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President
Jaret Thompson
Past President
Jaret Thompson
Secretary
Roger Rodermond
Treasurer
Helga Logan
Club Administration
Patrick Barclay
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Hans von Bloedau
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Patrick Barclay
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Doug Vanhooren
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Michael Cave
 
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Welcome to our club!

Kimberley

Service Above Self

1st and 3rd Wednesday at 5:00 pm
Elks Club
240 Howard Street
PO Box 13, V1A 2Y5
Kimberley, BC  V1A 2G7
Canada
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Home Page Stories
Guest Speaker May 29th PDG Sandra Roberts
Sandra Roberts our Guest Speaker shared information about the Rotary Passport Club she has joined.  They meet every two weeks.  They are limited in fundraising so their key focus is on Volunteerism.  Her passport club is presently focusing on Peace Building a concept Sandra says “is built for us as a passport club”.
Sandra’s passion for the Peace Building project was shared with the club at our “GoToMeeting”  Sandra stated that: “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe in communities and in ourselves”.  “Peace happens one conversation at a time”.  “Care is the foundation of Peace”.  One of the 5 avenues of Rotary service is "International Service" which exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding.
 
To find out more about Peace Building log into www.rotarypeaceacademy.org  This site provides a learning center approach to this topic.  No fee to join and learn.
Sandra made reference to the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace. These pillars are present when a country can demonstrate a:
  • Well-functioning Government
  • Acceptance of the Rights of Others
  • Equitable Distribution of Resources
  • Free Flow of Information
  • Good Relations with Neighbours
  • High Levels of Human Capitals
  • Sound Business Environment
  • Low Levels of Corruption
 
As Sandra explained if Pakistan and Afghanistan where not engaged in conflicts and wars Rotary would likely have already eradicated Polio world wide.
Read more...
Dr. Enns Guest Speaker May 6th Rotary Meeting
 
 
 
Our Guest Speaker at the Kimberley Rotary May 6th virtual "GoTo Meeting" was Dr. Jordan Enns.  Jordan was introduced by Rotary member Al Hunter.
 
Dr Enns grew up in Carrot River, SK.  He studied dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan graduating with a DMD in 2017.  In 2018 Jordan and his wife Courtney moved to Kimberley as they loved skiing/snowboarding, hiking, and everything the mountains have to offer.  Dr. Enns is presently one of the members of the recently opened Kimberley Family Dental business where he enjoys all aspects of dentistry and has a particular interest in oral surgery.
 
 
Jordan explained that in Feb. 2017, during his final year in university, he took advantage of an opportunity to travel with a group of volunteers to Nicaragua with “Change for Children”.  This organization supports projects in developing countries that provide “Human Dignity, Healthy Communities, and Global Justice".  One of its core values is to “Educate Canadians” about issues in the developing world and Dr, Enns’ presentation did exactly that.
 
Jordan explained that most of the volunteers on The Team to Nicaragua returned the following year to Guatemala in 2018, then to Costa Rica in 2019 and again to India in Feb. this year.
The Team in recent years included a group of Dentists and Dental Assistants the “Dental Volunteer Brigade” and also a small Optometry team – plus a number of other volunteers.  In addition to providing dental care, fillings and extractions, to many needy families and vision care the “Change for Children” team is often involved with projects for the specific community such as digging a well, building a school or providing agricultural aid.
 
Jordan showed some great photo images of the conditions under which The Dental Brigade worked - often in a school or church building with very limited resources.  The adjustable dental chair we are familiar with was often replaced by a standard table with a plastic table cloth – these in some occasions holding two patients facing opposite directions with two members of The Team working on them.  Jordan explained that bending over these working areas resulted in very stiff backs by the end of the day.
 
 
 
Thank you Jordan for a very informative presentation and thanks Courtney for your photos. 
 
Sorry to anyone who missed this presentation – a great example of “Service Above Self”.
 
 
VIRTUAL WINE TASTING EVENT May 1st 
 
Thanks to Hans von Bloedau and one of our newest members, Ryan McGibbon, we enjoyed a fantastic Virtual Wine Tasting event on May 1st.  18 members, partners and guests were on line, "gotomeeting", on Friday evening an enjoyed learning more about wines and enjoying tasting two excellent wines.  If you are a wine drinker and another opportunity like this comes up don't miss it.  Thanks Ryan for sharing your knowledge and letting us discover an excellent white and red wine.  
 
 
  
Rotary District Grant Proposal
KIMBERLEY ROTARY CLUB PLANS TO REPLACE AND UPGRADE THE MARYSVILLE FALLS WALKWAY
 
 
 
 
THE HISTORY OF MARYSVILLE FALLS WALKWAY:
 
In 1978 the Kimberley Rotary Club undertook the planning, design and construction of a  bridge across Mark Creek just below the highway bridge across Mark Creek in Marysville and a trail to a viewpoint at the Marysville Falls. The project took four years of fundraising, planning and construction. This was a major fundraising event and a hands-on project with the club doing most of the labour with the assistance of a dedicated group of young people. The federal government had established a program called Katimavik, for young people aged 17 to 21 years to help on various civic projects. In our case, these young workers placed many of the boardwalk planks and the guardrail. On November 11, 1982 the new bridge, pathway and viewing areas were officially opened. The walkway was dedicated to Al Fabro, the first of three Rotary District 5080 District Governors from Kimberley.  Since the walkway was completed the Kimberley Rotary Club has done many Spring clean ups on the trail/walkway and the City of Kimberley has maintained the boardwalk and replaced  the original bridge with the log one that is in place today.
 
 
Read more...
April 15th Meeting
Kate Bidder photo overcoming her fear of snake in Africa  - online Rotary "GoToMeeting" April 15th.
 
COVID-19 can't stop Kimberley Rotarians.  Our April 15th meeting was held online and included an excellent program by Kate Bidder.  Kate was Rotary Exchange student in 1987-88 where she spent most of a year on Exchange to Mexico.  The travel bug obviously bit her as she and her Husband Kerry have spent most of their married live travelling the world raising their family and teaching.  Kate was our Guest Speaker on the 15th and shared amazing photos of many of her adventures including photos of time in Cape Dorset, Africa, Russia and lately in China.  Kate and family where in China where Kate was teaching in an elite International School out of Beijing and they were able to leave on one of the last planes out of the country when the COVID-19 virus was spreading through China. Kate continues to teach here students online during the present virus lock down.  Great Program!  Thanks Kate 
Rotary is International
The photo of the Tulips was sent by Rene Swienwink our Rotary Friend from The Neatherlands.  Rene and his wife Annette spend part of the year in their Canadian home in Kimberley (at their Forest Crowne residence) and the rest of the year in their permanent home in The Neatherlands.  Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year they are unable to join us in person but Rene keeps in touch with his Kimberley Rotary Friends over the internet.  Rene was able to log into our online meeting yesterday.  Photo above shows Spring is further ahead back in The Neatherlands - looks great Rene!
Kimberley Rotary receives Award
The Kimberley Rotary Club has been granted the IFSR Youth Service Award as a result of an article published in the  March 30, 2020, Kimberley Bulletin. 
 
The IFSR, International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, is a Rotary Fellowship promoting service to Youth through Scouting and Guiding. Your publicizing your club’s relationship with Scouting has served as an example for other Rotary clubs looking for ways to promote the Scouting movement.
 
IFSR is composed of over a thousand Rotarians in 45 countries that work to promote Scouting and Guiding through their membership in Rotary.  See www.ScoutingRotarians.org  
 
Something to think about:  IFSR has certificates the Rotary Clubs can award Scouts and Guides and an award that Rotary Clubs can award a Scout or Guide unit that has performed community service.  The IFSR Community Service Award may be awarded by any Rotary Club to a Scout or Guide unit of their choice they wish to recognize for performing community service. The award may be given annually to any Scout or Guide unit by any Rotary Club.  Recipients are selected by the Rotary Club. 
 
This is not a Scouting award nor a Rotary award, but an IFSR award and is intended to permit Rotary Clubs to recognize Community Service performed by local Scout and/or Guide units. 
 
 
Rotary Online Meeting April 1
Thanks to all of you who were able to log into our first Online Rotary Meeting (April 1st).  It definitely was not an April Fools Joke.  While we had a few initial problems, the end result was positive.  We will be holding our April Business meeting on April 8th, also online.   Details on agenda and login information  will be sent in a future email.
 
Last night we were able to share a few updates on programs and projects that are underway and we agreed to investigate a new proposal involving Grocery Delivery to shut-ins/and those isolating due to COVID-19. 
 
One of the key items discussed last night was the importance for members to respond to an earlier email requesting support for our grant proposal to Columbia Basin Trust for funding for an Engineering study for the upgrading of the Marysville Falls Walkway.  Your support of our proposal (plus any you can get from friends and neighbours especially anyone who works with seniors in town) will likely influence how much funding we get.  One key area to emphasize in the comment area is the importance of the upgrade to ensure safety for all, and first time accessibility for those with mobility issues (ie wheelchair friendly).  
 
Our Guest Speaker last night was President Jaret.  
 
Jaret's program was on the plans that are underway for developing the Old Central and Watkins School Property in down town Kimberley.  We expect to hear a lot more about this building proposal in the months ahead.  The following is drawing of a possible layout for the area.  If all goes well, construction for phase one could be underway this Fall.
 
   
Message from Rene in The Netherlands
 
Today, April 1, is the day 75 years ago the Canadian and British forces liberated my home town Ruurlo. Because of Covid 19 it's not really a day to celebrate, but the flag is a tribute to all brave man who lost their lives and all the veterans still living. Thank you to give us our freedom
 
Rene emailed last week to say he will not be able to come to Kimberley this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will miss him at our meetings.
Rotary Supports Girl Guides & Food Bank
Tamara McLean, Girl Guide Leader, helps transfer 120 boxes of Girl Guide Cookies the Kimberley Rotary Club purchased and donated to the Helping Hands Food Bank.
 
The senior girls (Rangers and Trex units) of our local Girl Guide organization were planning a city-wide Girl Guide Cookie Sale campaign to raise funds for summer programs before the restriction imposed by the COVID-19 virus pandemic stopped them in their tracks.  That has left them with 58 cases (696 boxes) of those delicious Girl Guide cookies that many of us purchase every Spring.  At only $5.00 a box they are a good value and benefit a great organization. 
What can be done to get all those cookies out to those who enjoy them?
On hearing of the Girl Guides dilemma, the Kimberley Rotary Club stepped up.  Rotary purchased 120 boxes of Girl Guide cookies which they have donated to the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank.  Individual members of the Rotary Club also purchased over 60 boxes of cookies to further help the campaign.
Kimberley Rotary is challenging other local groups to look for ways to help.
If your group or organization would like to purchase cookies to donate to the Food Bank please check with Donna Purves at the Food Bank (250-427-7019) to confirm they can use additional donations.  If you have other ideas or plans great!  To arrange payment and pick-up see the following.
How can groups or individual members of the public buy cookies?
Individuals or groups wishing to purchase cookies can do so by contacting Tamara McLean, Guide Leader, at 250-427-1741 or tamara1@telus.net .  The best way to make a purchase and comply with the self-distancing regulations that are in effect is to pre pay your order with Tamara by an e-transfer and arrange for a non- contact drop off or pick up.
Thanks to all of you who can help. 
Stay healthy and follow the rules for self-distancing.
Keep “Kimberley a great place to be”
 
LOBSTERFEST 11 CANCELLED
SORRY LOBSTERFEST 11 CANCELLED
 
The Kimberley Rotary Club regrets the postponement of its Annual and very popular LobsterFest charity dinner that was scheduled for June 6th.
Lobsterfest is an event planned to provide a great evening of fun and entertainment with the goal to raise funds to provide programs and projects for our community.  Since Lobsterfest relies on the support of our local and surrounding businesses the club feels it is inappropriate to ask these businesses for donations in a time when they are under the severe negative financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is clearly a time for our community to work together to find ways to support our local residents and our local businesses.  Most of our local businesses have closed their doors or severely curtailed customer traffic to ensure social distancing.  These actions are very necessary to prevent the spread of the virus but also very costly.
The sooner we lessen the COVID-19 impacts the sooner we will be able to return to the Kimberley we all love and enjoy. 
IT IS CLEARLY A TIME TO:
DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO, SO
WE CAN DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO
 
Mark your calendar for November 7th.  We are booking that date for a Fall Rotary event.   
Mayor Don McCormick Guest Speaker
Mayor, Don McCormick was our Guest Speaker at the March 4th Meeting of the Kimberley Rotary Club.  Don gave an excellent program with digital images showing the State of the City.  The presentation showed the planning and progress the City has made over the past few years.  It was very encouraging to see how well Kimberley's present status and progress is compared to others Cities in our region.  An active Q & A followed the presentation and as always Don stayed to answer questions well after the meeting ended.  Thanks Don for your presentation.
Our Newest Member, Kenton Lane
It is always a special honour to welcome a new member to the Rotary Family.  At our regular meeting on March 4th Membership Chairman, Hans von Boledau conducted a Membership Induction Ceremony for Kenton Lane.  As the Rotary Family increases, so we increase our usefulness and influence as a club, and we are more fully able to serve and to extend the Rotary spirit throughout our community.  Welcome to the Kimberley Rotary Club Kenton.
 
 Kenton's sponsor Doug Vanhooren pins a Rotary Pin on Kenton.  This pin tells the world that Kenton is a Rotarian and gives him entrance to any of the 35,000+ Rotary Club meetings worldwide. 
Feb. 19th Guest Speakers
 
Dr Christine Chatten and her daughter Sydney were our guest speakers on Feb. 19th.  Dr. Chatten a local optometrist and her daughter Sydney, a grade 12 student at Selkirk Secondary gave a great talk on their recent volunteer trip to Peru.  They took part in an eye care mission trip where Dr. Chatten and a number of her colleagues (who graduated together 25 years ago)  provided ocular health and vision care services to people who would otherwise be without eye care.  The majority of the locals they tested, treated and provide vision care for had never had previous treatments.  For many it was an amazing experience to be fitted with a pair of glasses and to see clearly for the first time. 
Christine and Sydney also shared some of their photos of various sights in Peru.  If you have old glasses that no longer meet your needs drop them off at Kimberley Vision Care and they may find their way to providing sight for someone in a far away country.  
Rotary is 115 Years Old
 
Rotary was founded on February 23rd, 115 years ago.   Happy Birthday Rotary.
Rotary clubs can now be found in over 200 countries in the world. 
There are over 32,000 Rotary clubs and 1.2 million Rotary Members world wide (give or take a few).
In spite of the fantastic work Rotary does, many people do not know what Rotary is, what Rotary's ideals are, what Rotary has contributed locally, district wide and world wide.
It is time we started sharing what what Rotary is, what Rotary and Rotary members have provided for Kimberley and what Rotary International has and continues to do worldwide.
Let's make sharing this information a goal for the year ahead.
 
 
 
Feb 5th Rotary Meeting
The focus of our February 5th meeting was to review 4 areas of our Strategic Plan.  Some great ideas were raised by the members and the Board will review these and add a number of them to our Strategic Plan.  The key areas included: Club Attributes, Membership, Community Projects and Services, and Public Image.
 
It was also announced that plans are underway to hold our 11th Annual LobsterFest.  Make sure to mark you calendar for June 6th for this event.  
 
Nomination Papers were also handed out for the upcoming Community Paul Harris event to be held in Cranbrook on April 2nd and jointly hosted by the Kimberley Rotary Club and the two Cranbrook Rotary Clubs.
 
 
 
Tom Ristimaki Guest Speaker Jan 15
Our Guest Speaker on Jan. 15th, 2020 was Dr. Tom Ristimaki.  Tom shared his history with Rotary from the time he was in Selkirk and heard of the opportunity to be an exchange student for a year.  He applied, was chosen and spent a year in Japan returning to Kimberley for his grade 12 year.  Tom's involvement with Rotary was later enhanced when he was chosen for RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program.  In the years following Tom helped at the summer RYLA camps as a leader.  After graduating from University Tom applied for and was successful in obtaining a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship which helped fund his Doctorate in Linguistics  Tom's involvement with Rotary continued when he became one of the Key Note speakers at the Rotary District 5080 Conference in Kimberley in 2006 and the following year, a Key Note Speaker at the Rotary International Conference in Salt Lake City.  As we often joke, Tom knows more about Rotary than most of our Rotary members.
 
On this visit to our club, Tom explained his present involvement with Purcell International Education company.  As he shared with us this company is planning a multi-million dollar investment in Kimberley.  The plans call for a Boarding School for Canadian and International Students on and beside the Kimberley Golf Course in Marysville.  The exciting plans for this school are amazing and we are sure to have Tom back for additional updates as construction starts and the students start arriving.  
Community Paul Harris Award
The Kimberley Rotary Club presented Gail McColl with a Community Paul Harris Award on Dec. 10th as the highlight of the "Seniors Helping Seniors" Christmas luncheon.  Mike Cave explained many of the organizations Gail has volunteered with over the past 25+ years.  A complete list of these would have taken more time than provided (or space we have here) but even Mike's shortened list was amazing.  An truly deserving lady for this prestigious Rotary honour - a true "Service Above Self" volunteer.  
 
Thanks for being part of our community Gail.
John Hamilton, Nov. 20th
 
Our guest speaker on November 20th was John Hamilton.  John is the recently hired Executive Director of Tourism Kimberley.  John has a long history in the tourism industry with over 25 years of experience.  John explained that he is working on a new Vision and Strategic Plan to promote the marketing and development of tourism products in Kimberley.  He was very open to hearing what locals think is needed and any issues they have.  Tourism is a major economic driver for Kimberley so providing unique all-season experiences to strengtheni the tourism economy is important.  John shared information on where our visitors come from and what is needed to attract visitors from different countries.  
 
Interesting facts on where our visitors are presently coming from.
Nov. 6th Regular Meeting
Acting president Hans von Bloedau chaired the meeting in President Jaret's absence. 
 
Guest Speaker Jim Webster was our guest speaker. 
  

Jim explained that the Kimberley Pipe Band will be travelling to the Netherlands from April 23 to May 7, 2020, in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation.  Jim explained that the Kimberley Pipe Band will be there to honour this anniversary as part of an 80 member Pipe Band, being coordinated by the Kelowna Pipe Band. The band will be performing at ceremonies throughout the Netherlands as well as at Vimy Ridge in France.

“In the final months of World War II, Canadian Armed Forces led the fight to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation,” explained Webster. “The first Canadian Army fought to open the port on Antwerp and to clear northern and western Netherlands of occupying forces. On May 5th, 1945, Canadian General Charles Foulkes, commander of the 1st Canadian Corp, accepted the German surrender.”

He adds that a group of local volunteers have come together to assist the Pipe Band’s fundraising efforts which includes a Ceilidh at the Kimberley Conference Centre. The Ceilidh will take place on November 9, 2019.  Jim also explained that the Band is looking for donations to help with their fundraising.

 
Mac Campbell thanks Jim and presents him with the coveted Rotary Water Bottle
Mike Balahura Oct. 2nd
Mike and Brenda Balahura were the guest speakers at the Oct. 2nd Rotary meeting.  They gave an excellent update on the programs in Honduras.  Opportunities to donate and sponsor a child will be coming next month.
 
Home Page News
Innovative and Flexible Rotary Club Pilot Program
Jul 19, 2011   by Patrick Barclay

A month or so ago, it was announced that the Kimberley Rotary Club’s application to participate in the above Pilot Program was approved by Rotary International. We are one of only 200 Rotary Clubs world-wide whose plan received approval, 1,300 applied.

 

This pilot is primarily about membership. Trying new things to make our club more attractive to prospective members and at the same time keep current members engaged. Our prime objective for initiating this Pilot Program is to attract and retain members.

 

On July 18, 2011 your Board approved two major changes for Kimberley Rotary that will provide members increased flexibility for experiencing fellowship at our meetings.

 
Read more...
 
GSE LEADER NEEDED
Apr 26, 2012   by Patrick Barclay

Image

 

 

Rotary District 5080 Group Study Exchange Sub-Committee seeks Team Leader for the Group Study Exchange Team to D4510 Brazil

The District Group Study Exchange Sub-Committee is now accepting applications for Team Leader for the exchange to D4510 (Brazil) that is scheduled for April 20 – May 20, 2013. D4510, described as an ecological paradise, is located in the mid-western region of Sao Paulo State. Metal industries, textile manufacturing and agriculture including coffee, sugar cane and oranges make this state the economic and industrial powerhouse of the Brazilian economy. 

 

 
Read more...
 
Rotoplast
Jun 03, 2012   by Patrick Barclay

On behalf of the Rotary District 5080 Rotaplast Committee, I am writing to let your club in on the fact that we are working to support another Rotaplast mission in the coming months. In fact, last week District 5080’s grant committee awarded this project funds through a District Simplified Grant; in addition some club support has been received in the form of pledges. As such, we would like to get Kimberley involved this year. Attached are details about the mission to share with your members. This mission is coming up quickly.

 
Read more...
 
 
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