Burger Days 2017

Recent Local Grants from Rotary

Push for Change

Joe Roberts – as a former homeless addict, who transformed his difficult life to become a successful businessman, has personally experienced the power of possibility thinking in the face of some of life’s biggest obstacles, and he is dedicated to sharing this possibility mindset with others who are going through their own challenges.

The Rotary Club of Brandon has increased its donation to $1,000 to this worthwhile project to combat youth homelessness through its partnership with the Kiwanis club.

Elspeth Reid Family Center

A donation of a total of $7,000 to this worthwhile endeavor was completed. This consists largely of proceeds from the Wine Festival sponsored by the Rotary.

Brandon Regional Health Center Room for Renewal

The hospital will receive another $10,000 to bring our completed commitment to $30,000 out of our $50,000 promise to help the refurbishing and upgrading of the hospital.

Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex

Within a few days the last installment of $10,000 will be paid to complete the $100,000 commitment. This will help with the cost of setting up four diamonds at the complex. Come out and cheer on the youth teams playing on these excellent diamonds!

Spring 2017 Book Sale Complete2

The Rotary Spring Book Sale is now complete, and organizers are pleased with the results. The returns on the sale will be used to meet the commitments of the club, some of which are listed here:

Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex
Brandon Regional Health Center Room for Renewal
Any number of community and international projects and grants.

The President of the Brandon Rotary Club, Cheryl Winger, wishes to thank all persons who donated books to this major fundraiser for the club.

Other thanks are sent to a large number of volunteers, notably:

        - Ashley Neufeld Softball committee and Ballplayers
        - Rotary's Interact Club of Vincent Massey
        - Rotary's Adventures in Citizenship students
        - 82nd Brandon Squadron RCAC
        - Beta Sigma Phi
        -all the great friends of Rotary
        -all our Rotarian family members

We also thank a number of businesses who support the sale in so many ways:

                - Brandon Sun
                - Victoria Inn
                - Home Hardware
                - Sobey's West End
                - Lee's
                - Superstore
                - CO-OP Marketplace
                - CKLQ AM/FM
                - Canada Moving

- Leech Printing

- Custom Tarp & Filters

- WCG (PSA messages)

Please remember that the Book Boxes are out from January to September.

The first step leading up to the Spring Rotary Book Sale has been to get the donation book boxes out.

Save the date: The Rotary Book Sale will be held at the Victoria Inn, on March 30, 31 and April 1, 2017

This year, refurbished boxes have been put out and we sincerely thank Home Hardware, Horizon Builders, Impact Graphics as well as a number of dedicated Rotarians for their time, materials and labor.

The boxes can be found at:

Heritage Co-op on Richmond

Home Hardware on 18th

Sobey’s West Victoria Ave

Superstore

Lee's Chinese Restaurant on 18th Street

The two used Book Sales are the major fundraisers for the club, and locally the funds have been used to help with The Ashley Neufeld ball diamonds, Brandon Hospital Room for Renewal, grants to worthwhile community projects and a number of international projects.

After the books are picked up by Rotarians, they are taken to the Brandon Sun (thanks again for the space!) and sorted by hard or soft cover, author, subject.

Book sorting area at the Brandon Sun

After the books are picked up by Rotarians, they are taken to the Brandon Sun (thanks again for the space!) and sorted by hard or soft cover, author, subject. Here the books are sorted into larger boxes or flats, stacked on pallets, shrink wrapped and prepared to be moved to the Book Sale location. This operation takes a huge number of man (and woman) hours. Pallets are stacked with boxes or flats to a height of 5-6 feet (about 2 meters). These are all moved with a manual pallet jack. By the time the book sale is ready to start, there are approximately 35 pallets, enough to fill two full size semi trailers.

(It is now midway in the Brandon Rotary Book Sale. My apologies to the users of the website, but with some technical issues, the website has not been updated for quite a while - Website Coordinator)

The book sale will continue Friday evening March 31, and reopen on Saturday April 1 until noon.

Don't forget the Fall book sale and again you have the chance to get books at rock bottom prices and help the Rotary help the community.

More will come on both the Spring and Fall Book Sales as information and photos come in.

Plaques have been hung to honor two long-term, hard-working Rotarians on their fine liaison work with Rotary Villas residence. The plaques represent Harvey Laluk and Chuck LaRocque. Below is Rotarian Don Partrick responsible for the production and mounting of the plaques.

Ripple Effect is a Rotary District 5550 program through which Rotarians and other organizations and individuals in Canada can reach out to Guatemala, where children’s education is at risk. The program works in partnership with Rotary Clubs and communities in Guatemala to help build, equip and support schools for children in grades K to 6. Your donation to the Ripple Effect Program will help build and/or equip a school in Guatemala.

The Rotary Club of Brandon, along with other Rotary Clubs in Ontario and the Prairies have worked together to build the San Miguelito School in Santa Eulalia, Guatemala, to help reduce the incidence of illiteracy and poverty among the people of the area. Guatemala is not only one of the poorest countries, (Guatemala is geographically south of Mexico), but has the lowest literacy rate in Central America. The school has taken several years to build, with all work done by local people and supervised over all by local and Canadian Rotary clubs. Presently there are 5 classrooms, a computer lab with 16 computers, kitchen, washrooms, principal's office, storage along with a cemented playground, fencing and retaining walls.

Guatemala also has the 4th highest rate of malnutrition in the world. As a result of the new kitchen and storage room construction, the school has become the recipient of regularly scheduled donations of food from USAID. Just one of the many “ripples” as a result of this great Rotary project!

Needless to say, the school has become the meeting place of the town, and the best school in the entire area.

Upcoming Events

Rotarian Nonny Cancade was pleased to present a check for $6,500 to the Elspeth Reid Family Center for their ongoing programs which are extensive in and in the areas around the city.  These were from the proceeds of the Rotary Wine Festival.

A lot of volunteer work went into the Wine Festival, and Nonny and his crew are to be commended for the amount that they did. For opportunities for donation or volunteer work with CFS Manitoba contact Elspeth Reid Family Resource Center.

“A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or what kind of car I drove…but the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”
– Anonymous

This year is the 75th Anniversary of the 82nd Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. To commemorate the occasion there will be a ceremonial mess dinner at the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Avenue in Brandon. It is to be held on Saturday January 14th, with cocktails at 17:30 and the head table to be piped in at 18:00.

Tickets are sold out for this gala affair.

As 82nd Squadron's primary sponsor, The Rotary Club of Brandon will be out in full force to honor the Squadron. We look forward to a good time, excellent meal and fine company with the squadron attending.

A long term Rotarian, Ernie Kempthorne, was honored for his many years of service to the Club. Ernie has ably chaired and worked with the Rotary Book Sale, as well as serving as the Club Treasurer for a number of years. An avid golfer, he enjoys that sport and most importantly, spends time when ever possible with his children and grandchildren.

Thank you for all your years of dedicated work on behalf of the Rotary Club of Brandon, Ernie.

The Rotary Club of Brandon was fortunate to have two guest speakers this week, Gabrielle Ramos from Brazil, an exchange student who will stay with three Rotary host families. She spoke very well about her opportunities to come to Canada and offered some facts about Brazil, her pride in her home country, and the differences between Canada and Brazil. Expect to see this young lady becoming a strong advocate for youth and international cooperation in the years to come.

Her host family also has participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange program albeit 15 years ago. Nathan Peto, presently the Manager of Corporate Initiatives for the City of Brandon. The contrast (and similarities) between the two participants was remarkable.

Nathan had gone to South Africa in 2001 and he stressed how important the trip was for his development into a young man. His parents talk about Nathan before and after the trip and the profound impact it had on his outlook on life. When he returned, he was more confident, independent, goal driven, focused and worldly. He felt he became a better global citizen, and a better leader.

He became acquainted with Rotary, first through RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a four day camp which has had only highly positive feedback from the participants, leaders and even those responsible for transport to the camp. From that he went to the Exchange Student program. Only two weeks after his graduation from Vincent Massey high school, he was on the plane heading for South Africa. As much as he thought he was independent (worked, saved for his own car, fought my own battles) you’ll never be as independent from your parents and friends when you step off that plane.

You have to learn to communicate effectively (English/but many are not), you have to have a voice (cant be passive) you have to network and make connections. Your exchange is what you make of it….take ever opportunity you can… saying Yes to learning opportunities – he helped with Durban sharks (releasing them from safety nets), bungee jumping, playing Cricket and Rugby or learning about sewage treatment facilities.

You have to think for yourself with no safety net. You had to be your own person! At 17 I had to make decisions for myself that I frankly don’t see some 23 year olds making in a world of helicopter parenting.

Don’t get me wrong it was hard – BUT THAT’S WHEN YOU GROW – WHEN Comfortably Uncomfortable

it was empowering as a young person. And had a profound impact on my development.

Our thanks to both of these remarkable individuals and we are pleased to have gotten the opportunity to hear them speak.

The annual Rotary Club of Brandon Remembrance Day service was held this year on November 8, 2016.

A number of dignitaries, serving officers and men and veterans will be in attendance. This day is important to honor our armed services of all types who have served their country now and in the past. Thank you to all of those who have done so!

We wish to thank specifically our keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Stephen Haire, CO First Regiment, First Canadian Horse Artillery who has served around the world as a military officer and also as disaster relief. His address was both informative and frankly moving. Shilo will benefit from both his expertise and obvious high regard for the well-being of his officers and men. Thank you, Lt. Col. Haire.

The Invocation

Dear Heavenly Father

We come together today to give Thanks for the men and women who served in the air, on land and at sea--in the hope of building a better world for all. We remember the loved ones of those who served and the many sacrifices they also made.

We also remember sadly that, although we live in peace and prosperity, so many are so far from that dream and that wars are still being fought around the world for justice and peace.

We pray that all nations will work together to find peaceful ways to settle their differences, so that future generations can live in a world where peace, justice and security are a reality--not just a dream.

We remember our comrades now departed this life. We honour them for their courage and loyalty to their country.

May they rest in peace,

Amen

Words from our President give pause.................

Every year at this time, my thoughts go back to the days of marching from the elementary school to the cenotaph across the street. We would all line up and wait for the veterans and others, like my Grandmother, who had lost someone in the war as they paraded down Main Street. My uncle died fighting in France. As we stood, sometimes in deep snow, & blowing winds, I watched my father in his Royal Canadian Air Force uniform. He served overseas, in Gander, as a mechanic for the airplanes that were so much a part of WWII. One of the students would read "In Flanders Fields" and I would watch my Grandmother lay the wreath for the mothers who had lost their sons. Sometimes, during the two minute silence, I wept a little for the uncle I had never met.

I am so grateful to have these memories and to know that, while Canada has soldiers still, they are primarily peace makers. The majority of Canadians haven't had to send their young sons & daughters to war.

I am also grateful for all that Rotary does to keep Peace in the world. Our leadership programs for youth and our peace programs, centres & fellowships are helping bring & maintain peace in the world.

While we can't remember what we were not part of; we can be respectful of those who do. We can support those who remember too vividly and those who, like my grandmother, mourn for those lost while serving. As we go about our days, we can promote peace by respecting those we work with and those we meet in the street. Peace is needed everywhere, "lest we forget".

Cheryl Winger, President

Westman Wine Festival

Dinner

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Victoria Inn

Reception: 6:30 pm

Dinner: 7:00pm

$130.00

Public Tasting

Friday October 28, 2016

7 pm to 10 pm

Victoria Inn

The Rotary Westman Wine Festival has been running since 2002 and has had a variety of beneficiaries over the years. 2002-2006 proceeds went to the 2006 Special Olympic Summer Games and since 2007-2015, proceeds have gone to the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Center and Rotary Club of Brandon charitable activities. The total amount of money raised by the Rotary WWF over the years in $150,000+

Public Wine Tasting Tickets are available at all four BRANDON LIQUOR MARTS

($32.95)

The 34th annual 55 Plus Games competition dates were June 14-16, 2016. They were co-sponsored by UCT, Alcoa, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and Rotary.

The host committee in Brandon (Rotary and UCT members) worked diligently to ensure a well-run event but they also planned for fun with talent showcased at the UCT room at Westman Place.

The 55 Plus Games is the largest multi-sport event in Manitoba; more than 1,000 athletes from across the province came to Brandon to participate in 22 different sports. From card games and walking to bowling and baseball, there are competitions for all ages and skill levels.

Plenty of information about the games can be found on ALCOA’s website, www.alcoamb.org. As long as you are 55 years of age by Dec. 31 this year, you are eligible to compete in any event. The only sports having play-off games in order to compete are bridge, crib and whist. Games open to all are walking/running, bowling, golf, arts and crafts, duplicate bridge, floor curling and shuffleboard, horseshoes, lawn bowling, pickleball, scrabble, slo–pitch, snooker, swimming, track and bocce ball. Participants that required lodging in the city, were asked to inform the motel/hotel/B&B you are a games participant. The host committee has worked with Brandon First to secure funding based on number of beds booked for these provincials. The games have been in operation since 1983 and have grown from 365 athletes to more than 1,600 people participating, at its record-setting year.

Over the last few years, Rotary’s Spring and Fall Book Sales have generated a large amount of money that the club then turns back to the community. Since its inception, profits have gotten very close to $600,000.

In most years, the amount raised is a new record which shows the popularity of the event. The 2016 spring and fall sales, as examples, have shown net revenues to the club and its many recipients of grants, both locally and internationally. "It was a perfect storm," club PR chair Don Partrick said, noting the event benefited from Good Friday and good weather. "We also have to thank our readers who come out for books each year and the people who donate used books."

We would like to thank the Committees and various local groups who made this such a success. Needless to say, the base support of all who continue to contribute their books into our collection boxes around Brandon provides the resources for our continued success.

This success has not been achieved magically — it is a huge logistic exercise. Hundreds of man-hours of labor have built the book boxes for collection (aided by Home Hardware and Horizon Builders). The Book Sale itself is not just the 3-4 days that the public attends. Through the year Rotarians collect from the book boxes, sort and package all the books. Little is mechanized in this aspect of the Sale, leading to 35+ pallets of books stacked carefully, shrink wrapped and ready for movement to the Victoria Inn. We would like to thank the management and staff of the hotel, who aid us behind the scenes. The Brandon Sun offers us warehouse space for the sorting and storage of the books. There are many groups and individuals who offer their time and labor. To name a few (and we apologize should we miss anyone):

BEEP (Brandon Energy Efficiency Program)
Canada Moving and Storage
CKLQ 880 / 94.7 Star FM
Family and friends of Rotary
Interact clubs in Brandon
Poor Michael’s Emporium of Onanole
Royal Canadian Air Cadets 82 Squadon
Sigma Beta Phi (Preceptor Chapter) Sorority
Westman Journal

Literacy has been and continues to be a major priority for Rotary. Literacy and reading are the stepping stones to creating better education, more social conscience and a better society. All children attending the sale with a parent or guardian may choose a FREE book of their choice. Children’s books are priced very low. Teachers and day cares may receive special bargains. We would rather sell or give away books for children than carry them back for storage.

Proceeds from the book sale help fund a variety of community projects, from play structures in daycare centres and the YMCA to major donations to the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. We are participating in the Brandon Regional Health Center “Room for Renewal” to help defray costs in renovation of the hospital.

Needless to say, the base support of all who continue to contribute their books into our collection boxes around Brandon provides the resources for our continued success.

The 2016 Fall Book Sale ran from Sept. 8 to10 at the Victoria Inn’s Imperial Ballroom.

The 2017 Spring Book Sale will go March 30 and 31 and April 1.

The five locations for the drop-off boxes are: Sobey's West End; Co-op Marketplace; Home Hardware; Michael's in Corral Centre; and Superstore, and will be replaced in January 2017.

Please take the time to go through your libraries and consider 'culling the herd' to donate some books to the twice yearly Rotary Book Sale.

The Rotary Club of Brandon is proud to be a Diamond Donor ($100,000) towards the construction of the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex in the city’s North End.

We are pleased to help out this excellent project for the city's sports community, and this type of large donation gives the Club significant exposure. Hopefully this will help to raise our profile and hopefully attract new members and/or donations for our work.

To date, and after surveying the ANSC site (pictured below) the Club’s PR committee and other members of the executive have selected the No. #4 site on the southeast corner of the complex to be the Rotary diamond. This diamond is the furthest from being constructed, and we are now in talks with the ANSC committee to determine the size and placement of our logos.

For more information on the ANSC project: http://www.ashleyneufeldsoftballcomplex.com

(Photos by Rotarian James O'Connor.)

The 2016 Spring Book Sale is a wrap at the Victoria inn. The 26th event — it's held twice each year, spring and fall — set another record and was the largest overall book sale to date. The 26 events over the years have raised approximately $540,000. And this 'thank-you' ad ran recently in local print media.

Harvey Laluk, sponsoring Rotary Club advisor, conducted the Charter Presentation ceremony to officially welcome our new Interact Club, based at Vincent Massey High School. Rotary Club President Eric Lawson also participated. Assistant District Governor George Horton presented the Charter to Interact President Demiana Ekladious, witnessed by attending Interactors and teacher advisor Ashley Davidson.

The meeting was held offsite at Brandon University and President Gervan Fearon talked about Rotary's Mandates and how Rotary's goals are about personal development and giving back to the community.

(Photos by Rotarian James O'Connor.)

The 2016 Spring Book Sale is a wrap at the Victoria inn. The 26th event — it's held twice each year, spring and fall — was another record after expenses and was the largest overall book sale to date. The 26 events over the years have raised approximately $540,000.

"It was a perfect storm," club PR chair Don Partrick said, noting the event benefited from Good Friday and good weather. "We also have to thank our readers who come out for books each year and the people who donate used books." Needless to say, the base support of all who continue to contribute their books into our collection boxes around Brandon provides the resources for our continued success.

This success has not been achieved magically — it is a huge logistic exercise. Partrick wanted to thank the volunteers — both Rotarians and non-Rotarians -— who helped with all aspects of the event. Rotarians from our club work tirelessly, behind the scene, all year around to sort, file and prepare our inventory of books for readiness to present our two sales per year. Just prior to each sale and while the sales are in progress, we have a significant number of people and organizations stepping up and giving of their time to help make our sales a fun, productive reading experience for young and old, Partrick notes.

Literacy has been and continues to be a major priority for Rotary. Literacy and reading are the stepping stones to creating better education, more social conscience and a better society.

Proceeds from the book sale help fund a variety of community projects, from play structures in daycare centres to major donations to the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex.

The 2016 Fall Book Sale runs Sept. 8 to10 at the Victoria Inn’s Imperial Ballroom.

Judging from the amount of books sold this past sale, there will be an amazing selection of new titles for avid readers to choose from.

The five locations for the drop-off boxes are: Sobey's West End; Co-op Marketplace; Home Hardware; Michael's in Corral Centre; and Superstore.

Please take the time to go through your libraries and consider 'culling the herd' to donate some books to the twice yearly Rotary Book Sale.

Three of the city's new Interact Club members also helped out during the sale. With them are primary Rotarian advisors Nicole Wang and Harvey Laluk. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brandon, and based at Vincent Massey High School, the Interact Club receives its official charter on Tuesday, March 29.

A couple of birthdays were also celebrated at the end of the sale, as Allan Little and Bernie Chrisp cut a cake.

Treasurer Ernie Kempthorne was a happy camper counting the proceeds.

(Photos by Rotarian Don Partrick.)

Message from the President of Rotary

K.R. RAVINDRAN

PRESIDENT 2015-16

MAY 2016

Some years ago, in the Kano plains of Kenya, a well-meaning development agency took on the task of improving water availability to a rural community. Committees were formed, meetings were held, and the local people were consulted. The main need the community identified was improved delivery of water for irrigation and livestock. A plan to meet this need was created, and the work was soon begun, exactly as the community representatives had requested.

Yet once construction began, it was met by immediate protest from groups of community women, who came to the site and physically blocked workers from building diversion channels. Upon further investigation, the agency realized that the water it was diverting for farming came from the only source, for dozens of families, of water for cooking, drinking, and washing. The entire project had to be scrapped.

Why? Because it had never occurred to a single member of the all-male team in charge to consult the local women. At every stage, it was assumed that the men knew the needs, spoke for the community, and were able to represent it. Clearly, this was far from the case. The women knew the needs of the community, and its resources, far better – but their opinion was never sought.

We have had women in Rotary for only the last quarter of our history, and it is no coincidence that those years have been by far our most productive. In 1995, only 1 in 20 Rotarians were women; today, that number has risen to 1 in 5. It is progress, but it is not enough. It is only common sense that if we want to represent our communities, we must reflect our communities, and if we want to serve our communities fully, we must be sure that our communities are fully represented in Rotary.

Rotary’s policy on gender equality is absolutely clear. Yet nearly one-fifth of our clubs still refuse to admit women, usually by claiming that they simply cannot find women who are qualified for membership. I would say that any Rotarian who makes this argument, or believes it, himself lacks the two most basic qualifications for Rotary membership: honesty and good sense.

A club that shuts out women shuts out much more than half the talent, half the ability, and half the connections it should have. It closes out the perspectives that are essential to serving families and communities effectively. It damages not only its own service but our entire organization, by reinforcing the stereotypes that limit us the most. It leads our partners to take us less seriously, and it makes all of Rotary less attractive to potential members, especially the young people who are so crucial to our future.

To tolerate discrimination against women is to doom our organization to irrelevance. We cannot pretend that we still live in Paul Harris’ time, nor would he ever want us to. For, as he said, “The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.” Let us see to it that the story we write in Rotary is one of which he would be proud.

As of Friday, the three-day 2016 Spring Book Sale was on pace to set record sales. It wraps up tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Victoria Inn. Here are a few images from the Imperial Ballroom on Victoria Avenue. Full results and more photos will be posted on this site after the sale. The first photo here features three of the city's new Interact Club members. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brandon, and based Vincent Massey High School, the Interact Club receives its official charter on Tuesday, March 29.

(Photos by Rotarian James O'Connor.)

The Rotary Club of Brandon # 1344 presented a plaque to Rotary Villas March 1st on the first anniversary of the opening of the facility. The Rotary Club was recognized for its 95 years of service to Brandon in the naming of Rotary Villas.

Pictured from left are Harvey Laluk, chair of the club's liaison committee with Rotary Villas; Katelyn Rempel, General Manager of Rotary Villas; Chuck Larocque, Past-President of the Rotary Club; and Eric Lawson, President of the Rotary Club.

Dan Fontaine recently accepted command of 82 Brandon Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, a terrific organization which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brandon as its largest donor. He recently spoke at a Rotary Club of Brandon meeting.

Dan moved to Brandon from Saskatchewan in 1985. He was a cadet in 82 Brandon Squadron and is on the CO’s Honor Roll, the Jack Stacy award for top cadet instructor 1988 and the Jack Selbie Memorial waard as the top senior cadet 1990.

Dan attended Penhold in 1986, was awarded the Glider Pilot Scholarship in 1988, private pilot Scholarship 1990, going on to work as a staff cadet and an officer in Penhold in 1989, in Winnipeg 1992 and 1994, also at CFB Borden 1993. CO Fontaine completed BA in Bus. Admin (BU) in early 1995 and moved to Alberta with Cargill.

Dan has had a very active extensive roll in the Cadet Program while residing in Alberta. CO Dan and wife Charlette moved back to Brandon in late 2014 to be employed by The City of Brandon in Economic Development.

Dan’s return to Brandon offered the Rotary Club of Brandon the opportunity to seek his return to 82 Brandon Squadron. CO Dan Fontaine will be in his 30th year in the Cadet Program and is committed to giving his best to his new role as the Commanding Officer of 82 Brandon Squadron.

The Air Cadet League of Canada is a civilian, non-profit, community-based and volunteer-led organization that in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and our other partners, is dedicated to supporting the objectives of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program.

The purposes of the League are to advance the education of the Air Cadets and to promote an interest in the air element of the Canadian Forces.

For more information on the Air Cadet League of Canada and its 75th anniversary celebrations this year: http://aircadetleague.com

(Photography by Rotarian Don Partrick.)

The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344, recently donated $9,500 to Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba to provide funding for their Parent Child Home Program.

Eric Lawson, President of the Rotary Club of Brandon (right) presented the monies to Dave McGregor, CEO Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba.

The Rotary Club of Brandon is a long time supporter of Child and Family Services and continues support CFS’s great work with this contribution.

The first in an occasional series of short videos featuring Brandon Rotary Club members discussing why they joined the club and what keeps them motivated. This is also on our Brandon Rotary Club facebook page.

https://youtu.be/bC3xJfdtyiM

Rashmini Shunmugam was the featured speaker at this week’s regular luncheon meeting.

The president of Neelin Rotary Interact centred her talk about how she is inspired by Dr. David Suzuki, who recently presented to a large audience in Brandon.

The world-renowned environmentalist founded the Blue Dot movement that lets ordinary people come together to press for a municipal declaration respecting people’s rights to live in a healthy environment, with clean water, air and soil.

Rashmini is a Grade 12 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.

The 13th annual Westman Wine Festival, presented by the Rotary Club of Brandon with Liquor Marts as a presenting sponsor, drew a large crowd to the Victoria Inn for the Public Tasting. A larger selection of photos is posted on the wine festival's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WestmanWineFestival/

(Photography by Rotary Club member James O'Connor.)

The Rotary Club of Brandon is proud, honoured and excited to have our Rotary name on this great project, which opened this year on the site of the former Brandon police station on 10th Street.

Our club sees the incorporation of the Rotary name as a recognition of our 95 years of service and contribution by Rotary in Brandon and Westman. We intend to work with residents and staff, assisting where we can, to make this a remarkable and lasting experience for all the residents in their new home.

The three-storey Rotary Villas comples opened on March 1, 2015. It offers 108 well-appointed apartments. Residents can choose from a variety of layouts, including studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites, and larger 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas featuring 3-season sunrooms. All suites and villas are wheelchair accessible and feature kitchenettes; open concept layouts; large, spacious bedrooms; and full bathrooms.

While the club usually holds its regular weekly meetings in the Roadhouse at Canad Inns, we also hold off-site metings for educational purposes, or if our home venue is busy during major events at the Keystone Centre.

This week’s regular meeting was held at the club’s namesake venue.

Don Partrick, chair of the Communications Committee, spent several hours recently in the Main Concourse of the Keystone Centre sprucing up the club’s display cases.

The cases, gratefully provided to the club by the Keystone Centre, now offer the public updated information about our club and its ongoing activities in Brandon and Westman.The display also contains some of the club’s cherished artifacts, such as our original Charter, signed in 1921.

“If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to check it out, possibly you might find some time to take a look,” says Don. “I think you will find it interesting. The display cases graphically encapsulate just how active The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344 is.”

Any questions or comments are welcome, Don notes.

At the Nov. 17 regular meeting, club President Eric Lawson (right) presented; a $3,000 cheque to Ron Adams of 82 Brandon Squadron (far left) and a $5,000 cheque to Al Little of Brandon Rotary Club Westman Foundation.

Ripple Effect is a Rotary District 5550 program through which Rotarians and other organizations and individuals in Canada can reach out to countries where children’s education is at risk. The program works in partnership with Rotary Clubs and communities in Guatemala to help build, equip and support schools for children in grades K to 6. Your donation to the Ripple Effect Program will help build and/or equip a school in Guatemala.

The Rotary Club of Brandon, along with other Rotary Clubs in Ontario and the Prairies have worked together to build a school in San Miguelito, to help reduce the incidence of illiteracy and poverty among the people of the area. Guatemala is not only one of the poorest countries, (Guatemala is geographically south of Mexico), but has the lowest literacy rate in Central America. The school has taken several years to build, with all work done by local people and supervised over all by local and Canadian Rotary clubs. Presently there are 5 classrooms, a computer lab, kitchen, washrooms, principal's office, storage along with a cemented playground, fencing and retaining walls. Needless to say, the school has become the meeting place of the town with a market and place for sports and recreation.

Every summer in District 5550 (Western Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan), Rotary clubs sponsor young people to go to summer camp on the south shores of Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a program developed between Rotary International and the local Rotary districts. RYLA is split into two weeks: the first week includes Junior high students; the second week is senior high students.

At its regular weekly meeting, The Rotary Club of Brandon welcomed three of this year’s RYLA camp participants: Kendra Maxon; Vanessa Smith; and Braden Cancade.

(Photography by club member Don Partrick.)

The 13th Annual Rotary Westman Wine Festival Gala Dinner was enjoyed by all last night at the Victoria Inn. The popular Public Tasting is Friday night at the Vic Inn's Imperial Ballroom. Get your tickets for the Public Tasting at any Liquor Mart location. A larger selection of photos is posted on the wine festival's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WestmanWineFestival/

Brandon Rotary Club President Eric Lawson and wife Linda are photographed by the Brandon Sun's Social Columnist Mariah Phillips.

(Photography by Rotary Club member James O'Connor.)

Wonderful coverage of the 2015 Brandon Rotary Club Westman Wine Festival, with presenting sponsor Liquor Marts, in the Brandon Sun from Mariah Phillips and her All Dressed Up social column.

https://www.facebook.com/WestmanWineFestival/

Thank you to everyone who either attended at or volunteered for the 13th annual Brandon Rotary Club Westman Wine Festival, with presenting sponsor Liquor Marts.

As usual, the festival featured two events at the Victoria Inn: The Gala Dinner on Wednesday and the Public Tasting on Friday.

A total of 540 people attended in total, making it possible for The Rotary Club of Brandon to provide the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre with $6,000.

Other proceeds will go to Brandon Rotary to help fund community projects, such as the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex and Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation’s Room for Renewal patient ward renovation campaign.

This will bring our total to more than $160,000 over the 13 years the Wine Festival has been running.

The Wine Festival Committee has already met to review this year’s event with an eye on increasing attendance and improving the experience at next October’s festival.

A great crowd turned out for the 13th annual Westman Wine Festival's Public Tasting at the Victoria Inn's Imperial Ballroom. Look for information of how much was raised and for more photos later on this page.

And here's what a ticket for the tasting portion of the very popular annual fundraising event looks like:

Brett Turner, chairman of the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex project, receives a cheque from Eric Lawson, president of the Rotary Club of Brandon.

The Rotary Club of Brandon originally committed $100,000 to the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex and is a Diamond level donor. Rotary's funding is being disbursed to the project in stages and recently the Rotary Club provided another $20,000 towards its total commitment. The funding requirements for the project has received tremendous support from the community.

Here's a link to the project's webpage for more info: www.ashleyneufeldsoftballcomplex.com

Rotary Club of Brandon Sunset president Lois Horton, Rashmini Shunmugam of Neelin Rotary Interact, Elena Santin of Rotary Rotaract, Brandon Rotary Club Westman Foundation Inc. chairman Eric Carlson and Rotary Club of Brandon president Eric Lawson, look on recently as Mayor Rick Chrest signs a proclamation recognizing Rotary World Polio Day.

We are extremely close to making history, eradicating one of the world’s most devastating diseases: Polio

PolioPlus the global immunization effort shows the tremendous impact being had on the terrible disease. New polio cases which once paralyzed more than 1,000 children every day has dropped more than 99% since the 1980s.

There are fewer cases in fewer places than ever before and only three countries (Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan) haven’t stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus.

Currently, a funding gap means immunization campaigns are being cut in high-risk countries, increasing more vulnerability to polio for children. If polio isn’t stopped now, the disease could stage a comeback, potentially affecting more than 200,000 children per year.

Rotary has nearly 34,000 clubs in more that 200 countries, having made polio eradication its top priority since 1985. Rotary has since contributed US$1.2 billion and its members have logged countless volunteer hours — having immunized more that 2 billion children in 122 countries.

Recently, Rotary announced the release of US$40.3 million in grants to support polio immunization activities in 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. The funds will build on gains Rotary and its partners have been making in the fight to iradicate the desease.

Nigeria hasn’t had a case of wild poliovirus since July 23, 2014 and the World Health Organization could remove it from the list of polio-endemic countries as soon as this month if no new cases are reported. It would take another two years without any new cases for the African to be certified polio-free.

The progress is fragile, and much work remains to reach the goal of a polio-free world.

Rotary’s recent contributions include US$9.9 million in Nigeria, US$12.2 million in Pakistan, and US$2.3 million in Afghanistan. In addition, the money will support immunization activities in countries still at risk of importing cases, such as Cameroun, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Niger, Somalia and South Sudan.

If polio is eliminated from the planet, dozens of other diseases could follow. This is an historic moment, one that is meaningful to people – especially children the world over.

The world stand on the verge of victory over polio, it is important to recognize amazing things can happen when forces join together for the common good. Your can join the fight to end polio now, by visiting www.endpolionow.org.

The Rotary Clubs of Brandon are ongoing contributors to the PolioPlus program.

(Compiled by Don G. Partrick chairman, Publlc Relations (Communications), The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344. Photo by James O'Connor.)

Some more much appeciated media coverage of the upcoming Westman Wine Festival. This week features an interview by Westman Journal's Terri Eger and event co-chair Tracy Baker.

Tickets are selling well for the two events that comprise the festival. And both have limited supplies. So get yours soon! Dinner tickets are available by contacting Tracy at 204-724-6576. Tickets for the Public Tasting can be purchased at any of the four Brandon-area Liquor Marts outlets.

The festival committee has also aranged for print and radio promotions in local media and don't forget about the Westman WIne Festival's own Facebook Page. It's getting lots of traffic and will help to inform people of both the fun aspects of the Wine Festival and the good deed to be done, with proceeds going to the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre.

http://www.westmanjournal.com/news/local-news/wine-lovers-rejoice-westman-wine-festival-coming-soon-1.2078124

The Westman Wine Festival now has a Facebook page. Please visit and 'Like'

https://www.facebook.com/WestmanWineFestival

The Rotary Club of Brandon is thrilled to have supported the Westman Youth Choir for 35 years.

The choir's final performance of its 2015 tour is Tuesday, October 20 at Central United Church. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $8.

Western Manitoba Youth Choir was formed in 1980 to provide a high quality experience in choral singing for high school students who demonstrate musical ability.

The singers have the opportunity to upgrade their talent in an intensive choral setting with experienced conductors. In order to qualify, the singer should be entering Grade 10-12 in the 2015-16 year.

For more information: http://wmyc.ca/schedule

Our club meets every Tuesday at the Meeting Room at Rotary Villas. You can purchase a full lunch, or something lighter. There is fellowship before the meeting is called to order. Then club business is attended to. Following that, there is a guest speaker from the community. There is also a 50/50 draw. There are greeters at the door to help out anyone visiting the club. Below is a sample cover of a meeting bulletin. Don Partrick is interim bulletin editor.

Here are some images from the Fall Book Sale that ends tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Victoria Inn's Imperial Ballroom.

Rotarians and volunteers are hard at work Wednesday setting up for the 2015 Fall Book Sale. The fundraising event starts Thursday and runs through Saturday at the Victoria Inn's Imperial Ballroom. Please see the poster below for more information.

Cookies to Softballs

(L-R) Brett Turner, chairperson of Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex Committee; Rhonda and Craig Pardy, Tim Hortons; and Barry Hartley, president of the Rotary Club of Brandon. (Photo submitted by Don Partrick)

In the photo above, Craig and Rhonda Pardy, Tim Hortons, owners present a cheque of $14,980. to Barry Hartley, president of the Rotary Club of Brandon.

The Rotary Club of Brandon will present these funds to the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex fund raising program.

The Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex is located on the north side of Parker Blvd right across from the McKenzie Seeds warehouse.

The first phase is to construct two diamonds and the second phase is to construct Diamonds 3 and 4.

The complex is expected to be in operation for summer of 2015. The project is presently at site grade leveling stage.

Brent Miller (l. to r.) receives award from Ken Krebs, District Governor- Rotary District 5550

Brent Miller, general manager of the Victoria Inn in Brandon, has recently received the prestigious Paul Harris fellowship award from the Rotary Club of Brandon in recognition of the absolutely tremendous support given to the Rotary Book Sale by the Victoria Inn and staff.

The Paul Harris fellowship recognition program was established in 1957 and it acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have had contributions of $1,000 in their name to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

The Rotary Foundation is a registered charity supporting the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational and cultural exchange programs. It’s supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share the vision for a better world.

Every Paul Harris fellowship recipient receives a certificate when he or she becomes a fellow, which identifies the recipient as an advocate of the Foundation’s goals of world peace and understanding.

We've refreshed our website and will be adding content to it regularly. Look here for information on upcoming events and meetings coverage of those events with stories and photos.

You can also follow activities of the club on Twitter: @rotaryclubofbdn We will be using the Brandon hashtag with our tweets: #bdnmb

We are working at adding a Facebook page at this time.

Rotary recognized for YMCA donation

RCB past presidents Harvey Laluk and Nonny Cancade accompanied Rotary Foundation Chair Eric Carlson at the special invitation evening by the YMCA for all sponsoring organizations.

As a result of a significant contribution to the Dood Cristall Family YMCA in downtown Brandon, the Rotary Club of Brandon has been recognized with a very user-friendly play area in the lobby of the new complex.

Rotary Shelterbox Program

The Shelterbox program is an unbelievable program to give the opportunity to an individual or a group to be able to step up and give a huge amount of help to people in need.

For example, the Shelterbox provides sustained shelter for people dealing with disaster in the Philippines.

Shelterbox already has two response teams on the ground in the Philippines who are working with the help of Rotarians to provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

The total cost of a Shelterbox is $1,000, but you can contribute a portion which can be gathered together with other donations to make up enough to purchase a Shelterbox.

Some 90 countries have received Shelterboxes. And more than 130,000 Shelterboxes have been deployed since the Rotary Club project since 2000.

For some more info, see: http://www.shelterboxcanada.org/

BBQ in the park

The Rotary Club of Brandon recently held it's annual Burger Day at Princess Park.

All the money raised at the various Burger Days will be used in The Rotary Club of Brandon's various local community projects.

Our thanks to the various businesses that donated food and drinks, in whole or at reduced prices to the Fundraiser.

All unused hamburger and smokies were donated to Samaritan House.

A great big thank you to everyone who attended!

Watch for next year, we'll be back!

(In the photos above: Rotarians Len Schneider and Barry Hartley cook up some delicious food; a look at the complete set-up; and Marilyn, Mary, Hilary and Eddy enjoy a visit after lunch.)

Helping the Air Cadets take flight

(L-R) Lorne Mustard, treasurer of 82 Brandon Squadron and a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Brandon; Barry Hartley, president of the Rotary Club of Brandon. (Photo submitted by Don Partrick)

The Rotary Club of Brandon has again donated $3,000 cheque to 82 Brandon Squadron.

This donation represents one-third of the annual budget of the 82 Brandon Squadron-Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and assists the squadron in providing leadership and personal growth activities for approximately 50, 12-18 year olds from Brandon and Westman area at no cost to the cadets.

The Air Cadets and their families raise additional funds with other various programs during the year. The Rotary Club of Brandon is a long standing mentor for 82 Brandon Squadron.

Rotary helps reduce times at WMCC

(L-R) Cindy Buizer , executive director, Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation; Barry Hartley, president Rotary Club of Brandon; Scott Kirk, operations manager Western Manitoba Cancer Centre and Harvey Laluk, past president Rotary Club of Brandon around the Bladderscan Untrasound unit. (Photo supplied by Don Partrick.)

The Rotary Club of Brandon has donated $20,000 to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for the purchase of a BladderScan Ultrasound machine for oncology clinic and radiation therapy treatments at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.

A BladderScan machine is used regularly to enhance the care provided to patients by decreasing the frequency of more invasive procedures. The machine will measure urinary output or bladder volume and can be used to assess bladder volume prior to radiation therapy treatment, which is vital to avoiding and minimizing acute and long-term radiation complications in pelvic patients.

The BladderScan will reduce needless catheterizations of all patients because they can be scanned to determine their issues. Also, as previously mentioned, radiation therapy patients will be scanned to ensure their bladders are full prior to entering the treatment room – saving both time for the patient and staff to do multiple images to determine if the bladder is full. Bladder volume is very important for radiation therapy treatment as it is vital to avoid and minimize acute and/or long term radiation complications in pelvic patients.

Highway Helpers

Thanks to all who picked up at the Highway Clean‐up.

“A little cool, but by 9 a.m. we had 13 Rotarians and also (some families) of Rotarians,” Ron Jasper said. “Every kilometre on the Grand Valley Road was completed by 10:15 a.m. and then we all met for coffee and cinnamon buns at Smitty’s.”

On behalf of the team, Jasper expressed “a huge thank you to all who helped make another community project a success.”

The event is a regular community service provided by the Rotary Club of Brandon.

What are other Rotary Clubs Doing?

It was recently my pleasure to hear from friends active in the Rotary Club of Lethbridge. Pat Killoran (Past District Governor District 5360 and End Polio Now Coordinator Zone 24W) and his wife Linda were there for the official opening of dental services in Costa Rican schools.

Pat said "We had the opportunity today to participate in the official opening of a pediatric dental program at the Solon Nunez Medical Clinic in south central San Jose Costa Rica. Free dental care is provided at the schools in the area and the difficult cases are referred to the new pediatric specialist at the clinic who operates with a chair funded by the Rotary Club of Lethbridge and the Rotary Club of San Jose Noreste, my Honorary Club here in Costa Rica. I am checking out the chair. You can exchange all the paper you want but nothing beats experiencing projects in action. I think the dentist gave me a big kids dose of happy gas!

Pat and Linda had the great pleasure of visiting with Dr. Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Costa Rica at his home in San Jose. He spoke at the International Convention in Brazil and at the Zone 24-32 Institute in Winnipeg. Very humbling to be in the presence of such an accomplished man.

Pat spoke at one of our meetings a while back. He is an outstanding spokesman for Rotary and Jeanne and I are proud to call Linda and Pat close friends. Pat has earned honors from the Blackfoot tribe in Alberta for his work with them.

Rotary in Pictures

More PowerPoint presentations from Brandon Rotary Club

Welcome to our Club

Service Above Self

We meet Tuesdays at 11:45 AM
Rotary Villas

Unit A – 1340 10th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6Z3
Canada

President

Treasurer

Secretary

Past President

Director - Club Administration

Don Partrick

Director - New Generations

Nicole Wang

Director - International Service

Allan Little

Director - Community Service

Susan Spring

Welcome to our Club

Service Above Self

We meet Tuesdays at 11:45 AM
Rotary Villas

Unit A – 1340 10th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6Z3
Canada

District Site

Venue Map

The Rotary Club of Brandon #1344

Community Grants Committee Terms of Reference

The Community Grants Committee will consist of the following:

•             Chairperson

                                                                                                                                                                                         

•             Secretary
 
                                                                                                                                                                                               

•             Representative from the Brandon Rotary Club Westman Foundation Committee
 
   

•             Representation from the Rotary Club of Brandon
 
                                                                                                                       

•             Past President of the Rotary Club of Brandon

Goals and Actions of the Community Grants Committee are as follows:

• To produce a grant application form and to update it regularly

• To grant financial assistance to organizations, agencies and individuals based on the guidelines and priorities of the Rotary Club of Brandon

• To learn about the community issues and needs, promote the availability of grants, and assist with the application process.

• Assess each application, research information, determine specific goals, objectives and measurable outcomes.

• Make grant recommendations to the executive and then the club at large.

• Establish a budget for each year based on perceived community needs and club resources.

• Promote and publicise the grant recipient to the club and community.

• Evaluate grants to determine if money is being used efficiently to meet the objectives.

Scope:

• The grants are limited to funds available from the club budget.

• All grants must be approved by the executive and then the club at large.

Major Projects:

• The committee also has the obligation to process the applications for major projects

General Principles:

• The project provides benefits to the community as a whole without discrimination due to race, creed, color, politics, religion or gender.

• The project is in the developmental phase, as opposed to requiring operational money.

• The Project is of a broader nature as opposed to personal nature

Submission Guidelines:

• Projects must be local and of prime interest to Westman residents

• Project funding must be self-help in nature and not the sole source of funding.

• Project preference will be given to those that are preventable in nature and/or act as a catalyst for change

• Projects are to have an evaluation component clearly defined in advance.

A final report is required upon completion.

Items not normally funded are as follows:

Conference or travel

Scholarships for individuals

Awards or prizes

Budget deficits

Operating expenses

Form Letter appeals

Priorities:

Education

Literacy

Youth

Seniors

Wellness

Special needs

Cultural

Environmental

Revised October 2016

2017 Burger days

Club Grants Application Form

The five locations for the boxes are:

Sobey's West End; Co-op Marketplace; Home Hardware; Michael's in Corral Centre; and Superstore.

If you prefer to have your donations picked up, please contact:

Susan Spring

726-4887

sspring2012@hotmail.ca

Thanks for your donations! the Book Sale is our club's largest annual fundraiser.

The Rotary Club of Brandon is pleased to sponsor the

Western Manitoba Youth Choir in Concert.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

7:30 pm

Central United Church

327 - 8th Street

Brandon MB

Admissions:

Adults - $10.00

Children 12 and under - FREE

Rotary Club of Brandon

Recent Local Grants from Rotary

The first step leading up to the Spring Rotary Book Sale has been to get the donation book boxes out.

Book sorting area at the Brandon Sun

Ripple Effect and Education in Guatemala

Upcoming Events

Rotary Club of Brandon honors one of its own

A Look at Rotary Youth Exchange

The Invocation

I am so grateful to have these memories and to know that, while Canada has soldiers still, they are primarily peace makers. The majority of Canadians haven't had to send their young sons & daughters to war.

I am also grateful for all that Rotary does to keep Peace in the world. Our leadership programs for youth and our peace programs, centres & fellowships are helping bring & maintain peace in the world.

Cheryl Winger, President

Westman Wine Festival and Dinner

Westman Wine Festival

Dinner

Public Tasting

Wine Festival News Release

PAST EVENTS

55 Plus Games

Ongoing Commitments

And we say thanks

Rotary Supports Local Youth

Interact Club receives Charter

2016 Spring Book Sale sets another record! (March 31 update: Final numbers and more photos)

A Message from the President of Rotary International

2016 Spring Book Sale

Plaque presentation

Cadet commander commands crowd

Support for families

Rotarians on Rotary

Interact President Rashmini Shunmugam

And the public came to taste ...

A visit to Rotary Villas

Brandon Rotary Club on display

Checking in on the cheques​

Ripple Effect --Rotary and Education in Developing Countries

These kids are alright...

Wine Festival Gala Dinner

More memories from the 2015 wine fest

Putting the cork in until next time

For the love of the grape

2015 Westman Wine Festival

Rotary continues to play ball!

Saturday, Oct. 24 is Rotary World Polio Day

Wine festival in the headlines again!

Wine Fest Facebook Page

Rotary supports Westman Youth Choir

Meetings every Tuesday

Thanks to all who helped make sale a success!

Bookworms burrow into the 2015 sale

Cover to Cover

Rotary Honours Victoria Inn's Brent Miller

Welcome back

Rotary Shelterbox Program

BBQ in the park

The Rotary Club of Brandon recently held it's annual Burger Day at Princess Park.

Rotary helps reduce times at WMCC

What are other Rotary Clubs Doing?

Rotary in Pictures

Welcome to our Club

Service Above Self

Welcome to our Club

Service Above Self

Download a Club Grants Application Form here:

Rotary Book Sale contacts:

Checking in on the cheques