Photos

The Interact club September 20th 2009

Euchre Night raised close to $2500. Marie Visser, Rotary Club with overall winner Willie Surphlis and Interact President Kaitley Treen

It was great to see many old friends on Decmeber 16th at the Hilltop Restaurant. We gathered to celebrate the Christmas season and to remember Philip Anastassakis with a donation of $500 to the Bowmanville Memorial Hospital Foundation for the Mammoography Unit and a framed print to be hung in the hospital.

Welcome to our newest member Jim Treen

Here's the whole club (or a least most) receiving a cheque from Metroland publishing to pruchase a shelter box for Haiti.

Here's the whole club (or a least most) receiving a cheque from Metroland publishing to pruchase a shelter box for Haiti.

Bev Oda MP spoke to up Feb. 19th

Bev Oda MP at our Feb.19th meeting.

Jeninne Agnew-Kata of the Literacy Network of Durham Region joined us to help celebrate Rotary Literacy month on March 26th. 20-40% of Adults in our region struggle with reading and math. This is a challenge with so many adults retraining in the workplace.

Lynne Bird, Chair of the District Peace Committee visited us on April 9th. She talked about Peace Fellowship and educational program, Wilf Wilkenson's Peace award and Peace communitiies.

Rotarian Spenser Visser has been growing his hair for 18 months and is now cutting it to benefit WIGS FOR KIDS CANADA. Never missing an opportunity to do something great for his community Spenser will be getting his haircut on Thursday June 22 2023. Wigs For Kids Canada makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to Chemo, Radiation, Alopecia, burns, etc. Wigs are sturdy enough for kids to be involved in physical activity such as team sports and swimming. They are all handmade with care for a child who may otherwise not be able to receive one. Along with the donation of hair, it costs $1800 to assemble a wig. The goal of the Rotary Club of Courtice is to raise the $1800 or more and provide a wig(s) for a child(ren) who needs one. Thank you to The Kingsmen - Barbers on King in Courtice owner Steve Grimley for partnering with us in cutting the hair for donation. We hope you will donate as an individual or as a Rotary Club to this great cause and be prepared to see Spenser with his brand new hairdo! All donations of $50 or more will be issued a charitable donation receipt. To Donate Go To: https://bit.ly/Spensers_Wigs_For_Kids

We were thrilled to be able to donate $1000 worth of pet products to the Clarington Animal Shelter last week. Shelters in our area are full of animals needing to be adopted. Everything from bunnies to cats and dogs. Therefore shelters are in need of products that enhance the lives of the animals currently living with them. The Clarington Animal Shelter received everything from food, toys, leashes, collars, water bowls and blankets. Thank you to everyone that made this initiative possible. Without you, we couldn’t have made it happen.

Its Charity Euchre Tournament Time... Purchase your tickets at http://rotaryeuchre.com Tournament is progressive so no partner required.

We're proud to announce the Rotary Club of Courtice's recent donation to the Durham Children's Aid Foundation. Their incredible work in our community ensures underprivileged children experience the joy and wonder of Christmas. We call upon our supporters: if you're able, consider contributing to the Durham Children's Aid Foundation. Your support can make a significant difference in bringing happiness to children this festive season. Together, let's help make this Christmas a memorable one for every child in our community. #RotaryClubOfCourtice #DurhamChildrensAidFoundation #CommunitySupport #ChristmasJoy

We recently had the privilege of sharing a special moment with a remarkable group of local seniors at Faith United Church. For several years now, these seniors have gathered every other Monday to enjoy a game of Euchre, share in delightful conversations, and savor delicious desserts prepared by the Faith UCW. In the spirit of the holiday season, the Rotary Club of Courtice decided to add a little extra cheer to their gathering. On Monday, December 11th, our team arrived early to surprise the participants. In a gesture of community spirit and festive goodwill, we covered the admission fees for everyone, allowing them to enjoy their beloved Euchre afternoon on us. As they arrived, we greeted each player with a warm "Merry Christmas," hoping to brighten their day just as they have brightened our community with their enduring friendship and togetherness. This small act was our way of saying thank you and celebrating the wonderful sense of community they embody. #RotaryClubOfCourtice #CommunitySpirit #FaithUnitedChurch #SeniorSupport #MerryChristmas

🎄🌟 Season’s Greetings from the Rotary Club of Courtice! 🌟🎄 As the holiday season unfolds, we want to extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you in our wonderful community. This time of year is a reminder of the joy and warmth we can bring into each other’s lives. ❄️ Amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer, let's take a moment to reflect on the year gone by – the challenges we've faced, the successes we've celebrated, and the bonds we've strengthened. Our community's resilience and spirit of togetherness have been the shining stars of the year. 🤝 This holiday season, let's continue to share the gift of kindness, extend a helping hand to those in need, and cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. The holidays are a time for giving, not just in material gifts, but in love, time, and understanding. 🎁 Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or taking time for some quiet reflection, we hope the holiday season fills your home with happiness, your heart with love, and your life with laughter. 💫 From all of us at the Rotary Club of Courtice, Happy Holidays! May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Here's to a bright and hopeful New Year! #HappyHolidays #SeasonsGreetings #RotaryClubOfCourtice #CommunitySpirit #JoyfulSeason

🎆✨ Happy New Year from the Rotary Club of Courtice! ✨🎆 As we step into the New Year, we're filled with hope, enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today isn't just the start of a new year; it's a fresh chapter waiting to be written, filled with opportunities to make a positive impact in our community and beyond. 🌟 Reflecting on the past year, we're grateful for the challenges that made us stronger and the victories that brought us joy. Each experience has prepared us for what lies ahead, empowering us to continue our mission of service and connection. 🤝 This year, let's embrace the spirit of togetherness, fostering a community where everyone feels supported and valued. We believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to create waves of positive change. 🌍 Our resolutions for this year are simple yet powerful: to serve with compassion, lead with integrity, and inspire positive change. We're excited to embark on this journey with you, our dedicated members and supportive community. 💫 Here's to a year of health, happiness, and meaningful achievements. May 2024 be a year of growth, joy, and unforgettable moments for you and your loved ones. Happy New Year! #NewYear2024 #RotaryClubOfCourtice #NewBeginnings #ServiceAboveSelf #CommunityStrong

🎉 Welcome to the Rotary Club of Courtice's Halenda's Meats Pepperoni Stix Fundraiser! 🎉 We're excited to kick off our fundraiser featuring Halenda's delicious pepperoni stix. Here are all the details you need to get started: 📅 Event Date: July 24 2024 - August 24 2024 🍴 What We're Selling: $20 per bag - Each bag contains 10 pepperoni stix (6 mild and 4 hot). Cases Available - Perfect for larger orders or sharing with friends and family! ✅ Why Choose Halenda's Pepperoni Stix? No nuts, trans fats, MSG, dairy, or eggs Gluten-free and delicious 6-month shelf life, no refrigeration required How to Order: Order Online - Visit fundraising.courticerotary.ca to place your order. Delivery & Pickup - Choose from local pickup or delivery options to receive your pepperoni stix safely and conveniently. Help us spread the word! Share this post with your friends and family and invite them to support our cause. For more information, check out our detailed poster below or visit our website. Your support helps us continue our community projects and make a positive impact in Clarington. Thank you for your support! Rotary Club of Courtice

A disassembled water filter

Calling all music lovers! Join us Friday August 16 from 5:30-8p for the second Concert at the Complex, of the summer. It's FREE all you need to bring is your lawn chair. We will be selling cold beverages and snacks with all proceeds supporting local Clarington and Durham Region initiatives.

Our old friend and new Mayor, Adrian Foster visited us on Feb. 4th. Adrian was looking ahead to what we could expect in the next 10 years.

Wendy Cox checks out her new members kit

Joe Neal our local Councillor came to visit

Our Assistant District Governor Dave Houston, Club President Leon Lynch and District Governor Bob Wallace at our July 15th meeting

Jessica Moore and Sara Hubbard receiving the first Phillip Anastassakis Memorial Scholarship

Help Connor Visser raise over $1500 for the Terry Fox Run. Connor will shave his head at the Bowmanville Terry Fox Run, September 18th and donate his hair to Locks of Love.

The Courtice Rotary Bowling Team raised $495 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Clarington.

Since 1985 Rotary International has been working to eradicate Polio. On Friday February 24 the EarlyAct Club of Dr. G. J. MacGillivray Public School participated in the Purple Pinkie Project to End Polio Now. We are proud to announce that the students raised $1200 which will vaccinate over 1000 people worldwide! The Rotary Club of Courtice sponsored the EarlyAct Club of Dr. G. J. MacGillivray Public School in 2010 and their accomplishments have been many. This Rotary Service Club for children aged 5-13 supports curriculum and character education. For more information on how your club can sponsor and EarlyAct Club in your area don't hesitate to contact us.

The Rotary Club of Courtice invites you to help celebrate it's 10th Anniversary. Please join us Tuesday April 24th at Shoeless Joe's 1419 King St Hwy 2 Courtice, 6-8 PM for a casual, come & go celebration. Please bring any guests or extend this invitation all who would like to celebrate with us. Please RSVP by April 17th to RSVP@courticerotary.org

Mayor Adrian Foster visited us this morning to present us with a 10 year service award from the Municipality of Clarington to celebrate our 10th Anniversary.

The Rotary Club of Courtice is proud to honour Charter member Phil Anastasakis again this year with a bursary in his name. An application and bursary guidelines can be found at courticerotary.org

10th Anniversary On April 24th 2002 the Rotary Club of Courtice was chartered. We celebrated this anniversary at Shoeless Joe’s. L to R Club President Leon Lynch, Mayor Adrian Foster, Councillor Mary Novak, District Governor Rob Wallace.

Our new Assistant District Governor Betty Brisco came to visit us today.

We were fortunate to present 4 Bursary Awards of $250 each to Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School students Taryn Armstrong and Michael Wang, Clarington Central Secondary School student James Dalgarno and Bowmanville High School Student Alexis Wilcox. Taryn will be attending Bishop’s University in Lennoxville Quebec under the department of Political and International Studies. She will be achieving a Bachelor of Art-Science degree with a major in International Studies and then hopes to pursue law school in hopes to work with an NGO or the United Nations. Michael will be attending Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario, majoring in life sciences. Medical school is definitely an option for Michael but he told us he would use the desire in his heart and the wisdom of his mind to determine what his future holds. After listening to Michael’s speech, we are all sure that he will do exactly that! James will be attending the University of Toronto, Scarborough Ontario, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. James who has been the voice of CNN (Coyote News Network) at Clarington Central Secondary School for three years hopes to be an International journalist. He would love to be a travelling correspondent making a difference on the International Journalism front. Alexis will be attending Durham College in Oshawa Ontario majoring in a three year Mechanical Engineering program. From there Alexis will be entering UOIT to continue her studies. Alexis has already established her desire to help other by building 5 wells in developing countries. Alexis will be continuing her Rotary involvement with both Interact and Rotaract and given her background will put an engineering degree to good use. It is her hope to be able to spend time in a developing country working with them to better their quality of life. We wish all four of our recipients the best in their future endeavours and are very proud to honour the memory of our fellow Rotarian Phillip Anastasakis.

Spenser Visser the Immediate Past President of the Interact Club of Clarington joined us this morning to tell us about his year as President

District Governor Ted Koziel joined us this morning for our first official visit of his term. Ted’s message to us was really quite simple…have fun and share Rotary with your friends, family and colleagues. Remember why you joined Rotary and the difference you have been able to make individually and as a member of this very powerful group. Rotary is about “Service Above Self” which means we have to service the needs of others over the needs of ourselves. Things cannot change unless we actively work to change them! People who need our help need it now; they can’t wait until we aren’t too busy… Ted firmly believes that Rotary affords the opportunity for ordinary people to do extraordinary things!

We are proud to present our 2012/13 Executive Board of Directors: President-Marie Visser President Elect-Lou Davidson Past President-Leon Lynch Sergeant at Arms-Jim Treen Treasurer-Judi MacDonald Secretary-Christine Wood Public Relations Director-Cathy Abraham New Generations Chair-Mary-Ellen Moore Club Service Director-Marsha Scott Community Service Director-Sharon Davidson

We were very fortunate today to have a guest from the Gundy County Rotary Club in Tennessee. Jeanette Hash is visiting her son and his family and was kind enough to come and exchange banners with us and tell us a bit about her club. They are currently very involved in the education of youth against the use of drugs, particularly methamphetamine. Janette explained that part of what they do is a demonstration by an engineer from their club on the chemicals found in your home that are used to make the drugs. The chemicals which are mostly explosive are exploded and the kids are taught that that is exactly what happens inside your body. They are receiving great feedback and results as part of this initiative. They have also provided dictionaries for students from Grade3 to high school, filled backpacks with school supplies for less fortunate students and jumped in to fund a literacy project started by Dolly Parton in Tennessee. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a non-profit organization ... that promotes early childhood literacy by giving free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5. It was a pleasure to meet Jeanette and we look forward to seeing her joining us again during her time here in Courtice. For more information on the "We are the Future Don't METH with us!" program County Facebook page.

Alexis Wilcox, President of the Interact Club of Clarington presented her year at a glance to us this morning. Following the Interact and Rotary International calendars the Interact Club have put together a very impressive and active year. In September they are partnering with us on the Terry Fox Walk, Foundation Walk and they have invited us to join them on Sept 30 from 6-8 PM for a Potluck dinner evening of fellowship and BINGO! In October which is fellowship month the Interact Club is asking for Rotarians to come and give a 5-10 minute vocation talk. Let’s show our support and have a great showing of mentorship. The group has struck a great balance of community service, fellowship and social events, education and service above self. Well done and we look forward to all that we know you will accomplish this year!

Jessica Moore, who was one of our 2011 Phil Anastasakis Bursary Award winners, joined us this morning to tell us about her first year at University of Ottawa. The program Jessica is enrolled in is International Development and Globalization with a minor in Law. It was very challenging to be away from home and her mom who had been her teacher for most of her education. Although socially challenging academically her program was a bit boring because the first year was just general sciences. The bursary enabled Jessica to not have to take a job in her first semester which made it possible to make the necessary adjustments, focus on her studies and settle in to university life. Second semester when she had to work was more difficult. To fill time outside of her studies first semester Jessica starting blogging and won a Much Music Live-Foster the People contest that flew her to Toronto (paid for the Thompson Hotel, shopping and expenses). She met many interesting people and had a wonderful life experience. During February reading week she was able to go to BC to visit her Uncle and see the Olympic Village. While at Ottawa University, Jessica joined or stayed involved with the following organizations: Free The Children (University of Ottawa Chapter) InvisAbilities Silent Cities (Parliament Hill) The Global Idealists Mentor for Clarington Central’s Social Activism Program The global Idealists group is an Oshawa based organization that Jessica has become very involved in. Jessica is a member of the board of directors. Their mission statement and their core values are included below. MISSION: As a growing movement throughout North America, Global Idealists will stand with those in poverty-stricken regions using creativity and consistent initiatives to ensure sustainable development through the power of education. Empowered with an idealistic mindset, our international family aims to alleviate illiteracy and provide opportunities where OUR CORE VALUES: These are the values that our organization lives by. Whether we are working with projects on the ground, making decisions with our board or simply in the streets with friends and family, our values have become a part of each and every member’s lifestyle. Global Idealists strives to be the best we can possibly be at what we do, and that's simply providing education. These values constantly remind us how we can be most efficient at doing just that. It really stuck with the group that these young people focus on the education of students past the normal grade 4 or 6 of other organizations. The Global Idealists believe that if children are not educated at a secondary or college level they cannot build their villages and communities and therefor they cannot stop the cycle of poverty. For further information log onto their website at http://www.globalidealists.org/

At the August 23 social gathering of the Rotary Club of Courtice, Rotarian Lou Davidson received a Paul Harris Fellow. Described by Immediate Past President Leon Lynch as a "Cornerstone member of the club". Lou who had perfect attendance as a 10 year Rotarian until late last fall, "arrives earliest, is always cheerful and welcoming, offers a hand whenever and wherever needed, attends club functions, generously supports and donates to events and causes and continually embodies Service above Self" was notably missed when he became ill. Past President Leon who is a 5 year member, couldn't shake the feeling that the club wasn't the same without Lou and his empty chair really brought home for several members the value that Lou brings to our club. Then President Leon received several Paul Harris nominations from club members and Lou's name consistently was presented for this honour. Members past and present were able to join us and Lou was speechless at first only able to get out "I need to remember to say thank you but I can't find any other words, I am truly honoured and this is such a surprise". Later in the evening Lou acknowledged and thanked all the Rotary Dignitaries, Family, Rotarians and Friends for his award. Finishing with "receiving this from fellow club members makes it all the more humbling and it means more than words can say that you think of me in this way!" Congratulations Lou, we are all very proud of you!

The Rotary Club of Courtice is proud to announce that their 2012 nominee, Interact Club of Clarington member Jamie MacDonald, was one of 18 young ladies who received the "LEADING GIRLS BUILDING COMMUNITIES AWARD" this evening. The award was presented to Jamie by MPP John O'Toole from The Honourable Laurel Broten and the Government of Ontario. Pictured below is Jamie receiving her award from MPP John O'Toole at a presentation BBQ held at Trillium Trails earlier this evening. Congratulations Jamie we are very proud of all the wonderful work you do in our community and in Rotary.

Leonard Dohn the 16 year old Rotary Youth Exchange student hosted by the Bowmanville Rotary Club came to talk to us about his family, his country and himself. Although Leonard has been sponsored by the Bowmanville Rotary club, the Visser family (Courtice Rotary and the Interact Club of Clarington) will be hosting Leonard from April-August 2013. Leonard hails from Plauen Germany which is near Saxony whose capital is Dresden. Plauen is 1/3 the size of Ontario, 357 square KM’s with a population of 83,000,000. They run a Federal structure with 16 states. His hometown of Plauen is the capital of Vogtland and they adopted municipal law in 1224, with 65,000 inhabitants and it was very heavily destroyed in WW2. They are known for their lace called Plauener Spitze. Leonard showed us some samples of the lace which was beautiful. Leonard’s family consists of his father Uwe Bauer, a pharmacist who owns his own Pharmacy and an engaged Rotarian who is also a Paul Harris Fellow, his mother Kathrin Dohn, a pharmacist assistant who works whit his dad, his brother Julian, who Leonard describes as his best friend and playmate and the family cat Shaja (pronounced Shy-ya and meaning the Scared). When Shaja was a kitten she would hide under the stairs and jump out at them trying to scare them so her name has meaning to him. There are 2 Rotary clubs in Leonard’s community, the Rotary Club of Plauen was founded in 1979, has 45 members and participates in many local community projects in Plauen mostly. The newest club, the Rotary Club of Vogtland was founded in 2000, has 29 members and primarily participates in worldwide projects with a particular focus on Lebanon and Nepal. They are also Leonard’s home club who sponsored him to come to Canada which was by the way his first choice. Leonard also talked about his school Friedensschule Plauen, which has about 300 students who attend there each year. He described it to be as big as Clarington Central Secondary School in Bowmanville, where Leonard will be attending while here on exchange which has an enrollment of 1400 students. He is very excited about all the students there and attending school here. Leonard loves biking, discovering new things, hanging out with friends, splash diving, and both 5m and 10m Platform diving. He especially enjoys family things like walking, skiing, snowboarding and entertaining. He often attends Rotary meetings with his father in the evening at home. He is thrilled to be here and was excited to tell us about his family and home and we are thrilled to have you here with us for a year Leonard. Welcome to Canada and Clarington!

The Rotary Club of Courtice wants to introduce you to 15 of the hardest working youth in Clarington, The Interact Club of Clarington! Today over 500 visiting Rotarian's embarked on Bowmanville for the annual Foundation Walk. Congratulations to the Interact Club of Clarington for not only having 100% attendance but their help was invaluable. Together both their club and the Rotary Club of Courtice received International Project funding in the amount of $2500 for 100% attendance and support. We can't wait to make a difference! Thank you to the Bowmanville Rotary Club for working tirelessly on the Foundation Walk and they are to be commended for raising $142,000 today to be used throughout District 7070 to help Rotary Clubs fund worthy projects within our District! A great day for Rotary!

Ten years ago today Mayor Foster was sitting at a Rotary meeting listening to the local Councillor and if you had have asked him if he thought he would be here today he would have laughed. His mother was a political junky and made him spend summers campaigning for hours every day all day. This made him dislike all that was political then but this is now…and here he is. He gets asked all the time if he is enjoying being Mayor and he will answer every time that it is a fascinating job. Each day is a new adventure and he never knows what the day will bring. He could never have imagined that he would be dealing with issues surrounding, Kingston the Pot Belly Pig, the Leash Free Dog Park, Valley’s 2000 Fish Ladder, Blowing up a House for a music Video or Port Grandy Allocations, but he has and the rewards and challenges make the job as Mayor exciting. Mayor Foster has also had to walk a mile or two In Her Shoes, Swim in Newcastle in January and was able to meet Kevin Costner at the Boots and Hearts Festival. Mayor Foster ended by reminding us that it is not the big events in life that shape us it is all the little day to day events that we have to manage unexpectedly that prepare us for the big ones and keep things exiting.

Martha Rutherford-Conrad from the Clarington Museum and Archives, enlightened and informed us with a great presentation... Exhibits at Clarington Museums and Archives, include permanent exhibits such as Pioneer Heritage, Edwardian Lifestyles in addition to traveling exhibitions from museums across Canada. The archives contain items that document the history of the Municipality of Clarington. From family trees to old photos and land deeds. Darlington was known as the “unbroken forest” when it was landed on by Roger Conant and his family. The Conant’s who were known as continuous settlers because they came and they stayed, built log shanties that they lived in for the first winter here. The Conant, Burke and Trull families settled and were known as United British Loyalists’. The Durham Boat is a book of lithographs which tells the story of them settling. The boats they came over on were known as Durham Boats, hence the title. These first settlers exemplified strength of character which Courtice is still known for. The Bowmanville Museum was built as a one story Regency style cottage in 1847. Additions to the home in 1861 and 1880 have changed it to its present-day appearance as a two story Italianate styled house. The Museum has been restored as a period home (1901-1930) reflecting the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family. The nine rooms with late Victorian furnishings include a parlour, dining room, conservatory, master bedroom and a girl and boy bedroom. The Clarke Museum, located on the former land of Nathanial Powers, the first settler in Kirby, has the distinction of being the first designated heritage building in the community. A turn of the century Blacksmith Shop, outdoor displays of agricultural equipment, the Volunteer Building with displays of agricultural tools used by our ancestors and the one room schoolhouse all depict early pioneer life in Clarke Township. The Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Center is Clarington’s newest museum. Located in the former Bowmanville Library it houses exhibits devoted to the Dominion Organ and Piano Company and the museum’s large doll and toy collection. The Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Center provides research facilities for our archival collection. Clarington Museums and Archives collect documents and artifacts that preserve the heritage of Clarington. Our research facility includes a private room in which to conduct research. Check them out at http://www.claringtonmuseums.com

Don't miss a minute of the fun as we celebrate our 10th Annual Canada Day in Clarington, Monday July 1st at the Garnet Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville. Start time is 5:00 PM, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for dinner and dessert at our food vendors, pony rides and jumping castles for the kids, family Zumba, shop at our vendors for Canada Day specials, let us entertain you with music from the Charles Street Band and Clarington Pro Sound AND don't miss the Coffee and cakes BIG CANADA DAY CAKE unveil at 8 PM.

I want to thank the members of the Rotary Club of Courtice for the wonderful President’s Appreciation Night they hosted in my honour this evening. It was a humbling experience and I found myself somewhat speechless, which for those who know me, know that is a rare occurrence. I have had a wonderful year as your President and our accomplishments have been many. Those accomplishments are not to my credit though, as a small group you all gathered behind me and we did it together. We set lofty goals and smashed the heck out of every one of them. Together we grew our membership, supported foundation and polio eradication, we engaged our youth through various Rotary programs, Interact and EarlyAct, formed many community partnerships and we HAD FUN doing it! I am grateful for all the friends I have in Rotary and your dedication makes me aspire to be a better person. I will sign off by noting to all who know me and know I never grew up that I still measure life in sleeps. Lou in 5 sleeps they are all yours and you are lucky because they are a fantastic group! Thank you all for a wonderful experience and lifelong memories. Yours In Rotary, Marie

Okay Clarington, if you attended or watched the Fireworks from our 10th Annual Canada Day in Clarington please like our post. This is a free family event brought to you by the Rotary Club of Courtice but we could not bring you the great fireworks display without all our sponsors listed below. Show your appreciation to our many sponsors by liking this post! Share it with your friends and family who enjoyed the evening.

It is with great pride that the Rotary Club of Courtice congratulates Marie Visser our Past President, who is this years recipient of The Les Faludy Leadership Award. This award is a tremendous achievement for both Marie and our club as it is awarded to the Club President in District 7070, who in the judgement of the District Governor, Ted Koziel provided the most outstanding leadership during the preceding Rotary year. The club proudly congratulated Marie on her fine achievement and certainly recognizes all the hard work she put into the club in 2012-13, her year as President.

In August 2012, the Graham family was so excited to add Mackenzie to their family! Their second son soon won their hearts with his smiles that reached his twinkling eyes and his infectious giggles. But not until December did they realize that those twinkling eyes saw at best, light. In January 2013, Mackenzie was diagnosed with bilateral persistent fetal vasculature syndrome (bilateral PFVS). PFVS occurs when the system of veins and tissues that nourish the development of the eye in the womb fails to dissolve in the third trimester as it is supposed to. This blocks light from reaching the retina and therefore causes blindness. Though there is a surgery that can improve vision, this is an extremely rare condition and the rarity of it means that experts at hospitals in Canada have very little experience with treating it. The Graham’s have been denied out of country funding by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and are now working through the appeal process with the help of our Member of Provincial Parliament, Christine Elliott. The family is looking to have Mackenzie treated by surgeons in the Detroit, Michigan area who are world known for the treatment of PFVS. Unfortunately, this is a story that Whitby residents may think sounds familiar. You see, of the only three diagnosed cases in Ontario, two can be found in Whitby. Another family in Whitby has been previously denied funding from OHIP for this treatment out of Ontario because it is argued that the procedure is available in the province. Unfortunately, the experienced set of hands are not. Deciding to set out on a journey such as this is a leap of faith on many levels for the Graham family and finances are a concern as Mackenzie will require at least two surgeries (but an average of four), along with the cost of travel and lodging in the Detroit area. Please join with us to help this family lessen the impact that the cost of treatment will have on them.

The remote villages of Laos have never recovered from the ‘Secret’ war of the 1960′s. While rich in culture and tradition, their education, healthcare and hygiene conditions are severely lacking. The average lifespan is only 56 years and average age is only 20.8, caused by poor quality water, poor hygiene and general poverty. BUT with your help a positive difference has been made in the lives of thousands of villagers. We have completed 6 school projects, 3 water source projects bringing water to two villages and a hospital (imagine a hospital with no water!) and we are finishing our 9th and 10th toilet projects for schools and a village. We have also provided almost 700 water filter systems, along with critical hygiene training for families, schools and hospitals to promote a longer, healthier and happier life. You can help in so many different ways. Before you do though, note that less than 10% will go to direct overhead costs, contrary to many NGO’s who’s overheads can reach 80%. Sponsors for every project will receive emailed pictures and details of how the money was spent. If you would like to become involved and to help the people of rural Laos help themselves lead a more fulfilling life, please email us at AdoptaVillageinLaos@gmail.com. Official Tax Receipts will be issued. Please help…………they cannot do this alone

Leonard recalled his first day with Rotarian Sue McLellan and her husband having lunch at Bobby C’s then visiting his school. In the foyer they have a circle of flags and he thought it was fate that the German Flag is hung beside the Canadian Flag. Later that evening he attended the Courtice Rotary Club’s Paul Harris evening where Lou was awarded a PHF. While with the Rodriguez family, my first host family, Leonard learned how to build a fence and use power tools, which is something he had never done in Germany. While living there the Visser family took him to the CNE which is something he will never forget and while driving into downtown Toronto he recalls not being able to take his face off the window! I also joined the Interact Club of Clarington and became a real Rotarian like my father. This is a wonderful group of great young people and I am proud to be one of them always. I worked with them and accomplished many great things in this community here in Clarington. I am excited to go home and be more involved in my community. The Interact Club helps people who need it all the time and they make other people’s lives better. I hope to start Interact in my home town in Germany and be a leader like my Interact friends here in Clarington. My second host family the Visser’s have left me with lifelong memories that I am very grateful for. Sharing a room was more fun than I would have imagined and having 2 host brothers so close in age to me made for never a dull moment, many laughs and lots of boyish fun. Traveling back and forth to school every day was always fun because my host brothers were like a traveling comedy show and they would take me out to lunch with their friends. Being able to eat lunch outside was a new experience as well as it is not permitted in German school. Thanksgiving was a great time for family at the Visser house and I have never seen so much food and deep fried Turkey? But it was very good! I had never known of Halloween and had so much fun dressing up as a mad scientist with Connor, Spenser had a sumo wrestler costume and we got so much free candy it was unbelievable. Christmas was a flood of presents under the tree and more good food than even Thanksgiving like I did not know that was even possible. December 25th is my father’s birthday, Marie and Connor knew I was missing my family so they set up a Skype with my family in Germany, sang happy birthday to my dad and took a picture of all my host family and my family in the background on the big screen TV. “It was a very special moment for my father and my family and means so much to me I cannot express it”. Then on Boxing Day (Spenser’s 17th birthday) Marie and Paul woke us up and told us we needed to pack as we were going to Niagara Falls. Our hotel room was 35 floors up with a view of the falls that I could not take my eyes off of. Lou kept on saying are you okay you haven’t moved in a while? I moved next to the Anyan’s house in Bowmanville. Kevin and Kathy own Kings Court Catering and I loved going to their big kitchen to watch, learn and help it was very much fun. Kevin and Kathy let me have many sleepover weekends with my exchange friends. I turned 17 at their house and they let me have a party and instead of presents I asked for donations for Polio and am very proud of that. My current and last host family is with Ken, Angie and Adam Darlison in Bowmanville. I have my youngest host brother here and I am having so much fun with him. He likes to have lego night and I enjoy it very much. He is very good at building and has a great imagination. He also likes to be outside and he has lots of energy. I have been able to spend time at their cottage where I have been fishing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. It is Angie’s favourite place and I know why. I have my own room. In my room Ken and Angie put a wall map of the world. I look at it every night last thing and in the morning it is the first thing I look at. It makes me realize that the world is very big but you can make connections with people all over it and have friends anywhere in it.I will not ever look at a world map again without thinking about all the wonderful friends, Rotarians and families I have all over the world now. The last part of my year here ended with a Cross Canada Tour that started in Shediac, New Brunswick. Here we went lobster fishing and then had a big lobster feast in the harbor. 2-Montreal-stayed in a YWCA youth hostel here we participated in a huge scavenger hunt and a festival 3-Quebec City, here we stayed in a youth hostel in the downtown old city. Everything was only a five minute walk away. This was amazing the only bad thing is the entire people only spoke French. We also got to go go-karting which was a lot of fun because we have not been allowed to drive while here in Canada on exchange. 4-Ottawa-we stayed in the old jail hostel and were there for Canada Day. It was very busy with a lot of people. Chris Hatfield the Canadian Astronaut was there and played his guitar and sang. There were TV crews who asked the exchange students to take many pictures of Canadian pride. The students on the trip also did the Canada Day scavenger hunt, it was awesome! 5-Toronto-we stayed at the Royal York hotel and went to most of the attractions. 6-Niagara Falls-here the two clubs in Niagara came together to plan a great day and lunch. We went on the Maid of The Mist and a Jet Boat tour through the rapids. 7-Calgary-the Calgary stampede was amazing and we got to participate in Chuck Wagon races that were amazing. We were very upset by the flooding and the damage at the Saddledome the devastation to people was concerning to us. Stanley Park was beautiful! We were able to bike all over it, walk, swim and picnic it was a great day. On our trip we traveled by via train, fairy and planes. I met a lot of Rotarians who all have different opinions and wonderful stories about their experiences and home cities. He realizes that Canadians are very proud and have a lot to be proud of. I want to finish up by talking about my school experience here in Canada. Lockers are in the hall here and you are able to socialize in the halls. I studied Biology and was able to dissect a rat and a pig heart. In Germany there are no dissections. I would not study English in school and although MacBeth was hard to read and learn I really liked it. It was fun acting it out to learn it. I enjoyed most my Phys-ed and outdoor education classes as we have nothing like that in Germany schools. It seems like I just got here to Clarington a month or so ago until I think about all the wonderful things I have done and the great people I have met. I am very thankful for this opportunity

Rotarian Joe Neal was honoured to present a $500 Bursary to Jamie MacDonald who just completed a Bilingual Diploma at Bowmanville High School. Jamie is a 5 year Charter member of the Interact Club of Clarington and embodies all the characteristics outlined in the Bursary criteria. Joe reiterated some of Jamie’s qualities by quoting her references; “Inner drive, motivation, kindness, and self-discipline steer this young lady. Jamie is a focused member who places an enthusiastic touch on each meeting with her positive approach to greeting members and welcoming their individual contributions. What makes Jamie stand out from the rest is her ability to lead by example. Personal integrity, humility, a healthy lifestyle, academic insight and the willingness to consistently work hard towards achievement with spirit are values characteristic of Jamie.” “Jamie is a Charter Member of the Interact Club of Clarington and has held several positions within the Interact Executive. In her role as an Interactor she has helped to organize the Interact Club’s support of, or participation in the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, Bethesda House (a local women’s shelter), CIBC Run for the Cure, Salvation Army Food Bank, Salvation Army Clothing Drive, White Cliffe Retirement Residence (helping run events for senior residents) and Clarington Canada Day Celebration, to name only a few. Jamie is a natural leader and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. One of Jamie’s strongest attributes is her ability to influence others to participate in volunteer activities. She has created a welcoming environment for new members to the club by modeling support and acceptance and assuming the role of mentor to younger members of the executive. Jamie is an exceptional young person. She is caring, positive and always participates and contributes with enthusiasm. Jamie’s commitment to her local community has helped to make it a better place for all who live here. I have no doubt that she is a very worthy candidate of this award and will continue to represent herself as a citizen of character in both her future academic and community endeavours!” Jamie will be attending Guelph-Humber University in the fall to pursue a degree in Business, another commonality Jamie shares with Phil. Jamie is wished the best by the Rotary Club of Courtice and will be missed by the Interact Club of Clarington.

All the reasons I joined @[100064822597491:2048:Rotary Club of Courtice, District 7070]

Check out this great information seminar! Don't miss this one.

Thank you Brendon Linnell for your informative talk this morning about your work at the Toronto Zoo. We enjoyed the friends you brought with you as well...

It is always a pleasure to see our Epilepsy Durham Region friends Diane McKenzie and Jessica Sheffee. They were excited to announce that they will be climbing the Grand Canyon in support of those living with epilepsy in the Durham Region. This 4500 foot journey is no small endeavor and they know that the impact this will have in our community will be even bigger than the adventure. To find out more about the Epic Climb for Epilepsy - Grand Canyon 2014 visit http://www.epicclimb.ca/

Did you know that each year, Feed the Need in Durham makes a real difference in the lives of over 30,000 low income people who do not have enough to eat, 38% of whom are children? We learnt many new facts about this great organization when Executive Director, Julien LeBourdais visited us this morning. To find out more information or donate go to http://www.ftnd.ca/index.php

Wishing our Adventure in Citizenship candidates Rebecca Fraser and Connor Visser a fantastic time in Ottawa this week. Both Bowmanville and Courtice Rotary Clubs have excellent youth Rotarians representing our clubs. Have fun!

Courtice Rotarians enjoying a lovely evening with our friends from the Port Hope Rotary Club at their Surf and Turf Dinner. We left with some great auction items and and a full belly. Thanks to our friend Steve Rutledge for inviting us.

Want to experience the hottest sold out party of the summer? The Rotary Club of Courtice is looking for volunteers to work one 5 hour shift per day selling beer, pop, water, Gatorade etc! In exchange for your service you will receive a full festival pass for each day that you work. Preference will be given to volunteers over the age of 18 with Smart Serve certification and volunteers who are able to work a shift all four days. Boots and Hearts runs from Thursday July 31st to Sunday August 3 2014. There are 3 five hour shifts per day starting from 11 AM- 4 PM, 4 PM- 9 PM and 9 PM- 2 AM. Shifts will be scheduled and will be different each day in order to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the festivities. Volunteer lists will be finalized by Friday July 4th and you will be notified by Monday July 7th if you have been accepted. Please forward your name, date of birth, address, phone number and if you are smart serve certified ASAP. All proceeds raised by the Rotary Club of Courtice from this event will go back to our community in the form of support for community initiatives and projects. Don't delay submit your information today to courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com. If you have questions send them along as well and we will respond to your email within 48 hours.

Happy Canada Day Clarington!

This is where we will be spending our Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend! Concession stand B13 by the main stage raising money to donate back to our community. When you are feeling thirsty we hope you will come find us so we can help you out! Enjoy the fantastic line ups Clarington!

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT...for tickets contact us at courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com or contact a Courtice Rotarian.

Thrilled to announce that we have only 1 ticket left for the 4:30-5:45 PM seating, 6 tickets for the 6-7:15 PM seating and 20 for the 3-4:15 PM...we are down to the wire and would love to sell this out. Email us at courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com

NO Meeting on Friday October 10th, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Congratulations to Courtice Home Healthcare on their 5 year anniversary. Thank you for your community partnership with The Rotary Club of Courtice! We will be there on Wednesday November 26 at 12:30 PM for cake.

The Rotary Club of Bowmanville is holding their annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser at Watson's Farm Market now until December 23rd. Located at 2287 Highway 2 in Bowmanville they are open Monday to Friday 12-8 pm, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday 10 am - 6 pm. They offer a wide variety of freshly cut trees to choose from including Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, White Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Blue Spruce, and Scotch Pine. All proceeds from this fundraiser go toward local and international Rotary projects, community groups, organizations, student bursaries, and their Summer Respite Program for Children with Special Needs. Let's help this great club continue their great work in our community!

Please support our @[100064411972327:2048:Interact Club of Clarington] with their basket raffle. All proceeds from the basket go to support TEAM (Teen Education and Mothering) Clarington. The basket has a value of over $350, tickets are $5 each or 5 for $25 and each purchase gets you a free kids meal at Swiss Chalet in Bowmanville. Draw takes place at 7 PM on Sunday December 14th.

NO Meeting on Friday December 5th see you on Friday December 12th!

Almost ready to receive our guests at the 2015 Clarington Youth and Community Leaders Dinner tomorrow night. 150 people will be present to honour 8 very deserving members of Clarington that exemplify "Service Above Self" each and every day!

Looking forward to celebrating the EarlyAct Club of Dr. G. J. MacGillivray Public School in Courtice today. This year they raised almost $1900 for Polio Plus with the Purple Pinkie Project and enough money to purchase 9 water filtration systems for the Adopt A Village in Laos project. Those are fantastic numbers but the awareness that both their club and the Interact Club of Clarington have brought to the students, school and community is immeasurable!

Summerfest is this weekend in Downtown #Bowmanville Check out the flyer for events on Thurs, Fri, & Sat.

HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!!!! There is so much to do today! Come to #Clarington today!

MISSING GERMAN SHEPHERD in #Courtice " Liberty" was being off leashed this morning when she bolted. She is missing since 10:30am. She is 3 yrs old, fixed and micro chipped. She is wearing a thick black collar with ID tags. She was being walked near the bluffs on the east side of Courtice road south near the lake. See the link to the map, the location last seen is indicated on this map...Your help is needed to search for Liberty. If you have any information please call Team Chelsea at 905 666 4676

Thomas TJ Sheehan officially chaired the first evening meeting for our club.

Hey #Clarington Visit Kylie's Lemonade Stand Sat. July 11 8am-3pm. She is raising money for Toys for Sick Kids Hospital.

@[100064329865778:2048:Bethesda House] We are in need of summer pajamas!!! Women: nightgowns preferred, all sizes small to XXL Children: boys and girls, sizes 2 to 14 If you have any to spare, please drop off to the Second Chance store on King Street in downtown Bowmanville. Please share this post to spread the word around!

This Sat. July 25 is our CHARITY CAR WASH & BBQ. 11am-2pm Proceeds to @[100064548105004:2048:Their Opportunity]. At the Courtice Funeral Chapel. Come get your car washed and have some Lunch too!!

I made a new poster. I forgot to put on that we are having a BBQ too!!!! Come for a car wash AND eat Lunch

Our Rotarians are taking a summer holiday! Our meeting Friday August 7 2015 is canceled. We will return Friday August 14 2015 with our new member classifications.

Come and Watch our very own @[858585272:2048:TJ Sheehan] represent #Courtice Rotary at the Pie Eating Contest at Bluesberry Festival in Downtown Bowmanville this Saturday!

This is it! Good Luck to All the participants in the Pie Eating Contest TODAY in Downtown #Bowmanville in support of Big Brothers, Big Sisters.1pm. Come watch them eat a Blue Berry Pie

Bluesberry Festival Pie Eating Contest in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Clarington.

Don't miss the bus on this deal. The game is sold out and but we are not only 2 tickets left, contact us at courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com to get yours.

Save the date! Oct. 3 is the Newcastle Harvest Festival. There will be great music, food, children activities and more! If you would like to be a vendor in this event register by Aug 31!

5,000 Children can be vaccinated against polio with a $100 Donation!! Right now with matching Monies from Canadian Gov't and the Gates Foundation!

We are Rotarians!

It's a good thing in less than 19 hours we are going to meet you Alexandre, because we can't wait!

2015 Community Youth and Leadership Dinner Proceeds Update COAA Proceeds Returned to Courtice Rotary for Disbursement On Saturday May 2 2015 the Courtice Rotary Club partnered with the Clarington Older Adult Association (COAA) to host the 2015 Clarington Community Youth and Leadership Dinner raising $6649.73 for each organization. As advertised the COAA funds were to be directed to the opening of the new COAA Courtice Facility in the fall of 2015. In June 2015 the Municipality of Clarington made decisions about governance of the COAA based on the Older Adult Strategy recommendations. On June 25 2015 our organization received a letter from COAA Executive Director Angie Darlison informing us that “It was our intention to use our portion to purchase equipment and supplies for our Courtice location that was scheduled to open in the fall 2015. However it no longer looks like this facility will be affiliated with our organization so we would like you to direct us on how to proceed. Would you like us to return to this amount to your club or apply it to another project within our organization?” On June 28 2015 following an executive meeting specifically to address this we responded to The COAA Board and Executive Director, “On behalf of the executive and members of the Courtice Rotary Club I want to thank you for your letter. This has been a decision we took much time to consider all the pros and cons of and one that we believe is the right way to handle the situation. Since it was the intention of the COAA for this money to be used in Courtice and our intention when it was given we feel the right thing to do is honour both organizations. Therefor we would ask that you return the funds from the May 2 Community Youth and Leadership Dinner and we will see that it is directed to the new center being opened in Courtice.” We are pleased to inform the community that on behalf of the Rotary Club of Courtice and Clarington Older Adult Association we will be providing lounge furnishing for the New Courtice Complex Facility for Older Adults in Clarington when it opens.

Special thank you to Courtice Rotarian Alexis and Interactor Kaitlin for taking Alexandre Tököly to Sandbanks for the day. He had a wonderful time!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about and enjoy local agriculture here in Clarington!

Do you like making a difference? Well, then together think what we can do. Join us at Rotary Club of Courtice. Everyone welcomed. Come join us at one of our meetings.

The Interact Club of Clarington did an outstanding job putting on this Halloween party at White cliffe Retirement home in Courtice.

This is pretty cool!! #endpolionow #Halloween #pumpkin

Such an amazing person!!! Bill Patchett, wins the Dr. Bob Scott Award for all the outstanding work he does!!!! Thank you Bill.

Alex, our exchange student, is moving today to his new place with the Sheehan's. TJ is building his new bed.

I joined Rotary because I wanted to make a difference in the world... I stay in because I am

Don't miss the Courtice Tree Lighting tomorrow Nov 25th at Whitecliffe Retirement Residence in Courtice. The Rotary Club of Courtice will be providing free hot chocolate and cookies!

So proud of our Exchange Student Alex for embarrassing the Walk A Mile in her shoes event at Courtice Secondary School on Thursday. Rocking the red shoes and stamping out domestic violence!

Don't miss the 3rd Annual Courtice Santa Claus Parade tomorrow December 6th starting at NOON. Bring your loonies and toonies to purchase a collector button from a Courtice Rotarian. All proceeds go to support the parade. The parade starts at Townline Road, runs down Nash Road and ends at George Reynolds Drive. Santa is on his way!!

Thank you Superintendent Joe Tompkins for a great conversation about bullying trends, norms and how can understand and support this in our community.

Big shout out to Janet Lange for welcoming our exchange student Alexandre Tököly at her Bowmanville Art Studio Tuesday nights. Alex will be helping out and being creative with Janet and her students for the next few weeks. If you haven't been, check it out at 42 King Street East in Bowmanville.

Rotary is turning 111 years old on Feb. 23, 2016

George Acorn & Kersti Pascoe present to our club about the new 55+ Older Adult Facilty opening soon in Courtice.

Rotary is turning 111 years old tomorrow. It's come a long way and it's so amazing to see all the great things Rotary does locally and across the entire world. #endpolionow

International Women's Day has marked the plight and achievements of women for more than a century – but is now looking ahead another 15 years to the world's gender equality goals. Themed this year around "Planet 50-50 by 2030", the United Nations-backed event will be celebrating women's rights in more than 40 countries. It will look at how to ensure the 2030 Agenda - which positions women's empowerment as at the centre of global sustainability plans - can be concretely achieved over the coming years. Yet the idea itself dates back more than 100 years, and has had various reasons for becoming the established celebration that it is today.

We are looking for Sponsors for our Youth & Community Leadership Dinner. Can you Sponsor or Donate a prize for our silent auction table? Would you be able to attend this great dinner? Contact us today at 905-436-1509 or courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com

DOG FOUND IN COURTICE - On March 21st 2016 Found on Pebblestone near Townline in Courtice on March 21st. If this is your dog please call Team Chelsea at 905 666 4676. Proof of ownership is required.

Rotarians are Awesome!! Share this!

Excited to be traveling to the game today with 50 of our closest friends. A special Happy 11th Birthday SHOUT OUT to Ethan who is joining us on his big day!

Thank you Jill Dillaire from the Boys and Girls Club of Durham Region for speaking to us about the Youth Justice Committee Program.

What a great way to be part of your community!

No meeting this Friday July 29

Thrilled to have Mary Tillcock tell us about her many years of organizing the Terry Fox Run in Clarington since 1981. This years run is being held on Sept 18 at Memorial park in Bowmanville. Thank you Mary!

We are excited to offer this Holiday Concert! Purchase tickets online at courticerotary.org with a credit card or email us at courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com . Tickets are advance sales with limited quantities available. Don't miss out get yours today!

A special treat this morning with honorary member and Past President Dale Gibbons back to discuss our role in the Courtice Santa Claus parade. Thanks Dale for all you do in our community and we are happy to support the 4th Annual Courtice Santa Claus Parade.

Thank you Mayor Adrian Foster for your early morning visit to the Club updating us on all the wonderful things happening in Clarington.

The Interact Club of Clarington is trying to fill the bare shelves of three local food banks this Saturday November 12th from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please stop by FreshCo in Courtice to make a cash or non perishable food donation.

Thank you Neil Redley for speaking to us this morning about UOIT, an innovative opportunity for our youth!

Don't miss the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir this Saturday November 19th, to purchase tickets online go to courticerotary.org. If you wish to buy tickets they can be purchased at One Love One Dream Bridal Salon 1415 Highway 2 or WO Insurance Brokers 1564 King Street East in Courtice.

Enjoying the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir with 350 of our friends.

Join us for the 4th Annual Courtice Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, December 4, Noon-2:00pm - Same route as last year - Townline to George Reynolds on Nash Rd. We look forward to seeing you again! Krumbs Cookies will be there again in front of ST Worden and non perishables will be collected. Once again the Rotary Club of Courtice and Interact Club of Clarington will be selling collectible parade buttons - $1 a button - all money collected goes toward bringing this parade to the community every year. Thank you for your support!

Thanks to Rotary for all your help and support. Cheers from Santa.

We welcomed fellow Courtice Rotarian, MPP Granville Anderson this morning to update us on Provincial projects and their impact on Clarington and the Durham Region.

Thank you to Rusty Hick, Director of Education for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board for speaking to us early this morning about the successes and challenges in education today.

A photo of our awesome team!

A big thank you to Isaac and Daniel Giddings for speaking to us tonight about their March break sweat equity trip to Peru. This was Daniel's fourth trip and he says he keeps going back because the children there stole his heart and he keeps returning hoping he will get it back. Isaac, who is only 15 years old, when asked what he noticed to be the biggest difference, he said people there seem much happier with so much less than we have... We say good job Dad he noticed the most important thing! Keep us posted please we can't wait to help out.

Welcome to the 2017/2018 Rotary Year. I am honoured to be the President of the Rotary Club of Courtice. This year I plan to continue to build on the exemplary legacy of our previous presidents, current and honorary members. My primary goal is two-fold. To provide our community with opportunities to work with us as we strive to provide time, partnership and monetary assistance, as well as working closely with my fellow Courtice Rotarians to support initiatives near and dear to them. With a personal mandate to increase both the discussion about and financial assistance for Mental Illness and Mental Health Education and Research, I hope to enlist my fellow Rotarians and our community members to come together and end the stigma. This year will be full of fun, fellowship, community presence, hands on assistance, and a chance to assist in making our community the best there is. I love Courtice and all that it has to offer and as The Rotary Club of Courtice President, I am confident when I say that we will continue to work hard and stand behind our 'Service Above Self' motto - as we always have. Thank you to my fellow Courtice Rotarians for this opportunity. Together we will continue to make a difference. I for one, can't wait! Let's Do This!

Don't miss this bus!

Getting the van and trailer race ready!

Breaking out the last of the glass

Join our community partners at Season's Retirement Communities in Clarington on Sunday Sept 24th for their Fall-icious Open House.

The Rotary Club of Courtice presents Christmas in Wales... Get your tickets before they are all gone at http://bit.ly/2iLVi8m

The Rotary Club of Courtice would like to take this opportunity to wish Mary-Jane Nettle of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington all the best in her retirement. We have enjoyed working with you over the past several years to provide opportunities to help youth in Clarington achieve their best! You should be very proud of the work you have done. We will miss you and wish you all the best!

You are worth more than your darkness...

Working toward the day when this is everybody's first thought...

Connor Visser, left, was master of ceremonies for the House of Friendship opening. He will be the youngest president of the Rotary Club of Courtrice, Ontario, next year, and got involved in Rotary at the age of eight by forming an Early Act club. Connor and his District Governor (7070), Neil Phillips, right, says the key to getting young people into Rotary is treating them as equals, getting them involved, and making sure to keep it fun. ---arg

We are selling tickets to this wonderful event in support of our friends at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington...For tickets message private message us or email to courtice_rotary_events@rogers.com

We remember!

It has become obvious that COVID-19 represents a serious global health crisis and requires everyone to do their part to slow its progress. As members of the community, we believe part of our responsibility is to protect the safety of all Rotarians, Community Members, Our Community Partners and their families. With this in mind, we have chosen to temporarily suspend all Rotary Club of Courtice meetings and events until April 20, 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation and look forward to getting together, once the situation stabilizes and we are advised it is safe to do so.

Calling all Clarington community knitters and crocheters. Looking for something to do during lockdown? We want you! The Rotary Club of Courtice has started a lap blanket campaign for patients currently receiving treatment/care at the RS McLaughlin Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. We believe, having a blanket to call their own is a small thing we can do. Working in conjunction with our community partners (this means you), we are looking to create 30 blankets. Once created, they will be donated to individual patients to have and keep during the course of their illness, treatment and recovery. We are able to porch drop 3 balls of wool for you to create a 36X48 inch (3X4 foot) lap blanket. Once completed, blankets will be picked up from you. You never have to even leave your house. The campaign will run until February 26 2021. If you’re interested in putting your knitting or crocheting skills to the test, we ask that you consider joining us in this worthwhile endeavour. Please pm If you’d like a wool drop off.

Calling all Clarington community knitters and crocheters. Looking for something to do during lockdown? We want you! The Rotary Club of Courtice has started a lap blanket campaign for patients currently receiving treatment/care at the RS McLaughlin Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. We believe, having a blanket to call their own is a small thing we can do. Working in conjunction with our community partners (this means you), we are looking to create 30 blankets. Once created, they will be donated to individual patients to have and keep during the course of their illness, treatment and recovery. We are able to porch drop 3 balls of wool for you to create a 36X48 inch (3X4 foot) lap blanket. Once completed, blankets will be picked up from you. You never have to even leave your house. Campaign will run until February 26 2021. If you’re interested in putting your knitting or crocheting skills to the test, we ask that you consider joining us in this worthwhile endeavour. Please pm If you’d like a wool drop off.

Wishing long standing Rotarian Evan Linnell the happiest of birthdays today from your Rotary family, friends and colleagues!

Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre 22 Lap Blankets and 18 Hats. Pictured L-R Carolyn Hoar (Hearth Place-Volunteer and Pediatric Cancer Family Support Coordinator), Courtice Rotarians Marie Visser and Elspeth Theriault.

RS McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre 30 Lap Blankets and 25 Hats. Pictured L-R Courtice Rotarians Elspeth Theriault and Marie Visser

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences 30 Lap Blankets and 10 Hats. Pictured L-R Courtice Rotarian Elspeth Theriault, Andrea Marshall (Ontario Shores-Director of Communications, Volunteer Services and CEOD), Sharon Hudson-Alipanopoulos (Ontario Shores-Volunteer Coordinator) and Courtice Rotarian Marie Visser

Personalized from the HEART

Memorial Tribute

Breast Cancer Ribbon

- Strength - Faith - Believe - Hope -

Beautiful...

Stunning...

Fabulous...

Today as we prepare to deliver 99 Thanksgiving meals to St. Vincent de Paul Courtice~St Therese Conference families, we want to give thanks to our Community Partners-@[100005164113630:2048:Courtice Pharmasave], Legacy Underground Locates, Swiss Chalet Bowmanville and the 23 sponsors who purchased meals. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving! "Gratitude can transform commom days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." William Arthur Ward

Courtice Rotarian Betty Carr presenting Roseline Basan with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Roseline has been a tireless champion for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Courtice chapter for many years, serving to offer a hand up to many of our underserved in the community. Thank you and congratulations Roseline!

Mary-Jane Nettle presented Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington, Executive Director Darlene Brown with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Darlene has worked for over 16 years in our community to provide volunerable youth and families with mentorship and educational opporunities. Thank you Darlene for showing our youth that anythng is possible!

What an honour to have Past District 7070 Governor Lynda Ryder come to town to Present Immediate Past President Connor Visser with his first Paul Harris Fellow. Together this duo brought EarlyAct (Rotary Service for children aged 4-12) to Canada. The first Canadian EarlyAct club was proudly formed at Dr. GJ MacGillivray P.S right here in Courtice in 2009. Connor was their charter president and under his lead the Club intiated the Purple Pinkie Project which riased over $14,000 for Polio Eradication. In partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Connor championed EarlyAct and now, we can proudly say our District has many clubs throughout several school boards in Ontario. Connor also lead our club as President through the Covid 19 pandemic serving two terms in 2019/20 and 2020/21. Thank you Connor for everything you do for Rotary and your community!

President Ferd Longo presented Dr. Lawrence C. Loh with his first Paul Harris Fellow. Dr. Loh practiced family medicine in Brampton before specializing in public health. He subsequently worked in public health agencies at all three levels of government in two different provinces before being offered the job of Associate Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region in 2016. Dr. Loh has been the Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the Regional Municipality of Peel. In April 2021, Dr. Loh notably broke from the approach taken by the province and ordered Peel Region schools closed, as well as an Amazon Fulfillment Facility closed, both of which were accomplished through section 22 orders. Having family living in Peel Region President Ferd thanked Dr. Loh from the bottom of his heart for his forward thinking and committment to protecting one of this countries hardest hit communities. Thank you Dr. Loh!

Past President Marie Visser presenting Ann Vanson with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Ann Vanson is a silent partner in many, many Clarington organizations and service clubs. She selflessly contributes to any all who ask and many who do not. Ann seeks no gain and in fact believes that she does not do enough making her so worthy of this recognition. Congratulations Ann and thank you for all you do!

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster presenting Courtice Rotarian Evan Linnell with his first Paul Harris Fellow. Evan is one of three remaining Charter Members of our club. As a Rotarian Evan has provided steadfast leadership and support. We often refer to Evan as the Captain of our ship because he is always able to see the end goal and keep it in sight. Evan also spent many years volunteering and providing mentorship as a Scouts Canada Leader affectinatly known as Baloo! Cogratulations Evan and thank you!

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster presenting Courtice Rotarian Evan Linnell with his first Paul Harris Fellow. Evan is one of three remaining Charter Members of our club. As a Rotarian Evan has provided steadfast leadership and support. We often refer to Evan as the Captain of our ship because he is always able to see the end goal and keep it in sight. Evan also spent many years volunteering and providing mentorship as a Scouts Canada Leader affectinatly known as Baloo! Cogratulations Evan and thank you!

Larry Shanks Executive Director of Safe Hope Home delivering the mission and vision of his organization to our guests. SafeHope Home’s long-term objective is to break the cycle of exploitation by providing a way out for these young women through providing a unique and comprehensive long-term recovery program. We provide them with housing, counselling, recovery, life skills, job preparedness classes, job shadowing and onthe job training. Our hope is that one day human trafficking will end globally. Until that day, we are committed to providing help for those wanting to escape their entrapment. https://youtu.be/RZYSbsTH8QA

Past President Shannon Lavigne presenting Past President Marie Visser with her fourth Paul Harris Fellow. Marie was recognized for her many years of service to the community as a volunteer and Rotarian. She has served three years as the president of our club, held and chaired positions on District 7070 committes, many years on local school and regional school councils, is a mentor and champion to many youth, soccer, hockey and fastpitch softball coach, advocate for youth and seniors, fundraising force and community champion. Her most proud accomplishment is being Spenser and Connor's Mom. Congratulations Marie and thank you!

Past District 7070 Governor Mary Lou Harrison presenting Past President Shannon Lavigne with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Shannon is a becon of light and perserverance to all who know her. She is an advocate and champion of Mental Health and Wellness and leads by an example that is monumental. Shannon is a motivational speaker, writer and has taught workshops to erase the Stigma of Mental Health. Past President Shannon with much love, congratulations and thank you all that you are!

Past District 7070 Governor Mary Lou Harrison presenting Past President Shannon Lavigne with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Shannon is a becon of light and perserverance to all who know her. She is an advocate and champion of Mental Health and Wellness and leads by an example that is monumental. Shannon is a motivational speaker, writer and has taught workshops to erase the Stigma of Mental Health. Past President Shannon with much love, congratulations and thank you all that you are!

Past President Shannon Lavigne presenting Courtice Rotarian Betty Carr with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Betty has served our community unwaveringly within the board of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul-Courtice for many years. Betty's work in Clarington has been focused on responding to local needs of Courtice families who are experiencing temporary or long term financial hardship. Betty in her role as President of the Courtice Chapter, has provided with dignity and compassion, food, clothing, bill payments and housing to Courtice families. Congratulations Betty!

Clarington Board of Trade Manager of Business Development Bonnie Wrightman presenting Courtice Rotary Past President Sheila Hall with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Sheila is the Executive Director & Economic Development Officer of the Clarington Board of Trade. Sheila has served Rotary and her community tirelessly to improve organizational services, opportunties for development, local and international prosperity. Congratulations Sheila and thank you!

Clarington Board of Trade Manager of Business Development Bonnie Wrightman presenting Courtice Rotary Past President Dale Gibbons with his first Paul Harris Fellow. Dale held many executive positions within Rotary any of which make him worthy of this distinction, but he should be most noted for his committment to bringing a Santa Claus Parade to Courtice. He served as the Co-Chair of the parade and could be found on the last float every year as (The Big Man in the Red Suit). Congratulations Dale and thank you for your Rotary friendship and the many smiling children of Clarington!

Courtice Rotarian MP Erin O'Toole giving his Paul Harris Fellow acceptance speech and bringing greetings and congratulations to the Rotary Club of Courtice on its 20th Anniversary Celbration.

Bowmanville Rotary Past President Steven Kay presented Courtice Rotarian MP Erin O'Toole with his first Paul Harris Fellow. As a new Rotarian in 2008 Erin spearheaded the Annual Clarington Youth and Community Leaders Award Dinner, which brought motivational speakers Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Jody Mitic and Michael Landsberg to Clarington. Erin also took on large fundraising projects for Valleys 2000 and the Fish Ladder project. Erin has been the member of Parliament for Durham since 2012 and has served us proud. Congratulations Erin and thank you for all you do!

We were thrilled to have Willie Woo present Marian Timmermans with her second Paul Harris Fellow. Marian is a champion and advocate for end of life care and dignity in dying. Marian has spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the Hospice build in Clarington. Marian, a registered nurse is spirited, funny, intelligent and caring. Marian congratulations and thank you for being you and working tirelessly for our community!

We were thrilled to have Willie Woo present Marian Timmermans with her second Paul Harris Fellow. Marian is a champion and advocate for end of life care and dignity in dying. Marian has spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the Hospice build in Clarington. Marian, a registered nurse is spirited, funny, intelligent and caring. Marian congratulations and thank you for being you and working tirelessly for our community!

Immediate Past President Connor Visser proudly presented President Elect Theresa Gamble with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Theresa is a dedicated Rotarian who works tirelessly in our community to preserve and restore the environment, raising money for cancer research, supporting the United Way and was responsible for promoting Girl's FastPitch Softball in Clarington with the Clarington Raven's Organization. Thank you Theresa and congratulations.

President Ferd Longo presenting Bowmanville Rotary Past President Pauline Calvert with her fourth Paul Harris Fellow. Pauline was instrumental in the charter of our club twenty one years ago. Her support, guidance, nurturing and leadership has been unwavering! Pauline affectinately refers to our club as her Rotary Baby and we serve to make her proud! Thank you Pauline and congratulations.

President Ferd Longo and President Elect Theresa Gamble presenting the Board of Directors from Durham Region Hospice Clarington with the proceeds of the event!

President Ferd Longo and President Elect Theresa Gamble presenting Larry Shanks of Safe Hope Home with our donation from the proceeds of the evening.

President Elect Theresa Gamble closing out our evening with congratulations to our award recipients, thanking our sponsors and all those that came out to celebrate with us.

Piping in our Dignitaries!

Thank you Rotarian Catherine Foy for a fabulous job as our MC for the evening!

District 7070 Governor Ron Dick brought greetings to our club and presented President Ferd Longo with his third Paul Harris Fellow. President Ferd is currently serving his third term as President of our club. Thank you for your service and leadership.

One more from the Foundation Walk.