Check what's "ON THE BLOCK" More items added daily!
We're having a silent auction at Sookarama on April 20 at SEAPARC! Come & find a bargain!
Business
Item/Service/Cash
Value
Mom's Café
$100 certificate
$100
DCW Fishery
$200 gift certificate
$200
Daniel's Market
$25 gift certificate
$25
Daniel's Market
$25 gift certificate
$26
Field's
$25 gift certificate
$25
Artisans Garden
$50 gift certificate
$50
Reflexology 4 You
1/2 hr hand or foot reflexology
$50
Sea to Tree Health & Wellness Ltd.
10 Student Counsellor Therapeutic Sessions
$250
Parkland Poultry
15 doz XL Eggs
$71
Sooke Harbour Players
2 adult tickets to Angry Men
$44
True Key Vacations
2 Nights in a 2-Bedroom Townhouse @ Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina
$600
4M/Lannon Creek
2 Tickets to Comedy Show April 20
$60
Sooke Fax & Copy Centre
25lbs document destruction/shredding services
$38
Anonymous
$15 Indigo gift card
$15
Anonymous
$15 Indigo gift card
$15
Anonymous
$15 Indigo gift card
$15
Castle Liquor Store
4 folding beach tables
$60
Sooke Fax & Copy Centre
5 reams printer paper, 20 lbs,letter size, white
$50
Sooke Fax & Copy Centre
5 reams printer paper, 20 lbs,letter size, white
$50
Healthy Roots Registered Massage Therapy
60 Minute RMT Massage
$120
Sooke Philharmonic
A pair of tickets (2) to the Spring Concert –COVER US WITH SUNSHINE, May 10 th at 7pm OR May 11 th at 2pm at the Holy Trinity Church, 1962 Murray Road, Sooke
$40
Gadget Tree
Android cord and charger
$35
Anonymous
Bamboo Neck Warmer
$20
Sheila Beech
Beautiful hand made scarf by Sheila Beech
$25
Webstob Timber Resources Ltd and Xemex Industries Ltd.
Beautiful photo of Biggie
$50
Shards Glass
Book and pouch
$25
Star Aesthetics
Box Set of 4 OPI "PERÚ COLLECTION” mini nail polishes
$15
Anonymous
Canadian flag beach towel
$15
Accutax Professional Accountants
Certificate towards accounting or tax service
$200
Kelly Eby
Charcuterie board
$75
Neil Flynn
Charcuterie board
$110
Jake Grant Jewellry Design
Cleaning & checking security of all stone settings of any one jewellery item
For use towards a Soulful Transformational Session
$75
Anonymous
Giraffe design fleece blanket
$19
Megan JL Evans
Green painting
$50
Gadget Tree
iPhone cord and charger
$35
Sooke Food Bank
Canuck Jersey
$25
Vancouver Island Contractors
Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation Consultation + Estimate w 3D Rendering
$1,000
Lynn Pollock
Knitted shawl/scarf
$90
Alison Hogan - Mary Kay Cosmetics
Ladies Face to Feet Pampering Kit
$83
Georgina Patko
Ladies Track Pants by Oxygen Collections, Montreal size M
$35
Georgina Patko
Ladies Zippered Hoodie by Oxygen Collections, Montreal
$99
Sooke Home Hardware
Decorative Lighthouse
$80
Hub Insurance
Lunch box & Water bottle
$45
Al Champ
Makita 20 Vold cordless 6.5" circular saw
$200
Full Circle Manual Osteopathy & Yoga Clinic (OYC)
Manual Osteopathy and Private Yoga (90 minutes)
$117
Full Circle Manual Osteopathy & Yoga Clinic (OYC)
Manual Osteopathy and Private Yoga (90 minutes)
$117
Full Circle Manual Osteopathy & Yoga Clinic (OYC)
Manual Osteopathy and Private Yoga (90 minutes)
$117
Mary Kay
Mary Kay fragrances
$39
Patrick Fallon
Microwave
$200
Great Canadian Dollar Store
Mothers Day Gift Basket
$50
West Coast Esthetics
One Hour Massage
$90
Castle Liquor Store
Outdoor frisbee game
$25
Cathy Hammond
Painting - The Heron
$75
Edith and Victor Newman
Photo “paddle to Quinat 2013 by Lary Workman Unframed. 10X8
$15
Edith and Victor Newman
Photograph on high quality stock. Photograph of a painting (?Gooseberries?) done by Laurie Simpson, past principal of John Muir Elementary School. . 17X 11 Unframed.
$20
Northern Star Plumbing
Plumbing and Gas Services $100
$100
Northern Star Plumbing
Plumbing and Gas Services $100
$100
Edith and Victor Newman
print “Quirky pen and ink sketch” by Janet Boon
$5
Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society
Private Guided "Climb to the Top" for 4 at Sheringham Point Lighthouse
$200
Phoebewood - Phoebe Dunbar
Red Cedar Bowl
$1,000
Megan JL Evans
Red Poppies painting
$50
Sooke Food Bank
Roasting Pan
$50
Edith and Victor Newman
Salish Welcome Print by Doug LaFortune one of Two
$20
Edith and Victor Newman
Salish Welcome Print by Doug LaFortune two of Two
$20
Pacific Peony Hair Studio
Salon hair products
$35
Pure Wave Hair Studio & is a Spa
Salon styling
$40
Seagull Studio
Seagull Studio Welcome Gift Basket
$40
Kimberly Thompson
Selection of Kimberly Thompson postcards
$20
Kimberly Thompson
Sheringham Point Open Edition Press Print
$47
Bits of Bliss
Shortbread Cookie Boquet
$22
Edith and Victor Newman
Signed Limited Edition Print Sharlene Rogers Beautiful print “Eagle” done by a former student of Victor Newman’s who now teaches Indigenous art. Unframed. 23 X 18
$50
Edith and Victor Newman
Signed Print - watercolor Tory Fenton
$15
Anonymous
Snapware Pure Pyrex Glass 9 (18 with lids) piece Container Set – airtight and leakproof
$40
Marlene Arden, Realtor
$100 Sooke Home Hardware gift card
$100
Anonymous
Speaker
$90
Edith and Victor Newman
Title_print “Us Women” by Ada Soela,Shannon MecLarty,Jill Keen
$50
Roseanna Day "in memory of Hannah & Don Day"
Tool Kit
$125
Roseanna Day "in memory of Hannah & Don Day"
Tool Kit
$150
Mountain Heights Healing
Treatment or reading of your choice from Zoe at Mountain Heights Healing
***Our club had moved our annual Rotary Auction Dinner to October 31. If you have made a donation to our upcoming event, we hope that we can use it next October. If that won't work for you, please contact the Rotarian that reached out to you initially.
If you have tickets and this date is not going to work for you, please reach out to our Club Administrator to discuss a refund or if you would prefer to make your ticket costs a donation.
The 1481 Meeting of the Rotary Club of Sooke was held at the Salmon Hatchery Centre. An evening celebrating Robbie Burns.
Guests included. Our Whiskey Host Dave McMillan, Assistant District Governor John Peggs, Head of Soap for Hope Anne MacIntyre, and many family and friends of Rotary.
The meeting was brought to order with the piping in of the haggis by guest Dave McMillan.
Patricia Wade did a brief presentation in regards the Peninsula Co-op opportunity-Sam has sent out information by email in regards to this.
Announcements:
Tree decorating Friday Nov 29-6-9-pm at SEAPARC. Theme is socks, scarves and mittens..
Santa Parade Sunday Dec 1! Meet at Sooke Elementary no later than 430 pm. Decorating of the float will be provided by Paula Jansen Balloon Art! Float provided by Lou- Deep appreciation to both!!
Mark your Calendars- Christmas Party December 14th at John and Linda Topolniski’s place.
Myrtle- our Superwoman and President -Elect was the cover girlin the September Issue of the Canadian Masters Athletics magazine. Myrtle also found out when she read the article that she two Canadian records in her age category(Besides the number of BC records) . The records are in Shotput and Pentathelon. Way to go Myrtle, you are a HUGE inspiration!
Errol spoke eloquently about the Foundation (This is Foundation giving month) We are 12 years and holding as one of the top charities in charity navigator.
Our speaker today was our President, Sam. He spoke about the Foundation and had many great reasons to donate. You can donate to the Annual Fund, The Polio Plus Fund ( Which is matched X2 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), or in your estate in the Endowment Fund. Sam has a Power Point he can send you re this or go to this link
Kim Barnard (Guest Speaker Youth Protection),Janice Booth, Karen Neal, Derek Belcher, Britt Santowski, Ashley Belcher (To be inducted)
Announcements: LOTS Happening!!
Sam will send an email out for any interested volunteers to help clean up Broomhill Park November 16th. A way to get our Rotary name out there, and get some fresh air and exercise as well!!
Santa Claus Parade will be Saturday Dec. 1 2019. Lou is donating the use of her truck and trailer, we need volunteer decorators and marchers. Save the date!!
Festival of trees will be at SEAPARC from December 2-early January Stay tuned for more information in regards a DECORATING PARTY J And don’t forget to start collecting socks, we had our first donation last week from Joan Peggs.
Sam (our new fashion model in his stylish yellow sweatshirt) (AKA Big Bird) is putting in an order for sweatshirts – Various colours $24.50 and T-Shirts (yellow) $15.00
Great news! We have an Interact Club of 10-12 students at EMCS!! Certificate was given to them this week (Along with cake). This is SO exciting! Kudos to Deb Johnston, our Youth Coordinator for all her hard work and dedication to this portfolio.
Roger announced that EMCS Will be hosting another Sooke Talks this Friday. Cost is $15.00, these are VERY interesting, and proceeds are for new seats in the Theatre.
Dal Little announced he is doing a great little film project with the Interac kids. He was in Nepal last year, and the Interac kids in Sooke are going to do a short video about life in Sooke, and the Nepalese students will do one about Nepal, and they will exchange that. Great work Dal!
Dal is also working on a short film for the RAD in the spring, interviewing folk re projects that have been important to our Club. SO he may be in touch. Britt Santowski who is a visitor, also offered the platform of the Sooke Pocket News for the media at no cost.
Roger also announced there is an exciting RAD meeting will be in 2 weeks at Holy Trinity at 415.
We inducted our newest member, Ashley Belcher to the Club. Ashley and her husband Derek own Bosley’s pet Store in Sooke. Ashley is also a teacher, and had a position as a Principal in Alberta prior to coming to Sooke. Deanna Mills and Jean Lister sponsored Ashley into the Club.Welcome!
Guest Speaker: Kimberly Barnard, re Youth Protection
Kimberly is one of three Canadian Trainers for District 5020 in Youth Protection.
Please take a look at the cards Kimberly handed out which are attached to your email.
The safety and security of youth is something Rotary takes very seriously, and this is to increase awareness and sensitivity on the part pf our membership. As we are leaders in so many ways Globally, so we will be in this.
There are different requirements for Rotarians depending on the amount of time you are spending in close contact with them.
Casual contact: ‘- INCIDENTAL and INFREQUENT in a GROUP setting.
Requirements: Completion of online reading and a quiz about Youth Protection and Safety.
Continued contact SIGNIFICANT and UNSUPERVISED contact with youth. (Such as host families, folk involved with exchange students or Interac Clubs on a regular basis.
Requirements: Completion of online reading and quiz about Youth Protection and safety.
Criminal Record check, interview with Youth Protection Officer and 3 references (Non-Roytarians) with contact information.
If you go to that page, Click the link and it will send the link to the survey to your personal email.
You can do the survey as many times as you wish MAKE SUrE YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS AT THE END so it then will register your name on the Club list.
IF you need help with the process, please contact Margot Swinburnson, the Youth Protection Officer for the Club (778-587-9111)and I can arrange time around meetings to set it up for you.
This was a very informative and timely presentation.
Meeting ended at 745.
Next meeting Weds. November 13th,1215 at Village Market Foods.
Club Assembly: Please see attachment for the Board meeting November 7th and the budget as of October 31. Youth Protection report was sent out last week. Thanks to those that have completed the online work!
Announcements:
This is Foundation Month! Please consider donating $100.00 American (Tax deductible) to one of the best rated charities in the world, the Rotary Foundation. Sam or Tom De Zeng will be able to help you do this.
Broomhill Park Community Clean Up –SATURDAY November 16th - Meet at the playground 2280 Pyrite Rd to sign in & out
10 am-2 pm for a full day or drop in for a couple of hours
Let’s have a Great Rotary turn out for this!!
November 26th Grizzlies Game ! Lets meet downtown and support this team that supports us annually!! Contact Sam or John T. for details
Mark your Calendars- Christmas Party December 14th at John and Linda Topolniski’s place.
The 1419th meeting of Rotary club of Sooke was brought to order by President Margot Swinburnson at 5:30 pm. The meeting was held at the Sooke Region Museum.
May 16, 2018 Meeting 1411 of the Rotary Club of Sooke brought to order at 5:50pm by President Roger Temple. This evening meeting was held at Mai Mai's Restaurant, Sooke.
Lou is an amazing person with a farming and media background
Other Visitor is Jacob Pleasant who is speaking and attended the Adventures in Film
Birthdays
MarK Zeigler March 23
Jean Trickey March 26th.Trevor Colley has been 6 years with the Club
Jean Lister has been invited by the DTA to represent us on a panel to discuss literacy because we were the best in the District!!
Roger spoke about the District President and President –Elect meeting last night. He will send out minutes from this.
John spoke about the RAD function- Tickets are selling fast!! We need to get donations in- there are some GREAT donations!
Jean Trickey says that the reports need to be in so she can compile information for the Literacy award.
Deb Johnston brought a banner from the Grand Cayman Islands – she and her husband attended a meeting whilst on their holidays.
Jacob Pleasant spoke- he went to the Adventure in Film in Powell River. He found it very interesting, having to make a 1 minute film, and more difficult than he anticipated. He enjoyed the sawmill for the shots, made some great friends and found he learned a lot from knowledgeable people. About 30 students
He watched Kayak to Klemtu.
Sam Purdy thanked Jacob.
Next Board meeting is Thursday April 4 th at Roger and Vicki Temple’s house.
Karin Robinson and Marina Braggio from the Sooke Marine Rescue Society
Andy the Pizza Man (and football coach) came with his son Caleb to thank Rotary for the $1000.00 donation and to demonstrate the Tackle wheel they bought with some of that money. They also presented us with a thank you laminated photo of the team.
News: Roger wished us all a Happy New Year, with apologies for the missed evening meeting at Mai Mai’s last week. They had another function going on. As well, the Board meeting Tuesday night was not able to go aheaddue to a lack of quorum.
Announcements: Former member Stan Eakin lost his long time partner Nancy MacDonald. We all knew Nancy from the many meetings she attended with Stan, her smile and warm personality were unforgettable.
Steve Splawski has two celebrations this month- his birthday was Jan 6th , and this month is
his 25th anniversary as a member of the Rotary Club.
The new Board for next year has three new members. Deena will be the new Membership
chair, John T. will take on Service, President Elect is Sam Purdy. Thank you to all who
have stepped up! It is a great Board, and will be an awesome year.
Announcements: Family Literacy Day is Sunday Jan 28th, and the Sooke Literacy is looking for
volunteers to come and help, and have a great time! The speaker this year is Daniel Bouchard, a
Metis author and story teller. (Plug: I have seen this man speak, would suggest you come and
see him he is a GREAT storyteller) Contact Jean Trickey to volunteer.
Speakers: The SARS< Sooke RCM Station 37(Sooke Marine Rescue Society)
This grass roots organization handles the Marine Distress calls between Race Rocks and Port
Renfrew- about 35 calls a year which they expect to double due to a new agreement between
the Marine Rescue groups and the Province meaning the RCMP will be able to call them
directly.
They save lives working in extremely challenging conditions on our rugged West Coast.
Funding is an issue, and becomes more so with every year. They actively fundraise locally with
Beer and Burger nights, bottle drives, and some funding comes from BC Gaming, and the Coast
Guard. Recently revamping, with new executive, they are going to be approaching Federal and
Municipal partners for increasing funding, as well as locally.
It was a very interesting and informative presentation.
Meeting adjourned at 117. The Queen was NOT drawn.
Evening Dinner Meeting at Little Vienna 5:30 pm Wednesday November 1, 2017
ROTARY FOUNDATION - November is Foundation Month
Meeting #1385 - President Roger Temple welcomes all and opens meeting.
Invocation: Jean Trickey
Guests: Joan Peggs, Assistant Governor, Lorna Curtis, Foundation Area 6, Olivia H., Gwen P., Anita D.,and Alice G.
Assistant Governor, Joan Peggs, Foundation, Lorna Curtis, President Roger Temple and Club Foundation Chair, Tom DeZeng presented past member Alice Gable with a Paul Harris x2.
Speaker Introduction: Roger Temple introduced Lorna Curtis
Speaker: Lorna Curtis delivered a presentation on the Rotary Foundation. Lorna outlined the following:
- the good that the Foundation does;
- how to support the Foundation;
- the Foundation has high ratings and an excellent reputation;
- the three avenues "buckets" of funding which include:
a) Polio Fund
b) Endowment Fund
c) Annual Fund
- Rotary Club of Sooke Stats
a) 2017 - 2018 goal $3,500.00
b) 18 members - Paul Harris
c) 3 members - Bequests
d) 3 members - Benefactors
e) $93.00 US average contribution
f) 10,444 Club Recognition Points available
Roger Temple thanked Lorna for her presentation and participating in the Club's Foundation Dinner.
Other Activities:
Peter Faulkner won both gift baskets in the World map game with Malawi and Northern Canada. Peter generously gave Lorna Curtis one of the gift baskets. Thank you to Anita for preparing the baskets! Funds raised will go to the Rotary Foundation.
50/50 Draw: Myrtle had the winning number and drew the Queen of Hearts. No luck this time!
Announcements:
Reminder that the 150 Celebration will be held at EMCS on Friday November 3rd at 7:00pm. Tickets $6.00. Come out to see Roger, Vicki, Margot, Sam & Mark!
Noon meeting will be held on November 8th at Village Foods.
President Roger Temple welcomed speaker Laura Lockhart (President, Sooke Soccer Club/Association) and guest Brian Bell.
Roger circulated a covering letter and information package from Christie Johnson, Founder and Executive Director, APU Malawi Education Foundation, to members. The Club has supported this Girls High School in Malawi since its beginning (circa 2006). Christie thanked the Club for its annual contributions toward scholarships. This year the World Community Service Committee has approved $1,000 for another one year scholarship.
Neil announced that the winner of the team name contest at the October 4th Club dinner at the MaiMai Restaurant is the Buck and A Half team with of Deanna and Don Fiddler, Kimberley Legeard and Diane ?.
Myrtle reported that she had witnessed a World Record performance at the recent BC Seniors Games which was achieved by a 4 X 100 metre relay team comprised of one man aged 92 and three men in their 80s.
Roger reminded members that the Light Up The Night polio eradication fundraising event will be held by Area Rotary Clubs clubs at the pub restaurant in the Holiday Inn Express on Wale Road in Colwood at 6:00 pm on October 24th. The Rotary Club of Westshore will host the evening. Half of the $25 meal charge for beer/wine and pizza will be donated to Rotary International's Polio Plus eradication program.
Tom De Zeng reminded members of that the club will hold its Foundation Dinner at the Little Vienna Bakery and Café on November 1st. The cost will be $17 (BYOB); members were asked to wear more than "snappy dress" to hear Assistant District Governor Lorna Curtis speak on the importance of giving to the Rotary Foundation. Tom asked to be informed of dietary issues prior to the dinner. Spouses are welcome to attend.
Jean Lister encouraged members to respond to a request by Stephanie Croft, head of the Sooke Region Literacy Task Force, to donate books, especially children's books, to the book bin program.
Speaker: Laura Lockhart, President, Sooke Soccer Club/Association (photo below)
John Topolniski introduced Laura who provided an update on the new artificial turf field at Fred Milne Park on Sooke River Road. The first game on the new turf is expected to be on Saturday, November 4th. Laura acknowledged the local businesses and tradesmen who donated their expertise and materials to the project over many months so that the new field was completed within the $1 million combined grant from the District of Sooke and CRD. Laura asked the club to consider contributions toward the construction of two shelters for players ($11,000), the purchase of bleachers and construction of baseball dugoutsl ($17,000), a security system ( unspecified $) and a scoreboard ($50,000). Rotary's contribution to these features would be acknowledged with signage at the field. Laura said that 300 youth and 95 adults participate in the Sooke Soccer League.
Roger invited Laura to submit an itemized breakdown of the projected costs which would be reviewed by the Community Service Committee at its next meeting.
Jean thanked Laura for her fine presentation on a project that meet Rotary's Four Way Test in terms of benefits, fairness and the promotion of good will and friendship.
October 11, 2017 Meeting (1382)
President Roger Temple welcomed members and guests to Meeting 1382 of the Rotary Club of Sooke. Guests included Deanna Fiddle (who was invested at the meeting ) and her husband Don Fiddler.
Prior to Deanna's investiture and Club Assembly which followed the lunch, Roger announced that the Light Up The Night Polio Plus fundraising event will be held by Area clubs at the Holiday Inn Express in Colwood at 6:00 pm on The Rotary Club October 24th. The Rotary Club of Westshore will host this beer/wine and pizza fundraiser. The Rotary Club of Sooke will hold its Foundation Dinner at the Little Vienna Bakery and Café on November 1st. The cost will be $17 (BYOB); members were asked to wear more than casual clothes to hear Assistant District Governor Lorna Curtis speak on the importance of giving to the Rotary Foundation.
Deanna Fiddler's Investiture: Roger led the ceremony. He and John Topolniski were Deanna's co-sponsors. The photo shows our newest member who was subsequently warmly welcomed by all members present at the lunch.
Mark Ziegler reported during Happy Dollars that the mechanical lift for a quadrapelgic resident of Ayr Manor has been completed at a cost of $8,500, thanks to a contribution from the club and a District Community Grant. Margot Swinburnson invited interested members to attend a discussion of fundraising options which will be held at SEAPARC on Monday, October 16th at 4:30 pm. Muriel Acton recently won four gold medals and one silver medal at the BC Seniors Games. Trevor Colley is back in Sooke and doing well after having an angiogram at a Vancouver hospital. Peter Faulkner enjoyed a great day of fishing with Deb Johnson's husband Duff. Jean invited members to attend a Membership Committee meeting following the lunch. Roger thanked Jeannette and Neil for their ongoing good work as Club Administrators.
Club Assembly: Jeannette and Neil directed members to go the calendar on the club website to learn about upcoming events and activities. Neil reported that the Duty Roster has been posted for the October-December period. A lead and alternate member is listed for each duty.
Jeannette, also Club Treasurer, announced that the 2017-18 Budget has been approved by the Board and is available on the website and in hard copy.
Peter, as Service Chair, reported that the Community Service Committee has received two new applications for funding. The World Community Service Committee has thus far contributed $500 to flood disaster relief in Bangladesh and will once again provide $1,000 for a scholarship for a student at the APU Malawi High School.
Jean, as Membership CXhair, requested photos for insertion on a new Rotary Club of Sooke banner for membership recruitment. She also said that an article will be submitted to the Sooke News Mirror concerning the club's literacy activities.
President-Elect Margot said that the club is studying fundraising options as well as changes to the specific Club Bylaws.
Past-President John Topolniski reported that Chris is enjoying better health.
Deb Johnston, Youth Coordinator, interviewed four Grade 9 and 10 students at EMCS for attendance at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) weekend in Crofton. She accepted all four. She is also monitoring Youth for Change/Interact activities at EMCS.
Roger has received a letter of resignation from long-time member Kel Phair who is currently on a leave of absence from the club.
October 4, 2017 Meeting (1381)
Club President Roger Temple welcomed members and guests to the 1381st meeting of the Rotary Club of Sooke. The meeting was a dinner session held at the Mai Mai Restaurant on Sooke Road.
Roger introduced gusts Diane Stewart, Olivia Hyde Judy MacNeill and Don Fiddler. He noted that October 9th will be Myrtle Acton's birthday (49th?). Roger and Membership Chair Jean Lister announced that Deanna Fiddler will be inducted as a new member of the Club at the October 4th lunch meeting.
President-Elect Margot Swinburnson will chair a meeting on options for fundraising at SEAPARC on Monday, October 16th.
The Club will present a skit at a Canada 150th event at Edward Milne Community School (EMCS) on Friday, November3rd. Members with ideas for the skit.
After a fine dinner, Club members formed teams for a Trivial Pursuit contest which was narrowly won by the Lumberjacks (Margot, Frank Gertsma and Mark).
President John Topolniski welcomed members to the meeting and introduced the following guests: Josee Belanger (inducted as member at meeting); Colleen Milne, former Assistant District Governor, member of Rotary E Club of Canada and Honourary member of the Rotary Club of Westshore); and Sam Punby, Rotary Club of Cambridge, Ontario.
Kel Phair (club Administrator) reminded members of the Christmas Party on December 3rd which would be held in the home of Frank Gertsma, starting at 5:00 pm. Update: The Christmas Party was a huge success, with attendees enjoying fine food and good cheer. Both Frank and Kel were thanked for their hard work as host and organizer.
Peter Faulkner passed out a sign up sheet for members who are able to volunteer at the Salvation Army Kettle in the weeks before Christmas. He asked members to contribute food items to the EMCS "10,000 Tonight Food Drive" on the evening of Thursday, December 8th; last year students collected 12,000 food items from Sooke residents to help the Sooke Food Bank to stock its shelves.
John reflected on a very positive local experience: equipment and clothing from his gardening firm had been left on site at Evergreen Mall; some found these items and brought them to the RCMP Detachment for John's retrieval.
Deb Johnston asked for volunteers to help her to decorate the Rotary Club of Sooke Christmas Tree at SEAPARC on Sunday afternoon betwee 1:00 and 3:00.
Members were also asked to help Roger Temple to decorate his red MG sports car as the Rotary Club of Sooke "float" for the Santa Claus Parade which would start at 5:00 pm on Sunday. Members were also asked by John to serve as course marshals for the parade.
Colleen Milne thanked the Rotary Club of Sooke for its $1,000 contribution (through the World Community Service Committee) which would help to fund the construction of a water pipeline and sanitation project in a community in Honduras.
Induction of Josee Belanger: Josee became the newest member of the Rotary Club of Sooke in a ceremony led by John. Kimberly Legeard and Jean Lister (Membership Committee Chair) were her proud sponsors. Club members congratulated Josee after the ceremony.
Speaker:Linda Teneycke, Sooke Fine Arts Show (SFAS): Linda thanked the club for providing funds to enable SGAS to purchase frames for the successful Youth Art Display last summer. She noted that 2016 was the 30th anniversary of SFAS. It is now Vancouver Island's premier art show. Last year it received 8,200 visitors to view the 380 works of arts. SFAS made a significant contribution to the Sooke economy, with 33% of visitors dining locally, 14% shopping or participating in local activities and 9% using overnight accommodation. SFAS provides many recognition awards to artists including two youth scholarships and four youth art awards.
Linda encouraged club members to become involved as SFAS volunteers and noted some already are volunteers. Much works needs to be completed for the 2017 event, including a new hanging infrastructure, new plinths (stages for art pieces) and new lighting.
Kel selected the Six of Diamonds in the 50-50 draw - so the Queen of Spades is still in the deck!
Rotary Club of Sooke, November 21, 2016
Meeting #1381
President John Topolniski welcomed members to the monthly Club Assembly in which Board members report on the activities of the committees for which they are responsible.
John reminded members of the upcoming Christmas Party on Saturday, December 3rd which Frank Gertsma will graciously host and The Stone Pipe will cater. 39 members, along with spouses and friends, had signed up by the end of the meeting. The Sooke Lions Club is still looking for volunteers to help with their Santa Claus Parade which will begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 4th. Margot Swinburnson invited members to help her with decoration of the Rotary Tree for the Festival of Trees at SEAPARC.
Peter Faulkner and Steve Knoke reported that the Community Service Committee had met earlier in the month, with grants awarded to five local organizations, including DARE ($1,000), Harmony Project of Sooke (music instruction for youth) $750, Sooke Show Choir $500, Sooke Boxing Club $500 and Sooke Youth Choir $400. Mark Ziegler described a piggery and garden project for destitute mothers in Lesotho, Africa. The World Community is considering a donation of $1,200 to the project in the 2016-17 Rotary Year.
Treasurer Jeannette Wilford reported that the Club is in good financial shape, with some of the funds raised through the April 30th auction still to be allocated.
Errol Anderson drew the Queen of Clubs in the 50-50 draw - so the Queen of Spades remains in the deck!
TomDeZeng reminded members that November is Foundation Month . He will be happy to receive donation cheques to the Foundation in December for which tax receipts will be issued. Donations can also be made on-line to the Rotary Foundation (Canada).
Rotary Club of Sooke ,November 16, 2016
Meeting #1380
President John Topolniski began with the sad announcement of the death of long-time member Klaus Lenz. Klaus is remembered as a dignified and gentle man who made many friends in the club.
John welcomed guests Josee Belanger and Paul Latremouille. He also welcomed Speaker Katie Coard who is President and Founder of the Downtown Victoria Club and Chair of the Greater Victoria Rotary Public Image Committee. John congratulated Neil Flynn (November 12) and Kimberly Legeard (November 17) on their birthdays. He also noted the 8th anniversary of Mark Ziegler as member. He also reminded members of volunteer opportunities with the Santa Claus parade on December 4th and as mentors to help students at John Muir School to learn about the new school garden. No requests for contributions for emergency relief in areas of New Zealand that experienced the earthquake have as yet been received by the club. Trevor Colley said that he has delivered get-well cards to Bob Messer who has heart problems and to Dawn Humphries who is ill. Members were asked to participate in the decoration of a Rotary Christmas tree as part of the festival of trees at SEAPARC in December. The last issue of Rotarian mmagazine has an article on Bill Moll, a District Rotarian who has visited our club many times in the past.
Speaker: Jean Lister introduced Katie Coard who gave an energetic and inspiring presentation on the opportunities available to Rotary clubs through the Greater Victoria Rotary Public Image Committee. The committee, set up six years ago, is dedicated to raising the profile of Rotary among target groups of potential members. It has a marketing mission, with Rotary as a brand. Katie drew attention to the new Rotary international logo which uses solid colours to make the letter easier to read. She invited submissions to the monthly newsletter which she distributes to all members in Greater Victoria. Katie also drew attention to the RotaryVictoria.org website, Facebook page and rack cards which provide information on the respective clubs' meeting times and locations. The website has a link to the Volunteer Victoria website so that Rotarians can participate in community projects with non-Rotarians. A video is being made for use by clubs to promote their activities to potential members. Katie gave John a wild pair of sunglasses (see picture below) which she used on a just completed 13 day road trip across our Rotary Zone which extends from Alaska to California.
Tom DeZeng chose the Queen of Hearts in the 50-50 draw - the Queen of Spades still reigns!
Rotary Club Nov 9, 2016
Meeting # #1379
Chair; Peter Faulkner
Visitor: Lorne Christianson from Sooke Lions Club
Speaker Liam Stackwood (And his service dog Hammer) with his classification talk
Announcement : From Lorne Christianson: Sooke Lions Club will be organizing the Christmas Parade this year.
He was asking Rotary to put a float in. As well they are LOOKING For VOLUNTEERS. They have hired out the parking and traffic control but would greatly appreciate any help in the running of the parade. Parade is Dec. 4th 2016, 4 pm line up, parade 5 pm.
Announcement from Kel Phair: Christmas party will be catered at Frank Gertsma’s on Dec 3rd. cost will be 25.00 per person, and food donations welcome. Please tell Kel ASAP if you are coming so we know we are going ahead.
SPEAKER: Liam Stackwood
Liam was in the Military for 25 years, he joined up in electronics and then switched to Military Police. Liam saw many different places-Carp, Ontario, Ottawa, the Masset on Haida Gwaii, Esquimalt, Toronto, and then overseas to the Golan Heights. They occupied an uneasy spot in the middle between the Israelis on one side, and the Syrians on the other. At that time Syria was an amazingly beautiful place- much changed now.
During his tours- and from pressures from his co-workers, Liam began to have PTSD symptoms and effects, which really came forward after he left the military, and after he sold his security company. He has been working with the Occupational Stress Injury Clinic and has been able to retire, and is now committed to spreading awareness of PTSD and its effects. Liam has been joined in this with his partner and sidekick Hammer, a beautiful black lab that is amazingly intuitive in sensing anxiety in others. If you find Hammer siting on your feet and looking at you intently, you will know that your anxiety is not going unnoticed!
Liam you are going to be an amazing addition to our Club!
This month is Foundation Month for Rotary. Sometimes members question why we send our money away, rather than contributing closer to home. Here’s why from the Foundation website :
“The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact. Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!” Worried about the charity ratings? This is news straight from the Rotary.org website: “All donations are tax deductible- and Rotary is among the top rated charities to donate to. “The Rotary Foundation has received the highest possible score from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.In the most recent ratings, released on 1 September, The Rotary Foundation earned the maximum 100 points for both financial health and accountability and transparency.The ratings reflect how efficiently Charity Navigator believes the Foundation will use donations, how well it has sustained programs and services, and its level of commitment to good governance and openness.In the previous rating, the Foundation had received 97 points.” Our Foundation Chair is Tom DeZeng. From Tom: “The best way to donate is to go to Rotary.org then go to Take action tab then choose GIVE NOW . Gifts are directed to Annual Fund, the Endowment Fund or Polio Plus Fund . Members can speak with me re setting up a dollar amount to come out of their bank account each month -certainly makes it less painful! By giving various amounts you can be recognized as Our main goal in our Club is Every Rotarian Every Year meaning each Club member has donated $ 100 US during this year.”
OTHER NEWS:
WOW! In the last two months we have inducted three new members
Dave Coe
Kimberly Legeard
Liam Stackwood (And Hammer his amazing service dog)
A warm Rotary welcome to you all!!
(Liam and Dave on their induction)
On October 19th, the regular Rotary Lunch was held at Hope House – and we were hosted by the Salvation Army, who gave us a certificate thanking us for our years of service with the Kettle at Christmas.
Speaking of the Kettle, Peter will be looking for volunteers soon. Exercise those bell ringing arms!!
Upcoming events:
Christmas Kettle drive:
Christmas Party: Dec. 3rd – location to be determined.
Countdown to Auction! A call out to all members- whatever you have been doing, can you do one thing more, can you finish it one week earlier?? This is our MOST lucrative volunteer enterprise, and in order to sustain it we will need reliable, hardworking volunteers for the month prior. Please dig deep and let us know if you can help.
Want to make the newsletter more interesting?? Feed me information to pass on! J
Our Club had the pleasure of getting involved with John Muir Elementary School, in preparing a community garden. This will be used a teaching tool to learn about gardening and growing food, as well as an opportunity for the kids and adults alike to get outdoors and get their hands dirty with some healthy work. We were happy to be able to provide some funding and some person power, with a productive and fun work party. Thank YOU to the school administration, teachers, parents, and volunteers! A great collaboration on a COMMUNITY project.
The last Thursday of each month the Rotary Club of Sooke invites its members and Sooke residents to the Little Vienna Bakery, 6-6726 West Coast Road, for coffee and conversation between 4:30 and 5:30 pm. It provides local and visiting Rotarians with a chance to catch up on Club news. It also gives interested Sooke residents an opportunity to find out about, and to suggest, Rotary activities in the community and elsewhere. Hope to see you there!
Rotary Club of Sooke was a founder of the APU Girls' School in Malawi. Rotarian Lori and husband Bob are working at the school this year and having the most amazing adventures. Click the link below to read more.
Our club is always on the look-out for community projects needing support. Download the application form and criteria here. The deadline for applications is October 15th (and then Jan 15th and May 15th)
Ecole Poirier Nature Playground receives grant funding from Rotary!
Sooke Rotary President Trevor Colley was invited to attend the Scout Jamboree in July at Camp Bernard. Pictured is Trevor cutting the ribbon for the event and touring "the facilities". Sooke Rotary contributed to the development of new showers and washrooms. A great week for the Scouts and a useful "relief project" by our club!
Patience pays off! One of Sooke Rotary's major projects is some improvements for Sooke Food Bank. While the planning and the resourcing of the project is taking a little longer than we originally thought, Bruce & Neil have managed to chunk off a couple of the major quality of life and safety issues for clients and volunteers.
We're raising funds for the Salvation Army again this year; if you see us, please donate and help spread some Christmas cheer. Our best wishes to everyone in Sooke and beyond for a wonderful holiday season. And here's looking forward to a fantastic 2014!
I was listening to CBC in the car the other day when they were raising money for BC food banks. A poet read a poem that referenced “relays” and that got me to thinking about succession planning in our club. Can you see the connection?
On November 13th, District Governor Pete Taylor, together with his wife Kristine and Assistant District Governor Lorna Curtis, visited the Rotary Club of Sooke
The Rotary Club of Sooke recently had the opportunity to make a real difference in a Sooke family's life. Partnering with the Sooke Lions and with supplies donated by Rona, we were able to provide a dry and healthy shelter for a local family in need. Lending each other a helping hand is what community spirit is all about! Click the following to read a deeply moving letter of thanks.
President Mark welcomed all and reminders about the Hwy cleanup Sun Oct 20 10:00 am and the Oktoberfest dinner Tues Oct 22 6pm $25.00 per person, no meeting Wed Oct 23.
Ken Stratford introduced Michael Nykes VP Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce. His background includes being an architect residential design and co-owner Little Vienna Bakery. Michael talked about the upcoming 65th anniversary of the chamber and updated the group on the changes to the board of directors including Randy Welters as President. He noted a 17% growth in the last 3 yrs in our population in Sooke and spoke of the new relationship and partnership with the District of Sooke and other committees that will continue to encourage support for our business community. The purpose of the Chamber is to be a support resource for local business community, assist with new economic development, foster positive business relationships, and constructively implement new policies. They are currently working on a 4 yr strategic plan for the Chamber along with a management plan for conferences, conventions & festivals. The chamber website is being re developed and will have a shop local focus. There was a good article in the Business Examiner promoting 7 new local businesses and there will be continued focus on creating synergies with other chambers, and there have been talks with a Victoria restauranteur regarding expansion here in Sooke, along with a Victoria cruiseline about Sooke being a destination stop, also an accessibility company for eco destination. They are completing monthly reports to council and being proactive in the activities including making the economic development committee survey results open to the public, helping with an architectural guideline for a westcoast theme for the DOS, and work on the Mariner's Village entry. The 2-3 yr plan is to make the SRCofC the hub for business community and newcomers to the area. The current funding for the chamber operation is $70,000 /yr and the DOS provides $28,150 while $28,000 comes from membership dues leaving the remainder to be fundraising efforts. Going forward they are looking at a proposal of having a percentage of the business licences in the district coming to the chamber vs being a line item in the community grant process. Jeannette thanked the speaker for his hard work and promoting positive change.
Klaus' number was picked and he found the King of Hearts so the pot still grows.
July 1st saw Sooke Rotary's 6th annual Canada Raft Race. A good time was had by all! Congrats to all the paddlers and thanks to all our sponsors. Click Read More to find out who.
The Rotary Club of Sooke is proud to support Scouts Canada, with a $10,000 donation to help build washroom facilities at Camp Barnard. Another Sooke Rotary Relief Project! Pictured is club president Peter Faulkner delivering a cheque to Grace Seabrook. Sooke News Mirror Article
Sooke's Concert Band and Strings Ensemble competed in the Vancouver Island Concert Band Musicfest, April 17, 2013 in Port Alberni. The Concert Band received Superior (Platinum) Recognition, while the Sooke Strings received Superior Plus Recognition, the highest rating possible.
Congratulations to all the musicians and band leaders! The Rotary Club of Sooke is very proud of your achievements!
Several Sooke Rotarians attended the District Leadership Training Assembly (DLTA) last weekend in Victoria. Pictured: Jean Lister, Fern Sutherland, Errol Anderson, and Trevor Colley.
Thanks to all the Sooke Rotary elves who helped set up our Club's tree at SEAPARC. Our theme is the "Tree of Knowledge" -- we have cards on the tree listing all of our club's scholarship winners from the past 25 years. Come check out the tree and see if you recognize any names!
The Rotary Club of Sooke recently adopted a section of Highway 14, from the Sooke River Bridge to Stickleback. The Rotarians have partnered with the Sooke Youth Council in helping keep Sooke clean and tidy.
The 5th Annual Sooke River Raft Race happened on July 1st at the Sooke Flats. Congrats to the winners, Goldstream Press, and thanks to all the participants and to our sponsors. A fun time was had by all.
Our Club's 25th Anniversary was celebrated in style on Saturday at SEAPARC. More than just an auction, this was once again a day full of fun for all involved. Thank you Sooke for your generous spirit! And you can rest assured that every penny donated will be put to good use in useful projects and for people in need.
Our biggest fund-raiser of the year will be happening May 5, 2012 at the SEAPARC arena. Click here for the website! Check out the detailed flyer for all the items we have on offer, plus a listing of what's going on and at what times. See you there!
Global TV
reports a $55,000 pledge of support for the APU school in Malawi from the Rotary Club of
Lethbridge. See the video here -- view the February 27 clip, skip over the commercial, then another feature, and APU feature is next.
Good news to report! Rotary’s Challenge for polio eradication has reached the US$200 million milestone, and all Clubs in District 5020 can take pride in their contribution.
The Rotary Lunch meeting on December 14 will describe the tasks that will need to be completed for a successful Rotary Club of Sooke Auction and Spring Fair on May 5, 2012
The 4th Annual Sooke River Raft Race was a great success with seven entries including a Rotary Raft crewed by John T, John B, Mark, Terrie and Bob Messer! This years race winner was Barry Marine. More details to follow. Check out the Raft Race photo album
Honorary Member and APU Founder Christie Johnson is at the APU School in Malawi and documents their first graduation which took place on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
This Graduation Day June 25th, 2011 has been made possible through many Rotary Clubs and other supporters working together with APU Malawi. Sooke Rotary is proud to have been the fiscal host, a mentor and supporter of this project since its inception.
WANTED Six Rotarians and spouses, partners, friends or single Rotarians to make up a Rotary Friendship Exchange outbound team to District 3060, NW India.The group will spend 15 days visiting and staying with Rotarians in District 3060 in the latter part of January and early February 2012.The Indian exchange group will visit District 5020 in May of 2012.
President Lori today named Roger Temple as Rotarian of the year for his contribution as Club Administrator for the past three years and for his exemplary work with youth. Although tradition has it that this award is given at the end of the President's term, Lori presented it earlier in order to catch Roger before he left on a three month leave of absence.
New Member: Sandra Crozier, standing here with her Sponsors Neil Flynn and Kel Phair is being welcomed b President Lori. We are all looking forward to working with Sandra in the future.
The Rotary Club of Sooke and several other clubs helped Christie and Memory achieve their dream ... a school for girls in Malawi. This is a shining example of good international community development, a grassroots approach that emphasizes culturally competent plans and solutions. Listen to Memory talk about it. Learn more about it here ... APU MEF website.
Our club received a lovely thank you card from Tiffany, from our donation to the Sooke Children's Garden Club. Thank YOU Tiffany for providing a little ray of sunsine. Enjoy the garden! Your friends at the Rotary Club of Sooke
Thank you to everyone who took part ... visitors, bidders, exhibitors, donors, volunteers ... everyone contributed to make this a very special event. We are so very grateful to all who took part!
50/50 --Margaret Sinke took home the $1,284 prize!
Thank you Sooke (and beyond) for your generosity ... this event funds most of our community projects.
A map of the Rotary Club of Sooke's past and present community projects, highlighting how we reinvest your donations in our community. Click More below for a larger version.
A short video celebrating the success of our club's 25th anniversary Auction & Spring Fair. A big THANK YOU once again to all of our supporters, we could not have done it without your help!
Article from the Victoria Times Colonist on honorary Rotarian Christie Johnson, Memory Chazeza, and the Malawi girls' school. The Rotary Club of Sooke is proud to be an originating sponsor of this highly successful project!
Sooke Rotary had a food booth at the Safe Halloween celebration at the Fire Hall. Many hot dogs were eaten and a good time was had by all. Thanks to all the volunteers!
With your help, we have made tremendous
progress in the fight to eradicate polio. We are at an historic moment --
less than 1% away from the end of polio forever. In honor of World Polio
Day on 24 October 2011, Rotary needs your help to tell the world
about Rotary’s achievements and to finish the job. During the week of 24-28
October 2011, donors will receive 2- for-1 recognition for every online
contribution of US$100 or more made to PolioPlus. Click to read below, and find suggestions for how you can get involved
Sooke Rotarian John Topolniski gets a head shave (CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO), to help raise money for a RONA co-worker undergoing a bone
marrow transplant. That was courageous, we're proud of you John!
A great time was had by all at the hockey game on Sunday. Well, maybe
not the visiting Clippers, who were on the wrong side of a 4-0 game at
SEAPARC. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped and to all the fans
for a fun night. See you next year!
The Rotary Club of Sooke is initiating a new
Adventure in
Culinary Arts this year for youth in grades 10 to 12 with some previous
cooking
background. The event is scheduled for the weekend of Saturday November
20th
and Sunday November 21st 2010. We are now seeking applicants.
THANKS TO YOU our 20th Annual Auction & Spring Fair was a huge success.
Your generous donations, keen bidding and enthusiastic participation will make it possible for the Rotary Club of Sooke to fund many more projects in the year to come.
meeting of the Sooke Rotary Club was brought to order at 12:15pm by president John Topolniski.
Our Club had the pleasure of getting involved with John Muir Elementary School, in preparing a community garden. This will be used a teaching tool to learn about gardening and growing food, as well as an opportunity for the kids and adults alike to get outdoors and get their hands dirty with some healthy work. We were happy to be able to provide some funding and some person power, with a productive and fun work party. Thank YOU to the school administration, teachers, parents, and volunteers! A great collaboration on a COMMUNITY project.
The Rotary elves have been busy lately, setting up our Club's tree at SEAPARC and a float in the Santa parade.
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Sooke Rotary President Trevor Colley was invited to attend the Scout Jamboree in July at Camp Bernard. Pictured is Trevor cutting the ribbon for the event and touring "the facilities". Sooke Rotary contributed to the development of new showers and washrooms. A great week for the Scouts and a useful "relief project" by our club!
Sooke Rotary is proud to support Emily Albert in her ballet school pursuits. 
Thanks to all the Sooke Rotary elves who helped set up our Club's tree at SEAPARC. Our theme is the "Tree of Knowledge" -- we have cards on the tree listing all of our club's scholarship winners from the past 25 years. Come check out the tree and see if you recognize any names!
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Rotary Club of Sooke President Trevor Colley and Sergeant at Arms John Topolniski present a wreath at the November 11th ceremony.
Saturday May 3rd was the big day. 
