Heitor shared his final update before returning home at the end of January. Since arriving in Canada on July 13, he has fully embraced Canadian life and Rotary fellowship, meeting many Rotarians on his very first day at the outdoor market. First-time Canadian experiences included:
Camping, attending a hockey game, seeing and scraping frost, watching fall colours change, attending a Rotary conference, celebrating Thanksgiving and Halloween (including carving his first pumpkin), experiencing snow, building a gingerbread house, and visiting a Christmas tree farm. Places visited:
Toronto, Owen Sound, Lion’s Head, Stratford, Goderich, St. Thomas, and his favourite city — Ottawa. Likes & Dislikes: Favourite things: Canadian patriotism, celebrations, warm and welcoming people, and how clean, safe, and respectful communities are. Dislikes: Purchase taxes, Caesar drinks, and how tough winter is on cars.
Heitor noted that Brazilian and Canadian foods are similar, but declared Canadian Caesar salad his favourite. He expressed deep gratitude to Rotary, sharing that the kindness he experienced meant he was never homesick. The club acknowledged how fortunate we were to host Heitor for the past six months — he will be truly missed.
Fundraising UpdatePoinsettia Sales: Rita reported a successful fundraiser, raising $1,500. Thanks were extended to Teresa for the use of TAP storage for distribution.
Social EventsAnnual Christmas Party: Dianne provided a recap, with unanimous agreement that the event was a great success.
Youth Exchange – Silver’s HighlightsMoved to his new host family (Rita) Attended seven Christmas celebrations over the holidays Delivered Christmas cards and sang at the seniors’ residence Spent New Year’s in Toronto and visited the CN Tower Learned sewing and quilting from Rita and proudly shared the Canadian tote bag he made
Social EventsAnnual Christmas Party: Dianne provided a recap, with unanimous agreement that the event was a great success.
ClosingSeveral Rotarians shared happy news!
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Club Meeting Highlights Jan. 13, 2026
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Dianne Marchand
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2026-01-13 05:00:00Z |
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November is Rotary Foundation Month – a perfect time to shine a light on our charity and the impact it makes every single day.
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November is Foundation Month
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2025-11-15 05:00:00Z |
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On October 14, our Club was honoured to host District Governor Jeff Ferweda, who shared an inspiring message about the incredible impact of Rotary—both in our community and around the world.
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Strathroy Rotary Welcomes District Governor Jeff Ferweda
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2025-11-04 05:00:00Z |
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Consider being a Rotary Host Family! Retirees, empty nesters, busy fams with kids, senior couples... all volunteer hosts are welcome to apply! Here is reflection from a recent host in our District 6330.
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Rotary Host Families
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2025-06-18 04:00:00Z |
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President’s Club Day
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2025-02-07 05:00:00Z |
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Get your team of 6 together and join us on Friday, January 31 at The Wright Place (13 Front St. W., Strathroy) for a night of questions and answers, teams and trials, and fun and laughs!
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Trivia Night Fundraiser - January 31, 2025
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Kirk Langford
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2025-01-01 05:00:00Z |
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Our club donated a new fridge to 37 Frank Street Youth Centre. Pictured below is Dave Berdan, Director of the youth centre.
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37 Frank Street Donation
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2024-09-24 04:00:00Z |
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Our club provided new kitchen appliances and landscaping maintenance, in conjunction with our First Scouts partners, assembled a new propane barbecue, and re-finished the first of 7 rooms. Below is the thank you card from the staff at WRRC.
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WRRC Support
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2024-09-24 04:00:00Z |
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The Strathroy Rotary Club was pleased to donate a new dishwasher, range, and range hood to the Women's Rural Resource Centre (WRRC) in Strathroy. Pictured below are Cheryl Losch, Development Director of the WRRC along with Tim Boerma, President of the Strathroy Rotary Club, and Marianna Boerma, Secretary of the Strathroy Rotary Club. The funds were raised through various fundraisers that the Club has done in the past, and we were more than happy to donate these appliances to such a worthwhile organization in our community. Learn more about the great and important work they do by visiting their website: https://wrrcsa.org/.
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Strathroy Rotary Club donates new appliances to Women's Rural Resource Centre!
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Kirk Langford
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2024-07-24 04:00:00Z |
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Spring cleaning took on a whole new meaning at Alexandra Park this past Saturday, thanks to the Rotary Club of Strathroy. Seizing a window between showers, the club members donned their green thumbs and planted 21 new trees, ensuring the park's continued vibrancy for years to come! These weren't just any saplings: a mix of Red Oaks, Red Maples, White Oaks, and Tulip Trees, all local varieties, were chosen in consultation with the staff at the Town of Strathroy-Caradoc. Planted strategically throughout the park, these newcomers will not only enhance the natural beauty but also play a vital role in preventing erosion. A big shout-out goes to Fairfield Landscape for delivering the trees! The Rotary Club's initiative goes beyond aesthetics. It's a shining example of their commitment to environmental stewardship and ensuring Alexandra Park remains a cherished green space for generations of Strathroy residents.   Take a stroll through the Park and take a look at the new additions!
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Alexandra Park Gets a Spring Spruce Up: Rotary Club Plants for Posterity
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Kirk Langford
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2024-05-30 04:00:00Z |
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We are thrilled to partner with Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley (CMHATV) in supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of our community! Our recent donation included PC gift cards, pots compatible with induction cooktops, toiletries, and food supplies. These items will directly benefit individuals struggling with mental health and addiction concerns, providing not only essential resources but also a sense of dignity and care. CMHATV's programs and services are crucial, and together, we can make a positive impact! And a huge thank-you to Rotarian Cheryl Waters for the great work she did coordinating with CMHATV to make this donation happen!
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Strathroy Rotary donates to CMHATV
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Kirk Langford
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2024-05-05 04:00:00Z |
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In honor of Earth Day 2024, the Strathroy Rotary Club, alongside Forest of Flowers and the Scouts of Strathroy, were right in the trenches with a community cleanup initiative! Their diligent efforts focused on tidying up the roadside along Second Street, extending from the high school to Centre Street. Additionally, the team dedicated their time to beautifying the area bordering the Sydenham River, spanning from Head Street to Caradoc Street. Their collective commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement made a tangible impact on local cleanliness and conservation efforts. Thanks to all our members who came out to help, as well as Forest of Flowers and the Strathroy Scouts! 🌎🌿 Above is the team that cleaned up the sides of the road along Second Street, from the high school all the way to Centre Street. And here's the team that cleaned up the area along the Sydenham River from Head Street to Victoria Street.
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Earth Day 2024: Strathroy Rotary cleans up!
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Kirk Langford
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2024-05-01 04:00:00Z |
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The Rotary Club of Strathroy is pleased to announced their "Service Above Self" Scholarship for students in grade 12. Interested students who meet the criteria and demonstrate Rotary International motto "Service Above Self" are eligible to apply for this $2,000 Scholarship. Application deadline is June 1, 2024.
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Service Above Self Scholarship
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Thomas Enright
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2024-04-19 04:00:00Z |
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🎉✨ Celebrating 35 Years of Rotary Excellence! 🥳🎊 Last month, our club marked a significant milestone: the 35th anniversary of the Charter of the Strathroy Rotary Club! 🎈🇨🇦 We were honoured to have had 7 charter members present at the celebration: Janet Gibbons, Anne Wolf, John Asher, Tom Enright, Gord Hale, (pictured above) and Marilyn Buttery (who had to leave before the picture was taken). They shared some stories from the early days of the club, reminiscing about the journey and impact we've made together over the years. 🙌🏼🎂 We were excited to present Marilyn Buttery with a Paul Harris Fellow for her incredible dedication and commitment to Rotary and the Strathroy community over the years! In addition to celebrating the 35th anniversary of our charter, we The Strathroy Rotary Club proudly holds the title of being the first Rotary Club in Canada to charter with women! 💪👩🦰 This is an achievement that we continue to celebrate and uphold with pride. 🌟 If you want to read more about the history of the club, click here. Not as old as the Gutenberg Bible, but above you'll see a picture of our original charter from Rotary International! Here's to 35 years of service, fellowship, and making a positive difference in our community and beyond! 🌍💙 #StrathroyRotaryTurns35 #Trailblazers #RotaryLegacy #CommunityImpact #ProudHistory #RotaryFamily #Rotary #RotaryInternational #Strathroy #StrathroyCaradoc #StrathroyON #D6330 #ServiceAboveSelf #PeopleOfAction #StrathroyRotary
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Strathroy Rotary Club celebrates 35 years!
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Kirk Langford
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2024-01-20 05:00:00Z |
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🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 The Strathroy Rotary Club is thrilled to announce a donation of $2,500 to Caradoc North Public School in support of their play structure fundraiser! 🌈🏰 In the snapshot of this joyous moment, meet the individuals making a difference: on the left, Strathroy Rotary Club Youth Services Director, Meredith Chatelain; in the middle, Club President-Elect, Tim Boerma; and on the right, Caradoc North Public School Principal, R. Stinson! 🌟
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Donation to Caradoc North PS Play Structure Fundraiser
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Kirk Langford
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2024-01-14 05:00:00Z |
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Get your team of 6 together and join us on Friday, November 10 for a night of questions and answers, teams and trials, and fun and laughs! All proceeds will support Strathroy Rotary Club's community service projects and programs, such as the Strathroy-Caradoc All-Wheels Park, the Strathroy Rotary Club Scholarship, the Youth Exchange Program, and more! Doors open at 6:15 pm, trivia starts at 7 pm. Snacks are included and there will be a cash bar. We hope to see you there!
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Trivia Night
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2023-09-28 04:00:00Z |
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The winning ticket for our Rib-Fest 2023 50/50 draw is 598465. Contact us to claim your prize of $425!
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Rib-Fest 50/50 Winner Announced
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Kirk Langford
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2023-07-09 04:00:00Z |
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Join us on July 8 for the GRAND OPENING of the All Wheels Park!  Taking place at 1 p.m. at the Fair Grounds Recreation Complex (334 Metcalfe St W., Strathroy), the grand opening will feature live demonstrations from Olympians and professional skateboarders. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the All Wheels Park is designed for all skill levels. Make sure to visit and try it out for yourselves!  
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Grand Opening
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2023-06-26 04:00:00Z |
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Unfortunately due to the weather forecast for today and tomorrow, we are cancelling our Earth Day Clean-Up.
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Join Us
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2023-04-11 04:00:00Z |
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Ladies Night
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2023-01-19 05:00:00Z |
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Our club is working at perfecting our hybrid meeting set-up so members, presenters, and guests can attend from anywhere. It’s a work in progress, but we’re getting there! If you’ve been interested in attending a meeting but aren’t able to make it in person, consider joining us via Zoom! We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 12 pm. Contact Us and we’ll send you the Zoom link.
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Hybrid Meeting
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2023-01-17 05:00:00Z |
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Quality Poinsettia Plants For Sale
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2022-11-07 05:00:00Z |
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For the month of November the Rotary Club Of Strathroy is offering Gift Cards for sale. How it works - You pay face value, while the Rotary Club retains 4% for Rotary projects. WIN, WIN!!!
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We can make Christmas shopping easy!
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2022-10-31 04:00:00Z |
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Get your team of 6 together and join us on Friday, November 11 for a night of questions and answers, teams and trials, and fun and laughs! All proceeds will support Strathroy Rotary Club's community service projects and programs, such as the Strathroy-Caradoc All-Wheels Park, the Strathroy Rotary Club Scholarship, the Youth Exchange Program, and more! Doors open at 6:15 pm, trivia starts at 7 pm. Snacks are included and there will be a cash bar. We hope to see you there! Here's a link to purchase your ticket: Link
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Trivia Night
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2022-10-14 04:00:00Z |
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Results Are In
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2022-07-26 04:00:00Z |
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Thanks to our generous sponsors and participants and volunteers, we are pleased to report we had a very successful fundraiser once again. Over $9,500 was raised and will assist Rotary's efforts to support the construction of The All Wheels Park. Golfers tell us they had a great day and the food and facilities at Caradoc Sands were once again great. The following people were winners:
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Great Day of Golf
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2022-07-02 04:00:00Z |
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The All Wheels Park is receiving strong support from the community. Last week, donations totaling $45,000 were received from Commonwealth Financial, Ricco Foods, Adelaide Wind Project and Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden. Construction on the project has begun and is expected to be completed by mid-July.
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Community Support
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2022-06-14 04:00:00Z |
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The Srathroy Rotary Club is pleased to welcome three new members. Picture L to R is Meridith Chatelain, Gabriela Leitch, President Fraser Macdonald and Bonnie Bahro.
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Three new members
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2022-03-15 04:00:00Z |
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ShelterBox is coordinating with Rotary District in Southern Poland to provide relief aid to the Ukraine Crisis. The Strathroy Rotary Club is contributing $1,000 toward ShelterBox Ukraine Crisis Urgent Appeal and would encourage other organizations and individuals in our community to consider supporting the appeal.
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Ukraine ShelterBox
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2022-03-04 05:00:00Z |
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The Strathroy Rotary Club is teaming up with the St. Clair Regional Conservation Authority for a family friendly trail tour day. We will have tours by the SCRCA staff, Trail Bingo and Trail Scavenger hunts available for all ages. Location: St. Clair Regional Conservation Authority Parking Lot (Front St. and Millpond)
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Rotary Trail Day
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2021-09-23 04:00:00Z |
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| Most often the recipient is a member within the club, but this year’s winner is a resident of Strathroy. |
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2021 Paul Harris Award
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2021-09-13 04:00:00Z |
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Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden and Strathroy Rotary Club President Fraser Macdonald officially kick off the All Wheels Park project to be located at the Fair Grounds. The Strathroy Rotary Club has committed $200,000 towards the project. Work is expected to start next summer with completion in early fall.
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All Wheels Park
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Thomas Enright
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2021-07-20 04:00:00Z |
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As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Rotary cultivates a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders.
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
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2021-06-13 04:00:00Z |
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| Strathroy Rotary has teamed up with the St. Clair Conservation Authority to fund this project to redirect the run off and fix the berm erosion so bikes can safely go up and down. Pictured here are the repairs made next to the wooden stairs. | | Rotary also collaborated with the Municipality and a private donor to help finance the cost of the trail repair that was requiring branches being trimmed back and new chip dust being laid along a privately owned farm field. | | Admiring another successful collaborative project! Pictured here from the left; Rob Lilbourne - Strathroy-Caradoc Parks & Recreation Greg Wilcox - St. Clair Conservation Authority Art Kaster - Strathroy Rotary Club. Thanks everyone! |
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Rotary Trail Repairs and Upgrades
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Judy McNeill
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2021-05-12 04:00:00Z |
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On June 5th, District 6330 will be hosting a celebration of the district's 50 years of participation in Rotary Youth Exchange. The Rotary Club of Strathroy is proud to have been part of the youth exchange program for the past 30 years. The celebration will be a reunion from across the years and the planet: an opportunity for all of the District 6330 Rotary Youth Exchange alumni. Rotarians and host families to reconnect and catch up.
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50th Anniversary RYE
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2021-05-07 04:00:00Z |
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 Our exchange student Gustas Dementavicius academicyear may have been cut short by Covid-19 but he was still able to receive his final academic award virtually! Gustas maintained an average over 80% in the 2019/20 academic year. Watch Mr. Marinelli, Principal of Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, vitually present to Gustas the Principal's Honour Society Award. Assisting with the presentation is Rotarian Brian Anderson, Youth Exchange Counsellor.
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Congratulation Gustas
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2020-11-21 05:00:00Z |
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 The End Polio Now Triathlon was held over a three day period starting October 22nd and wrapping up on October 24th, World Polio Day. The event was a surprising success, given the short two weeks where it came together, raising $1800 U.S. plus to go towards Polio eradication efforts. There was much awareness brought to the event, and polio itself, through great social media updates of how our traithloner were progressing and a trivia quiz presented to each aquafit class at Over the Deep End. Next year our president, Alisha, hopes to engage other community members and groups to participate in one of the three events and possibly kick off World Polio Day with a pancake breakfast. Three events...running, swimming and cycling...were taken on by members of the Rotary Club as well as the community.
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End Polio Now Triathlon Wrap-up
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2020-11-19 05:00:00Z |
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SWIM - October 22-23 Over the Deep End/Teresa Fischtner. Rotarian Judy McNeil and fellow Instructors of both aqua fit + land-based classes will swim for an hour each at a time with the goal to complete 2,400 laps in a 24 hour period. RUN - October 23-24 Mill Pond Massage/Owner + Registered Massage Therapist Brian Groot. Brian will be running for 24 hours on the Rotary Memorial Trail. His run will be primarily shirtless to create awareness for our warm clothing drive. A warm clothing donation box will be available at the Rotary Pavilion in Alexandra Park. BIKE - October 23-24 Rotarian Tom Enright will cycle 24km outdoor route in and around Strathroy - this will be completed multiple times. HOW YOU CAN HELP? 2. Get out on the Rotary Trail Oct. 23rd or 24th for a walk or run + cheer Brian on! 3. Drop off new hats/mitts in the donation box located at the Rotary Pavilion in the park!
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END POLIO NOW TRIATHLON
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mk
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2020-10-19 04:00:00Z |
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Jennifer E. Jones to become Rotary International’s President for 2022-23 Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, (District 6400) has been nominated to become Rotary International’s President for 2022-23, a selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history. A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a member since 1997 and has served Rotary as vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor.
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Jennifer E. Jones
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Thomas Enright
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2020-09-02 04:00:00Z |
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Strathroy Rotary Club Splash Pad Opens! Children and parent’s alike were elated to discover that the Strathroy Rotary Club Splash Pad finally opened for the 2020 season on June 17th and it couldn’t have happened at a better time with the hot, steamy, summer weather coming in on us. It’s open daily from now until Labour Day from 8:am till 8:pm. 🤞
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Rotary Splash Pad
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2020-06-20 04:00:00Z |
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The Rotary Club of Strathroy Memorial Trail is just steps away from our downtown area. It meanders through the municipality allowing those taking advantage of it to enjoy nature at it’s best. The trail, on the south and north ends of Strathroy, connects with the Conservation Authority's trail system creating a city-wide public trail system. The trail begins just east of the corner of Albert St. and Carrie St, and extends all the way through town, continuing through the Conservation Area and up to Second Street.
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Strathroy Rotary Club Memorial Trail
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2020-06-13 04:00:00Z |
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 Pictured from the left; Nate Parsons - Strathroy Rotary Club President, Sandra McCabe - CMHA Strathroy Office Manager, Wendy Sanderson - CMHA's Senior Fund Development Associate, Mark Graham - Owner of Clock Tower Bistro and Judy McNeill - Rotarian EAST COAST VIRTUAL KITCHEN PARTY On Saturday May 30th, amid all the shutdowns and social distancing, the Strathroy Rotary Club, along with several other clubs across the region, managed to bring the East Coast to Ontario with exceptional Eastern Canadian food and entertainment. Each club offered a chance for participants to order their meal from a restaurant in their hometown and then treated everyone to a free virtual show of Celtic music, dance and comedy. Chef Mark and the Clock Tower Bistro treated the Strathroy crowd to a wonderful meal of Corn and Seafood Chowder or Roasted Red Pepper Soup with a main dish of Panko Crusted Halibut on a bed of rice pilaf with grilled zucchini and carrot fingers. Dinners were priced at $30 each with $10 of that going to our local Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Middlesex, the charity of choice for this event hosted by Strathroy Rotary Club.
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Donation - Canadian Mental Health Association
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2020-06-08 04:00:00Z |
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 On behalf of The Salvation Army Community & Family Services Food Bank, I want to thank the Rotary Club of Strathroy for your generous donation of $5,000.00 to assist us in responding to our clientele during the COVID-19 Crisis. Your donation will enhance our ability to give more nutritional value to the hampers we provide by purchasing perishable items, along with donated canned and packaged goods, allow us to give needed food to families and individuals each month. Again, The Salvation Army is extremely grateful that you are assisting us in ‘Giving Hope Today’ to the marginalized and needy in Strathroy-Caradoc and surrounding area. Yours in Rotary, Roland Shea
Major
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Donation - $5,000 Salvation Army Food Bank
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2020-05-14 04:00:00Z |
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2013-2014 Rotary Exchange Student Mackenzie Van Hoof was this week's guest speaker. Mackenzie shared her experience of a year in Poland where she attended the equivalent of grade 12. The Youth Exchange experience led Mackenzie to study economic development, and international co-operation relative to international development projects. Her post secondary education includes 2 years in Poland, and 2 years in Spain. She is presently completing her thesis which is focused on Peace & Conflict studies.
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Weekly meetings continue (virtually) during COVID-19
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2020-05-13 04:00:00Z |
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“ Palliative Care is end of life care for a patient and their family and friends. It’s a time of mixed emotions, and a time for patient privacy and dignity. This is why we are overwhelmed with emotion at the Foundation about the opening of a dedicated Palliative Care Suite at Strathroy Hospital. We want to recognize our Hospital President & CEO Todd Stepanuik, and the VP of Clinical Services & CNO Rosemary Frketich for having the vision to move this project forward, but mostly we want to thank the Strathroy Rotary Club and the more than 200 donors, without whom this beautiful, private space would never have happened.” Susan McLean, CEO
Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation
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Strathroy Hospital's NEW Palliative Care Suite
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2019-06-27 04:00:00Z |
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 What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.
A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.
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Saving lives in Ghana
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2016-08-05 00:00:00Z |
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 Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school. After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.
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Helping people with disabilities make their own music
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2016-08-05 00:00:00Z |
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The challenge now is to replicate India's success in neighboring Pakistan, one of three remaining polio-endemic countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria.
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India celebrates three years without polio
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2016-08-04 04:00:00Z |
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