Stories

It was a wonderful start to a new year installing 2014-2015 club president Lynda Rocha and her team of executives over a beautiful dinner at The Chalet surrounded by Rotarians, friends and family.  This is Lynda’s fourth time as president of the Rotary Club of Kitimat and is her 24^th year as a Rotarian and with the club. This year’s theme is “Light up Rotary” and there is no doubt that Lynda will do exactly that.  She has a passion for working with youth programs as well as community involvement. Please join us in welcoming Lynda as our new Club President.

 November 22/23rd were a busy two days for Kitimat Rotarians.  The Rotarian action actually started a couple days before with the moves of tables, backdrops, and finally auction items down to the storefront in Mountainview Square.  The normal hustle and good humor followed as items were placed where they belonged (some 300 of them) on the bid tables.   Lyle did a great job as our Auction Chair and he has a few great ideas to share for next year!   Even though we had not planned to start our Saturday auction day at Constant Cravings everyone dealt with the “lost key” with a lot of goodwill and some great coffee. There was lots of laughter and community spirit that warmed up our Auction Headquarters for sure. Our dedicated auction participants were in great form and there were some new folks who really enjoyed the auction. The friends of Rotary volunteers were amazing.

Our sincere thanks go to all the businesses and individuals in Kitimat and Terrace who supported our auction with their donations of items or cash.  It is due to your support that we are able to help where help is needed.  A great example is "Between the Cracks" featured in the story below.

Credit for the photo above, taken on Friday night before the auctions goes to Walter MacFarlane of Kitimat Daily.  Thanks Walter.  The shot was taken in front of the bid boards where pre bids were taken.

October 22 - What a glorious day to have our DG and his wife visiting us in Kitimat! 

District Governor Garry Shearer and his wife Colleen spent the afternoon with our President Cheryl Rumley.  We toured the Rotary high spots, the Soccer Field (our concession stand), The Rod and Gun Club (Rotary Kitchen), the Gazebos at the Chamber and finished off at our Rotary Peace Rock.  We also drove out to Kitamaat Village, stopped to see Kitimat Works in the distance then back to the Chalet for a very short rest time before Rotarians arrived for our meeting and dinner.  Past DG Art Erasmus and his wife Lesley, our Area Governor, and Rotary peace committee chair Eleanor Kendell, joined them for lunch and the afternoon. Garry shared our District’s vision for this year and one of his personal stories.  He then presented Joann Hildebrandt with a Paul Harris fellow on behalf of our club.  President Cheryl presented Garry with a Four Way Test print after Lynda Rocha described the meaning of the artist’s rendering of each of the test and what it means in the Haisla ‘language’.  It was an evening filled with good fellowship.  Many thanks go to Garry for travelling north to meet with us.

Kitimat people joined with millions of other people around the world to

CELEBRATE PEACE DAY

This is our 5^th year to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace with the making of a HUMAN PEACE SIGN

September 21^st, 2013 dawned with gloomy clouds and a significant amount of rain.  Not to be discouraged by this, Robin Lapointe and his wife Melanie, braved the storm along with their two beautiful golden retrievers to mark the circle and lines on the pavement in back of the theatre for our Kitimat Human Peace Sign.  While they were busy outside, Jo Hildebrandt, Linda Campbell and Eleanor Kendell setup the displays inside that showcased past Peace Days and our Rotary Peace Schools.  Dan Huisman arrived at 10:00 to set up the Shelter Box:  Jo was his Number One helper.  Peace cranes and peace signs were hung in the cafeteria with a great deal of help from Dan, who is tall, and the Mount Elizabeth Theatre tech teens.  Much credit and thanks go to Susie Smeader who took care of everything tied into food preparation.  She also conducted the youth choir and brought the band for Peace Day.

 Shortly after 1l:00, the Salvation Army’s mobile kitchen arrived on the scene.  Culinary students from Northwest Community College cooked up a storm of Beef on a Bun ready for lunchtime at noon.  Brian Downie, from the Rotary Club of Terrace, arranged their coming, a nice addition for this year’s Peace Day.  People mingled in the cafeteria and talked with Dan about Shelter Box  over the lunch hour then moved into the theatre for the program. Girl guides starting things off with a mini parade of nations flags.   It was a delight to see the Portuguese children dance, the Spirit of the Kitlope dancers, and the Kitimat Dance Academy’s dancers.  The youth choir brought us peace songs as did the band.  We heard from Mayor Monaghan, Shelley Bolton, Brian Downie and Dan Huisman.  As it our tradition, we finished off the program with the singing of Let there be Peace on Earth.  The giant peace dove puppets,  flag bearers, spirit of the Kitlope dancers, led us outside into blowy, stormy weather, to make the peace sign.  Much credit goes to Dwight Magee our photographer for climbing the fire department truck’s ladder to get the peace sign shot. 

Everyone was happy to head inside to the cafeteria to enjoy hot chocolate or coffee and a piece of the huge Peace Cakes.  The Luso Ladies served the cake for all of us.  This certainly was a great way to warm up and to share good stories with friends and strangers alike. 

May Peace Prevail On Earth.

Please see pictures in Photo Album to the left

A memorable day

Mayor Joanne Monaghan, our 2012 President Margaret Warcup and Peace Committee chair, Eleanor Kendell were together at Centennial Park for the unveiling of the Peace Rock just before for September 21st Peace Day.  Mayor Monaghan remarked on the importance of the Rotary Peace Credo and council's commitment to it from last year.  She also thanked Rotary for its work tied into Peace in our community.

Our club had a remarkable evening on the 18th when Deva and her husband Wayne joined us to tell the story of the Nightingale Declaration.   Particularly memorable were the real life stories of women dying in childbirth.  The following is a cut and paste from the Nightingale Declaration website.  Deva would value our support by adding our signatures to this declaration. 

Watch the ‘Daring, Caring & Sharing’ Global Launch >>

NIGH's 2013 - 2015 Global Campaign to celebrate and share solutions to the high rates of maternal death still happening around the world.

Wayne is the Director of Global Communications, Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH).  As one listened to his and Deva's stories one appreciated there are world travelers having worked in many, many countries of the world.  Their experience is vast.  The following is also a cut and paste from NIGH's website regarding Wayne.  Tapping this background, he is the primary architect of NIGH’s grassroots-to-global Signature Campaign and the related proposed United Nations General Assembly Resolutions, the 2010 International Year of the Nurse and the 2010-2020 UN Decade for a Healthy World. Wayne Kines is co-founder of the World Media Institute (WMI), a network and fellowship of professional communicators devoted to the emergence of global citizenship and has also organized world media seminars on health, heritage, rural development, human settlements, and water and ocean pollution.

Our club was privileged to have them visit us.

Guests and members of our Rotary Club were treated to an unique experience on June 9th, Afternoon Tea at Kitimat's beautiful Minette Bay Lodge.  Ladies were invited to where "fasinators' and a few did--chapeaus appropriate to the occasion. 

Installed as officers for our 2013-14 year were: president, Cheryl Rumley, Past President, Margaret Warcup, Secretary, Robin Lapointe, Treasurer and President Elect, Lyle McNish, Directors, Lynda Rocha and Eleanor Kendell.   Each year our club's president chooses the Rotarian of the Year, his or her decision as to who has shown the qualities we live by as Rotarians.  Margaret honored Eleanor with this title and a perfect presentation--a delightful window hanging with two tiny peace cranes.   We also recognized two outstanding Kitimat citizens, one a Rotarian, Jo Ann Hildebrandt the second, Cliff Yoland, an active member of the Kiwanis Club, Child Development Centre Board, and so much more.  Jo is a strong supporter of Polio Plus having travelled to Ethiopia to administer Polio vaccines to children.  She's a past president of our club and current president of the Kitimat Child Development Centre.

The food was AMAZING, the weather 'spot on', conversation lively, smile galore!  Do check out all the photos taken by Robin (or on his camera) in the photo album for this year's installation--many, many great pictures!

Congratulations go to the following Mount Elizabeth Secondary 2013 graduates.

Zachary Sohm

Zachary has a challenging goal.  His plan is to become an Ophthamolgist.  Throughout his years at Mount Elizabeth he has consistently excellent, an honor roll student with awards in mathematics and social studies/  He has spent countless hours behind the theatre curtain working a member of the technical crew.  He's also with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and a volunteer with the Fire Mountain Shooting Club.  Zachary's comment on his application reads, "The most important thing has been time, to get anywhere, to manager any accomplishment, all that is required is the dedication of time.  This is the principal by which I will reach my career goal."

Anna Canil

Anna has shone when it comes to helping others, particularly when she helps with children.  She has volunteered in her church, at the animal shelter, with the Riverlodge Summer Program, at the hospital, as a leader at a Bible Camp.  She's helped at the museum and the CDC and she is a buddy with the LINK program.  She's always worked with children so it comes as no surprise to see her pursuing the Early Childhood Education program at the Northwest Community College as she starts off on her future career goal.

Navjit Pannu

Navjit also has an impressive volunteer base.  His has taken him further afield.  He has helped at the Surrey Urban Mission serving food for homeless people.  He has helped with fundraisers at the Sikh Temple, been a RYLA leader, showcased Bah-ang-ra at various events in Terrace and Kitimat, while also working at Overwaitea Foods.  He plans to pursue his academic career in Business at Northwest Community
College, then on to studies to become a Chartered Account.  After this, the plan is to open his own firm.

Rotarian Lyle McNish represented Rotary at the Scholarship Committee selection table.  Eleanor Kendell presented the scholarships on Thursday, June 13th at the Mount Elizabeth Theatre.

Marianna is a Rylarian having attended both RYLA Lakelse and RYLA North.  This year she took it a step further volunteering her to be a leader at RYLA South.  She has just completed her first year as a student in Business Administration at the Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo.  With an energy and vision coming out of a RYLA experience as a leader, she and other leaders came together to establish Rotaract in their university.  The story of their accomplishments is truly remarkable.  Accolades aplenty go their way.  Marianna told us their story at our June 4^th meeting.  She has promised to send it to us so it can be posted with this story.

Colton Szmata and Nathan Furtado, grade 12 students from Mount Elizabeth Secondary School, were sponsored by our club to attend this adventure.  The many hours of commitment to make it a success, certainly showed.  Thanks go to organizers Bob Killbery and Leah Robinson. 

The youths certainly saw the port!  Starting at the Port Interpretive Centre, they toured B.C. Ferries, MV Northern Adventure from the bridge with all its navigational equipment, to the huge motors and repair area below decks.  Then it was on to the water for a tour where they saw logs loaded onto a vessel for shipment to foreign ports.  Next came Fairview Container Terminal with the day ending with a BBQ at Kiolya Bay and a chance to try sea kayaking. 

Thursday included a visit to Quickload Container Examination Facility to see the huge 'scanners' where all containers are off loaded then boxes scanned for illegal product.  Kristoff Trucking was next, with its huge warehouse where product is stored for short terms before moving to its end destination.  The students learned about work opportunities at Prince Rupert Grain, saw Ridley Terminals and the road/raid and utility corridor.  The day finished with a particularly informative tour of the North Pacific Cannery and delicious dinner. 

Friday started with a tour of the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Prince Rupert.  Learning how vast the scope of this organization's facility was enlightening.  Particularly eye-catching was the rescue helicopter and hearing its pilot's story.  The next stop was Northwest Community College and a fun experience for the youths.  Everyone tromped into the heavy equipment simulator trailer and each traded places as they tried moving controls on a backhoe, etc. while watching  the results on computer screens.  The afternoon was spent touring Broadwater Industries facilities, then Western Canada Marine Response Corp, another impressive business, with a place for everything and everything it its place.  Several trailers equipped for spill response move in tandem to make quick response to on the water spill disasters.

The youth helped out the environment to finish things off, some shore clean up in front of the Port Interpretive Centre.  Pizza took away the 'hungries' and then they were on there way back home.

William Koldenhoven was also registered from Kitimat but illness took over so he could not attend. 

Nathan and Colton expressed their sincere thanks to all of us for this excellent opportunity to participate in "Adventures".  Please see pictures in the Photo Albums taken on the tour.

May 27th, 2013.  Our club was treated to another Rylarian's story.  An experienced Rylarian, having attended RYLA Lakelse and also acted as a leader there, Nav returned from RYLA South with enthusiasm about his experience.  He appreciated the opportunity to be with students from other countries, Rotary Exchange Students, and said the difference in ages between the two camps did make a difference.  Although the programs were much the same, experience showed in the workshops, and in the challenges.  An additional day was added to this year's RYLA South which allowed the youths to have an enlightening experience.  They helped in a soup kitchen to feed homeless people.  One of them talked with Nav, telling that he had been a Rylarian in years gone by.  He even knew the RYLA cheer.  With a crash course in dancing (a matter of hours to learn it) the group Flash Danced in front of the Vancouver Library.  What a fun ending.  Navjit send his thanks to our Rotary Club for sponsoring him to RYLA.  Without question, he is committed!

May 27^th was an exciting day for the students at Nechako Elementary School.  Linda Campbell, chair of our club’s Peace Schools Committee, was on hand to recognize their outstanding efforts outlined in their submission to become this year’s Kitimat Rotary Peace School.  Students gathered in the school’s gymnasium for this recognition where Linda told them how happy she was to see what they have done throughout the year.  As one walks through the school, you see drawing done by students, their expression of kindness to others.  The Rotary Four Way Test is also posted.  Particular emphasis went to the younger students who certainly showed how much they cared.  They reached a goal to raise sufficient funds to purchase a Trail Rider so one of their student friends would be able to get outside and be with them on long walks through the woods.  Linda also praised their teachers and principal for their enthusiasm and commitment toward this Rotary initiative.  Donated by Luiza and Orland Couto, the cedar peace pole was then carved with the words “May Peace Prevail On Earth” by Riel Levesque.  Rotarians gave each student Peace bracelets.  The District of Kitimat topped off the happy occasion by giving the school a pass to Sam Lindsay Pool.  What fun for all the students!  Councilors Rob Goffinet and Edwin Empinado were there to join with all of us in Rotary to say, well done Nechako Elementary.

2013 District assembly - May 11, 2013

President elect Cheryl Rumley, Jo Hildebrandt and Eleanor Kendell joined with club representatives from  our Rotary Area for an upbeat District Assembly chaired by our 2013-14 President Garry Shear. 

 Garry’s professional career in marketing opened our thinking tied into the way we do business in Rotary.  The new Rotary International theme will be Engage Rotary, Change Lives.  This certainly provided food for thought and action as we move forward. 

Art Erasmus took us though an interactive Rotary Foundation challenge, several questions to answer that tested our knowledge.  This picture is of Art leading the discussion.

May 4th shone with all the glory that the sunshine can bring.  We were in Terrace along with our friends from Skeena Valley and Terrace Rotary Club, keen with expectation, we had all been told how GREAT Rick King was as a speaker.  Happily, Rick saw Terrace at its best.  Even more so, credit goes to Chris Oatway for 'going for it' and asking "will you come?"  Well done Chris, because the answer was 'yes'.

I know there were tears as we were touched by the story of Rick's R.I. president friend, whose tiny grandbaby had been born, fought for life in hospital, was on a machine with tubes everywhere, a so, so helpless.  They word came come see her, we don't know whether she will last.  And they did.  The cry inside his friend's heart went out, help, help her, anyway I can but how.  And then he looked at the machine, and in a small corner there was a Rotary wheel, and a plaque.  The machine had been donated by his own Rotary Club. 

Of such is Rotary.

There was humor in the tales, of Las Vegas, and a young Rick working both ends of the stick, a talented singer on stage in Vegas, and a lawyer starting off in his fiend in those early days.  Rick moved his story through his first involvement through our organization, his role as our Rotary International President, how he knew our own Art Erasmus, our District 5040 president, the year he orchestrated the wide world of Rotary.

What a privilege and pleasure it was to hear Rick's story and to have this opportunity meet him.  Chris's committee chose to decorate the tables with origami Peace Cranes, such a nice reflection of this year's theme Pease Through Service. 

We had several of our members present that evening.  Sincere thanks go to our Rotary friends in Terrace for the invitation to join in this celebration evening.

April 2, 2013 meeting. 

Sincere thanks to our president-elect Cheryl for arranging to have Pat Mouland speak to us.  Pat teaches the students in Grades 2 and 3 at Nechako Elementary School.  Her students have been fundraising for the purchase of a TrailRider (see picture).  The TrailRider will allow a person unable to walk long distances to get outside and enjoy time with their friends.

The good news is the students have reached their goal!  The students will also make it available for community use.  The Lions Club was the first to donate with $7000.00, sufficient funds to meet their goal.  Still dollars kept coming in, resulting in a grand total of $16,000.  The additional fund will be set aside in an endowment fund.

Cheryl, Jo and Eleanor headed over to the School Board Office in Terrace to learn some great Membership Building Ideas presented by our District 5040 Membership Chair, Hans Doge.  Particularly memorable was a video showing young new Rotarians and their reasons for being Rotarians.  And then there was a thought from Hans.   Want a novel idea to open the door when approaching a person about Rotary?  Take along a Rotarian magazine with your Rotary business card attached.  I'm a Rotarian and I think you would enjoy our organization.  I'm leaving this with you so you can check us out.  The key is to go back again in a weeks time, and talk Rotary up, then again a week later to  invite them to a meeting.  Hans says he has seen more than one businessperson join Rotary after this approach. 

Lunch was catered by Linda, the gal who also takes care of all the food for our Rylarians at Lakelse.  Abolutely great!

Another well worth thinking about approach was that of networking - the what's in it for you in your business life?  We did a lot of sharing of ideas, were challenged by thought provoking questions, brainstormed with our colleagues from the Terrace and Smithers clubs, and came away with genuine vibrant energy for Rotary.

Joanne’s trip was one she will never forget.  With a tiny bottle of vaccine, two drops to each child, she gave a welcomed ‘special gift’ to mothers.  Their children would be protected from the dreaded disease – polio.  When asked to sum up her experience, Joanne said, “ It was a great honour to take part in this humanitarian effort.  Our group was divided in two and my group flew to Asosa to immunize in the city and surrounding villages.”  The photos she shared with us showed  two things: the humble living conditions of the villagers, and their generosity even though they had very little.

    Joanne continued by saying “The RC of Kitimat has assisted two Terrace Rotarians, Lesley and Art Erasmus, with funding to support a water supply and library in Legge Taffo village aka Yeka Taffo.  I was so touched.  The school children were a delight to behold and the staff so appreciative of all that we have done for them.  Quite the contrast for me, to see a class of 64 grade 1 students and class of 70 grade 8 students, sitting in barren rooms intent on learning with extremely limited school supplies and resources.” 

            Joanne is a special education elementary school teacher.  She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Kitimat, and president of the Board of Directors of the Kitimat Child Development Centre.  Persons volunteering to assist with this program take on the responsibility for travel and other costs tied into their commitment.  

Our club celebrates Joanne’s commitment to this Polio Plus vision to END POLIO NOW!

November the 25th was an action packed day for club members.  Several people stopped by earlier in the day to walk through the many items that would be auctioned, some placing prebids.  Once the clock 'chimed' noon, action began with action certainly lively on those that caught the eye of bidders. 

The size, shape, variety of pieces appealed to different interest.  There were close to 300 opportunities to bid, all due to the generosity of Kitimat and Terrace businesses, and some from as further afield, out of town accomodations, Via Rail passes, and, why not, a ticket with Hawkair.  And then there was the stunning diamond necklace from Cooks Jewellers.  What an impressive list of auction items!   

 All of us in Rotary send our sincere thanks to the many businesses who so generously gave their support to this Rotary year's auction.  Some $17,000+ was generated after all expenses paid.  These funds will be used to support projects here in Kitimat, scholarship, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Museum in a Classroom, Peace Day celebrations, immediately come to mind.  We also support international projects like the reforestation project in Uganda, a container shipment of medical equipment to the Philippines, and Polio Plus.

 Again, our sincere thanks to local and out of town businesses for your support. 

The children at Kildala Elementary celebrated their achievement as our community's first peace school on June 21st.  Members of our Kitimat council were on hand for the occasion as well as representatives from our club.  Students gathered in front of the Peace Pole, one class holding Pinwheels for Peace, to mark this happy occasion.  The pole was imprinted by Nicholas Sluyter, Mount Elizabeth Secondary School's woodworking teacher and donated by Orlando and Luiza Couto.  Each student was given a peace bracelet with the words "Give Peace A Chance" imprinted on it.   Thanks to a District of Kitimat Grant, the students enjoyed a visit to our pool the following day, an well deserved treat for this fine students.  Our Rotary Club would like to recognize Agnes Casgrain, school principal, along with her staff, for their outstanding efforts for peace in their school.  The school was also presented with a plaque that will be held in the school to mark their accomplishment.

Linda Campbell chaired  our Rotary committee for this.  The pole is beautiful. 

June 6th, saw the members of the Vancouver Men's Welsh Choir perform in Kitimat on two occasions, an afternoon concert for Kitimat elementary school students and the evening performance.  Rio Tinto Alcan was the major sponsor for performances on this northern B.C. tour of the choir.  Our Rotary club was the local sponsor, providing the fellows with refreshments during the intermission.  The music was a joy to listen to, filled with a love of singing, and smiles on the faces of listeners and performers alike.  The choir was joined for the final song by our Mount Elizabeth Secondary School Glee Club--the song--Let There Be Peace On Earth.  This song is used in Rotary as our official Peace Song.

Our April 19^th meeting was a celebration as we welcomed our newest member Edwin Empinado.  The induction ceremony was read by past presidents, Gareen Ball, Lynda Rocha, Robin Lapointe and I as this year’s president.  We are indeed fortunate having Edwin’ joining us as our fifth new member of the Rotary Club of Kitimat for this year.     We know he brings an enthusiasm for service and happiness in living that is contagious.

Welcome again Edwin!     

Lyle McNish, Bryan Salsbury, Jo Ann Hildebrandt, Margaret Warcup and Eleanor Kendell attended the Saturday District Assembly.  This year our incoming District Chair Hans Doge decided to do things differently.  Lesley Erasmus called a few of us to ask if we would facilitate different modules of the workshop.  Hans was a fountain of Rotary knowledge something that helped to make the sessions great.  Participation was the order of the day.  Many thanks go to Lesley for all the work she did organizing the Assembly.  Kudos also go to our club Rotarians who took the two days to attend this and the Future Vision workshop.

Our April 12^th meeting featured Louise Avery from the Kitimat Centennial Museum speaking on a subject that is valued by all of us, the Museum in a Classroom program.  Our Rotary Club if Kitimat has been a proud supporter of the program since its inception.  Eileen Hutson is the artist that facilitates these opportunities for children.  Teachers book sessions through the museum.  The students learn to create artwork using different materials, charcoal, watercolors, and pencil crayons as examples.  These supplies are of premier quality.  As such the costs to provide them are significant. 

Each year the three Rotary clubs in our area join together to host an evening of fun and lively bidding to raise dollars for our Rotary Foundation.  The hosting of the event moves from club to club.  This year we kicked up heels to country music on the dance floor of the Skeena Valley Golf Course. 

A large crowd was on hand with a good many cow gals and guys dressed to the nines.  One fellow even carried his lasso and was set to ride, chaps and all.  Gerry Martin made the evening that much more fun as our auctioneer. 

 Zelda and Steve Kietzmann sat with Jo Ann, Bryan and I.  They are from South Africa, a place in this world that Jo had visited.  My there were stories to tell.  Steve was a youth exchange student with the Terrace Club some years back. 

Kudos to our club's president elect Bryan Salsbury for moving his body so well in the Macarena.  The appetizers served were EXCELLENT.   We expect the dollars generated from the auction should be quite high, all in aid of our Rotary Foundation.

We look forward to 2012 and another evening of memorable Rotary fellowship!

Edwin Empinado shared his experiences during his visit home to the Phillipines where he met with Rotarians from his country who coordinated the containers move at their end.  Highlights in his photos were the children with the computers in the makeshift classroom; the smiling faces of so many Pilipino people with many different items that they would be putting to good use in hospitals, schools and more.  Remarkable also was the photo of the area filled with items that actually went into the container.  It was good to hear how the Rotary World Help Network (RWHN) took care of this inventory.  Edwin was certainly impressed.   Finally there were the huge banners for RWHN and our Rotary Club of Kitimat there for all to see.

It was great having Art and Leslie Erasmus join us for our Fireside on Friday.  I know of no Rotarians who can tell a better story about the Rotary Foundation that they do.  Art is a fountain of knowledge about our Foundation.  Not wanting to bog us down with details, he shared the reasons for his personal commitment, also highlighting the accomplishments of Polio Plus.  Of course, Lesley brought the personal touch to the story, the joy of seeing water spouting from the water well, the children’s love generously given, and more. 

Brandi Thornton, adult literacy coordinator, was our guest speaker at our March 20^th meeting.  Now located across from the Bank of Montreal, the new home for the Kitimat Community Service Society’s literacy program is brightly painted and welcoming. Both the staff and the public are happy with the new location.  We were told how their programming is now much broader than reading, writing and arithmetic.  The organization has programs at Delta King Place, and the senior’s centre.  

Rob Eby and Casda Thomas were our guest speakers at Tuesday’s meeting.  As expected, their message about the RYLA Lakelse camp experience for our youth was excellent.  During their presentation, a question went out about Dragon Boats, doing this again this year, was there anyone in our club who was a Dragon Boater?  Hands went up from both sides of the table. 

Our president-elect, Bryan Salsbury, has now returned from the Rotary training sessions for incoming presidents. PETS was held in Seattle: some 800 plus president-elects were in attendance   The three president-elects from our region (two from Terrace) travelled together.  In true Rotary fashion, good fun was the result.  Bryan describes the workshop sessions as informative, plenary sessions inspiring with excellent motivational speakers, and the District 5040 hospitality room as one to remember.  He was particularly inspired by a video that was show of our new Rotary International President's message for this year.  RI president, Kaylan Banerjee. is from the Rotary Club of Nai, Gujarat, India.  Reach Within to Embrace Humanity is the theme for Rotary's 2011-1012 year.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF KITIMAT'S

FOUR WAY TEST PRINT 

Rotarian Lynda Rocha shared the story of the Rotary Club of Kitimat Four Way Test Print at our February 1st meeting. how It began, how long it has been going for, how many prints we have sold and have left, and the wording in the original agreement between Haisla artist, Mervin Windsor and the Rotary Club of Kitimat.  The club is not quite half way with the sale of the prints (400 prints were made).  Anyone interested in reading more about the prints can check the downloads for the print to the left of this story on this website.

Our Valentine's Social on Friday the 4th was a great evening!  Prizes were fun, particularly the googley Valentine red glasses with heart ‘earrings’ dangling down.  It was FUN cheering everyone on as they either strummed the guitar are rattled away on the drums.  And then there was the good natured laughter for dancers and singers.  No question is was a super evening.    Thanks to Linda Lester for taking care of the organization and all the fun prizes. 

The evening of Saturday, January 29th saw the Community Room at our Riverlodge Community Centre filled with some 180 happy wine tasters.  The atmosphere was upbeat and the room colorful. Wine tasters soon were laughing and sharing stories--how their palettes did (or did not) enjoy each of the wines that were showcased.  This year's wines were from Italy, Venezuala, Spain and South Africa.  Appetizers were plentiful and well received.  One again, the chocolate fountain was a hit.  Winners of the draws for the theme baskets and the quilt were thrilled to be taking them home.  All in all it was an excellent evening.  Proceeds for the evening have now been tallied.  We are pleased to be able to say they are excellent, a little higher that $2600.00  Sincere thanks to to all those who supported our clubs efforts with this fundraiser. 

December 7th found all of our members heading out into the snow with Santa hats and song sheets to sing Christmas songs in Kitmat.  We visited the Super Valu, Overwaitea, Kiwanis Village and Delta King Place. 

It was certainly fun and well received by everyone who heard our music!

Books for Babies

Karin Grossman came out to our meeting on November 21 to tell us all about a program Kitimat Public Library facilitates—their Books for Babies.  Small books are given to mothers for reading to their babies when they leave Kitimat General Hospital with their newborn child.  We learned that reading to an infant does build a strong foundation tied into their ability to learn and their  

developmental skills.  In the past, funding for this project came from government sources.  With cuts to literacy programs funding, the program no longer receives government support.   The library is looking for financial support from clubs or organizations in Kitimat so they will be able to continue the program.

More than just soldiers to remember…

Art Erasmus , former District 5040 District Governor, shared a thought provoking and touching story at our meeting just before Remembrance Day.  It was of a mother fleeing with six children, a 16 year old girl, and the advancing troops close on their heels.  There was a profoundly difficult decision that she had to make, and a need for strong determination  and love as she labored on. The story made us all realize how families, through no fault of their own, were hurt by the atrocities of war.

All of us send congratulations to Jeff Sherstabetoff, Bryan Salsbury, and Lyle McNish, the newest members of our Rotary Club of Kitimat.  Our very best wishes go to them for a rewarding time in our club.  We are looking forward to having them as players on our team.

The 2010 Rotary International Convention in Montreal

We were previleged to hear Brian Downie’s stories from the the June Convention on Tuesday. The kick off to his presentation was probably the number one passion for Brian, Polio Pluls and the inroads that have been made toward its eradication in the world.  Our partnership with the World Health Organization is succeeding.  The next story was about a woman that Brian said we all would admire, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.  Her understanding of and dedication to resolving conflict on a global level is one to be revered.  Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, a man who has built schools in the remotest parts of Pakistan for children’s story came next.  Greg’s reasoning is if we can educate children, particularly girls, we will be starting them off with learning that will make a difference in their lives and those of their future families.  Some 14,000 Rotarians attended the convention.  This in itself had an unforgettable impact on Brian, a testimony to the commitment of Rotarians from all parts of the world to come together in fellowship.  If we every get an opportunity go to to an internatonal convention, Brian says “go”.  They are a memorable and inspiring expereince.

ACT Telethon

Service Above Self came into action at the Sunday airing of this year’s telethon for several Rotarians.  Margaret Warcup chaired this year's telethon.  Linda Lester check off the acts as they came in for rehearsal, JoAnne Hildebrandt was in the backroom “counting out the money”, and Eleanor Kendell helped with decorations, Lynda Rocha was there supporting as well.  The auction funds came in around $42,000, very well done indeed.  Another year to say thank you Kitimat.

Harold Danilkewich – speaker at our October 19^th meeting

Our 2010 Rylarians from RYLA Lakelse, Carly Roberts, Sarah Khan, Joshua Alcaserba and Navjit Pannu shared their experiences at RYLA and what stories they were! They certainly were challenged in many ways, from writing and singing their teams RYLA cheers, to making use of a carpentry talent, in many cases having an electric drill in their hands for the first time. Team banners were created and of course team names chosen.  Lots of color and all very different.  It seemed the hot water ran out in the showers so cold was an unwelcomed happening.  Without questions the youths had FUN.

September 21, 2014 brought a welcome change to Kitimat – SUNSHINE.  Yes, we were able to head outside for the Human Peace Sign photo with short sleeved shirts and no rain gear.  This was our 6^th year to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace here in Kitimat and what a celebration it was.

Partnering with the Kitimat Public Library was outstanding!  Virginia Charron, Library Director, applied for and received a grant from Veterans’ Affairs Canada, allowing us the opportunity to bring two outstanding entertainers to Kitimat; Phyllis Wheaton and Tom Poole from Calgary.   Phyllis is the author of In the Mood for Peace a remarkable story of a Canadian Peacekeeper Soldier deployed to remove land mines, his death by a freak accident, and the little dolls he gave to children in war torn lands.  The story grew with the little dolls.  Today 1000s of Canadian women make Izzy Dolls which are sent to give comfort to children where they are needed.   Their performance told the story with Powerpoint pictures, songs and the simple telling of tale.

 The day showcased a Flash Mob orchestrated by young women from the Dance Kitimat involving children from this year’s Kitimat Peace School, St. Anthony’s.   Louise Barbetta said a welcoming prayer recognizing the Haisla Nation, our Mayor Joanne Monaghan spoke, we were touched by the singing of a children’s choir, Jamie Marcial’s band’s  music was savoured by all of us, youth’s from the Girl Guides of Kitimat and also Kitimat schools carried the flags of nations.  The event was also accompanied by muffins, hot chocolate, face painters and also some special door prizes.  

Many people made the day what it was.  Mayor and council for the use of Riverlodge’s gym, Susie Smeader. Hueylin Guizzo, the students from St. Anthony, Dance Kitimat, Dwight Magee for taking the peace sign photo, James Marcial the video, Leavitt Machinery, Daudet Contracting, the Library staff and many more.  Those of us in Rotary who championed the day, Linda Campbell and myself send our sincere thanks to our other ‘committee member’ Virginia for moving this salute forward.  

Eleanor Kendell, chair, 

Rotary Club of Kitimat Peace Committee

This year will see Kitimat marking the United Nations International Day of Peace at Riverlodge.  Start time is 2:00 in the afternoon.  We will look forward to welcoming guest entertainers, Phyllis Wheaton and Tom Poole from Calgary, AB.  Phyllis is the author of In the Mode for Peace, the story of a United Nations Canadian Peacekeeping soldier who was killed when he and his fellow soldiers were attempting the removal of land mines in Croatia.  It is the story of the Izzy Doll and the impact on our world's children who so need caring, a remarkable story.  Phyllis and her band have traveled the world with their music.  We are fortunate to have them with us on Peace Day.  Credit goes to Veterans Affairs Canada for financial support and the vision of our Kitimat Public Library's administration for their being with us.  We'll finish with the making of our 6th Kitimat Human Peace Sign.  Hot chocolate and goodies for all!

We heard from Gillian Venman, Community Link Worker and Mount Elizabeth Principal, Janet Meyer at our November 19th meeting.  Support for the school's Between the Cracks Food program  has been encouraging.  At the end of the day, every dollar donated to the program is spent.  Effort is also made to keep costs down while ensuring students are eating 'healthy food choice' foods.  There are some 36 students who take advantage of the program.  We have supported this program previously and hope to do so again. Left to right, Janet Meyer, Margaret Warcup, Gillian Venman, Cheryl Rumley and Joann Hildebrandt.

Past District Governor Art Erasmus joined us for our November 5^th meeting as we began Rotary Foundation Month.  We learned about ways to make a difference through the Rotary Foundation.  

We learned that Rotary International serves over 33, 000 Rotary clubs Worldwide. Rotary Foundation serves by giving, collecting and dispersing funds in six areas to serve the world. They are: Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing clean water, Saving mothers and children, Supporting education and Growing local economies.  We also enjoyed hearing about a Bee Project, Bee Keeping in Ethiopia. This is being championed by Art with the support of  his club, the Rotary Club of Terrace.  The goal is to receive financial support by partnering with other clubs in our District in an application tied into this project for a Rotary Foundation grant. 

August 24 was a big day for our Rotary Club!

Mathew Stephen, Jeff Wilken, Kevin Minaker. and Brian Wakita spent the morning moving giant rocks. 

 The guys from Wakita Construction Limited arrived at the site  at 9:30 with Brian already at the controls of an excavator.  Two rocks were there for us to see, stacked on top of one another, most impressive but too curvy for easy placement of the plaque.  Others were selected, moved into trial placement, and finally we were happy, this will look well.  Brian then loaded them onto a flat deck, guided by the guys.  We had picked two sitting rocks, one larger for adults, one smaller for children, the big rock and smaller rocks to support it.  Then down to Centennial Park to move them into place.  A second excavator, smaller than the first one, was used to move the rocks up over the lawn.  Protection material was laid before the tracks to offset any possible damage.  The process continued with the huge jaws of the machine able to hammer rocks into place.  Here is the end result.  Smiling faces of all the guys.  Rotarian Robin Lapointe orchestrated this exercise from Rotary's end, with Margaret Warcup, Brad Hildebrandt and Eleanor Kendell on hand to add their help where needed.

All of us in the Rotary Club of Kitimat send our sincere thanks to them.  What a great team!  This is a huge in-kind donations to the club and it is so appreciated!  Thank you Wakita Construction Limited.

 Our Christmas brunch at Lynda Rocha's was WOW - special.  Great fun, lots of delicious food, silly gifts, yes, so many laughs.  What a nice memory of Rotarian's having a good time together.  We were particularly blessed to have Ava and Lucca, our Queen Lucy's two children with us.  So impressive having you with us Lucy - Ava, was is just a week old?  She is a beautiful new member for your family.  Of course, Lucca stole the show again.

An added unexpected happening ended the day, Lynda presented Eleanor with a Rotarian of the Year recognition, a lovely hand etched wooden box created by Heidi Born.  Here we all are smiling happily together!

After Joanne's presentation we were inspired to group together this shot, our We are This Close to ending polio now.

 Councillor Rob Goffinet accepted the framed Peace Declaration, signed by all members of council and Rotary Club of Kitimat, at a recent District of Kitimat Council meeting.  Eleanor Kendell made the presentation on behalf our Rotary Club

SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

Awakening to heavy rains, the day did not look promising!  And the rain continued on.  Good news came mid afternoon when the fellows were setting up the trailer.  The tents went up, rain now reduced to a steady drizzle, with small glitches addressed by the boys taking care of the stage.  A couple of hours later the stage was ready for our musicians to take over.

The Sikh Temple fellows arrived with their delicious samosa and more, and soon the Filipino ladies were on hand with their kabobs.  Families started arriving for food and the good feeling of Peace Day began  The Peace Doves mini parade started off promptly at 6:45 .  The doves were 'carried by Girl Guides and their leaders.  What a joy it was to follow the Spirit of the Kitlope Dancers as they led us in our parade around Riverlodge.  Where drumming motivates!  When we arrived at the stage, the music was playing.  John, Nadia and Susie were out again this year.  Mayor Monaghan was on hand to give thoughts from the United Nations president and also wishes for peace that come from our community.  Our Rotary Rylarians (youths who  have attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camps) read the meanings behind the letters of PEACE and also the 4Rs of the Rotary Peace Credo.  Then we heard from our Rotary president, Bryan Salsbury.  Bryan talked about our international theme for this year, Reach Within to Embrace Humanity and its fit with our Kitimat Club's vision to make Kitimat a Rotary Peace Community. 

 And there were balloons galore again this year.  Many smiles on the faces of young and old alike.  After picking up our balloons from our Rylarians, we moved across the parking lot to where the human peace sign markings had been laid out on the ground by the fellows from the Masons.  They moved us into position, we listened for the word from photographer, Dwight Magee up in the bucket truck, and soon the word went out, three, two, one, go.  Such a sight to see them fly up so quickly. And our firemen were out again this year to cheer us on!  

When all was done, we passed our handshakes or hugs for peace.  And the wish went out - MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH. 

For more photos of Peace Day please view our photo album.

What's that saying?  Better late than...

With vacation time, business commitments out of town and more, our club found itself doing our installation of officers far later than originally planned.  Still, the occasion was an impressive one.  We gathered at the City Centre Motel, room provided thanks to Lynda Rocha.  The lasagna was "the best", great salads and desserts, not surprising made by Rotarians.  Lesley Erasmus, our Area Governor, officiated at the ceremony.  Sworn into office were, Margaret Warcup, President, Robin Lapointe, Secretary, Lyle McNish, Treasurer, Cheryl Rumley, President Elect, Eleanor Kendell, Director of Public Relations, Jo Hildebrandt, Director of Club Administration.  Gareen Ball was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.  The star for the evening was, once again, young Lucca, Lucy Zanardo's son.  What a delight to have him with us!  Unfortunately missing from the evening was Bryan Salsbury, our past president.  With the heavy snowfall on the Terrace-Kitimat highway, he was in an accident where his truck was completely totalled.  The good news is he came out of it with headaches and scratches but no serious injuries and is now back pretty much fully recovered.

What a beautiful day to have Hans visiting our community!  August the 9th was spectacular!  Hans had an opportunity to see a little bit of our community and the different projects that our club has done.  Hans was taken out at Hospital Beach Park, a spot where our club has held picnics.    We moved on to the Rotary Gazebo in Centennial Park.  During the summer the two gazebos were painted by youths from a group called SHARE, a project coordinated by the Baptist Church.  The youths were a happy lot to work with and certainly dedicated to sharing. 

We gathered at Robin Lapointe's home for a barbeque, and yes we had fresh caught salmon on the grill.  Our Area Governor Lesley Erasmus along with her husband Art joined us from Terrace.  Hans shared some humorous stories and certainly an inspiring message.  Memorable was a Rotary challenge, one we all are aware of, the Bill Gates initative and what Rotarians are doing to match it.  Hans also encourage to not be afraid of change, essentially to consider anything and everything that will advance our organization, its membership and its value to everyone.  We were credited for all the work we have done as a club and told his 'door is open any time'.  All we have to do is 'knock'.

The evening was brightened with a visit from young Lucca, Rotarian Lucy Zanardo's new son.   Not surprisingly, his visit caught everyone's attention. 

Thanks go to all Rotarians for bringing along delicious salads, desserts and appetizers. 

KITIMAT – THE THIRD ROTARY PEACE COMMUNITY IN CANADA

(CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY PEMBERTON ON SEPTEMBER 22^nd)

Roger Cram was the first speaker at the Rotary International Peace Summit back in 2008.  Reading the program before leaving Kitimat I wondered where Modeling Future Heroes would take us.  The answer—a voyage of learning and rewarding experiences.  Today I have three of the 14 Attributes of Heroes for Peace in front of me that Roger sent along at my request. They are on the wall above my desk—Perseverance, Change and Vision.  All three have cheered me along the way.   It is “Vision” , however, that gave our Rotary Club of Kitimnat the goal, gave us the stepping stones, and in its pursuit gave us success. 

Here is Roger’s quote for vision:

 (Vision) Envision things as wonderful as they can be, not as they are, and then strive to create positive change toward these envisioned goals. All great accomplishments started as a vision that others could not see.

On September 21^st, 2012, our Rotary Club of Kitimat saw a vision for peace brought to us by other Rotarians at that Summit—Rotary Peace Communities—become a reality.  Kitimat is now a Rotary Peace Community. 

Our Rotary Peace Community Declaration Agreement is signed by Mayor Joanne Monaghan, Councillor Mario Feldhoff, Councillor Edwin Empinado, Councillor Ro Goffinet, Councillor Corinne Scott, Councillor Philip Germuth, and Councillor Mary Murphy.  Signing for our club are our President Margaret Warcup and Peace Committee Chair, Eleanor Kendell. 

In the agreement we have pledged to each other that we will promote “Peace, Understanding and Goodwill” between people residing here and in communities around the world, by making the following resolutions:

Share our time and material resources in a spirit of generosity to put an end to exclusion, injustice and, political and economic oppression;

Promote consumer behavior that is responsible and development practices that respect all forms of life and preserve the balance of nature on the planet;

Contribute to the development of our community, with the full participation of all people and respect for democratic principles in order to create solidarity together.

Rotary Community Peace Credo

Respect for cultural diversity, and the life and dignity of every person,

without discrimination or prejudice;

Rejection of violence towards all people in all its forms;

Resolution of conflict within local and global communities;

Reconciliation of differences in the pursuit of harmony.

In spite of windy weather, the evening ran smoothly.  Smiling faces were everywhere, music filled the air with a delightful children’s choir adding their charm and talent.  The Spirit of the Kitlope dancers lead us out of the theatre for the making of our fourth Kitimat Human Peace Sign.  Our two giant peace doves, made by following Jane Goodall’s pattern from Roots and Shoots, were also front and centre.  There were excellent messages from our MLA Robin Austin, Shelley Bolton speaking for the Haisla Nation, our Mayor Joanne Monaghan and Rotary president Margaret Warcup.  The evening finished off by everyone sharing a peace handshake with friends around them and the singing of Rotary’s “Peace Song” Let There Be Peace On Earth.

Thanks go to so many Kitimat businesses, organizations and people for making the evening a success.

For the end Rotary Peace Community result, long distance thanks go to Rotarians from afar who answered our peace questions, peace school questions, cheered us on.  First to Anna Jurak, who chaired the committee that saw Windsor become a Peace Community.  and Jennifer Jones, chair of the 2008 Peace Summit (Windsor ON).  To Roger Cram, who shared all 14 attributes with me and allowed me to use portions of his PowerPoint when we started this all off.  And then via e-mail Geoffrey Little (Wagga Wagga, Australia), the fellow who started Peace Cities rolling and his definition for the letters of P E A C E  Jeffrey Reiss, (Koh Samui Thailand), who I first found with his website for Rotary Peace Communities, a fine Rotary Peace Ambassador.  (both Jeffs are now friends now that I’ve met them at the Bangkok Conference) to Dean Rohrs, who was the District Governor that encouraged us to go to the Peace Summit. For this I will always be grateful.  Bob Blacker, Penny Offer and Hans Doge (Vancouver BC), Rebecca MacPherson (Quesnel BC), all District 5040 Governors, excellent supporters for this peace initiative, Wilf Wilkinson, (Woodstock ON), Rotary International President at the time of the summit and the fellow who tells me “Go for it” and does it with his infectious smile, Roger Cram (Hiram, Ohio), I’m already mentioned Roger, Bashir El-Khalafawi (Parksville BC), how also started me on our way with Parksville’s Peace story—the first Rotary Peace Community in Canada, Pramila Sinha (Edmonton AB), who, along with husband Shall, a Peace Model sharing her personal inspiring stories  Nancy Wilson (Prince Rupert BC) and Lesley Erasmus (Terrace BC), our Area Governors during this time and  most recently Kalyan Banerjee (Vapi India)

Eleanor Kendell

Chair of the Rotary Club of Kitimat Peace Committee

With the help of our Rylarians and members of the MESS Glee Club, Rotary flew two Peace Doves in the July 1^st Parade.  Everyone was in good spirits in spite of the rain.  It was great having friends cheer us on as we walked and also humorous to overhear the doves called BIG BIRDS and even parrots.  But there were many who called out Peace Doves.    A big thank you goes to Bonnie Rendell for making the frames for their heads, also to Lois Godfrey for her work sewing sheets together and drawing out a template.  Margaret Warcup and Eleanor Kendell had fun sewing or pinning their bodies and wings in place the day before the parade.  Robin Lapointe did the "Join us on September 21st" sign to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace.  There is a potential for having our doves in the Riverboat Days parade in Terrace.  Our Rotary pals there have expressed interest.

Lesley Erasmus, our 2011-12 District 5040 Northwest Area Governor came from Terrace to present the pins to our incoming board members and lead them in the installation formal procedure.  And we are:

President – Bryan Salsbury

Secretary – Luci Leite Fossl

Treasurer – Lyle McNish

President Elect – Margaret Warcup

Past President – Eleanor Kendell

Director of Membership – Cheryl Rumley

Director of Club Service – Jo Ann Hildebrandt

Director of Administration – Lynda Rocha

Director of Foundation – Eleanor Kendell

Director of Public Relations – Josh Callahan

We were treated with pasta done by Lucy and her Mom, an indulgence that we always delight in, salads and deserts organized by Margaret with everyone pitching in to help with setup and takedown.  Credit goes to Luci and Gareen for taking care of all the many

details that went into the preparations that made this evening such a success.  It was delightful having Sara Weeres on hand to play the piano for us.  Then add to this the Curry in a Hurry dance that included Navjit and Harjit Pannu, what talent in our youth.  All three are Rylarians. Rotarians joined us from both Terrace clubs.  We also welcomed several guests from our community and friends.  It was our honor to have Mayor Joanne Monaghan in attendance. We wish the incoming executive every success as we move into our new Rotary year!

June 28^th saw many of us at Radley Park for a very special occasion, Josh Callahan’s induction into our club.  The ceremony was read by past presidents Robin Lapointe and Lucy Zanardo along with president Eleanor Kendell.  The words are meaningful, very much a reflection of Rotary, what it stands for, and a sincere welcome to Josh as he joins our ranks.  Of course, we enjoyed great food and a happy atmosphere.

Sparked by a request for help from our committee organizing the VMWChoir's visit, members of Kitimat Arts for Youth were inspired to think, why not see if we can have an Arts Festival?  From this, ideas flew via e-mail, meetings were held, and the organization began.  There would be a dance performance, MESS school play, music, performance. a display of drama costuming from On Cue, readings and more at the museum, A display of children's art work and also one for secondary school students, an opening reception, finishing off with an evening with the Naden Band.  Many thanks go to Bechtel and the District for their strong support.  This first ever happening was a fine success.  We look forward to a 2nd Arts Festival in 2012.

November 26th's Rotary Auction found many enthusiastic bidders out to our storefront location across from Big Jim's Spirit Store.  The bidding was energetic, particulary on popular items.  Margaret Warcup, chair for the auction says profits were around $10,000, a sum that will be used to support several ungoing initiatives in Kitimat.  Notable among these are scholarships for youths, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Kitimat Arts for Youth, the United Nations International Day of Peace, Rotary Peace Schools, and Museum in a Classroom.   We also support the Rotary Foundation, and have been part of  projects in Uganda, Mexico, Ethiopia and Haiti.  We recently sent a container to the Phillipines through the Rotary World Help Network.  The idea for the project to send dental equipment to the Phillipines came from Edwin and Doris Enpinado and was chaired by Rotarian Lynda Rocha. 

The members of our Rotary Club send sincere thanks to all the businesses and individuals who gave so generously with auction items and financial support.  It is this help that allows us to contribute to our community and the world beyond

What great food! What great company! And excellent story telling.  Although our numbers were few on the 27^th, I must say it was a fine time together.  Sincere thanks to Linda Lester for arranging the evening.  We were treated with chrysanthemum on the tables, delightful lime green and turquoise blue tableware—such a nice atmosphere.  Rylarians Ting Ya Guizzo and Maytel Runions joined us giving us a chance to catch up on their year away at university and plans for the future.  Don Lester and Doug Rumley were also out for the picnic.

New officers begin their year

Secretary Bonnie Spry, Foundation chair, Luci Leite Fossl, Club Administration Chair, Linda Lester, Membership Chair, Cheryl Rumley,Service Project Chair, Lucy Zanardo, President-elect, Margaret Warcup  and president, Eleanor Kendell--all for a one year slate, along with  Treasurer for two years slate Jo Ann Hildebrandt and showed their commitment to the Rotary Club of Kitimat when they took their oath of office.