakes are that high. "If we all have the fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio." - Bill Gates

This month marks the 40th anniversary of what some consider the birth of the modern environmental movement. On 22 April 1970, 20 million people across the United States participated in an environmental protest modeled after anti-Vietnam War teach-ins. This year, more than a billion people around the world are expected to take part in Earth Day celebrations. Rotary clubs have come up with countless creative ways to get involved; here are some projects to inspire yours:

Joan Wilkinson, wife of Rotary Foundation Trustee and 2007-08 RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson, died on 22 March. She was 78. Joan, of Trenton, Ontario, Canada, was a founding member of the Inner Wheel Club of Trenton and served in all of its offices, including president. She was an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Trenton. "Joan was an outstanding first lady. She was deeply devoted to Wilf, her family, and to Rotary," says Foundation Trustee Vice Chair John F. Germ, who served as aide to the president in 2007-08. "I don't think she ever met a stranger, because she considered everyone she came across as a friend. She went out of her way to meet people and make them feel at home." After graduating high school, where she met her husband, Joan worked in the statistician's office of the Bell Telephone Company of Canada. During her youth, she was active in the Girl Guides of Canada. Joan was a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Canadian Cancer Society, and Hastings Manor senior citizens home. She was also a provincial board of inquiry member and was active in the Trenton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Trenton Memorial Library. She worked with local children in need and became the first chair of the Dufferin Street Preschool. Visitation will take place 25-26 March at Rushnell Funeral Centre, 60 Division St., Trenton. Funeral services will be held on 27 March at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Dundas St. W. and Queen St., Trenton. Joan is survived by her husband and their sons, Stephen, Bill, Peter, and John. In lieu of flowers, Wilf Wilkinson asks that contributions be made to The Rotary Foundation in his wife's memory.

April 17, 2010
Port Carling Community Centre
Eddie & The Edsels will entertain you at our annual Spring Gala, Happy Daze
Tickets are $125.00
For more information please go to www.muskokahappydaze.com

Do you have a message you would like to get out to local business people? 
The Rotary Club of Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes is looking for speakers. To arrange a date, please contact Judi Moore judi@muskokavs.ca 
*Please no sales.

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

In his November message, RI President John Kenny talks about the power of imagination and creating a better future through The Rotary Foundation. "In Rotary, we do not just imagine the future -- we will it, and we work to create it," says Kenny

The following are excerpts from emails from Lisa McCoy describing her adventures in Cambodia.
Lisa is also involved in Cambodia with building the "Muskoka School" and also with Cambodia Landmine Museum Relief Fund.

October 17, 2009

What a fabulous day we had on Saturday for the duck race! This year we sold over 1300 tickets!! The sun was shining, the people were buying & the duck blind was a hub of activity!

The main beneficiary this year is the West Muskoka OPP Ministerial Food Drive

AND THE WINNERS ARE;

GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Duck #1200 Kate Cummings from Toronto

10 FUN PRIZES
#12 Leah O'Shaughnessy, Bracebridge
#445 Kate Kraus, Parry Sound
#464 Jessica Potts, Bala
#532 John Beggs, Arthur
#648 Kim Sterling, Aurora
#789 Gail MacDonald, Aurora
#847 Melanie Albermaire, Orillia
#915 Norma Leigh, Hawkestone
#1178 Beatriz Silvera, Barrie
#1287 Derrick Braiser, Beeton


Congratulation to all of the winners & Thank you for supporting your local Rotary Club!

A very special thank you to Robin Clipsham and her group of 6 Improv gold medalists who kept us guessing and in stitches this morning.  What a wonderful way to start the day...laughing!

Six members from the BMLSS Improv team delighted a full house at the Old Station this morning with tales of Sarnia, mountains, crazy optometrists and a two-faced Brittany Spears.

The Improv team is going to Ottawa April 14 and is looking for donations to "Make Dreams Real"  If you are interested in donating or would like tickets to the next show, please contact Mike or Robin Clipsham and they would be happy to point you in the right direction.

On January 31, 2009 our annual bonspiel for the Rotary Foundation raised $3300.00

Clubs from Barrie, Collingwood, Washago, Huntsville & Bracebridge attended with the team from Barrie carrying home the trophy in honour of Past District Governor Tom Ewen.

The fun continues in 2010 on January 30th....mark your calendars!

In honor of World Understanding Month, dedicate your February club meetings to increasing members' awareness of life in other parts of the world.

Invite someone who is from or has lived in another country to speak at your club meetings. Your club can focus on a different area of the world each week. Discuss with your club different ways to become involved in international service projects or encourage members to participate in a Rotary Friendship Exchange.

Rotary offers many opportunities for expanding global perspectives. Make a concerted effort this month to take full advantage and build your club's goodwill and global friendships.

Do you know of something interesting going on that you would like to share with the club?  Why not get it in the bulletin & target all of our members at once!

To get your information in the bulletin please forward all information to Kim Rixon
kim@mprgroup.ca

Just before Christmas 2008 Nicole Binstead presented Club President, Don MacKay, with a cheque for $1000.00.  This money is the proceeds from the christmas ornaments Nicole created and sold.

Nicole will be creating again for this coming Christmas & is looking for volunteers to help paint and decorate the orders.  Please contact Nicole if you are interested in assisting with this project.

G lobal Networking Groups allow individual Rotarians from several countries to join together to focus on common interests. Through these groups, you can

• Share fellowship and friendship with thousands of Rotarians
• Meet other Rotarians with a similar hobby or vocational background
• Collaborate with Rotarians from around the world who are dedicated to a particular area of service

To learn more about the different groups available click the link below

Curling Donation.

Club President Don MacKay presents a cheque for $1000 from the Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes club to go toward the Special Olympics Ontario Muskoka Curling Bonspiel on Feb.7 in Gravenhurst.

Curling skip Aimee Fleger and fundraising chair Mike Hines accept the donation.

Thank you to Special Olympics for mentioning our sponsorship on A Channel.

District Governor, Tom Bennett forwarded an invitation from Past District Governor Doug Vincent of District 7080 to participate in a variety of projects.  Most of the projects are organized by District 7080 but they have extended an invitation to other clubs to participate if the space is available.

DG Tom mentions in his email that he often speaks about the fact that there are great travel opportunities in Rotary to go out and work on a project and see the world in a way a tourist never does.

To see the opportunities offered through District 7080 please click on the link:

http://www.clubrunner.ca/dprg/dxprogramhome/_programhome.aspx?did=7080&pageid=16252

The following is a letter sent to our club by Bob Robinson from the Rotary Club of Kapuskasking

Sept 12, 2008

Cycling for Shelterbox in northern Ontario has been a great success!

With very generous support from Rotarians and communities, I was able to cycle from Kapuskasing to Sudbury and raised awareness and support for the Shelterbox organization.

Pledges and donations will allow us to sponsor more than FIVE shelterboxes!  That means very tangible aid can be delivered to at least 50 disaster victims in need.

The trip was a challenge for five days; however, it went very well and I had excellent receptions along the way.  I left Kapuskasing on September 2nd and arrived in Sudbury on September 6th. (And I am happy to report that there were no major wildlife encounters.)

Thank you to Rotary Clubs in District 7010 who provided support, and to others in communities along the way.  This would not be possible without your very generous support.

Thank you again!

Bob Robinson, Rotary Club of Kapuskasing

october 2008

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

We sold a record number of 1300 tickets this year!

AND...We were SOLD OUT and hour and a half before post time!!!!!!

2008 This year's winner of $1000.00 is Larry Miller.

CONGRATULATIONS LARRY!

Anyone who has not turned in money for books of tickets please get your money into Leslie McCann or Dave Nodwell ASAP!

Thanks for all the effort!

Special mention to Don McLean, Terry Ruthven & Ron Ruthven who cooked up a storm for the Duck officials and the GSE team!

The club is the cornerstone of Rotary, where the most meaningful work is carried out. All effective Rotary clubs are responsible for four key elements: sustaining or increasing their membership base, participating in service projects that benefit their own community and those in other countries, supporting The Rotary Foundation of RI financially and through program participation, and developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level.

What Rotarians get out of Rotary depends largely on what they put into it. Many membership requirements are designed to help members more fully participate in and enjoy their Rotary experience.

Building Communities, Bridging Continents

2010-2011 theme 

By Dan Nixon 
Rotary International News -- 22 September 2008

The Canadian government has announced it is contributing C$30 million (US$28 million) toward eradicating polio in sub-Saharan Africa.

The funding follows C$60 million (US$56 million) earmarked in June to help end the disease in Afghanistan.

"Canada's contribution will ensure that millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan are protected against polio," says Beverley J. Oda, minister of international cooperation, on 4 September. "Our innovative partnership with Rotary International, along with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, will help ensure that we move toward destroying this crippling disease."

"Bracebridge -Home of Santa's Village and 1/2 way to the North Pole" COME AND SEE OUR PARADE http://www.bracebridgesantaparade.com/

Rotary Fellowships Month

Next Planning Meeting Tues June 3^rd Muskoka Highlands  4:30.

Enhancing Rotary's public image and asking clubs and districts to partner more with The Rotary Foundation are just two of the new 2008-09 Foundation goals. 

The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Don MacKay & Sandra Morandin visted the Bracebridge Club Friday to sell tickets for the East Coast Evening.  Great selling pitch!!!

I am sure the dog had something to do with sales! *L*

By Joseph Derr 
Rotary International News - 21 March 2008

Carolyn Crowley Meub, executive committee member for the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group, past governor of District 7870 (Vermont and New Hampshire, USA), and executive director for Pure Water for the World, responds:

Nine countries and two World Health Organization regions have received The Rotary Foundation's first distribution from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's $100 million challenge grant for polio eradication. Made in January, the US$40 million disbursement is being used by WHO and UNICEF to carry out immunization activities in the four remaining polio-endemic countries â?" Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan â?" plus five others where "imported" polio cases have been reported. Surveillance and technical support are also being funded in WHO's African and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

Wow, what an accomplishment!  We raised over $42,000.00!!!  Final numbers will be out soon.

Great work, great fun, great fellowship!  This is what Rotary is all about!

Thank you to all that attended, all that helped & the generous spirits of everyone!

In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics adopted by Rotary 11 years later. The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

District 7010 and District 9250 (Southern Africa) have joined together to apply for a Matching Grant from The Rotary Foundation. The grant has now been approved and funds are starting to flow from clubs within our district. We, along with a number of other clubs, have committed to a contribution of $1,000.00.

The project is to purchase blankets and jerseys for those in need in Southern Africa. The distribution is to take place this spring, in conjunction with our outbound GSE team's visit to the area.

January 16, 2007. Barbara White of Junior Achievement received a cheque from Bob Neibert of the Rotary Club of Bracebridge - Muskoka Lakes for $3,000.00. The cheque is to fund six Economics of Staying in School classroom presentations for Grade 8 students in Bracebridge and Township of Muskoka Lakes schools. The funds are the result of projects undertaken by The Rotary Club of Bracebridge - Muskoka Lakes and a matching grant from The Rotary Foundation.

On January 9th, The Rotary Club of Bracebridge - Muskoka Lakes presented a cheque for $7,500.00 to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation. The funds are to be used to help purchase a CT scanner for the new diagnostic wing at the hospital.

The money was raised through the sale of Teddy Bears. Diane Chantler chaired the committee responsible for this fund raising project.

Seen, left to right, in the photo are Barry Lockhart, CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare and Rotarians Diane Chantler, Valda Hoar and Bob Neibert.

FAMILY MONTH

ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH

The Bala Cranberry Festival Duck Race held on Saturday, October 14th was a great success. 1,100 ducks went over the falls and raced to the finish line. After expenses and prizes, the net profit for this event should be in the $3,000.00 range. Although the weather was less than perfect, the crowd was large and ticket sales were brisk. It was a great opportunity for fun and fellowship while raising funds for the good works of our Club. A special thanks goes to Leslie McCann for organizing this year's event.