Events

Annual Rotary Installation for Danny Munroe!

Wednesday June 21  Doors Open at 5:00, Cocktails at 5:15,  Dinner served at 6:15 followed by fellowship, entertainment and the formal installation

Cost is $50 per person.  Quay West Catering.

Please sign up on Club Runner

Topic: Rotary International Fellowship

Presenter: Keith Price

Introducer: N/A

Organizer: Kelsey Kuang

International, District  Update

Presenter: Marcia McKay - Board President and Interim Executive Director, Volunteer Campbell River

Speaking on overview of organization and what it does in the community. Followed by a question and  answer session.

This is a joint meeting with the Daybreak Club on the annual visit to our clubs by the Distric Governor..

Insight to Action - Review and discuss 2023/24 Club Program Survey results.

Looking for member input to ensure programming meets members interests and goals for the year. 

Focus on Rotary theme for the year: Create Hope in the World.

Also plans to align presentations to monthly Rotary themes where possible. 
 

Looking for member feedback on 5th week dark meeting. Potential to use as a committee check in and gathering meeting. Would be open to all members to share and learn together. Opportunity to collaborate between committees. 

Discuss social events and ideas and interests for coming year.

Survey results sent out July 23rd to be discussed further at the meeting amongst the tables, to be presented to the group. Additional feedback welcome! 

Short Program: MLA Michele Babchuk to present new long-term care facility coming to Campbell River 

North Island MLA Babchuk will be attending to present the new long-term care home coming to Campbell River and answer any questions members may have. The 153 bed facility will be located at the North Island Hospital site, with construction expected to be finalized by 2027. 

Intro and thank you: Presented by Andy Adams (Island Health Board Director) 

Bio: Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island

Michele moved to the North Island on December 31, 1999 with her husband and two children to further her husband’s career with DFO at the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery.

Michele started her political career in 2005 as a school board trustee after being concerned about school closures. In 2006, she was elected to the position of Vice Chair and in 2010 was elected as the Chair. Her duties included Strategic Planning, Finance and Audit committee, BCSTA Provincial Council, and BCPSEA (BC Public School Employers Association).

In 2014, she was elected to the City of Campbell River Council where she was appointed to the Strathcona Regional District and elected Chair in 2016. Her duties also included Comox Strathcona Hospital Board and the Comox Strathcona Solid Waste Management Board, along with a variety of internal committees.

On October 24, 2020, Michele was elected as the MLA for North Island. Her duties include Deputy Government Whip, Environment and Land Use Committee, and her newly appointed role as Premier’s Liaison for Connectivity and Cellular, which is a passion of hers.

She continues to be a dedicated advocate for BC schools, sustainable economic development (especially in rural and remote communities), jobs and the environment. She currently resides in Campbell River with her husband of 35 years and enjoys living the lifestyle that the North Island offers her.

leg.bc.ca/learn-about-us/members/42nd-Parliament/babchuk-michele

New long-term care home coming to Campbell River | BC Gov News

Long Program: Member Thumbnails

To celebrate August Membership month, Graham Stewart will host two of our members through a Thumbnail/Fireside presentation providing some insight on what brought these members to Rotary, what being a Rotarian has provided to them, memorable moments, and hopes and goals for the future, as well as some personal and professional background providing fellowship by getting to know our members further. 

Short Program: Rotary Trivia

John Doucette and Janet Koch will kick our meeting off with a Rotary Trivia game celebrating August Membership month, better start studying the Rotary website! 

Long Program: Taryn Tomlinson, Director of Sun-Earth System Sciences, Canadian Space Agency

Presentation: The Next Decade for Canada in Space: From Lunar Missions to combatting Wildfires and Climate Change with Satellites

The Canadian Space Agency is facing exciting times, with an upcoming flight around the Moon of astronaut Jeremy Hansen on Artemis 2, as well as announcements for major projects like the Canadarm3 and a new lunar rover. She will also speak about her two satellite missions to help planet earth, one for combatting Wildfires and another with NASA to help mitigate climate change.

Intro and Thank You: Presented by Marlene Wright

Bio: 

Taryn Tomlinson - Director, Sun-Earth System Sciences | Canadian Space Agency (asc-csa.gc.ca)

Short Program: Rotary Trivia

John Doucette, Janet Koch and Myriah Foort will host our second Rotary Trivia gamee celebrating August Membership month, better start studying the Rotary website! 

We will also do a sudden death (or win) trivia tiebreaker for August 9th trivia, where tables 1 and 6 received nine out of ten correct to determine who is the final winner. 

Intro and Thank you: Myriah Foort

Long Program: City of Campbell River - Initiatives Update

Andy Gaylor (Director of Community Planning and Livability) and Elle Brovold (City Manager) from the City of Campbell River are coming to speak about various initiatives under way at the City and will be available for Q&A following their presentation. 

Andy Gaylor Bio: 

Andy Gaylor is a registered professional planner and Director of Community Planning and Livability at the City of Campbell River. He recently returned to the City as Director after spending two years in industry with McElhanney, previous to that he was a Development Planning Manager at the City of Campbell River and a Planner with the City of West Kelowna. In his new role at the City, he oversees long range and policy planning, recreation, solid waste and transit. Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Andy has over 15 years of planning experience in both the private and public. Andy has strong interest in housing and homelessness policy and believes in the importance of cultivating strong community relationships to tackle the City’s most complex problems.

Elle Brovold Bio: 

Elle Brovold is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Campbell River, after ten years of progression within the City. This crucial role advises Mayor and Council, leads and inspires staff, and is responsible to Council and the community for running the City efficiently to provide the diverse service levels and in line with Council’s strategic direction. She has over 15 years of diverse and progressive experience in local government and has held various not-for-profit leadership roles throughout her career. She prides herself on her integrity and passion for continual improvement, and brings passion and enthusiasm to her every day, focusing on process improvement, systems analysis, strategic planning and relationship building with key stakeholders.
 

Short Program: Cari's Infant and Toddler Centre Recognition
 

Short Program #2: Rotary Membership Trivia 

Gary McLelan and Janet Koch will lead our membership ground thorugh Rotary Membership Trivia celebrating August Membership month. How well do you know your members?! :)

Long Program: Insight to Action - Membership

John Doucette (Membership Director) will lead us through our Insight to Action with the followin activities planned: 

- inspiring video

- update on recruitment 

- introduction of Membership Committee Chairs 

- breakout groups with each Committee Chair to brainstorm new ideas for recruiting members and engaging members

Membership Committee: 

Chair - John Doucette

Attendance - Janet Koch

Inductions - Graham Stewart

Firesides - Graham Stewart

Mentorship - Gary McLelan

Engagement - Karen Johnson

Recruitment - Myriah Foort

Spokesman - David Heath

Annual Picnic at Rotary Beach Park

Rotarians, their Families and Guests welcome and encouraged

5 p.m.  for barbeque burgers and salads.  Bring your own plate, cutlery, beverage and chair!

Entertainment:  The Great Tobini with a brand new act!

Cost:  $15 per person.  Children $5 each

Club members and guests are all welcome to attend.  This Evening Meeting is a social event including an informal meeting where we will discuss some upcoming hands-on volunteer events and new fundraising opportunities.

Any questions or recommendations, please contact Chair at: darlenegaratrotary@gmail.com.

Short Program: Sally Wellman Memorial Garden Update

Louise Daviduck, Executive Director of Campbell River Hospice to present update on the construction of the memorial wall. 
 

Long Program: TV Auction Kickoff

David Heath and Greg Manzulenko to present upcoming November 2023 auction. 
 

All members welcome and encouraged to participate. 

For the upcoming year we plan to host a committees meeting every 6-8 weeks to allow members to learn more about club committee happenings and the various endeavours the Rotary noon club is up to.  

The following/directors/committee chairs will be hosting a table at the upcoming September 13th committee meeting:

• Major Capital Projects (David Tees) 
• Programming (Myriah Foort)
• Membership (John Doucette)
• International (Amy Stevenson)
• TV Auction (Graham Stewart, Greg Manzulenko)

Committee members sit at their respective table and or if part of multiple committees can choose their table to sit at. Members not on one of these committees can sit at any table they are interested to provide feedback to, learn more, or if they are considering joining that committee.

Format of meeting will be quick intro of meeting to intro by President, then overview of committee purpose and upcoming events/plans by Chair to membership group in attendance, 20-25 minute discussion at tables about committee agenda/topic to be discused, then Chair will proivde overview of discussion at table, and next steps for that committee to all attendees.

The purpose of these meetings is to provide awareness to members of the various committees and their purpose, get involved and provide feedback, and join a committee if interested. 

Committees can still continue on with other meetings as required, this one is an open forum for members to learn and get involved, create synergies and have some engaged discussions. 

Any directors or committee chairs who would like to host a table for November or January committee meeting please let the program committee know!

Doors open at 6:30pm and meeting starts at 7:00pm.  We are growing our membership so if there is a future Rotarian that simply cannot get away at lunch but is passionate about community service, please invite them to join us.  All are welcome as our meeting is informal and currently focused on hands on community service opporunities in Campbell River.

For more information contact DarleneGaratRotary@gmail.com

Insight to Action to include a discussion of the results of the 5 year Visioning exercise for our club, and review propsed 2023-2027 vision and strategic plan with a focus on 2023 key priorities of the club. 

See attached proposed 2023-2028 vision and strategic plan as compared to 2018-2023 vision and strategic plan. Some areas have been consolidated or included in vision and values. The 5 key priority areas identified for focus in 2023/24 as determined by club meeting in June 2023. 

President Dan Munroe and Myriah Foort will walk the group through the proposed update, provide time for discussion amongst the tables, and be looking for feedback to finalize the 2023-2027 vision and strategic plan to bring back to the club for approval at a future date. 

All members are invited to Club Board Meetings.

In person Maritime Heritage Centre - Board Room (Enter from the "Lighthouse' outside door), if door locked call or text Ian at 250 287 5952

Virtually on Zoom:

Presenters:

Eric Peterson, The Tula Foundation 

Rute Carvalho, Hakai Institute 

Introduced by:

Karen Johnson
 

Biodiversity of Northern Vancouver Island:

Modern Methods Let Us Look Back 1000s of Years

Summary:
* The northwest coast of Vancouver Island was one of the first areas on the coast to become inhabitable as the glaciers receded at the end of the last Ice Age--perhaps as early as 18,000 years ago.
* We now have a suite of fancy scientific tools to look very carefully at features of the land today which allows us to piece together this early history, including the activities of humans.
* This work--studying Climate and Biodiversity Change in the past--gives us insights into the changes happening today.

Bios:
 

Eric Peterson was born in Port Alberni, then raised and schooled in Saanich. After a varied career in science and technology, he founded the Tula Foundation in 2001 with his wife Christina Munck. Tula, now based in Campbell River, has a large and varied portfolio of programs, including:
* The Hakai Institute, which conducts coastal research based at ecological observatories on Quadra Island and on Calvert Island on the BC Central Coast.
* The Hakai Magazine, which offers compelling stories covering coastal science and societies.
* TulaSalud, which supports public health and community nursing in rural, remote, Indigenous regions of Guatemala.

Rute Carvalho was born and raised in Brazil, in Sao Paulo state. Before immigrating to Canada, she was a professor at the University of Vila Velha, and her research was focused on phylogenomics of frogs endemic to the Atlantic rainforest. In 2016 Rute moved to Ontario and started to work with population genomics on a variety of organisms ranging from protozoan to polar bears, developing new protocols for non-invasive sampling and population monitoring. Nowadays, Rute is the Genomics lab manager at Hakai Institute, and works mostly with environmental DNA (another kind of non-invasive sampling method) developing protocols, but also kept working with population genetics from organisms that inhabit the West Coast rainforest - black and brown bears, and hazelnut trees.

The Tula Foundation

Hakai Institute

Satellite Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.  Networking at 630 with the formal meeting starting at 7pm.  Social agenda with a focus on brainstorming hands-on community projects, unique and fun fundraisers, and growing 'Evening Club' membership.  If you know someone who is interested in Rotary but just can't do lunch, please invite them to join us and find out more about the 'Evening Club'.

Short Program: 1 Graham Stewart will be inducting two new members to our Rotary club, Rodger Martin and Donald Lloyd. 
Short Program: 2 Student of the Month

Long Program: Anne-Lise Loomer, MA, CFRE, Senior Development Officer, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Victoria will be presenting about "her life as a polio eradicator", providing a snap shot of her time with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and how working with Rotary inspired her to write her masters thesis on the importance of civil society groups like Rotary in the fight against global challenges like disease eradication.

Bio to be presented by President Dan Munroe: 

Originally from Victoria, BC, Anne-Lise completed her degree in political science and history at UVic in 1996; always motivated to one day work for the United Nations in the field of  International Development, Anne-Lise got her chance in August 2000, when she was started a new position at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland as the Interagency Coordinator for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Over her decade long career, she managed a diverse donor portfolio and worked with a broad array of partners and stakeholders to raise funds towards the programme's annual US$1 billion budget.

Anne-Lise specifically worked to identify country-level funding opportunities in polio priority countries and work with WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International regional and country representatives to mobilize support for outbreak response and polio immunization days. Her work with Rotary International inspired her to pursue her master’s degree in political science at UBC, writing about Rotary’s pivotal role in polio eradication in her thesis entitled: The growth in civil society involvement with the UN system: a study of disease eradication programmes in 2006.

Returning to Canada in 2012 for family reasons, Anne-Lise now leads the fundraising efforts for UVic’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, including the faculty’s $133 million expansion of its facilities.

Short Program: Don Buchner (Executive Director) of Wheels for Wellness Society to speak about organization and services offered. Wheels for Wellness is a non-profit registered charity run by donation that provides transportation for those who require it to attend medical specialist appointments outside the Comox Valley. 

Long Program: Kelly Petz, owner and operator of Jazzercise Campbell River, is a conistent donor to the Rotary TV Auction and has agreed to come speak to our club about her story in starting up her business, what keeps her going, testimonials from her clients, and the importance of keeping active and moving your body, stress management, and the social benefits of fitness activities.

Insight to Action to follow: discussion amongst our tables about how our members stay active, manage stress, and what fills their bucket. 

Long Program: Polio Eradication and Pumpkins for Polio Auction Kick off with Pieter Koeleman & Gary McLelan 

Short Program: N/A

Note: Vote to approve changing project funding from $7,500 to $10,000 for CR Beacon Club for Kitchen

Long Program: Annual Pumpkins for Polio Auction.

Auctioneer Todd Peachey.  

Auction items include decorated pumpkins and other pumpkin/fall art items. 

All funds raised matched by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Vote: $25,000 to RiverCity Inclusion Society for Renovations of a Space at 1153 Greenwood Street

Short Program: Rotary Student of the Month for October - Campbell River Christian School

Short Program 2: Christmas Giving program presented by Darlene Garat, Director of Community Services. Includes seniors gift cards and Christmas packages for youth at risk. 

Long program: Vietnam Education Initiative - Mark & Thanh Tazumi

Mark and Thanh Tazumi will present the ICO Vietnam Education Initiative, see link below for more information. Through this project Canadian sponsors and donors (including local Rotarians) provided scholarships for 31 post-secondary students last year. They overview their trip to Vietnam from July to September 2023 and activities with students, including graduation celebrations. They will highlight a couple of stories, to provide Rotarians a sense of students' backgrounds, where they are now and where they are headed.

Education Initiative - InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation

Mark Tazumi - Initiative Assistant - Vietnam Education

Mark is a 3^rd generation Japanese-Canadian, born in BC and grew up in Tokyo, Japan before returning to BC for university. Mark has spent over 40 years working with young people as a youth worker, pastor, prison chaplain, and has been working at the John Howard Society of North Island in Campbell River for the last 25 years, currently as a youth counsellor.

Mark enjoys eating anything grilled, smoked, or barbecued and enjoys travelling in Asia with his wife, Thanh. He provides support for the Vietnam Education Initiative, with a focus on fundraising and connecting with potential sponsors.

Thanh Tazumi - Initiative Lead- Vietnam Education

Thanh was born in Vietnam and spent the first 9 years of her life there. She and her family immigrated to Canada as refugees in 1984. After completing her Bachelor in 1996, she married her husband Mark and together they have two daughters. Thanh

worked for a multicultural organization for 10 years coordinating various projects. She spent another 15 years working with youth and families involved with the justice system and foster care. Currently, Thanh works as an anti racism trainer.

Thanh has been a member of the CR Daybreak Rotary since 2014, and has been co-chair of the Wheelchair Project since 2017. Thanh and Mark started the Vietnam Education Initiative in 2018 with Innovative Communities.Org (ICO)

https://www.innovativecommunities.org/

Thanh enjoys walking in the forest and traveling to different parts of the world. She likes eating and cooking foods from different cultures. Thanh’s dream is to live part time in Asia for many different reasons, including more regular contacts with students and volunteers in the project.

Short Program: Remembrance day 

Long Program: Major Capital Projects update presented by David Tees

The Satellite Club is meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in November.  Earlier time with networking at 530pm and meeting at 6pm.  New location for November as we will be upstairs at the Riptide Pub.  

Short Program 1: Member Thumnails presented by Graham Stewart

Short Program 2: Candied Salmon Fundraiser presented by Ian Baikie on behalf of Comox Rotary club

Long Program: Semi-annual Paul Harris Fellow presentation

Introduction by Todd Peachey, Chair Rotary Foundation Committee.

Assistance by Pieter Koeleman, Rotary Foundation Committee 

Paul Harris Fellow recognition | Rotary International

Short Program: President: Announcement of candidate slate for 2024/25 Rotary club board and ask for further nominations from the floor (with nominee having previously consented to stand).

Long Program: Club Committees Meeting

All members welcome and encouraged to participate. 

For the 2023/24 year the club will host a committees meeting approximately every 8 weeks to allow members to learn more about club committee happenings and the various endeavours the Rotary noon club is up to.  

The following/directors/committee chairs will be hosting a table at the November 22nd committee meeting:

• Christmas Giving committee hosted by Darlene Garat, Director of Community Services. Includes seniors gift cards and Christmas packages for youth at risk.

• Membership committee hosted by John Doucette, Director of Membership Services. 

• Youth Services committee hosted by Tara Jordan, Director of Youth Services 
• Environment committee hosted by Steve Nagle, Director of Environment

Committee members sit at their respective table and /or if part of multiple committees can choose their table to sit at for this meeting. Members not on one of the noted committees can sit at any table they are interested to provide feedback to, learn more, or if they are considering joining that committee.

Format of meeting will be quick intro of meeting to intro by President, then overview of committee purpose and upcoming events/plans by Chair to membership group in attendance, 20-25 minute discussion at tables about committee agenda/topic to be discused, then Chair will proivde overview of discussion at table, and next steps for that committee to all attendees.

The purpose of these meetings is to provide awareness to members of the various committees and their purpose, get involved and provide feedback, and join a committee if interested. 

Committees can still continue on with other meetings as required, this one is an open forum for members to learn and get involved, create synergies and have some engaged discussions. 

Any directors or committee chairs who would like to host a table for January committee meeting please let the program committee know! (Myriah, Kelsey, Kent)

Short Program: Rotary Student of the Month for November - Carihi Confirmed

Long Program: Brad McRae and Kindry Mercer to provide update on Western Forest Products Inc. 

Introductions by Gary McLelan 

BIO: Brad McRae, Director, Government Relations 

Brad McRae is the Director, Government Relations, for Western, where he works closely with both local and provincial elected officials to provide perspective on a wide range of forest policy matters. Brad comes from a 20+ year career in both local and provincial government in British Columbia. Brad holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and has lectured extensively at both the Justice Institute of British Columbia and at Thompson Rivers University. Brad resides in Campbell River with his wife, Lori, and daughter.

BIO: Kindry Mercer, RPF, Indigenous Relations Project Manager 

Kindry Mercer has worked in the BC Coastal Forest Industry since 1997.  Kindry is the Indigenous Relationships Project Manager for Western Forest Products (Western), her role is to support the development of long term, mutually beneficial relationships and resource stewardship opportunities with Indigenous communities.  Kindry holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Forest Resources Management from the University of British Columbia and is a Registered Professional Forester with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. 

Western Forest Products - Defining a higher standard™

Please join us for a Joint Christmas Party with Daybreak Club. 72 tickets available for each Club.

Tickets are $60 each:  Buffet Salads, AAA Strip Loin and Vegetarian Lasagne. Seasonal Vegetables, dessert, tea, coffee.

We have engaged a band for after dinner, no host bar, door prize(s), Rotary Trivia. 

Contact Karen Johnson directly to arrange for ticket.  Tickets are mandatory to attend the event.  You can pay cash or charge your account.

Student of the Month for December:  Southgate Middle School confirmed.

Ugly Sweater Day