Picton Rotary

Cash Calendar Winners Feb 22 - Feb 28

2012-03-02T08:41:00.002-05:00

Feb 22-Hilda Harrison $30.00

Feb 23 - Susan Allison $30.00

Feb 24 - Rogere Carmichael $500.00

Feb 27 - Mike Vidito $30.00

Feb 28 - Michael Szirtes $30.00

Birgit Langwish - Hospice Prince Edward

2012-02-22T14:11:00.001-05:00

Birgit Langwish, was introduced by Past President JimWait. Birgit, before her retirement, was self employed as facilitator,mediator and workshop leader in "Heart of the Matter Consulting", acompany dedicated to helping organizations improve their business practices andalso revitalize their greatest resource -- their people.

Birgit has been a member of HospicePrince Edward for 15 years, beginning as a volunteer when it was known asCOPE. She brings with her a passion for hospice care and bereavementsupport.

Birgit updated the Rotarians on thestatus of 5 areas of support or potential support for the hospice initiative:

1) Municipal -- Prince EdwardCounty is awaiting a report confirming the suitability of Benson Hall

2) Provincial -- a meetingwith our local MPP is forthcoming to discuss policy changes re hospice fundingwhich will recognize the need for support in smaller communities where the 10bed model currently funded is no appropriate.

3) Federal a meetingwith our local MP is forthcoming to discuss the "End of Life" line inthe budget, and what support that might mean for hospice

4) Regional -- ameeting is scheduled in March with the SE HHIN Chair and CEO to discussthe possibility of redirection of operational funding to Prince Edward County

5) Community engagement andlocal fundraising -- awareness and fundraising initiatives are underway

Birgit was thanked by Past presidentMark Davis for her warm and passionate presentation.

Cash Calendar Winners Feb 15 - Feb 21

2012-02-22T14:06:00.000-05:00

February 15 RickMoynes $30.00

February 16 RayCutler $30.00

February 17 DonKerr $30.00

February 20 R.J.Gupta $100.00

February 21 Madison Nolan $30.00

Matt Stever Fund Application Form

2012-02-22T13:57:00.001-05:00

We have created a form that you can use to recommend someone who you think could benefit from the Matt Stever fund.

To see the Page about Matt Stever and how to donate or request assistance, Click Here

Oyster Gala - Some Auction Items

2012-02-21T10:45:00.001-05:00

Here are just a few items available at the Oyster Gala and Casino Evening.

For the Silent Auction the Waring House has donated:

1 manicure OR pedicurefor 6 people.

1 cookery school for 6 people.

Approximate value: $560

Restrictions: Not redeemable for cash- must be booked at least a month in advance - based on availability

For the Live Auction the Claramount has donated:

1 night for 6

Sparkling wine uponarrival

1 Euro breakfast for 6

Spa Lunch for 6

Afternoon Tea for 6

3 Course dinner for 6

Use of pool and infraredsauna

Choose Eminence BackBliss or Lychee and Chestnut Leg Treatment for 6.

Restrictions: Notredeemable for cash - must be booked on Wednesday or Thursdays only untilMay 31, 2012.

Raffle items:

A Box of Cuban Cigarsdonated by Cigar Chief.

A bottle of rare SingleMalt Scotch donated by WhistleStop Productions.

Oyster Night - February 24 2012

2012-02-17T12:31:00.002-05:00

Oyster Gala and Casino Evening

2012-02-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Buy Your Tickets On line

Click Here to Purchase

Silent Auction

Live Auction

Raffles

Live Music

Magic

Waring House Buffet

Wine Tasting

AND MORE

Rotary News - Abby Emdin visits Rotary

2012-02-15T12:13:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU, ABBY EMDIN, FOR YOURINSPIRING AND INFORMATIVE PRESENTATION!

PDG Rob Leak introduced our guest speaker,Abby Emdin. Involved in her school's Social Justice Club since grade 9,Abby has helped to organize many fundraisers for local and global causes. With her sister, Fiona, she was selected to help with and lead humanitariantrips to Kingston, Jamaica to provide supplies and rebuild areas damaged byhurricanes. When she returned home, in 2010, she was determined to workto reduce global poverty. Abby and her sister co-founded World WithoutWorms (WWW), an initiative to raise money and awareness for school baseddeworming programs, the first such organization in Canada.

Abby provided the Rotarians with aninformative and inspiring presentation of her work to raise funds (to date over$14,000 which enabled the treatment of 30,000 children!) The money raisedis transferred to their partner organization, "Deworm theWorld". These funds are used to transport medication and provideeducation to at risk areas in Africa, India and the Caribbean.

The World Health Organizationestimates that 20% of the child's nutrition is lost if that child hasparasites. When access to food is already at risk, any further loss ofnutrition can be devastating. Poor nutrition negatively impactscognitive ability to learn, affects literacy and ultimately impacts a person'sability to earn a living over a lifetime, thus contributing to cycles of poverty.Unclean water, soil and lack of clothing are risk factors for worm infestation.

The school based deworming program whichdelivers medication and teaches about hygiene is a cost effective and efficientway to treat the health issues and contribute to greater learning ability.

Abby told us that 600 million peopleworldwide are infected with worms, and 3.9 million children die annually fromthis cause! The WHO informs that an alarming 40% of tropical disease burden isrelated to worms.

The work of World Without Worms hasbeen highlighted by prominent charities, newspapers and CBC Radio and hasreceived praise from the WHO. They have recently received an invitationto attend a conference in London, England on Neglected Tropical Diseases by theBill and Melinda Gates Foundation!

The Rotarians were humbled and awedby the success achieved by these 2 young women from the county who had a dreamto reduce global poverty.

Rotarian Mary Lazier-Corbett thankedAbby for her awe-inspiring and humbling presentation and posed thequestion of all present -- "how far will you go in your life?" Maryasked Abby to keep Picton Rotary informed of her ongoing work.

Rotary Minute

Rotarian Arnold Robb gave thisweek's very interesting Rotary Minute. He informed us that that the firstRotary Club formed outside North America was in Dublin Ireland. Formed in1911 as District 1160, it is very unique in that it has survived, intact,through two world wars, a civil war, difficulties with and separation from theBritish. At the 1922 Rotary International meetings, a principle wasestablished that allowed any country with 25 Rotary Clubs to become aterritorial unit with representation on the RI Board. At that convention,Great Britain requested and received territorial status as Rotary International- Association for Great Britain and Ireland ( RIBI ) . No other group inthe world had asked for, or received, this standing when the territorialunit concept was repealed in 1927. Nevertheless, the rights, privilegesand powers of existing territories were forever protected. So, RIBI hascontinued to function as an independent unit of Rotary International, subjectto certain conditions under the RI constitution.

Cash Calendar Winners Feb 7 - Feb 14

2012-02-15T12:06:00.001-05:00

Dave Bell from Bloomfield is thelucky Valentine's $100.00 winner!!

February 7 Cliff Rice $30.00

February 8 TanisCrowe $30.00

February 9 BertThissen $30.00

February10 Pronica Janikowski $30.00

February13 ReneSoeteus $30.00

February14 DaveBell $100.00

Rotary Waterfalls Tour

2012-02-10T12:23:00.003-05:00

Dueto the amazing generosity of the landowners, the Rotary Club ofPicton is once again able to host a tour of seldom seen waterfalls inPrince Edward County This year the Waterfalls Tour will take place on one week-end only. Easterweek-end, Saturday April 7 and Sunday April 8, 2012 will be your oneopportunity to view these magnificent falls. So, mark your calendars and getyour cameras ready! Watch county live Picton Rotary news for further detailscloser to the date of the event.

Cash Calendar Winners Jan 30 – Feb 6.

2012-02-08T09:45:00.001-05:00

Hereare the Cash Calendar Winners Jan 30 – Feb 6.

All$30.00 winners

Jan 1 Michael and Natasha Kerr Ticket # 903

Jan 31 BillBartlett Ticket # 913

Feb1 Dennis Murphy Ticket # 966

Feb2 Jackie Westham Ticket # 249

Feb3 Roy Pennel Ticket # 180

Feb6 Hope Clarke Ticket # 275

Atorkor Vocational & Training Centre Project

2012-02-01T13:20:00.001-05:00

January 2012

The Ghana/Atorkor Centre is a Picton Club projectsupported by 7070 Clubs. Our own Rotarian Peta Hall is the resident ProjectManager. The Main building was completed in August 2011. The Classrooms andWorkshops in this building are also equipped, thanks to your generosity. The othersections of the building program are now under way.

Peta’sReport:

The main building is up and running!

Ø It contains 5 rooms:Library, Classroom & 3 Workshops

Ø Water cisterns areinstalled – piping from water source to come

Ø 5 Instructors werehired from 180 applicants (All have degrees)

Ø 50 local students arealready enrolled –many more expected

Ø Students must takecore subjects of English, Math and Business

Ø Workshops coverBatik, Dressmaking/Tailoring, and ICT,

Ø Programs for theseapprenticeships are 2 years.

Ø Students get arecognized certificate, for further education or business.

Ø Adult literacy andwriting classes are held in evenings for ages 19-60

Ø The National Youth Employment Program (NYEP),now covers operating expenses, followed by the National Vocational TrainingInstitute (NVTI) who will continuously cover these expenses after 2013.

Government funding is an unexpected blessing. Thisis true recognition of this very necessary facility conceived by Peta.

NEXT – is the Classroom Building for Skilled Trades– Equipmentfor Welding, Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrical Workshops, will be about$100,000 and needs our support. (Financing for the building is coming from UKorganizations)

Finally – is the construction of the other building forRetail space, Community Centre and Workshops for Beads, Arts and Drumming

Thankyou for your support. The “Next” project is also worthy of your support.

Peta is still on site, putting yourcontributions to excellent use!

Landmine Dinner April 24th

2012-02-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

A Dinner of Fellowship In Support ofLandmine Removal

April 24, 2012
6:30 Social - 7:00 Dinner
Legion Hall Picton
Guest Speaker W.O. Paul J. Albertson
Roast Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Spinach or Vegetarian Menu
Cost $25.00 per person
Pre-registration required
Please contact Cathy Miles at cathy@bayofquintemutual.com

Cash Calendar Winners

2012-01-31T16:56:00.003-05:00

Here are the Cash Calendar Winners up till Jan 27th.

Cheques will be mailed out htis week.

Jan 1 $100.00 JenniferWilson Ticket #1165

Jan 2 $30.00 Brian Longwell Ticket #473

Jan 3 $30.00 George Ceh Ticket # 231

Jan 4 $30.00 Peter Allen Ticket #1076

Jan 5 $30.00 Trent Hughes Ticket # 622

Jan 6 $30.00 George Ceh Ticket # 232

Jan 9 $30.00 Dave Miller Ticket # 30

Jan 10 $30.00 Maureen and Fred Robinson Ticket #366

Jan 11 $30.00 Bonnie Taylor Ticket # 24

Jan 12 $30.00 Tina Schaffet Ticket # 1422

Jan 13 $30.00 Julie and Terry Miller Ticket # 295

Jan 16 $30.00 Heather Rathburn Ticket #114

Jan 17 $30.00 Bill Scott Ticket#951

Jan 18 $30.00 Robert Milford Ticket#1347

Jan 19 $30.00 Rob Deegan Ticket#367

Jan 20 $30.00 Mary Dunlop Ticket#894

Jan 23 $30.00 Margaret Watts Ticket#1418

Jan24 $30.00 Phil Williams Ticket# 418

Jan 25 $30.00 Ruby Young Ticket #1401

Jan 26 $30.00 Bob Fagan Ticket3862

Jan27 $30.00 Donald McClure Ticket #1402

Cash Calendar Winners Coming Soon

2012-01-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

We are about to draw the January Cash Calendar Winners

To receive regular updates by email, please enter your email address in the space on our pictonrotary.ca web page.

Loyalist Humane Society cheque presentation

2012-01-22T11:39:00.002-05:00

From the left, Past President Chris Rogers,Guest Speaker Kathy McAlpine Terpstra, Dr. Andy Janikowski.

Kathy McAlpine Terpstra was the guest speaker at Rotarythis week. She

Was introduced by Dr. Andy Janikowski.

Kathy grew up and attended school in Prince EdwardCounty, then attended

The University of Western Ontario in London. Kathy is well known locally for her work in physical fitness and healthy life style. Sheowns and operates her own business in the county.

As part of her own personal growth path, two years agoKathy attended a

Samurai Camp at which she was expected to set both apersonal and a professional goal which were outside her comfort zone and thenintegrate those goals into her personal life. She decided that she would personally spearhead the raising of $30,000 dollars for the Loyalist Humane Society!

Kathy provided an interesting and informative talk aboutthe work with the Loyalist Humane Society (LHS) which is located on the westside of Picton, in Prince Edward County. The LHS is a non-profit charityorganization.

Facts about the Humane Society:

-- 200 cats are incare in the existing buildings, and currently only

Cats are housed there. The ultimate goal of LHS is tofind a new and loving forever home for each animal.

-- approx 20 dogs are in foster care, and for furtherinformation re this

"foster" program Kathy recommended contactingGail or Ann at the shelter

-- operated completely by volunteers

-- applications are welcomed from students who wish toadd to their

volunteer hours

-- the society has a "no kill" policy exceptfor humane reasons. This

policy results in substantial costs, as cats can livevery long lives

-- "seniorsfor seniors" is a wonderful program which matches older cats

with seniors who desire a pet. A quiet, sedate cat which sits on a window sillor on a lap is much safer for a senior than is a kitten that loves to run andplay, but would present a trip risk. Forseniors there are so many health benefits derived from the unconditional loveand second heartbeat that a pet can provide in their home.

Costs are high for the Humane Society and include:

-- $2,400-$2,600 per month for food

-- $1,200 per month for liter

-- spay and neutercosts

-- medical bills upkeep and shelter costs

The LHS currently has a specific need for assistance withthe cost of food over the winter months. Your support would be greatly appreciated. The Society is planningrenovations to their buildings in the spring of 2012, and will be looking forvolunteers with the skills to assist with the renovations.

Kathy was thanked by Past President Chris Rogers whocommended her for

her tireless work and amazing success in her fund raisingefforts on behalf of "those who cannot speak for themselves".Chris presented Kathy with a Cheque for $400.00 for the Humane Society.

Rotary Oyster Gala and Casino Evening

2012-01-17T14:48:00.002-05:00

To order tickets on-line, click here to go to the Oyster Fest Page

Rotary is not just about Tuesday lunch!

2012-01-13T13:43:00.001-05:00

Chris Skinner

Rotary is not just about Tuesday lunch!

Members from diverse businesses and professions are welcomed into Rotary. This makes for a very broad knowledge and experience base within Rotary and in service to the community. Different views, and different backgrounds add a wonderful richness to all of the club activities and provide many opportunities for each individual member to learn from one another.
As part of membership,it is an expectation that new members will do a “classification talk” Members look forward to and enjoy hearing their fellow Rotarians tell about their families, their jobs and their community involvement.
Chris Skinner, Branch Manager of Picton’s Scotiabank, gave a warm and informative presentation.
Chris grew up in Belleville, attended Centennial High School, then earned a Commerce Degree and a Post Grad in Sociology from Western University in London. Both of Chris’s parents were bankers, so perhaps he was destined to follow this career path.
Chris and his scientist wife are both very involved with family and the community Chris coaches his sons’ Tyke hockey, is involved in School Council and numerous Scotiabank events — and Rotary!
Chris’s career at Scotiabank has provided him with many interesting opportunities in the areas of special projects, technology evolution and travel.
Chris loves living in the Quinte Region and his work at Scotiabank. He encourages young people to consider a career in banking as the demographics show that there will be many exciting opportunities in the future as senior executives reach the time for retirement.
Great talk Chris, and wonderful to have you in the club.

Oyster Event - Feb 24 2012

2012-01-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

50th Annual “Oyster Event“
The “oyster event” has been an exciting event and fundraiser in this region for many years. This being the 50th year of the celebration of this event, you will be delighted with the Gala atmoshphere of this dinner, casino and auction couple’s evening.
Dress is smart casual.
The event is limited to 250 tickets, so do not delay in getting yours. Next week will provide information as to when and where you can purchase your tickets. Plan to attend and bring some friends!

Friday, February 24
from 7 – 11 PM
Picton Arena Community Centre

Cash Calendars are Available

2012-01-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

The sale of calendars continues, andthe club will soon begin to draw the daily ticket winners. There isa delay at the beginning of the year to ensure that everyone has had theopportunity to purchase their calendars -- do not delay, get yoursto-day!

$10,000 in Cash Prizes with weekly draws from $30 to $500

(46% of funds raised are returned as prizes or money)

The Rotary Cash Calendar is available now at:
1. From any Rotarian
2. In Picton: Reynolds and Murray Chartered Accountants, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Books and Company, McDougall Insurance, Williamson Insurance, County Farm Centre, Pharma Plus, Mayhew Jewellers, Black Prince Winery, Printcraft, Essroc, Picton Clinic Pharmacy, Bean Counter Cafe, Canadian Tire, Town and Country Video
3. In Bloomfield: Green Gables
4. In Wellington: Wellington Home Hardware
5. In Milford: Walker’s Garage

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T11:27:00.000-05:00

Althoughthere was no Rotary Luncheon Meeting on Tuesday Dec 27, the work of Rotarycontinued through out the holiday season as Rotarians delivered Mealson Wheels through Community Care for Seniors up until Dec31. Many of the recipients were surprised, but delighted, that the mealdelivery did not stop because of the holidays. A big thank you to all ofthe Rotarians who took the time out of their own holiday schedules to makethe days a little cheerier for those receiving meals.

Rotariansare now back into full swing and planning for the many exciting upcomingactivities which will provide funding for their work in our community andaround the world. Banish those mid-winter blues! Mark your calendars nowso that you will be sure to attend the Picton Rotary Club 2012Oyster Gala and Casino Evening. Tickets are limited, so get yours early!

Date: Friday February 24, Time: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Place: PictonArena Community Centre

More From Atorkor

2011-12-30T11:46:00.000-05:00

Peta is in Canada and has given an update.

Click here to see the Post.

Benefits of Rotary

2011-12-22T10:27:00.001-05:00

Benefits of Rotary

Why Join Rotary

Maybe you've seen a need in your own community and wondered how you

could help.

Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others - or

even learn new skills.

Maybe you're seeking connections with other service minded

professionals in your community or abroad.

Being a Rotarian means serving your community, networking, making

friends and building International relationships.

You will enjoy the camaraderie of positive and active individuals

while connecting and reaching out to people in need.

A week doesn't go by that I don't learn something new from our guest

speaker at our club or just from working on projects with people of

different skill sets and experiences.

ROTARY'S FOUR WAY TEST

Try applying the test to your everyday decisions, I believe the four

Way test is a vision which if followed can be a powerful force for

Good in the world.

- Is it the TRUTH?

- Is it FAIR to all concerned?

- Will it build GOOD will and BETTER FRIENDSHIP?

- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Yours in Rotary

President Robert Quaiff

Cash Calendar Winners

2011-12-20T09:27:00.001-05:00

Dec 6 Suzy Poitras, #0717

Dec 13 Paul Mills, #11494

Dec 20 Jackie Soorsma, #0018

Dec 27 Sonja Wynen, #0041

Picton Rotary's Guest Speakers

2011-12-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

Check out Picton Rotary's upcoming guest speakers.

Click Here

Local Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Developing Stragegic Plan

2011-12-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

Did you know.....

2011-12-08T12:27:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Rotary is an amazing opportunity for both Seniors and Youth?

Rotary maintains a strong connection to youth and young adults. Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth programs. Clubs sponsor youth service clubs such as Youth Exchange, Interact, Rotaract, and RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs.

1. Youth Exchange

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. The Picton Rotary Club is proud to be hosting a student from France this year.

2. Interact

Interact is Rotary internationals service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact Clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and good will. Through these efforts, Interactors learn the importance of

- developing leadership skills and personal integrity

- demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others

- understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work

- advancing international understanding and goodwill

with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact

3. Rotaract

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18-30..Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they are sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of rotary.

As one of Rotary's most significant and fast-growing service programs, there are more than 8.400 Rotaract clubs in 170 countries and geographical areas.

All Rotaract efforts begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities' physical and social needs and promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

4. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

RYLA is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants can be ages 14-30, but most clubs and districts choose to focus on a narrower age range such as 14-18 or 19-30.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to

- demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth

- provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders

- encorage leadership of youth by youth

- publicly recognize young people who are rendering service to their communities

If you are interested in learning more about any of these exciting opportunities, please contact your local Rotary Club, right here in Picton.

Rotary Cash Calendar Grand Prize Winner

2011-12-07T11:37:00.001-05:00

Del Fisher, (2nd from right) receives his $5000.00 First Prize cheque from Rotarians Dan Wight (left) Chris Rogers (seller of the winning ticket) and Pierre Klein.
In appreciation of what Rotary does, Mr. Fisher donated $500.00 back to the Club.

Congratulations Del!

The 2nd Prize winner - Don Miller ($2,500.00)

Rotary Helps with Local Food Drive

2011-12-07T11:31:00.000-05:00

Jim Barkman, Marty Martel and Don Stanton

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the Food Drive last night. The weather was just about perfect, given it was December 6th. We had a great turn out of Rotarians, Spouses, Children, Friends and the Picton Pirates and we were able to hit almost every door in Picton.

Doug Snider and Marion Hughes

The drive was tremendously successful and the volunteers at the Food Bank were ecstatic.

To sum it up:

Number of Rotarians, Spouses & Friends - 35ish
Number of Picton Pirates - 16
Number of McDougall Ins. staff and their family - 11

Total number of volunteers - 62

Amount of Food Collected - A lot - I would guess we collected in excess of $3,000 worth of food.

Amount of Cash Donations Collected - $1,874.50 Amount of time it took - just over two hours

Number of Rotarians, Spouses & Friends back to the Waring House for Christmas Cheer - 20ish

Fellowship & Feel Good Factor - Priceless!!!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

2012 Cash Calendar On Sale Now

2011-11-29T16:53:00.002-05:00

Now is the time to buy your 2012 Rotary Cash Calendar!

Buy your Calendar Here Online

$10,000 in Cash Prizes with weekly draws from $30 to $500

Click here for more information

Contact any Rotarian or look for Calendars at Several Locations:

Canadian Tire - Picton
Picton Home Harware
Books and Company
Williamson Insurance
McDougall Stanton
Picton Clinic Pharmacy
Reynolds and Murray

Cash Calendar Winner Nov 8

2011-11-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

Chris Vancott, ticket # 1140

Cash Calendar 3rd Place Winner

2011-11-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

Cash Calendar Winners

2011-10-21T13:11:00.000-04:00

Oct 4 - Tyson Gadd #374
Oct 11 - Brian Skuffam #768
Oct 18 - Craig Belker # 1171
Oct 25 - Becky Williams #315

More Atorkor Pictures

2011-10-03T16:52:00.002-04:00

Peta has sent more pictures of the building.

East View

Main Entrance

North View - Main Entrance

South and East View

South View from Road

West View

Candidates Debate at Picton Rotary

2011-09-30T14:20:00.002-04:00

Past President Leo Finnegan both introduced our speakers. They were:

Leona Dombrowsky – Liberals

Todd Smith – Progressive Conservatives

Sherry Hayes – NDP

Treat Hall – Green Party

Truman Tuck – Independent

The candidates provided us with their comments on their party platforms and their vision of what their term would look like if they were elected.

Cash Calendar Winners

2011-09-30T14:05:00.001-04:00

Sept 6 - Bettinaa Bake, ticket #0529

Sept 13 - Chris Terpstra, ticket #1177

Sept 20 - Chris Rogers, Ticket #0846

Cash Calendar Winner August 30

2011-09-02T11:07:00.000-04:00

August 30, Rob Plomer, Ticket #1068

2011-08-30T11:16:00.001-04:00

Roger Litwiller

Treasurer Paul Gentile introduced our speaker this week, Roger Litwiller, Author of the Warships of the Bay of Quinte. Born in Kitchener, he has a history that includes being a Hovercraft Pilot, earned his parachute wings, and taught sailing at CFB Trenton. He cruised with the Canadian Navy and joined the reserves in 1982.

He wrote this book because he has a keen interest in ships, and because he feels that our school system does a poor job of teaching marine history in the schools. He focussed on ships that are named after communities around the Bay of Quinte. He used the archives to find the stories of these ships.

He found that the Trentonian was involved in the Normandy invasion and represents the last time a Canadian boat was involved in a friendly fire incident. The East Coast navy fleet was involved in the Cuban missile crisis and, after being sent to sea on a training mission, made contact with 168 russian submarines over a 2 week period. The Hallowell was sold after the war, then commissioned in the Israeli army and finished in the Sri Lankan navy.

Roger’s stories tell of a far-reaching and significant history of a few of the Canadian warships. He encourages Rotary to consider telling our story as well, as we may not do as good a job as possible to let the world know what we do as a club and an organization. Past District Governor Rob Leek thanked our speaker.

Cash Calendar Winners August 16 & 23

2011-08-30T11:05:00.002-04:00

Tracy Bettridge, ticket # 1046, August 16th.
Margaret Johnson, ticket #1092 August 23rd.

New Pictures from Atorkor

2011-08-27T14:44:00.001-04:00

The Atorkor Vocational Training Centre has just been built in an economically devastated coastal area, with 90% youth unemployment. It is desperately needed. When Picton Rotarian Peta Hall first went to the

Village of Atorkor in Ghana, at the request of the Atorokor Development Foundation, she saw the incredible poverty and hopelessness caused by the destruction of the local fishing by foreign trawlers.

Her dream was to find the funds and oversee the construction of a self sustaining economic training

centre in this small fishing village. Picton Rotary, with financial help from other district clubs, and the community of Prince Edward County, supported her dream with a quarter of a million dollars in contributions. These funds have allowed local Ghanaians to build the centre. Now that the bricks and

mortar phase is completed, the first phase of the dream has become a reality!

The next step is to raise funds for the equipment and setup costs to open the facility.

The main entrance with ribbons

One of the workshops

The full view from the east

The official opening by the Minister of youth and sport the Hon. Kofi Humado.

The team wearing their specically designed Atorkor Centre shirts with mama
Peta

Cash Calendar Winners August 2 and 9th

2011-08-04T13:05:00.002-04:00

August 2, Margaret Johnson #1093

August 9, Karen Kirby #261

Cash Calendar Winners - July 19 and 26

2011-08-02T11:12:00.000-04:00

July 19 - Carolyn Mitchell

July 26 - Ruth Ann Carroll

Cash Calendar Winners July 5 and 12

2011-08-01T11:33:00.000-04:00

July 5 - Jeff Howell, Ticket #792

July 12 - Jan Derres , Ticket #92

Sofia says Good Bye

2011-08-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

Sofia says good bye to Picton Rotary

Sofia returned to say goodbye to everyone and tell us about her cross-Canada trip. She enjoyed Quebec City and the west coast best. She also saw 3 bears!

The club gave her a beautiful book of a pictorial record of Canada. She has certainly touched our hearts and we look forward to seeing her again.

Assistant District Governor John Cairns

2011-08-01T11:29:00.000-04:00

Assistant District Governor John Cairns introduced District Governor Bob Wallace and his wife, Cathy. They live in Port Hope where Cathy is an RN. Bob has served in many organizations as a volunteer at various levels. In his working life he spent many years in the Nuclear Energy sector.

He is Past President of the Port Hope Rotary Club and has been ADG for many years. He is also a multiple PH Fellow, a member of the PH Society and a Benefactor.

DG Bob’s goal is to support the clubs in District 7070. He brought the message of the RI President to us, that of family, continuity and change. He encourages us to have fun and fellowship opportunities at all of our events, to provide information about Rotary to the public, and to use social media to let the world know what we’re doing.

We need to expand youth exchange in the District, although our club is doing an excellent job. He told us about the RADAR program re AIDS awareness and WASRAG re water and sanitation issues. DG Bob encourages our club to get involved in water projects as they are critical.

The District is currently working on a strategic plan. This includes opportunities for fellowship (such as the Philharmonic Orchestra event in Oshawa), fundraising (Foundation Walk Sept. 11 in Ganaraska Forest) and the district Conference in Blue Mountain on October 21-23. All are encouraged to attend.

Rotarians hope to stamp out Polio

2011-07-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

Clubs have been a big player in ridding the world of the virus

Jul 19, 2011 - 09:12 AM

Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- By the time Canadians go to the polls again in 2015, polio could be eradicated.

Once a scourge, with images of children wearing metal braces or people spending a lifetime in an iron lung, polio has been eradicated from much of the world, thanks in part to the worldwide efforts of Rotary clubs, including those in Durham Region.

Peta returns from Ghana

2011-07-19T15:53:00.001-04:00

Jon Wilkins and Peta Hall

Peta Hall presented us with a summary of activity to date. Working with 15 community members, the Centre has been almost completed in 5 months while facing many challenges. The grand opening will take place on August 16th!
The End Polio Now program is underway in the community, the community members working on the project have bank accounts and health cards, and people want to send their children to the Centre to benefit from the programs.
The cost of tuition and board is $400/yr and Peta wants to develop a bursary program. The Centre is still in need of approx. $150K for start-up costs and this is the next focus.
Phase 2 of the project will include a focus on Arts. There will likely be less funding available for this Phase than has been available for Phase 1.

Cash Calendar Winners July 5 and 12

2011-07-18T07:47:00.000-04:00

July 5 - Jeff Howell Ticket #792

July 12 - Jan Derres Ticket #92

Picton Rotary's Wilf Harrison Memorial Golf Classic

2011-07-10T07:50:00.001-04:00

Friday, August 26th
Picton Rotary's Golf Classic at the Picton Golf and Country Club

Click here for details and to purchase Tickets.

Jim Wait waves after he chairs his last meeting as President

2011-07-08T11:18:00.000-04:00

After a year as President, Jim will now have more time to cruise in his new sports car!

Sandy Murray talks about the 4 Way Test

2011-07-06T10:09:00.002-04:00

Guest Speaker PP Sandy Murray talked to us about the 4-Way Test. Written in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor in Chicago, it was intended to offer his employees moral leadership and in fact turned his faltering company around. He found it useful beyond business. In 1943 Rotary adopted it and in 1955 Mr. Taylor was Rotary’s International President. Sandy has seen the 4-Way test used in decision-making during the time he was on the Board and proposes that it’s continued to be used for all decisions.

Rob Leek - Classification Talk

2011-07-04T11:11:00.000-04:00

Rotarian and Past District Governor Rob Leek gave his classification talk. Initially a high school teacher, he was an Executive Recruiter, has been a very involved Rotarian, and is currently an Inn Keeper. During his time as an owner of an Executive Recruitment company, he witnessed the demise of metallurgical manufacturing companies, specifically in the 1980’s. Businesses moved to China. Next, automotive suppliers suffered the same end as those companies who weren’t running extremely lean found themselves to not be competitive and closed operations in Ontario. Rob enjoyed the changing technology in robotics, and tools such as fax machines revolutionized the way we did business. Perspectives on job stability and length of service changed, as did people’s need for assistance with networking for employment opportunities.

Rob sold his company and focussed heavily on Rotary activities for a few years before becoming an Inn Keeper.

Now in Bloomfield, he and his wife Jillian are enjoying operating a B&B. Some of their lessons learned as it pertains to this business are:

o Everything must be clean and in good repair

o Breakfast must be healthy and one breakfast time only

o Great beds with lots of pillows are important

o There must be a balance of friendliness with giving guests privacy

o Be informed about the area

Rob’s new venture is a flag retail business, and Rob shared some of his flags with us.

Cash Calendar Winner June 21 & 28

2011-07-04T11:06:00.000-04:00

June 21 - Michelle Mossey ticket #260

June 28 - Dale Duetta, ticket #1348

Cash Calendar Winners May 24 - June 14

2011-06-20T11:00:00.003-04:00

May 24 - Nicky Egan, ticket #1289

May 31 - Tod Lavender, ticket #1106

June 7 - Dorothy Wood, ticket #0540

June 14 - Dale Duetta, ticket #1348

Atorkor Update: The Roof is on in Ghana!

2011-06-07T09:59:00.004-04:00

Construction continues...

Hi, its been awhile since i wrote so here is an update before I leave for a few weeks in Canada. The big push is on the complete the building before end of June, i don’t know if I am “go go” or “go come” as Ghanaians call it! They say I need things to happen “faster than immediately” another great expression! But African time is African time, as you know! And the wood for the roof trusses left Accra on Wednesday, 3 hour trip, got half way and blew two front tires! This involved the mate returning to Accra to get spares! Off they set again only to be corralled by a police check and huge bribe was demanded! Finally resolved by Emmanuel my huge, fierce ADF board member who blasted them “to Easter” as he put it! The wood finally arrived at 7 pm Friday, and it took 7 guys 4 hours to unload it all in torrential rain! The second trip is scheduled for today and the third tomorrow!

I watched as the final block work was completed last week, happily was at the site, when I realized that the gable over the front door, was 2 feet off centre! Much discussion with the masons, “no sorry, you have to re do it, as it HAS to be over the front door!”. The “donors wall” was built, a softly curving wall leading to the front door, fascinating to see how the locks had to be laid on end to get the curve, and i was delighted that the main mason was wearing a Quebec women’s rugby team t shirt!

It is a delightfully Ghanaian/Canadian building, the Canadian feature of pillars, the Ghanaian feature, not one of them is quite straight! Everything is handmade, for example there are fan lights above every door, I expected them to be of equal size, how silly is that when the block work is sometimes 7 foot exactly, or 7’3” or maybe 7’ 5 or 6! I mean, why you would want them all to be all the same, individuality is very important! And then the doors! Well off I go to Accra with Eben the civil engineer to buy doors, solid odanta or locally called “red wood”(beautiful grain), literally we pull up to a guy , Prosper, selling doors right on the roadside! I am a mite wary of this! However Eben assures me he is fine, we negotiate the price for the 18 doors needed, each one about $85, and Eben returns later with half the cash. Later that day, Prosper calls to say that he now needs $240 a door as the wood price has gone up!!!! I was concerned we had ‘lost’ that deposit, but no, we recovered it all, and the search for a door maker continues!! It turns out Prosper is an Ewe, (from my region) and the Ewe are known to be honest! Whew! What a relief!

This coming week we expect the window man to arrive, to carefully measure each window and custom make them to fit! The plumber comes to hook up the pipes to the septic, and meter etc, the roofers are hanging from the rafters hand nailing, (not screwing) every rafter in place, the electrician has chiseled the walls, laid in and plastered over the pipes and comes to feed the wires in. so its BUSY! The whole project has been built without any architectural drawings! Even though the local architect has had the Canadian plans since Jan 26th, I just received the drawings this week! (Just in time for the roof!! ) the drawings come with a healthy dose of Ghanaian interpretation! Some rooms are larger, some smaller, some narrower, and we gained 7 feet in the middle!!! BUT it has all come together in a wonderful Ghanaian way, and I love it! And TOTALLY funded by Prince Edward County and some very, very remarkable amazing people, boy am I grateful and proud of my community!

The women are doing well, finding all sorts of wild life as the clear the land, snakes, lizards, and gecko’s and the trees are flourishing in all this rain, have not lost one! Huge discussions with the District Assembly going on now re the entry way, much negotiating to gain access where we need it! Finally I hope the fetish woman will remove her hex on the strip of land between the site and the medical clinic, red flags fluttering from woven sticks, and mysterious ‘items’ buried below. It has taken the District Assembly to take her on! My focus now includes the establishment of the centre as a vocational training centre! We are aiming at opening in October! It is a challenge and is very demanding! It includes setting up the 5 programs: ICT; Business Administration/Marketing (everyone sells something in Ghana); Fashion Design; Batik and General Agriculture. Each program specifically relates to our needs in the community. Presently there is government funding for Vocational Training Institutes, hence our shift in this direction. For each program I have had to find equipment costs, materials, set up costs, staff salaries, from maintenance to principals, and operating costs! Not to mention the curriculums and administrative organization of the centre!

The days seem to be getting shorter and more intense!!( I leave here early July for a few weeks in Canada, so much to do before I go!) I am searching for funding locally, (District Assembly), Government, (with Minister of youth and Sport’s assistance and in Canada, Picton Rotary is doing a big campaign, and there is a fund raiser in Waupoos, on July 22nd, hope you can make it!! But we need a lot of money, $200,000, to be able to set sail by October!

There are some diminutive miniscule sugar ants here, it’s hard to even see them but they bite viciously, gives even greater credence to ‘small but mighty’! I am fascinated by the faces and features of the community, the children’s faces are so open and inquiring, and their eyes shine, and truly their constant laughter is magical! The women have this amazing ability to keep their upper body still as their hips literally rotate and sway as the carry huge loads heads, it’s a remarkable feat! Try it! Not easy, the girls start to carry things on their heads at 5! Joanna 7, just left the courtyard with a huge tray filled with round ripe mangos on her head to sell in the village, mangos are difficult enough to carry anyway without piling them on your head!

The vast multi wired transformer in the village daily has taken to crackling loudly, and at night the wires spark, ‘why?’ I asked. ‘It’s complaining about the rain’ was the answer. Me too! I never knew the heavens could hold so much water. We had this massive wind and rain storm last nite, my room got flooded, the windows are horizontal louvres and not rain proof! , so was paddling around in the dark (lights out = no power) trying to find a mop and bucket and had to perch all the sodden stuff in the bath tub to drain! When I went out this morning there was a car on its side blown over by the wind! Never a dull moment!

Sorry this is so lengthy haven’t written for a while and so there seemed a lot to say!

Hope to see you in July? love p

The Parish of Marysburgh Plans Fund Raiser to Assist Ghanaian Initiative

2011-06-01T12:28:00.001-04:00

Have you ever thought that you would like to do something about some of the world's injustices? Most of us feel sadness and indignation when we hear of a group of people who are in need of help. Most often, we are ready to give a donation, but it is seldom that we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Here is the story of one woman who did just that.

Last November Peta Hall, a noted ceramics artist in Prince Edward County, spoke to the Parish of Marysburgh Outreach Committee about the work she is doing in Ghana. Peta was raised in Africa and has come to a time in her life when she wants to give back, to share her time and effort with others. The people of Atorkor, a tiny village in south-east Ghana, lost their fishing industry to over-harvesting and poor conservation practices. Struggling to make a living, they need a new source of steady, sustainable income. Peta travelled to Africa, offered her artistic and business skills, and now she is co-ordinating the construction of a vocational training centre to address this situation. When completed the Atorkor Centre will provide training for women and youth of the community. It will bring economic opportunity to the area through the production and sale of Ghanaian arts and crafts as well as providing vocational training in mechanical repair, ironworking, woodworking, and computer technology.

Following a presentation by Peta Hall last summer, the Outreach Committee of the Anglican Parish of Marysburgh decided to support The Atorkor Centre. Our goals are to raise funds to help to equip the centre while also raising awareness about the excellent work being done there. As you know, Peta will be returning to the County for a few weeks in July. On July 22 at the North Marysburgh Community Hall in Waupoos, she will speak about her experiences in Ghana and report on the progress being made in the centre's development. The evening will include a silent auction, musical entertainment, items for sale, and refreshments. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets are $10, available at Stedman's, Hick's, or by calling Paula Walker at 613-476-6063. All proceeds will go to the Atorkor Centre through the Picton Rotary Club. If you are interested in adding your support to this exciting project please join us on July 22.

Atorkor Update June 1

2011-06-01T07:47:00.002-04:00

We are at roof level!!

Lintels all cast, including extra ones across two longest workshops and blockwork of 4 levels above lintels finished. Columns cast with rod inside. Gables built. One off centre had to be redone! Septic complete 3 tanks with one soakaway, lid cast, (wooden frame, with iron bar) with three lid holes and will cure for 21 days before removed and top cemented down. Soak away dug and built by the batik workshop, has filled with rain. Sebastian has built frame and cast lid. Hope it will drain once lid is on!

Mr Akoto, electrician arrived to chisel outlets/switches and plugs, set in boxes, laid pipes and plastered over pipes. At least 2 circuits in each workshop. All in 3 days. Poured rain and he worked thru it all with his assistant Albert. Will return later to do wiring, and then again to install fixtures. All energy saving bulbs with inset lights for corridors, flood lights for external use and 4 lights in courtyard.

Plumber Mr Ofuso finally arrived, chiselled 8 toilets, 2 urinals, 2 pedestal and 3 counter basins and 2 double sinks, one kitchen one batik. Needs to lay pipes and plaster . NOT good track record for attendance! Peta on his case.

2 quotes for the roof both very high. Chose Abas, and Sammie will go and purchase wood with him, only purchasing 80% supplies, think Abas has over quoted for supplies Sammie will deal with it. Abas, plus 5 workers will start roofing on June 2^nd, will take 21 days. Plastering will start as soon as roof is on.

CK gave 26 window burglar bar and one double gate quote, installed @ ghc 1,800.

Roof is being ordered this week. Delivery in 2 weeks.

Plumbing fixtures ordered this week, sturdy quality. Listed above. Accra pick up June 14^th.

Ceiling plywood accra pick up june 14^th.

Trying to accumulate supply transportation to reduce costs. Police bribes factored in!

Big push is on to complete by end of june. Rains have caused delays and no work days, mid June traditionally heaviest rain fall expected. Labourers have been working Sundays recently.

Discussions with District Assembly about road access, negotiations continuing. Other land issues still ongoing but not critica. General village/area attitude to Centre is overridingly positive, and establishment is eagerly awaited.

News from our Exchange Alumni - Johanna Barck

2011-05-27T11:06:00.000-04:00

Rotarian Andy Janikowski received this letter from our former exchange student Johanna Barck.

Hi Andy,

It certainly does go fast! Hope you are well, I miss you! I'm sorry for not writing earlier, so much is happening here!

No time off after Uni, I had four years off between High School and Uni working and traveling quite a bit, so that is definitely enough time off for me.

Two weeks ago I got accepted to a Management Trainee program (after 5 different interviews) at the german retail chain Lidl, and I am so happy and excited! It is my first real job and I will get my training for one year in different locations all over Sweden. And after the year of training is done I will be appointed a district where I will be responsible for 4-6 stores of my own. And there I will be accountable for human resource management, cost controls and for all the different performance indicators.

So my boyfriend Max and I will happily move to Stockholm next week.

After Canada I finished High school and worked for a while in Borlänge my hometown, then I packed my bags and went travelling through Asia for 6 month and after that I went on another long trip to Australia and New Zealand.

When I got back I moved to Stockholm and worked for a while. Then I started studying Marketing at Linneaus University in Växjö and got my BA from there. Last fall I was in Antibes, France starting my Masters in Management at SKEMA Business School and moved to Gothenburg in january to finish my masters at University of Gothenburg, School of Business, Economics and Law.

I still keep in contact with Frank quite a bit and some of my friends from high school - I wish to come see you all soon. Mizue mentioned something about a 10 year reunion next year which would be so much fun to attend.

Please say hi to everyone at Rotary - I am so grateful I got the opportunity to come to your community. I still think a lot about the County and miss my time in Canada with a smile on my face.

My dad became a member of Rotary last week and will most certainly be involved with the exchange students.

$700.00 Donation to the Stever Fund

2011-05-18T11:12:00.000-04:00

Picton Rotary would like to thank the Prince Edward Heights Reunion-Alumni Group for the $700.00 donation to the Stever Fund.

For more information on the Stever Fund Click Here

Cash Calendar Winner May 17

2011-05-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

Bill Stacey - Ticket Number 1148

More Pictures from Atorkor

2011-05-17T09:54:00.000-04:00

To see photos of the developing Atorkor Centre, Click on the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atorkor

Cash Calendar Winner May 10

2011-05-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

May 10th - Larry Pero, Ticket #395

Atorkor and Polio Eradication - Working Together!!

2011-05-04T14:53:00.001-04:00

These pictures are from the recent polio immunization program. Every house in the village of Atorkor was visited and every child under 4 years old was immunised by the local medical team and trained villagers.

THANK YOU ROTARY

These two young orphans, Emmanuel and Komla, are proud of their timmies t shirts! they love them!

Mary Clare Egberts

2011-05-03T14:44:00.000-04:00

Mary Clare Egberts, President and CEO of Quinte Health Care, talked to Picton Rotary about the progress at the hospital.

Cash Calendar Winners - April 26 & May 3

2011-05-03T14:36:00.004-04:00

April 26. Rob Spencer

May 3. Kris Insley

Atorkor Pictures

2011-04-27T10:48:00.000-04:00

We have added a few pictures!

Click here to view..

Candidates Debate at Picton Rotary

2011-04-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

Candidates from the Green, New Democratic, Conservative and Liberal Parties met at the Picton Legion for Picton Rotary's Tuesday Lunch. Each had 5 minutes to address the audience and was allowed a 2 minute followup.

Daryl Kramp

Michael McMahon

Pat Larkin

Peter Tinsley

Atorkor Easter Update

2011-04-26T09:39:00.002-04:00

Geez it is hot, I remember Zimbabwe used to get hotter before the rains, and Africa has no seasons just wet and dry, and hot and hotter! The rains are late this year which means that construction on the centre can continue, and we are up to lintel level now, one block at a time, but we have three masons so progress is visibly faster than the foundation period! One of the mason’s did a wobbly wall, so had to undo it, having been roundly ribbed by the others!

It’s Easter, a much bigger celebration that Christmas here, so everyone has 4 days off. I gave them 5kgs of rice and a large chocolate bar (plus money bonus) they were all tickled. The women, the land workers, do a slight bob when given such a gift. Sadly two of the 5 women cannot write, but there is a large % of adult women here in the same boat, because it is so rural they never went to school, and so don’t read or write. (mmmm.....adult literacy program????) However I am taking them to the bank next week to open savings accounts, (done with a thumb print). They are excited! I thought the women would just plant the trees and green fence, but oh no, Blebu the leader said “Mama P we need to clear the land and shape the bushes” (5 acres of it!) so she has secured long tern employment for them! Smart woman! They are truly wonderful, funny singing laughing women with not a dime to spare but huge smiles and warm hearts.

Over the past few tree planting weeks we have needed to demark the tree locations, (the trees are quite small!) so when the bicycle ice cream vendor would pedal down the road ringing his bell I would buy them a pink-packaged frozen yoghurt so the wrappers would top the stakes! The women were delighted and now we have clearly marked bright pink sticks all over the property!! The sand and gravel delivery drivers have been vociferously warned not to “run near Mama P’s trees”. You should hear how they yell at them if they get too close! One poor unsuspecting driver grazed one of the sticks and the women rushed at his truck as if he’d committed a murder!!

Making Bricks

I have been really busy in and out of Accra ordering windows, roofing, doors, floor tiles, etc etc. Met with the new Canadian High Commissioner here to try and persuade her to assist us in this ALL Canadian project...............sorry no money and there is an election etc etc............ Am not daunted, will keep on trying! I am having far more success with various ministers and other vocational training institute personnel that I have seen, everyone is so supportive! The focus now is in securing partnerships and funding with the Ghanaian government. We are in great need of funding for the programs, and thanks to Picton Rotary Club’s fundraising we may be partially covered!! But have a long way to go!

I spent 4 days in Kpando last week with Dzidefo the women cooperative; they have just completed a New York designer’s spring collection! The torrents of rain there were so huge that the kids who bath twice a day just got out the soap bars and scrubbed in the rain, they are all quite unconsciously naked, and giggled and laughed and chased each other, its such a delight to see this pure random play! This week I am off to Aflao, 1 1/2 hours away to collect a parcel, (the closest post office to distribute parcels in the area!)! Probably a good thing there is no social life here or I’d be even further behind!

As its Easter, I have taken myself away` 20 kms down the coast, to a rustic place that is normally very quiet, though I discovered upon arrival that it becomes beach party central over Easter!! It is bursting at the seams!

And getting here is an adventure! It is in a 4x4, ours today had 12 ducks and chickens in 2 baskets on the roof, plus 5 enormous bags of cassava, plus 6 men ALL ON THE ROOF, and 13 people inside! The road along the coast has been washed away so now you drive though sand, axel deep and very soft, winding in and out of huts and villages, the sea is encroaching so fast, and has partly covered the huts and homes along the way. The Israelis are building a sea defense wall; it will take 2 years to do the 20 kms. The ‘wall’ consists of vast granite boulders (transported from 2 hours away!!!) quilts filled with rocks, vast amounts of rocks and stones, and huge transporters barreling through the village to the site.

We have had some land issues so made some signs for the site, when I went on Thursday they had concreted in the "keep off" signs facing towards the property not the road! "That’s how we do in Ghana” I had to gently say "I think that is great, but I need the people on the road to see it" "Well they could get off their bicycles and

Come around and read the sign then mama p" ........ mmmm there must be some logic there that I am missing!!

Talk soon, and enjoy the spring! I miss the seasons! Love Peta

Cash Calendar Winner April 19

2011-04-22T17:09:00.001-04:00

Cash Calendar winner - $50.00 - Harold Mowbray ticket #744

Reaching for Rainbows

2011-04-19T08:35:00.000-04:00

Our speaker was Rev. Lynn Donovan. Born in Manitoba, she grew up in Saskatchewan. She attended university at McGill in Montreal. Her and her husband, and their two sons, Luke (11) and Cole (14) worked a 15ac. apple orchard, so they know the value of hard work and farming. She has been a minister for 20 years, 15 years of those at St. Andrews Church. She has spearheaded the Ten Thousand Villages store in Picton, a renovation of the church, and has spent the past year developing the Reaching for Rainbows program.

This program seeks to create a nurturing environment for girls in Grade 1, to develop decision-making skills, learn to have fun, develop positive relationships with other girls, and provide them with the tools for academic and social success. They held a benefit concert last Sunday, and to date have raised $18K of the 28K needed. A steering committee, with a number of notable organizations, established some of the criteria and measurement principles, and will help to select the students that would benefit most from this opportunity. The centre has been set up in the church. Numeracy, literacy and decision-making is built into each aspect of the centre’s program.

Cash Calendar Winners

2011-04-13T07:52:00.000-04:00

April 5 - Dawson McWilliam - $50.00
April 12 - Andrew Kingsley - $50.00

Shelley Mackenzie-Coates

2011-04-11T12:18:00.000-04:00

Shelley Mackenzie-Coates

Our speaker was Shelley Mackenzie-Coates. She is currently the Principal at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (PECI). Married for 22 years to Carl, a Jersey Cow farmer, they have two sons, Brian (17) and David (13).

Originally from Scottsdale, Quebec, her family moved to Tweed in 1979. She completed her final two years of high school and then attended Queens University for a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Education and in 2001 a Masters Degree in Leadership and Curriculum. After enrolling at the Royal Conservatory of Music she accepted a position as a supply teacher working full-time, and then was able to obtain a part-time teacher role and then assumed responsibility as the Head of the Music Program at Center Hastings School. As a teacher, she felt it was important to teach the whole child. She travelled with students in the music program. After deciding to contribute at the system level, she became the Curriculum Coordinator at the Hastings & District School Board working with both elementary and secondary school teachers. She became the Vice-Principal at PECI and was then transferred in the same role to Quinte Secondary School.

Shelley has been the Principal at PECI since 2009 and oversaw the balance of the renovations since beginning there. She promotes high levels of student achievement and reduced gaps in student education, as well as promoting PECI as a school of choice for PEC students. The school has partnerships with Loyalist College and participates in Venture Enrichment programs. PECI has seen great improvement in math and literacy scores, above Board and provincial averages. The school promotes student responsibility in the use of technology in the classroom and school. Declining enrolment continues to be a concern to the Board and school. Shelley is very happy in her present role and appreciates Rotary’s support as well.

Latest Update - Atorkor

2011-04-07T12:10:00.002-04:00

The Atorkor Centre is being built in Atorkor, Volta Region Ghana as a vocational training and economic development centre in an impoverished area of Ghana, with high unemployment due to the collapse of the fishing industry.

Report to end of March 2011

CONSTRUCTION: foundations have been completed, the floors filled, concreted floors are completed! Walls begin this week!

CREW: Core of 9 village labourers, and 5 hardworking village women, led by Sammie, the mason/contractor who is diligent, thoughtful, and precise. We meet most evenings to discuss the days’ events.

ARCHIECTURAL DRAWINGS: After lengthy delays some of the drawings been completed, though not for the windows the roofing as yet. Due next week!

The delay of these drawings has caused some difficulties!

PLAN ALTERATIONS: Once the first drawings were received, Sammie noted we needed to add one more workshop (1173.1 sq ft) to the initial Phase one project to enable the roof to be installed correctly! This will add to the overall cost of the building . There have also been other minor alterations needed.

WINDOWS: A sample of casement awas presented, but was more expensive than anticipated. A second quote was even more expensive! (The small window manufacturers are less expensive than large manufacturers, however quality has to be checked!) Will be negotiating the price! Windows are aluminum and will not rust or need painting .

FLOOR TILES: Have been purchased. 30”square crushed marble mottled burnt orange and smudgey sage for reception rooms, computer labs. They are long wearing, low maintenance and good looking! Kitchen is practical sand coloured hard wearing tile. Washrooms are faux slate, non slip and slightly textured.

CORRIDOR FLOORING: Will be local pebbles in orange, cream and white set in concrete. Hard wearing, textured and interesting! All terrace edging, building edges etc will have similar pebbles.

WORKSHOP FLOORING: All workshop floors will be polished concrete.

BLOCK MAKING: Fred, the blockmaker, has returned twice to make more foundation blocks (architectural drawings required two more courses than Sammie had anticipated) SUPPLIERS AND EQUIPMENT: Sand deliveries have been erratic, we now have three suppliers. Huge variations in color, black to white, and grain size, beach to pit! I am learning a lot!

One wheel barrow is truly on its last legs, purchased a new one which has been thoroughly rewelded under Sammie’s tutelage for strength.

GREEN FENCE AND TREES: 50 of the 60 trees have been planted throughout the grounds. (There is no shade on the property.) The prickly green fence is now one inch tall, and looking good. The women decided it should be interspersed with what I thought were big sticks, “No mama peta they are ARINGA trees” I love that they took ownership of the fence! We now have 40 maringa trees sprouting in the fence line! Women have now decided to clear the land and plant grass! Perfect.

TIME TABLE: We are currently ahead of our schedule. However we are only

at the beginning, so are just hoping the rains hold off and the progress remains good and steady! Last night there was a 3 hour storm with crashing thunder, lightening bolts, gale winds, and lashing rain, I am not sure anything is gentle in Africa!

I am very glad to be in Atorkor, as daily issues arise that need attention. It is on average 32 degrees, and we are 200 miles north of the equator so its warm! However there is generally a sea breeze which is delicious! I walk about 4 miles a day to and from the site and as the village is built on sand so it makes for energetic walking!

The villagers are very supportive of the project! I am known as Mama Peta, (or Mama p. for short!) and the children delight in calling my name whenever they see me, in fact the whole village calls me that, they have no idea that I have any other name!!

Cash Calendar Winners for March

2011-03-30T13:30:00.000-04:00

Feb 22 - Celia McAlpine $50.00
March 1 - Paul Ladoucer $50.00
March 8 - Mary Dunlop $50.00
March 15 - Al Gorsline $50.00
March 22 - Sue Everall $50.00
March 29 - Stella Atersley $50.00

DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE ATORKOR CENTRE

2011-03-30T10:54:00.000-04:00

Peta Hall

As the centre’s construction is truly making progress, so has the development of the operating of the Centre!

We are hoping to have a large opening, with many dignitaries in attendance on Tuesday August 17^th 2011. We will invite the Minister of Youth and Sport, who is our member of Parliament, The Minister of Education, the Executive Director of the National Youth Employment Program, the Canadian High Commissioner, the Canadian family foundation members, Picton Rotary members, and donors!, all the District Assembly and municipal assembly members, all the personnel who have worked on the site, etc etc!! It promises to be a big event with lots of ceremony!

In many and ongoing recent discussions with various Ghanaian government departments we have learnt that the present government has a strong focus on vocational training, and youth development. There are presently funds available for development in this area. We have be strongly encouraged to start with our youth apprenticeship programs as the pilot projects commencing October 2011. Consequently we have decided to instigate the following pilot programs; computer technology, welding, mechanical engineering (small engine repairs) and carpentry. We anticipate the program will be of one year’s duration, with a certificate given to graduating students. We are currently researching the equipment cost estimates needed for these programs, as well as the availability of highly qualified instructors to teach these programs.

Whilst I recognise this is change from the initial plan, we understand that we shall receive government support and partnerships for these programs, which in turn will allow us to expand, develop the centre more securely.

In 2012 we will commence the construction of phase two of the Centre, incorporating more workshops, a retail space, and a museum and community hall. This second phase will house the batik workshops, the kente weaving studios, glass bead-making and the tailoring program. We anticipate the first students will enter the program in October 2012. This allows us time to develop each program with the due care, attention and research owed to it. (my stay in Ghana just got extended!)

Ed Palmer Receives Paul Harris Fellow

2011-03-28T16:36:00.003-04:00

EMS Chief Talks to Rotary

2011-03-28T16:28:00.002-04:00

Picton Rotary 2011 Waterfalls Tour

2011-03-24T12:57:00.003-04:00

2 Weekends!

April 16th and 17th

April 23rd and 24th

11:00 am till 4:00pm

Bring your Camera

Site #1 - Cape Vessey - 3718 County Rd #8

Site #2 - Jackson Falls - County Rd. #17 at Jackson Falls Cross Road, (E of Milford)

Hiking attire Recommended

For Information Call; 613-476-1309 or 613-476-2266

Donations for fresh water projects in Africa are gratfully appreciated.

Bay of Quinte Mutual Donates $5000.00 for Japan Relief

2011-03-24T12:48:00.000-04:00

Rotary President Jim Wait receives $5000.00 cheque from Cathy Miles of Bay of Quinte Mutual

Picton Rotary is please to receive a cheque for $5000.00 from Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance for relief efforts in Japan. This is the second time that Bay of Quinte Mutual has generously donated, after the earthquake in Haiti, $5000.00 was donated for their relief efforts.

ROTARY BLUES BREAKFAST April 17 – Crystal Palace

2011-03-21T10:41:00.006-04:00

Pancake Breakfast

April 17th - Crystal Palace, Picton

10AM-12 NOON

ROTARY BLUES BREAKFAST

COUNTY GARDEN SHOW
CLICK FOR MORE INFO

and this guest artist...

BRIAN BLAIN ( The Buddha of Blues!)

Foundation sets up disaster fund for Japan

2011-03-18T12:41:00.000-04:00

The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery in areas devastated by the massive earthquake and tsunami.

Click here for more information

Peter Lockyer - March 8

2011-03-14T12:46:00.002-04:00

Peter Lockyer was our guest Speaker Tuesday and he made a very interesting presentation. Peter is a Prince Edward County native and after high school attended Carleton University in Ottawa and where he received a Masters Degree in Journalism. His thesis was on the Canning Industry in Prince Edward County.

Peter was employed with CBC for a number of years and had the opportunity to travel and work in much of the world.

Since returning to Picton approximately ten years ago he has been very active in a number of projects particularly Glen Wood Cemetery. Through his dedication and the hard work of a number of volunteers including Rotarian Bob Bird significant progress has been made in restoration of the Chapel and the grounds in general.

Peter has started a company called History Lives Here and has prepared vignettes on a number of historical events that have taken place here over the years such as Sir John A Macdonald who practiced law here for three years, the Canning industry which at one time Prince Edward was considered the canning capital of Canada, Miss Supertest the hydroplane that set world speed records here at Green Point in the early sixties, The Belleville McFarlands hockey team that was sponsored by Mayor Harvey McFarland that won the world cup in the fifties and Essroc Cement to name a few.

Peter showed three of four of his vignettes which the audience enjoyed and his message to us was that we have considerable history here and we should work hard to preserve what we have and not let it dissapear like the Methodist Church did on Main Street last year.

http://historyliveshere.ca/

Update given on the Regent Theatre

2011-03-07T17:11:00.000-05:00

Our guest speaker March 1st was Allan Whiteley Chair of the Regent Theatre Foundation. Allan is a lawyer who resides on Lake on the Mountain. Allan's talk today was about major renovations at the Regent and he touched on the ongoing problem of never having adequate funds to smoothly operate the Theatre. The Regent is presently closed for six months to allow time for major renovations to take place which were initiated by a fire inspection. The major changes are the incline in the floor will be eliminated, the concession booth will be moved and replaced by a wine bar, another eighty seats will be added, a meeting room will be located on the second floor and when you enter the building you will be able to see the stage. The walls will be made fire proof and the other fire regulations will corrected. Allan stated that they had made a presentation to County Council requesting a donation of $40,000 which they have received over the last several years which is now uncertain and it is hopeful County Council will grant that request. The work at the Regent is all performed by volunteers. In his opinion the Regent pumps about $400k into the community which indirectly becomes 1.8 million. Allan and his group are rethinking how the Regent spends money and the emphasis will be on money making endeavours such as rentals to those who wish to rent the building to have performances and the Regent eliminates the risk.

Atorkor Update

2011-03-06T19:14:00.002-05:00

Here is the monthly report for the Atorkor Centre including the attached Preliminary Schedule as written by Sammie, the construction manager. Please note he estimates the project will take 5 ½ months to complete, ie the end of July 2011.

Construction: The foundations are complete, the pillar positions are dug, the concrete for 75% of the walls have been poured.

Crew: Labour crew, both male and female, are hardworking and dedicated, many have worked on ADF projects before. I bought them work gloves they were ecstatic. Foreman, Alhaji, is young but keen. Am working closely with him, he is learning fast.

Electricity Department moved two power poles from within the construction area to a better location within proximity of building. 3 phase power was installed, all for a hard negotiated priceof Ghc 900. More than expected, but some costs will be recouped by the existing three phase and proximity of power upon connection.

Water : currently hooked up to adjacent Medical Centre by hose pipe for building water. (Will pay our portion of their bill) I am researching whether the installation of a borehole pump would be a good investment at this time. They are not expensive. We will need the water not only for construction but the operation of the centre.

Block making: Fred and crew have made 1960 wall blocks this week, added to their previous foundation blocks of 1206, and 497 wall blocks two weeks ago. Sammie feels this might be enough to complete the building.

Iron benders have made 37 iron mats and columns, all painstakingly by hand. They requested Ghc 550 payment Sammie and I negotiated Ghc 250 for complete job. Sammie’s comment “Mama peta they do not know yet that you are harder than a Ghanaian!”

Supplies and equipment; New cement supplier(local) (provided us with new gravel supplier) is very helpful and interested. Sand supplier (local) is a bit erratic as he cant travel on Wednesdays as the police are out and he doesn’t have a licence! Often delivers at night! We have refurbished the old wheelbarrows with new tires and welded their bases, hopefully they will last the project, transporting concrete is heavy work!

Green Fence: Boundaries have been demarked by Town Planner, District assembly donated 500 square feet of land, (includes the Medical Centre). Team of women are clearing 3 foot wide area to plant the green fence. Local dense prickly fast growing shrub.

We have been delayed this week by various problems:

Inability to find reliable source of gravel; situation now solved Heavy rain; the rains are early this year and some of the foundation walls collapsed into the trenches
Loss of 3 top labourers to another long term project in the area. Being replaced by 2 hardworking new ones.

We still have no working drawings for the building, however we are hopeful they will be received this week! Consequently Sammie has had to spend detailed time in measuring exactly for the foundations, column positions etc. . Sammie was frustrated by our progress this week, but is determined to catch up.

TIME LINE FOR ATORKOR CENTRE

Completion Date

1.Concrete foundation -25^th Feb – 4^th

2.Setting ,fixing iron column starters in foundation -5^th march – 8^th

3. Block laying of foundation -9^th march – 23^rd

4.Concrete in column starters- 24^th march – 27^th

5. Filling and compacting -28^th march – 12^th April

6. Ground floor concrete -13^th April – 23^rd

7. Block work to Lintel level - 26^th April – 20^thMay

8. Lintel farm work and steel works - 21^st may – 31^st

9. Concrete in lintel -1^st June – 6^th

10. Gabling - 7^th June – 18^th

11. Fixing of doors and window frames - 20^th June – 25^th

12. Roofing - 27^th june – 11^th July

13. Plastering - 12^th July – 30^th july

14. Spreading - 12^th July – 30^th July.

Need to find out about installation of electrical, plumbing, and flooring into this schedule.

WE NEED TO KEEP STRICTLY TO THIS TIMETABLE OR WE WILL UNABLE TO OPEN THE CENTRE AS PLANNED IN AUGUST.

Picton Rotary Oyster Fest a Success

2011-03-03T15:56:00.002-05:00

February 22 Cash Calendar Winner

2011-03-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

February 22 - Celia McAlpine

Latest News

2011-03-01T10:31:00.001-05:00

Rob Leek gave us some highlights of his Rotary experiences. Originally from Hamilton, he joined Rotary in 1979. It changed his life. He was a math teacher in a high school, but moved out of education to become an executive headhunter in the Executive Search field. He eventually sold his business and got more involved in Rotary. He and his wife recently moved to Bloomfield and run a B&B. He initially joined Rotary to make some business contacts. He ended up getting involved in a ‘crippled kids’ pool program and saw many business people spending time and energy with these children. This made quite an impression. He then got involved in the Exchange program. He recently took Sofia to Ottawa and had fun. He has hosted up to 12 students in his time. He has been involved in the GSE Exchange program. He once had an opportunity to travel to Holland with 4 young Canadian Women and the experienced changed all of their lives. The most influential activity he has participated in was going to Togo in Africa for 7 days. Their purpose was to get the word out that they were part of a clinic to immunize children against polio. They visited villages and knocked on doors, held a parade and all of this made the difference from him being a member of Rotary to being a Rotarian.

As District Governer he has visited 73 clubs and learned a lot about what other clubs are doing. The year he was Governor he attended a Peace Conference as an Aide to the Prince of Jordan. It was his job to keep the Prince safe. He feels that Rotary is an amazing organization that offers many amazing experiences. He’s very proud to be both a Rotarian and a member of Picton Rotary.

Other News:

Happy Bucks & Announcements

Barb Proctor gave happy bucks – her daughter, Tara, was diagnosed with skin cancer and underwent aggressive therapy in Hamilton. The results have come back clear.

Reminder from President Jim regarding the double points plan for Paul Harris Fellow donations on February 23rd only. Contact him if you need assistance or information.

Shelby Terpstra is going to Ecuador.

Rick Jones spent a week in Punta Canada and highly recommends it – beautiful beaches.

Duff Sprague spent some time experience Health Care in PEC and had an excellent experience with the care he received.

Rod deCourcey-Ireland leaves for Australia until April and upon his return is taking Sofia to Montreal.

PP Mark Davis was fined $1 for not stealing anything, and his table was fined $2 for being so quiet

PP Chris Rogers had fun playing hockey against PP Lavender’s team, although he couldn’t believe that they stacked the team, didn’t bring any pucks and showed up 12 minutes late!

Rick Jones reminded everyone to bring their Oysterfest tickets to the Community Centre Thursday evening at 5:30 and stay for an hour or two to help set up.

New and regular members were reminded to arrive Friday night between 5-5:30 pm for dinner and to participate in the evening.

Total fines and happy bucks were $116.20. Excellent work, Sargeant-At-Arms Gary Pennock.

Mark Davis and Frank Wright then regaled us with stories about their experiences as a host parent in the Exchange Program.

The Ace Jackpot stands.

A letter from Andrew French in Mexico

2011-03-01T10:25:00.005-05:00

Andrew is Picton Rotary's out bound student in Mexico....

It’s really busy here! Am having the time of my life and almost don’t want to come back to Canada!! But I do miss you and thank you so much for sending me here! I am very lucky! Keep the good work up Rotary!

I have switched families and schools now! Am really happy with both! I really like my family! They let me do as much stuff as I can. If I ask to go on a trip, with out hesitating they say yes! They are all really nice and I get along with them very well! My school is also going really well! The first week it felt like I had been going there for a month! Everyone is really nice there and I already have really good friends there! I have already gone on some trips with friends at my school! My new school and new family don’t know that much English so I am learning a lot more Spanish! My Spanish is not perfect but I can get around. Am really excited to be able to speak full Spanish near the end of the year. I go out with my friends a lot now, almost everyday! I’m having such a great time with my new family and new school!!!

The weather is really nice now! Before it was really cold at night and in the morning, but now it’s not that cold at night, and in the morning it warms up really fast! Sometimes it is almost too hot during the day. Tomorrow I have to do a presentation about Canada in Spanish. It’s difficult because my Spanish isn’t that good. I ‘m sure it will be ok, it’s hard to explain everything in Spanish. I am excited to show everyone my friends, food, and city! Am a bit nervous, but am sure I will be fine.

Andrew

2011 Oyster Fest Another Success!!

2011-02-28T14:52:00.000-05:00

This years' Rotary Oyster Fest was another sucess, thanks to the patronage of the local community. This year, the event has raised approximately $9,000.00 which will help those less fortunate in our community.

Grand Prize winner of the $1,000.00 elimiation draw was Murray Young.

Winner of the Texas Mickey was Glen Guernsey.

See you next year, February 24th, 2012

Rotary Waterfalls Tour - April 16, 17, 23, & 24

2011-02-25T14:42:00.001-05:00

Its soon time to get outside and see the beauty of Prince Edward County's waterfalls.

More details to come.

Auction Items at this Friday's Oysterfest

2011-02-23T17:13:00.000-05:00

Here are some reasons to come out to our Oyster Fest!

8:30 pm # 1 “Hockey Night In Canada” (LEAFS vs. Montreal Canadiens) WHATTAM FUNERAL HOME is happy to offer a pair of Section 309, Row 13, Seats 3 & 4, NHL Hockey tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadians on Saturday March 20 at the Air Canada Centre. Valued @ approx. $200

8:30 pm # 2 Picton Golf & Country Club (1 set of 10 rounds of Golf) THE PICTON GOLF AND CONTRY CLUB, great supporters of the annual Rotary Club of Picton golf tournament, has donated 1 set of 10 rounds of 18 holes of golf on the challenging and enjoyable 18 hole, par 72 championship course that offers something to challenge golfers of all levels and abilities. Redeemable in 2011 season only. Valued @ $450.00

9:30 pm # 1 Picton Home Hardware Outdoor Propane Fireplace A beautiful outdoor fireplace donated by Adam Buscher of PICTON HOME HARDWARE. Enjoy wonderful summer evenings with friends while sitting around this stunning outdoor fireplace. It is powered effortlessly by propane and will keep you warm on those cooler autumn nights as well! Valued @ over $50

10:30 pm # 1 Currah’s Gourmet Dinner for 8 with appropriate wines – “Catered at your Home” A fantastic, custom designed dinner for 8, catered in your home. The successful bidder will have a one on one consultation with Chris Currah, of Currah's Cafe and Catering, to specifically tailor a 5 course gourmet dinner menu, with appropriate wine pairings, to be prepared and served in your home, including Chef, server and bartender. Valid 2010, may be transferred to the dining room of Currahs if winning bidder wishes

not re-deemable from June 01, 2011 through September 30, 2011 and must be on a Friday evening Valued @ approx. $800

10:30 pm # 3 The Four Points by Sheraton Kingston Downtown (Three 1 Night “Suite” packages with Meals) VENICIO REBELO, VP Sales and Marketing, at the FOUR POINTS by SHERATON KINGSTON DOWNTOWN is pleased to be donating three separate single night packages including meals at the new Sheraton. Each of the 3 packages will include 1 night’s accommodation in a “Suite”, dinner for 2 (up to $100.00) and breakfast for 2 (up to $50.00) at the new, unique and hot King Street Sizzle Restaurant and Bar. The Hotel includes 171 deluxe guest rooms, including 47 suites each with a spectacular view of Lake Ontario or downtown Kingston. The Four Points by Sheraton has donated a total of 3 identical packages (which will be sold individually) as outlined above. Based upon availability. Packages are valid Sunday thru Friday nights only and expire March 31, 2012. Each Package Valued @ approx. $400.00

10:30 pm # 4 The Claramount Inn and Spa - CHRIS AND NORAH ROGERS are pleased to donate a fabulous friendship experience, specially designed for four friends to enjoy an afternoon of fun and friendship. Start the afternoon with a beautifully prepared three course meal at Clara’s restaurant at the beautiful Claramount Inn and Spa. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of relaxation while enjoying a day spa package and access to the Claramounts stunning covered pool. Valid until August 31, 2011 valued @ approx. $630 including tax and gratuities

News From Peta in Atorkor

2011-02-23T07:32:00.006-05:00

Peta Hall

Life is busy here in a different way, so many new things to learn about construction, working practices in Africa, dealing with all the different parts of ADF, (I am overseeing management of all ADF projects, the Medical Centre, the IT centre, School programs such as ADF sponsorship, and village projects such as sanitation) Am wearing many different hats! (Is that unusual??!) AND I have to do payroll........................a new and exciting prospect, thank god for calculators!!

As far as the building construction of the Atorkor Centre goes, literally as we started to clear the land a group of three elders came to lay a complaint that they felt it was their land; however on further investigation this claim is 2 generations back according to the current DA and holds no water! Phew but it felt tense for a minute there! Fred and his crew had molded “blocks” (bricks), they need 2 wks to cure, 8 men mixed 100 bags of cement with sand and cast 1,506 blocks, ALL MANUALLY, not a piece of mechanical equipment to be seen like a cement mixer or wheel barrow! And they did it all in 2 DAYS!!! Nearly 95%of the labour force is from the village and they are all tickled that their names are going to be inscribed in the building!!

Sammie, the master mason, laid out the building, very exciting, the foundations are all now dug, and the only damage to them was when I fell in! They are 3 foot deep so it was a struggle to get out!! The hydro electric chief arrived as we need to move three hydro poles that are bang smack in the centre of the site! (Thought I would have to wait a while for that, but magically they can be moved tomorrow! Yea)

We will start planting a green fence next week! It is a particularly dense thorny fast growing bush! We do not have the money to build a fence, the property is 500 square feet, so this is a good solution, and the rains have started so the sooner we get it in the better. Also l purchased about 48 shade trees, indigenous to this area.

They will take time to grow, two are from my childhood, jacaranda, a profusion of purple trumpet flowers, and flamboyant, a vibrant wide spreading tree smothered with hot orange flowers! (Had to have some Zimbabwe here!)

Jacaranda Tree

Flamboyant Tree

I travelled home thru a typical, sheeting, streaming, teaming rain storm, (that is so typically African! suddenly the huge massive black clouds descend and within minutes the heavens open. I was in a tro tro, all the windows leaked so all the seats and passengers got wet, and the road was entirely invisible, (however the driver seemed unperturbed by this minor fact!) He very kindly drove off his route and dropped me under a metal roof, where within seconds the lashing rain completely covered my legs with red mud! When I did negotiate my way home, I realized I had left my bedroom windows open.............it was pure blue and sunshine when I left less than an hour earlier..........to discover my bed and mattress drippingly sodden!! Mattress now on end, and sheets drying and guess what the sun is out again!!

My major purchase this week was some “dead peoples clothing” the term used for used clothing here! I only brought slip slops with me and my feet are stained dark red from the site, so I have now these fanci-danci red sneakers with white daisies on them! All for $3! Very chuffed I am!

Helps me avoid the ”‘land-mines”! Sanitation is a big problem here. So on that happy note I will close!!! Talk soon! Peta

Latest News

2011-02-22T09:35:00.001-05:00

The Oysterfest is in process, and the prize calendar is winding up. There is some money on hold to give Peta Hall for the Atorkor project per our commitment. We have received donations and happy bucks in line with our anticipated receipts. The 50/50 pot still has until the end of June to raise another $850. We just wrote a cheque for $1000 for our Polio Plus annual commitment.

Kirsten Musgrove provided information on Club 500, an initiative to support an orphanage in Haiti. Members supported the idea of hosting a pancake breakfast for the Edith Fox Loss Centre fundraiser April 17th between 10am and noon. A member of our community, stricken with polio, has requested $727 to purchase a leg brace, and this has been approved. The Board will provide $200 to Keegan Anfield’s fundraiser, whereby she cuts off her hair and sends the proceeds to Sick Kids Hospital.

Robert Bird let us know that he and Jon Wilkins went to the Wellington Club to solicit support for the Atorkor project, and were met with much success. 5 other clubs also support this project.

Oysterfest is going well. Please ensure ‘all hands are on deck’ on Friday night by 6pm. Dress is a white shirt with black slacks. Aprons will be issued at the event.

Shelby Terpstra thanked the club for selecting her to participate in an outgoing Rotary Exchange. She’s very excited to learn in the next few days where she will be going.

Sofia and Shelby Terpstra had a great time at the winter orientation camp, which was represented by 14 countries. Sofia was upset to learn that she had forgotten her backpack at the camp and Frank Wright was kind enough to go back and retrieve it! Sofia attended a swim meet the following day and achieved standings which put her in the COSSA competition for breast stroke. Congratulations! Dave and Stacey Hatch hosted Sofia for dinner and she had a wonderful time. Sofia then let us know about some of the products her country exports, and there are many!

Paul Gentile celebrated a birthday on February 14th

Happy Bucks & Announcements

Jeff Goddard – He has to miss Oysterfest because he’s going on a ski trip to Switzerland

Bob Bird travelled and visited other clubs. He was able to tour some facilities that support disaster relief, and also to tour a coal plant and ship, all through Rotary Clubs. He’s proud to be a Rotarian.

President Jim reminded us that we will be holding an evening meeting event on May 24th. This is a combined fellowship event, to learn about and celebrate our history, and a fundraiser for the Exchange program. Bring your loonies.

Latest Cash Calendar Winner

2011-02-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

Feb 15 - Heather Milroy

Rotarians - Double your Paul Harris Donation February 23rd.

2011-02-16T12:52:00.001-05:00

In honour of the 106th Anniversary of the founding of Rotary, the Rotary Foundation is offering double recognition points on the 23rd of February only.

One day only: Double Recognition for Online Contributions

In honor of Rotary's birthday on 23 February, online donations of US$100 or more to the Annual Programs Fund will receive double recognition credit.

Canadian Rotarians may make their donations directly to the TRF Canada secure online donation site. Canadian Rotarians do not have to register with member access on the RI website to make a donation, however it is recommend that you do register as this allows access to detailed records of your donations to The Rotary Foundation and other Rotary service.

click here to make your donation www.trfcanada.org

February 8 Meeting

2011-02-14T13:22:00.003-05:00

David Hatch: CLASSIFICATION TALK

David Hatch

Dave gave an inspirational speech of growing up in Scarborough and how to follow your heart! Fortunately, his high school was outfitted with a full television studio. Dave took the classes and at age 16 new exactly what he wanted to do in life. He wanted to be in television. The time was right to get in but he had to earn his stripes first. He started applying right after high school but it was strongly suggested he further his education by attending college. Following college he got his first job in media. Dave quickly moved through the ranks including sound boom, and various journalistic spots such as crime reporting. Dave eventually got a shot at a job for the newly formed TSN Network. He did this job but it wasn’t enough. He wanted to produce. After some other stints at various media companies Dave went back to TSN and made a pitch for a unique show. They hired him and he was into production at last. Presently, Dave and his wife are the owners of the successful Whistlestop Productions which is a full service broadcast television production company focused on the creation of leading edge original sports, magazine and documentary programming in High Definition 5.1 surround sound video.

For more info visit www.whistlestoptv.com

Leo Finnegan

Leo Finnegan gave us a summary of the early history of how the Cement Plant in Picton came to be. There was a shortage of cement in the 1960’s. Harvey McFarland had a construction company and did lots of building with cement products. Having experienced difficulties supplying his business he decided to form his own company with two local partners. They shipped product to Toronto, Oswego, Windsor and Rochester. They were the only Canadian-owned public cement company until 1986.

John Clarke

John Clarke picked up the historical summary and told us that Harvey’s company ended up being purchased by a company from France. When Italcementi bought the French company they ended up owning the cement plant in Picton

Mike Meysing

Mike Meysing let us know that Italcementi operates on 5 continents and places 5th or 6th in the world’s production of cement products. As a result of the US financial difficulties, specifically Michigan, and the upstart of a Virginia company selling cement products, our plant is now losing business. It is currently operating on a downsized basis. There are 140 employees operating 1 kiln at 65% of capacity. The focus is on cost reduction and profitability. They expect 1-2 years of staying the course before production needs increase.

Latest Rotary Cash Calendar Winners

2011-02-08T17:55:00.000-05:00

Feb 1 - Jeff Howell Ticket #0792

Feb 8 - Sandy Dixon Ticket #0512

The Matt Stever Fund Continues to Grow

2011-02-04T10:26:00.004-05:00

Pictured above, Rotarians Dr. Andrew Janikowski, (L) and Rotarian Leo Finnegan (R) accept a cheque from Kerry Ford, Administrative Asst. of the Prince Edward Family Health Team.

The Rotary Club of Picton, for the past 2 years, has administered the Matt Stever fund as a result of tragedy that no family should ever endure. Matt Stever was a promising young Prince Edward County man who was living and working in Taiwan when he sustained a serious and eventually fatal accident. His parents, Roger and Mary Stever, were in part supported during this time by the PEC community. This support allowed them to be at their son’s bedside following his accident.

The Matt Stever Fund was created to assist families in the Quinte area who suffer hardship due to family crisis, specifically but not limited to, hardship caused by the illness or death of a child. The Stevers felt that, based on the their experiences, they wanted to set up a fund which would allow other families who might go through this wrenching experience to have the benefit of the support that they were offered. Correspondingly, with the left over funds and with the fund subsequently raised by the community, they have established this fund in the memory of their son which the Rotary Club of Picton is honored to administer on their behalf. To date, three families have been supported from the fund.

An excerpt from a thank-you letter from one of the recipients from the fund said the following : “Last fall our world crumbled around our feet when our apparently healthy toddler suddenly became ill and was hospitalized, first at Belleville General Hospital, and then at Sick Kids in Toronto. We received so much assistance during this ordeal from the community, through prayer, well wishes and financial support. Often the support came from truly unexpected places. It all truly made a difference for us and confirmed what a great community we live in. After two months of hell, our little girl is stable. In particular, we wanted to thank the Matthew Stever Fund and Picton Rotary for their generous financial support and want to let people know about the availability of this fund. “

To this point, the funds have been supplemented by fundraisers in memory of Matt Stever which have been put on by many local organizations as well as private donations, such as the Prince Edward Family Health Team, that felt that instead of hosting a staff Christmas Party this year, they would direct the money to this fund. Evans Lumber has for the past 2 years also graciously donated to the fund. “We prefer to direct our charitable donations to local causes and this makes sense” says Bob Evans.

At the same time it is hoped that the community as a whole will see the value in maintaining this fund and donate to its purpose. Donations can be made in 2 ways, here, directly online, or cheques are also accepted payable to Picton Rotary - Matt Stever . Cheques can be mailed to: Rotary Club of Picton, 6 Talbot Street, Suite 8, Picton, Ontario K0K 2T0. A charitable tax receipt is available for any donation of $20.00 or more.

Rotary Cash Calander Winners for January 2011

2011-01-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

Winners for January:
Ticket # 1072, Ben Prinzen
Ticket # 1393, Shirley Kay
Ticket # 13, Tina Richards
Ticket # 1421, Ernest Corriveau

Oyster Fest

2011-01-13T14:04:00.009-05:00

Our annual Oyster Fest: An evening of fun food and fundraising is approaching.
Click here for the Menu from Currah's
Tickets are available from Rotarians, Selected locations within Picton and this year online via a secure Paypal interface.

Picton Rotary

Cash Calendar Winners Feb 22 - Feb 28

Birgit Langwish - Hospice Prince Edward

Cash Calendar Winners Feb 15 - Feb 21

Matt Stever Fund Application Form

Oyster Gala - Some Auction Items

Oyster Night - February 24 2012

Oyster Gala and Casino Evening

Rotary News - Abby Emdin visits Rotary

Cash Calendar Winners Feb 7 - Feb 14

Rotary Waterfalls Tour

Cash Calendar Winners Jan 30 – Feb 6.

Atorkor Vocational & Training Centre Project

Landmine Dinner April 24th

Cash Calendar Winners

Cash Calendar Winners Coming Soon

Loyalist Humane Society cheque presentation

Rotary Oyster Gala and Casino Evening

Rotary is not just about Tuesday lunch!

Oyster Event - Feb 24 2012

Friday, February 24 from 7 – 11 PMPicton Arena Community Centre

Cash Calendars are Available

$10,000 in Cash Prizes with weekly draws from $30 to $500

Happy New Year!

More From Atorkor

Benefits of Rotary

Cash Calendar Winners

Picton Rotary's Guest Speakers

Local Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Developing Stragegic Plan

Did you know.....

Rotary Cash Calendar Grand Prize Winner

Rotary Helps with Local Food Drive

2012 Cash Calendar On Sale Now

Cash Calendar Winner Nov 8

Cash Calendar 3rd Place Winner

Cash Calendar Winners

More Atorkor Pictures

Candidates Debate at Picton Rotary

Cash Calendar Winners

Cash Calendar Winner August 30

He wrote this book because he has a keen interest in ships, and because he feels that our school system does a poor job of teaching marine history in the schools. He focussed on ships that are named after communities around the Bay of Quinte. He used the archives to find the stories of these ships.

Cash Calendar Winners August 16 & 23

New Pictures from Atorkor

Cash Calendar Winners August 2 and 9th

Cash Calendar Winners - July 19 and 26

Cash Calendar Winners July 5 and 12

Sofia says Good Bye

Sofia returned to say goodbye to everyone and tell us about her cross-Canada trip. She enjoyed Quebec City and the west coast best. She also saw 3 bears!

The club gave her a beautiful book of a pictorial record of Canada. She has certainly touched our hearts and we look forward to seeing her again.

Assistant District Governor John Cairns

Assistant District Governor John Cairns introduced District Governor Bob Wallace and his wife, Cathy. They live in Port Hope where Cathy is an RN. Bob has served in many organizations as a volunteer at various levels. In his working life he spent many years in the Nuclear Energy sector.

He is Past President of the Port Hope Rotary Club and has been ADG for many years. He is also a multiple PH Fellow, a member of the PH Society and a Benefactor.

We need to expand youth exchange in the District, although our club is doing an excellent job. He told us about the RADAR program re AIDS awareness and WASRAG re water and sanitation issues. DG Bob encourages our club to get involved in water projects as they are critical.

Rotarians hope to stamp out Polio

Peta returns from Ghana

Cash Calendar Winners July 5 and 12

Picton Rotary's Wilf Harrison Memorial Golf Classic

Jim Wait waves after he chairs his last meeting as President

Sandy Murray talks about the 4 Way Test

Rob Leek - Classification Talk

Rob sold his company and focussed heavily on Rotary activities for a few years before becoming an Inn Keeper.

Now in Bloomfield, he and his wife Jillian are enjoying operating a B&B. Some of their lessons learned as it pertains to this business are:

o Everything must be clean and in good repair

o Breakfast must be healthy and one breakfast time only

o Great beds with lots of pillows are important

o There must be a balance of friendliness with giving guests privacy

o Be informed about the area

Rob’s new venture is a flag retail business, and Rob shared some of his flags with us.

Cash Calendar Winner June 21 & 28

Cash Calendar Winners May 24 - June 14

Atorkor Update: The Roof is on in Ghana!

The Parish of Marysburgh Plans Fund Raiser to Assist Ghanaian Initiative

Atorkor Update June 1

News from our Exchange Alumni - Johanna Barck

$700.00 Donation to the Stever Fund

Cash Calendar Winner May 17

More Pictures from Atorkor

Cash Calendar Winner May 10

Atorkor and Polio Eradication - Working Together!!

Mary Clare Egberts

Friday, February 24
from 7 – 11 PM
Picton Arena Community Centre