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Presentations

Several presentations were held during the November 18 meeting. Former DG Martha Weaver presented Dave Palmer with the very prestigious 5 Avenues of Service Award from RI.

She also presented to Leo Hughes a District Service award for his years of service in the community and Rotarian of the Year Pin to Mike Steeves for his contributions last year

Also making a presentation to the Club members was student Mackenzie Pauze who spoke about her experience at RYLA in Kingston in June 2019, where she developed leadership skills through role-playing exercises, proactive challenges, and her favourite, was an escape room. She highly recommended this opportunity to be given to other students. She is currently the President of the Arnprior District High School (ADHS) Interact Club, which is still a work in progress. She shared the recent success of the Club to undertake a Food Bank drive, which Gerry later commented on the amount of food items collected, and the opportunity for the students to see and learn the operation first hand.

Mackenzie Pauze receiving PolioPlus Donation Certificate

District Conference In Clayton New York

District Conference in Clayton New York

Taking in many inspirational presentations from keynote speakers, making new friends and enjoying fabulous fellowship.

In attendance are Rotarian Diana Tomazin, Club President Gerhard Peters, Rotarian Rod & Vila Smith and Club Treasurer Jane Peters.

Dictionary 4 Life (D4L)

Posted by vila smith on Nov 19, 2019

The Arnprior Rotary Club has been involved with Dictionary 4 Life since 2016. This Fall Rotarians were at two elementary schools in Arnprior, namely McNab Braeside Public School and Walter Zadow Public School handing out dictionaries to the Grade 3 students.

The purpose of this project is to help children develop stronger self esteem, encourage familiarity with books, give "pride of ownership", and promote Rotary values to the child, family, and the community. The D4L has a space for the recipient's name on the inside cover in the Rotary information

Grade 3 students at McNab Braeside Public School, with their D4L books which they received from Rotarians David Grant and Vila Smith.

Students from Walter Zadow Public School

Grade 3 students from Walter Zadow school. From left Rotarian Mike Steeves, Teacher. Mrs. Hewitt, Rotarian David Grant and on the right Rotarians Rod and Vila Smith.

Guest Speaker Karen DeLuca

Thank you very much to Karen DeLuca, Chief Librarian / CEO who made a very informative presentation to members of the Arnprior Rotary club on Monday. She talked about the Arnprior Public Library and the various services it offers such as lending library books * DVDs * CDs * magazines * audio books * Inter library loan service * children's programs and story times * large print materials * Free online databases including language learning, eBooks, Ancestry.ca,

to name a few.

As a thank you gift to Karen the Rotary Club of Arnprior will vaccinate 50 children against Polio in honour of Karen for her enlightening talk on the Arnprior Library.

World Polio Day

October 24 is World Polio Day

Today, on World Polio Day, Rotary and its Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners announced that wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) has been eradicated worldwide. WPV3 is only the third infectious human disease-causing pathogen to be eradicated in history, following smallpox and wild poliovirus type 2. This achievement means that two of the three wild polio strains have now been wiped out, an important marker of progress against the disease.

The announcement comes on the heels of recent news that Nigeria has gone three years without a case of wild poliovirus, which means that the entire African region could be certified wild poliovirus-free in sometime in 2020.

“The eradication of wild poliovirus type three is a critical step in Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio,” said Michael K. McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “Even as we’re addressing major challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we continue to make historic progress that shows us that eradication is possible.

Today is World Polio Day—a time to reflect on our efforts, how far we’ve come, and the work that still needs to be done to fulfill our promise of a polio-free world. It’s important that we remain optimistic and harness the momentum of this good news as we tackle the remaining challenges in the global effort to end polio.”

This painting was drawn by Rotarian Jamaal Rolle from the Bahamas. The Artist created a painting showing a child receiving a drop of the polio vaccine for the End Polio Now message. The painting raised €8,000 (US$9,065.00) at the 2019 Rotary Convention in Hamburg, Germany that was held in early June.

Arnprior Rotary Club supports Grandma Cares Program

The Arnprior Rotary Club supports "Grandma Cares" partnership program and the Children’s Sight Project in Chiangmai, Thailand.

The Grandma Cares program is a program of the Women’s Rotary Club ofChiang Mai Thin Thai Ngam. The program supports orphans and helps with the needs of children and youths who have been orphaned as a result of their parents dying from AIDS/HIV.

The program fund tuition for students twice in a Thai School term. The club’s emphasis is on good healthy livelihood and to stay in school to be good citizens.

This Rotary Club also supports some schools to see the needs of students for healthy vision.

Rotarians Harry and Myra Kamen from the Rotary Club of Arnprior have been going to Chiang Mai for a number of years to work with the local Rotary Club in the implementation of the projects.

In February 2004, the Rotary Club of Chiangmai Thinthaingam, District 3360, launched the "Grandma Cares" partnership program in which Rotary Clubs from around the world were invited to participate and to date, seven Rotary Clubs, including the Rotary Club of Arnprior are supporting this program.

Harry and Myra Kamen 4th from left with Rotarian P.P.Hope from the Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Thin Thai Ngam (Photos provided by The Kamen’s)

Rotarians Harry and Myra Kamen presenting a cheque from the Arnprior Rotary Club to the Women’s Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Thin Thai Ngam

Children’s Sight Project

Myra Kamen helping at the Children’s Sight Project.

Notes provided by Rotarian Harry Kamen.

All photos courtesy of The Kamen’s.

10th Annual Duck Race

The 10th Annual Mad Duck Race was held on the Madawaska River. 1500 “duckies” were released with the help of a front end loader loaned by Sullivan’s.
Rotarians, family and friends were on hand to retrieve these ducks from their canoes, kayaks, seadoo and boats.

The lucky winners were May Waugh from New Liskerd, Ontario and she bought the winning ticket from Sherry Kerr, (below) Sales Associate from Audrey’s Boutique in Arnprior.

The 2nd price of $500 went to Stephen Dodd of Arnprior.

Congratulations to both these winners and thanks for supporting Rotary.

Many thanks goes to Rotarian Terry Dawson who oversees the running of the annual event.

Photos below show some Rotarians, family and friends helping to retrieve the duckies from the Madawaska River.

2nd price $500 went to Stephen Dodd of Arnprior.

Congratulations to both these winners and thanks for supporting Rotary.

Many thanks to Rotarian Terry Dawson who oversees the running of the annual event.

July Events

Rotary Events in July

July 1st - 10th Annual Rotary Madawaska Duck Race followed by Fellowship at the residence of Rotarian Terry and Joyce Dawson.

July 1st - No Rotary Meeting

July 1st - Calendar Draw

July 8 - Official Hand Over, where Gerhard Peters will assume the duties as Club President. Meeting will be at Jane’s and Gerhard’s house. Pot Luck, will be at 6 p.m.

Rotary Clubs help Tornado Victims

Last year in September 2018, a powerful tornado swept through the Ottawa area. Many of the homes, farm properties and a children’s recreational building in the Dunrobin area were either partially or completely destroyed.

Many Rotarians immediately went to work to help the families ravaged by the devastation.

On June 17, at the Kenwood Centre in Arnprior after 9 1/2 months since the disaster happened President Dave Palmer thanked Martha Weaver, District Governor, and several members of the Rotary Club of Arnprior for assisting him through the process to obtain funds from the District in order to help the victims of Dunrobin. Dave introduced Lori McGrath of the West Carleton Disaster Relief group who was delighted to announce that a local company SenStar had stepped in to rebuild the equipment shed, change room, bleachers and do other remedial work.

Dave especially acknowledged John and Beate Stewart from the RC of Chesterville who ran a fundraiser to raise money for this cause and Ed and his son Brent Smith of the RC of Ottawa-Stittsville Club who arrived with a $1000 cheque to be used towards the relief fund.

DG Martha Weaver helped present the gift cards provided by Rotary for families in need to Lori McGrath of the West Carleton Disaster Relief. A total of $1,320 was obtained in gift cards from each of following stores in Arnprior and area; Shell & McEwan gas stations, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Rona and Sobeys.

Front row: John and Beate from the Chesterville Rotary Club, District Governor Martha Weaver, Lori McGrath of the West Carleton Disaster Relief, President Dave Palmer, and Ed Smith of the RC of Ottawa-Stittsville Club.

Sent from my iPad

Valley Night 2019

The Rotary Club of Arnprior hosted it’s annual “Valley Night” a gathering of Rotary Clubs in the Ottawa Valley on Thursday May 23, 2019 at the Sand Point Golf Club in Braeside. The theme for the evening was on Volunteerism. Celebrating the theme of "volunteerism" Rotarian Rev. Dr. Leo Hughes was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by MP Cheryl Gallant. Also present for the evening was MPP. John Yakabuski, Mayors of Arnprior and McNab Braeside, Walter Stack and

Tom Peckett.

Dr. Rev. Leo Hughes and Margaret Hughes

Left to Right. President Dave Palmer, Mayor of McNab Braeside Tom Peckett, MP Cheryl Gallant, Dr. Rev. Hughes, MPP John Yakabuski & Mayor of Arnprior Walter Stack

The evening began with an Acapela group named ‘Nothin’ but Treble” comprising of 4 very talented ladies performing during the dinner period with a compilation of songs.

A cheque presentation for $10,000 was presented by the President of the Rotary Club of Arnprior to the Chair of the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation Jackie Asselin.

President Dave Palmer presenting the cheque.

The other presentations were The Paul Harris Fellow recognition award which were presented to individuals who contribute or who have made a personal monetary contribution of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. The award also recognizes individuals who have given tirelessly over a considerable period of time to their community.
There were 3 recipients who received the Paul Harris award. They were Rob Ball of Sullivan & Sons for the Company's continued Community Support to Rotary, Rotarians Brian Patterson and Terry Dawson. Martha Weaver District Governor of 7040 presented the awards to Rob Ball & Rotarian Brian Patterson
Absent to receive the award was Rotarian Terry Dawson.

From left Pres. Dave Palmer, District Governor Martha Weaver, Rotarian Brian Patterson and Rob Ball from Sullivan & Sons

The Keynote speaker for the evening was David King of the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) . David has over 20 years of executive experience in marketing, sales, business development, Human Resources & engineering. David is an active volunteer who donates his time and expertise to local, national and international pursuits.

Keynote speaker David King

Dictionaries 4Life

Posted on Apr 29, 2019

On Thursday April 25, the Grade 3 students of A.J. Charbonneau Public School were individually presented with free beautifully illustrated dictionaries to take home and use throughout their educational development.

The Dictionaries 4 Life program is a literacy program that had its origin with Rotary in the UK. It was first embraced by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa in District 7040 and more recently by more than a dozen other Rotary Clubs in District 7040.

These dictionaries will not only help the children with the English language but stimulate their interest in various subjects. Children will learn to use dictionaries efficiently to explore the spelling of words and their meaning.

Before making the book presentation we talked to the students about Rotary and the various projects we are involved in the community and also internationally.

The looks of delight as the students received their dictionaries and printed their names in them is what makes the whole effort so worthwhile.

Our thanks to Lisa Murphy Principal of A.J.Charbonneau School of the Renfrew County District School Board for making this possible and Rotarians David Grant, Rod Smith and Vila Smith for presenting the Dictionaries.

Certificate of Recognition

Posted by Gerhard Peters/ Vila Smith

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers

Posted by Vila Smith

Leo Hughes at home with his wife Margaret. . Photo courtesy of Derek Dunn/Metroland.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada and Queen Elizabeth II’s representative, has granted the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Rotarian Leo Hughes of Arnprior.

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is a Canadian decoration which recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields and pays tribute to the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers will be awarded to Reverend Dr. Leo Hughes during a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club of Arnprior on May 23rd. The 87-year-old Mr. Hughes has been an exceptional volunteer in the community, co-founding the Arnprior branch of the Rotary Club, providing support to the local Legion and veterans and for years as reverend of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.

Grove Fundraising Campaign Thermometer

On a chilly Monday morning in March, several members from the Rotary Club of Arnprior, came with their shovels, picks and hand tools to put up two Grove Fundraising Campaign progress signs (aka the Thermometers). The first Grove Thermometer sign is now located on Madawaska Blvd in front of RONA whilst the second sign went up on Daniel Street at Desjardins Insurance (formerly State Farm Insurance) across from Canadian Tire).

Thanks to the following, Arnprior Regional Health Foundation for providing the supplies, Wayne Croft for the construction of these signs, RONA/Sullivan’s for donating the materials and cement blocks to hold the signs in position and Robert Hughes from Hughes Brittle Printing for the printing of the signs and providing assistance in delivering the structures to the sites.

The campaign goal of the Arnprior District Hospital is to raise $5 million towards the Grove Nursing Home of which $4 million is needed to help build the new Home and $1 million for the purchase of new hospital medical equipment.

Photograph courtesy of Vila Smith (Rotarian).

Rotarians from left to right: Bruce Buie, Gerhard Peters, David Grant, Dave Palmer, Mike Steeves, Rod Smith and Bruce Hill, Executive Director, Arnprior Regional Health Foundation

Breakfast Program

A.J. Charbonneau Public School in Arnprior offers a variety of programs and services that help students succeed at school. The school has been offering a Snack Program for the past few years, with the assistance of the Renfrew County Food for learning grant and community partners. They offer healthy snacks at both nutrition breaks, prepared by their life skills program. This program is offered to all grades, JK through Grade 8.

By promoting healthy eating and providing nutrition programs in school settings, students have the potential of achieving optimal health, growth and intellectual development. Many children come to school without breakfast, for a variety of reasons. This translates into a child’s inability to concentrate, increased restlessness and disruptive behavior, which affects the learning conditions in the classroom.

The Rotary Club of Arnprior is pleased to support this program and seen here presenting a cheque to Ms. Lisa Murphy, Principal of A.J. Charbonneau, is President Elect and Foundation Chair Gerhard Peters.

Photograph courtesy of Vila Smith

2019 Rotary Cash Calendar winners

Posted by Vila Smith on May 06, 2019

2019 Cash Calendar Winners

Congratulations to the following winners.

The Early Bird winners drawn on the Nov. 24^thChristmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale were:

Lucien Clouthier $500
M. Sullivan & Sons $300 (Sponsor and donated it back to the club)
Donna Gunn $200

Special Day Winners

Family Day $300
- Joseph Antrozi
Arnprior Rotary Day in May $400.00
- Janet Simmonds
Father’s Day $300
- Darlene Mullens
Mother’s Day $300.00
- Arlene Holmes
Thanksgiving $300
- Scott MacLaren

Monthly Winners $200 Each:

January - M. Sullivan & Sons Sponsor and donated it back to the club
February - Adrienne Smith
March - Elliot Martin
April - Marion Neill
May - Chris Jensen
June - Kyle & Sarah Graham
July - Jacques Lalonde
August - Sherry Steeves
September - Lynda Horner
October- Lorne Bretzlaff
November - Linda Fairchild
December - Alexis Barr

2019 Cash Calendar

Posted by Dave Palmer

Rev Leo is at it once again, selling the newly released 2019 Rotary Cash Calendars.

Leo Hughes is well known throughout Arnprior and the Valley for his benevolent activities and is working again to support good causes.

A major portion of funds raised will be going towards the redevelopment of the Grove and Arnprior Hospital including equipment and other things in the community such as support to the Mobility Van.

Students on Ice

In mid July, Marlayna Griffin a grade 11 student at Arnprior District High School attended the 2018 Students On Ice Arctic expedition.

Many local businesses and charitable organizations including the Rotary club of Arnprior were happy to help Marlayna achieve this amazing educational opportunity.

Bronze Hero Award

Posted by Vila Smith

The Rotary Club of Arnprior has helped with Shelter Boxes by providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disasters. In appreciation, to continue to support disaster relief the Club has received a ShelterBox Canada Hero Bronze certificate.

Emeritus Rotarian

Posted by Vila Smith on Jul 12, 2018

Rotary Member Emeritus

During the year-end changeover dinner meeting on July 9/18, the Rotary Club of Arnprior awarded John Litva with a Rotary Member Emeritus award in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions to Rotary. John is a Past President of the Club.

Photo below from Left to Right, Leo Hughes, Dave Palmer (in coming President) and seated is John Litva

Paul Harris Fellowship

Posted by Vila Smith on Jul 09, 2018

Paul Harris Fellowship Award
The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Several Rotary Club of Arnprior members were awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship on Monday during the club's annual changeover meeting at the residence of Rod & Vila Smith’s . This year the award went to three Rotarians. They were Dave Palmer for his contribution to the Rotary Foundation, Rod Smith and Mike Steeves for “service above self.” These Rotarians have joined past and present Rotarians in receiving this prestigious honour.

Rod presenting the Paul Harris Award to Dave Palmer

Mad Duck Race

Posted by Vila Smith on Jul 01, 2018

Another sellout year for the Annual Mad Duck Race ticket sales 2018.

The Rotary Club of Arnprior 9th annual Mad Duck Race took place on July 1. This year saw another sell out in ticket sales. Fifteen hundred ducks floated down the Madaswaska River. Money raised from the sale of these tickets will go towards the Grove Re-development in Arnprior.

The winners for this year’s Mad Duck Race were

1st ........ Forrest Williams ... $1000.00

2nd....... Kim Palmer ... $500.00

Thank you to all those who supported us by purchasing tickets.

The ducks will be resting up for next year.

All photos below are courtesy of Buena Dejoode

Rotarians, family and friends showed up in kayaks, canoes and a boat to help catch the ducks as they floated away on the mighty Madawaska River.

Photo above showing Terry Dawson reading the winning numbers.

Rotarians at Toronto 2018 Convention

Posted by Vila Smith on Jun 24, 2018

5 members from the Rotary Club of Arnprior are attending the 109th Rotary Convention in Toronto.

At the opening day of the Convention are Gerhard and Jane Peters, Bruce Buie, Vila & Rod Smith

New Members inducted

Posted by Vila Smith on Jun 13, 2018

Induction Of New Members
On June 4th 2018, the Rotary Club of Arnprior welcomed two new members with the induction of Larry Moher and Diana Tomazin.
Terry welcomed Larry to the Club with a brief introduction.
Larry grew up in Ottawa and pursued a career in electrical merchandise sales. After his retirement in 2008 he moved to Arnprior where he works part-time at Home Hardware. Larry is an avid traveller and has made 6 major overseas trips. Larry particularly likes the international focus of Rotary and hopes to get actively involved with Rotary.
Terry Dawson presented Larry with a Rotary pin and badge.
Larry will be mentored by Terry.

Bruce Buie welcomed Diana to the Club with a brief introduction.
Diana grew up in St. Catherine’s and has relocated herself along with her mother to Arnprior where she has had a Family Law practice since 2011. Diana enjoys travelling and her travels have taken her mainly to Europe. Diana is very encouraged by the global involvement of Rotary and is looking forward to getting involved with Rotary.
Bruce presented Diana with the Rotary pin and badge. Bruce will also mentor Diana.

Welcome Larry and Diana to the Rotary Club of

From left to right
Bruce Buie, Diana Tomazin Larry Moher, Terry Dawson and Rod Smith
◦

Arnprior District High School “Me to We” Trip to Ecuador

Posted by Vila smith on May 30, 2018

In the Spring of 2018, a group of "Me to We" students from Arnprior District High School (ADHS) travelled to Quito, Ecuador and the surrounding areas on an educational trip. The students learned much about life in Ecuador including the interests of similarly aged students and did a number of activities such as planting trees on a farm, constructing a new kitchen for a school, visiting a cacao farm, and, as a highlight, visiting the Amazon rain forest.

Students Tessa and Kaylee along with their teacher Mark Wroe presented a 4 1/2 minute video of their trip to the Rotary Club of Arnprior on May 14. The Club donated $2,200 to the group of students to assist with the trip out of proceeds from the 2018 Arnprior Rotary Cash Calendar fundraiser. Art students at ADHS partnered on the project by providing most of the artwork for the calendar.

Pictured below Rotarian/Treasurer Jane Peters, Students Tessa and Kaylee, Rod Smith President of The Rotary Club of Arnprior and in the background ADHS teacher and one of the chaperones Mark Wroe