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End Polio Now!

Posted by Jim Purcell on Nov 25, 2023
 
October 24 is World Polio Day.  Many Rotary clubs in District 5050 and worldwide hold events in October to help generate awareness that the fight to end polio is not over.
 
Polio peaked in North America in 1955 amid an atmosphere of fear and tragedy. Vaccines were finally developed in 1955 to fight this terrible disease, and although vaccination turned the tide, the US and Canada were not polio free until 1979.
 
The fight to end polio globally started with a 1979 Rotary project in the Philippines. This evolved into the creation of Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, which is a partnership of Rotary International, the World Health Organization, the US Center for Disease Control, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation.
 
From 350,000 cases globally in 1988, new cases have been reduced now by 99.9% to under 10. Only Afghanistan, and Pakistan are now reporting new cases from the wild polio virus. Over 20,000,000 children have been saved from the paralysis of polio since 1988.
 
Over US$20 billion has been spent so far on this initiative. Governments provided about US$10 billion, of which USA 50% and Canada 10%. Rotary has donated US$2.4 billion and the Gates Foundation US$6 billion. The spend rate has been about US$1 billion per year for the past 10 years. Thousands of Rotarians have also provided countless days of volunteer time to implement the vaccination programs in dozens of countries.
 
What is the plan going forward? The GPEI has a new Polio Endgame Strategy for 2022-2026 which will require another US$5.3 billion over the 5 years. Eradication is still considered the most cost-effective strategy compared to several other control strategies that were considered. The economic benefits of eradication are expected to exceed US$50 billion. Other benefits include immunization programs, surveillance, disease control, emergency response infrastructure and economic development. Ongoing costs post-2026 for immunization and surveillance are expected to be covered by countries’ internal funding.
 
There are some challenges remaining in the final push to eliminate this disease, including vaccine-derived outbreaks, vaccine shortages, and sustaining government funding. These challenges may slow down but will not block achievement of the goal. There’s no intention to pull back – the risks of doing that are too high. 
 
Rotary’s annual world-wide fundraising goal is US$150 million including the Gates Foundation $2 to $1 match. What can we do to support the cause?
  • Keep learning and educating
  • Keep fundraising
  • Keep donating
  • Encourage political and financial support for the GPEI
 
It’s easy to give! Support the effort year-round by making a recurring gift through Rotary Direct. You choose how much and how often (monthly, quarterly, or annually) and in which currency you want to give — it's a simple and secure way to make a big impact. Visit www.rotary.org/give.
 
 
End Polio Now! Jim Purcell 2023-11-25 08:00:00Z 0

White Rock driver relives marathon Model A Alaska-to-Washington road-trip

Rotarians Dr. R. Lee Harman and Winston Conyers fund-raise to eradicate polio

  • web1_231123-pan-conyersmodela-missvickie_1
Dr. R. Lee Harman (left) and his rookie driver, White Rock’s Winston Conyers, pause for a photo with Harman’s 1931 Model A Ford Victoria, Miss Vicky, at Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. The pair completed the first leg of an Alaska to Mexico vintage road rally in September. (Contributed photo)

 

Is the spirit of adventure dead?

Not if you count a recent epic journey for an epic cause – which has a coda, of sorts, this Saturday at noon (Nov. 25) in White Rock.

That’s when White Rock’s Winston Conyers (of Conyers and Associates/Sotheby International) and Dr. R. Lee Harman will present their experiences – and video – of a marathon road trip earlier this year in a 1931 Model A Ford Victoria.

Their account of participating in an Alaska-to-Mexico rally of vintage cars will be the highlight of a luncheon catered by Red Rose Restaurant at White Rock Elks Club, 1469 George St. (doors open at 11:15 a.m.)

Conyers, a member of White Rock Rotary Club, was privileged to drive Harman’s antique vehicle (affectionately dubbed Miss Vicky) on the 17-day first leg of the trip, from Anchorage, starting on Aug. 28, to Walla Walla, Wash.

Throughout that leg, Conyers, valiantly operating the vehicle’s manual shift system, was cheek by jowl with Harman, as navigator, in the cramped confines of a two-and-a-half-foot driver/passenger compartment.

The minor miracle, Conyers laughed, is that the two Rotarians – rookie driver and seasoned road rally participant – emerged from the experience still friends.

The major miracle is that funds raised by the trip, and by the $50 per ticket luncheon (table of eight for $400) will go to The Rotary Foundation's PolioPlus campaign to end polio once and for all.

In case you felt you misread that, Conyers was swift to confirm that what once seemed impossible is within reach.

“That’s not supporting research, that’s eradication of polio, completely,” he said. “There are eight cases left in the world, two in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan. This could be the year that polio is eradicated.”

READ ALSO: ‘Guarded optimism’ in polio fight

Conyers said successful completion of treatment for the remaining cases will start a three-year countdown in which the World Health Organization will watch for any further outbreaks, before declaring the threat of polio officially over.

Christiana Flessner of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation will also speak at Saturday’s event, and a five-piece jazz band will be on hand to provide a suitably celebratory tone to the proceedings.

Conyers said Harman, who lives near Camano Island State Park in Washington State, is a frequent participant in international rallies held by Rally the Globe, an international society of vintage car enthusiasts, including a 2014 Peking to Paris rally.

“We’d known each other for a few years after meeting at Rotary conventions and I’d mentioned to him that if he ever needed an extra driver for one of his rallies…,” Conyers said.

“The week before the event, he rang me up saying ‘You’re not going to believe this, but…’

“His original driver for that leg had had to drop out, so he asked me ‘do you think you can be in Alaska before next Thursday?’

“I talked it over with my wife, Karen, and she said ‘if you don’t go, you’re crazy – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

With a lot of excitement, and no little trepidation, he flew to Alaska, not quite sure what to expect.

The pride of the rally society, he discovered, is to do as much traveling as possible by side roads, logging roads, and even off-road wherever possible; with special side-trip time trials and driving challenges scheduled along the route.

The aim is to recreate, as closely as possible, the rough and ready adventure of early road travel – with breathtaking scenery (in this case, the mountains and rolling hills of Alaska, the Yukon and north and eastern B.C.) vying for attention with bumpy, unpredictable surfaces and mechanical failures.

It didn’t disappoint on either count, Conyers said, even with two modern support maintenance trucks traveling with the veteran vehicles.

Some 57 different cars participated in two classes, vintage (from the 1920s to the 1940s) and post-war classic cars (up to 1976), with the oldest being a 1925 Bentley owned by a British collector, who had upgraded the original 3.5 litre engine to a 5.3 litre.

Miss Vicky, with her four-cylinder engine (the car’s original 40 hp output has been upgraded to 75 hp by Harman) was among the running to be the slowest, albeit most charming, vehicle competing in the rally.

Time trials are handicapped to take divergence of power plants into account, Conyers said, but Miss Vicky did tend to lag behind the rest of the field.

For Conyers, the biggest challenge, aside from squeezing into the car alongside Harman, was mastering the car’s complicated six-gear manual system, which required much high and low gear shifting depending on the terrain.

“The car’s maximum speed is 60 mph, although we got it to 70 on longer downhill stretches by flooring it; but we were pushing it to the limit,” he said, noting that Harman, a U.S. Navy veteran who also has a pilot’s license, is clearly not lacking in adventurousness or competitive spirit.

“I’m chugging along at a reasonable 57, and he’s like ‘get going!’ – as if we were going to catch up to anybody.”

Ironically, some of the hairier moments of the trip involved figuring out not how to increase, but how to counteract forward momentum, he added.

“We lost our brakes for about 250 km through the mountains,” he said. “We were using the gears to slow down, literally picking out which side of the road would be better to go off, so that we’d only be hitting bushes, not rocks and trees.”

At another point in the trip, at the end of the day, a mechanic’s inspection revealed that an engine mounting bolt had fallen off somewhere – not a very reassuring discovery. Luckily, a closer inspection showed that the detached bolt was not gone, but had merely had lodged itself in a cranny of the engine compartment.

Accommodations organized by the society were first class, however – and Conyers had phoned ahead to Rotary clubs along the route to alert them of their itinerary, which resulted in even greater hospitality in those communities.

That reached a high point in Dawson Creek, where the Rotary Club threw a barbecue for all of the rally participants, with members of the local vintage car club at an antique village in the city.

“On top of that, we needed some welding done on the car and while we’re talking to one of the car guys, a young guy, he said ‘I’m a welder, but I’d need to ask my grandfather if I could use his equipment.’

“The next thing I know, off goes Lee with the kid to fix the car.”

Animal encounters were also common during the trip, he said.

At one point, while Miss Vicky stopped to allow some bears to cross the road, one of them –“the big daddy bear,” Conyers said – stopped and started walking toward the car.

“Luckily, he must have decided we were OK and went back on his way.”

And while Conyers was disappointed they never encountered a single moose between Anchorage and Walla Walla, he was somewhat mollified by seeing a herd of buffalo in Northern Washington.

There’s no doubt he has a host of stories about the trip – enough for the upcoming event and long after.

But would he do it again?

“I’d go in a heartbeat,” he said. “And I think I could persuade Karen to come with me if there was a next time.”

For tickets to the luncheon, send an e-transfer to wrrotarycharity@gmail.com, or for credit card payment call Conyers at 778-908-3377.

Alex Browne - Peace Arch News

White Rock driver relives marathon Model A Alaska-to-Washington road-trip 2023-11-22 08:00:00Z 0

Chuheki Capacity Building Free Sewing Program

Since 2019, Semiahmoo Rotarian Manjit Johal has been leading The Capacity Building Free Sewing Program to empower young girls in the village of Chuheki, India. The project is supported by the Rotary Clubs of Jullundur South, India, and Semiahmoo (White Rock), BC, Canada.
 
This program provides six months of free training in sewing to young women of the village, and following a sewing skill test, graduates are each presented with a manual sewing machine. To date, 33 girls have been trained and presented with sewing machines. Most of the graduates are now working with their sewing machines from their homes or helping in their existing family sewing shops. Some of the graduates also bring piecework from nearby towns to sew to earn extra money. A few girls are working in boutiques. Currently, there are 5 girls in training.
 
The Jullundur South Rotary Club provided certificates of training.to the students, and also presented Rajni Bala a certificate as a recognition of her four years of teaching experience. The teacher and the graduates were all in tears.
In order to make the program self-sustaining, Manjit has taken the first step to move the learning center out of the boutique that it’s in and into an independent space. The new space Is about 20 feet by x18 feet. It is an old shop, with a metal shutter in the front. There is nothing inside yet - it needs, flooring, shelves, and most importantly, washrooms for the girls. The shop is in a good location, on the main road with lots of visibility and it is rent-free. It is hoped that the program will be able to support itself through sales of clothing items produced by the students.
 
Chuheki Capacity Building Free Sewing Program 2023-11-22 08:00:00Z 0

Polio Fundraiser November 25 at Elks Hall

 
POLIO FUNDRAISER!
Join us on November 25th at Elks Hall, White Rock, BC, for a charitable event dedicated to ending polio.
 
The day features a presentation, buffet lunch, and live jazz music, all aimed at supporting Rotary's "END POLIO NOW." initiative.
 
Doors open at 11:15 am at White Rock Elks #431
 
5 piece BAND
 
$50 ticket
 
GET TICKETS:  Send e-transfer to wrrotarycharity@gmail.com
 
For credit card payment: Call Winston Conyers 778-908-3377
 
Polio Fundraiser November 25 at Elks Hall 2023-11-01 07:00:00Z 0

South Surrey-based pickleball club donates $50,000 to non-profit groups

 
Heavy Dinkers feel it’s important to give back to community where they play
web1_231019-pan-heavy-dinkers-donations_1
Heavy Dinkers pickleball club president Sharon Carter with Sources CEO David Young. Their club is donating $35,000 to Sources as well as $15,000 to Ned’s Wish. (Contributed photo)

 

A local pickleball group has been keeping the community in mind when playing the popular court sport.

The Heavy Dinkers pickleball club, who play in the Crescent Park courts in South Surrey, are donating $50,000 to local non-profit organizations, including $35,000 to Sources food banks and Women’s Resource Centre.

The other $15,000 is being donated to Ned’s Wish, a non-profit society that provides medical (veterinary) care for retired military and police dogs.

Heavy Dinkers president and Super Senior Slam pickleball tournament director Sharon Carter said their group just wants to give back to the community where they love playing pickleball. 
 
“Giving back to the community is important, and it’s something we’re able to do,” she said, noting the funds were raised over the past two years, at the Super Senior Slam pickleball tournament, which Carter helps organize each year.

Held every summer, the event attracts pickleball players – all over the age of 50 – to compete in the three-day tournament.

The Heavy Dinkers club decided to donated the funds they raised to Sources because Semiahmoo Rotary is one of their partners, and because they feel Sources is an excellent organization that does exceptional work, Carter shared, while they also feel it’s important for retired canines to be supported, too.

“If you’re a dog handler and your (canine) partner is retired, they’re not covered (for veterinary expenses),” she noted.

Sources chief executive officer David Young was pleased to receive the groups donation.

“I am very thankful for the kindness and generosity of the club,” he said.

“It comes at an important time, as we are working hard to meet the increase in demand for our services. I have now become a pickleball fan!”
 
 
South Surrey-based pickleball club donates $50,000 to non-profit groups 2023-10-17 07:00:00Z 0

Charcuterie On The Pier

Semiahmoo Rotary will be volunteering at this exciting event taking place on 09.02.2023! 
 
Bringing world record charcuterie board to White Rock presents unique challenges. What about the birds? How will the food stay fresh? Sheila’s Catering answers your questions:
 
Sheila’s Catering owners Wes Levesque, and Brant Darling have thought of everything ahead of Sept. 2’s Charcuterie on the Pier, including scaring off seagulls and keeping food fresh!
 
On Saturday, Sept. 2, Charcuterie on the Pier will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest charcuterie board, laying out 500 feet of meats, cheeses and other gastronomic delights on Canada’s longest pier.
 
If you want to be a part of history, tickets are on sale now. And if you want to know how Sheila’s Catering Co. plans to pull it off, find out more below.
 
How will the charcuterie be protected from seagulls?
 
Charcuterie on the Pier has contracted a professional falconer to patrol the area with three trained falcons. Having trained birds of prey on site will help scare off other birds.
“It’s a technique that’s used at Vancouver airport, Granville Island and other places where humans want to discourage birds from hanging around. We’re pretty excited to see it in action!” says Wes Levesque, director of operations for Sheila’s Catering Co.
 
How will the food stay fresh?
 
500 feet of charcuterie is a lot of food, and Sheila’s Catering Co. has plans to keep it fresh for everyone! Food safety is their top priority. “We’ll use ice blankets to keep the charcuterie board chilled, and will uncover the board in sections so that all guests have access to fresh charcuterie,” Levesque says. Visitors will be able to snack in shifts between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and everyone who buys a ticket will get to take home their own personal-sized charcuterie board as a keepsake — one two-foot section of the record-setting board!
 
What if it rains?
 
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, Charcuterie on the Pier will take place on Sunday, Sept. 3. Ticket holders will be notified of the change via email.
 
What’s included in my ticket?
 
All guests will enjoy delicious charcuterie during their designated Tier time, while sipping their favourite beverage and listening to live music. VIP and Tier One ticket holders will get to witness the official Guinness World Record Adjudication, and all guests will receive a souvenir charcuterie board. All net proceeds from the event will benefit Sources Food Banks, Friends of the Pier and the Semiahmoo Rotary Club.
 
Can I attend without a ticket?
 
The public is welcome to celebrate in Memorial Park (at the base of the pier) for an official welcome from Semiahmoo First Nation and Sheila’s Catering Co., plus free activities and live entertainment from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Only ticket holders will be permitted on the pier.
 
To buy your tickets, learn more about the event and find a full list of sponsors, visit charcuterieonthepier.com. Get the latest details in their newsletter, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
 
 
 
 
 
Charcuterie On The Pier 2023-08-29 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary Myth Buster 2023-05-08 07:00:00Z 0
Earl Marriott First Nations Pow Wow March 31 2023-03-31 07:00:00Z 0
RYLA 2023 2023-03-13 07:00:00Z 0

UPDATE - Food-card program raises $500,000 for South Surrey food bank

Posted on Mar 01, 2023

Aaron Hinks photo Sources’ South Surrey food bank volunteer Norm Chess unloads food donations at the food bank Tuesday morning. A food-card program has raised more than $500,000 for the organization.
 

UPDATE March 1, 2023
 
We are approaching the $3,000,000 mark in Food Card sales since we started the program almost 7 years ago! This means the Sources South Surrey Food Bank will have received over $500,000 from this program to date.  Our generous sponsors including Save-On-Foods together continue to contribute over 20% of food card sales to the Food Bank.   Click on this link:   https://sourcesfoundation.ca/help/poverty-relief/rotary-save-on-foods-gift-card-program/
 
 

June 27, 2017  In memory of his late father Henry Block, John Block and his family are going to continue with their food-card program, which raised more than $64,000 for the South Surrey Sources Food Bank in its first year of operation.

“We look at this as a continuing tribute to my dad who was a big-time supporter of the food bank. That was an important part of his life because he was a child during the Depression. He understood homelessness and hunger,” John Block told Peace Arch News last week.

The program was initiated in June of 2016 by Semiahmoo Rotary. To begin the initiative, the club approached Save-On-Foods and asked if the company would sell them food gift cards for an eight per cent discount. The clubs would then resell those cards and forward the eight per cent to the food bank. To double that contribution, the Block family pledged to match the eight per cent.

The clubs, with the help of retailers, the White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society and Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary, were able to sell more than $400,000 worth of food cards from June 2016 to June 2017.

“This is a significant amount for the food bank,” Block said. “The problem is the cost of quality foods is rising because of our weakened Canadian dollar. So a lot of the food donations they get are not quality food, particularly for children because there are over 500 kids registered with the local food bank.”

The program is not possible without the help of Save-On-Foods, Block added.

“An eight per cent discount on a food card is a big discount because the grocery business, as you might know, is a three per cent business. It’s tight. It was very generous of them to do that. They agreed to do it year-round, which was wonderful.”

To honour Save-On-Foods for participating in the program, the Rotary clubs will recognize president and South Surrey resident Darrell Jones as a Paul Harris Fellow on July 27.

Block said the award recognizes people who make “exceptional contributions to the community.” Recipients are not required to be Rotary members.

Jones is currently in England and was unavailable for interview by PAN press time Tuesday morning.

Block said Save-On-Foods has made significant contributions to the South Surrey and White Rock community over the years, and it’s not often the Rotary clubs are able to invite the president of such a major company to one of its gatherings.

“Darrell Jones is a community man all the way and he’s very approachable and he was kind enough to accept our invitation as busy as he is,” Block said.

Block said Save-On-Foods has agreed to continue with the program this year. The structure of the program will remain the same, however, Block said they were able to find nine South Surrey/White Rock organizations – including Rotary – to each contribute one per cent of the total sales.

This year, the initiative will be able to donate 17 per cent of all food card sales to the food bank. The Block family will stay in the initiative by contributing one per cent.

Click to see story on PA NEWS

UPDATE - Food-card program raises $500,000 for South Surrey food bank 2023-03-01 08:00:00Z 0

YAIL 2023 Registration is now closed

YAIL (Youth Adventures in Leadership) registration is closing on February 28.

Do you know a young person that could take advantage of an amazing, life-changing adventure in Surrey BC? Then have them sign up for YAIL!!

Go to the QR code in the poster to get all the details. It's free to participants and is a District 5050 exclusive event!
YAIL 2023 Registration is now closed 2023-02-26 08:00:00Z 0

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medallion

A number of Rotarians from South Surrey and White Rock were among the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medallion yesterday in recognition of their outstanding service to the community. Semiahmoo Rotary Club members Stewart Peddemors and James Purcell were among the honourees.
 
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medallion 2022-07-01 07:00:00Z 0

Installation of 2022-23 Board


 

A great time was had by our club as we celebrated the induction of our new president, Greg Vanstone and the incoming executive team for the 2022-2023 year.

We thank Linda Hensman, Past President and the 2021-2022 executive team for the fantastic work they did during the past year.

Thank you Janine Maclean for the yummy food and Beecher Place for the wonderful view.

And, of course, to all of the Rotarians who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event.

Here's Linda passing the torch to Greg.
Installation of 2022-23 Board  2022-07-01 07:00:00Z 0
YAIL 2022 2022-04-14 07:00:00Z 0
19th Annual Hike for Hospice 2022-03-28 07:00:00Z 0

Friends of SASSY

Posted by Charlotte Morton on Mar 15, 2022
 

Sassy Awards from Allan Baedak on Vimeo.

The SASSY Awards (Service Above Self Surrey Youth) is Rotary’s way to celebrate and honour the fantastic youth who live, work and learn in Surrey and White Rock. Recognizing and engaging exceptional youth in our community honours our core Rotarian values of Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity and Leadership. We are also investing in our future leaders.

The 14th Annual SASSY Awards will take place on May 7, 2024. We will award six $1,500.00 awards along with six $500.00 donations that the award recipient will present to the registered charity of their choice.  This year we will also award 12 finalist awards for $500.00 each along with a $250.00 donation each to the charity of their choice.

As Chair of our “Friends of SASSY” sponsorship campaign, I am reaching out to you to help subsidize the new finalist awards that sponsors were not able to cover this year. Our “Friends of SASSY“ help ensure sustainability of the SASSY program.

Please note that SASSY is not a fundraising event - it is an awareness raiser and a way of engaging our diverse community - from youth who live, work and learn in Surrey and White Rock while serving and volunteering countless hours - to charities that provide important community services for our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Every penny donated to Friends of SASSY goes into our Awards celebration and towards youth programs that continue to nurture young people and the concept of service above self, which is the backbone of what rotary stands for.

Please consider helping us celebrate fantastic youth in our community by being a “Friend of SASSY”. You can e-transfer to semiahmoorotary.treasurer@gmail.com. PLEASE ensure you note in the comments section that this contribution is for Friends of SASSY. Alternatively, you could mail or drop off a cheque to me at my store: Courtesy Cleaners, 139-1959-152 street, Surrey, B.C. (Windsor Square) V4A 9E3.  Please make out the cheque to Semiahmoo Rotary.

Thank you so very much,

Charlotte Morton
Friends of SASSY
Rotary Club of Semiahmoo
charmort@telus.net
 
Friends of SASSY Charlotte Morton 2022-03-15 07:00:00Z 0
Second Annual Lobster Fest Saturday, April 23 2022-03-09 08:00:00Z 0
CANCELLED - 2022 Polar Bear Swim! Jim Purcell 2021-12-22 08:00:00Z 0

Christmas 2021 Atira House & Koomseh House

Christmas 2021 Gifts and Hampers

For over 30 years Semiahmoo Rotary has gathered and delivered gifts and hampers to the young and not so young residents of both Atira House and Koomseh House. The gifts are co-ordinated with Atira and Koomseh and Rotary Elves purchasing , wrapping and delivering gifts and food plus Save-On gift cards.
Beth and Bent with wrapped gifts ready to be delivered.

Charlotte and Ana Maria ready to go!

Bent and Randy with a car full.
Stan and Fraser with Christmas Cheer Baskets (including the baskets!).
Beth and Bent with the Guard Dog Elves.
Christmas 2021 Atira House & Koomseh House Mike Reddington 2021-12-20 08:00:00Z 0

Rotary PolioPlus and COVID-19

Watch this excellent 3 minute video to see how the PolioPlus infrastructure helps in the battle against COVID-19!
 
 
Rotary PolioPlus and COVID-19 Jim Purcell 2021-10-14 07:00:00Z 0

Medical Equipment to Ukraine

Loading medical equipment destined for Ukraine hospitals via Rotary Helps, a Rotary group specializing in shipping goods and equipment from their storage facility located on the grounds of Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam. Semiahmoo Rotarians present were: Steve Frishling, Patty Burt, Randy Myers and Greg VanStone.
Medical Equipment to Ukraine Patty Burt 2021-10-09 07:00:00Z 0

Street Clean Champions

(left to right: Doug Waymark and Bent Nielsen)
 
Street Clean champions Doug Waymark and Bent Nielsen completed their sweep of the King George Boulevard and 32nd Avenue area October 2nd, 2021 with bags and buckets of debris. Just another Rotary community service.
(left to right: Grace Cleveland, Doug Blender, Eric O'Dell, Fraser Drummond, Erin Cleveland)
The rest of the Street Clean group winds up another dirty day!
Street Clean Champions Mike Reddington 2021-10-03 07:00:00Z 0

White Rock Pier Replacement

Photo: (left to right) Bob Bezubiak, Friends of the Pier Committee; Darryl Walker, Mayor of the City of White Rock; Linda Hensman, President, Semiahmoo Rotary Club and Stewart Peddemors, Chair of the Semiahmoo Rotary Pier Committee.
 
Another instalment made to the City of White Rock towards the costs of the restoration and improvement of the White Rock pier from the Friends of the Pier Committee and the Semiahmoo Rotary Club. The pier was damaged in a mighty storm in 2018 and the Friends of the Pier Committee began a fund-raising effort to help offset the costs of the restoration to the iconic pier. The Semiahmoo Rotary Club administers the funds on behalf of the Friends of the Pier Committee. To date, the Friends of the Pier Committee has provided the City with $500,000 towards a goal of $2 million. Efforts are now  focused on selling names on planks of the pier. For further information on donating to this worthy community cause, please go to www.friendsofthepier.com
White Rock Pier Replacement Mike Reddington 2021-09-23 07:00:00Z 0

PRESIDENTS HONOUR ROLL

Club President's Honour Roll

1989/1990

Ken Betts (Charter President)

1990/1991

Brian Curtis

1991/1992

Norm Rutherford

1992/1993

Jane Campbell

1993/1994

Donna Curtis

1994/1995

Dave Aune

1995/1996

Don Carrier

1996/1997

Butch LaRoue

1997/1998

Bob Wood

1998/1999

Nancy Shewfelt

1999/2000

Gordon Newcombe

2000/2001

Roberta Elchuk

2001/2002

Glenn Chalmers

2002/2003

Sherry Fossum

2003/2004

Gerry Swan

2004/2005

Christiana Flessner

2005/2006

Barry Middler

2006/2007

Linda Whitehead

2007/2008

Tom Louie

2008/2009

Janet Perron

2009/2010

Cliff Annable

2010/2011

Lori Chalmers

2011/2012

Kirk Mitchell

2012/2013

Judy McLeod

2013/2014

Darren Mumford

2014/2015

Stuart Kirkpatrick

2015/2016

Steve Frishling

2016/2017

Mary Brunet

2017/2018

Doug Blender

2018/2019

Jim Purcell

2019/2020

Ray Paquet

2020/2021

Patty Burt

2021/2022

Linda Hensman

2022/2023

Greg Vanstone

2023/2024

Doug Waymark

 
PRESIDENTS HONOUR ROLL 2021-07-23 07:00:00Z 0

CHARTER MEMBERS

Semiahmoo Rotary Club of White Rock

was officially chartered on

June 27, 1989 with 30 members.

 

Charter members:

Keith Alton Ken Betts (president)

Jane Campbell

Mary Carrier

Donna Curtis

Vicki Curtis

Brian Curtis

Pierre DesLauriers

Paul Dina

Dixie Edmiston

Warren Ennis

Bob Faris

Jim Fisher

Jay Friesen

Amber Goddyn

Denise Grant

Nancy Hanna (Shewfelt)

Laura MacDonald

Richard Manery

Reni Masi

Helen May

David Mitchell

Grace Morin

Lloyd Niles

Bill Ritchie

Norm Rutherford

Amy Wamsley

Bob Wood

Bill Wickett

Ginny Zink (Harrison)

 
CHARTER MEMBERS 2021-07-23 07:00:00Z 0

Interview with President Linda Hensman

What do you believe will be the greatest challenge you will face as President this year?
 
I’m not sure it will be the greatest challenge as you never know what will come your way, but, right now, it’s the return to in-person meetings. And the reason it’s a challenge is because I see it as an opportunity to possibly change the way we meet - but people don’t like change!  Dealing with COVID has shown us that we are adaptable as a club and ZOOM allowed the engagement of everyone, including those who were not in our area. It was very positive for the club and I’d like to see that continue.
 
Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, almost a century ago, stressed that Rotary would need to change with a changing world.  "The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again".  So, it’s a good time to reflect and see what, if any, change we should make to ensure our meeting format reflects the future needs of our club.
 
What do you see are your highest priorities for 2021-2022?
 
I’d like to explore new fundraising opportunities, grow our membership and promote the great work of our club.  We have some great fundraisers - golf and Lobsterfest, but I have read about so many other creative ways to raise funds and engage members that I’d like time to explore some.  Growing membership is critical too, for the future of the club.  We seek a younger, more diverse demographic, reflective of our community, who are committed to Service Above Self.  Finally, our club does tremendous work but we don’t shine the light enough on our achievements.  The plan will be to increase our social media presence and promote ourselves more! This has the potential to attract new members as well as garnering support (financial and otherwise) for the club.
 
What are the most important goals you want to see the Club achieve this year?
 
We are such a well-organized club that many of our projects just keep going from year to year so those will continue, but I would like us to reflect on how we can grow and enhance these projects so that we have an even greater impact in the communities we serve.  I also hope that we will be able to implement projects which will help our communities but require minimal financial support.  For example, helping seniors with small projects in their homes, mentoring youth, Rotary Days of Service at non-profits, etc.  I would also like to see us engage individuals in our community who are unable to make a full commitment to Rotary at this time but want to support us. The concept of “Friends of Rotary” is something I’d like to explore – people we can turn to if we need help at an event, or would like to buy presents at Christmas for Atira houses, etc. These people may be past or prospective members or individuals who just support the ideals of Rotary.  For various reasons not everyone is able to commit to the club, but we need to harness their enthusiasm for our good work.  And finally, I’d like every member to feel that the great work of Rotary International will inspire them to make a contribution to the Rotary Foundation.
 
What changes do you want to see this year?
 
While administrative matters tend to be boring as well as a challenge in volunteer organizations, it’s critical for a club to maintain it’s records.  So, we have embarked on a project to enhance the use of ClubRunner and our records maintenance. Finally, in addition to achieving the goals I have mentioned, I’d like to see engagement by every club member in some capacity during the year.
 
Interview with President Linda Hensman Linda Hensman/Mike Reddington 2021-07-22 07:00:00Z 0

Past President Patty Burt Reflections

An interview with Past President Patty Burt (2020-21)

Patty, this past year has been “abnormal” for our Club in that we continued to have to meet virtually. While you carried on with the processes implemented under President Ray Paquet, what did you find to be the greatest challenges in your year as President? As an extrovert/Type A personality, I excel at in-person event’s so it was tough being in a 2D world. But as I told members from the start, I was the right person for these times as I am adaptable. Overall, my main concern was trying to keep those existing connections and foster new ones.
 
In the face of so many challenges, looking back on your year, what are you personally most proud of? How this club rose to face those challenges!!! Coming out of the starting block fast in identifying: where, what, when and how we could raise funds for our existing projects and newly emerging needs in our backyard.
 
As you look back over the past 12 months, what do think the Club can be proud of achieving? Too many things to list!!! But I really liked how versatile we were, when presented with a road block or an issue, we just found ways to go over, around or under them.
 
The Club recorded an official attendance record of 75% over this past year. In a year of no face-to-face meetings, what factors do you think contributed to this excellent attendance? To be honest….it’s not that hard to roll out of bed, turn on your computer and click the Zoom link. And with not much else on the go, people were ‘present’ and available to get to meetings, even if it was sometimes from their cars, workplace or ski hill. And looking for that core sense of fellowship in whatever form.
 
And, when we look back, if I am to be remembered as being President for 100% of that time during COVID - I am totally OK with that!!!
Past President Patty Burt Reflections Patty Burt/Mike Reddington 2021-07-08 07:00:00Z 0

Blueberry Sale 2021

The First Annual

 
 
 

Ordering Deadline is July 31, 2021

 

To Order Tickets: 

 
•    Go to this link: BLUEBERRY SALES CLOSED

•    Fill out the entire order form.
•    In the comments section identify the number 10lb boxes wanted and your preferred pick-up time between 1-4 pm (in 15-minute periods).
•    Total your number of 10lb boxes x $30 and pay by credit card as instructed.
•    You will be contacted to confirm your preferred pick-up time.
 

Pick up details:

Saturday, Aug 7, 2021
DRIVE THRU between 1 PM and 4 PM
 
Rotary Field House parking lot at 2197- 148 St. Surrey, BC
 
Information Contact: Stan at scarter@telus.net
 
All proceeds go to Charity - Helping to build a better community!
Blueberry Sale 2021 Stan Carter 2021-06-27 07:00:00Z 0
2021 50/50 JACKPOT PASSES $3000! Jim Purcell 2021-06-06 07:00:00Z 0

Please support the 32nd Annual Semiahmoo Rotary Golf Tournament!

Semiahmoo Rotary's 32nd annual charity golf tournament has been rescheduled to 
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
 
We are proud that proceeds from this year’s tournament will help SOURCES to ensure that much needed Mental Health and Wellness services are delivered to our community. The effects of COVID-19 have had a profound impact on all of our lives, and isolation, anxiety, depression and discrimination can have devastating consequences unless properly addressed. Both Rotary and SOURCES are committed to ensuring that timely and effective support is available to all as we move to overcome these challenges and get on with our lives.
 
We welcome all of you to become part of community wellness by golfing, sponsoring and donating.
 
If you played in last year's tournament, you already know how great a day you will be in for!
  • A day of golf on a beautiful and challenging golf course!
  • Fantastic food and beverages!
  • Contests including Hole-in-One, Longest Drive, KPs and more!
  • Excellent prizes!
  • Each golfer will receive a pair of Nike golf shoes valued at $100, thanks to help from Golf Town!
                                               
  • And a tax receipt for the charitable contribution portion of the fee!
This year's event will be similar to the format we followed for our very successful 2020 tournament. All foursomes will have scheduled start times. Golf carts will be available to rent for an extra fee. While there will be no banquet, there will be a great selection of food and beverages served at various points on the golf course by Morgan Creek's chefs. We will be hosting an online 50/50 draw again beginning on May 15, and a virtual silent auction launching on August 15 with an awesome selection of attractive items for all to bid. The top finishers and contest winners will go home with great prizes.
 
This year's registration fee is $290. So get your foursome together and register today!
 
Note: All player spots are currently spoken for - Use the "register today" link above to be added to the waitlist.
 
Some sponsorship opportunities are still available.
 
We look forward to seeing you!
 
2021 Golf Tournament Co-Chairs
 
Scott 604-671-8524 | Shelley 604-534-2517
Please support the 32nd Annual Semiahmoo Rotary Golf Tournament! Jim Purcell 2021-05-03 07:00:00Z 0
HRH Prince Philip M. Reddington 2021-04-12 07:00:00Z 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s 31st annual Charity Golf Tournament

Update September 9, 2020

What a great day yesterday! Perfect weather, a full roster of golfers, great food on the course, and the prizes! One lucky golfer won a brand new truck!
 
THE EVENT
 



2020 marks Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s 31st Annual Charity Golf Tournament! Over the years the support of our players, sponsors and volunteers has  provided more than $1.4 million to fund many community projects including:

    • Peace Arch Hospice Society
    • Sources Food Bank
    • Sources Community Resource Centres, including DiscoverY and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
    • Peace Arch Free Dental Clinic
    • Women’s shelters and transitional housing
    • Many projects at the Peace Arch Hospital.

One hundred percent of the net tournament proceeds go to to improve the lives of those in need!

We are all dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as best we can.  To ensure we can continue to provide critical community support during this time of greater need, we have decided to proceed with our golf tournament with some necessary changes.  This year’s event has been reformatted to keep all participants safe throughout the day (Covid-19 safety).  While the format may have changed, it will be a great day of golf, fun, and fundraising for everyone.

DATE:  TUESDAY,  SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

TOURNAMENT VENUE:  MORGAN CREEK GOLF COURSE

Situated at 3500 Morgan Creek Way, Surrey

Registration Fee – $275

What the day includes:

8:00 am – 2:00 pm  –  Foursomes Tee Times  (10 minute intervals) 

  • Registration Goodies Package
  • Food & Beverage Stations on the course
    • Smoothie Bar – Blueberries, banana, oranges, pineapple, spinach, mango, almond milk
    • Appetizer Station  
      • Cobb Salad (vegan option)
      • Sweet or savory pastries
    • Mains Stations 
      • Steak sandwich
      • Crab Tostadas
    • Drink Station 
      • Margarita Bar
    • Dessert Station 
      • Ice Cream Sandwich
  • On hole contests with great prizes
  • Team scoring via Morgan Creek App
  • Silent auction with valuable items
  • Prizes awarded to top finishing teams
  • Tax receipt provided on eligible portion of fee

Note:  power carts are available for an additional fee.

Foursomes are welcome or we have players who are ready to team up with you for what promises to be another very memorable event!

Sorry SOLD OUT    https://www.semirotarygolf.com/

 
Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s 31st annual Charity Golf Tournament Jim Purcell 2020-09-09 07:00:00Z 0

Recycling Fundraising Project

ACCOUNT# 604 535 1488 (for the printed labels)
 
The Recycling Fundraising Project is a new and easy way to raise funds for the club.
 
Collect all your returnable containers that provide for a refund.  Put them in a clear plastic bag and take them to an Express Return-It depot for credit.
The recycling depots are part of Encorp Pacific (Canada) who are a federally incorporated, not-for-profit stewardship corporation with beverage management as their core business.
The organization is known across B.C. as Express Return-It.
 
Please sign onto www.return-it.ca  where you can see exactly what products can be returned for credit.  The return-it website will detail the type of product, and the refund amount for each container depending on its’ size.  (*No U.S. products will be credited for refund.)
The process to follow along with important tips are:
  • collect your returnable containers in either a clear plastic bag or a clear blue plastic bag
  • try and place only a maximum of 12 glass returnables in each bag (it becomes heavy for staff and causes breakage)
  • leave all caps and labels on the containers
  • take your bags to an express return-it depot (locations are identified on the website)
  • print off a label from the machine at the depot and stick onto the outside of each bag. The code to use is 604 535 1488
  • you can print off additional labels at the depot to take home for subsequent use or you can also order labels online
  • leave your bags in the appropriate location at the depot and they will be counted by staff
  • There is a limit of 6 bags to be taken in at any given time
Barry Middler will manage the transactions.  Barry will request a cheque from Express Return-It when there is a worthy amount and forward the cheque to Treasurer Doug Waymark.
All funds will be deposited to Semiahmoo Rotary Club and dispersed accordingly by the Board of Directors.
 
Any questions or concerns can be directed to barry@homesteadinsurance.ca
 
Thank you for your participation. 
 
Recycling Fundraising Project Jeff Harrison 2020-07-31 07:00:00Z 0

Protective Face Shields for Health Workers at Care Facilities

 
In the background, a voice clearly said: “I can make face shields”. It was Peter Brear, a member for less than a year and owner of Archer Plastics and Starboard Aeronautical, a company specializing in producing helicopter windshields. The response came during a Zoom meeting of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club when a guest, Joan Apel, President of the South Surrey Rotary Club, said that the Concord Retirement (Seniors Village) facility did not have any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inventory. Brenda Floyd spoke up saying that her mother was in the Concord facility and she was worried about the situation in case the virus found a way into the population there.
 
Thus, began the project to supply emergency inventory of face shields for senior’s care facilities in South Surrey. Nations, provinces, health facilities and businesses were all attempting to secure PPE, and small care facilities could not compete. A survey of care facilities in the area found that four sites needed an emergency supply of face shields for staff in the event of a case of Covid-19.
 
Medical-grade PPE is not something that can be whipped up at the kitchen table. But utilizing a globally accepted face shield template Rotarian Peter Brear put his engineering skills and his industry contacts into full swing and came up with several prototypes for assessment by health staff at the care facilities. After several design “tweaks”, a choice was made and production began. Peter could produce the shields themselves, but the difficult parts were the bumper behind the shield and especially the headband, which had to be made by suppliers in Surrey on 3D printers.
 
At the same time, fiscal reality came home to Peter and the face shields. Initially believing the shields would not cost a great deal, it became apparent that the facilities wanted hundreds of re-usable units and the material cost was nearing $10 per shield.
 
A quick re-think of the project’s financial viability led to asking the facilities to pay one-third of the component costs; requesting financial support from the Semiahmoo Rotary Club and Peter offering to bear one-third of the cost. To reduce costs, once the labour-intensive assembly process began, Peter enlisted his wife and sons to help.
 
 
While this was underway, Semiahmoo Rotary was experiencing the same problems that most charities and businesses were facing. Fundraising ground to a halt during the extended “lockdown” period and revenues dried up. Semiahmoo Rotary had to postpone its annual golf tournament, the major source of club revenues. For the first time since the club was formed in 1989, cash-flow became a problem.   
 
Financial support from the Semiahmoo Rotary was secured on the understanding that the care facilities would contribute to the costs on an equal basis. The four care facilities settled on slightly less than 370 units total and they contributed a combined $1,000 to the costs, while Semiahmoo Rotary and Starboard Aeronautical split the remaining $1,500 indirect costs. Delivery of the face shields was completed on May 11, 2020.
 
What seemed to be a quick and simple solution to a community problem turned out to be much more complex, but that is life in a pandemic. Rotarians are known for tackling big challenges with persistence and intelligence to find solutions.
Rotarians, partnering with health care professionals and care facility staff, helped the facilities with emergency preparedness to combat Covid 19 and keep seniors safe.
 
Protective Face Shields for Health Workers at Care Facilities Mike Reddington 2020-06-06 07:00:00Z 0

Headbands & Facemasks

 
My daughter Courtney and I had been looking for a way to show our thanks and gratitude to front line workers through our small business Stitch Please that makes and sells scrunchies and hair accessories. We saw another business post the Ear Saver Headband, and they were gracious enough to share the pattern with the caveat that they not be sold for profit. We started small and were overwhelmed by the response we received - clearly there was an enormous need to make the lives of our Healthcare workers a little more comfortable. A call for assistance for buttons, fabric and sewers was answered by fellow Rotarians, friends and Instagram followers. 

Enter – Stan Carter, who not only sourced out fabric, buttons and elastic, he even arranged to have the pieces cut out for us – saving countless hours of prep work. All that was left was to distribute the pieces to the other 18 seamstresses and collect them when they were done.
 
Once that was underway, we were challenged to come up with a design for a face mask that didn’t need elastic and would be comfortable for seniors to wear. The pattern was tweaked by Linda Hensman and I until we were comfortable that the design would be practical.

The Helping Hands sewing group from Peace Portal Church agreed to help with this project and took on the task of sewing 100 of them.
 
With the help of many hands, we have distributed over 500 headbands to the community with the bulk of them going to Peach Arch and Surrey Memorial hospitals, and 200 face masks that were distributed to seniors’ homes and to seniors programs through Sources.
 
Headbands (500 MADE)
25 to Eagle Ridge Hospital
250 to Peach Arch Hospital
200 to Surrey Memorial Hospital
25 to Sources

Facemasks (200 MADE)
20 went to Brenda Floyd for her mom’s care home in Kelowna
20 went to Judy H for the seniors in her complex
20 went to Balbir for her distribution to senior neighbours
100 sewn by Good Hands sewing group at Peach Portal Church – went to Sources Seniors programs
40 to Rotarians
 
 
 
Headbands & Facemasks Sharon Crowson 2020-05-25 07:00:00Z 0

19th Annual WINE & DINE

Please note the Semiahmoo Rotary's 19th Annual Wine & Dine has been postponed. Stay tuned for more details.
19th Annual WINE & DINE Allan Baedak 2020-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

ULI'S RESTAURANT

Posted by Allan Baedak on Mar 02, 2020

A culinary staple on the White Rock beach strip for 30+ years! 

 
Once again the Semiahmoo Rotary Club is excited to welcome Uli's to our 2020 Wine & Dine lineup! 

Talk about history! Uli’s has been a staple on the White Rock strip for 30+ years. Starting with Ulrich Blume, where he transformed his travels into the foundation of our eclectic Euro-inspired menu. Those same values have been apart of us over the years.  And now with – his son – Tyson Blume running the show, we’ve evolved into seasonal euro inspired cooking. We take pride in our true farm to table values by sourcing out products throughout British Columbia.

Because of this our menu changes slightly every season, that way our customers get only the best and freshest ingredients.


We don’t just stop at our food. We have an extensive drink list with quirky beers, uncommon wines and pre-prohibition drinks. To top it all off, we love doing tasting events.  Combining our love for food and… well… booze. Check us out often for beer and wine sampling perfectly paired with a four course meal.

Look forward to seeing you at Wine & Dine 2020!

 
 
 
For more information visit: ulisrestaurant.com
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
ULI'S RESTAURANT Allan Baedak 2020-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

COSMOS GREEK RESTAURANT | White Rock

Posted by Allan Baedak
Demetre TheodosakisCosmos has been there since the beginning! Always ready to help make Semiahmoo Rotary's Wine & Dine a massive success. Welcome back for 2020!
 
Cosmos was founded in White Rock 48 years ago by Loula and John Manos. It was one of the first three original Greek restaurants in the lower mainland and the only Greek cuisine featuring live entertainment every Friday and Saturday. Loula was in charge of the kitchen perfecting her Greek recipes while John, whose working career was spent as an auto mechanic, took over as host, welcoming guests with his warm Greek hospitality.

The Manos couple heard through the Greek community about chef Demetre Theodosakis, formerly of Kozmas Greek Restaurant, very famous in Vancouver. At the time, Demetre was also a partner in a Penticton Greek Restaurant called Theos. In 1978 he became a co-owner and partner with the Manos' and brought his expertise and fresh ideas to Cosmos, where he’s now been for 41 years.
 
Demetre was born on the famous island of Crete and has incorporated some of his island’s cooking secrets in his cuisine and strongly believes that there is no substitution for quality.
 
Together with Loula and John, Demetre's creations were exquisite and brought in people from all over the lower mainland and the U.S. The success continued making Cosmos a favourite for all food lovers. In 1980, the opportunity was there for expansion at the restaurant and brought in a successful new era in Cosmos history.

In 1991, Loula and John left Cosmos to pursue different interests and sold their shares to Loula's sister Christina and brother-in-law George Zambus, who became co-owners and partners with Demetre. The restaurant's legacy and success has continued with Christina and George.
 
COSMOS GREEK RESTAURANT | White Rock Allan Baedak 2020-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

JAN's ON THE BEACH

Posted by Allan Baedak
Jan's has been a long time supporter of Semiahmoo Rotary's Wine & Dine and we are ecstatic to have them back for 2020!
 
On March 3, 2020, Jan’s on the Beach celebrated 8 years open of business in White Rock, BC after opening in 2012. Jan’s at the Beach is described as “Seafood and more” with a great selection of dishes, all made in house from scratch.
 
Jane and Gord Wait, the owners of this delightful restaurant across from the White Rock Museum, describes the restaurant opening as the scariest and best thing they ever done – kind of like jumping out of an airplane! The owners extend a thank-you to all of our amazing staff and employees that have made this crazy journey with them!  And they thank all of their restaurant and catering customers that have kept Jan’s in business! Here’s to the next 5 years!
 
The Breakfast Menu includes classic favourites’ like Eggs Benedict, Omelettes with all the extras and more. Breakfast is served from 9 am till 12 pm
 
 The Lunch menu includes our own Pulled Pork sandwich, smoked in house, Panini sandwiches, or our own house-made Clam Chowder that’s becoming a local favourite.  Lunch menu from 12 pm to 5 pm
 
The Dinner entrees include seafood, chicken, pork, lamb and comfort foods. Dinner is served from 5 pm till close.
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information visit: jansonthebeach.ca
JAN's ON THE BEACH Allan Baedak 2020-03-02 08:00:00Z 0
Dancing at the Pier - Massive Success! Allan Baedak 2019-07-30 07:00:00Z 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament! 

Posted by Jim Purcell on Jun 21, 2019

 

Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Morgan Creek Golf Course

2019 marks Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s 30th annual Charity Golf Tournament! Over the years the support of our players and sponsors have provided more than $2 million to fund many vital community organizations and Rotary projects.

Some of these include Women’s Shelters and Transitional Housing, Peace Arch Hospice Society, Sources Food Bank and Imagination Library, Peace Arch Free Dental Clinic and many projects at the Peace Arch Hospital. One hundred percent of the net Sources Sponsortournament proceeds are contributed back to our community to improve the lives of those in need!

This year our Golf Tournament is proud to support a new initiative being launched by  Sources Community Resource Centres called DiscoverY aimed at improving mental wellness in youth and young adults.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association 50 – 70% of mental health illnesses develop prior to age 18. However, it is estimated that only one in four youth in Canada who need mental health services, receive them. These findings are supported by an Adolescent Health Survey where 11% of adolescents reported not accessing services they felt they needed. Through the DiscoverYprogram young people ages 12 to 25 will be able to access barrier-free, no cost counselling services in White Rock and South Surrey.

Our Golf Tournament will also continue to fulfill our pledge of to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in support of construction of Emergency Pediatric Care rooms in the new ER facilities.

With the help of everyone who took part in our golf tournament we are grateful to be able to make a lasting impact in our community!

 
 
Semiahmoo Rotary Club’s 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament! Jim Purcell 2019-06-21 07:00:00Z 0

Pier Restoration Update

Posted by James Purcell, Allan Baedak on May 02, 2019
C
beekebailey / Instagram
 
A major fundraising effort was launched today by  the community-based Friends of the Pier Fundraising Committee to cover a projected $2 million shortfall in funding to rebuild the entire pier following major storm damage that occurred in December, 2018.  The Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock) is represented on the committee and will be facilitating the collection of the funds raised.  Please go to friendsofthepier.com  to learn more about the opportunity to contribute to the effort, and maybe even "own" part of the pier! 
 
**Please Note** The correct mailing address for donations or purchases is:
Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock)
P.O. Box 75361 R.P.O.
Surrey, BC, V4A 0B1 
 
Pier Restoration Update James Purcell, Allan Baedak 2019-05-02 07:00:00Z 0

Earth Day Comes Early

Posted on Apr 21, 2019
 
What a team! In honour of Earth Day 2019, approximately 7,000 baby chinook salmon were released in Quibble Creek in Surrey on Saturday April 20, 2019. The kids were great, the weather perfect and the fellowship absolutely terrific. Many thanks to Ray Paquet and his members from the Semiahmoo Club, for the opportunity to collaborate on this project. And of course, we could not have done it without the support of the kids and their families. Volunteers also came out from the Surrey club, South Surrey club, and the Semiahmoo Peninsula Rotaract club.
 
photos and comments by: John Edwards - Rotary Club of Surrey
 
 
 
Earth Day Comes Early 2019-04-21 07:00:00Z 0

WINE AND DINE 2019

Posted on Mar 16, 2019
 
 
WINE & DINE took place on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 and was Sold Out!
Thank you to everyone who bought tickets.
 
A big thankyou as well to the following restaurants for their participation this year.  The food and service were outstanding, as usual!
 
Please patronize these restaurants whenever you can - they are exceptional supporters of the community!
 
 
 
 
 
 
WINE AND DINE 2019 Stewart Peddemors 2019-03-16 07:00:00Z 0

Take The Plunge

Posted by Allan Baedak on Nov 19, 2018
Jan 1st, 2017 Polar Bear Swim – photo courtesy of Big Guns Productions -
 
Ah, the holidays are here, and that comes along with many of my own favourite activities and community traditions: Christmas lights, caroling, picking out and decorating the perfect tree.  Then there is the food!  Dinners, get-togethers with family and friends and grandma’s ginger and oatmeal cookies also come to mind.
 
But there is one much-loved tradition here that sneaks up on us: the Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day at White Rock beach.
 
The event began as a spontaneous challenge between friends at a New Year’s Eve party in 1970 and kicked-off what is now a much anticipated annual tradition.  Then on January 1st, 1971, Rod Kerr, Clare Breen, Denise Stevenson, Crystal Loewen, Robyn Miller and Vi Skakum, dressed in outlandish costumes, ran around the block to warm up before plunging into the water off the end of the White Rock pier.
 
This year’s plunge will be the 49th annual and is co-presented by the Semiahmoo, Peace Arch, Peninsula, South Surrey and White Rock Rotary Clubs, along with the Crescent Beach Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue unit.
 
"What a fantastic family event, and one that the five Rotary clubs on the peninsula have been proud to be a part of since 2015,” says Rotary Past District Governor, Lindagene Coyle.  “I love that the community comes out to the plunge every January 1st as a way to mark the beginning of a brand new year – a new start.”
 
If you want to start your new year off with a splash and make some memories with hundreds of other community members, we’d love to see you at the "White Rock” just east of the White Rock pier this January 1st, 2019.  Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and the swim (which is free!) is at 12:00 sharp.
 
As an adendum;

A record-breaking number of participants braved the chilly waters on Jan 1, 2018 and watched from the shoreline to bring in the new year with a brisk start.

Nearly 4,000 people gathered to watch about 500 hardy revellers rush into Semiahmoo Bay for the 48th annual Polar Bear Plunge, hosted on the beach near the white rock.

 

 

Take The Plunge Allan Baedak 2018-11-19 08:00:00Z 0

Peking, Paris, Polio and Passion

Posted on Nov 19, 2018

Peking, Paris, Polio and Passion
by Pat Killoran, 
End Polio Coordinator, Zone 24 West
 
It is always a treat to watch when the multiple passions of Rotarians align to support a big dream.
 
Lee Harman, has a passion for Rotary; as a doctor he has a passion for Polio eradication and as a hobbyist he las a passion for old vehicles. The result is a dream to raise $1,000,000 to support polio!
 

Bill Ward and Lee Harman
 
Lee, a long time Rotarian, joined by his travel chum, retired Army Major Bill Ward, will set course on a once-in-a-lifetime amazing race, the 7th Peking to Paris Endurance Motor Challenge. The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is a true endurance rally following in the wheel and tracks of the original pioneers of 1907. Driving an old car nearly half way around the world with a bunch of like-minded enthusiasts, against the clock, makes this rally one of the toughest driving challenges for vintage cars. Four Hundred miles a day for 36 days.
 
Miss Vicky

You should also meet Miss Vicky…….
 
Miss Vicky is a plucky, old 1931 Ford Victoria with plenty of life left in her. Miss Vicky is unique because so few of these particular models were made, and even fewer are ready for a 10,000 mile trek in 2019! It's been Lee and Bill’s long time dream to take Miss Vicky on The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and to use this trek as an opportunity to raise both awareness and money in the fight to end polio. 
 
The next Peking to Paris Motor Challenge will begin June 2, 2019 and Miss Vicky will be there, ready to challenge the wilds of Mongolia, Russia, and China to prove anything can be accomplished, even ending Polio!

Lee Harman’s own involvement in PolioPlus has taken him to India to work with teams from CDC, the World Health Organization and UNICEF, entering off-the-grid villages to inoculate children. He saw firsthand how lives can improve. Rotarians, like Harman, know the pain and suffering that polio has wrought, mostly targeting humankind’s most vulnerable.

However, Harman also knows that the perils and tribulations that he and Ward will face are all worthwhile to call attention to the importance of eradicating polio while meeting a goal to raise $1 million from their endeavor.

Harman and Ward are asking Districts and individual Rotarians to join their effort. They are ready to speak at District Conferences and wherever they can to promote this campaign. Meanwhile, Lee and Bill drove Miss Vicky from Washington state to the 2018 Convention in Toronto, where she was on display in the House of Friendship.

To contact Lee Harman, email rleeharmanmd@gmail.com.

Check out Miss Vicky on social media:
https://www.facefook.com/FinishPolio/ and 
www.finishpolio.com
Peking, Paris, Polio and Passion Jim Purcell 2018-11-19 08:00:00Z 0

SIP AND SAVOUR

Posted by Jim Purcell on Mar 19, 2018

SIP AND SAVOUR

Sip & Savour is a wine and food tasting event that offers attendees a wonderful evening filled with great wines, great craft beer and an array of culinary delights.
 
This is a joint fundraiser for the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, the South Surrey Rotary Club (http://bit.ly/SouthSurreyRotaryClub) and the Shine the Light Foundation (www.shinethelight.ca100% of profits will support our charities. 
 
 
 
For more information visit: www.sipandsavourbc.ca
 
SIP & SAVOUR
AN EVENING OF CULINARY DELIGHTS
AND DIVINE WINE TASTING 
 
Stay tuned for 2019 event details!

 

 
SIP AND SAVOUR Jim Purcell 2018-03-19 07:00:00Z 0

FIVE KITCHEN & RAW OYSTER BAR

Posted by Stewart Peddemors

Gus Rachid & Faith Hitaf Kady are Canadians with Lebanese roots who collaborated on numerous ambitious ventures in and outside of Canada. Their great skills and valuable experiences in the service industry, along with their immense passion for food and international flavors, made it possible for them to launch a variety of small businesses with great results.  After spending decades in Alberta, both owners decided to settle in Beautiful British Columbia and made FIVE their fifth shared venture.

This gorgeous restaurant with the famous breathtaking ocean view owes much of its success to the FIVE family that is comprised of dedicated owners and a great team of highly skilled chefs with diverse talents, and expert front staff. Our creative kitchen crew is tirelessly working on new features that appeal to every palate. Our front of house team is a delight to be around, we pride ourselves on our professional service that is always welcoming and accommodating to every local and tourist alike.  

 

For more information visit: www.fivewhiterock.com

FIVE KITCHEN & RAW OYSTER BAR Stewart Peddemors 2018-03-18 07:00:00Z 0

Hospice Society Thrift Store Expands

Posted by Allan Baedak on Nov 05, 2017
Well it's official! The Hopsice Society Thrift store has expanded into the space that Black Bond Books vacated on 24th Ave.
(1-15562-24th Avenue Surrey, BC, V4A 2J5)
 
The Semiahmoo Rotary club volunteers decended on the space on Saturday, October 28, demolishing the walls separating the spaces and building new walls to create a staff room and private office. A huge task, but as my mom used to say, "many hands make light work"
 

Black Bond left some store shelving and fixtures behind which are being painted white.
Also, one of the washrooms is being converted into a small kitchenette.
 

Work continued on Saturday Nov 4, completing the new walls with wallboard and installing cabinets.
Hospice Society Thrift Store Expands Allan Baedak 2017-11-05 07:00:00Z 0

Pumpkin for Polio Eradication

Posted by Allan Baedak on Oct 26, 2017
For World Polio day on Oct 24, 2017, Semiahmoo Rotarian Stewart Peddemors offered his incredible talent for carving pumkins to help raise funds for the final push to eradicate polio from the world for good! 
 
Stewart began carving this masterpiece at 7:58 AM on Thursday Oct 26, 2017. He completed the piece in an astounding 23 minutes as  the masterpiece went up for auction at 8:21 AM
 
With only 12 Wild Polio cases reported for 2017 as of Oct 26, 2017 the final push is more important than ever to eradicate Polio for good! The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced in April of 2017 that they will contribute an additonal $2.00 for every $1.00 raised upto $450,000,000 over the next three years.
The  Semiahmoo rotary club raised $417 this morning  from several auction items, including the pumpkin and individuals stuffing the Polio cans on the tables.  That means with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match of 2:1 we are able to contribute $1251 to help eradicate Polio.
Charlotte Morton was the highest bidder for the pumpkin and promptly put it on display at work just in time for Halloween.
 
 

For more information on Polio eradtication watch Rotary's 5th annual World Polio Day livestream now:

Pumpkin for Polio Eradication Allan Baedak 2017-10-26 07:00:00Z 0

Making a difference both here and abroad

Posted by Allan Baedak on Oct 13, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Roundup – published in the Peace Arch News Oct 13, 2017
 
Rotarians host fundraisers and have fun doing so

Making a difference both here and abroad

One of the things that I love about the five Rotary clubs on the peninsula is the opportunity to work together on local programs and projects. While we all do great things as individual clubs, it is when we all come together that we make the biggest impact.
 
One of many such examples was on Saturday, September 30, 2017.  The Semiahmoo, White Rock, Peace Arch, South Surrey & Peninsula Rotary clubs planted 160 trees at Green Timbers Forest. We had a blast!
 
Rotary International President Ian Riseley set a visionary goal for all rotarians to plant a tree during his term of office. That's 1.2 million trees worldwide, and we worked together to make it happen in our corner of the world.
 
Check out the upcoming events to get involved, meet some awesome people in your community, and have some fun along the way:
 
The Peace Arch Hospice Society is near and dear to the hearts of many local rotarians. Many of us have experienced firsthand the warmth and caring that hospice counselors and volunteers give so freely to families and loved ones as they pass through end of life.  Peace Arch Hospice Society is building a brand new supportive care building on 16A Avenue to support our growing community with this important service. They are a vital resource for our community, and the many Rotary clubs on the peninsula are proud to support them in a variety of ways,
 
On October 21, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the Semiahmoo & South Surrey clubs, along with Shine The Light Initiative are presenting the 3rd annual “Sip & Savour” fundraising event at the White Rock Community Centre. Partial proceeds of this exceptional wine and food tasting are in support of the Peace Arch Hospice Society's new supportive care centre. Tickets available at C&K Courtesy Cleaners (152 Street & 20th Avenue) or online at www.sipandsavourbc.ca.
 
The Semiahmoo and Peace Arch clubs are developing a joint hands-on project to build an exterior children's play area at the new 16A Avenue Peace Arch Hospice Society building.
 
The Peace Arch club has their 6th annual Rotary Noel dinner at Washington Avenue Grill on November 23 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a live and silent auction as well, all in support of Peace Arch Hospice Society. All are welcome to attend!  Tickets for the fundraising dinner are available by emailing RotaryNoel@gmail.com
 
If you loved the British pop music of the 1960’s, the South Surrey club is hosting “READY STEADY GO”, a note-for-note reprise of “the Music of the 1960’s…Today!”  Come on down to the Crescent Beach Legion on October 28th and bring your friends!  A $35 ticket gets you into a great night of music, dancing and fun, with proceeds supporting completion of much needed infrastructure at an orphanage in Cambodia. Doors open at 6:30, band starts at 7:30. For tickets, call Deirdre at 604-803-0773 or Roberta at 604-536-2379.  There may also be some tickets available at the door. 
 
Allan Baedak writes monthly on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary clubs – allan@wpmmedia.ca
Making a difference both here and abroad Allan Baedak 2017-10-13 07:00:00Z 0

Working Together on the Peninsula

Posted by Allan Baedak on Oct 03, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

One of the things that I love about the five Rotary clubs on the peninsula is our desire to work together on local programs & projects.  While we all do great things as individual clubs, it is when we all come together that we can make the largest impact here at home.
One of many such examples was on Saturday, September 30, 2017.  The Semiahmoo, White Rock, Peace Arch, South Surrey & Peninsula Rotary clubs planted 160 trees at Green Timbers Forest. We had a blast!
 
Rotary International President Ian Riseley set a visionary goal for all rotarians to plant a tree during his term of office. That's 1.2 million trees worldwide, and we worked together to make it happen in our corner of the world.
 
 
Working Together on the Peninsula Allan Baedak 2017-10-03 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Community Service

Posted on Sep 23, 2017

Community Service

September 23, 2017. Street Cleaning Semiahmoo Rotarians hard at work, from Left to Right: Shadow (President Doug), Gord, Patty, Lori, Greg, Ralph, Sandy, Larry, Eric, Linda. Getting hands dirty is part of being a Rotarian in the name of Community Service (um, actually, FACTCHECK: we prefer gloves and the long grabber sticks for this job).
Rotary Community Service Mike Reddington 2017-09-23 07:00:00Z 0

ROTARY ROUNDUP - The Joy Of Literacy

Posted by Allan Baedak on Sep 21, 2017
1,400 proud adult literacy students gather for a graduation ceremony in Gojet, Haiti.
1,400 proud adult literacy students gather for a graduation ceremony in Gojet, Haiti.
 
It's September, and as our kids say goodbye to summer vacation and settle into another year of learning, I remember an awe-inspiring trip I made to Haiti back in 2014. I attended a graduation ceremony for an adult literacy program my Semiahmoo Rotary club supports in Duchity and Gojet. That Saturday, December 13, I stood alongside 1,400 adult graduates celebrating their ability to read and write.
 
From the moment I woke up that morning, I felt an incredible energy that continued to build to near overwhelming levels. I felt it wash over me like a tidal wave as I stood in the middle of the road as graduates marched, danced and sang all around me as we made our way to a church in Gorjet for the ceremony. With over 2,000 people in attendance, there wasn’t an inch of space in or around that building as friends, family, and graduates gathered to celebrate.
 
Eyvaise Joseph, a 60-year old mother, grandmother, farmer, and graduate said, “Here you are, you've got grey hair, and you've learned how to write your name. Oh my goodness, that's something. Before I was afraid and ashamed, now I can sign my name, and I am not afraid."
 
Lotanie Milor, a 25-year-old mother of two, farmer and graduate, said, "Writing my name for the first time made me feel very happy. I have more strength because of that. I have one child in kindergarten and one who hasn't started yet. I can now help them with their lessons."
 
 
The literacy program is combined with training in agriculture best practices, conflict resolution and other programs to help individuals and community from the ground up. The program is delivered by www.fida-pch.org, who have been building capacity in Haitian communities since 1984. Working closely with the Haitian community, the program leverages local expertise to help the community work independently and together in business. Literacy was not the original goal but became one of the foundations of the program. 
 
All my life, I have taken my ability to read and write for granted. In Haiti, I witnessed individuals who are the first in generations to be able to read and write in their own language, sign their name and count currency. Graduates and family members spoke intimately with me about how literacy has transformed the way they fundamentally feel about themselves, and how it changes the way they relate to one another.  They shared a sense of hope and dared to glimpse and dream about possibilities for the future.
 
Here at home, education and learning opportunities for our youth are a passion for our five Rotary clubs.
 
The South Surrey club provides the South Surrey White Rock Learning Centre with scholarships and job interview preparation.  They also fund the RCMP-endorsed DARE and WITS programs at two local elementary schools. The DARE program teaches drug awareness resistance education while the WITS program addresses bullying through a walk away, ignore, talk about, and seek help initiative.
 
The White Rock Peninsula Club is ramping up their support for the Starfish backpack program (www.starfishpack.com), which ensures that children who may not have access to nutritional meals over the weekend can bring home what they need to eat and be more ready for learning on Monday morning.
 
On another note, the White Rock Rotary Club is holding it’s annual Terry Fox Run on September 17, in support of the Terry Fox Foundation for innovative cancer research.  Registration is at 8 AM at the Rotary Fieldhouse, South Surrey Athletic Park, 14600 Rotary Way.
 
Allan Baedak writes monthly on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs – allan@wpmmedia.ca
 
 
ROTARY ROUNDUP - The Joy Of Literacy Allan Baedak 2017-09-21 07:00:00Z 0

Children's Playground

Posted by Mike Reddington on Sep 07, 2017
 

Children’s Playground: Surrey Memorial Hospital

Paul Deol, from McElhanney Engineering, Surrey office, spoke about the intersection of events – his son’s stay at Children’s Hospital and follow-up at Surrey Memorial and McElhanney’s 50th Anniversary in Surrey – as the catalyst for the Children’s Playground at Surrey Memorial. An existing courtyard playground had been deemed unsafe for children and needed to be replaced. As McElhanney’s Surrey office was looking for a 50th Anniversary celebration project in the community, the playground was adopted and the Hospital was approached and agreed to work with McElhanney to create a new space for children.
 
The Playground will be a functional space for play and rehabilitation for kids with physiotherapists. Innovative design features will include a Ball Wall and Blocks and Stocks for children to build their own structures.
 
A budget of $250,000 was formulated and fund-raising began, resulting in our Rotary Club donating $4,000 and many businesses donating staff time and materials.
 
Established in 1910, McElhanney’s family of companies, wholly owned and managed by their senior employees, including McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd and McElhanney Land Surveys Ltd, provide integrated surveying, engineering, mapping and specialty professional services to clients responsible for the development of resource industries, communities, and infrastructure across western Canada and beyond.
Children's Playground Mike Reddington 2017-09-07 07:00:00Z 0

'Being a Rotarian has Made Me Better'

Posted by Allan Baedak on Aug 25, 2017
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Why Rotary? Several years ago I had an unshakable desire to give back.  I was looking for an organization to volunteer with - many community, non profit and political organizations I looked into were inspiring and doing meaningful  work.   I happened to be chatting with a neighbour of my father’s about this and that when he mentioned that he was a member of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club.  I was intrigued by the range of local, regional and international projects he was able to participate in.  At the end of the conversation, he invited me to a breakfast meeting. That was 19 years ago! Wow, how time flies.
 
The longer I have been a part of this incredible organization the more I realize deep in my heart that I have joined an amazing group of passionate people who make a real difference every day. 
 
There are more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. We are Rotarians and together we are a global network of 1.2 million business and professional leaders volunteering our time and talents to serve our communities and the world.  People from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, develop friendships and professional connections, raise money “give back.”  And did I mention fun?  Comradery?  Opportunites to travel?    
 
In South-Surrey/White Rock alone, we have five Rotary clubs, each with a unique character, and different meeting times each week. There truly is something for everyone.   In our community Rotary clubs are active contributors  to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, Peace Arch Hospice Society (formerly White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society), Sources Food Bank, Star Fish backpack food supplement program, Women’s shelters, Camp Alexandra,  the five club pancake breakfast, the Polar Bear Swim and many, many more projects and programs too numerous to mention here.
 
In reflection, I am eternally grateful to Rob Gawthrop for introducing me such an impactful organization those many years ago. Little did I know that when I joined Rotary, I would not only find a tangible way to “give back”, but that I would get so much back in return.  Sure it sounds like a cliché, but being a Rotarian has made me a better person.  It has enriched me beyond measure.
 
If you are looking for a way to give back and make some extraordinary new friends, I am personally inviting you to come to a meeting to see what our five clubs are about.  Whatever your passion, whatever your schedule, there is a local Rotary club that is perfect for you.  September is a great time to join a new organization, and Rotary is one of the best!!! 
 
White Rock Rotary club was the first Rotary club on the Peninsula in 1955. They have continued with a long and distinguished reputation for doing good in our community.  Perhaps best known for their annual book sales, most recently this past weekend at the Peace Arch Curling Centre. The White Rock Rotary Club meets for lunch on Tuesdays 12:00 PM at Ricky's Country Restaurant
 
Peace Arch Rotary club meets for lunch on  Mondays 12:00 PM at Hazelmere Golf & Country Club.  “We are all MAD* here,"  says Peace Arch member Dacy Koltai., based on Rotary International’s theme for this year of ; *Making A Difference.
 
Semiahmoo Rotary club is a very active club with a passion for the Peace Arch Hospital, Peace Arch Hospice, Sources Food Bank as well as International programs in Haiti and Uganda.  Semiahmoo Rotary Club meets for breakfast Thursdays 7:00 AM at the Rotary Field House (South Surrey Athletic Fields)
 
South Surrey Rotary club is a small but very active and vibrant club – making a difference in the local community, Cambodia, and Thailand. The South Surrey Rotary Club meets for breakfast on Wednesdays 7:00 AM  at the Pacific Inn (Pink Palace)
White Rock Peninsula Rotary club is an evening club and meets Tuesdays 6:30 PM  at the Pacific Inn (Pink Palace)  The Peninsula club has the distinction  of having one of its members, Lindagene Coyle, serve as District Governor for 2017-2018 www.wrpeninsula.com
 
 
as published in the Peace Arch News, Aug 25, 2017
Rotary Roundup Aug 2017
'Being a Rotarian has Made Me Better' Allan Baedak 2017-08-25 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary column takes a turn

Posted by Allan Baedak on Jul 19, 2017
Rotary Roundup - published Peace Arch News July 19, 2017
 
Rotary begins anew for 2017-2018 in more ways than one.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brenda Gibson for her dedication to this article over the last two years.  Her charm and wit will be missed.  
 
Every year at this time Rotary clubs around the world renew their commitment to the local and international community!  It’s always exciting to see the energy of Rotarians each July as new leadership shapes their vision for the coming year!  We are fortunate in our community to have five clubs doing good in our community and around the world.
 
The Rotary club of White Rock Peninsula celebrated the installation of long term area resident and past Assistant Governor for the five area Rotary Clubs, Lindagene Coyle, as District Governor for District 5050 at Camp Alexandra.  Lindagene is a member of the Peninsula club, and spearheaded Rotary’s hosting of the annual White Rock Polar Bear Swim for the last few years.
 
The Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock) recently wrapped up their wildly successful 28th Annual charity golf tournament.  When you bring together 144 community-minded golfers, 60 amazing Rotary volunteers and over 40 incredibly generous sponsors it all adds up to one of the most successful tournaments in recent history!  On June 22nd, a picture perfect day at the spectacular Morgan Creek Golf Course provided the ideal backdrop for maximum enjoyment by everyone involved, and raised over $60,000 for community initiatives, including the new pediatric room at Peace Arch Hospital’s emergency room expansion.  The Semiahmoo club extends a heartfelt thank you to all the community partners and hopes everyone will return next year.
 
The Rotary club of South Surrey is focusing their recent international efforts on an orphanage project in Battambang, Cambodia.  Brian O’Ruairc and other Rotarians from the South Surrey club have been in Battambang working on renovations to the facility, including a water system, a sanitary system and electricity.  They plan on going back for two months starting in January 2018 to complete these projects.
 
South Surrey club member Joanne Taylor says “The club plans to raise $10,00.00 US and with that we can apply for a Rotary Foundation Global grant which will triple our $10,000.00 and then the Canadian government will add to it, giving us a total of approx. $60,000.00.  This can make significant and long lasting improvements at the orphanage.”
 
The Irish Club of White Rock hosted a concert with local favourite Celtic group, The Pat Chessell Band at the Elks Hall on June 27th, 2017.  “The sold out event was a great success and raised $3,081 for our project in Cambodia.”  said Joanne Taylor.
 
South Surrey Rotary’s goal is to provide a permanent supply of clean water, safe electricity, a functioning sewer system, renovations to the orphanage itself as well as training on maintaining the facilities.
 
Allan Baedak writes monthly on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs – Allan is a local videographer and filmmaker.  He has been a Rotarian with the Semiahmoo Rotary club of since 1999.  For information he can be reached at allan@wpmmedia.ca 
Rotary column takes a turn Allan Baedak 2017-07-19 07:00:00Z 0

Forest Bathing

Posted by Brenda Gibson on May 07, 2017
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“Forest bathing”: a newly-discovered moniker for a beloved past time. There’s nothing that sets me right faster than getting outdoors and being surrounded by nature. The arrival of springtime may be on an alternate schedule but Rotarians on the peninsula – and beyond – have been taking advantage of vestiges of spring wherever they can.
 
Namely, the Semiahmoo Rotary club’s Wine and Dine fundraising evening was blessed with clear skies and warmth, adding to the success of the annual event. The club wishes to thank their restaurant partners and guests for making the event on April 11th a smash. The three-course progressive dinner event in South Surrey/White Rock saw 439 participants out to support 12 local restaurants – raising $20,000 for local community and global projects in the process.
 
Moving between venues on foot or by event trolleys, each group sampled the culinary delights of three different restaurants throughout the evening. Each restaurant partnered even further with the club by providing a $100 gift certificate with winners selected the same evening in the final restaurants.
 
Another wonderful opportunity to commune with nature – involving significantly more trees – was the creek clean-up and fish release at Quibble Creek (96th Ave & 138th St.) on Earth Day, April 22nd. Clubs from the peninsula and elsewhere in Surrey joined forces for the fifth year in a row to complete the project. The Rotary club of Surrey, in co-operation with Tynehead Hatchery, provided approximately 7,000 salmon fry for release. The Central City Rotary Club helped load the salmon for delivery and release, while Rotarians from Surrey Guildford and Semiahmoo Rotary clubs provided a wrap-up BBQ. The event was well attended by almost 40 people including a number of employees of McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. in celebration of their 50 years in Surrey. Children and adults alike were eager to move the fry from the hatchery’s mobile tank to the creek, carrying the precious cargo by bucket to the water’s edge before gently releasing them into their new world. Patty Burt, Semiahmoo Rotarian and Environmental Division Manager for McElhanney Surrey, was on-hand to coach releasers on location and technique. This fun and interactive event wrapped up just before the rain started.
 
The following weekend, despite threat of rain, Maureen Lowery, Kathy Thornton, Ray Paquet and Doug Blender of the Semiahmoo club joined forces to street clean along 148 St and the 32nd Ave Diversion. Well fueled by coffee and good spirits, the group collected and hauled away seven bags of garbage – including one pristine Toyota hubcap.
 
If you missed the opportunity to participate in these past events, never fear – there are more to come! Coming soon to a Safeway parking lot near you…do you have sensitive paperwork you need to dispose of? The Rotary club of South Surrey will be hosting another “Get it Shredded” event on Saturday, June 3rd in the Ocean Park Safeway parking lot at 16th Ave and 128th St, from 10am to 2pm. Safe and secure on-site document shredding will be provided by donation, with all proceeds going to support the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) and Rotary's sponsorship of an Accredited Facility Dog Team. For further information, please call 604-803-0773 or 604-536-4466.
 
Also coming in June is the Semiahmoo club’s largest fundraiser – the annual golf tournament at Morgan Creek golf course. It’s not too late to reserve your spot! Register and/or donate now at www.semirotarygolf.com.
 
Come join us – indoors or out. We’d love to welcome you at any upcoming event, including our weekly meetings.
 
Brenda Gibson writes on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs. For information she can be reached at brenda_gibson@shaw.ca.
Forest Bathing Brenda Gibson 2017-05-07 07:00:00Z 0

Five Active Clubs

Posted by Brenda Gibson on Apr 21, 2017
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While attending a Rotary club board meeting the other day, I was struck by the number of projects in the works. “And that’s just my club!”, I realized with disbelief. There are FIVE active clubs on the Semiahmoo Peninsula alone, each deploying an army of people united by truth, fairness goodwill and better friendships. With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track and miss out. Many noteworthy club initiatives happen behind the scenes or simply slip past unnoticed.
 
Here’s a few you may have missed:

The Rotary Club of South Surrey has been busy in the community with two ‘Shredathon’ events and a wonderful Beatles Tribute night. Together these events raised funding for a Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) Canine Assisted Intervention Team specifically for children dealing with the trauma of abuse. “We are very proud of this undertaking as we know it will materially and positively help kids who really need some help!” said Patrick Hahn, President of the South Surrey Rotary Club.

The club was also busy working with the Semiahmoo club and Shine the Light Foundation to present the very popular Sip and Savour event held last October. Proceeds from this event enabled Rotary to provide $12,000 to the White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society. Mark your calendars for the next one – October 21st.
Many times, funds raised by club initiatives deploy back into the community silently. A few ways the Peace Arch club has applied their funds are:
$6000 presented to LA Matheson Secondary, Guildford Park Secondary, and Queen Elizabeth Secondary ($2,000 per school) for the new “CASTLE” program; Character, Awareness, Strength, Tenacity, Leadership and Empowerment. Donated funds will help each site implement this program developed in response to at-risk male students currently going down scary paths of gang affiliation, drugs, and other illegal activities. The weekly after-school sessions include positive male role model mentorship, interactive pro-social activities, discussions, guest speakers and practical skills for becoming young men who are positive citizens in their schools, communities, and circles of influence.

Additional donations have been made to the Riverdale Elementary PAC for Expressive Arts Therapy support. The $4000 donation will be used to support new refugee students to help them deal with the trauma they have experienced as a result of their situation prior to entering Canada.
$2000 donation to H.T. Thrift Elementary, $3,000 donation to Semiahmoo Secondary and $2,000 to Holly Elementary PACs. In December, the club also donated $2,000 to Tamanawis Secondary PAC for their Feed the Needy Dinner, which is put on every year for families in need in their community.
Since 2008, the White Rock club has given $3000 annually to the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre's Kid-Lit Reading Club program. This program is designed to encourage literacy and the love of reading to the children in our community. The program runs monthly, with 30 minute story time reading sessions, at the shopping centre. At each story time, children receive a reading card with 20 squares that parents initial after the children have read or been read to for 20 minutes. Once the card is complete, the child can turn it in at the next Kid-Lit Reading Club, and receive a special gift from Semiahmoo Shopping Centre and the Rotary Club of White Rock.

Not all giving back has a price-tag attached. Some events are focused simply on building friendships in our community. Take for example the Peace Arch club’s sponsorship of monthly bingo nights alternating between Hazelmere Lodge in South Surrey and Beuna Vista Lodge in White Rock. Club members facilitate the games by calling the numbers, assisting residents as needed, and providing prizes. These bingo nights were established many years ago by past club member, Andrew Watkins with the tradition being continued by current facilitator, John Makepeace. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the care home residents and staff. As an added bonus, past club members Helmut Buhrke and Dorothy Taylor (along with her husband, Bill) still help out.
All this is just a sampling of what’s going on in our five clubs! We’d love to have you join in our work; here’s how:
Become a member of a local club and help plan and host fund-raising activities before deciding how and where funds will be deployed; partner with us by sponsoring events; attend / donate to our events. Whichever way(s) you chose to participate, we’d love to have you!
 
Upcoming:
April 22 – 29 – White Rock Rotary’s Spring Book Sale. Thousands of books for sale, $2 each, at the Peace Arch Curling Rink 10 am to 4 pm each day. Free parking available for book buyers.

Friday, May 12th – 7th Annual SASSY Awards at the Surrey Arts Centre. Tickets and more information on-line at the SASSY website or tickets.surrey.ca.
Saturday, May 13th – Five Club Breakfast fundraiser. Held at the First United Church on Semiahmoo Ave from 8:30 am – 11 am, tickets are $15 and all proceeds go to the Sources Food Bank. Ticket at the door and the Food Bank.

June 22 – 28th Annual Semiahmoo Annual Golf Tournament at Morgan Creek golf course. Funds raised will support the pediatric treatment rooms to be constructed in the Peace Arch Hospital’s new emergency department. Register and/or donate now at www.semirotarygolf.com.

Brenda Gibson writes on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs. For information she can be reached at brenda_gibson@shaw.ca.
Five Active Clubs Brenda Gibson 2017-04-21 07:00:00Z 0

THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT

Posted by Kirk Mitchell
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Located on White Rock's splendid oceanfront promenade, The Boathouse Restaurant offers incredible beachfront views alongside a distinctively Westcoast menu of wild and sustainable seafood, CAB-certified aged steaks and BC VQA wines. Situated on two levels, the stylish dining room with its large, open windows is perfect for a romantic evening, while the seasonal rooftop patio is the ideal place to meet for cocktails during happy hour or watch the sunset. The streetside patio is just as impressive, offering a fantastic place to enjoy freshly-shucked oysters with friends.

 

The Boathouse Restaurant has specialized in fresh seafood since 1981. It proudly selects Oceanwise fish and features only the finest ingredients from Pacific Northwest farmers, fishermen and other local producers. The Boathouse at White Rock is open for lunch and dinner daily and for Sunday brunch.

For more information visit: boathouserestaurants.ca
 
THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT Kirk Mitchell 2017-03-23 07:00:00Z 0

TAP RESTAURANT

Posted by Kirk Mitchell
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Tap restaurant has been delighting diners in the south Surrey area for 11 years. Tucked away in the Rosemary Heights neighbourhood, tap achieves a balance of comfort and elegance that reminds its guests that you don’t need to travel into Vancouver to have memorable experience.
 
The open kitchen and dining room, coupled with the more private wine room bring two distinct environments to the restaurant. The team at tap is constantly pushing themselves to reach new heights of hospitality excellence, led for the last 10 years by Chef Alistair Veen.
 
As a certified chef and a certified sommelier, Alistair has a unique ability to weave locally sourced food and incredible wines into an entertaining guest experience. Trends may come and go, but tap restaurant has stuck to a style of service that has seen them pile up numerous industry awards and accolades, including a mention in Canada’s top 100 fit-for-foodies restaurants and seven consecutive years of diner’s choice awards.
 
Tap is open tuesday through saturday for lunch and dinner, and is available for private bookings on sundays and mondays. 604-536-1954
 
For more information visit: www.taprestaurant.ca 
 
TAP RESTAURANT Kirk Mitchell 2017-03-15 07:00:00Z 0

KIN THAI KITCHEN

Posted by Kirk Mitchell
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Welcome to the newly opened KIN Thai Kitchen and Bar in Grandview Corners areas of South Surrey - a fresh, new, exciting Thai food restaurant in South Surrey! 
 
The restaurant has been open since December 2016. The owner Adi brings many years of prior culinary experience to the Semiahmoo Restaurant. KIN Thai has a very modern decor with cool lighting, natural light and a sleek modern vibe. Great sound ambiance for conversation.
 
A recent guest at the restaurant described KIN Thai Kitchen and Bar in their own words:

"...This place is awesome, the customer service here is unbelievable and the food is to die for. I have tried four or five different Thai meals now and every single one of them has been delicious. The red curry is one of the best I've ever had and I've had a lot of Thai food… "
"Finding a spot like this with excellent food and exceptional customer service is like finding a gold mine! You must come and try it! Highly recommended".
 
This new restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday. Lunch is served 11:30 – 3:00pm and Dinner is served  4:30 – 9:30pm.
KIN THAI KITCHEN Kirk Mitchell 2017-03-10 08:00:00Z 0

WASHINGTON AVENUE GRILL

Posted by Kirk Mitchell
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Washington Avenue Grill is one of White Rock's favourite restaurants.
 
Our eclectic eatery features Pacific North West cuisine, live music, a stunning view of Semiahmoo Bay in a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere.  Guests can dine in the pristine glass atrium, the warm and inviting main dining room or out on the patio.  Both our cuisine and wine lists have earned awards.
 
The historic building in which Washington Avenue Grill resides was built in 1913 as a lumber mill (the lumber was used to build Russian trenches during WWI) and it has also been a church, a school and a home for migrant railway workers since that time.  There is speculation that the building is haunted by a former caretaker who cared for the building for a decade in the 1930, then suddenly disappeared!  Dining in an historic building truly adds a unique and fun aspect to a satisfying culinary experience.
 
History aside, our attention to detail, smooth service, award-winning menu and breathtaking views will capture the attention of your heart, mind and palate.  You’ll be well received and satisfied with your dining experience at Washington Avenue Grill.
 
For more information visit: washingtonavenuegrill.com
WASHINGTON AVENUE GRILL Kirk Mitchell 2017-03-08 08:00:00Z 0

RESTAURANT BLOCKS and Ticket Info

Posted by Kirk Mitchell on Mar 07, 2017
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WINE & DINE 2017 RESTAURANT BLOCKS & TICKET INFO
 
 
WINE & DINE 2017 is a 3 course progressive dinner fundraising event to be held on APRIL 11, 2017 organized by Semiahmoo Rotary Club. Each guest attending Wine & Dine will experience a grouping of  3 of our 12 participating restaurants.
 
DATE: April 11, 2017
TICKET COST: $60.00 per person for one block of three restaurants
 
Online Ticket sales is now closed
 
Tickets may still be purchased at White Rock Travel:
1472 Johnston Rd.
White Rock BC V4B 3Z5
 
(604) 531-2901
 
Hours are 9-5 mon-fri, and 9-1 Saturdays.

 
 
All guests are asked to park at Restaurant #3 listed on their ticket and walk or trolley to staring Restaurant.
In addition to trolleys, some walking to restaurant locations will occur in Blocks A, B and C.

There will be only trolley transport between restaurant locations in Block D.
 
Pre- Event trolleys will operate 6:30-7pm.
Trolleys will operate between 7:45 -8:10pm and 8:45-9:15 pm to transport guests.
 
 
Block  A  uses Trolley1
Block B uses Trolley 2
A1-Giraffe
15053 Marine Dr,
White Rock, BC V4B 1C3
(604) 538-6878
B1-Washington Ave Grill
15782 Marine Dr
White Rock, BC V4B 1E6
(604) 541-4244
A2-Ronnie G’s
15223 Pacific Ave,
White Rock, BC V4B 1P8
(604) 531-0718
B2-Uli’s
15021 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1C3
(604) 538-9373
A3-Jan’s on the Beach
14989 Marine Dr,
White Rock, BC V4B 1C3
(604) 531-5444
B3-Cosmo’s
14871 Marine Dr, White Rock, BC V4B 1C2
(604) 531-3511
           Block C uses Trolley 3
Block D uses Trolley 4 or 5
C1-Five
15047 Marine Dr,
White Rock, BC V4B 1C5
(604) 538-8153
D1-Tap
15350 34 Ave,
South Surrey, BC V3S 0T7
(604) 536-1954
C2-Onyx
1225 Johnston Rd,
White Rock, BC V4B 3Y8
(604) 542-0334
D2-Sheila’s Bistro
2181 160 St,
Surrey, BC V3S 9N6
(778) 294-6600
C3-Boathouse
14935 Marine Dr,
White Rock, BC V4B 1C3
(604) 536-7320
D3-KIN Thai Kitchen
2443 161a St #50,
Surrey, BC V3S 0M6
(604) 385-3223
 
 
 
 
RESTAURANT BLOCKS and Ticket Info Kirk Mitchell 2017-03-07 08:00:00Z 0
WINE & DINE INFO Kirk Mitchell 2017-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

Much Loved Annual Traditions

Posted by Brenda Gibson on Mar 07, 2017
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Last March’s article opened with a reference to spring bursting forth in bright green growth and fresh blossoms. Today as I write it’s hailing - with more snow in the forecast. What is going on?! After an unprecedented winter of snowfall and associated chaos, it’s comforting to have a number of much-loved annual traditions on the horizon to get us through.
 
Wine & Dine
If you – like me – are going a bit stir-crazy and find yourself eager to enjoy a night out on the town sampling the delights of local cuisine, Semiahmoo Rotary’s 16th annual Wine and Dine on April 11th is the perfect event for you! This popular dining extravaganza features a three-course progressive dinner aimed at raising funds for Rotary projects and supporting local restaurateurs. Tickets are $60 per person for a block of three restaurants and includes dedicated trolley service between each venue, an entry into a draw for a $100 gift certificate, and a $10-off loyalty coupon good for any of the 12 participating restaurants until December 31st, 2017.
 
Each restaurant graciously donates all food and service costs – thus, without their support this event would not be possible. THANK YOU to the participating restaurants: Giraffe, Ronny G’s, Jan’s on the Beach, Washington Avenue Grill, Uli’s, Cosmo’s, 5 Doors, Onyx, Boathouse, Tap, Sheila’s, and Kin Thai Kitchen.
 
Public ticket sales begin March 13th and can be purchased at White Rock Travel Service (1472 Johnston Road, White Rock) by cash or cheque only. Sponsorship opportunities are available – visit semiahmoorotary.org or follow Semiahmoo Rotary on Facebook for more information. Dietary needs will be accommodated where possible.
 
Calling all golfers!
Looking even further ahead to the glory and warmth of summertime (oh please, let it be a good one!) Semiahmoo Rotary is delighted to unveil plans for their 28th annual golf tournament being held at the spectacular Morgan Creek golf course on Thursday, June 22nd.
 
As the club’s largest annual fundraiser, to date this tournament has raised almost $1.3 million, with $900,000 donated to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. This year’s supported cause is the pediatric treatment rooms to be constructed in the hospital’s new emergency department. This specific sponsorship is near and dear to the hearts of Rotarians internationally as it directly aligns with one of Rotary’s six areas of focus – Maternal and Child Health. These rooms are a vital upgrade as currently nearly 7,000 children per year are being treated in a single room, inappropriately situated beside the mental health treatment room. In an effort to ease what for many children is one of their most difficult and painful experiences, each of the six treatment rooms will contain specialty equipment in a welcoming environment designed to decrease anxiety, alleviate stress and soothe the facility’s youngest patients.
 
With a change of golf course, this year’s Texas Scramble tournament will also feature a new format – corporate and friendly foursomes welcome, on-course contests and activities, prizes, meals and entertainment. Many high-profile sponsorship opportunities are available, including matching sponsorships.
 
Come join in the fun as you meet and mix with the movers and shakers in South Surrey and White Rock! Register and/or donate now at www.semirotarygolf.com. Reach out to co-chairs Larry Whitehead (ldw@venturesnorth.com) and Jim Purcell (jdpurcellbiz@gmail.com)with any further questions.
 
With these two fun events to look forward to as well as the book sale (April 22-29th), Shredathon (TBA), Earth Day (April 22nd) and SASSY Awards (May 12th) just around the corner, we might just have the fortitude to make it through another snowfall. Maybe.
 
Brenda Gibson writes on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs. For information she can be reached at brenda_gibson@shaw.ca.
Much Loved Annual Traditions Brenda Gibson 2017-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

ONYX | STEAK | SEAFOOD | BAR IN WHITE ROCK

Posted by Allan Baedak
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Semiahmoo Rotary is pleased to announce that long time Wine & Dine partner ONYX Steak & Seafood bar in White Rock is once again on the Wine & Dine Tour on April 11th, 2017.
 
Here is a little about ONYX:
 
With our wide-ranging menu and our casual, contemporary interior, ONYX offers a fresh take on the traditional steakhouse. At our White Rock restaurant you'll find one of British Columbia’s best steak dinners! We proudly serve the finest 40-day-aged Angus Signature Reserve beef at our two Lower Mainland locations. Yet we’re much more than just a steakhouse - we’ve got a wide variety of mains, appetizers and drinks.
 
ONYX is a great place to bring the family or have drinks with your friends. It’s also an excellent venue for birthday parties and corporate events. Check out the availability of our PRIVATE ROOMS or book the whole place!
 
Let us show you a good time at our steak and seafood restaurants! We’re open 4 p.m. until late, 7 days a week 
 
 
 
INCREDIBLE STEAKS IN B.C. 
 
Freshly cooked, perfectly seasoned and a quality cut of meat-- it's the perfect steak. Our chefs use the highest quality of meat available and grill them to perfection, making sure you and your tastebuds are satisfied.
 
We age a minimum of 40 days compared to the usual 28 days. Our steaks never frozen, so they are always fresh. Next time you're craving a mouthwatering steak, you know where to find one.
 
For more information visit: onyxsteakhouse.ca
ONYX | STEAK | SEAFOOD | BAR IN WHITE ROCK Allan Baedak 2017-01-29 08:00:00Z 0

Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) 2017 a massive success!

Posted by Jeff Harrison on Jan 28, 2017
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District 5050 -Youth Adventures in Leadership 2017
Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) had another successful weekend at Camp Alexandra in Crescent Beach on January 20 – 22, 2017.
 
52 participants, in the 10th and 11th grades (ages 15 - 17) arrived on the Friday wondering why they were there and on Sunday 52 young leaders left with a new perspective on life. As the wise Sal Abbot said this weekend, "it's okay not to be perfect. You don't have to be perfect to be a leader. You just have to act. Leadership is an action. Not a title."
 
Connor said "Coming into it, I had no idea what to expect. I figured it would be a same old leadership conference and was not extremely excited. The first hour I was there, I was proved wrong. The lessons and concepts I learned at YAIL were clearer to me than they have ever been and it only took two days for it to happen. I learned and understood more in this short period of time than I have learned in multiple previous week long conferences I have attended."
 
Another participant said "I wont sugar coat it - I came into YAIL as a quiet, troubled, simple girl in my bubble and this weekend took me out of my bubble, gave me many new friends and new skills to interact. Being able to connect with people like me and people totally opposite to me.. and changed me in a positive way!" 
 
The weekend curriculum is managed by a team of outstanding facilitators who are past attendees of both YAIL and RYLA.  Kudos to the District 5050 YAIL organizing committee which just happens to include Semiahmoo Rotary's very own Ray PAQUET and Jeff HARRISON.
 
Another stupendous Rotary Youth Program!
 
Youth Adventures in Leadership (YAIL) 2017 a massive success! Jeff Harrison 2017-01-28 08:00:00Z 0

FOOD BANK SUCCESS!

Posted by Mike Reddington on Dec 01, 2016
 
A cheque for $40,000 from the Semiahmoo Rotary Club was presented to David Young, Executive Director of SOURCES (Centre of photo) on behalf of the White Rock South Surrey Food Bank run by SOURCES Community Resource Centres.
 
The funds were derived from commissions on selling some $250,000 in gift cards through the Club, mainly through SAVE On FOODS. 
FOOD BANK SUCCESS! Mike Reddington 2016-12-01 08:00:00Z 0

FUTURE OF PEACE ARCH NEWS

Although the future of the Peace Arch News is uncertain, given the radically changing world of digital media, Dwayne Wiedendorf, Publisher of PAN, part of Black Press, is buoyed by the fact that 90% of Semiahmoo Peninsula residents read the PAN on a weekly basis.
FUTURE OF PEACE ARCH NEWS Mike Reddington 2016-11-01 07:00:00Z 0

Sip & Savour Partner: Starlight Foundation

Posted by Mike Reddington & Victoria Biggs on Oct 20, 2016
 
Jeff Wong – proprietor of Swirl Wine Stores – one of his initiatives is the Shine the Light Foundation and where 50% of the proceeds go from Sip & Savour. He is a chair for Sip & Savour and one of the Directors of the Shine the Light Foundation.
 
Shine the Light Foundation was started by Jeff's brother, a dentist in Winnipeg, who has been conducting dental clinics as well as bring doctors and nurses for medical clinics to the poor of the Dominican Republic for over 15 years.  

They have some excellent training programs that they are running, from teaching English to motorbike mechanics. They also partner with local families to build homes so they are building home with them and not for them. Makes a big difference in accountability and ownership.
 
They decided to start their own foundation when they became disillusioned with the way some of other organizations operated and felt they could better manage, control and provide more efficiency and better results with their own initiative.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Sip & Savour Partner: Starlight Foundation Mike Reddington & Victoria Biggs 2016-10-20 07:00:00Z 0

A New Cost-Free Fundraiser

Posted by Brenda Gibson on Oct 20, 2016
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Have you ever heard of a fundraiser that raises funds without asking people for money?
If you were able to make a meaningful financial impact in your community without it costing you a cent, would you do it?
 
The five Semiahmoo Peninsula Rotary clubs have joined forces with Save-On Foods to make this a simple, yet effective reality.
Here’s how it works:
 
You purchase a Save-On gift card from the Rotary club and then use it to do your grocery shopping at Save-On Foods. That’s it!
 
It works because Save-On Foods has sold the cards to the club at an eight per cent discount, and the difference is donated to Sources Food Bank in South Surrey.
Even better… the Block family is matching all monies raised for one year, resulting in 16 per cent of the value of every food card sold going to the food bank.
This is an incredible opportunity for you to help, and it won’t cost you a thing!
But hang on – why would the Block family do this?
 
In John Block’s own words:
My father had been an avid supporter of the food bank for many years.
His family came to B.C. in 1936, when he was 10. His parents had been homesteaders in the Prairies.
They came to B.C. looking for a better life for their six children. These were difficult times, as it was for many families in the 30s. At the age of 13, Dad had to leave home to find work to help support the family. He understood homelessness, hunger and loneliness.
 
As long as I can remember, Dad had a sensitive spirit for those in need; he always supported the local food bank.
Dad passed away in October of last year. I had a very special relationship with Dad – he was my mentor and my best friend.
As a tribute to Dad, our family made the decision to match monies raised for the food bank for one year beginning June 30, 2016.
 
As a result, 16 per cent of the value of every food card sold until June 30, 2017 will go to the food bank. All funds will be used to purchase food for people in need.
To date, the clubs have sold $120,000 worth of cards, meaning $19,200 for the food bank.
The clubs and the Block family hope to sell at least $500,000 worth, resulting in $80,000 to the food bank.
Please support this cause.
 
This fundraiser will have a major impact on the lives of many people that are struggling in the community.
 
Cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $200 and make wonderful gifts. To purchase, contact John Block or Ozzy Crompton at raisingfundsforfood@gmail.com
 
• Across the Peninsula is another delicious way to raise funds for another worthy local cause.
Members of Peace Arch Rotary Club are hosting their fifth annual fundraising dinner, Rotary Noël, at Washington Avenue Grill on Nov. 17 in support of White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society and other local projects.
 
The Hospice Society provides a caring environment for those in hospice, as well as counseling and resource services for loved ones. All of their services are provided free of charge by dedicated staff and volunteers.
 
Rotary Noël dinners have raised $100,000 over the last four years in support of hospice. This year, may they count on you?
Sponsorships and donations for the silent and live auctions (either monetary or in-kind) would be sincerely appreciated.
You are also invited to purchase tickets to join in a wonderful evening of Rotary Noël festivities.
 
So many of us are so abundantly blessed! Please consider sharing your blessings with those in our community who are less fortunate. Rest assured, you’ll feel deliciously generous!
Brenda Gibson writes monthly on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs – brenda_gibson@shaw.ca
A New Cost-Free Fundraiser Brenda Gibson 2016-10-20 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor Presentation

Posted by Mike Reddington on Sep 15, 2016
 
District Governor Scott Dudley spoke about his "awakening" as an engaged Rotarian on a Wheelchair distribution trip to Mexico years ago. He believes that this led directly to his visiting the Haney Rotary Club in Maple Ridge 3 years ago now and hearing a young member talk about her husband's need for a life-saving kidney transplant.
 
Scott was very knowledgeable about kidney disease as he lost his grandfather to the disease and one aunt receiving a kidney transplant from her sister and his uncle receiving a transplant from a deceased person. At the end of the meeting he offered his kidney to the astounded woman.
 
A year later after a long process of blood and tissue matching, Scott gave up one of his kidneys to save a life. In photos of Scott being prepped for the surgery it was revealed that he had a very large tattoo of the Rotary wheel on his chest. Guess where it was located?
District Governor Presentation Mike Reddington 2016-09-15 07:00:00Z 0

Scott Dudley "Donates" Again!

Posted by Mike Reddington on Sep 15, 2016
The evil twin Nurse Ratchet's (Judy and Kathy), with the help of a member of the fake Palm Springs Police Department (they were filming a movie outside the building) "arrest" District Governor Scott Dudley and vow not to release him until he makes another organ donation. "Any organ will do" said
 
Nurse Ratched #1. Upon agreeing to donate an unnamed organ (with the exception of his one remaining kidney - see story below) Scott was released from custody and received a hug from the policeman. Another example of both how we treat District Governors - he was expecting something as our reputation is well known - and our commitment to making Rotary fun.
Scott Dudley "Donates" Again! Mike Reddington 2016-09-15 07:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Fellow Honoured

 

Paul Harris Fellow Honoured

2016-2017 District 5050 District Governor Scott Dudley presents John Block with his Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin in recognition of his contributions to our Club and to the Rotary Foundation.
Paul Harris Fellow Honoured Mike Reddington 2016-09-15 07:00:00Z 0
Making a Good Rotarian Brenda Gibson 2016-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

Uganda Maternal Health Clinic

Posted by MIke Reddington on Aug 25, 2016
 
Natalie Angell-Besseling presented an intriguing story of how she and her husband started USHANTI, a Birthing Centre in rural Uganda to help women with pre-natal and post-natal care and a safe place to give birth.
 
After seven years the centre has a 100% safety record. The secret is creating a supportive, community-based care team and modern facility with training for all.
 
 
 

 
Uganda Maternal Health Clinic MIke Reddington 2016-08-25 07:00:00Z 0

The Pursuit of Service

Posted by Victoria Biggs on Aug 14, 2016
Angela Mkwananzi is the winner of the 2016 SASSY Youth Leadership Award and graduated from Ecole Panorama Secondary this past June. She is involved in Unified for Change, Angels for Relief Initiative and various other youth organizations, and was a speaker for Ted X. Her first name is actually Velaphi – which means “where did you come from”. 

Inspiring and motivational, Velaphi shared with us her journey from Zimbabwe, growing up with her grandparents as her father died when she was two and her mother moved to Canada. She lived with her grandparents and was well acquainted with poverty, hunger and no access to education.
The Pursuit of Service Victoria Biggs 2016-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

Au Revoir, Maddie

Posted by Victoria Biggs on Aug 14, 2016
Sharon Crowson introduced our outgoing Exchange Student, Maddie, who spoke about her upcoming trip to France for 2016-17. She is excited about the challenge and opportunities and will be staying in a community about 2 hours west of Lyon, in the middle of France. 
Au Revoir, Maddie Victoria Biggs 2016-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

FOOD BANK GIFT CARD PROGRAM

Posted by Mike Reddington on Jun 30, 2016
 
Member Ozzie Crompton has been leading our Food Bank Gift Card Program for 4 years now, working with Safeway to encourage members and their friends and families to purchase Safeway Gift Cards through Semiahmoo Rotary so that we can collect the 8% commission and forward that on to the SOURCES Food Bank in South Surrey.
 
 
 
 
New member John Block says that one of the main reasons he joined our Club this year is that he thought this program was a brilliant way to help our neighbours, and, his father had been a long-time ardent supporter of the Food Bank and he wanted to carry on that tradition of support after his father passed away. 
 
 
 
Together, Ozzie and John have researched the need for Food Bank support and spent time at the Food Bank learning how things operate (John learned how to sort the many varieties of beans!). They then went to Save On Foods and convinced them of the need to match their Gift Card program so as to allow us to cover a wider geographic service area and preferences for shopping. Read on for more information ...
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
FOOD BANK GIFT CARD PROGRAM Mike Reddington 2016-06-30 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor Awards PHF

Posted on Jun 30, 2016
District 5050 Governor Bill Robson presents Mike Reddington with a Paul Harris Fellow pin (plus 5) for service to the District in leading and conducting the Membership Survey in 2014 and 2015.
District Governor Awards PHF 2016-06-30 07:00:00Z 0

2016 Semiahmoo Rotary Golf Tournament

Posted by Yolanta Patterson & Allan Baedak on Jun 09, 2016

Semiahmoo Rotary /Innovative Fitness Golf Tournament

June 8th, 2016, Hazelmere Golf & Country Club  
Partnership Raised funds for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and formed friendships....
 
Just a Few of Many Semiahmoo Rotary Volunteers Warming Up During the Golf Tournament at Hazelmere Golf & Country Club.
 
 
Tournament volunteers (Eric,Greg,Stewart,Jim) heading out for a late night paddle (before giving the kayaks back to the winning team).
 
Everyone's A Winner ...
especially those in need of Birdies!
 
2016 Semiahmoo Rotary Golf Tournament Yolanta Patterson & Allan Baedak 2016-06-09 07:00:00Z 0

Peace Arch Hospital Visit May 16

Posted by Yolanta Patterson & Mike Reddington on Jun 03, 2016
Annual visit to Peace Arch Hospital hosted by the PAH Foundation. Semiahmoo Rotary has been a supporter of the Hospital Foundation since 1989.
 

 
Peace Arch Hospital Visit May 16 Yolanta Patterson & Mike Reddington 2016-06-03 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Foundation Auction

Posted by Yolanta Patterson & Mike Reddington on Jun 03, 2016
Annual "Unloved, Unwanted" auction in support of the Rotary Foundation on May 26, 2016 raised almost $2,300. Here the Assistant Chief Auctioneer, Larry "the Hammer" Odegard wields the auction gavel and announces the traditional cry of "SOLD to the sucker, I mean, sincerely supportive individual in the front row".
The Chief Auctioneers, Judy "who doesn't love a sailor?" McLeod and Rod "you bid how much?" Thompson flog another item in the fierce bidding that took place.
Rotary Foundation Auction Yolanta Patterson & Mike Reddington 2016-06-03 07:00:00Z 0

CURRENT ISSUES: Truck Park

Posted by Mike Reddington on Apr 28, 2016

Community Issues: Campbell River Truck Park

 
Bob Donnelly, President of the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, spoke about the situation with the proposed 1300 vehicle Truck Park located just north of 16th Avenue and 192nd Street abutting the Little Campbell River. Bob spoke about his Club's efforts to oppose the project, citing many safety and environmental issues. Emphasizing the facts the Club has uncovered, Bob encouraged Rotarians to voice their opinion about this proposal.
CURRENT ISSUES: Truck Park Mike Reddington 2016-04-28 07:00:00Z 0

EARTH DAY

Posted by Yolanta Patterson & Mike Reddington on Apr 23, 2016

EARTH DAY 2016

The Serpentine Enhancement Society Tynehead Hatchery are again involved in another salmon send off or release of 25,000 fish on 
May 7th, 2016 (11 am - 3 pm) in Tynehead Park, 16585 96th Ave.
 
For comparison at Quibble Creek we released approximately 5,000 fish.This promises to be an equally rewarding event and a feel good event and we should all make an effort to drop by and offer a hand.
If you need any further information contact: Carol Wright (Director of Fish Culture) at 604 581 2858.
 
 
Semiahmoo Rotarian Yolanta Patterson on Earth day, April 23, 2016, part of a group of 4 Rotary Clubs, Rotaract and YAIL leaders, and their families releasing 5,000 salmon fry in Quibble Creek and planting trees in North Surrey.
EARTH DAY Yolanta Patterson & Mike Reddington 2016-04-23 07:00:00Z 0

CODE BLUE

Posted on Apr 21, 2016

CODE BLUE

 
Constable Troy Derrick, RCMP First Nations liaison officer, presenting CODE BLUE, a physical fitness and education program designed initially for First Nations youth and then opened to all students as Earl Marriott Secondary. The program has now expanded to 4 other schools in Surrey and recently introduced in the Chilcotin.   A passionate and inspirational speaker, Constable Derrick is a member of the Gitxsan Nation in the Skeena Valley of BC.
 
CODE BLUE Mike Reddington 2016-04-21 07:00:00Z 0

FRONT LINES: 2004 Earthquake & Tsunami in Indonesia

Posted by Mike Reddington on Apr 02, 2016

Frontline Disaster Experience

On December 26, 2004 a magnitude 9.0 subduction earthquake occurred off the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Within minutes a tsunami - actually a series of waves - roared across the Indian Ocean to reek havoc up to 2500 kilometers away.  Within hours some 240,000 people would die from the tsunami.
 
The town of Banda Aceh was located on the alluvial plain at the northern tip of the Island of Sumatra. Within 20 minutes of the quake the first wave struck the town with an estimated height of 80 feet, followed by many more waves. Ninety percent of the town was swept away. 
 
 
Within days, Russ Froese was on a plane headed for Banda Aceh, contracted by the Canadian Red Cross to act as the Communications Director for the organization for their relief and recovery efforts. Russ spent 4 months working in the chaotic aftermath of the disaster before returning home to South Surrey.
FRONT LINES: 2004 Earthquake & Tsunami in Indonesia Mike Reddington 2016-04-02 07:00:00Z 0

New Member: Next Generation

Posted by Mike Reddington on Apr 02, 2016

NEXT GENERATION ROTARIAN

 
New Semiahmoo Rotary member Alex Betts is flanked by his proud parents, Peggy and Ken Betts at Alex's induction ceremony on March 31. 2016. Ken and Peggy were founding members of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club in 1989, and Ken was elected the first ever President of the Club. Alex is hoping to carry on that family tradition, having moved back to the South Surrey area from Alberta to join a new Chiropractic practice. 
 
Alex Betts holds his New Member red badge alongside his sponsor & mentor, Greg Vanstone and Club President, Steve Frishling following the induction ceremony for Alex on March 31, 2016.
New Member: Next Generation Mike Reddington 2016-04-02 07:00:00Z 0

First United Church & Homeless

Posted by Mike Reddington on Mar 03, 2016

Helping the Homeless

Natalie Anne Lanoville, Manager of Resource Development for First United Church, speaking to our Club on the efforts and programs of the Church to serve the homeless. In addition, as a former professional singer, Natalie co-led the Club in a rousing rendition of Oh Canada with our very own baritone, Rod Thompson.
 
 
 
First United Church & Homeless Mike Reddington 2016-03-03 08:00:00Z 0

Rotary International Membership

Membership in Rotary International increases, says 2015-16 RI President R.K. Ravindran to the delegates at the Rotary International Assembly held in San Diego, California, January 17, 2016.
 
Rotary International Membership Mike Reddington 2016-02-26 08:00:00Z 0

Golf Tournament Partnership

Posted by Mike Reddington on Feb 18, 2016

Golf Tournament Partnership

 
Semiahmoo Rotary Announces new partnership with Innovative Fitness as the major sponsor of the 27th annual Semiahmoo Rotary Golf Tournament to benefit the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Foundation and other community projects.
 
Curtis Christopherson, Principal, Innovative Fitness White Rock
Golf Tournament Partnership Mike Reddington 2016-02-18 08:00:00Z 0

Rotary Exchange Program Success

Posted on Feb 11, 2016
Rotary Exchange Student Costanza Testino Returns
In 1999, a 17-year old girl from Rome, Italy arrived in South Surrey as our inbound Rotary Exchange Student. Seventeen years later ...
Rotary Exchange Program Success Mike Reddington 2016-02-11 08:00:00Z 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Donates to Peace Arch Hospital

Left to Right: Golf Tournament Chairs Stewart Peddemore and Jim Purcell; Jim Bindon, PAHCF with Steve Frishling, Club President and Stephanie Beck, Executive Director, Peace Arch Hospital and Community Foundation.
 
For the 26th year in a row, Semiahmoo Rotary has donated a significant amount of the proceeds from the Club's annual golf tournament to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation to benefit the South Surrey community. To date, Semiahmoo Rotary has donated almost $1m to the Foundation to fund improvements to the facilities and equipment, from birthing rooms to MRI machines, to help keep our hospital up to date in providing medical services. 
Semiahmoo Rotary Donates to Peace Arch Hospital Mike Reddington 2016-02-04 08:00:00Z 0
YAIL 2016 2016-01-28 08:00:00Z 0

Hermosillo, Mexico Rotary Wheelchair Project

L to R: Christiana Flessner, Exec Dir, Canadian Wheelchair Foundation, Dr. Maria Sotelo-Mundo, PhD, Dr. Rogerio Sotelo-Mundo, PhD, from the Rotary Club of DesiertoHermosilloSonoro, Mexico, Sandy Wightman, Semiahmoo Rotary, Anna Sotelo-Mundo.
Hermosillo, Mexico Rotary Wheelchair Project 2015-12-10 08:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Fellow Award Dinner

Posted on Dec 03, 2015
The Semiahmoo Rotary Club 2015 Paul Harris Fellow Awards dinner and presentations were held at the Rotary Fieldhouse in the South Surrey Athletic Park on December 2nd.
 
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Award Dinner 2015-12-03 08:00:00Z 0

Rotary Speaker Event: David Black

Posted by John Ritchie & Sandy Wightman on Nov 19, 2015

Black touts 'safer' oil-by-rail plan for B.C. refinery

Victoria businessman David Black spoke to Rotarians in South Surrey Nov. 18 about his proposal for an oil refinery in northwestern B.C. - Tracy Holmes / Black Press
Victoria businessman David Black spoke to Rotarians in South Surrey Nov. 18 about his proposal for
an oil refinery in northwestern B.C.
— image credit: Tracy Holmes / Black Press
On Wednesday evening, November 18, David Black gave a presentation on "Why an Oil Refinery in Kitimat would be good for B C and Canada" to 85 members and friends of the five Rotary clubs in South Surrey/White Rock. The event was organized by two of David Black's UBC 1969 Civil Engineering classmates, John Ritchie from the Rotary Club of White Rock and Sandy Wightman from the Semiahmoo Rotary Club.
 
David Black received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1969 and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. In 1974 he accepted an analyst's position with the Toronto Star. His first newspaper acquisition was his father's Williams Lake B C Tribune followed some time later by the Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal. He is now Canada's largest private publisher with over 120 publications in B.C., Alberta, Washington State, Hawaii, San Francisco, and Akron Ohio. David is a past president of the Williams Lake Rotary Club.
 
Since 2012 David Black has been doing environmental , engineering, and financial feasibility studies as well as holding discussions with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal politicians  , First Nations , industry, and communities . His family supports his goal of enabling this refinery provided it is the greenest in the world. He has considered various technologies and has decided on a modern version of the Fischer and Tropsch technology to form the basis of his design. This is the same, although modernized, technology that Germany during WW2 and South Africa during apartheid used to make petrochemical fuels from coal.
 
Alberta oil sands contain an excess amount of carbon which in conventional heavy crude oil refineries is left over as a coking byproduct . It is "dirty" and cannot be burned as coking in North America for steel making because  of its excessive carbon footprint. By injecting hydrogen into the Fischer and Tropsch refining process the excess carbon can be combined with hydrogen and made into diesel fuel leaving no carbon byproduct. There is no waste water  in the process discharging into waterways. Virtually no new oil refineries have been built world wide in the past 30 years and this one would be able to use the newest refining and environmental technologies. The fuels from this proposed Kitimat refinery will leave the refinery with an aggregate, including the oil sands extraction process, carbon footprint some 20% less than refineries of "cleaner" crude oils. The refinery will be slightly exothermic enabling some electrical energy to be introduced into the electrical. The cost of building the refinery is estimated at $22 billion including $5,billion to be green , but worth every penny!
 
Although David Black's initial thoughts were to use the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline to get the diluted oil sands bitumen (dibit) to the refinery he has radically changed his mind to rail for a combination of reasons . The railway exists and need no approval process. He shared the environmental concerns of northern communities about a potential pipeline spill even though modern technology makes that remote. Spilled distillate and bitumen would be an environmental disaster on water surfaces and subsurfaces and wildlife and fauna therein. He will use a technology that loads preheated 60 degree Celsius bitumen, with no distillate, directly into specialized rail tanker cars equipped with interior heating coils. In a relatively short time the bitumen cools and changes from a fluid to a cheddar cheese type consistency. The bitumen is unloaded at the refinery by simply injecting steam into the coils until a 60C temperature is reached and it flows out of the rail cars. The "cheese" consistency bitumen has a very high flash point making it difficult to ignite. It bears no resemblance to the flamable Baken crude in the Lac-Megantic Quebec disaster. In the unlikely event of a derailment incident the bitumen "cheese" would remain in  derailed car containers with minimal environmental risks even if the derailed cars we in water.
 
The refinery would generate about 2500 full time well paying jobs jobs -more employment that all the proposed LNG plants combined. Additional a refinery typically attracts other petrochemical byproduct industries which creat a similar number of jobs. Only refined and not crude products will be shipped by tankers offshore. The refinery is economically feasible, will generate a major source of tax revenue for provincial and federal governments, and Canada and Alberta will gain a much needed green gateway to world markets for our petroleum industries.  Furthermore, it would eliminate the environmentally risky shipment of dilbit by tanker, while adding economic value to Canada .
 
Needless to say the meeting attendees were extremely interested in what David had to say. He spoke without notes for an hour followed by a 45 minute question period. To learn more simply google him .
John Ritchie, White Rock Rotary
Sandy Wightman, Semiahmoo Rotary 
Rotary Speaker Event: David Black John Ritchie & Sandy Wightman 2015-11-19 08:00:00Z 0

ROTARY AT WORK

Dave Stark, Langley-Sunrise Rotary Club
ROTARY AT WORK BC - "to facilitate employment for people with disabilities."
 
ROTARY AT WORK 2015-10-10 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Notes Aug 20

Mary started the meeting
Many guests - too numerous to mention
Ozzy - Rotary moment - top five requests of the dying:
1. I wish had lived a life more true to myself
2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard
3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings to others
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
5. I wish I let myself be happier
blog by Bronnie Ware
Sargeant Larry Happy Bucks - happy happy - shortest word in the english language is "I am" and the longest is "I do". I don't get it.
Hope Crawford has passed away - sad moment
50/50 won by Nita won second draw - a lot of confusion for a simple draw
Queen of Hearts - get a coffee card now - no wine - Cliff won and was appropriately disappointed
 
Guest Speaker: Sherry Sandhu - Adventures in Citzenship Grade 12 student at Frankhurt - aspires to be a Dr.
Talked about her fabulous time back in Ottawa - lots of pics - lots of info - lots of friendships and big Thanks to Rotary!!
meeting adjourned by 8:29
Rotary Notes Aug 20 2015-08-24 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Notes Aug 13

Posted by Victoria Biggs on Aug 17, 2015
Steve opened meeting at 7:12 amid a lot of noise
Rotary club central city golf tournament - Aug 28 Guildford golf course
National Seniors Day Oct 1 - do we want to participate - no too many people's nap time
Guests
Induction: Patty Burke and Randy Taylor
Breakfast
Bill got a special pin for bringing in a new member
Different Larry new Sergeant at arms - talked about a club (weapon) called a shillelagh (?) – he would like one
Many people didn't sign up for their committees so were fined accordingly
Birthdays - No one born this week
Anniversaries – much wedded bliss was shared
Happy dollars - Last ditch fishing/boating effort to rid club of current president
Brenda gave kudos to Ray for stepping up and helping her out
Darren talked about Youth Services - does anyone want to billet out a teen for three months at a time - contact Darren
Amazing Race - Youth amazing race in Vancouver - looking for leaders - if interested in participating contact Darren
50/50 - set up for Scott to win - disputed and overruled
Greg (lawyer) had lawyer friend (Sean) choose his ticket for queen of hearts but the deck of cards is missing so again, a bit of a set up - disputed and overruled - wine was offered in its stead
Rotary thought was thoughtful
Marius doing the introduction of Barry Midler - My Life
Grew up on the right side of the tracks but hung out with the kids from the wrong side in Whalley
Cleaned up his act when he met his future wife Audrey
2 children - Josh and Natasha - and wife Audrey who works at Aldergrove Duty Free Store
 
Cliff - This is my Life
Dad from Saskatchewan and his mom was a war bride
Graduated 1965 and joined airforce
Volunteers with big brother and cadets for 47 years
Married 45 years to best friend - two children
Joined Rotary in 1984
Joined this Rotary in 1994
Cliff ended with a great story that went in part like this:
There was a black woman with a broken down vehicle standing in the pouring rain down in the southern states that was trying to flag down a ride. Eventually a young man stopped, picked up the bedraggled woman, took her where she needed to go and she thanked him and got his address. A week later a large console TV came to the young man's place with a note attached.
 
"Thank you so much for helping me out. Because of you I was able to make my husband’s bedside as he died." signed Mrs. Nat King Cole –
 
International Committee meeting is Wednesday Aug 26 at 7:15 am at the Roadhouse Grill
Meeting adjourned on time
Rotary Notes Aug 13 Victoria Biggs 2015-08-17 07:00:00Z 0
Register to Golf on June 10, 2015 2015-05-28 07:00:00Z 0
26th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Valerie Giles 2015-05-26 07:00:00Z 0
Junior Golf Tournament Valerie Giles 2015-05-26 07:00:00Z 0

Literacy in Haiti

Posted by Allan Baedak on Feb 22, 2014
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From the moment I woke up that morning, I felt an incredible energy that continued to build to near overwhelming levels. I felt it wash over me like a tidal wave as I stood in the middle of the road as graduates marched, danced and sang all around me as we made our way to a church in Gorjet for the ceremony. With over 2,000 people in attendance, there wasn’t an inch of space in or around that building as friends, family, and graduates gathered to celebrate.
 
The literacy program is combined with training in agriculture best practices, conflict resolution and other programs to help individuals and community from the ground up. The program is delivered by www.fida-pch.org, who have been building capacity in Haitian communities since 1984. Working closely with the Haitian community, the program leverages local expertise to help the community work independently and together in business. Literacy was not the original goal but became one of the foundations of the program. 
 
The way individuals feel about themselves and how they relate to one another has given this community a sense of hope and a glimpse of a far more empowered future.
 
for more info: www.fida-pch.org
 
Literacy in Haiti Allan Baedak 2014-02-22 08:00:00Z 0

24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises over $47,000 for the Peninsula

Posted by Valerie Giles on Jul 08, 2013

The 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held at Hazelmere Golf Course on June 12th. The competition was enjoyable and the day perfect. A great way to raise money for the community. All money raised at this event stay in our local community and is split 50/50 between the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation and other local charities.

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We started out with a burger buffet, and from the top photo above, you can tell it was delicious. After the game the golfers were treated to a steak barbeque buffet, along with countless prizes which were donated by local businesses and Rotarians alike. Thanks to our many sponsors and supporters for making this event so successful each year. Thanks also to the golfers who year after year open their wallets for a great cause. We couldn't do it without you.

In 2014 we will be holding our 25th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament. Plans are already underway to make it a big event with lots of extras. Stay tuned for that and be sure not to miss it.

24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises over $47,000 for the Peninsula Valerie Giles 2013-07-09 00:00:00Z 0

Surrey Youth Honoured with SASSY Awards

Posted by Valerie Giles on Oct 16, 2011
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Surrey BC, October 17, 2011 – Seven local youth were honoured Friday evening at the 1st Annual SASSY -Service Above Self Surrey Youth-Awards hosted by the Semiahmoo Rotary Club held at the Bell Centre for Performing Arts.

Each award recipients received a $500 bursary, $500 donation to the charity of their choice, a signed copy of Craig Kielburger‟s book "Me to WE‟ and a stylized glass "S" SASSY Award.

Surrey Youth Honoured with SASSY Awards Valerie Giles 2011-10-17 00:00:00Z 0

Mayor Diane Watts "Unplugged"

Posted by Valerie Giles on Mar 19, 2011
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Our club was honoured to have Mayor Diane Watts as guest speaker on March 17, 2011. Mayor Watts spoke "unplugged" about the City of Surrey and its various and unique neighbourhoods. The discussion was lead by Rotarian Nancy Shewfelt and focused on Community Service, which is one of the five avenues of service in Rotary and a large part of the work done by Semiahmoo Rotary.


Mayor Diane Watts "Unplugged" Valerie Giles 2011-03-20 00:00:00Z 0

Members Honoured for their Committment to Rotary

Posted by Eric O'Dell on Sep 23, 2010
Stewart Peddemors and Beth Nielsen were honoured with Pins of Passion on September 23rd, 2010 for the work they have done this year for our club.

Stewart P. is working very hard on an ongoing basis to deliver excellent financial reports. This is his 2nd year at the job and he has everything under control.

Beth received her recognition for the work she did with the Chili Cook-off. She helped with the chili preparation and organized the costumes.
Members Honoured for their Committment to Rotary Eric O'Dell 2010-09-24 00:00:00Z 0

Vietnam Dental Outreach 2009

Posted by Allan Baedak on May 29, 2009
The Semiahmoo Rotary Club supports a dental misson to Central Vietnam by Semiahmoo Dental Outreach from Vancouver Canada in partnership with the NGO East Meets West. based in Da Nang.
Vietnam Dental Outreach 2009 Allan Baedak 2009-05-30 00:00:00Z 0

Wheelchair Distribution a Success in Hermasillo, Mexico

Posted by Valerie Giles

Over 150 wheelchairs were recently distributed by several Rotarians from our club as well as Interact members in conjunction with the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation.

Below: Arriving in Mexico

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Below: Sandy Wightman with young wheelchair recipient.

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Below: Allan Baedak helps deliver wheelchairs. He was also on hand to video the distribution.

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Below: Steve Frishling, Semiahmoo Rotary President-Elect makes memories for young recipient.

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Wheelchair Distribution a Success in Hermasillo, Mexico Valerie Giles 0
Call for Nominations for the 5th Annual SASSY Awards Valerie Giles 0
45th Annual Polar Bear Swim Valerie Giles 0

4th Annual SASSY Awards 2014 a Resounding Success.

Posted by Valerie Giles

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This year's Sassy Awards had a change of venue and moved to the Surrey Arts Centre.

The awards were hosted by June Liu and Nesan Furtado to an almost sold out crowd.

Seven SASSY Awards were presented in the categories of:
• Community Service: recipient
Karan Grover  
• Environmental Leadership: recipient
Soohyun Kim  
• International Service:
recipient  Manvir (Monie) Singh Tutt
• Overcoming Adversity: recipient  Jordynn Denness
• Performing and Visual Arts: recipient  Alexandra (Lexi) Calbery
• Sportsmanship: recipient  Colby Peters
• Youth Leadership: recipient Jaskirat Sahni 

Each Award recipient received a $1000 bursary, a keepsake SASSY Award and $500 to donate to the registered charity of their choice.

It was an inspiring and entertaining evening with the highlight being award winning video presentations and entertainment performances by youth in the community.

The SASSY Awards are hosted annually by the Semiahmoo Rotary Club in partnership with the City of Surrey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey School District, and support from Peninsula Community Foundation and the White Rock and Central City Rotary Clubs.

The SASSY Awards Committee would like to congratulate all the Award nominees and Award recipients, thank the evening’s sponsors, all participants.

4th Annual SASSY Awards 2014 a Resounding Success. Valerie Giles 0
SASSY Call for Nominations 2014 Valerie Giles 0

Welcome All Guests - Thursday August 7, 2014 Meeting

Posted by Valerie Giles

Rotary Member Engagement Survey - District 5050 Results
Presenter: Mike Reddington

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A report on the 2014 Rotary District 5050 Member Engagement Survey was released recently and it shows that Rotarians from Hope, BC, to Everett, Washington are very engaged in their service work in the 62 respective Rotary Clubs across the District.  Some 1310 individual Rotarians took part in the survey, a participation rate of just under 50%.

Welcome All Guests - Thursday August 7, 2014 Meeting Valerie Giles 0
Dinner Under the Stars for Mobility Valerie Giles 0
Calling all Golfers Valerie Giles 0
Patrick Dooley Junior Golf Tournament - Register your team now! Valerie Giles 0
Emergency Preparedness Seminar May 6, 2014 Valerie Giles 0
13th Annual Wine and Dine, Wednesday April 9, 2014 Valerie Giles 0

Safeway Cards Benefit Food Bank and local Women's Shelter

Posted by Valerie Giles
Once again we will be selling Safeway Gift Cards from October to December. Denominations are: $50/ $100/ $200/ $500. These are a great idea for Christmas gifts for friends, family, hair stylists etc. The cards have no expiry date and can be used at any Safeway store in Canada and USA. This is perfect for snowbirds who travel south over the winter. Safeway gives 8% cash back to our club for every dollar spent. Each year we use this money for Christmas hampers for a local women's shelter as well as donating the money to the Food Bank which can purchase triple the amount of food for their clients. This is a win-win for everyone. If you would like to purchase these cards, you can contact any member of Semiahmoo Rotary or Ozzie Crompton at astridcrompton@gmail.com 
Safeway Cards Benefit Food Bank and local Women's Shelter Valerie Giles 0

3rd Annual Sassy Awards November 1, 2013

Posted by Valerie Giles

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The SASSY Awards honoured our local youth aged 16 to 21 who make a difference in our community by demonstrating the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self. The City of Surrey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey School District and Peninsula Community Foundation are supporting this inspiring awards program and event along with several corporate sponsors including the Peace Arch News.

Seven Awards were presented in six categories of: Youth Leadership, Community Service, Humanitarian, Against-the-Odds, Athletic/Sportsmanship, Performing and Visual Arts. Recipients shown in photo above left to right were Amelia Misak for Performing & Visual Arts, Geena Dhaliwal for Against-the-Odds, Felicia Rafael for Community Service and Jake Hanna for Athletic/Sportsmanship. Missing were recipients Ann Choi, Henry Szwaba and June Liu.

Recipients received a $1000 bursary, as well as $500 to donate to a registered charity of their choice and a stylized SASSY Award trophy.

The Show featured international award winning hip hop crew FRESHH, the YouthFest 'Battle of the Bands' winner The ViDOS and other young local performers whose performances were outstanding. Following the show a VIP reception was held with catering from The Boathouse.


Thanks to our youth and all the volunteers who helped make this a memorable event.

 

3rd Annual Sassy Awards November 1, 2013 Valerie Giles 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Inspires Students

Posted by Gerry Gainford
Discovering spirit of giving
Surrey Now December 4, 2012
ImageNaomi Gantug (Grade 10 student at Elgin Park Secondary in South Surrey, BC)
I've heard many times before that to whom much is given, much is expected. Being one of today's typical carefree 15-year-old girls, and oftentimes admittedly a bit engulfed by my own sense of entitlement, I've never fully understood the meaning of this idea - not until now.
Just recently, four youth including myself were given the wonderful opportunity of accompanying the Semiahmoo Rotary Club to Hermosillo, Mexico for the delivery of 115 wheelchairs to children with disabilities. As cliché as it sounds, the four-day venture truly opened my eyes to the harsh reality that does exist outside the borders of home here in Surrey, having witnessed it first-hand. I've come to recognize our guilty tendency as kids to have blind spots in our view of life while being blessed to grow up in a developed country like Canada. We are stuck behind these impediments until we encounter something that can free us.
Semiahmoo Rotary Inspires Students Gerry Gainford 0
Semiahmoo Rotary Honours Community Leaders with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Valerie Giles 0

24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Wednesday June 12, 2013 (Team Night June 11)

Posted by Valerie Giles

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This year's 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held for the 2nd year at Hazelmere Golf Course. The real winners each year are the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation along with the club's other local charities. Organisers are expecting to raise $50,000 from this annual event. We are currently soliciting sponsorships and prizing for the golfers. Each year prizing tops $80,000 total and this year will be the same. This year, the registration gift will be a round of golf for two persons with a cart at any of the 3 West Coast Golf Group courses: Hazelmere, Swan-e-set or Belmont.

If you golf or have friends who do, it is a terrific event to network and support the community at the same time. You can register online here.  All levels of golfers are needed to balance the teams, which will be chosen a few days prior to the tournament. The format will be a Texas Scramble as in past years.

Questions regarding this event and registration can be directed to the Golf Tournament Committee through Stewart Peddimors: stewartp@remax.net

Tournament Day

 

Registration: 10 am - 12:30 pm
Driving Range available: 10 am - 1 pm
Lunch: 11 am - 1 pm
Shot Gun Start: 1 pm
Putting & Chipping Contests: 10 am - 6 pm
Dinner & Awards: following the tournament

24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Wednesday June 12, 2013 (Team Night June 11) Valerie Giles 0
Pat Dooley Youth Golf Tournament Wednesday June 12, 2013 Valerie Giles 0

SASSY (Service Above Self Surrey Youth) Awards Oct. 19 2012

Posted by Valerie Giles

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The Semiahmoo Rotary Club, in association with the White Rock Rotary Club and the New Generations Rotary Club of Surrey, is pleased to announce the second annual Service Above Self Surrey Youth Awards.

The SASSY Awards honour youth aged 16 to 21 who are living in Surrey or White Rock, and are making a difference in our community by demonstrating the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.

Six Awards will be presented this year in the categories of:

Youth Leadership
Community Service
Humanitarian
Against-the-Odds
Athletic/Sportsmanship
Performing and Visual Arts
 

SASSY (Service Above Self Surrey Youth) Awards Oct. 19 2012 Valerie Giles 0

Eight Teams Participate in the 2013 Pat Dooley Annual Memorial Youth Golf Tournament

Posted by Valerie Giles

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The 2013 tournament had great support from the secondary schools in Surrey with 8 teams taking part. The top team was from Earl Marriot with a team score of 65. They were awarded the Pat Dooley Memorial Cup (shown in photo above).
Top individual players were:
Kevin Richardson with a low net of 60.
Edward Metcalf with a low gross of 68.

Top coaches were:
Kevin DeBoice, Panorama Ridge Secondary principal, with a low net of 71
Murray McLeod, Semiahmoo Secondary vice-principal with a low gross of 81.

Patrick Dooley, a young man in our local community, died tragically of complications of the flu on Feb 5th, 2008.  He was an aspiring golfer, athlete and top academic student at Elgin Park Secondary who would have graduated from Grade 12 in June 2009. The Semiahmoo Rotary Club, along with his family and friends, honour Pat and his impact on others in our community each year.

Eight Teams Participate in the 2013 Pat Dooley Annual Memorial Youth Golf Tournament Valerie Giles 0

What is Rotary?

Posted by Valerie Giles

 

 

What is Rotary? from Rotary International.

After you have watched the video, you can contact our Membership Chair, Linda Whitehead (see left side bar) to make arrangements to attend a Thursday morning breakfast meeting. Welcome.

What is Rotary? Valerie Giles 0
SASSY Awards recognize 'Service Above Self' by Surrey Youth 2011 Allan Baedak 0

Rotary's Polio Plus

Posted by Valerie Giles

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After more than 25 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are now very close to eradicating polio, to making history and to changing the world. We are so close to ending polio—
all we need is you.

Rotary's Polio Plus Valerie Giles 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Funds the Sharing Circle

Posted by Valerie Giles
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Barry Hodgson, centre in photo, represented Semiahmoo Rotary Club at the launch of the Intergenerational Therapeutic Community Garden and recognition of Rotary’s funding support of the “Sharing Circle” in the garden. During the summer, seniors will share stories with children and youth in this beautiful space near the South Surrey Recreation Centre.

Semiahmoo Rotary Funds the Sharing Circle Valerie Giles 0

Strategic Plan 2011-12

Posted by Valerie Giles
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Theme for the year
 
Reach Within and Embrace Humanity.
 
Knowing that we can accomplish great things together using our expertise, our connections, our time and the money we raise as a club.
Strategic Plan 2011-12 Valerie Giles 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Funds new Birthing Room at PAH

Posted by Valerie Giles
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The Rotary Club of Semiahmoo has partnered with the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation to sponsor one of the eight Birthing Rooms at the Peace Arch Hospital.

This $150,000 commitment spans several years so we can leave a legacy for Rotary and have a significantly improved birthing experience for the Doctors, Moms and Dads of the 800 babies that are delivered in the hospital annually.

The existing ward which is being replaced was built in the 1960s. Shown here is the manager of maternity services in the new birthing room.
Semiahmoo Rotary Funds new Birthing Room at PAH Valerie Giles 0

Dental Outreach Program

Posted by Valerie Giles
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October 2009 marked the start up date for Semiahmoo Rotary Club's Dental Outreach Program in the Weatherby Pavilion at Peace Arch Hospital.
Dental Outreach Program Valerie Giles 0

20th Anniversary Picnic Shelter

Posted by Kirk Mitchell
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The Semiahmoo Rotary Club has partnered with the City of Surrey to create the Recreational Picnic Shelter adjacent to the Rotary Field House in South Surrey Athletic Park. The Picnic Shelter was built to commemorate the 20th Anniversary (1989-2009) of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club.

20th Anniversary Picnic Shelter Kirk Mitchell 0

Wine and Dine April 10, 2013

Posted by Valerie Giles

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This year's SOLD OUT Wine and Dine was a great success and a lot of fun!. Close to $25,000 was raised for various local and international projects. Sixteen restaurants participated with 640 participants. Pictured here is one of the 2 Vancouver Trolley buses at the Five Corners. The Trollies run between East beach and the 5 corners each year.

For additional photos and full story, continue on the next page.

Wine and Dine April 10, 2013 Valerie Giles 0
Semiahmoo Rotary Supports Peace Arch Hospital Sandy Wightman 0

Rotary Assists Boarding School in Haiti

Posted by Robert Harris
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Robert Harris, member of Semiahmoo Rotary and Help for Haiti Consortium, spent several weeks in August and September in Haiti working on the store front project. Following is his recent report.
Rotary Assists Boarding School in Haiti Robert Harris 0

Adopt-a-Street Program

Posted by Lynn Morfitt
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The Following 9 Rotarians -Syl Olsen, Sandy Whiteman,Doug Waymark, Richard Walter, Lynn Morfitt, Brian Gray, Janet Peron, Beth Barlow and our newest inductee.... Mario, cleaned up 32nd Avenue and 148th street in record time - 45 minutes and enjoyed some fellowship time at  Starbuck's as well.  Thanks to all club members who volunteered for this Community Service Program and especially to Syl Olsen, who organizes all the gear and keeps us precisely on schedule. For newer members, we tackle this about 4 times a year, always on a Saturday morning. (Photo shows Brian Gray, the Bag Lady herself, Syl Olsen and Mario Romero.)
Adopt-a-Street Program Lynn Morfitt 0

Clothing for the Homeless

Posted by Valerie Giles
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Each fall season, Semiahmoo Rotarians scour their homes and closets for surplus used warm clothing. These items are then delivered to the Night Shift Ministry in Surrey to keep less fortunate persons warmer in the cold months ahead. This year we have collected approximately 20 bags of clothing.
Clothing for the Homeless Valerie Giles 0

Local Rotarian Travels to Mexican Prison, Jul 08

Posted by Valerie Giles
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(Photo and write up taken from Peach Arch News)

Doug Waymark, long time Rotary Club of Semiahmoo member and recent Paul Harris Fellow recipient, went to Mexico in the summer of 2008 on his first mission trip with his church. He and others helped donate thread to Mexican prisoners, who make and sell hammocks to support their families. Semiahmoo Rotary paid for the $500 of thread used in the construction of the hammocks, which was purchased in Mexico.

Local Rotarian Travels to Mexican Prison, Jul 08 Valerie Giles 0

Surrey Public Library - Our Centennial Project

Posted by Beth Barlow
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Barry Middler presented the final cheque from the Semiahmoo Rotary Club's Centennial Project at the Semiahmoo Library on Friday afternoon . You'll see the Think Tank sign in the background. There was also a display of some of the many books that have already been purchased with the funds - all have a bookplate in them with the club's name on it. $75,000 is the Library's largest donation to date and we want to say thank you!!
Surrey Public Library - Our Centennial Project Beth Barlow 0
Rotarians Deliver Wheelchairs in Mexico Barry Middler 0

Semiahmoo Rotary Club Partners to Rebuild School Destroyed by Tsunami

Posted by Michael Reddington
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Semiahmoo Rotary Club and Elgin Park Secondary in Surrey, B.C. agreed to team up to raise funds for a disaster recovery project in South Asia. Through Semiahmoo Rotary contacts with Rotarians in Thailand, the students at Elgin Park (EPS) received information that Rotary District 3350 who had decided, in consultation with the officials in the Kingdom of Thailand, to concentrate their efforts on re-building schools and houses in the recovery phase after the disaster.
Semiahmoo Rotary Club Partners to Rebuild School Destroyed by Tsunami Michael Reddington 0