When we hear the ocean is in trouble it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you want to take action but don’t know where to start, PickUp3 is your answer! PickUp3 is a growing movement driven by communities that care. These communities want to remove plastic and other waste from our beaches, educate on the importance of ocean health and inspire people to take action and care for their oceans.
As a participating beach community, Rotary Club Tsawwassen has come together with other organizations to sponsor the movement in Delta.
With the lifting of some of the restrictions and with the downward trend of COVID-19 cases, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is pleased to be able to offer an in-person meeting choice for our weekly, Thursday morning meetings.
There is still an option for joining us via Zoom if you wish but we hope that as many of you as possible will choose to attend in person to enjoy the camaraderie and fun that are the hallmarks of our gatherings.
The meetings will start at 7:15 AM at will be at the Red Barn building in the Southlands' Market Square location.
Tom Smith introduced Amanda and Bawn who joined forces to create an extensive network of Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) on Bowen Island. Bawn Campbell has traveled throughout the world in the computer industry from London to Vancouver and other spots in BC before finally settling on Bowen Island. Amanda Okeleon is a long-time resident of the area who has been involved as a paramedic, first responder and Red Cross instructor.
Bawn and Amanda told the story of how the 26 AED's were introduced to the Island. The idea came about with a local story of a diabetic victim having to wait 45" for an ambulance after the original arrival of the local fire truck. This made them aware that resources would have to be provided to help people in medical distress. An AED would come to the assistance of individuals experiencing sudden heart failure by providing an electric shock to restore the body to its natural rhythm.
Through Bawn's initiative the Rotary club facilitated the financing, promotion and installation of the original units . Beginning with a community grant and meeting the concerns of the municipality over their effectiveness they started with their first purchase and installation that was encased in an attractive 'birdhouse". More were added over time with now having 26 of these scattered in the area and still growing. In tandem with the growth of the devices Amanda set up a series of training sessions in the neighborhoods. Now the entire Island is mapped out so that AED's can be located through an app that is also connected to the BC Ambulance service and other health agencies such as PAD.
There are numerous benefits to the programme. Beside providing the actual service the AED's are a focus of Rotary's impact on its community. Entire neighbourhoods have been brought together to both introduce the AED's and becoming involved in the training sessions. Of course, the health of the community and the security experienced by its citizens is paramount. The fascinating presentation was detailed and did not offer time for questions. Richard Steward thanked Bawn and Amanda for their presentation and congratulated them on their initiative in introducing these much needed health devices into their Island community.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has lost our friend, colleague, club leader, community leader and all round great guy, Dave Hamilton. Dave passed away at the end of March 2021 with his partner Tanya Hall by his side, after battling prostate cancer for many years. Dave's accomplishments both in Rotary and in the South Delta Community through many organizations have played a large part in shaping the great community we know and enjoy today. Dave explemlified the Rotary Motto "Service Above Self" and lived the 4 way test in his work and personal life.
1. Is it the TRUTH ? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and better friendships? 4. Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Dave served in Rotary in many roles including this last year as District Governor of 5040 and was a most respected and cherished leader to the end.
Rest in Peace Dave, your Rotary family thanks you for all that you did for the Club, the District, Community and World !
We love you and miss you.
PS For those in our community who also knew Dave, or of him, we invite you to share in his legacy through the "Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary set up in his honour before he passed away.
The Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary will make it possible for students to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams after high school. This bursary will be available to any high school graduate of District 5040 and will be awarded to students who demonstrate:
being part of the Rotary family (RYLA-arian, Adventures in... alumni, eligible Youth Exchange students who will graduate from high school or Interactor)
examples of Service Above Self to the community
good citizenship
satisfactory academic progress
the commitment to continue their education or skills development.
There will be a formal application process. Details to follow.
Please contact Tanya Hall at tanya@tanyahall.org for additional information.
Announcing the Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Award
A BIG Rotary Thank you! The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen would like to thank you for your support of the Shred-a-thon. We had a great day, the volunteers braved the cold and rain AND we raised just over $10,000 (our goal). We will now be able to forge ahead on community projects like the Story Walk at Beach Grove Park (beside the school). What a great community we live in!
We want to thank you for investing some time to see if joining Rotary is the right decision for you. These 4 short videos will give you an idea about the breadth of Rotary. The interesting thing about Rotary is that the local clubs govern how to run their club. Each club has a different focus. But one thing they all have in common is that they are a leadership organization, made up of local business, professional and civic leaders. They meet regularly, get to know each other, and through that, are able to get things done in their own community,
Top 5 Rotary Membership Myths Exposed
What some of our clubs are doing for their communities
You will be welcomed at any Rotary club in the world. You will have the opportunity to business network with your club members and other Rotarians. Membership also comes with obligations. There is an expectation that you will attend weekly meetings on a somewhat regular basis. There are dues to be paid. Rotarians support our Rotary Foundation which is the charity which supports us to do good in the world or provides funds in the form of grants for our community and international projects.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. One of the guiding principles is the Four-Way Test which is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide, or set of values, Rotarians use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and often Rotarians recite it at club meetings. Of the things we think, say or do:
Please find attached above a brochure with details of an upcoming Shred-A-Thon. A Shred-A-Thon is both a fundraiser for Tsawwassen Rotary and a very safe and effective means by way of disposing of old unwanted documents. We have chosen January 30th, 2021 as we feel people will be wanting to clear out another year's unwanted documents at that time.
Please note that proceeds of this event go towards the Rotary “Starfish Back Program,” which is like a food bank for needy young kids in South Delta. Essentially a backpack is filled with food every Friday so the child has food for the weekend at home. It’s surprising the demand for this here in South Delta. In addition, we will be using partial proceeds to create and build the “Storybook Walk” in Beach Grove with pages out of a storybook for children to enjoy outdoors while they walk from one reading station to the next, exercise and reading.. all great!
DETAILS
DATE: Jan 30, 2021
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: South Delta Baptist Church Parking lot (this event is outside socially distancing)
Cost: By Donation, (suggested min $20. Per bankers box)
Process: Free up space at home or office, Drive up, open Trunk, we remove boxes, donate cash, Help feed kids!
On November 7th all members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen are being asked to donate the cost of two of our regular Rotary breakfasts from our cancelled in person meetings.
This $35 per member PLUS a match from our generous member Edwin Lee. Edwin owns the Tsawwassen Pharmacy and will be giving flu shot to all members that come to our drive in event at South Delta Secondary School.
With the members donations and Edwin’s match and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match we expect to raise enough money to immunize 25,000 children.
Rotary has been fighting to eradicate polio from our planet since 1985. They are so close. Only two countries left, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the job will be complete.
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Celebrates World Polio Day
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen celebrates International Day Peace Day on September 21st every year. Watch as we celebrate the winner of The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Rotary Peace Builder Award virtually this year! Congratulations Mike Grandia, Member of Delta Police Department and winner of this years award, Constable Grandia is a person who has worked hard to bring peace to our community of South Delta!
Rotarians from 50 different Rotary Clubs across BC collected over 5,000 pairs of used eyeglasses which were donated to The Third World Eye Care Society (T.W.E.C.S) who will distribute them to children in need. The charge was lead by Tom Smith a member of The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen (seen on the left) as they are presented to Dr Marina Roma-March of T.W.E.C.S (centre) along with Rotary District Governor Bala Naido 2019 - 2020.
COVID-19 Update: Our weekly meetings are all held online through Zoom. If you are interested in joining one of our meetings, please send an email to guests@rotarytsawwassen.org or for this week's meeting, visit the registration page at Register For Weekly Zoom Meeting For general enquiries about our club and our activities or if you are interested in becoming a member, use this link to send us an e-mail: info@rotarytsawwassen.org
Thank you to all who voted and thank you to Mario's Kitchen, Liz and Darren Gates and their staff for helping to make the current situation more bearable and entertaining too.
The 2020 Soap Box Derby has been cancelled due to physical distancing restrictions and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We look forward to an even bigger and better 2021.
Many clubs and organisations around the world are finding new ways to keep in touch and to meet on a regular basis. Technology can help and people are adopting and adapting techniques that many have used already and many more are trying out to see how they can help. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in concert with the recommendation not to meet in person has decided to use Zoom for committee meetings, its weekly meetings and of course the weekly Wheelers social gathering. Technology can also capture images from these meetings so one does have to be careful about the face one presents.
The Rotary Parade at SunFest is being postponed until 2021 due to the evolving COVID pandemic and physical distancing guidelines recommended by Health Canada.
Many clubs and organisations around the world are finding new ways to keep in touch and to meet on a regular basis. Technology can help and people are adopting and adapting techniques that many have used already and many more are trying out to see how they can help. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in concert with the recommendation not to meet in person has decided to use Zoom for committee meetings, its weekly meetings and of course the weekly Wheelers social gathering. Technology can also capture images from these meetings so one does have to be careful about the face one presents.
Due to the devastating COVID pandemic and social distancing measures recommended by health Canada we are cancelling our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for 2020. This event brings hundreds of local kids to Diefenbaker Park to find over 10,000 chocolate eggs. Please keep us in mind for this wonderful FREE event for next year.
We wish you all a safe, healthy and happy quarantine. Please remember to only go out if necessary. Help flatten the curve and save our hospitals from getting over crowded.
Rotary Club of Tsawwaassen club member Edwin Lee, has a very talented family. His son Darren is a medical doctor in Seattle just published this musical parody about COVID-19. Darren wrote all the lyrics, performed with his wife Alina and produced the video. Edwin's other sons Warren and Colin in San Francisco helped edit the video. This is well done, entertaining, informative and timely during this time.
From sponsoring water parks for children and their families, developing an outdoor fitness course, providing food for children of low income families, to running a bathtub race, cleaning up a street, opening First Nations learning centres, shipping medical equipment to communities in other countries or supplying clean water in Southeast Asia where there is need, the 50 Rotary clubs in Greater Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert generated more than 68,500 volunteer hours of service among their 1,500 members in the past year.
According to calculations in a special Value of Rotary Volunteering report by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies, the monetary value of that time devoted to local, regional and international projects is $1,514,250 in 2017-18 (based on a conservative rate of US$18 per hour). The total time for the 50 clubs over the past five years has been 160,200 hours for an estimated value of $3,604,500.
An annual soapbox derby is just one of many community service projects sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen
Ladner Rotary Splash Park opened in July 2018
Rotarians load a container with needed medical
and dental equipment for a community in Cuba
Rotary has been working with First Nations in BC to open local learning centres in the Write to Read program
Starfish Packs with food for school children from low income families are provided by Rotary in Williams Lake
The report prepared for Rotary International estimates the value of the approximately 47 million hours of volunteer service time contributed by its 1.2 million members is US$850 million a year, or CDN $1.06 billion.
According to the report, Rotary members volunteered a total of 5.8 million hours within a four-week survey period. Extrapolating those results over an entire year, the report gave a conservative estimate of nearly 47 million hours of volunteer effort generated by Rotary members in a typical year.
The report then analyzed the economic impact of all those hours and estimated the value conservatively at $850 million a year, if communities had to pay for the services that Rotary volunteers provide.
Rotary, with the help of Johns Hopkins University, is the first global service organization to conduct an empirical analysis of its volunteers’ impact using an internationally sanctioned definition of volunteer work. The authors of the report noted in their conclusion that at each stop, the analysis had chosen the most conservative estimates.
“This makes the results reported here all the more remarkable,” the authors noted. “Translated into economic terms, Rotary is annually generating a scale of social and economic problem-solving effort that is worth nearly nine times more than it costs the organization to produce.”
Rotary General Secretary John Hewko said the figure doesn't even include the in-kind contributions and the money that Rotary clubs and the Rotary Foundation raise every year. In addition, the figure doesn’t include the volunteer work of the many relatives and friends of Rotary that members often involve in a project, or that of members of Rotaract, Interact, or the Community Corps, that would easily double the estimate of Rotary’s economic impact.
Our 4th annual Soap Box Derby is only one month away!!
On June 22nd at 11am join us as we watch the kids zoom down 6th avenue in Tsawwassen in their hommeade karts. Hundreds show up each year so bring the whole family for a ton of fun.
If you know someone aged 9-12 who would like to participate please send us an email at pr@rotarytsawwassen.org.
On Tuesday, June the 19th The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen wil be showing A Plastic Ocean at Cedar Park Church in Ladner at 7pm. A PLASTIC OCEAN begins when journalist Craig Leeson, searching for the elusive blue whale, discovers plastic waste in what should be pristine ocean. In this adventure documentary, Craig teams up with free diver Tanya Streeter and an international team of scientists and researchers, and they travel to twenty locations around the world over the next four years to explore the fragile state of our oceans, uncover alarming truths about plastic pollution, and reveal working solutions that can be put into immediate effect. For more information contact Kathleen Beaton at kbeaton@telus.net.
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen presents.... Easter Egg Hunt and Festival in Diefenbaker Park Fun for the whole family, Face Painting and balloons, Petting Zoo Bouncy Castle, Pancake breakfast and more, Huge Easter Egg hunt Come join us 9am to noon Diefenbaker Park!
In association with Delta Assist and other clubs in the South Delta area, The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen delivered over 600 hampers to families and singles in need throughout the Delta area. These hampers contained everything required for the perfect Christmas Dinner. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc., you name it, and it was in there.
Our Rotarians met up at Paridon Warehouse to assemble the hampers over the Christmas break, and shortly after delivered them to the families in need. Kathleen Beaton, who led the project said that we do this because "it’s great to be able to give someone a wonderful Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and add to their pantry for the first of the year". The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen donated over $1,000 to the Project, and many volunteer. A huge thank you must also go out to our local schools, Church’s and Kinvillage who also donated food.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen filled 48 Purses for Women in need living in the Delta area. The Purses went to two different locations; The South Delta Soup Kitchen Christmas Dinner, and the new Delta Transition House for Ladies.
Thank you to each member of our Club that supported this venture, and making this years Christmas a little brighter for those in need.
On December 3rd, 2017 The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen lit up Tsawwassen's Diefenbaker Park with over 1000 lights. Leading up to the lights, there was Horse Rides, face painting, Ginger Bread decorating, a Popcorn and Hot Chocolate/Coffee station, and even a visit from Santa. South Delta's youth were able to chat with him, and let them know what they wanted for Christmas. A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for making this day a success.
Click this link to watch our slideshow of the event.
World Polio Day was great at Tsawwassen Rotary with over $8,000 raised. We had our usual fun and enjoyed another excellent time while giving with Rotary community service to help make the world better! Click the link and enjoy and share the photos as we keep working to help make our world a better place. Please enjoy and share the photos! http://bit.ly/RotaryOct26-17
Our Club is celebrating World Polio Day on Thursday, October 26th. Our speakers are Polio survivor Ralph Roberts and Edwin Lee, Pharmacist, on immunization.
Last year our club raised close to $12,000 US in the fight against Polio, and if you would like to join us on the 26th, please let us know as we'd love to have you.
If you would like to know more about Polio, and what Rotary is currently doing to make a difference, please click the picture below.
At our Rotary meeting this morning City of Delta, Social Planner, Gillian McLeod updated us on the state of social needs and successes in our community. Photos of the meeting are available at the following link: http://bit.ly/RotaryOct19-17
Social Planner, Gillian McLeod, updates Tsawwassen Rotary
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen partnered with the South Delta Garden Club at this summer's Garden Tour. For the Rotarians involvement in the event, SGDC members Ursula Schmelcher and Hillary Sanders presented the club with a cheque for $2500.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT - Leslie Abramson, Hilary Sanders & Ursula Schmelcher
As part of Canada's 150th birthday, Envision Financial Credit Union recognizes community volunteers by providing a donation of $1500 to the selected recipent's charity. For her thousands of hours of volunteered work Envision financial selected Rotarian Leslie Abramson. She was awarded the honour this past Thursday morning.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT - Assistant Vice President of Retail Banking Ken D’Sena, Leslie Abramson, Assistant Branch Manager of our Tsawwassen Branch Cyrus Mazdine, Rotary Club of Tsawwassen President Laura Dixon, and Susan Byrom Senior Manager of Community Investment.
On Monday, September 11th the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and their partners, the Delta School District, Delta Community Literacy Committee and Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture helped to fill one of the new Libraries at Diefenbaker Park with new books. There are three additional Little Free Library locations at Pebble Hill Park, Grauer Park at South Delta Recreation Centre and Beach Grove Mini Park and all are stocked and ready for use.
A few years ago, Rotarian James Latheron approached the School District to help establish a partnership with students at South Delta Secondary School and he worked for many hours alongside teacher Katrina Branden, and her students to build five of these Little Libraries. Branden was delighted with the process and commented:
“As a teacher, not only am I delighted to see the promotion of written and visual literacy, but also the support for construction and design literacy projects. Giving students more hands-on, community-based projects engages them beyond the walls of the school, and creates important opportunities for our future. I strongly support and would love to collaborate on, more community-based projects in the future.”
Superintendent of the Delta School District, Doug Sheppard, added, “These beautiful lending libraries are not only charming to look at; they embody Delta's commitment to supporting literacy in our communities. Access to books, and the open sharing of stories and ideas, is a fundamental part of what learning is all about. I am so pleased that our students at South Delta Secondary were able to be a part of the building of these lovely book shelters, and I look forward to seeing our students and readers of all ages out and enjoying these little nooks of knowledge.”
The support for community literacy also includes the Delta Community Literacy Committee with a significant donation of books to help stock the libraries. Ailsa Howard explains that the Committee “has a mission to enhance the literacy and learning in Delta”.
Councillors Bruce McDonald and Heather King were joined by Deputy Director of Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture, Todd Stewardson, were also on hand. On behalf of the Corporation of Delta, Mayor Lois Jackson thanked the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen for “enhancing our neighbourhoods with a new opportunity for people to connect and share reading experiences with neighbours and friends of all ages.”
Many members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen have been hands for the creation, finishing and installation of this project and have donated books but there is a further commitment from Rotarians to be stewards of each these libraries on an ongoing basis. President Laura Dixon says the project is perfect for the club because it represents the core values of their membership: community, partnerships and education. She said, “all we ask of the community is that you come by from time to time drop off a book you think others may enjoy, take a book you would like to read - it’s that simple!”
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen would like to thank all of its partners who helped bring the Little Free Lending Libraries to our community:
Delta School District
SDSS Woodworking class of 2016 Teacher – and teacher Katrina Branden
Consolidated Coatings
Silver City Galvanizing
Wesgray Construction
Ladner Machine Shop
Southside Flooring
Delta Community Literacy Committee
Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture
All are welcome at our next community events:
Sunday, September 17th Terry Fox Run Starting at a new location South Delta Recreation Centre, registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the run starts at 10:00 a.m.
September 21st Commemoration of the International Peace Day starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Tsawwassen Town Centre Library and 4:00 p.m. at the Peace Pole in Rotary Square at Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall.
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen volunteers support local, international and youth projects. Recently having celebrated the induction of their 100th member they are always looking for like minded people to join who enjoy fun, fellowship and live or work in our community. Find out more at: http://www.rotarytsawwassen.org/
Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall and The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen have partnered along with support from The Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association, to bring you a ‘FREE Outdoor Movie experience and community block party’, on Saturday, August 26th. This year we will feature the animated release ‘The Secret Life Of Pets’. The movie is rated G, and is approximately 90 minutes long – perfect for guests of all ages.
While at the event, guests can enjoy the numerous display booths from Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall tenants and our community partners, with activities, handouts, and information booths during the pre-show ‘Block Party’. The Tsawwassen Rotary Club will be on hand, popping fresh popcorn for sale along with food trucks offering several dining options for our guests. We will also have fun free activities for the kids.
Once guest are seated in the viewing area, they can look forward to live musicians on stage with performances by ‘Studio Cloud 30’ (home of Juno Nominee – Warren D. Flandez). The ‘Chang’s Taekwondo Demonstration Team’ will also showcase their talents and skill on the main stage. The Shops and Services at Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall (as well as our community partners ‘The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen’ and ‘The Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association’) hope that you can celebrate with us, and we thank you for supporting your local community shopping centre.
MOVIE: The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Max (Louis C.K.) is a spoiled terrier who enjoys a comfortable life in a New York building until his owner adopts Duke, a giant and unruly canine. During their walk outside, they encounter a group of ferocious alley cats and wind up in a truck that's bound for the pound. Luckily, a rebellious bunny named Snowball swoops in to save the doggy duo from captivity. In exchange, Snowball demands that Max and Duke join his gang of abandoned pets on a mission against the humans who've done them wrong.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen present the 2nd Annual Tsawwassen SunFest Drive-In at Beach Grove Elementary playing field.
EVENT TYPE: Drive-In (walk-ins welcome, too!)
MOVIE: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Former scientist Galen Erso lives on a farm with his wife and young daughter, Jyn. His peaceful existence comes crashing down when the evil Orson Krennic takes him away from his beloved family. Many years later, Galen becomes the Empire's lead engineer for the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, Jyn joins forces with a spy and other resistance fighters to steal the space station's plans for the Rebel Alliance.
Reserve your FREE ticket at www.sunfestdrivein.com. Only vehicles with Reservations will be allowed to enter the grounds.
On Saturday, May 27th, four members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen raised $7,000 for The Rotary Foundation by jumping out of a plane 12,000 ft above the ground. With matching grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Government of Canada the $7,000 raised will turn into a $35,000 donation towards ending Polio. These funds will help immunize close to 350,000 children against this horrific disease. Shane Todhunter, Vickii Paramanathan, Elizabeth Wagner, and Randy Bilesky took the courageous leap with the support of Skydive Vancouver’s staff. “What an exhilarating way to support a cause I care so much about” stated Todhunter after he landed, and said he would have loved to do it again.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen partners with various International Organizations to eradicate Polio. As of June 2014, there are only 3 countries in the world where there are still cases of Polio reported each year. Rotary’s goal is to see polio wiped from the face of the world within the next few years.
On Saturday, June 10th soap box derby enthusiasts, builders, and drivers congregated along 6th avenue in Tsawwassen to take part in the 2nd annual Soap Box Derby hosted by the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in partnership with the Corporation of Delta. Over 1500 spectators watched 45 soap box drivers ages nine to twelve zoom down the 600+ foot track to compete against one another to find out who would be crowned this year’s soap box derby grand champion, and be awarded the 1st place Trophy. The trophy was claimed by Vanessa Costa racing for Shpak and Co as she recorded the fastest time of the afternoon. Rory Brown, driver for Swim Blue was awarded second place, and Luka Wiesel driving South West Mortgage clinched third. There were three new awards given out this year for Best Costume, Cart Design and Crowd Favourite. Jackson Yagin "the banana man" won best costume, Rat Rod Roxy cart for Go Green Pest Control won for best cart design, and Teagan Reid, driver for Scott Reid Plumbing won for Crowd Favourite. All riders were presented with a medal for participation, but went home with more than a medallion around their neck. They were also part of a great event that raised over $20,000 for the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen’s Community projects. Race coordinator Rick Lewall said "it was a great day, and I'm already anticipating next years race" The Rotary club of Tsawwassen would like to thank all of the drivers, sponsors, volunteers, and the Corporation of Delta for making this years Derby such a success.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is currently looking for local Businesses wanting to sponsor a Kart in this years Soap Box Derby. Last year over four hundred plus people watched forty-three racers ages nine to thirteen zoom down the 400 foot track to compete against one another and find out who would be crowned the soap box derby champion. First place was claimed by two local speedsters; Noah Boisvert racing for Scott Walker and Associates, and Riley Smithurst representing Hillmar Industries LTD. Teagan Douglas, driver for Randy's Tire Craft took home second place, and Sophia Schallig driving MK Delta Land Group’s cart clinched third. Awards were also given to the top three best designed carts, which were decided by the viewers of the race. First place was won by Scott Reid Plumbing and Heating, second place went to Delta Optimist, and third place was won by Randy’s Tire Craft. Will this be your year?
If you're a young family looking for a great community event, look no further. Please join us on Saturday, April the 15th at Diefenbaker Park from 9am to 12pm for our annual Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt. Attractions will include Face Painters, Balloon Artists, Bouncy Castle, Petting Zoo, Cookie Decorating, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Breakfast will be from 9am to 12pm, and the Easter egg Hunt will start around 11am. Please contact pr@rotarytsawwassen.org if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was well represented at the recent Million Dollar Dinner to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation. The goal was to raise $1,000,000 in cash and future donations to work on the 6 key areas of focus that Rotary is known for. There were over 15 club members represented and donations from our club alone exceeded $1,400,000 Two major highlights of the evening included a keynote address from our current RI President who left the audience inspired to continue and appreciated for our existing efforts. The second highlight was the check presentation where $3,313,163 in cash and commitments from members in both Districts 5040 and 5050 were presented RI President John Germ.
What a success! This years Gift of Light celebration was a perfect way to celebrate the Holidays. Their was a wonderful turnout from our community who came out to listen to the Delta Community Choir, decorate ginger bread cookies, roast marsh mellows by the fire, take a ride in the Carriage pulled by 2 beautiful Perch Ron horses, enjoy Hot Chocolate, Popcorn, Face Painting, and let Santa know what they would like for Christmas. For more pictures of the event, please follow the link to our Facebook page.
RESIDENTS OF TSAWWASSEN WE NEED YOUR HELP. Every year our Club teams up with Operation Red Nose to keep our streets safe during the holiday season, but we still need more volunteers. If you have an evening free, and are willing to dedicate your time, please click here to find out more information on how to register.
THE UNITED NATION INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2016
IMPROVE LIFE ALL AROUND THE GLOBE
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen invites you to join us as we celebrate peace in our families, our workplace, our schools and our community.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. We have every right to be proud of Delta as a peaceful community and we believe this is worth celebrating.
Rotary and Community leaders are planning to celebrate living in this, our Peaceful Community. On Wednesday, September 21st. at 4.30 p.m. at the Peace Pole in Rotary Square at the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall, members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, Tsawwassen First Nations and the Delta Community will come together for a short time to celebrate peace as we know it and share our hopes for a peaceful world.
Please let us know by September 10th, if you can join us for this Rotary Community Peace Day celebration. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to meet together to share ways we can make the world a better place.
Tsawwassen Starlight Spectacular, and outdoor Movie Night at Diefenbaker Park on Saturday, August 13th
Attention all families and friends, join The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen on Saturday, August 13th from 3pm till late for this years Annual Starlight Spectacular at Diefenbaker Park in Tsawwassen. This year their will be such attractions as:
- Walk on water with Vancouver Party Works Interactive
- Euro Bungee
- Safari experience
- Extreme Slide
- Sno Cone Machine
- Carnival games such as Bottle ring bushel basket Toss, tic tac toe, tipsy 12 pin knock down, face painting and balloon popping
And most importantly a late night movie that the whole family will enjoy. ...
This is the perfect afternoon and evening event for families their kids.
If you have any questions in regard to the event, please do not hesitate to contact pr@rotarytsawwassen.org.
See you there!!!!
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Annual Starlight Spectacular
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is once again sponsoring the annual Rotary Parade at the Tsawwassen Sun Festival on Monday August 1, 2016. The Rotary Parade typically attracts over 12,000 excited spectators from across the Lower Mainland and Point Roberts. The theme for the 2016 Rotary Parade and the Tsawwassen Sun Festival is all about the "CLOWNS".
The Rotary Parade is a fun family parade that starts at the corner of 16th Ave and 56th Street in Tsawwassen at 11:00 am. The Rotary Parade runs south along 56Th Street to Winskill Park. The viewing of the parade is on the west side of 56th Street only as the east side is open to local traffic.
If you are interested in entering your group or float, you can register for the Rotary Parade at the following link. The Rotary Parade Registration is on-line only. http://sunfestparade.ca/registrationForm.phpThe registration deadline is July 22nd
If you have any questions as to the Rotary Parade, please email to the Rotary Parade Committee at; rotaryparade@rotarytsawwassen.org
This past Saturday, soap box derby enthusiasts, builders, and drivers congregated along 6th avenue in Tsawwassen to take part part in the Inaugural Soap Box Derby hosted by the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in partnership with the Corporation of Delta. Over five hundred people watched forty-three racers ages nine to twelve zoom down the 600+ foot track to compete against one another and find out who would be crowned this year’s soap box derby champion. First place was claimed by two local speedsters; Noah Boisvert racing for Scott Walker and Associates and Riley Smithurst representing Hillmar Industries Ltd. Teagan Douglas, driver for Randy's Tire Craft took home second place, and Sophia Schallig driving MK Delta Land Group’s cart clinched third. All riders were presented with a medal for participation, but went home with more than a medallion around their neck. They were also part of a great event that raised over $15,000 for the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen’s Community projects. Currently Rotary is teaming up with Delta Parks and Rec to build a water fountain and stair counter at Fred Gingell Park onEnglish Bluff Road. Trophies were also given to the top three best-designed carts, which were decided by the spectators. First place was won by Scott Reid Plumbing and Heating, second place went to the Delta Optimist, and third place was won by Randy’s Tire Craft. Race Director, Rob Watts was “very pleased with turn out, and amazed how many local businesses and Tsawwassen patrons supported the event”. He also mentioned “next year we want to add more drivers, and make sure we’re able to provide a more exciting, and safe event for everyone involved.” A huge thanks must go out to all sponsors, volunteers, and Corporation of Delta. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say we cannot wait to see what’s in store for next year.
Last week I sat down with Soap Box Derby Chair Wayne Connorton to ask him about the upcoming Inaugural Soap Box Derby, what they had planned and to tell me more about the event.
Dan: Hi Wayne, first thing question I have for you is why did you and your team decide to host a Soap Box Derby here in Tsawwassen?
Wayne: Our Rotary Club is always looking for opportunities to give back to Tsawwassen. A small group in the club were trying to think up new or at least interesting/exciting ideas that have not been done here for a long time. Eureka! – Why not a soapbox derby?! Presented by Rotary and Delta. Sponsored by local companies and raced by young kids. We presented the idea to Delta, and they were ready to back us 100%.
Dan: What’s your Clubs experience hosting such an event?
Wayne: Our Rotary Club has not been involved in the past, but a couple of local people are helping us who have played an important role when this event was on 4th Ave in Vancouver. Additionally, we contacted a couple of other Rotary Clubs in distant locations to get their advice. We’re confident this event will be one of the best yet.
Dan: Why do you think an event like this will be successful here in Tsawwassen?
Wayne: We know it will be a great success because of the local support we’re receiving. It’s been overwhelming to see how many sponsors and drivers can’t wait to get involved. Also, when we went out to advise those living on 6th Ave, their response was all positive and seemed to be looking forward to it.
Dan: Who are your ideal racers?
Wayne: This race is for the kids of Delta. They get to build something, and race it legally. We can cheer for our children, our grandchildren, and our neighbours ‘children. The ideal participant will be boys and girls aged 9 to 12 years old wanting to build a cart, race it, and have a sponsor willing to help purchase and build it with them.
Dan: What should people expect to see when they come out to the Derby?
Wayne: Look out for 6th Ave in Tsawwassen being used for our kids to compete. Lots of coloured carts fashioned by kids, Kelly Latrimoille of 104.3 FM announcing competitors and winners, Delta Police, Delta Fire and the Corporation of Delta going head to head. Families will compete against families and companies against companies. It’s going to be a great day!
Dan: How many racers are taking part, and how many spectators are you and your team expecting?
Wayne: This is the inaugural event, and we will have close to 40 carts racing. The number of spectators at this point would only be a guess, but we’re expecting close to 500.
Dan: If you could describe this event in one word, what would it be?
Wayne: Not one word, but “A Fun Kick in the Pants” for everyone.
Dan: How will the winner of the Inaugural Soap Box Derby be determined?
Wayne: The winner will be determined by runoffs of carts three at a time with each cart getting at least three runs. There will be finals at the end in the case of Ties. Also imagination of the drivers/builders and Sponsors will have the opportunity to be chosen as a “Crowd Favourite” through decorating or modifying the upper appearance of the carts.
Dan: Any last remarks?
Wayne: Please join us June 4th on 6th Ave in Tsawwassen for Race Day. The first race will be at 10 AM sharp. Please walk or bicycle to the event will help lessen congestion.
Dan: Thanks Wayne, I can’t wait to see what you and your team have in store for Saturday, June 4th.
Wayne: All the best.
Interview with Soap Box Derby Chair - Wayne Connorton
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen hosted an Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 26 at Diefenbaker Park. In addition to the hunt and breakfast, the festivities included a petting zoo, cookie decorating, bouncy castle and other activities. Photograph By Gord Goble - See more at: http://www.delta-optimist.com/news/photos-easter-celebrations-in-tsawwassen-1.2218265#sthash.zEoGAxOk.dpuf
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen hosted an Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 26 at Diefenbaker Park. In addition to the hunt and breakfast, the festivities included a petting zoo, cookie decorating, bouncy castle and other activities. Photograph By Gord Goble - See more at: http://www.delta-optimist.com/news/photos-easter-celebrations-in-tsawwassen-1.2218265#sthash.zEoGAxOk.dpuf
As reported by The Delta Optimist. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen hosted an Easter Egg Hunt and
Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 26 at Diefenbaker Park. In addition to the hunt and breakfast,
the festivities included a petting zoo, cookie decorating, bouncy castle and other activities.
Photograph by Gord Goble.
To see more great photos click this link > The Delta Optimist
Now preparing for the upcoming Earth Month Challenge to encourage learning about the environment.
Why participate?
-to become a leader in the community
-to have fun and compete
-to go for the prizes including the coveted green jacket
Week 1
Spring cleanup: consider recycling rather than discarding to the landfill. Many discarded items can be sent to recycling depots such as "Return It" or to "Re-Store" There are special spots for all types of items such as electronics and even clothes hangers
Week 2
Devoted to cleaning up litter around your property, block and neighborhood. As well as beautifying the area it will help in the protection of animals, keep taxes down, and create an exercise programme as we bend to pick up things
Week 3
Identification of trees in the area. Hemlock,Western Fir, Arbutus, Cedar and Blue Spruce photos can be sent directly to members of the committee
Week 4
Eating three local foods per day with 2 meatless days each week. Meat takes a great deal of land area and produces methane gas contributing to global warming
Everyone is encouraged to participate for fun and to feed their competitive urges. More info to come later.
Programme Doubleheader - Kathleen Beaton and Curtis Dunsdon
President Shane shows Rotary Leadership by preparing a Family Thank You
Thank you cards were provided to members to take home with them to give out to family
members who in their way support us in the work we do. Also flowers and honey spoons
completed the appreciation package.
President Shane also expressed our appreciation to Leslie for her contribution and also for Marianne Osborne of Delta Printers coming through yet again for us!
Mette's new mountain ride was acquired in Whistler following a tumble during a weekend with the Beatons and the Jamiesons.
An injured calf muscle means crutches and six weeks in an air cast with physiotherapy to follow. Like always, our wonderful Mette is making the best of it with her sunny personality.
Kit Grauer and Peter Scurr presented their shared joy of North American train travel.
Local train enthusiasts, Kit Grauer and Peter Scurr, were introduced by Laureen McCleery who heard their presentation as part of the local elder college offerings. Both of them have retired from the field of education; Kit from UBC and Peter from teaching art at South Delta Secondary. They managed to combine their love of rail travel with imaginative photos that artistically captured their enjoyment and passion.
From our great community newspaper, The Delta Optimist! South Delta Secondary was a colourful place Wednesday as the Tsawwassen high school marked Anti-Bullying Day. Principal Terry Ainge (far right) and school liaison officer Mike Atkinson flank students Teigan McDougall, Mette Lund and Megan Massel. Photograph by Gord Goble https://shar.es/1C2o5o
Mette Reports
More Great news: She has made the soccer team and as well as enjoying the sunshine, she visited Manning Park!
South Delta Secondary was a colourful place Wednesday as the Tsawwassen high school marked Anti-Bullying Day. Allanah Berry (above) hands out pink cotton candy, while principal Terry Ainge (far right) and school liaison officer Mike Atkinson flank students Teigan McDougall, Mette Lund and Megan Massel. - See more at: http://www.delta-optimist.com/news/everything-turns-up-pink-at-sdss-1.2185276#sthash.6WXeCeCg.dpuf
South Delta Secondary was a colourful place Wednesday as the Tsawwassen high school marked Anti-Bullying Day. Allanah Berry (above) hands out pink cotton candy, while principal Terry Ainge (far right) and school liaison officer Mike Atkinson flank students Teigan McDougall, Mette Lund and Megan Massel. - See more at: http://www.delta-optimist.com/news/everything-turns-up-pink-at-sdss-1.2185276#sthash.6WXeCeCg.dpuf
South Delta Secondary was a colourful place Wednesday as the Tsawwassen high school marked Anti-Bullying Day. Allanah Berry (above) hands out pink cotton candy, while principal Terry Ainge (far right) and school liaison officer Mike Atkinson flank students Teigan McDougall, Mette Lund and Megan Massel. - See more at: http://www.delta-optimist.com/news/everything-turns-up-pink-at-sdss-1.2185276#sthash.6WXeCeCg.dpuf
Everything turns up pink at SDSS including our exchange student Mette!
As well as medical equipment and supplies there is a need for all types of hand tools that will be included in the shipment. Good time to clean out your garage and bring along extra tools you can spare. Collection date is March 17 - Think green and Think tools.
Click Read more... below Edwin's slide presentation for details.
Fernand Beaulac was welcomed as the latest member of the Rotary family in being inducted by District Governor John Anderson
Edwin Lee introduced new member Fernand Beaulac who was inducted by past District Governor John Anderson. Fernand is a chemical engineer who is now a managing consultant who now wants to give time to Rotary. He will be mentored into the club by Wayne Connorton. Welcome aboard Fernand!
The Dutch contingent (L to R) Gerry VanGaalen, Johann Steinmann, Jeroen Vermeulen, Andy Schellekens, Henk Veldhuis and wannabe Dutchman John Charbonneau
Project Committee members Dan Patching and Ian Bourhill introduced our club's latest undertaking; a unique water fountain slated for Fred Gingell Park. With the assistance of the artist sketch we were presented with some of the design details of the project.
Four outlets on three levels accommodate adults, children, dogs and water bottle filling
Dimensions are 80" high 50" wide 8" deep
Cost of $47,000 will be shared 50-50 with the municipality
Work in kind donations also play a part ie plumbing
High quality chlorinated and sediment free municipal water supply
Push button control keeps hands away from water flow
Run off water flows to drained basins
Park water fountain use grows as plastic bottle use declines
Beach stair climbers will appreciate the water station
Stair climbing exercisers will also have a counter station
Granite construction expected to minimize graffiti
Completion planned for April
Water Fountain Project Provides A Unique Fred Gingell Park Addition
Dan Patching (left) and Ian Bourhill (above) of the projects committee introduced our club's latest undertaking; a unique water fountain slated for Fred Gingell park. See artist's concept sketches above! Description and photos coming soon!
A new email purporting to be from Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Ray Klinginsmith is targeting Rotary members. The email falsely claims that members can become End Polio Now ambassadors if they email club information to a Gmail address within 48 hours. The fraudulent email has the subject line “BECOME AN END POLIO AMBASSADOR” and is sent from a fake email address of info.endpolio@gmail.com. This is a scam.
Avoid being the victim of scams by deleting any email that appears suspicious.
Brian Finley
District 5040
PI/PR Chair
SCAM alert! Fraudulent emails target Rotarians! Subject line “BECOME AN END POLIO AMBASSADOR” sent from a fake gmail account. Its a scam!
Chase added some flash to our meeting by supporting his dad becoming our community connected new Rotarian Curtis. Chase cranked up the power to demonstrate the value of making good connections!
Chase Dunsdon Demonstrates the Power of Connections!
Combating Gang Violence was our presentation topic. Warren Hughes introduced a great program and presentation by Jordan Pelland. Constable Pelland is a member of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC, the task force dedicated to the policing of the area's gang related activities. His presentation focused on the myths and realities of gang life. Continue reading for details!
Neil Dubord, the Delta Chief of police, followed up Jordan Pelland's presentation with commentary on the gang scene in Delta. Chief Dubord reported that Delta Police, the School Board and community support keeps gang activity at a minimum. The key way Delta keeps control of gang activity is through very active school liaison activity targeting high-risk kids. That and a tougher police stand taken in the higher risk North Delta area, tends to keep the gang problem at a minimum in Delta.
Special Presentation
District Grants Chairperson, Garry Shearer was pleased to present a District Grant of $2,400 for our Tekera project in Uganda. Our club's International Chair, Edwin Lee accepted the welcome contribution that will improve lives by supporting the education of many students. Our Rotary Club has supported this international project for many years and remains deeply committed to this development.
Full details of this extensive program for development and growth through education are available here: http://icefcanada.org/
Information on the development of the Tekera model community can be found here:http://www.tekera.org/
Rotary District Grant Supports Tekera Project in Uganda
New Members Inducted by Membership Chair, Garry Shearer. Our club keeps on growing with the induction of five new members:
Pam Sarkissian a former flight attendant joins us having been introduced to Rotary's good works in Nicaragua. Sponsor Tom Smith - Mentor Laura Dixon
Curtis Dunsdon is married with two boys one of whom attended his dad's induction. His son Chase gave the meeting a demonstration of his recent invention (see photo) Sponsor Benno Bucher - Mentor John Lusted
Ginny Lowood has recently retired from the police department. Formerly a resident of Ladner she has moved here and is interested in getting involved in fund raising. Sponsor Holly Doolan - Mentor Joan Hansen
Eric Murphy:spent 20 years in the IT field but switched into the food industry and purchased Petra's 7 months ago. He is married with one child and is currently coaching a ringette team.Sponsor Garry Shearer - Mentor Rick Lewall
Scott Harper married with two kids, he has already been involved in some of our projects. Sponsor President Shane - Mentor Matt Wood
Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord, Community Relations Officer Leisa Schaefer welcomed by Leslie Abramson. Constable and speaker, Jordan Pelland with member Warren Hughes
Police and Rotary Supporting Youth and a Safe Community
January was Vocational Service month for Rotary but, what is Vocational Service? This excerpt taken from the monthly letter from club member and Rotary District 5040 Governor, John I. Anderson explains this part of Rotary.
Vocational Service is one of Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service.Vocational Service calls on all Rotarians to aspire to high ethical standards in their occupation and to contribute their vocational talents to the problems and needs of society. To new members we emphasize this with words like: ‘your fellow members believe you to be a worthy representative of your calling and also to possess qualities that will permit you to exemplify the true sprit of Rotary in your public, business and private life.’
We are urged to highlight vocation in club activities through mentorship and business networking and to emphasize the connections between the Four Way Test and the Rotary Code of Conduct. Promoting integrity through ethical behavior is an essential part of what it means to be a Rotarian.
This week, our Rotary Club helped organize over 10,000 books for the annual KinVillage book sale. In addition, Rotarian contributions - along with those of our local Interact Club at South Delta Secondary School - totaled 660lbs of clothing donated to help people in need.
Rotarian Edwin Lee, Director of International Programs, shared his story about attending Rotary World Peace Conference 2016. He highlighted the following points:
on a global peace index Canada ranked#12, while #1 was Denmark
since 2005 the world has steadily moved towards peace
peace starts with how the individual deals with negative emotions, such as hate and anger
once at peace with yourself you move to your family, work and community
bullying should not be ignored and instead confronted whenever possible
ways of meeting conflict: fight/flight or freeze
best way to end conflict is to compromise and collaborate
On January 28, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was treated to a talk from Robb Lucy, author of Legacies Aren't Just for Dead People!, on the subject of creating a living legacy for you and your family. He asks you to write your legacy letter and tell your connections to the values of integrity, connection, wisdom, creativity and joy. For his Optimist profile, click here.
Left to Right: Robb Lucy, President Shane Todhunter, and Rotarian Paul van Westendorp.
To comply with our Youth Programmes all members must complete a criminal records check.
There's a new link on our home page and a new way to get a CRC (Criminal Record Check).
The link from the Site Pages list on the left of the home page will take you to a page with more information about how you can meet this request for all members to obtain a CRC.
You will need to login to our Club Runner site to access the page.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is excited to present its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26 at South Delta Secondary School. Join us for beer, sausage, sauerkraut, and song and we celebrate all things German!
Doors open at 7:00pm, with live Bavarian music by Al Pichler and the Alpiners starting at 8:00pm. Tickets are $40 and include one free drink - and they always sell out, so buy yours today! Food is provided by Ossie's Deli & Meats. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.deltaoktoberfest.com.
On Saturday, August 15, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen will host their first annual ‘Starlight Spectacular’ in Diefenbaker Park. This outdoor, family-oriented event will feature a free screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy” on the big screen. For the first time, exciting new activities are being added in advance of the movie night and will available by donation. These include a giant slip ‘n’ slide, Euro bungee, bouncy castle, carnival games, and more. Also available will be popcorn, snow cones, candy, and a BBQ concession. Rounding out the evening will be live music and a showcase of community service and athletic groups.
Order of Events
4:00pm Carnival (All Ages)
6:00pm Live Music (All Ages)
Dusk: Approximately 8:30pm "Guardians of the Galaxy" on the Big Screen (Film is rated PG13: Parental Guidance is Recommended)
The Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research returns to South Delta on Sunday, September 20, 2015. This event continues to be very important to the citizens of our community. This annual tradition, inspired by a dream, offers both a 5km and 10km route and is suitable for walkers, runners, bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, roller blades, and dogs on leash.
There is no entry fee and no minimum donation. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia for this event.
Event registration starts at the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall on Sunday, September 20 at 9:00am. The run/walk starts at 10:00am with food, drinks, music, and fun to follow!
A team from the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen recently leant a helping hand to Cliff Drive Elementary by preparing and installing a number of planter boxes on school grounds. Yet another example of our dedicated Projects Team hard at work in the community!
Rotarians Exercise Their Green Thumbs for Cliff Drive
The Tsawwassen Rotary Club is proud to support a number of signature community events throughout the summer. Watch for us at the following events - we look forward to seeing you there!
Tour de Delta | Sunday, July 12
Rotarians will be on-hand at the Denison Park Beer Garden providing set-up, ticket sales, and security.
Sun Festival Rotary Parade | Monday, August 3
Our Club is proud to organize this event - a summer favourite in the community - every year!
Movie Night at Diefenbaker Park | Saturday, August 15
This year will mark the Tsawwassen Rotary Club's first organization of one of the popular Tsawwassen outdoor movie nights. Watch more more details to come!
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was proud to be part of the recent unveiling of the Heart of Tsawwassen project at South Delta Secondary School. This was an opportunity to showcase not only this impressive project, but also the new upgrades to the school. The Rotary Club hosted a barbecue dinner alongside the school's culinary program, who prepared an impressive array of desserts. We are excited to see this new space become a vibrant hub of school and community activity!
On May 14, 2015, 38 young people were honoured at the Delta Rotary Youth Awards. Held at Delta Secondary School's Genesis Theatre, the awards ceremony recognized individuals in Tsawwassen, Ladner and North Delta who were nominated for exemplifying compassion, empathy, inner strength, a helping spirit, and global service. Among the award winners, special recognition was given to Michael Godinho (Sands Secondary School), the recipient of the 'Service About Self Award'; and Rayna Sutherland (Burnsview Secondary School), the recipient of the 'Rotarian Linda Ottho Leadership Award'. Congratulations to all the amazing young people who were honoured!
Left to Right: Rotarian Garry Shearer with Michael Godinho, 38 Award Winners, and Rotarian Ulf Ottho with Rayna Sutherland.
Amazing Youth Honoured at the Delta Rotary Youth Awards
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was recently the proud recipient of a number of awards. Both the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and Interact Club were presented with Presidential Citations by District Governor Ken Wilson in recognition of outstanding service, giving, membership and participation in Rotary events.
Also honoured was Rotarian Leslie Abramson, who received the 'Light Up Rotary Award' for her dedication to the growth of our club, community support, unselfish dedication to the betterment of both Rotary and the community, tireless work without expectation of recognition, strong leadership, compassion and kindness. Congratulations, Leslie!
Join us for a ribbon-cutting and showcase event for the Heart of Tsawwassen! This new community entrance and amphitheatre for South Delta Secondary School (750 53 Street, Tsawwassen) will be formally unveiled on May 21, 2015 at 5:30pm.
Event Schedule
5:30pm Barbecue (hosted by the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen)
7:00pm Ribbon-Cutting and Student Performances
7:30pm Student-Led Tours of Renovations
Bringing Youth and Community Together in the Heart of Tsawwassen
Following a presentation from Christopher Loat, Shelter Box Ambassador and member of West Vancouver's Sunshine Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is proud to have donated $2,000 to ShelterBox. This will fund the purchase of another two boxes.
The ShelterBox program provides temporary shelter and lifesaving supplies to those who have been displaced by natural or man-made disasters. Each ShelterBox contains a tent with a one-piece flysheet and dome, a water purification kit, solar lighting, a tool kit and blankets. It even contains a children's activity kit to help them also deal with the trauma. Currently, ShelterBoxes are in place in ten different countries. In 2012, ShelterBox became Rotary International's first project partner. This enables both organizations to collaborate more closely to bring relief to survivors of disasters worldwide.
Director of International Projects Vickie Sangster presents the cheque to Christopher Loat, Shelter Box Ambassador and member of West Vancouver's Sunshine Rotary Club.
The Rotary Clubs of Ladner, North Delta and Tsawwassen are once again hosting the Delta Rotary Youth Awards. Help recognize our young local heroes by sending us your nomination for an amazing young person in our community. Let us know why he or she should be recognized, and include the following information for the nominee by May 1st, 2015:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Category: Compassion/Empathy, Inner Strength, Helping Hand, Global
Submissions marked to the attention of Kay Gandham can by made in person to any Envision Financial branch in Ladner, North Delta, or Tsawwassen; by mail to P.O. Box 1405, Delta, BC V4M 3Y8; or by fax to 604-501-4201.
For more information, contact Leslie Abramson at abramson@telus.net or 604-946-0672.
The Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the Delta Secondary School Genesis Theatre.
Lead sponsorship provided by Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Five year-old Alex, son of Rotarian Matt Wood, proved on Thursday that you're never too young to help others! When Alex recently celebrated his fifth birthday, he opted to host a $5 and $5 party with guests bringing $5 for Alex to use towards a gift and $5 to go to a charity of Alex's choice. Alex chose the Rotary Club as his charity, and proudly donated $170 at our last meeting. Note: For anyone who did the math, Alex didn't have 24 kids to his party (much to his parents' relief!) - the final donation amount was a result of a generous additional donation from one of the party-goers.
Alex's donation will help fund medical beds for the Rotary Path to Health, which supports the delivery of primary health care to thousands of the rural poor in Zimbabwe. Thank you for your contribution Alex - we're so proud of you!
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen would like to sincerely thank the generous sponsors who have stepped up to help ensure that our Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast on April 4th can be offered free of charge as a gift to our community. Thank you for your support!
On Thursday, March 19, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen proudly donated $8,000 to ICEF Canada. ICEF Canada is a Tsawwassen-based not-for-profit organization that has been working in support of the Tekera community in rural Uganda for several years. The funds will be directed towards much-needed housing for the community's nurse and farm manager, as well as towards a gender-sensitive environment for female students.
The work of ICEF Canada centres around the management of the Tekera Resource Centre (TRC). At the TRC, ICEF provides primary and adult education, medical and dental care, economic empowerment opportunities, clean water and skill-building to nearly 8,000 persons living in and around Tekera Village. The Tekera Resource Centre has a unique model of development that has been effective in empowering the local communities by providing vital services in which the community is a firm stakeholder. ICEF Canada also contributes to the welfare of 30 orphans cared for in the Nazareth Children’s Home. For more information, visit www.icefcanada.org.
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen President Wayne Connorton and Rotarian Peter Edwards present the cheque to Bridget Sangster, President of ICEF Canada.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Donates $8,000 in Ongoing Support of ICEF Canada
Join us for a fun-filled morning of family activities at Diefenbaker Park! Come celebrate with an Easter egg hunt, pancake breakfast, cookie decorating, a bouncy castle, and a petting zoo.
Date: Saturday, April 4 from 8:30am - 10:30am
(Note: Pancake Breakfast starts at 8:30am, and Easter Egg Hunt starts at 9:30am)
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen will host its 13th Annual Wine Gala on Saturday, March 7th at 7:00pm. Come enjoy an evening of wine, travel and adventure:
Sample wines from around the world
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres inspired by global cuisine
Participate in a silent and live auction featuring travel and adventure prizes
The Wine Gala is the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen's largest annual fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting the many local and international projects undertaken by rotary.
Saturday, March 7 at 7:00pm (Silent Auction runs 7:00 - 9:00pm, with the Live Auction beginning at 9:15pm)
Beach Grove Golf and Country Club | 5946 12 Avenue, Tsawwassen
On Thursday, February 19, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen hosted its annual 'Meal to End Polio', raising $1,200 US for End Polio Now. Through a partnership initiative launched between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Rotary International in 2013 as part of a bold campaign for polio eradication, this donation will be matched two-to-one by the Gates Foundation for a total of $3,600 raised. With the cost to vaccinate a child in a Third World country a mere $0.60, Rotary's 'Meal to End Polio' will result in approximately 6,015 children being vaccinated against this debilitating disease.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen’s annual breakfast was hosted at the KinVillage Community Centre, with the venue rental provided courtesy of KinVillage and breakfast donated by Urban Village Catering at the KinVillage Café. The breakfast event featured guest speaker Joan Toone, President of the Post Polio Awareness and Support Society of BC. Toone spoke passionately of the history to eradicate polio starting in the 1960's, the evolution of Rotary’s involvement and commitment to polio eradication starting in the early 1980's, and the importance of finishing the work.
From left to right: Terry Toone, Rotarians Rick Lewall and Garry Shearer, President of the Post Polio Awareness and Support Society of BC Joan Toone, and Rotarians Leslie Abramson and John Charbonneau.
Rotary's 'Meal to End Polio' Equals Vaccinations for Over 6,000 Children
Congratulations to North Delta's 100 Acre Wood Family Day Care, who won the 4th Annual Delta Rotary Business Ethics Award on Friday evening. We are proud to recognize this organization as a model of ethical business practice in our community. Three other Delta companies also recognized were Augustine House (Ladner), Complete Cleaning Services Corp. (Tsawwassen), and Studio 64 Personal Training Inc. (North Delta).
The Rotary Clubs of Tsawwassen, Ladner, and North Delta - along with the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Enactus business student chapter that administered the nomination process - sponsored the event held at the Delta Town and Country Inn.
Pictured: Winner of the 2015 Delta Rotary Business Ethics Award Tanya Marsh of 100 Acre Wood Family Daycare (left) with fellow finalists Christina Tablan of Complete Cleaning Services Corp. and Tanya Snow of Augustine House (missing is finalist Ranj Heer of Studio 64 Personal Training)
The SDSS Interact Club and Rotary Club of Tsawwassen recently engaged in a little healthy competition for a good cause. Challenged to see who could collect more clothing items, the Rotary Club admitted defeat to the Interact Club, having collected 395lbs of clothing to SDSS's 458lbs (although there are really no losers in this kind of contest!) This marks the fourth year in a row that Interact has made a donation to Freshwave Ministries, who, in turn, distribute the clothes to the people who need them the most in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. We are very proud of our Interact Club and the leadership they take in their school to reach our surrounding communities!
(Below: Interact President Will Shelling and Vice President Hailea Caldwell make the donation to Freshwave Ministries)
SDSS Interact Club Collects 853lbs of Clothes for Residents of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was proud to show our support and commitment to the Heart of Tsawwassen project at South Delta Secondary School through the presentation of a cheque for $88,500. On hand to receive the donation was Frank Geyer, Director of Facilities and Planning for the Delta School District.
The Heart of Tsawwassen is a beautiful, functional amphitheatre in the final stages of construction at the south-west entrance to SDSS. This landscaped space will serve as a meeting place for students and the community alike. For more information on the project, visit www.heartoftsawwassen.com.
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen Donates $88,500 to The Heart of Tsawwassen
We are pleased to announce the selection of the finalists for the 4th Annual Delta Rotary Business Ethics Award. These four finalists stand out among local businesses and organizations that exemplify the Rotary Four-Way Test, which asks: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will be be beneficial to all concerned? Congratulations to 100 Acre Wood Family Daycare, Augustine House Society, Complete Cleaning Services, and Studio 64 Personal Training.
Join us for a gala dinner sponsored by the Delta Rotary Clubs to learn about the ways these companies provide ethical leadership in our community. This will also be a great opportunity to network with business and community leaders.
Friday, January 30, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Delta Town and Country Inn.
Tickets $50 per person.
Register by phone at 604-946-0672 or by email at abramson@telus.net. Cheques payable to Delta Rotary Ethics Award.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen would like to offer our sincere thanks to to Oliver, George and Tyler from Barlett Tree Experts for their help removing the thousands of lights at Diefenbaker Park this past week (after tireless working to put them on back in November!) Each year, Rotarians and other community volunteers string lights on the trees of Diefenbaker Park and invite the community to share the joy of Christmas. Thank you to Barlett Tree Experts for being a friend to Rotary and the Tsawwassen community!
On December 14, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen hosted its annual Christmas lunch for the seniors in our community. This festive, three-course turkey lunch, held at the Coast Hotel, hosted over 85 seniors and Rotarians, including residents of KinVillage, The Waterford, and Augustine House. The afternoon was filled with Christmas spirit and highlighted by a visit from Santa (who came bearing gifts for the seniors - all of whom appear to have ended up on the 'nice' list) and a joyful Christmas carol sign-along. Sincere thanks to Randy's Tire and Auto Center, our generous event sponsor!
Rotarians Celebrate the Christmas Season with Local Seniors
On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was proud to donate a total of $3,500 towards the students in our community. The funds are administered through school principals (who arrived to our bright and early breakfast meeting to accept their cheques!) and go to students who are otherwise unable to participate in class field trips due to financial reasons throughout the course of the year.
Rotarian Johann Steinmann presents cheques to principals from South Delta Secondary and Tsawwassen's elementary schools.
On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen showed our support to Deltassist through a $1,000 donation to its annual Christmas Hamper Program. We are proud to support this incredible organization that brings hope and happiness to the people who need it most. Each year Deltassist, in partnership with the service clubs of Delta, distributes food hampers to low income families and seniors in our communities. For more information on how you can help, click here.
Rotary Spreads Some Christmas Cheer through Deltassist!
Warm velvet sounds embraced everyone attending the annual Christmas tree lighting at Diefenbaker Park on Saturday, November 30. Santa used his love of Christmas to overcome the cold and turn on the lights, while joy, smiles and hot chocolate were shared by all! The beautiful voice of Tsawwassen's Trista Lang also gave warmth against the late Saturday afternoon chill. Each year, Rotarians string thousands of lights on the trees of Diefenbaker Park and invite the community to share the joy of Christmas. Rotarians and community members were joined by MLA Vicki Huntington, Delta Municipal Councillor Bruce McDonald, School Board Chair Laura Dixon, Police Chief Jim Cessford, and Fire Chief Dan Copeland (with a team of Delta firefighters that delivered Santa in a big, red Christmas truck!)
Santa Turns on Christmas Lights and Spreads Joy at Diefenbaker Park!
The welcome Saturday morning sunshine on November 22 gave Tsawwassen Rotarians the chance they needed: they scrambled to get the Christmas lights up for the residents of Mountain View Manor and Delta Hospital! The annual work party continues the tradition of preparing for the Christmas holiday season by helping others in the community.
Tsawwassen Rotarians Bring Cheerful Christmas Lights to the Front of Mountain View Manor and Delta Hospital
At a time when it would be so easy for high school students to forget about the events of past World Wars, our South Delta Secondary School Interact students braced the wind, the rain and the cold to install the Remembrance Day Crosses at the entrance to Tsawwassen on Thursday after school.
South Delta Secondary School Interact Students Remember
The Tsawwassen Peace Pole Ceremony on September 21 included a reflection from Sonya Sangster - a commercial pilot working with the United Nations and Vice-President of ICEF Canada. Her words captured a glimpse into the conflict in Darfur and the efforts of many to bring about peace in the region.
Continue reading for a transcript of Sonya's account...
Join us on Saturday, October 11 in a celebration of all things German as the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen presents Oktoberfest 2014. This lively community event features free-flowing German beer, dinner from Ossie's Deli & Meats, and fantastic live Bavarian music from Al Pichler and the Alpiners.
Date: October 11, 2014
Location: South Delta Secondary School (750 53A Street, Tsawwassen) Time: Doors open at 7:00pm, with live music beginning at 8:00pm
Tickets: $30
Reserved seating is limited and tickets are selling quickly!
An annual tradition, inspired by a dream. No entry fee. No minimum donation. Same day registration available. 5km, 10km. Suitable for bikes, wheelchairs/strollers and Rollerblades. Dogs welcome on leash.
Madeleine Wieczorek, of Tsawwassen said "...I will be brave in the attempt to do my best", when referring to her prospects at this year's BC Special Olympic Summer Games. She spoke of the upcoming games July 8th to 12th in Vancouver, the hard work and dedication the many athletes have preparing for the event. She spoke of the friendships, self - confidence and sense of accomplishment the games provide.
Anyone would love this job! Shari Merritt has been having great fun collecting money and bottles of wine from around the world!
“Its a fun job! Imagine all these generous people freely giving to their community! It’s all for a fabulous evening of fun and feasting at the Annual Wine Gala.”
Shari will soon see the results from her collecting efforts turned into a spectacular 70 bottle wall of wine! That astonishing display will be the backdrop for An Evening of Wine and Roses. March 8th marks the 7th Annual Rotary Wine Gala to be held at the Beach Grove Golf Club.
This year features another first, tastings of both fabulous OLD WORLD and award winning NEW WORLD wines. Sampling and experts in attendance represent 12 wineries of international renown sampling up to 72 wines!
An unending parade of gourmet hors d'oeuvres prepared by award winning Chef Froilan Alejo will complement the palate pleasing nectars. Included are delightful surprises and many community pleasing favorites.
The satisfying decadence of goodness continues with an array of ‘to die for’ chocolate samplings. The entire evening promises phenomenal palate pleasing pleasure for any person!
South Delta, a billionaire and a billion people all celebrated the official eradication of polio from India! Delaney Griffiths, Erin Turko and Will Shelling, members of the Interact Club of South Delta Senior Secondary were leaders of the youth of South Delta that helped achieve this historic milestone!
They were among 63 members and guests from Tsawwassen Rotary that shared an exotic, wholesome, satisfying and taste bud pleasing traditional Indian breakfast. All in gratitude and celebration of the end of polio in India.
At a recent Rotary Club of Tsawwassen breakfast meeting, guest speaker, International Community Empowerment Foundation President Bridget Sangster was presented with a donation of $3700.00 which will be used towards improving the sanitation and latrines at the Tekera Resource Centre in Uganda. The village services a community of 8000, providing an elementary school, medical clinic, women's craft club, and cooperative farm. Find out more at www.icefcanada.org. The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has been a great supporter of the Tekera village.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen donates $3700.00 in support of the International Community Empowerment Foundation.
The new lights at the Rotary Water Park in Diefenbaker Park seem to be a hit. The recent ceremony to LIGHT UP THE PARK was as much a hit as the lights themselves. The community turned out and was treated to not only Free hot chocolate but some excellent Carolling by students from Beach Grove Elementary School.
The community is invited to join Mayor Jackson and members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen this Saturday, December 14th at 4:00 pm to LIGHT UP THE PARK at Diefenbaker Park. This festive family gathering will celebrate the season with over 16 trees lit up, including the BIG TREE which will sparkle with over 1700 lights.
For the past few weeks, local Rotarian volunteers have braved wind and rain to ensure the trees throughout the Rotary WaterWorks water park will be ready for Christmas viewing. Everyone is invited!
The annual Tsawwassen Rotary Christmas Senior’s Luncheon took place at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on Sunday, December 8th. A huge thank you to Randy Scott of Randy’s Tirecraft who again generously sponsored the senior’s hot turkey lunch. Christmas Spirit abounded with carol singing and a special visit from old Saint Nic.
On Saturday November 30th a team led by Peter Edwards from the Tsawwassen Rotary Club and some of our great youth from the Interact Club were out in their rain gear putting up many strands of Christmas lights in the gardens around the Delta hospital.
The Delta Hospital will have lights a blazing over the holidays.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen recently donated $1,500 to Reach Child and Youth Development Society’s teen social program. The program has a cost of $22,000 per year and is designed to help teach social skills to autistic youths.
“The program helps these youths with prominent developmental challenges better connect to the community, fit in and have fun”, say Reach Executive Director Renie D’Aquila. “Our many thanks to Rotary for helping with these funds”.
Reach is currently raising $4 million to build a new 20,000 square foot community-based child development centre in Ladner on 47th avenue, neighbouring Pioneer Library and Memorial Park. Building in the heart of the community will remove access barriers, give more children the critical services they need, and link families to other community services more efficiently and effectively.
For more information about Reach’s capital project call Executive Director Renie D’Aquila at 946-6622 or visit the capital campaign website at www.reachdevelopment.org/campaign.
Tsawwassen Rotary Donates Funds to Reach Youth Fund
On Thursday, 6th
June 2013, the next District Governor for District 5040 was duly inducted. Garry Shearer from our Rotary Club of Tsawwassen takes over from current DG Rebecca on July 1st and after the long road which started with his nomination, Garry is now set to take the reins and guide us through the Rotary Year 2013-2014.
Led by the inimitable Steve T., several of our Rotarians stepped up and on to the Big Bike recently. As a fund raiser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Big Bike allows up to 30 prominent peddlers to ride around the streets of their community for a short distance while raising money for a worthwhile charity.
On Saturday, 23rd March, a large group of Rotarians, partners and even some offspring, assembled at O.W.L. (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) to provide some much needed Spring Cleaning. There the hard-working bunch power-washed, gardened, painted and even attacked a daunting assembly of brambles, all with the intention of making the grounds look attractive for the open house scheduled for next month.
Those of you with iPhones (and now Android phones) may be aware of an "App" that provides access to some of the aspects of your ClubRunner website on your mobile phone. You may also be aware of issues with the performance of the app. After communicating with ClubRunner support, they admitted that there are some problems, specifically with the operating system (iOS) on the iPhone. But they have a solution..
The even better news is that this solution provides access to our ClubRunner site from any mobile device with a web browser - which should be all of the smart phones out there.
Love is in the Air, and you can just feel the excitement building!
Have you purchased your Rotary Wine Gala tickets yet? This evening of fun, romance, chocolate and fine wine is set for Saturday, February 9 at the Beach Grove Golf Club, 7 pm. Don't miss out on the earlybird price of $75 until Feb 1, as you'll pay way more afterwards, or maybe not at all because we expect to be sold out by then!
Lots of fun is planned like putting your best lips forward on the 'Kissing Wall' or take your chances and buy a key to the mystery jewelry box! Tickets include gourmet hors d’oeuvres, decadent chocolate tasting, both live and silent auctions and of course your wine for the evening such as Tinhorn Creek, Summerhill, Desert Hills, Pacific Breeze, Thorn-Clarke, Mud House, Fort Berens, and Persus.
Tickets are now available at our Thursday morning meetings by cash or cheque. Bring your sweetie and celebrate Valentine's in style and please help us by inviting friends to join in the fun. For more information on this year's Wine Gala or to purchase tickets online, please visit the website at http://rotarywinegala.com/.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen recently presented the International Community Empowerment Foundation with a cheque for $2,800 towards the purchase of solar panels for Tekera Primary School in Uganda.
The foundation operates the Tekera Resource Center, which provides primary and adult education, medical and dental care, economic empowerment opportunities, and water and sanitation to nearly 8,000 per-sons in and around Tekera Village.
Foundation VP Bridget Sangster attended a recent breakfast meeting and expressed her gratitude to the local Rotary club.
"Words can not express our deep gratitude," said Sangster. "Thank you so much for supporting our initiatives in Uganda."
In 2012, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen also provided the foundation with money for a 2005 Toyota Helix 4 x 4 truck. With Tekera being 17 kilometres down an extraordinarily treacherous road, it was important to have a vehicle the center could count on.
A number of local schools also support the Tekera Resource Center through the Schools Supporting Schools program. Those taking part include Cliff Drive, Beach Grove and Holly elementary schools as well as Delta, South Delta, Palmer, Delview and North Delta secondary schools.
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen past president Rick Lewall (left) and international projects director Graham Mallett (right) present a cheque to Bridget Sangster of the International Community Empowerment Foundation.
Shining example of service - cheque presentation for Tekera
Our club welcomed it's newest member, Leisa Schaefer, on December 6, 2012, when she was inducted into our club by PDG Mary Watson. Leisa is a member of the Delta Police. Both her father and grandfather were Delta police as well, and her grandfather was a Delta Police member when there were only 4 on the force! Leisa is married to a Delta Police sargeant, they have four children and live in Tsawwassen. Rick Lewall sponsored Leisa and mentioned he thinks this is the first time we have inducted a new member who was carrying a gun! Vickie Sangster will be her mentor. Welcome, Leisa!
At our November 29th weekly breakfast meeting, the women of Tsawwassen Rotary surprised their fellow male Rotarians by standing and sporting various upper lip growths in support of the Movember campaign.
Pictured left to right, back row: Laureen McCleery, Anne Marie Fontainha, Mary Watson, Leslie Abramson, Marilyn Rafter, Sherrie Jamieson, Marlene Findlay, Joelle Cummings
Front row, Bibi Marchi, Vickie Sangster, Joan Hansen, Belinda Guite, Cindy Phillip
The three Community Policing Vans are unveiled in a ceremony with Delta Police and the Rotary Clubs of Tsawwassen, Ladner and North Delta. These vans were made possible with combined funding between the three clubs in partnership with the Delta Police Foundation.
Monday 6th August 2012 dawned dry and sunny as yet another Tsawwassen Sun Festival came to its last day. The traditional parade, organised by the Rotary Club Of Tsawwassen is a high point for many and as usual, the crowds were lined up 56th Street to watch.
The Rotary Club Of Tsawwassen has been assigned a portion of a street in our community as part of the Adopt a Street program. The section of 12th Avenue stretching from 56th Street west up to the junction with English Bluff Road is now adorned with a sign identifying our club as the one assigned to this thoroughfare.
Earlier this year, the first work party participated in a clean up of the street (see story below) and from time to time, we will be repeating the process.
The annual Delta Rotary Youth Awards night was held on Saturday May 12, 2012 at the Delta Town & Country Inn and once again we heard some amazing stories about the young people in our community. They, their parents and families and all of us who live in Delta should be very proud of their accomplishments.
Tom Henderson — the founder of Shelterbox — recently visited Vancouver and at a dinner to mark the event, the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen was recognised for its generous support of this worthwhile humanitarian endeavour.
ShelterBox Canada Executive Director Lisa Salapatek presented President Leslie with the Certificate of Appreciation at our weekly meeting.
The Earth Month Challenge first place winner, and the receiver of the coveted Green Jacket award, for 2012, is Dan McGrath. Dan helps to keep our city environmentally healthy by leaving his car at home, and walking or taking transit most places he needs to go. Other winners include Sherrie Jamieson, who did her errands by cycling and walking, Graeme Peck and Alex Tappert, who cycled to their volunteer jobs for the Delta tri, and Tom Smith, who walked to do deliveries instead of taking his car. Thanks to all who participated and congratulations to Dan, who has been renamed Dan McGreen, in honour of his win.
On Sunday May 20th, Delta will host the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay as it travels through the community of Ladner.
You are Invited!
A community celebration will be held at Municipal Hall from 9:00 am - 11:30 am featuring:
a free pancake breakfast
family entertainment
adaptive activities and crafts
displays and demonstrations
More information can be found on Delta’s website by clicking the image on the left.
Saturday 28th April was Rotarians at Work Day, celebrated by Rotary
Clubs worldwide.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen chose to mark this day by fielding a work
team of over 30 Rotarians, plus a few additional helpers, to complete
the landscaping and planting of 350 trees and shrubs in the grounds of
the "Little House" in 12th Ave. Tsawwassen.
We also have a video from the day telling you all about what a hard-working club we have:
Sunday, June 3, 2012 gave an opportunity to test drive one of 12 new GM vehicles in the heart of Tsawwassen and to raise money for the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen's community projects and two lucky souls won a prize as well.
Thank you to everyone who participated and in particular to the management and staff of Dueck GM Richmond who made it all possible.
The 2012 edition of the Masters Golf Pool is now complete and we want to thank all of you who participated and contributed to our fund raising efforts. The money we raised will benefit Rotary's youth and many local community projects.
For a list of this year's winners and a complete list of the totals for each entrant, please click on Masters Golf Pool to be taken to the results site.
Thank you to all who attended the recent Rotary Wine Gala and to those who contributed in the many ways that made it a great success. The money raised will be used to help further the goals of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in helping our community and the people who live there.
Rick and Carlene Lewall have been making their way up the African continent and providing a commentary (blog) with pictures to accompany their journey. Amongst other places, they have visited Zimbabwe and clinics receiving assistance from the Rotary Path To Health project (see the story below). They have seen some of the spectacular sights, the unique wildlife and experienced the culture of the various countries.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, congratulations to South Shore Cycles on receiving the Delta Rotary Business Ethics Award at the Delta Chamber of Commerce's Hats Off to Excellence Dinner on November 18th.
The Rotary Clubs of Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta wish to recognize persons and businesses in our community who not only exhibit exemplary business practice, but personify the Rotary International Four-way test in how they conduct their business. All nominees had to exhibit ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while positively enhancing the economic well-being of the firm's stakeholders.
Nominations closed on September 25th and we are now pleased to announce the three finalists for this award which will be presented on Friday, November 18th at the Hats Off to Excellence Awards Gala 2011 hosted by the Delta Chamber of Commerce.They are:
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is pleased to participate in an international project to help those in need. Rotary Path to Health supports the delivery
of primary health care to thousands of rural poor in Zimbabwe through a
collaboration of Rotary clubs in Canada and Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Ministry
of Health and Child Welfare.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen completed its goal of opening a fabulous addition to Diefenbaker Park in Tsawwassen in the summer of 2011. The Rotary WaterWorks Project was a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and the Corporation of Delta and comprises a Children’s Aquatic Splash pad as the key element in a unique Water Park consisting of a winding creek in a natural park setting.
Those are the sounds that Kids will be making at the new
Rotary “Water Works” park at Diefenbaker Park. If you have driven by the South East corner of the park you
will see that construction has
started on this inter active park that is due to open in mid July of this year.
In the Winskill parking lot Rotarian Peter Dandyk passes $10,000 to Executive Director Sandra Gebhardt to top off the new bus fund for the Boys And Girls Club
Johanna Johnson, the president of Tsawwassen Interact Club had the idea of kids here helping kids far away when she heard of Jill Moore's medical mission to China.
Ducks scattered Saturday morning as local business owners, managers and professionals launched a boat in the pond at Centennial Beach Park. It was a Rotary work party cleaning the pond behind the concession building of trash, brush and weeds.
President John Anderson of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen presented a cheque last week for $500 to chair Paulette Tattersall of ElderCollege. The money will be used towards the establishment of a scholarship fund. The funds will be available to local residents that may not be able to otherwise participate in a learning experience at ElderCollege, which caters to those age 50 and older. For further information on ElderCollege, contact eldercollegedelta@dccnet.com.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is presenting its first Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the South Delta Recreation Centre at 7 p.m. This traditional festival will give both the club and entire community a fall event that will celebrate the season in a Bavarian-style atmosphere.
Oktoberfest events take place around the world and usually run over an extended number of days. This first year Delta Oktoberfest will include just the evenings event but Rotarians hope a successful first year will lead to a much larger multi-day or weekend event that other groups can also participate in.
A variety of traditional foods will be served throughout the night, plus plenty of beer and other spirits. The popular Oktoberfest band S-Bahn will provide the evening's music and there will be lots of games and contests that will be sure to engage everyone.
To ensure everyone's safety, there will be shuttle busses available by donation with many pick-up and drop-off spots within South Delta. The Tsawwassen Inn, located a block away, will also be providing discounted room rates.Check the Oktoberfest website for details on these services.
Tickets are $30 and include admission, a free drink and entertainment. They can be purchased online at www. deltaoktoberfest.com or directly from Rotary club members.
A limited number of tickets are available so early purchase is recommended. No tickets will be available at the door and patrons must be over 19 years to attend.
On Sunday September 16th the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen will be hosting the annual Terry Fox Run.
Mark the date for this great community walk/run that winds through scenic Tsawwassen. There is a 5km and 10km route beginning and ending at Rotary Square in Tsawwassen Town Center Mall. This event is fun for the whole family. Registration begins onsite at 8:30am or forms can be picked up at Muscle Memory(5670 12th Avenue, Delta BC). The walk/run starts at 10am.
Stick around after the run for fun, food and festivities. Follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/227774214011411/
April is Earth Month and a time to reflect upon and care for the wonderful planet that is our shared home. This month, your challenge is to help create a healthier world by making some changes to your daily routine and lifestyle. Are you up for the challenge?
Choose three activities to make your difference during Earth Month. Three winners will be chosen according to their choices and commitment. Along with recognition at our club's EAC booth at the district convention, prizes will be awarded at the end of the month. Let's show our district how our club is committed to environmental care!
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is requesting applications for our annual William Kushnir Scholarship. Open to Grade 12 students living in Tsawwassen, more details can be found by clicking on either the Scholarship or the Downloadable Forms links on the left-hand column of our home page.
The Rotary Clubs of Delta are also looking for nominations for our annual Delta Rotary Youth Awards Event. Information and an application from can be found from the Downloadable Forms link on the left-hand column of our home page.
Delta's Rotary Clubs came together on February 23rd to celebrate International Rotary Day by presenting Mayor Lois Jackson with a plaque honouring the Corporation of Delta's ongoing support of Rotary projects in Delta.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, in partnership with the Corporation of Delta, plans to build a Children's water play area, wading pond, meandering stream with bridge and pathways to enhance the existing facilities at Diefenbaker Park. This natural area will be one to be enjoyed by all ages, whilst reflecting on the history of the site and the effects of Rotary's worldwide commitment to clean water for all. We hope to complete this project in the Fall of 2011.
He's back and so is the fun as the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen presents this year's edition of our James Bond Night. Building on the success of last year, this year's theme is The Man With The Golden Gun and the event will be held on Saturday, July 17th at the KinVillage Recreation Centre in Tsawwassen. And yes, March Hare will provide the music again. (Go to http://marchhare.bc.ca/ for
more information on the band.)
One of the last steps in this multi-year project was finally achieved as the tractor was assembled by SDSS teacher Tallis Stevenson and his crew of students. The following link will take you to a page from the South Delta Leader and a video explaining more about the project and how instrumental Tallis and his students were in its success. Gaining Traction
Photos of the dedication of the Raised Gardens at KinVillage are available by clicking here - Link to Photos
On
Wednesday, October 07 Tsawwassen Rotarians and members of the
KinVillage (formally known as the Kinsmen Retirement Centre) celebrated
the completion of eight raised planter boxes built by a team of
dedicated Tsawwassen Rotarians
for the newly formed garden club. The planters were built high for better access and the paths between them are poured concrete to facilitate wheel chair access.
The
celebration included a dedication by John Lusted, the recreation
director and Tom Smith the club president. Several people participated
in the planting of the first seeds and bulbs. Following the event there
was a BBQ for all of the participants.
Calling all secret agents - and the not-so-secret ones too. Saturday, July 18th is the date for an entertaining night built around a James Bond theme. Taking place at the Kinsmen Recreation Centre in Tsawwassen, there
will dinner and dancing to the sounds of March Hare. (Go to http://marchhare.bc.ca/ for more information on the band.)
President Marilyn traveled to Victoria with Rotarians Leslie Abrahamson and John Anderson to meet with Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia who ageed to make a video taped address for the Rotary Youth Awards presentations. The taping was professionally recorded by Rotarian Deneka Michaud for her Delta TV show, 'Plugged In'.
Rotary Director Rick Lewall, shares the joy with Ken Kozar and Rotary President Marilyn Rafter when Ken picked up his $5,000 first prize win for the Rotary Masters Golf Pool.
At the April 2, 2009 Tsawwassen Rotary meeting Nick Loenen will make a brief presentation on the proposed BC Single Transferable Vote and lead a discussion on this fundamental change being considered for the BC voting system. The STV could change the course of history for British Columbia and directly affect every citizen. The pros and cons of such a serious and fundamental change needs careful and informed consideration. The deciding vote will be the May 12, 2009 referendum.
Rotarian Laureen McCleery (left), Delta library manager Rita Penco, Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and Point Roberts president Marilyn Rafter and Rotarian Alex Tappert at Tsawwassen Library?s fireplace corner.
North Delta Rotarian Lana Hart (left), Delta school trustee Dale Saip, police chief Jim Cessford, Tsawwassen Rotary Club president Marilyn Rafter and Tsawwassen Rotarian Leslie Abramson pose for a photo to promote the new Rotary youth awards. Chung Chow photo
Marilyn Rafter, President of Tsawwassen Rotary shares memories of the Wine Gala fundraiser put on by Chef Roland Smith of Illuminaté Restorante as a very successful and fun fundraiser that supports local and international projects.
Professional golf instructor Taronne Atley and other Rotarians were participating in some fun at the Beach Grove Golf and Country Club marking the launch of the 1st Annual Masters Golf Pool fundraiser based on the first PGA golf major of the 2009 golf season. Play on-line: http://www.rotarybcga.ca
A documentary of an African Adventure sponsored by Rotary
Deneka Michaud proudly held the World Premiere of her feature length film, Friends we haven't met yet. The fascinating 105 minute documentary details the 2008 adventure of five Canadian women who participated in a Rotary Group Study Exchange visit to Tanzania. It is a story of discovery that extends friendship and fellowship from East Africa to Canada's west coast and shows the universal power of Rotary.
By Donna Polydoros Rotary International News -- 10 March 2009
Michaud gets ready to shoot footage for her documentary, Friends We Haven't Met Yet. Courtesy of the Tsawwassen-Tanzania Group Study Exchange team.
Note: This promotional tool for recruiting Rotarians and GSE team members is available for $20 with proceeds going to the Rotary projects; contact Deneka by email or call 778-840-5122.
Jill Moore sends photos and an update from her Alliance for Smiles Mission to Santiago, Philippines.
The 1st Web Album has general interest photos. Click here and select "Slideshow".
The second Web Album has some graphic medical content. Just ignore this link if you do not wish to see these photos. To view click here and select "Slideshow".
Bridget Sangster left the comfort of Tsawwassen and took leave from an interesting professional job for a chance to change many lives.
The 24-year-old volunteered to work with the Uganda Rural Fund in the small village of Kyetume. Although Sangster doesn't work alone, she is certainly a big part of the reason good things are happening in this area of rural Uganda.
The Delta Optimist published news of the Fire Engines for El Salvador project in the Saturday, January 19, 2008 edition:
Longtime Ladner resident and retired executive Ralph Towsley feels proud and satisfied a network he helped create saves lives each year.
Shipping three decommissioned and refurbished Vancouver fire engines to El Salvador is the latest milestone achieved by the Rotary World Help Network Towsley created with other Rotarians.
This picture and caption were published in the Jan. 18, 2008 South Delta Leader.
Thanks to the financial help from Rotary Clubs across the Lower Mainland, including Ladner and Tsawwassen, three decommissioned fire trucks were donated to officials in El Salvador where fire protection services are scarce. The official hand over took place Jan. 14 at Vancouver City Hall. Chris Offer photo
Faster response! Tsawwassen Rotarians help get wheels rolling in El Salvador
By Kristine Thiessen - South Delta Leader - December 21, 2007
Hands on- Delta firefighter Rennie Hanson (top left) shows local Rotarians (from top right) Bryan Kelly, Don Rodgers, and Jim Northey the ropes of his pumper truck. The Tsawwassen Rotary Club, along with other Lower Mainland chapters, are helping send decommissioned, but still usable, fire trucks to El Salvador. Tyler Garnham photo
In the Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Delta Optimist the following story was published:
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has partnered with firefighters from Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, donating $2,500 to help cover the cost of shipping three fire engines to the fire service of El Salvador, as part of the Engines for El Salvador project.
El Salvador is a country of 6.5 million people currently served by 375 firefighters. In comparison, B.C., with a population of just over four million, is served by 3,500 professional firefighters.
The hope is this donation will allow the El Salvadoran firefighters to expand their range of services, and increase their ability to provide fire/rescue and medical response.
There will be an official handover ceremony at Vancouver City Hall on Jan. 14. Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Vancouver fire chief Ray Holdgate will present the three fire engines to the El Salvadoran consulate general during this ceremony.
Elephants are being used to help clear debris from the roads clogged with the devistation caused by Cyclone Sidr. Rotary responds to the disaster in Bangladesh by immediately dispatching ShelterBoxes and volunteers. Full story reported by BBC.
Dan McGrath and John Anderson lead our Club to another successful fund raiser. Almost $27,000 was raised by Ladner and Tsawwassen Rotarians during the 17th Annual Rotary TV Auction on Delta Cable TV 4 held Saturday, November 3rd. The donated 147 items had a retail value over $50,000 so some outstanding values were realized by successful bidders. The 12 most valuable items were segregated into the Diamond Lot and for the first time were listed on-line with Go Bid (www.gobid.ca). By the time the TV Auction opened for telephone bids the on-line bids already exceeded $5,000 to start the day.
Brushing up-Tsawwassen dental hygienist Jill Moore applauds success of a young Chinese patient learning to brush her teeth during her recent trip to the northern city of Harbin. Thanks to the generosity of South Delta school children, Moore was able to distribute the 2,500 toot brushes they collected for her overseas visit. Story by Philip Raphael and photo published in the South Delta Leader, Nov. 3, 2007.
Or you can copy and paste or key in the URL at the end of this text to the Go Bid website.
Explore the Go Bid site for clear and complete instructions on how to open an account and make bids. Simply select our Rotary Auction as your choice; it is an easy, convenient and effective way to bid.
First register, then review the items and start bidding. Bids entered prior to opening the live auction will be automatically placed when the auction begins.
Through the efforts of Rotarian Jill Moore over 2,000 K to Grade 8 Tsawwassen students will experience an imaginative and high energy anti bullying program. With the assistance of the Interact Club the elementary students will be bussed to SDSS for one of the three October 26 concerts. The report was published in the Oct. 20, 2007 Delta Optimist.
The South Delta Leader Oct 12 edition has a story on the pending development of the Healing Garden at Delta Hospital. Everyone at DeltaHospital, including Foundation team member Stacey Boyda, is looking forward to enjoying the HealingGarden soon to be created by Tsawwassen and Ladner Rotary Clubs.
Jim Northey leads Rotarians packing timbers at Boundary Bay Earthwise Garden is the caption used for the picture accompanying the September 29, 2007 story published in the Delta Optimist. To read the full story click
A warm sun and hot coffee overcame the Saturday morning chill as Rotarians and Earthwise volunteers gathered at Boundary Bay Earthwise Garden to assemble a wheelchair accessible greenhouse as well as an entrance arbour and fence. However they discovered the contributed material was a puzzle of parts and sizes which prevented completing the project in the available time. Great progress was made and shortly we expect work will resume. To enjoy the pictures click see photos When the window opens select "Slideshow".
YOUTH INTER-ACTION - The South Delta Leader published this photo and following caption: Teacher and Rotarian James Brown (left) joined the new Interact Club of Tsawwassen, displaying the group's charter just presented by Rotary district governor Dean Rohr on the right. Left to right next to Brown are Michelle Danard, Samantha Davie, Hannah Morris (behind) and Arzina Nurani. Last year South Delta students Johanna Johnson and Courtney McQuarrie committed to have fun while improving the community and world. With the encouragement and support of Brown and fellow Rotarians Gail McEwan and Jill Moore, they established a provisional club for high school youth interested in positive international action.
For the Terry Fox Run our Rotarians staffed two water stations. Here Brian Coe, Gerry Kilcup, Jim Northey and Eleanor McWhannel avoid the rain as they wait for runners.
A traditional Chinese medicne specialist preparing for a business trip to Harbin, China learned of Jill Moore's Alliance For Smiles trip through the media. When the Vancouver Centennial Rotarian decided to contact her while in China it radically changed his trip.
"What can you expect when you put men, mud and a boat together?" reports the Delta Optimist in coverage of our Rotary work party at Centennial Beach Park.
In the Winskill parking lot Rotarian Peter Dandyk passes $10,000 to Executive Director Sandra Gebhardt to top off the new bus fund for the Boys And Girls Club.
On Saturday Aug. 18/07 a Rotary work party of 18 had fun while cleaning the pond at Centennial Beach Park. To see a photo essy showing the fun as well as invention of the wheel click HERE ! Full story, click
Over 300 local residents joined Tsawwassen Rotarians and our First Nation neighbors at the dedication the Returning Sockeye sculpture as the centerpiece of Rotary Square at Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall. View photo essay Here; read full story by clicking
To see photos of the opening of Rotary Square, the Sunshine Parade, the Pancake Breakfast, the Presidents Ball, Owl, Humane Society, and Boys and Girls Club, plus many others click HERE.
Our exchange student Pote gets to rub noses with the mascot from Operation Red Nose. Another "strange tale" to share with the folks back home? Better take this picture with you or they'll never believe you.
Although we lost members from last year's roster due to moves and resignations we have added some excellent new members this year.
We have been fortunate to induct our District Governor, Kevin Conway as well as Murray Morrison, John Anderson, Diane Forward and recently, James Brown, Taronne Atley, Mike Hawkes and Dan McGrath as new members. We still have a target of adding another three or four members so still need your help in finding them. We also need mentors for the new members so please step forward and help.
You can obtain proposal and application forms from the front desk at our meetings. We also have brochures from both Rotary International and from our club that may be useful in answering questions.
Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Membership Committee if you need any assistance in the process or in approaching prospective members. Consider bringing a prospective member to a breakfast meeting or to a social event. Your committee thanks you for your assistance.
Enjoy the photos. Click on www.beltgens.com/gala Prints of the photos are available: $6.00 for a 5x7 print and $8.00 for an 8x10 print (not all photos will work at 8x10). Francisco will manage the process and money over the cost of the prints goes to him to cover fun and entertainment expenses. Free downloads can be done from the website by right clicking the mouse on the photo.