Stories

Reminder:

• Yard Sale: Do not forget to show up for your shift on Saturday, September 13^th and 20^th.  Please contact Barb for a shift.
• Octoberfest - Each member is asked to bring a case of beer for the Octoberfest fundraising event to a future meeting.
• New Projects - Gerry Karr has provided information on the website for your input for new community projects.
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Yard Sale, September 13^th and 20^th.
• A Taste for the Arts, September 26^th: Natalie Ferebee has tickets available. Contact her for the Rotary special price of $25.
• Wine Festival, October 10^th -11^th - 6-8 Rotarians to volunteer as servers.

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, September 18^th at Noon in the Day Break Room is a Business meeting.  Please note the change of room for this meeting.

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: Guests today included DG Bruce Falkins and his wife Donna; ADG Dennis Jacobsen and his wife Jean, both Rotarians from the Penticton Okanagan Club who brought along their exchange student Marko Semperteli; former exchange student  Vivi Gufanti  and Jennifer Malaskal from the Okanagan School of the Arts.
• Birthdays: None mentioned this week other than the fact that Barb Hoolaeff is off to join Jackie Frederick to help celebrate her 50t^h.
• Brian Hughes spoke about the October line-up of speakers.  These will be posted on the website once he gives them to me!
• Barb Hoolaeff asked for more volunteers for the Yard Sale.  The Vees and Scouts will be helping with the setup this Friday.
• ADG Dennis Jacobsen introduced our special speaker DG Bruce Falkins. Prior to the luncheon they had met with the Board to discuss our club's goals, projects and other matters.  DG Bruce is very passionate about the family of Rotary and urged everyone to attend the District Conference in Kelowna next year on June 18^th to the 21^st.  He also noted the District Training session in Osoyoos on the weekend of October 31^st to November 1^st and hoped our members would attend. He ended his speech with his favourite quote "The key to life is not accumulation, it's contribution."
• President Cal Meiklejohn thanked DG Bruce Falkins and presented him with our esteemed pen and a Rotary clock for his wife Donna.
• Sheriff: Barb Hoolaeff levied quite a few fines including anyone who had not put their name down to help at the Yard Sale nor donated an item!
• Draw: The draw today was for  $72.  The winning ticket belonged to Jon Milligan who did not draw the joker from the deck!

Today we had a chance to meet our DG Bruce Falkins and his wife Donna who spoke to us on some of the happenings in the District as well as the strong network of Rotary.  The theme of "The Family of Rotary" will be celebrated at the upcoming Rotary District 5060 conference on June 18-21, 2015 at UBCO in Kelowna.  Five of our members received pins for recently sponsoring a new member and DG Bruce Falkins presented them: (left to right) Roy Phillips, Jim Henderson, Barb Hoolaeff, Gerry Karr and Ken Davis.

Reminder:

• Yard Sale: Barb Hoolaeff needs volunteers for Saturday, September 13^th and 20^th.  Please contact her for a shift.
• Tastes for the Arts: Bring your money for tickets for this event.  Natalie Ferebee will have tickets available at the next meeting.
• Octoberfest - Each member is asked to bring a case of beer for the Octoberfest fundraising event to a future meeting.
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Yard Sale, September 13^th and 20^th.

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, September 10^th at Noon we have a very special meeting with guests DG Bruce Falkins and his wife Donna we well as the Assistant DG, Dennis Jacobsen and his wife Jean. The Board will meet with them prior to our luncheon meeting. DG Bruce Falkins will be our featured speaker for this meeting.

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: Guests today included Mark Bedford, previously with the Oak Bay Rotary Club; Vivi Gufanti and our speaker Jerome Abraham.
• Birthdays: Peter Beulah, Past President Dave Smith and Gord Watson.
• Milton Orris spoke about the upcoming Shatford Centre Tastes for the Arts event on Friday September 20^th at 6:00 PM.  Tickets will be available at a discount price of $25 for Rotarians.
• Dave Smith announced a meeting of the Octoberfest Committee after the meeting.
• Erwin Ploner introduced our speaker Jerome Abraham, from Discovery House.  Jerome shared his 17 year struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Sober now for 4 1/2 years, he serves as director for Discovery House which is managed primarily from grants, fundraisers and donations.
• Gerry Karr as Chair of the New Projects Committee, asked members to think about new community projects that the Club could take on.  He will provide documentation on the website that will aid members in this process.
• President Cal spoke of the recent motion passed by the Board for the Ribfest Committee to hire All She Wrote Consulting to acquire sponsorships for a fee of $500.  Of note, the Title Sponsor must be acquired by October 17^th or Rotary will not be obligated to hold a Ribfest fundraiser.  Further, if the total minimum sponsorship of $60,000 is not secured  by November 28^th, Rotary will not be obligated to hold a Ribfest fundraiser.  The members will be sent a PDF of the Ribfest budget for their perusal.
• Sheriff: Barb Hoolaeff levied quite a few fines including anyone who had not put their name down to help at the Yard Sale; Dave Smith for answering his cell phone; and several members who were apparently snoozing!
• Draw: The draw today was for  $63.  The winning ticket belonged to Don Michiel who did not draw the joker from the new deck!
• 

Reminder:

• Barb Hoolaeff is still accepting your gently used items for the Yard Sale
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Yard Sale, Saturday September 13^th and 20^th.

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, September 3^rd at Noon with featured speaker Jerome Abraham of Discovery House, a drug and rehab centre here in Penticton.

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: Our guest today was Mark Bedford, previously with the Oak Bay Rotary Club.
• Birthdays: Ben Amos.
• Sandra Curnow chaired our meeting during President Cal's absence.
• Ribfest: Barb Hoolaeff gave an update on the work of the Ribfest Committee.  She and Gord Watson met with the City and also the RCMP re the Beer Tent and holding the event.  Craig Dusel will be looking after the volunteers and John Vassilacki will be looking after the Beer Tent.  Don Michiel is in charge of the 4 Ribbers and has already had a meeting with them. Barb discussed the budget and the need for $60,000 in sponsorship.  Several members expressed their concerns regarding the financial risk but Barb emphasized that if the sponsorship goal is not met by a date in November, that the event will not happen.
• Corporate Membership: Membership Chair Don Michiel reported that while RI does not endorse corporate membership, other than from accepted clubs in a pilot group until 2017, that our club, along with other clubs in the District, have chosen to allow this type of membership on an exceptional basis. One of the 3 corporate members from BMO is listed as an "Active" member with RI.  All 3 corporate members receive notices, are welcome at our meetings and events and have a name badge.
• 2014/2015 Budget: Treasurer Jon Milligan discussed the budget as presented to the members (copies supplied to each table).  It was noted that the item re "Toys for Tots" should be removed from the budget with no reflection on the net for the year.      Motion: Moved by Ben Amos, seconded by Paul Varga, that the Rotary Club of Penticton 2014/2015 Budget be accepted as presented with the removal of the Toys for Tots.  Motion accepted.  Carried. Note: Post meeting, the revised budget was sent to all members in PDF format.
• Committee Lists:  Sandra Curnow reminded the members that the Committee Lists have been distributed prior and will continually be updated as new members join our club.  The current list is available on the website for download.
• Exchange Student: Sandra Krauer introduced our exchange student Irene Menegazzi, who is from northern Italy.  Irene presented her club banner to our club.
• Induction of New Member: Jim Henderson introduced our newest member Dale Krushal to our members. Dale is from Winnipeg and in 1993 moved to the Okanagan.  Dale is with TD Waterhouse and has 3 grown children living in Kelowna.  Roy Phillips oversaw the induction of Dale and did a splendid job as usual!  Tom Rahkola, returning to our club, is also one of our new members.
• Other Announcements:  Judi Cassidy spoke of the Rotaplast team who need 2 more members for their trip in October.  If anyone is interested, contact the Summerland Club or Judi.  President Cal and Lori Motluk sent their thanks to all the members who volunteered with Challenge BC.
• Sheriff: Sandra Curnow, not only the Chair but also the Sheriff, levied quite a few fines. Any Rotarian who did not volunteer with Challenge BC paid a fine.  Other fines included "visiting Rotairan" Grant Klatik; Justin White for texting during the meeting and President Cal for being absent and causing Sandra to chair.
• Draw: The draw today was for  $54.  The winning ticket belonged to John Deyaeger who did not draw the joker from the new deck!

Below are photos from the airport welcoming our new exchange student as well as some from the meeting.

Our new exchange student 16 year old Irene Menegazzi arirved on Sunday August 24th. She is from Sacile, Italy.  We hope to see lots of Irene and extend our warmest welcome from our members.

The photo shows Sandra Krauer, Irene, past exchange student Viviana Black Guffanti and Barb Hoolaeff upon her arrival at the airport.

We are so happy to welcome Dale Krushel as our newest member!  Dale is seen here with Roy Phillips, Sandra Curnow and Jim Henderson (who was the sponsor for Dale).

Reminder:

• Barb Hoolaeff is still accepting your gently used items for the Yard Sale
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Sandra Krauer reported that our new exchange student, 16 year old Irene Menegazzi will arrive this Sunday at 6:00 pm. She is from Sacile, Italy.  Sandra is hoping that a few Rotarians not participating in Challenge Penticton can help welcome her!

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, August 27^th at Noon is a Business Meeting which includes the review and acceptance of the 2014-2015 Budget; 2015 Ribfest report and much, much more!

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: There were many guests today: Visiting Rotarians Bob Bradley and his wife Jillian from the South Holland Rotary Club, England; Outbound Exchange Student Jozsef Varga; Steve Nagle and our speaker Kelsi Lopatecki Cox and her boyfriend. (as I was absent from the August 13^th meeting, I am including a photo of the speaker Brenda Lowe being introduced by Sanra Krauer and the winner of the draw that day, Paul Varga.
• Birthdays: Ken Davis, Heather Buzzell, Jackie Frederick, Sandra Curnow and Mayor Garry Litke.
• President Cal exchanged banners with the visiting Rotarin from England.
• Don Michiel spoke of placing the Rotarian magazines at businesses around town. He was recently called by a lady who read one at an eye clinic and wanted to register early for next year's Lobsterfest.  We may even attract some new members.
• Judi Cassidy introduced our speaker Kelsi Lopatecki Cox, who spoke about The Digital Learning Room (DLR) project in Fiji.  Kelsi is a former Rotary exchange student in 2001 in Turkey. She was also an Ambassador Scholar at the University of Auckland.  She has a Masters from SFU specializing in Community Health and Development.  To find out more about this very inspiring project visit www.digitallearningroom.org.
• Sheriff: Paul Varga levied quite a few fines. Of course Don Michiel was one of the first to pay a fine Followed by Judi Cassidy, Carl Tymm, Geoff Severide, Dave Smith, Ben Amos, Rory McIvor and myself.
• Draw: The draw today was for  $39.  The winning ticket belonged to Sandra Curnow who did not draw the joker from the new deck!

Reminder:

• Challenge Penticton needs volunteers.  Contact Lori Motluk or Pres. Cal if for help registering online.
• Barb Hoolaeff is still accepting your gently used items for the Yard Sale
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• BBQ at Peter Beulah's Home - Sunday, August 10^th - If you have not paid your $20/person, please bring your cash to the BBQ and give to Peter.  Bring 1 dish to share and your beverage.

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, August 13^th at Noon featuring Ribfest Chair Barb Hoolaeff who will speak about her weekend in Kamloops as well as other Rotary business.

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: There were many guests today: Visiting Rotarians Trish Isaac from the Canmore Rotary Club and  Dr. Holly from Vancouver Yaletown Rotary Club; former Exchange Student Vivi Guffanti; The McKay's - Andrew, Barry and Ian; David Kopp, a guest of John Pankiw; Dave Krushel and Sandra Curnow's son, Mitchell Tomizza.
• Birthdays: Derek Blaszak, Navid Chaudry and Pat Coburn..
• Ben Amos sought out all the attendees for the BBQ at Peter's place this Sunday and asked for their money!.

• President Cal Meikljohn, introduced our speaker Don Michiel, who spoke about Rotary Membership.  Don spoke about the fact that more females are being introduced to Rotary and becoming members.  He spoke of the importance of being a sponsor and mentor to not only bring new members to the Club but to ensure their retention.  Under the Membership umbrella are The Recruitment Committee and Retention Committee who are busy helping to drive our numbers up and keep them there. As Don turns 71 on his next birthday, that is the goal for membership before the end of the Rotary year.  Brian Hughes spoke of our upcoming speaker on August 20th, Kelsey Cox, who is the District 5060 Scholar.  She spoke at the International Rotary conference in Australia. Don't miss this meeting and please bring your partner and any potential new members.

• Sheriff: Rory McIvor as Sheriff levied a few fines. Of course Don Michiel was one of the first to pay a fine for all the fines he levied on Rory.  He also got a few fines from the Rotarians who had not paid their dues as yet.

• Draw: The draw today was for  $10.  The winning ticket belonged to Lori Motluk who drew the joker from the new deck!  She was already walking on air with the announcement of the hospital expansion so the $10 was just another win for her.

Reminder:

• Challenge Penticton needs volunteers.  Contact Lori Motluk or Pres. Cal if for help registering online.
• Barb Hoolaeff is still accepting your gently used items for the Yard Sale
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Contact Ralph Oslund if you are planning on attending a "Summer Rotary Party" on August 3^rd at the home of Dave and Jo Young, who have sold their home and want to celebrate!  1:00 to 4:00 p.m.. Bring your beverage and desert.
• BBQ at Peter Beulah's Home - Sunday, August 10^th - Please contact Linda if you are attending. (Cost $20/person).  Bring 1 dish to share and your beverage.

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, August 8^th at Noon featuring Membership Chair Don Michiel who will speak about Rotary Awareness for Membership Month.

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: There were many guests today: Visiting Rotarian Brenda Hamilton from Summerland Rotary; former Exchange Student Vivi Guffanti and her friend Titouan Chassagne; Dale Krusher, a guest of Jim Henderson and our speakers Jen Vincent and Murray Swales.  We also had several spouses attend today including Garry Hoolaeff, Merle Hendricks, Liz Davis and Rowland Curnow.
• Birthdays: None noted today.
• Thanks to Erwin Ploner: Special thanks to Erwin for organizing the Rodeo Beer Garden volunteers this past weekend.
• Don Michiel, as acting Chair introduced our speakers Jen Vincent and Murray Swales,  of the Penmar Community Arts Centre.  Their vision: A phased renovation/revitalization, based upon funds available and in-hand, with an achievable Phase One to be opened in Late April 2014; The completed project will see a multi-venue, multi-purpose performance facility that can present live music, theatre & dance, as well as screen independent, ethnic and youth-oriented film, and host lectures & community events; A strong connection with regional non-profit organizations, and Creation of new opportunities for regional cultural businesses and organizations with affordable theatre rental and an innovative referral opportunity.  Visit http://penmar.ca/ for more information.
• Sheriff: Past President Dave Smith did an excellent job as Sheriff with many fines given as pay back for all the fines he had to pay during his year as President. Of course Don Michiel was one of the first to pay a fine! a fine for "loud" shirts, shorts and such!
• Draw: The draw today was for  $587.  The winning ticket belonged to Rory McIvor who drew the joker from the deck! Congratulations Rory.

Reminder:

• Erwin Ploner still needs 3 more volunteers this weekend to serve beer at the Rodeo Beer Garden.  Please contact him.
• Challenge Penticton is still looking for volunteers.  Contact Lori or Pres. Cal if you need help registering online.
• Kamloops Ribfest is happening August 8 -10th if members are interested in attending and helping
• Barb Hoolaeff is still accepting your gently used items for the Yard Sale
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Ralph Oslund announced a "Summer Rotary Party" on August 3rd at the home of Dave and Jo Young, who have sold their home and want to celebrate!
• BBQ at Peter Beulah's home, Sunday, August 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. NOTE: Cost to be determined shortly.

Next Meeting:

• Wednesday, July 30th at Noon featuring speaker Jen Vincent from the Penmar Community Arts Society

Meeting Overview:

• Guests: There were many guests today: Visiting Rotarians Liliana Sulikowska from Kindersley Rotary with her two guests Maria Woronko and Aurelia Woronko and Walter Zuk from Heritage Park, Calgary Rotary.  Also John Pankiw's guest was Dale Krusnel.  Ken Davis brought Jerry Briggs, a B52 Bomber Pilot visiting from Arizona, as his guest.  You can check out the plane at Penticton Airport until the weekend.
• Birthdays: Fred Hendricks, Lori Motluk and Paul Varga.
• UBC Visit: Rory McIvor announced that the annual UBC visit will not be taking place this year.
• Pres. Cal introduced our speaker Dave Del Rizzo, President of the Peach City Community Radio Society, a not-for-profit society which is volunteer driven. The society was formed in 2010 and has 70 members.  To date they have live internet streaming and have applied for a FM broadcast application.  His "Raise the Radio" campaign is aimed to engage enthusiastic community members who believe that radio can give a voice to the community.  To find out more about Peach City Radio, visit www.peachcityradio.org.
• Sheriff: Aaron McRann did an excellent job as Sheriff with many a fine for "loud" shirts, shorts and such!
• Draw: The draw today was for  $560.  The winning ticket belonged to Past President Dave Smith but he did not draw the joker from the deck.
• Camera was left at office so no photos today!!

Reminder:

• Please bring your Dues cheque to our next meeting if you have not already paid
• Barb Hoolaeff is still accepting donations for the Yard Sale
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• BBQ at Peter Beulah's home, Sunday, August 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. NOTE: Cost to be determined shortly.

Next Meeting

• Our July 23rd Noon Wednesday meeting features speaker Dave Del Rizzo, President of Peach City Radio.

Reminder:

• Barb Hoolaeff needs help with pricing Yard Sale items at the bin tomorrow (Friday 4th) at 1:00 p.m.
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Dinner at Joey's, Wednesday, June 16th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. NOTE: There will not be a luncheon meeting on this day!

Meeting Overview

• Guests: Our guests today were Jean Jacobsen from the morning Penticton Okanagan Club, Jane and Dennis Robzell from the Red Deer Downtown Club, Amaya Black, our exchange student back from Thailand and Lori Motluk's husband Bill..
• Birthday: Bob Gibbs.
• Pres. Cal,chairing his first meeting of the new Rotary year, was also the speaker today.  He spoke about Challenge BC.  Rotary will again be looking after the #7 Aid Station on Sunday, August 24th.  To volunteer this year,you need to register on-line at www.challenge-pentcton.com.  There are five time slots and a training session for new volunteers.  Cal gave time to allow members to sign-up on the computers available at the meeting.
• Draw: The draw today was for over $500.  The winning ticket belonged to me (Linda Metcalfe, who had to leave early so my fellow Rotarian Linda Chabot looked out for my ticket) but she did not draw the joker from the deck.

District 5060, Area 5, Assistant Governor Dennis Jacobsen presided over the installation of our new board of directors for the 2014/2015 Rotary year at our dinner meeting.   Note all the smiling faces!

Now Past President, Dave Smith is presented with a plaque to honour his year as our President and all his accomplishments during his very successful year.  He was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellow award for his dedication and service to the silent auction components of both the annual Lobsterfeast and Oktoberfest.  Great job Dave.  We will miss your Newfie jokes.

Reminder:

• June 25th Meeting - There will NOT BE A NOON MEETING!!!  The Installation Dinner will start at 5:30 PM for cocktails with dinner at 6:00 PM at the Day's Inn.  You can still get tickets for the dinner at Pres. Dave's office.
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)
• Contact Barb Hoolaeff if you have items for the Yard Sale.

Upcoming Club Events:

• Diamonds on the Deck,  this Friday, June 20^th, at 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Meeting Overview

• Guests: Our guests today were Debra Mohr, from BMO; speaker Mary Ellen Heidt, Community Futures and Mark Bedford, from Oak Bay.
• Birthdays: Nico and Erwin.
• Gusto Award: Natalie was recognized for the successful Mystery Dinner evening.
• Heather Buzzell was presented with a  $500 cheque for the Library's Lego Club program.
• Pres. Dave also announced that a $500 donation has been awarded to the Henning Emergency Clinic of Kindness dental clinic.
• Mary Ellen Heidt, General Manager of the Community Futures, gave a very informative presentation about the organization of which both Rory McIvor and Ben Amos are directors.   The Community Futures Program is a federal government initiative, which was established in 1984 to assist rural communities in the development of strategies for dealing with a changing economic environment. The program is based on the philosophy that local decision-making and local development are the most effective means for communities to shape their future.  They believe that providing small businesses with resources leads to job creation and economic growth. Over the past 25 years, B.C. has become a small business economy. Community Futures has played a leading role in that growth by providing financing and small business training.  Visit their website at http://www.cfokanagan.com for more info.
• Special Happy Announcement - John Pankiw announced that member Jim Henderson was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Okanagan College.
• Draw: The draw today was for $500.  The winning ticket belonged to our guest Debra Mohr but she did not draw the joker from the deck.

President Dave presented a cheque for $500 to member Heather Buzzell for the Penticton Library Lego Club, a new activity aimed at pre-teens.

Members joined our exchange student Dinal Mehta and her family for a tree planting in her honour at Skaha park.  A stainless steel plaque will be placed with her name shortly.  Barb presented Dinal with a framed maple leaf for her to take back home.  View more photos in the Photo Albums on this website.

Next Week’s Meeting: NO MEETING ON JUNE 11TH (Replaced by Mystery Dinner)

Installation Dinner, June 25th: There will not be a Noon meeting on June 25th.  There will be a Dinner Meeting at the Day's Inn, 5:30PM for cocktails, 6:15PM for dinner.  Cost is $25.  Please get your tickets for this evening.

Reminder:

• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)
• Contact Barb Hoolaeff if you have items for the Yard Sale.

Upcoming Club Events:

• Going Away Party for Dinal, June 8th, 6:00 PM, home of Sandy Hodson,187 Evergreen Crescent. Bring Lawn Chair, Food and Beverage. 
• Mystery Dinner, June 11th, $40/person to a mystery venue by bus.  Contact Justin White - 4 tickets left.
• Tree Planting at Skaha, Saturday June 14th at 10:00 AM.  Dedication for Dinal Mehta
• Diamonds on the Deck, Friday, June 20^th, at 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Meeting Overview

• Guests: Our guests today were Rory McIvor's wife Anna; speaker and co-chair, Dinal Mehta; Zoe Peritaz, fellow change student and Balkar Hans, guest of Paul Varga.
• Birthdays: None this week.
• Make-up: Geoff Severide presented a banner from the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town
• June 11th Meeting - There will NOT BE A MEETING!!!
• Gusto Award: Erwin Ploner was recognized for all his hard work this past year with his many fundraising projects.
• Erwin Ploner presented the 'real' cheque for Shriner's Pancake Breakfast  of $2,000 to our Treasurer Jon Milligan.
• Justin White announced that he has 4 tickets left for the Mystery Dinner.
• Dinal Mehta, gave a very informative presentation, along with photos, of her year as an exchange student.  She was thanked by President Dave with a Rotary pen, Coin and Clock.  Triple the thanks.
• Draw: The draw today was for $482.  The winning ticket belonged to Paul Varga but he did not draw the joker from the deck.

Our Exchange Student Dinal Mehta was an outstanding co-chair today!  She was also our featured speaker, giving a power point presentation on her year as an Exchange Student with our Club.  She showed many photos including her special host families of members Cal Meiklejohn, Paul Varga and Jim Henderson. Her best friend Zoe Perritaz, fellow exchange student with the Penticton Okanagan Club, was in attendance today. We will miss her smiling face at our future meetings and wish her a very successful, healthy and fulfilling life ahead.

Next Week’s Meeting: Dinal Mehta, Report on her Year as an Exchange Student

Greeter for Next Meeting: Navid Chaudry

NO MEETING ON JUNE 11th: There will be no meeting on Wednesday June 11th due to the Mystery Dinner event in the evening.

Reminder:

• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)
• Contact Barb Hoolaeff if you have items for the Yard Sale.

Upcoming Club Events:

• Going Away Party for Dinal, June 8th, 6:00 PM, home of Sandy Hodson.  Contact Ralph Oslund for further details.
• Mystery Dinner, June 11th, $40/person to a mystery venue by bus.  Contact Natalie Ferebee and bring your cheques!
• Diamonds on the Deck, Friday, June 20^th, at 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Peter Beulah presented President Dave Smith with a very special bottle of scotch for his hard work in making this year's Lobster Feast silent and live auction one of the best yet.  Thanks President Dave and to all those members who worked so tirelessly on this successful event.

Ken Davis presented member John Pankiw with the award for the 'highest average' from the men's bridge club during the past year.  Congratulations John.

Bruce Barker, Potentate of Shriners of BC & Yukon, presented a cheque for $2,000 to Erwin Ploner who organized a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 24th.  At least ten of our members helped at this breakfast - thanks for coming out so early!  Of course Erwin then presented the cheque to President Dave Smith for deposit to our club's bank account!

Did you ever wonder what the genie would look like if you rubbed that magic lantern?  He might just look like our fellow Rotarian and Shriner, Carl Tymm!  Here he is at the Shriner's Pancake Breakfast at Okanagan Park on Saturday, May 24th.

Next Week’s Meeting: Great Henning, Henning Emergency Clinic of Kindness

Greeter for Next Meeting: Patrick Coburn

NO MEETING ON JUNE 11th: There will be no meeting on Wednesday June 11th due to the Mystery Dinner event in the evening.

Reminder:

• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)
• Contact Barb Hoolaeff if you have items for the Yard Sale.

Upcoming Club Events:

• Going Away Party for Dinal, June 8th, 6:00 PM, home of Snady Hodson.  More details to follow.
• Mystery Dinner, June 11th, $40/person to a mystery venue by bus.  Contact Natalie Ferebee and bring your cheques!
• Diamonds on the Deck, Friday, June 20^th, at 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Meeting Overview

• Guests: Our guests today were Pat Martel (guest of member Erwin Ploner), Navid Chaudry's wife Sue, speaker Manish Willms, Oak Bay member Mark Bedford, Derek Blaszak's guest Mark Cahill and special guest Fred Penner, long time friend of Gord Osland.
• Birthdays: Barb Hoolaeff celebrated her birthday on May 20^th.  Gerry Karr and Cal Meiklejohn will also have birthdays this week.
• June 4th Meeting - Dinal Mihta will be running our meeting and reporting on her year as an Exchange Student.
• Peter Beulah, Lobster Feast, reported that the event is a complete sell out! A list of the Live Auction items were available on each table today for members to review.  There will be approximately 149 silent auction items. 
• Don Michiel confirmed volunteers to help with the set-up and take-down at the Lobster Feast.
• Erwin Ploner confirmed and sought more volunteers for the Shriner's Pancake Breakfast at 6:30 AM, Saturday, May 24th. That is early for me!
• Manish Willms, OSNS Child Development Centre, spoke about the vision and mission of the Centre - the latter being "A Community in which all children and youth reach their full potential."  Also, her ending quote "I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to steer my ship", represented their mission for the children at their Centre.  For more information visit their website at  http://osns.org/.
• Bob Gibbs had the winning ticket but did not draw the joker from the deck.  The pot is at $439.

At our meeting today, we were privileged to be entertained by Fred Penner who is in Penticton for the Okanagan Children's Festival.  Also, being a long time friend of our member Gord Osland may have something to do with him attending our meeting!  Fred's has had an outstanding career publishing 12 albums, TV shows, and honoured with an Order of Canada, Order of Manitoba and a Paul Harris Fellow.  He has been singing his songs for 42 years! He shared a story with us about Gord where Fred has lead a conversation with "and lead us not into expectations" and Gord quickly responded "but deliver us from ego".  That's our Gord!  He also lead the club in singing happy birthday to fellow Rotarian Barb Hoolaeff.

Meeting Overview

• Guests: Our guests today were Chris Allen (guest of member Don Michiel), speaker Barb Haynes, Colin Kobza, Riley Gettens, Barb Shepphard and Oak Bay member Mark Bedford.  Mark had a few raffle tickets to seel for his Oak Bay club.
• Birthdays: Barb Hoolaeff will celebrate her birthday on May 20^th. 
• Ralph Oslund presented $400 in donations from the pancake breakfast at the opening of Discovery Park.
• Going Away Party for our Exchange Student, Dinal - Ralph Oslund reported that there will be a going away party at Sandy Hodson's on June 8th at 6:00 PM. More detials to follow closer to the date.
• Peter Beulah, Lobster Feast, again has requested that all monies from ticket sales be given to him and to return ticket stubs for catering requirements.
• Don Michiel is still in need of volunteers to help with the take-down at the Lobster Feast. I believe at least 4 members volunteered to help at the meeting.
• Jon Milligan reported that he has deposited monies in a separate bank account for District Grant monies. 
• Erwin Ploner reported that he will be seeking volunteers for the Shriner's Pancake Breakfast at Gyro Park at 7:00 AM, Saturday, May 24th.
• Warwick Parker had the winning ticket but did not draw the joker from the deck.  The pot is at $417.

Our featured speakers at our meeting of May 14th featured Barb Haynes, Operations Director and Colin Kobza, owner of Boonstock Enterainment.  The event will take place Friday August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Sunday 1:00 a.m.) with 8,5000 attendees each day (19 to 45 years of age).  Boonstock has a 10 year history.  To find out more about this event, visit http:/boonstock.ca/.  Below is a photo of Pres. Dave thanking Barb and Colin.

The rain held off for a very successful pancake breakfast at Skaha Lake's new children's playground, Discovery Park. Here is fellow Rotarian Gord Watson preparing the batter mixture for our mouth watering pancakes! Thanks to all the Rotarians who helped today. More photos will be added to the Photo Album section as they become available.

Next Week’s Meeting: Barb Haynes, Operation Director, Boonstock Entertainment

Greeter for Next Meeting: Ken Davis

Reminder:

• Don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine for the Lobster Feast Silent Auction.
• Bring your Rotarian Magazine (after you have finished reading it)

Upcoming Club Events:

• Annual Lobster Feast, Saturday, May 24^th, at 5:30 PM – need volunteers for set-up and take-down (contact Don Michiel)
• Mystery Dinner, June 11th, $40/person to a mystery venue by bus.  Contact Natalie Ferebee and bring your cheques!
• Diamonds on the Deck, Friday, June 20^th, at 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Business Meeting Overview

• Guests: Our guest today was Jo-Ann Herle and Oak Bay member Mark Bedford.
• Birthdays: Justin White will celebrate his birthday on May 11^th.  Gordon Herle also brought along his birthday cheque for the Rotary Foundation.
• Gusto Award is still broken and needing repair!
• Natalie Ferebee, having attended the recent District Conference along with Barb Hoolaeff and Pres.-Elect Cal Meiklejohn and his wife, reported that the Rotary Club of Penticton received two awards: the award for greatest increase per capita annual giving to the Rotary Foundation for a medium sized club in District 5060 and also the award for the largest growth for a medium sized club in District 5060.  Our membership has grown by 13% this year.
• Pres. Dave reported that the Board agreed to sponsor the Scouts Canada 2^nd Penticton Group and will ask for a member to volunteer as a liaison. We will also be volunteering to help with a pancake breakfast for the Shiner’s late in May.  We will also be helping out with the selling of raffle tickets for the Vees home games as well as 50/50 tickets. At the SS Sicamous event, we received $900 cash and $400 in liquor, the latter to be used at the Lobster Feast.
• Electronic Payment System will be implemented for a one year trial basis after the Lobster Feast.  The sergeant-at-arms table is exuberant at taking on the task!
• Peter Beulah reported that the Lobster Feast is a sell-out. He requested that all monies from ticket sales be given to him and the return of ticket stubs for catering requirements.
• Brian Hughes reported that $75,000 of our $110,000 commitment has been raised for the Shatford Centre. More monies should come in from the Lobster Feast and a gaming grant.
• Linda Metcalfe asked members to please let her know if you have volunteered at one of our events or attended a committee planning meeting that can be counted as a make-up for a missed luncheon meeting.  We prefer to see you at our luncheons but understand that you cannot always make every one!
• Don Michiel reported that there was room for one more couple for the Guess Who's Coming to Dinner evening.  He also asked for volunteers to help with set-up and take-down at the Lobster Feast – 6 people for each for about an hour.
• Jon Milligan reported that he had opened a separate bank account for District Grant monies. He also quoted all the bank account balances but spoke too quickly for me to report!
• Barbara Hoolaeff reported that she just received a cheque for $500 for popcorn sales from RONA.  She will be hosting a Ribfest meeting this Saturday from 11:00 – 3:00 with Sandra Blair, Co-Chair of the Kamloops Ribfest, who will enlighten the committee members on all that needs to happen to run a successful event. All interested members are welcome to attend.
• Peter Graham had the winning ticket but did not draw the joker from the deck.  The pot is at $394.

Our Foundation Chair, Natalie Ferebee, presented both Gordon and Jo-Ann Herle with a Paul Harris Fellow Award.  For Gordon, it is his third award and for Jo-Ann, her first time receiving the award.  Congratulations!

Rotary members Barb Hoolaeff (Left) and Natalie Ferebee (Right) are seen here with President Elect Cal Meiklejohn's wife, Jacinta Ferrari (middle), sporting our upcoming Ribfest t-shirts.  They look fantastic and what a great marketing tool to promote our 2015 event at the District 5060 conference.

Next Week’s Meeting: Business Meeting 

Greeter for Next Meeting: John Deyaeger

Reminder: Don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine for the Lobster Feast Silent Auction

Upcoming Club Events:

• Discovery Park Pancake Breakfast at Skaha Lake, May 10th  - Have volunteers thanks!
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, May 10^th - Contact Don Michiel if you have not signed up yet
• Annual Lobster Feast, Saturday, May 24^th, at 5:30 PM
• Mystery Dinner, June 11th, $40/person to a mystery venue by bus.  Contact Natalie Ferebee and bring your cheques!
• Diamonds on the Deck, Friday, June 20^th, at 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Our dear member Ralph Oslund handed me this report from a meeting that he attended back in April 1966 as a new member!! Obvioulsy he did like Rotary and has been a dedicated member of the Penticton Rotary Club.

Business Meeting Overview

• Guests: As this was a spousal/partner meeting, there were many guests including Patty Rowe, Liz Davis, Charlene Oslund, Merle Hendricks, Jon Ferebee, Maureen Deyaeger, Sue Michiel and Jacinta Meikeljohn.  Other guests included Simon St. Laurent,  Mark Bedford and our guest speaker Janice Perrino. See the photos below of our guests.
• Member Sandra Curnow presented a report on the very successful and below budget Pioneers Reception of April 6th.
• Birthdays: James Hare definitely topped up our Foundation quota with his birthday cheque for $92!  Gordon Herle also has a  birthday this week.
• Gusto Award was presented today to member Trev Grey-Dreaper, for a second time! Where did the moose head go?
• Don Michiel reported that he needed two more hosts for the Guess Who's Coming to Dinner evening and I believe he received two volunteers at the meeting!
• Janice Perrino, Mayor of Summerland, gave a very interesting presentation on the Hospital Foundation.  The exisiting hospital was built back in 1951 to serve a population of 10,500 but it now serves 90,000.  The business plan is complete for the new tower and we must wait until the Fall for government approval.  She is very optimistic that the new tower will indeed be built.
• Ben Amos had the winning ticket but did not draw the joker from the deck.  The pot is still growing in value!

Here are some photos pre-event at the SS Sicamous  on Wednesday, April 30th, with Rotarians President Dave Smith, Navid Chaudry and Sue Chaudry.

Rotapen - April 9, 2014 Meeting 

Next Week’s Meeting: Don Gemmel and Paul Barber, “Trail of the Okanagan”

Greeter for Next Meeting: Bob Gibbs

Reminder: Don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine for the Lobster Feast Silent Auction

Wanted: New editor for the Rotapen by July 1st. (Current editor has served for a year and time to step away!  There must be a budding writer in our midst?  Will train, help, convince...)

Upcoming Events:

·        Bring Spouses/Partners Club Meeting, April 30^th – Inform Roy if spouse attending

·        Discovery Park Pancake Breakfast at Skaha Lake, May 3^rd

·        District 5060 Conference in Yakima – May 1- 4^th

·        Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, May 10^th - sign up now!

·        Annual Lobster Feast, Saturday, May 24^th, at 5:30 PM

·        Diamonds on the Deck, Friday, June 20^th, at 4:30 to 6:00 PM

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Announcements and Meeting Proceedings:

Guests - Guests today included Mark Bedford from the Oak Bay Club and soon to be member; our guest speaker Dave Snyder, and our exchange student Dinal Mehta.

Member Attendance Today: 44.  Judi Cassidy, as a result of a makeup meeting, brought back a banner from the Grand Cayman Sunrise Rotary Club and also a very nice tan!

President Dave, as Chair, reminded us that on April 30^th about 7 members will be serving as bartenders at the SS Sicamous. He also reported that the Board was in favour of a donation for $500 to Agur Lake Camp for a Penticton family.  Jeff Smith was asked by the Board, and has agreed, to look into the process for implementing electronic payments for our luncheon fees

Notice of Motion: Geoff Severide, on behalf of the International Committee, asked for a notice of motion for a donation of $3,000 to Rotoplast Canada for the project that Sharon Romank of Kelowna reported to our club previously. There will be a vote in two weeks. 

Sandra Krauer reported that she and Ralph Oslund enjoyed a Youth Exchange weekend in Naramata with both inbound and outbound exchange students.  She also reported that there must be three (3) hosting families for our inbound female exchange student from South America.  If anyone can to be a host, please contact Sandra. 

Don Michiel pointed out the sheets on each table for members to sign up to attend and/or host our Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner event on Saturday, May 10^th at 6:00 p.m.  Typically 2 to 3 couples bring along an appetizer, salad or dessert and their own drinks while the host prepares the main course.

Peter Beulah reported that he has no tickets left for the Lobster Feast to hand out.  He requested that members who have tickets let him know how their sales are going.  He needs the stubs back to ensure adequate alternate meals for those who have requested them.

The Gusto Award was presented today by Ken Davis to Sandra Curnow for all her efforts in organizing a very successful Pioneers Reception.  Sandra thanked all the volunteers that helped on both the Saturday and Sunday.

Our guest speaker Dave Snyder was introduced as having written a book “Pen Hi, Chronology of a High School”.  He provided a slide show of many photos dating from the first grad class in 1912 to the current school.  From 1914 to 1936 the old school was situated where the library now sits.  Nearly 40% of the boys were Sea Cadets in the 1930’s and many more were Air Cadets.  In 1945 1300 students marched down Main Street with placards stating “Vote Yes” for an increased tax base for their school to receive more funds. In 1949 there was a fire which caused much damage to the school. Even PM Pierre Trudeau visited the school in the 1970’s!  Twenty teachers served for over 30 years; sixty teachers served for over 20 years and the there have been 17 principals over its lifetime.  Rory McIvor thanked Dave with our esteemed Rotary pen.

Today, we were graced to have Barb Hoolaeff as our Sheriff.  The “Duelling Sandra’s”, Barb’s very inventive game to have club members who typically confuse the two ladies names, answer questions about Sandra Krauer and Sandra Curnow. The game resulted in many coins being gatherede at each table!  Welcome back Barb!

Draw - The winning ticket was held by Brian Hughes for the pot of $303 but he did not draw the joker from the deck.

Pres Dave closed the meeting with Newfie joke pretty much on time.

Quote for Today: “A person with an increasingly grateful heart is one with a decreasingly complaining mouth”. -  Burk Parsons

Andy Virk is introduced by his sponsor Jim Henderson.  We are delighted to have Andy as our newest member.

At our meeting today we were fortunate to have as our guests Frank Conci, Ann Brewster, Daryl Clark, and Ron Ryde who spoke to us about the industries in Penticton and the Penticton Industrial Development Association (PIDA).  Our member Keith Bevington also spoke of his involvement with PIDA. Below President-elect Cal Meiklejohn thanks Frank Conci for his informative presentation.

For all the latest news in our District 5060 and links to Rotary International, visit http://rotary5060.com/index.php. 

The weekend was perfect weather for our exchange student Dinal Mehta to meet with other District 5060 exchange students in Revelstoke.  Our member Sandra Krauer was on hand to help with the activities.

Roy Phillips led the induction proceedings for our newest members Linda Chabot and Gordon Watson.  Welcome to our Club.

Next Week’s Meeting: Business Meeting

Greeter for Next Meeting: Rory McIvor

Upcoming Events:

Firesides – February 24 and 25^th.  More information to follow when available.

Rotary Items Available:  Did you know that we have Rotary ties, “Rotarian at Work” T-shirts, 4-Way Test coins and more available at our front desk for purchase?

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Next Week’s Meeting: Robbie Burns Celebration with Graham Watt

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE BRINGING GUESTS, PLEASE INFORM ROY PHILLIPS.  

Greeter for Next Meeting: Aaron McRann

Upcoming Events:

Firesides – February 24 and 25^th.  More information to follow when available.

Rotary Items Available:  Did you know that we have Rotary ties, “Rotarian at Work” T-shirts, 4-Way Test coins and more available at our front desk for purchase?  

_____________________________________________________________________

Rotary Member Judi Cassidy and President Dave Smith presented a cheque for $2,100 to Bill Coulter, from Octoberfest, for the SS Sicamous. These funds were raised through our Club's silent auction event at the 2013 Octoberfest.

Today was a very special day for our Penticton Rotary Club with 9 members and 4 Friends of Rotary recognized to receive a Paul Harris Fellow award. For some it was their first time to receive this award, but for others it was their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and even 7th! Congratulations to all the worthy recipients!

Back Row, L-R: Justin White (1^st), Brian Hughes (2^nd), Roy Phillips (4^th), Neal Davies (2^nd), Gerry Karr (6^th), Ralph Oslund (2^nd), Peter Beulah (4^th), Don Michiel (7^th)

Front Row, L-R: Natalie Ferebee (1^st), Marlene Phillips (3^rd), Marian Henninger (Honorary 1^st), Daisy McAlpine (2^nd), Frances Beulah (2^nd)

Absent: Geoffrey Willers (1^st), Bob Gibbs (5^th)

Our Rotarians manned shifts on December 6 and 7th at Safeway, Save-On Foods, IGA and Wal-Mart to sell $2 raffle tickets for our wheelbarrows full of goodies.  Monies raised were in excess of $3000.  There were also two eager students from Penn High who volunteered for a shift.  Looks like they enjoyed themselves!

Rotarians and their spouses helped out with the toy donations and breakfast at the Penticton Lakeside Resort today from 6:00a.m. to 9:00 a.m.  Looks like they were having lots of fun!

Here is just one of many photos taken at our annual Christmas Party at the Penticton Lakeside resort.  Great food, lots of dancing and a good deal of socializing! View more photos under the Photo Album section on the right side of the Home page. A big thanks to Barb and her committee, Grant and Jackie, for organizing the event.

2014-2015 Rotary Board Members

Elected for a two year term as a director were: Judi Cassidy, Penny Morrison and Justin White.  Also elected was Sandra Curnow who will hold the office of President-Elect.  Linda Metcalfe, as Secretary, and Jon Milligan, as Treasurer, were also elected to continue in their roles. Congratulations to the newly elected and remaining directors. 

Natalie Ferebee, Grant Klatik and Don Michiel still have one year remaining in their term. Cal Meiklejohn (missing from photo) will be taking on his role of  President and of course Dave Smith will remain on the Board as Past President. 

Sponsored by Ken Davis, Ron Perrie became our newest member today. Welcome aboard Ron.

The Rotary Club of Penticton is sending help to Philippine storm victims by way of purchasing ShelterBoxes to ship to the affected zone.

ShelterBox is a solution in disaster response that is as simple as it is effective.   ShelterBox deliver the essentials a family needs to survive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.  Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, groundsheets, water storage and filtration equipment, cooking utensils, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

Penticton Rotary was asked to help to marshal the Stanley Cup for display at the Gyro Band Shell.  Shown are Rotarians Roy Phillips, Garry Litke and PDG Carl Tymm with Boston Bruins #2, Brandon Kieth #2.   

UBC students visited our club on the weekend of September 20 to 22nd.  Jim Hare and Rory McIvor worked diligently to find host families for all the visiting students from the members of the Penticton Rotary Club. It was a fun weekend for all.  View more photos in the photo album on the right of the Home Page.

Rotarians Ralph Oslund, Sandra Krauer and Dave Smith along with Sue Chaudry heated up the barbecue and cooked some goodies at a Huber-Bannister event on Saturday, 21st.  A cheque for $500 was donated to the Rotary Club of Penticton for their community project.

Rotarians Brian Hughes and Natalie Ferebee, both with RBC Dominion Securities, are shown in the photo along with RBC coilleagues presenting a cheque to Rotarian Keith Bevington for $5,000 for our Shatford Centre Community Kitchen Project. 

Rotarian Ben Amos presented Donna Lomas of Okanagan College with a cheque for $5,000, which is the final payment for a total commitment of $15,000 over the last 3 years.  Donna thanked the Penticton Rotary Club for their donation and pointed out that the proceeds not only benefited the students but also the community.

We were delighted to have Rotary District 5060 Governor Darrell Blue pay us a visit at our luncheon meeting of August 28th.  Prior to the meeting, he also met with the Board members to bring us up to speed on the happenings in the District and Internationally.

Dinali Mehta attended our meeting of August 21st. She is our new Exchange Student from India.  She was introduced to the members by Sandra Krauer who is in charge of our Youth Service and Inbound Exchange Committee.

Fellow Rotarians enjoyed a delicious meal at Joey's Only Seafood Restaurant while thanking owner Dan Adam for supplying the lobsters and ribs for our past Lobster Feast.   View more photos in the Photo Album to the right of this webpage.

This is a three-part, facilitated, classroom course to be completed on three Saturdays throughout the year. While the interactive discussions will take you from the basics to a practical application of what is needed to be in a club or district leadership position, this course is also extremely beneficial for new Rotarians to enable them to enjoy a very successful and fulfilling experience as a new Rotarian. New Rotarians with leadership ability should seriously consider taking this course to realize that they could apply their leadership potential in Rotary and at the same time gain personal development.

We were honoured today to have "Staff Sergeant" Anna McIvor presented President Dave Smith with his much loved Newfoundland flag.  It was mounted in its special spot along with the flags representing the United States, Canada and Rotary.  It was definitely a tearful moment for Dave!!

President Brian Hughes recognized a Rotarian who had contributed greatly to our Club including recruiting several new members and stimulating our International Projects, as well as personally raising funds for an operation for a child in a third world country. Barbara Hoolaeff was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award.  Well deserved Barb!

Club members, spouses and friends of Rotary, as well as the Past DG Garry Hollingshead, were on had to welcome the new directors and President Dave Smith.  View more photos from the evening in the Photo Album section.

We were pleased to have members from the Castlegar Rotary Club at our meeting today.  Past President Alexia Turner and President Brenda Bulahura invited two Penticton guests, Jim and Sue Willard, who were presented with Paul Harris Fellow Awards for their on-going support with the Castlegar Wine Festival. 

Our featured speaker, Allison Markin, informed us of the Wine Bloggers Conference from Thursday, June 6^th to the 9^th.  It will be the first time that it has been held outside of the US.  75% of the attendees have never been to Penticton or even Canada.  About 225 wine bloggers will arrive in Penticton to enjoy 

Anthony Haddad, Director Developmental Services, City of Penticton spoke at our Rotary Club meeting about Urban Agriculture and Backyard Hens.

Urban Agriculture

Anthony spoke about the pros of urban agriculture – locally grown produce in your own backyard:

• Promotes a healthy lifestyle
• Family Activity
• Physical Activity
• Education for children
• Low cost food source
• Creates culture of health

The annual Pioneer Reception was a great success thanks to all the help from our Rotarians, spouses and exchange students. The oldest man, at 95 years young and the second oldest lady, 100 years young, along with other pioneers enjoyed the fellowship and abundant food and beverages.  The photo is of Cal Meiklejohn & his mother Carol, a pioneer. Both his mother and father were active in Rotary.  To view more photos from the event, see the Photo Album on the Home Page.

Rotary Community Kitchen Proposed Project (Motion to be voted on by the club on May1 2013)

The Shatford Centre's main floor classroom in the south-west corner is being converted to a commercial community kitchen. The room is adjacent to the Shatford Auditorium and is 768 sq ft in size. The capital budget for the kitchen is $220,000. The proposal is for the Penticton Rotary and Okanagan School of the Arts, Shatford Centre to raise $110,000 each for this project.

View in our Photo Albums on the Home Page to the right. Or you can view the photos on Facebook by Clicking here to see pictures of the progress of the school building for the Akha Hill Tribe Children outside of Chiang Rai, Thailand  

Click here for the Christmas 2010 photos

Fellow Rotarians gathered for a seafood meal in appreciation for Joey's supplying and serving at the annual Lobsterfest fundraiser.  Rotarian Peter Beulah gives thanks to Dan, the manager of Joey's. To view more photos, look in the "Photo Albums" on the right of this home page.

Business Meeting Overview

• Member Lawrence Stoochnoff asked members to bring their Rotarian magazines, once they are finished reading it, for the Membership Committee to collect and distribute to potential new members.
• Peter Beulah, Chair of the Lobster Feast, asked members to bring their cash from ticket sales to the next meeting
• Ken Davis asked for member volunteers to help serve a dinner at the Penticton Seniors' Drop-In Centre on May 3rd, honouring their many volunteers from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM.  Five members volunteered but more would be appreciated.
• Gusto Award was presented today to member Linda Metcalfe, who was very surprised and honoured.  Thanks President Dave.
• Member Jon Milligan, aka our club Treasurer, distributed copies of the financials to the end of March 31, 2014.  He went over all entries and took any questions from the members.  Thanks Jon for such a great job!
• Motion: Member Geoff Severide, Chair of our International Committee, put for a motion to donate $3,000 to Rotoplast Canada. The motion was seconded by Ben Amos, accepted and passed unanimously by the members. 
• Justin White, Co-chair of the Ribfest Project for 2015, reported that he is gathering workflow charts and other materials from the many Rotary clubs that have held these events and will give a more formal presentation each quarter as to the progress made by his committee. 
• Sandra Curnow, feeling quite rejected that she had not been given time to present her Pioneer's Reception report, has been promised by President Dave that she will be able to do so at our next meeting or he will personally pay $10 to the pot!

This October (and first part of November) has been a traveller's wishlist and an exchange student's dream. Thailand is satiating my architecture, art and culture buff within. October was filled with an array of exciting adventures such as attending a traditional Thai wedding, going to Ban Chiang: an archaeological pottery site, eating bugs at a walking night market, modelling traditional Thai dress in a Rotary sponsored fashion shoot, seeing a cobra taming show and being on local t.v for a Rotary sponsored dinner for members of the community, who are diligently practising for an upcoming Chinese parade. With Rotary we also visited a rural school for the unveiling ceremony of children's play ground equipment. 

Thanks to Barb for setting our club up on Facebook.  Just click on the logo!

Our fellow Rotarian Jackie was especially welcome today and provided some great draw prizes for our members.  Vivi was the winner of a NWT licence plate. 

Jackie, previously with Tourism BC, decided it was time to start her own company called Hotkey Marketing Group.  Her company looks after marketing for many organizations as well as business development in the NWT, Saskatchewan and the Maritimes.  With her expertise in wholesaling and distinction development, she provides workshops dealing with pricing and marketing strategies.

Sandra Curnow was inducted at our May 22nd meeting.  Thanks to Barb for introducing Sandra to our Club.  Brian shows his delight in welcoming Sandra to our Club which now has a membership of 57!

Our Club's Annual Lobster Feast and Fund Raiser supporting Rotary Community Projects. Saturday, May 25th at 6:00 pm

• Featuring a Live and Silent Auction 
• Great Maritime Entertainment
• Tickets $60 per person available at Penticton Visitors Centre

Our illustrious exchange student from Turkey, Melike, gave her presentation to the club. She is heading back to Turkey on July 5th at 6:00 am (hint Get out there and see her off!).  Now I am a mere newcomer to this club being a 17 year member, but I can't recall a more inspiring and motivating speech! She was amazing! We will be planting her tree soon and hopefully the tree will lure her back soon.  What an fantastic young woman!

To quote her "She arrived in Penticton a year ago as a kid and she leaves a woman of the world!"  Melike, Welike you...very much! Come back and see us soon!

The Club was treated to a great presentation by Rotaplast Canada members Bud and Rita. They are raising their $100,000 they need to make the trip to operate on 100 to 150 children with cleft lip or cleft palate. What a noble cause!  For more information click here.

Click here for the photos

Click here for the September 1 meeting photos

Click here for the May 5 meeting photos

Click here to see Kyle Anderson & Gail Riddall Preforming "Don't Worry Daddy

Click here for meeting photos.