Stories

Bingo is Back!

October 4, 2024

Our first Bingo of the season is a MONSTER! Cards are available now and you can check out our website for all the locations where you can buy them.

The Rotary Club of Dryden, Ontario Provincial Police, Northwestern Health Unit, Firefly, Dryden Native Friendship Centre, Kenora District Services Board, Dryden Regional Health Centre Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Dryden Public Library are working in partnership to help keep everyone in Dryden warm this winter.

If you have any gently-used clean winter wear to donate, it can be dropped off at the locations listed on the poster below between October 15-30.

A Ducky Day on the Wabigoon

September 15, 2024

It was a gorgeous afternoon and a great community event as the Rotary Rubber Duck race took place this afternoon on the Wabigoon River.

Congratulations to the five winners!

1. Dave Edmonds $3000

2. Karen Wreggit $1500

3. Mae Mccomb $500

4. Marie Kejick $250

5. Adrienne Duke for DNFC $100

Thank you to all who supported the effort!

Household Hazardous Waste Day 2024

August 7, 2024

Mark this date on your calendars!

Community Garden's First Season!

August 7, 2024

Our dream of another community garden has come to fruition! This corner of Van Horne Avenue and Wabigoon Drive is now lush and green. Congratulations to the garden box holders on their very successful growing season! Our Club applauds your hard work and skill!

Newly Renovated Water Slide Supported by Rotary

May 27, 2024

The City thanked Rotary for their support of the newly renovated water slide at the Dryden Pool and Fitness Centre. Rotary President Lee Ann Benson was invited to the official ribbon cutting ceremony. The 71 swimmers in attendance had a blast that evening! The Rotary Club of Dryden is very pleased to be a part of supporting such a fun activity for our community.

Trek & Tackle Program - Donate at the Library on June 1

May 22, 2024

Taking Care of Books for Sharing Boxes

May 20, 2022

Rotarians Lucille and Susan were out today to do some spring maintenance on the Books for Sharing boxes. The Rotary Club of Dryden built the boxes and looks after any maintenance, and the Friends of the Dryden Public Library monitor the boxes on a regular basis and stock them with books from the Library's inventory of gently used reading material when necessary. A community partnership in action!

Donation to Hoshizaki House

May 17, 2024

Rotarians Carm and Sheri present a cheque for $734.89 to Stacey, the Executive Director of Hoshizaki House. The donation was made possible by a recent Pasta Night fundraiser featuring Carm’s famous sauce!

The Rotary event was intended to honour Mother’s Day and support the efforts of Hoshizaki House. It was a very successful evening and the hardworking team led by Sheri and Carm is recognized and appreciated.

Highway Cleanup 2024

May 12, 2024

On Saturday morning a group of Rotarians, family and friends were out collecting garbage along Highway 17 East between Lakeview Road to Aaron Park. This is a job we do every spring to keep our community clean and beautiful!

Rotary Radio Bingo Wraps up 2023-24 Season

Rotarians Carl Eisener and Rena Madden working at our April 18th Rotary Radio Monster Bingo, our last bingo of the 2023-24 season. Carl and Rena are just two of the many people volunteering to make bingo happen each Thursday evening for CKDR listeners.

As the bingo season wraps up, the Rotary Club of Dryden thanks all of our card sellers in Balmertown, Dryden, Ear Falls, Frenchman's Head, Ignace, Kejick Bay, Oxdrift, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Vermilion Bay, Wabigoon, and Wabigoon Lake First Nation. And a big thank you to everyone who played bingo with us this season.

Volunteers, card sellers, and players - you all make it possible for the Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation to provide financial support to many organizations in our community and area.

See you next fall!

DRCF Donation to Red Lake Hospital

The Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation (DRCF) recently provided funding to the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital for the purchase of a new electrocardiogram (ECG) machine for their Emergency department. This ECG machine replaces their previous one and ensures that patients in the community have access to modern equipment and technology.

The majority of DRCF funds are raised from the proceeds of CKDR Rotary Radio Bingo. Thank you to all our bingo players and card sellers who help make grants like this possible.

Thank you for your support!

March 26, 2024

Our 2024 Online Auction is now closed and the Rotary Club of Dryden extends a huge thank you to the following businesses and individuals for your support:

1st Choice Janitorial Supply
807 Food Co-op & Hub
A & W Family Restaurant
AgriTech North
AMH Tax & Bookkeeping
Anderson's Homestead Golf Course
Anonymous
Best Western Plus Dryden
Beverley Robinson Photography
Birchbark & Pine
Bling It On ... With Simone
Bobby's Sport Shop Ltd.
Boreal Audiology
Boreal Coffee
Boreal Signs
Brenda Leigh Bell Law Office
Bulk Zone
Canada Safeway
Canadian Tire Dryden
Casually Hip
Century 21 Northern Choice Ltd
City of Dryden Community Services
CKDR
Clark's Bait & Tackle
Clean More Service - Baywash
Cloverbelt Country Farmer's Market
Cloverbelt Country Meats
Cutters Hair Studio
Cynthia Palermo
D & S Auto Glass
Dave McKay Construction
Dingwall Clinic
Dingwall Ford Sales Ltd.
Domino's Pizza
Don Compardo
Douglas Graphic Design
Downtown AutoPro
Downtown Dollar
Dryden & District Museum
Dryden Community Funeral Home
Dryden Entertainment Series
Dryden Fibre Canada
Dryden GM
Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Dryden Home Hardware
Dryden Powersports
Dryden Veterinary Services
Dufresne Furniture & Appliances
Edward Jones
Eecol Electric
Egli's Wool & Sheepskin Shop
Ella-Lynn's
Emco
Emcon Services Inc.
Fisheye Custommade Jigs
Foraged North
Fountain Tire
FYidoctors Dryden
Gould's BrandSource
HearingLife
Holiday Inn Express
IG Private Wealth Management - Ken Nephin

IG Wealth Management - Darren Anderson
Jennifer Caie Art
K.K. Penner Tire Centres (Dryden)
Kano Reid
King Street Family Dental
LAMA Self-Care Centre
Latitude 50 Realty Inc.
Lock and Key Service
Lockyer Optometry
M and M Food Market
MAG Aerospace Canada
Marlene's Joyful Expressions
Masala Restaurant
McAuley Law, Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
McDonald's Family Restaurant
McKinstry Chrysler
Michelle's Top Drawer
Mike Adamik Contracting
Morgan Fuels
NAPA Auto Parts
National Car Rental
Nofrills Dryden - Andy & Nick's
Novel Ideas
Patricia Inn
Pauline Withers
Peterbilt Dryden
Pizza Hut
Quilts By Joan
RBC Royal Bank
Red River Co-op
RONA
Schmidt Greenhouses
Second Chance Pet Network
Sew Many Things
Skene Transfer & Supply
Solomon and Sons
Standard Insurance Brokers
Stellar Seafoods Inc
Steven Blair Contracting Ltd.
Subway
Sunset Country Realty
Suntrac Contracting & Rentals
TD Canada Trust
The Centre
The Golden Nectar
The Palace
The Pet Store
The Tasty Touch Catering by Nancy Ross
Tim Hortons (Dryden)

Town & Country Motel
Valhalla Inn
Vermeer Law Office
Vermilion Bay Co-Op
Walter's Auto Body
Wildflower Boutique Dryden
Willene Moffatt
Willow Day Spa
Wilson's Business Solutions
Wolseley Canada

Congratulations to all the successful bidders and thank you to everyone who bid over the past week!

Sharing our Community's History

March 21, 2024

The Dryden Public Library and the Dryden and District Museum hosted an event last evening thanking those individuals and organizations that donated to the project to digitize the Dryden Observer newspapers.

The Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation donated $10,000 towards this important project for the community and members of the Foundation board, as well as other Rotary members, were in attendance.

Once the website is up and running, individuals will be able to access and search for information in the Observers at the library, the museum, and on-line (for the early years of the newspaper).

Looking for Host Families for 2024-25 Exchange Student

March 21, 2024

Rotary Online Auction is Back!

March 17, 2024

Two more days to go before bidding opens at the Rotary Club of Dryden's online auction!

The auction, which runs from March 19 to March 25/26 (bidding closes over a two day period), is one of our club’s major fundraisers to support local youth and community projects, as well as international projects such as ShelterBox, Rotary International's efforts to eradicate polio, and literacy initiatives.

We hope you'll check out the auction at https://district5550.charity-auctions.ca/dryden and bid on some great items.

Thank you to all the business and individuals who donated to our 2024 Auction!

Coldest Night of the Year Event

February 22, 2024

Homelessness can be invisible, especially in Dryden, Machin, and area where harsh weather drives people away from public spaces. People who rely on emergency shelters, stay in hospitals, or even jails, may be experiencing homelessness.

Dryden's Coldest Night of the Year event is about awareness about what it's like to be vulnerable and out in the cold. All funds raised go to support to the Dryden Community Table, offering a safe space and meals every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-6 pm at the First United Church. Donations can be made by EMT to communitytable.firstdryden@gmail.com.

Rotary Online Auction Happening in March

February 7, 2024

Mark your calendars! The Rotary Club of Dryden's online auction will be running from March 19 - 26, 2024.

This auction is one of our club’s major fundraisers, supporting local youth and community projects, as well as international projects such as ShelterBox (emergency disaster relief), Rotary International's efforts to eradicate polio, and literacy initiatives.

Previews of the items up for bid will be posted closer to the auction dates.

If you're interested in donating an item to the auction, please check out our 2024 Online Auction donor page for more information.

Swims and Skates

December 27, 2023

Rotarians on Local Radio

December 20, 2023

Our Club president, Lee Ann Benson, and Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation chair, John Carlucci, spoke recently with CKDR Radio's Richard McCarthy about our club and its many activities.

You can listen to their interview at CKDR's website @ https://www.ckdr.net/2023/12/20/rotary-club-of-dryden/.

Rotarians Lend a Hand

December 15, 2023

Rotarians lent helping hands at the annual Dryden Native Friendship Centre Christmas Feast. It was a festive celebration!

Fourth Annual Amarok Christmas Matching Opportunity

December 7, 2023

One of the organizations that our Rotary Club supports is the Amarok Society. Amarok delivers programs that empower mothers in urban slums to be teachers in their neighbourhood homes.

For the fourth year, a private sponsor will match any donations made to the Amarok Society by December 31, 2023 (You must specify 'Dryden Rotary' on your donation to trigger the matching dollars).

Please check out the poster below for more information about this Christmas Matching opportunity and visit the Amarok Society's website to learn more about their work.

Winter Warmth: A Community Effort

November 22, 2023

Getting set up for the Winter Warmth pop-up event held in November.

There are now over 200 local residents who will have warm winter clothing after this year's Winter Warmth project. This initiative was led by our Rotary Club and supported by numerous partner groups in the community and by generous donations from Dryden and area residents. Warm mitts and hats were also distributed to the elementary schools in Dryden and the Library to be used over the winter.

A big 'thank you' goes out to everyone involved in making this a successful event again this year.

Essential Care Kits Packed by Rotarians

November 10, 2023

Rotarians met during October to pack one hundred Essential Care Kits. These will be distributed by various local agencies to the homeless and others in need in our community. Each kit contains a variety of personal hygiene items, socks, hand warmers, a hat, gloves and a neck warmer.

Winter Warmth Project Underway

October 29, 2023

The Rotary Club of Dryden is working together with other community agencies on this year's Winter Warmth Project. The project involves the collection of warm winter clothing, mitts, hats and boots for both adults and children, and also gently-used towels, for distribution to those in need in our community.

Helping out at Dryden Fall Fest

October 7, 2023

Greeters Carm, Susan, Karen and Anna - Dryden Rotarians help out at Dryden Fall Fest's Harvest Hay Day. Congratulations to the all the organizers and everyone who was involved in making this such a successful event!

Three New Club Members Inducted

September 28, 2023

Three of our new Rotarians were inducted at our most recent club meeting - Logan Scott, Lawrence Lumanglas and Olga Benjamin. Welcome to the club!

Rotarians and the City Working Together...

Sep 17, 2023

Rotarians were out yesterday assisting the City of Dryden with their annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. This is a great community service project that helps Dryden residents keep their homes and our environment safe.

Rotary Hands Over Garden to the City

September 16, 2023

At our meeting on Wednesday, the Rotary Club of Dryden turned over the new community garden, located at the corner of Van Horne and Wabigoon Drive, to the City of Dryden. Rotarians Carl Eisener and Mel Fisher did the honours as they handed the key to the garden's gate to Mayor Jack Harrison, along with a ceremonial hoe.

Carl acted as the lead on the project that started with an original idea by Mel. Shaun Kurz contributed his years of construction expertise and created the design, and provided the Bobcat that helped lighten the workload for the Rotarians, family and friends who helped make this garden a reality. Some of those many volunteers are pictured above.

There were numerous work parties that began last fall with the installation of the fence and the site preparation, and resumed this spring with the building and filling of thirty-six garden boxes. Thank you to everyone who came out to help on this project, including all the Kinsmen who lent a hand with the early work parties, and also to the City of Dryden for their support.

The sign recently erected at the garden explains the history of the site. It also offers contact information if you're a community member interested in gardening there, or in being part of the garden's Advisory Committee (call 807-223-1430).

Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks!

September 11, 2023

What a beautiful sunny September afternoon to watch 2,000 little yellow ducks bob their way to the shore at Skene's Landing on the Wabigoon River. The first five to arrive were lucky winners for these ticket buyers:

1. $5,000 - Sheila Krahn

2. $1,500 - Ann Tkachyk

3. $1,000 - Dwight Forsythe

4. $500 - Lloyd Williams

5. $250 - Stacey Rae

The other big winner of the day was Dryden's Special Olympic athletes as all the money raised in the Lucky Duck Race is going to support their activities.

Thanks to Dryden Rotarians, the OPP (for the BBQ), City of Dryden, Canada Safeway and RCB (for the food and drinks), and the Dryden Special Olympics for an amazing event. Much appreciation to Lotto One and the Wabigoon Lake Store for selling Lucky Duck Race tickets.

And a big thank you to everyone who bought tickets or came down to the Landing to cheer the ducks on.

Supporting Literacy

September 8, 2023

Did you know that more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate? That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.

Today is International Literacy Day. September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month.

One of Rotary International's goals is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.

Our Rotary Club is involved with numerous initiatives that support literacy, both here at home and further afield. Here are just a few of them:

sponsoring the online Free Reading Program (accessible via our website)
providing scholarships and bursaries to area high school students
supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
maintaining three Books for Sharing boxes that were established in a partnership between Rotary, Dryden Public Library and the Friends of the Dryden Public Library
providing funding support to the Ripple Effect program (a basic education and literacy program in Guatemala), and to the Amarok Society's program in Bangladesh that teaches mothers to teach children

"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics and factories. Literacy is a platform for democratization, and a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity. Especially for girls and women, it is an agent of family health and nutrition. For everyone, everywhere, literacy is, along with education in general, a basic human right.... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential."

- Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General

Rotarians Enjoy Fellowship Fridays

September 8, 2023

While volunteering and working on service projects are a big part of Rotary, belonging to a Rotary club is also about friendship, fellowship and fun.

Throughout the summer, Dryden Rotarians, family and friends could regularly be found enjoying time on the golf greens and and meeting for some post-game fellowship.

Household Hazardous Waste Day coming in September

July 17, 2023

The City's Household Hazardous Waste Day is happening again this fall, on Saturday, September 16th, and we'll be there to help collect your unwanted household hazardous products.

For more information, check out the City's website.

Another Step in Garden Construction

July 12, 2023

More progress at the South Dryden Community Garden with trim being added to the garden boxes.

Have You Visited Our 'Books for Sharing' Boxes?

June 26, 2023

Another Work Party at the Community Garden

June 24, 2023

Some of the crew who were building boxes at the South Dryden Community Garden on Friday.

Mark Your Calendar! Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

June 19, 2023

Mark your calendar for this year's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on September 16th. We'll be there!

Continued Progress at the South Community Garden

June 16, 2023

Check out the progress at the South Community Garden, thanks to work parties of Rotarians, family and friends.

South Community Garden Box Construction is Happening!

June 7, 2023

The construction of the garden boxes at the South Community Garden site is happening!

Local Rotarians recognized as Paul Harris Fellows

June 4, 2023

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

The Rotary Foundation (Canada) is a registered charity that supports Rotary International’s effort to “do good in the world”. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

Latest from the South Community Garden

June 6, 2023

More lumber was unloaded this morning at the site of the South Community Garden and work on the garden boxes has started.

Highway Cleanup 2023

May 13, 2023

A sure sign of spring... a group of Rotarians and partners tackled the cleanup of the 4 km Thunder Lake Hwy 17 corridor.

Happening at the South Dryden Community Garden

June 4, 2023

Another step forward in the construction of the new South Dryden Community Garden. A group of Rotarians were on-site on Friday to unload the initial delivery of lumber that will be used to build the garden boxes.

Rotary Adventures in Human Rights

March 28, 2023

Registration is now open for Rotary Adventures in Human Rights held in Winnipeg in September. If you are a high school student entering grade 11 or 12 in September 2023, you are eligible to apply. Please apply to rotaryyouthdryden@gmail.com

Going! Going! Gone! Rotary 2023 Online Auction is Now Closed

March 28, 2023

Our 2023 Online Auction is now closed and the Rotary Club of Dryden extends a huge thank you to the following businesses and individuals for your support:

1st Choice Janitorial Supply

A&W

Absolut Hair Design

AgriTech North

All That Is Online Shopping

AMH Tax & Bookkeeping

Anderson's Homestead Golf Course

Anonymous

BEI Outfitters

Best Western Plus Dryden

Blinds By Melina

Bling It On Vintage and Custom Jewelry

Blueberry Road

BMO Nesbitt Burns

Bobby's Sport Shop Ltd.

Boreal Audiology

Boreal Coffee

Boreal Signs

Brenda Bell Law Office

Bulk Zone

Calypso Hair Fashions & Retail Centre

Canada Safeway

Canadian Tire Associate Store

Casey's Clothes Closet

Casually Hip

CKDR

Clark's Bait & Tackle

Clean More Service - Baywash

Cloverbelt Country Meats

Cutters Hair Studio

Cynthia Palermo

Dave McKay Construction

Dingwall Ford

Dingwall Medical Group

Domino's Pizza

Domtar

Don's Creations

Douglas Graphic Design

Downtown AutoPro

Downtown Dollar

Dr. Brian & Dr. Suzanne Lockyer

Dr. Istvan Kinizsi

Dryden & District Museum

Dryden Entertainment Series

Dryden GM

Dryden GM Ice Dogs

Dryden Home Hardware Building Centre

Dryden Pool & Fitness Centre

Dryden Powersports

Dryden Ski Club

Dufresne Furniture & Appliances

Edward Jones

Eecol Electric

Egli's Wool and Sheepskin Shop

Ella-Lynn's

EMCO

Emcon Services Inc.

Everguard Fire & Safety

Foraged North

Fountain Tire

FYidoctors - Krasko-Turcotte & Veneziano

Golden Nectar

Gould's BrandSource Furniture & Appliances

Guenther's Flooring & Window Decor

Huber's Bavarian Meats

IG Private Wealth Management - Ken Nephin

Itayeda Furniture & Design

Jennifer Caie Art

Keewatin-Patricia District School Board

King Street Family Dental

Kusnick Electric

Latitude 50 Realty Inc.

Lock and Key Service

Lotto One

Lough Electric

McAuley & Partners

McDonald's Family Restaurant

McKinstry Chrysler

McLeod Chiropractic

Michelle's Top Drawer

Morgan Fuels

Nancy Ross Catering

Northwest Goods

Novel Ideas

Oshtugon Computers Inc.

Paddling Sunset Country

Patricia Inn

Peterbilt Dryden

Pharmasave Dryden

Photography Captured by Eliana

Pizza Hut

Propane +

RBC Royal Bank

Red River Co-op

RONA

Schmidt Greenhouses

Second Chance Pet Network

Sew Many Things

Skene Transfer & Supply

Solomon and Sons

St. Aubin Saw Shop

Standard Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Steven Blair Contracting Ltd.

TD Canada Trust

Temple Bay Lodge

The Hair Loft

The Palace

The Pet Store

The Quilting Trunk

Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre

Vermilion Bay Co-Op

Walter's Auto Body

Wellwise by Shoppers

Wilderness Air Ltd.

Willene Moffatt

Willow Day Spa

Wilson's Business Solutions

Wolseley Canada

Your Choice Catering

Congratulations to all the successful bidders and thank you to everyone who bid over the past week!

Newest Club Member Inducted

March 23, 2023

Our club is proud to announce the induction of our newest Rotarian, Paula Goldrup. Welcome Paula!

2023 Online Auction is Open

March 21, 2023

The 2023 Rotary Club of Dryden Online Auction is now open!

Have you registered yet? This is your opportunity to bid on some great items donated by businesses and individuals.

Auction items start closing at 1 pm Monday, March 27, and finish closing at 1 pm Tuesday, March 28. Make sure to check out the closing time for any item(s) that you're bidding on.

RYLA 2023 - Applications Now Open!

Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR RYLA 2023!

This year, camp capacity will be 40 campers each week.

Junior Week (12-14 yo) July 31- August 5, 2023

Senior Week (15-17 yo) August 7-12, 2023

For sponsorship by Rotary Club of Dryden, please apply to rotaryyouthdryden@gmail.com. Do not apply online to District 5550.

Preview Online Auction Items

March 9, 2023

You can now start previewing the items coming up for bid at our Rotary Online Auction running from March 21-28!

Dryden Ice Dogs honour Rotary

March 9, 2023

Thank you to the Dryden GM Ice Dogs for honouring our Rotary Club at last evening's game.

Rotary Online Auction is back!

February 9, 2023

After a brief hiatus, the Rotary Club of Dryden's online auction is back for 2023 and will be running from March 21-28!

The auction is one of our club’s major fundraisers to support local youth, seniors, and community projects, as well as international projects such as ShelterBox, Rotary International's efforts to eradicate polio, and literacy initiatives.

We hope you'll check out the auction and bid on some great items. If you're interested in donating an item to the auction, then please check out our 2023 Online Auction donor page for more information.

Three New Rotarians Inducted

January 29, 2023

Three new members were inducted into the Rotary Club of Dryden at our Wednesday meeting. A warm welcome to new Rotarians Fabian Velez, Sonja Wainio, and Benjamin Feagin!

Dryden Club Recognized for Contributions to PolioPlus

January 9, 2023

At a recent gathering of Dryden Rotarians, club president Patty Vann received a certificate from District 5550 Governor, Fred Wright, in recognition of the Dryden club's contributions to PolioPlus.

The PolioPlus initative was launched by Rotary International in 1985 and was the first and largest internationally coordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative. The eradication of polio is one of Rotary International's longest standing and most significant efforts. Along with its partners, Rotary has helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries and reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide. For more information about Rotary and its polio eradication efforts: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio.

Club's Charity Foundation Supports Area Initiatives

January 9, 2023

Nine initiatives in Dryden and area recently received support from the Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation. In December the Club's Foundation announced grants totalling $41,700 that were distributed to the following:

Christmas Cheer organizations in Dryden, Ear Falls, Red Lake and Ignace
Dryden Food Bank
Ignace Ski Club-Trail Grooming Machine and Groomer
First United Church's Community Table
St. Joseph’s School's Indoor Tower Gardens
Free Reading program

The Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation is operated by the Rotary Club of Dryden and assisted by the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout. The applications were approved under our youth, poverty, health and community mandates.

Funds are made possible by radio bingo on CKDR on Thursday evenings from October to April. We are grateful to be able to assist our NWO communities with these donations through countless volunteer hours by our club members and the support of all the people who play bingo with us each Thursday evening.

Dryden Cares Kits

Decemer 3, 2022

Dryden Rotarians met recently to pack Dryden Cares Kits, small personal care kits for the homeless and less fortunate teens and adults in our community. Each kit includes items for winter warmth and a collection of toiletries. The Dryden Cares Kits will be available through several social agencies in town.

Happy to Help with Fall Fest 2022

The Rotary Club of Dryden was happy to be a part of such a great event in our community! Kudos to the Dryden Fall Fest organizing committee and the sponsors and volunteers who all helped make the Fall Fest activities happen.

South Dryden Community Garden Project

The South Dryden Community Garden Project is a Rotary-led collaboration between the Rotary Club of Dryden and the City of Dryden.

The garden is located at the corner of Wabigoon Drive and Van Horne Avenue, the most densely populated area of Dryden, and will provide people in the area the opportunity to grow their own fresh produce and contribute to food security.

There were four work parties this fall to put up the fence and gates and to prepare the site for building the garden boxes next spring. Volunteer labour was provided by Dryden Rotarians, friends of Rotary, and the Dryden Kinsmen. Funding has been through the Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation and the City has provided the land and other infrastructure.

Special thanks to Shaun Kurz for designing the site and providing the Bobcat.

Book Exchange wraps up Basic Literacy & Education Month

September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy month, and Dryden Rotarians wrapped it up with a mini book exchange at the conclusion of last evening's meeting.

Before we made our book selections, our Club's Literacy Chair, Lucille Ayers, updated Rotarians and guests on the various education and literacy activities that the Dryden club was involved in, initiated, or supported financially in the 2021-2022 Rotary year. These activities were recognized earlier this year when the Club received a District 5550 Literacy Award.

For example, the club donated scholarships and bursaries to area high school students, provided sponsorships for youth to attend various leadership events, sponsored the Free Reading Program on our website, supported the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, built three Books for Sharing boxes in our community, and raised funds to support schools in Guatemala and Bangladesh.

Any books that didn't go home with a Rotarian last evening will be added to Dryden's Books for Sharing boxes.

National Truth & Reconciliation - September 30th

Lucky Ducks on the Wabigoon River

Wasn't that a ducky afternoon!

Skene's Landing on the Wabigoon River was the place to see ducks on Sunday...not Mergansers or Mallards, but 1,000 little yellow ducks bobbing their way towards the dock in Rotary's Lucky Duck race.

And the winners from all these lucky ducks were:

Duck #263 - P. Rigey for $1000

Duck #562 - H. Hanson for $500

Duck #410 - D. Miller for $400

Duck #414 - J. Hewitson for $300

Duck #350 - A. Aitken for $200

And one more winner - Rotary Youth programs in Dryden. The community's support for the Lucky Duck Race makes our club's Youth programs a winner too!

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets or came down to the Landing to cheer the ducks on. And a big shout out to Lotto One for selling tickets for us as well!

Rotarians assist at "We Run This City"

Seventeen Rotarians were out early on Sunday morning to help with Dryden's "We Run This City" race. This was a great event for people of all ages with 5 KM and 10 KM walks and runs. This year's proceeds will go to the new Dog Park in Rotary Park.

Rotarians visit Dryden District Conservation Club

For a small group of Dryden Rotarians, Saturday was a great opportunity to visit the Dryden District Conservation Club and learn about their many activities, to hear how the funds donated by the Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation have been put to use, and to try their hand at archery.

New Books for Sharing Box Installed in North Dryden

Are you looking for some summer reading? Our newest Books for Sharing box has just been installed in North Dryden at the Hatch Memorial Parkway at 199 Wice Road. This is our third book box in Dryden; the other two are at the Laura Howe Marsh and at Kinsmen Park, both on Van Horne Avenue.

The Books for Sharing boxes are a partnership between the Rotary Club of Dryden, the Friends of the Dryden Public Library, and the Dryden Public Library. The City of Dryden’s Public Works took care of the installation of all three boxes - many thanks to them for their assistance with this great project!

How does a Books for Sharing box work? It's pretty simple -- "Take. Read. Share. Return or replace only if you wish."

The Friends of the Dryden Public Library monitor the boxes on a regular basis and stock them with books from the Library's inventory of gently used reading material when necessary. There is usually an adequate supply of most books, however we are often in need of books for very young children (board books, easy read, primary). If you wish to donate children’s books, please send us a private message on Facebook to arrange for pickup.

Rotary and Amarok Partner with Mothers in Bangladesh

The Rotary Club of Dryden raised $36,000 through its Second Annual Xmas Promotion for schools in the urban slums of Bangladesh. These funds support our sponsored school, the Durbar-Shaikat Rotary Mothers’ School, and other similar schools in Bangladesh. Each school teaches 25 mothers in the morning, each of whom teaches five neighbourhood children at their home in the afternoon.

Books for Sharing Boxes on the Map!

The word is spreading about our Books for Sharing boxes!

The Kenora Little Libraries Facebook page has added the locations of our two Dryden book boxes to their Google map showing where you can find Little Libraries in Kenora and area. Check it out at https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit...

Our Books for Sharing boxes are a partnership between our club, the Dryden Public Library, and the Friends of the Dryden Public Library and we're looking forward to the installation of our third box soon!

2022 Highway Cleanup

Dryden Rotarians, family, and friends were out for their annual cleanup of a stretch of Highway 17 East on Saturday May 30th.

Fundraisers for ShelterBox

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our recent Cook for Peace fundraiser where $20.00 from each food package sold was donated to ShelterBox in support of their aid to Ukraine.

We raised over $3000.00 and Ecole Catholique De L'Enfant-Jesus joined in with a school student fundraiser and added $105 for ShelterBox! Thank you all!

If you'd like to know more about ShelterBox's efforts in support of Ukraine, you can visit https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/the-ukraine-crisis.../.

April 14 Bingo Cancelled

The Rotary Club of Dryden has made the decision to cancel the radio bingo scheduled for tomorrow, April 14, due to the impact of the storm that is affecting our area.

We are asking people to hold on to their bingo cards as these will be played on April 21st as a regular game.

The Monster bingo that was advertised to be held on April 21st will be deferred until May 5th.

The Monster bingo advertised for April 28th will continue as scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding and for playing Rotary Radio Bingo.

RYLA is back!

Check out the poster below for more information about RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly.

Interested students must contact the Rotary Club of Dryden through the DHS Guidance Dept. or email your letter to rotaryyouthdryden@gmail.com
Please do not apply on line.

eRYLA 2022 - The Building Blocks of Leadership

eRYLA is a NEW virtual program that gives youth another opportunity to participate in leadership development sessions.

Dates: May 6 & 7, 2022 on Zoom
Open to youth ages 15 -25

Wrapping Up our Bingo Season - Schedule Update

Our regular Bingo was cancelled on April 14th because of the winter storm so we've had to make a few adjustments to our schedule.

Thursday April 21st - regular Bingo USING CARDS DATED APRIL 14

Thursday April 28th - '80th Anniversary' Monster Bingo

Thursday May 5th - Monster Bingo (previously scheduled for April 21st)

Check out the posters below for more details about the April 28th and May 5th Monster Bingos and our website for information on where you can purchase your cards.

Cook for Peace Fundraiser

More than 2 million people are reported to have already fled Ukraine to neighboring countries in freezing temperatures, facing an uncertain future. The UN is predicting as many as 16 million people will be affected by this crisis and in need of humanitarian assistance, including 4 million refugees.

Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation supports Red Lake Hospital

The following was recently posted online by the Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital in Red Lake. It's about their new blood culture incubator in their laboratory, the purchase of which was supported by a donation from the Dryden Rotary Charitable Foundation. This is one of the ways that the funds raised through CKDR Rotary Radio Bingo supports communities and residents in our region.

Lobster Sale Deadline is December 4th!

Bingo is back!

CKDR Rotary Radio Bingo is back!

The first bingo of the new season is on Thursday, October 14th, at 7 PM and we're starting off with a 'Monster' bingo. You can find a list of all the regional Bingo Card vendors here on our website.

Another Successful Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

The Rotary Club of Dryden, in partnership with the City of Dryden, was kept busy on a beautiful fall day at the recent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day supported by Rotary Club

You know fall is getting closer when the City of Dryden advertises their upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, a project supported by the Rotary Club of Dryden. Check out the City's flyer below for all the details!

Over 3,500 Interactive Activities for K-6 Readers

Basic education and literacy are one of Rotary's seven areas of focus and the Rotary Club of Dryden is involved in many activities that support and promote literacy here in our community and further field.

Rotary Volunteers Make Vaccinators feel like "Superheroes" Dr Says

Up to sixteen Rotarians per day, help the nurses, doctors and other staff ensure that the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines run smoothly at the Dryden Arena.

20-21 Rotary Radio Bingo Tops Record and is a Pandemic’s Silver Lining

The 2020-21 edition of Dryden Rotary’s “Rotary Radio Bingo” broke all previous records. Sales of bingo cards were for all practical purposes sold out for every game the entire season.

Lillian Berg Gr. 7/8 put “ACTION” into Reconciliation with a study of The McIntosh Indian Residential School

With a program called “ReconciliACTION” Lillian Berg P.S. teacher Shannon Elliot taught her students about the history of the now-discredited “residential school movement”.

The Club’s Website has a Fresh New Look

At our April 7 meeting Rotarians John Borst and Susan Reany Iskra provided an overview of our new and improved website; a project they have been working on for a while. The goal of the revamp was to make the site more appealing and accessible to all.

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“Homelessness and drugs are problems we must face” says Dryden resident, Shauna Pinkerton

Shauna Pinkerton shared her journey from Dryden to East Hastings Street in Vancouver and back with Dryden Rotarians on Wednesday, April 1^st.

Durbar-Shaikat Rotary Mothers’ School, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Share Their Stories

By Nasima, Morion, Shahnur, Shamima and (Aysha the schoolteacher)

Dear Dryden, Rotarians, we are really pleased to share with you about our days and progress. After a long hardship of livelihood because of Covid crisis our days started to begin with our family and works.

Club’s International Team Makes District Presentation on Amarok Education Model

Dryden’s International Committee, consisting of James Kroeker (chair), Cindy Palermo, and John Borst, presented to DG Gailmarie’s District 5550’s monthly “DG’s Talk” on the Amarok Society’s “mother’s schools” in the slums of Bangladesh.

Treasury Metals aims for a construction decision at Goliath by Fall of 2023.

A decision on starting construction of the Goliath Gold Mine by Treasury Metals is still a long way off according to Mark Wheeler, Director of Projects and Mac Potter who spoke to Wednesday’s Dryden Rotary Club virtual meeting.

A Gentleman’s Gentleman Passes from the Club

Arthur Clare Thompson
May 4, 1931 – Mar 12, 2021

"Enjoy Rotary and have fun helping others."

Beezer's bees hit the sweet spot with Dryden Rotarians

Reagan Breeze, Dryden’s beekeeper extraordinaire, doesn’t just want to produce honey, he wants to save the bees and the world in the process.

Dryden Hospital and Youth Receive Big Winter ‘21, Grants from DRCF

Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation doles out another $101,425.00 to local community organizations

Dryden Working Circle Shares Progress

By Sarah McCarthy and John Borst

The Dryden Working Circle Committee continues its efforts to bring both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members together.

Firefly shines light on Restorative Justice for youth

An alternative to the courts praised for first-time offenders.

by Sarah McCarthy CKDR

Firefly is spreading awareness about Youth Justice Services available in Dryden.

Scientists from the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE) to Train at the Experimental Lakes Area in NWO

Speaking to Dryden Rotarians from Ypsilanti, Michigan, Dr Ted Lawrence, Executive Director of IISD-ACARE described how under IISD’s leadership, Dryden’s World-renowned Experimental Lakes Area will help save the Seven Great Lakes of Africa.

Ashley Apland Talks on FireFly’s Services to Youth in NWO

Ashley Apland, Clinical Manager for Youth Mental Health at Firefly explained that Firefly is a non-profit organization which provides full youth services to NWO. This includes “Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy service, mental health services, developmental assessments, autism, and spectrum disorder services”, she said.

Thirty Year Member, Elaine Thompson, Passes Away

On January 31, 1990, Elaine Thompson joined The Rotary Club of Dryden. On January 22, 2021, she sadly passed from us. During those nearly 31 years her warm smile and quiet demeanour belied her enthusiasm for Rotary. In 1995-96, Elaine served as the club’s 35^th president. She was both the second woman to join the club and the second woman to serve in that position.

Personal Trainer, Kris Skramrud, Speaks on Surviving the Pandemic in Good Shape

Editor’s note: this post is based on the report of Sara McCarthy of CKDR

A local Certified Personal Trainer is out with some tips on staying active during the province-wide stay at home order.

Dryden Rotarians Create Virtual Awards Night

While we can’t gather in person, The Rotary Club of Dryden went virtual Wednesday night for their annual Paul Harris Fellows Award evening to recognize new, active and past members.

Club Donates Two Gifts to the Community Over the Holiday Period

With Dryden Rotary’s Virtual meetings cancelled and no weekly Dryden Rotary Bingo Dryden’s Rotarians usually take a break from their community involvement during the holidays. It was a bit of a surprise when, not one, but two, opportunities presented themselves for local Rotarians to put their new drive to be “People of Action” into play.

Club Assembly Deals With Constitution & By Laws Revision, Virtual Christmas Dinner & 2020 Christmas Cheer Hampers

Dryden Rotary's November 4th virtual meeting had no speaker, instead it held what in Rotary-speak is called a "Club Assembly". This really means a business meeting where all members dealt formally and informally with a variety of items. On the 4th three items were dealt with Revisions to the Club's Constitution and Bylaws, how we would handle our traditional Christmas dinner meeting and changes to our annual Christmas Cheer hamper collection during the pandemic.

Update on Rotary’s Goal of Eliminating Another Virus-Polio

Dryden Club contributes $4,292.40 to wipe out Polio in 2020.

Polio has occurred as a sporadic illness in humans since the time of the ancient Egyptians. As humans became more urbanized, polio epidemics have occurred with increasing severity until the polio vaccine was developed in the 1950s.

Minor Hockey Breakfast Program Needs Help with Training Equipment

Skills training in hockey for both girls and boys has undergone a revolution in the past decade. Today coaches use “Rush Defenders”, “High-speed Deke Trainers” and “Reactive Sniper Machines”. And there is even Synthetic Ice so you can skate all year round on makeshift rinks or even your living room if you are that dedicated.

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Four Takeaways, From the NWHU Medical Officer of Health’s Speech on Covid-19 in NWO

The Northwestern Health Unit’s, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon speaking at The Rotary Club of Dryden’s virtual meeting on Wednesday left four key pieces of information with those in attendance.

Walk Through Laura Howe Marsh Provides Opportunity for Fellowship During Pandemic

On a sunny Saturday morning, October 10^th nine Dryden Rotarians with two family members plus two out of town guests, spent an hour of fellowship walking the trails of the Laura Howe Marsh.

Mothers’ School Student in Bangladesh Describes How Poor in City Slum Surviving Covid-19

October 20

Khulna, Bangladesh

Dear Members of The Rotary Club of Dryden,

I (Rahima Begum) am happy to share with you about my efforts during the days of extreme Covid-19 and lockdown.

Speaker Allan-Riives Seeks Volunteers to fill Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) was the focus of Dryden Rotary’s speaker Sharon Allan-Riives at its virtual meeting this past week. Allan-Riives is the lead person in the Dryden area for this annual gifting program.

Literacy Chair Informs Club About “The Free Reading Program”

Rtn. Lucille Ayers, club literacy chair, shared information on “The Free Reading Program” at the October 8th meeting.

Hazardous Waste Day Volume Grows by 50 Percent in 2020

Dryden Rotary, Miller Environmental and The City of Dryden’s cosponsored, 2020 Hazardous Waste Day measured by the number of carloads that passed through the city’s Public Works Facility on September 19th grew from 370 to 555 an increase of 185 or 50% growth.

Transportation is Focus of Consultation to Determine Location of Canada’s Nuclear Storage Facility

In 2023 Canada, after a long exhausting consultation period, will decide where they will build a repository for our spent nuclear fuel. Beginning with 22 sites, only two remain: a site about 35 km west of Ignace, Ontario and a second in the Municipality of South Bruce about 50 km southeast of the Bruce Power Nuclear facility.

2019-20 Exchange Student Morgan Kruger’s Life in Hualien City, Taiwan

Dryden High School student, Morgan Kruger, spent her 2019-20 school year in Hualien City, Taiwan. Last Wednesday she shared her experience with her sponsoring club The Rotary Club of Dryden.

District 5550 District Governor's September 2020 Newsletter

District Governor 2020-2021 Gailmarie Anderson's September 2020 Newsletter

Kenora Rotary Creates Four Little Libraries for the Community

How small can a library be? According to the Rotary Club of Kenora the answer is very tiny. How about putting one on a park bench, or the back of a road sign or at a group mailbox.

Africa Declared Free of the Wild Polio Virus

Posted by Pat Chernesky

Report of the District 5550 Polio Chair, Dr. Pat Chernesky

I am pleased and honoured to be the “Polio Plus/End Polio Now” District Chair for 2020-2021! Thanks to DG Gailmarie for this exciting opportunity; I look forward to sharing news about progress in polio eradication by providing regular updates and assisting you in any way that I am able!

District Governor Visits Dryden Rotary Electronically

Rotarians are members of their clubs. The clubs are chartered by the global organization Rotary International (RI) headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. For administrative purposes, the more than 32,000 clubs worldwide are grouped into 529 districts, and the districts into 34 zones.

Covid-19 Puts Tourist Camps in Crisis Across NWO

Clark’s Resorts have been a successful icon of “Sunset Country’s” tourist economy for thirty-five years. This year it sits empty due to the Corona virus pandemic. That is the story shared by Meagan Clark, daughter of the resort’s founders, her parents.

Brazilian Exchange Student Loly Reviews Her Year in Dryden

Posted by John Borst on Jul 14, 2020

Loly Cartocci - Bazanelli, our 2019-2020 Rotary exchange student from Brazil gave the club members a presentation of her year in Canada using pictures.

Former European Exchange Students Join Dryden Meeting via Zoom

Posted by John Borst

Four former exchange students from European countries joined the July 8^th meeting via zoom to hear Loly Cartocci - Bazanelli’s presentation and say hi to the club members. They were Alba Posas Solandes of Spain (2014-2015), Katarina Närhinen of Finland (2016-2017), Varja LindstrÖm of Sweden (2017-18) and Sigvart Støverud of Norway (2018-19).

Dryden Rotary Start New Rotary Year Off With Fund Raising Event – A Drive Through Pancake Breakfast

Posted by John Borst on Jul 06, 2020

On Canada Day, July 1, 2020 Dryden Rotary and the Dryden Native Friendship Centre (DNFC) partnered to have a curbside pancake breakfast.

Advertisements on Rotary Club Websites: it’s not a simple matter

Posted by John Borst on Jul 03, 2020

You would think advertisements on Rotary club websites would be a simple matter. Instead, it can often get quite complicated.

Club President Plomp, Passes Gavel on to 20-21 President Anna Traini

Posted by John Borst on Jun 29, 2020

July 1st is the start of each Rotary year, so the last meeting in June sees the outgoing president pass the gavel, to the incoming president.

Club Newsletter Editor Reaches 1000th Issue Plateau

Twenty-years is a long time to be producing a newsletter. That is about how long it would take to accumulate 1000 issues at 50 per year. But that is just what Rotarian and city lawyer Willem Vermeer has done with the club's weekly newsletter titled The Keyway.

Local Bee Expert Gets Rotarians All-a-Buzz About Bees

Posted by John Borst

Local bee expert Ann Puddicombe, informed Dryden Rotarians that there are around 400 different species of bees in Ontario. There are about 20,000 world-wide. But here favourite bee is the humble Bumble Bee.

Northern Youth Services Focus is Indigenous Youth and Families

Posted by John Borst on May 31, 2020

In 2014, guest speaker Norman Miller became the CEO of Northern Youth Services (NYS) a Mennonite program founded in 1967 by Clair and Clara Schnupp with the objective of ministering to the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of Indigenous youth.

COX’S BAZAR DRYDEN WOMEN’S SCHOOL REPORT TO DRYDEN CLUB EXECUTIVE

Posted by James Kroeker on May 30, 2020

I am pleased to be working together with Rtns Cindy Palermo and John Borst to promote and continue Dryden rotary sponsorship of the Cox’s Bazar Dryden Women’s School in Bangladesh. In 2019, our committee travelled to Kenora for an evening presentation to the RC of Kenora and to Winnipeg for an evening presentation to the Winnipeg Rotoract club at the University of Manitoba. We presented to our club and were overwhelmed by the generous support from members of over $2,000. Cindy organized a presentation by Tanyss Munro at the Dryden High School for her students and the public.

Rotary Clubs in the Slums of Cox’s Bazar Help Dryden Woman’s School Succeed

Posted on May 29, 2020

Editor’s Note: The following was written by Tanyss Munroe as a report to the Rotary Club of Dryden, ON to demonstrate how the Rotary Clubs of Cox’s Bazar were contributing “Time, Energy and Effort” instead of dollars to the school they were funding.

With the help of Anwar Sadat, a Rotarian of the East York Rotary Club, we were introduced to 3 Rotary Clubs in the city of Cox’s Bazar, just beside the world’s largest refugee camp (Rohingya). The people in the slum of 8,000 people where your school is, live in far worse conditions than those in the refugee camp.

Panna’s Story: How Just the Thought of Literacy Builds Dreams

Posted on May 29, 2020

My name is Panna. I am seven. My parents were separated when I was two years old and my mummy gave me to my granny to raise because she could not take care of me. From then I am living with my grandmother. She is a beggar and every day she takes me on Cox’s Bazar beach and we beg to people. But we are not too good. Many days I am very hungry.

Princess Court Family Council Works to Make Institution More “Home” Like

Posted by John Borst on May 23, 2020

Carol Gardam, chair of the Princess Court Family Council (PCFC) for the past 3 years, spoke to the club on how the organization advocates for residents to improve their quality of life and while promoting Princess Court and the Family Council within Dryden.

Dryden Rotary Radio Bingo Profits Pass the Two Million Mark

Posted by John Borst on May 21, 2020

With Dryden Rotary’s most recent announcement of the approval of another $53,000 in grants to local and area organizations The Rotary Club of Dryden has breached the 2-million-dollar mark in grants.

DRCF and Club Approve $53,000 in Grants to Six Local Organizations

Posted by John Borst on May 20, 2020

Each year the Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation (DRCF) meets in February, May and November to consider and approve requests for grants from various charitable organizations in the region.

Next DRCF Meeting to Review Grant Requests is November 2020.

The Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation is now accepting applications for its next round of grants. The deadline for the summer/fall applications is basically November 1^st as the Foundation’s directors meet that month to review and approve the applications.

Ice Dogs-Rotary 50/50 Draw Up-in-the-Air for 20-21 Season

Ice-Dog President Mike Sveinson, along with Executive member Erik Lang, spoke to the Junior A Ice-Dogs forth-coming season and the roll of Dryden Rotary’s 50/50 Joint venture.

NW Health Unit Staff Discuss Food Security During the CoVid-19 Experience

Stephanie Cran and Lindsay Burry from the North Western Health Unit (NWHU) highlighted for Rotarians and 13 guests the issue of food security before and during the CoVid-19 crisis.

Dryden ‘Haute Couture’ Designed Patriotic Covid-19 Masks

Trish England loves to sew and is known locally for designing original handbags. With the Coronavirus in full swing and people wanting well made masks Trish has turned her skills into designing patriotic masks in true ‘haute couture’ fashion.

Why ‘Maternal and Child Health’ are the Focus for April in RI

April is Rotary’s Maternal and Child Health month. As you probably know, in developed countries, women outlive men by an average of 5 to 10 years. This is a relatively new phenomenon. Until the dawn of the 20^th century, men generally outlived women by many years. The main reason for this was that large numbers of women died from the complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

KDSB’s Profile Set to Rise in Dryden

Henry Wall, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenora District Services Board, was Dryden Rotary’s first ever guest speaker to attend a meeting using the ZOOM video conferencing system.

Rotarian Discovers The Cost of Living in Dryden Fifty-four Years Ago

Preamble: Although this isn’t directly about Rotary it is a rare glimpse of what life and the cost of living was 54 years ago. As I was sorting though stuff in preparation for my move into “town” I found a booklet which we created as a guide, plan, record and diary of our first trip across Canada.

The year was 1966. My sister was living in Vancouver and getting married. Having been married the summer before we decided we would camp our way across the country. It was the first time I would visit Dryden.

Dr. Carl Eisener Reflects on DRHC’s Ability to Handle COVID-19’s Most Serious Cases

Dr. Carl Eisener Rotarian & ADG NWO clubs.

For those of you who think that COVID 19 is overblown and the precautions and "social distancing" are more stringent than they need be, let me give some local perspective:

Dryden Rotary Goes Hi-Tech with First Ever ZOOM Video-Conference Meeting

With in-person meetings large and small banned across Canada, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic Dryden Rotary is about to enter new territory as it holds its April 1^st, 2020 meeting using the ZOOM Video=Conferencing system.

Dryden Rotary On-line Action Delayed Due to COVID-19

In consideration of the health concerns facing us today, Dryden Rotary will delay the March 31^st start of the On-Line Auction until such time as all the logistics in delivering the auction can be worked out in a safe and socially responsible manner.

Reliable Sources for Updates on State of COVID-19 in Canada

The most update source for information of the COVID-19 virus The Government of Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

March Meetings Cancelled Due to CoVid-19 Protocals

Dryden Rotary Secretary Ed Iskra has just announced the cancellation of our next two general meetings scheduled for March 18th and 25th in response to the advice of our public officials who recommend we do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and avoiding non-essential gatherings.

World Rotaract Week Celebrated from March 9 - 15

March 9th, marks the beginning of World Rotaract week. Legally, anyone who is an adult, 18 years or older, can join Rotary, yet, few Rotary clubs have many members under age 30. The first Rotaract Club was created in 1968 at Charlotte North Rotary Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States partly to address this situation. However, Rotaract Clubs were not Rotary International’s first youth clubs.

TD’s Dawn Jones Shares Story of the TD Grade One Book Giveaway

Dawn Jones, manager of TD Canada Trust in Dryden shared the story of the TD Grade One Book Giveaway

On Feb 23^rd we say “Happy 115^th Birthday Rotary!”

February 23, 2020 marks the 115th anniversary of the world’s first Rotary meeting. On that date in 1905, four individuals, each of a different background and different vocation met for dinner in the spirit of friendship and fellowship.

Dryden Rotary Losses Its Most Senior Member “Rolly” Swan

It is with deep sadness that the Dryden Rotary Club learned of the passing of one of its most beloved members Roland (Rolly) Swan on Monday afternoon, January 20, 2020.

New Community Group Seeks to Create a “Fall Festival” in Dryden

Laina Smith spoke to Rotarians on her vision of a holding a Fall Fest in Dryden each October. She has rallied a small committee of seven citizens to organize the event.

Club Grows to Sixty-Four Members to Start Off 2020

With the induction of three new members on January 8th, the Rotary Club of Dryden has returned to its all-time high of 64 members.

The key difference, however, this time we have an equal number of members by gender.

Vocations: The Key to Rotary's Success in Our Community

January is Rotary’s vocational service Month. Rotary’s belief is that our vocations can provide the basis of service. Essentially, whatever your vocation, you serve as Rotary’s Ambassador to that vocation and to the community at large. You also serve as an Ambassador of your vocation to Rotary.

New Member’s Career Path Follows the Heart

Posted by John Borst on Dec 09, 2019

All new members who join Rotary give what is called a vocational talk. Originally it was a way for members to get to know what your business was. Over the years it has morphed into more of a life story

December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month: A Need for Vigilance

Posted on Dec 08, 2019

Even with a vaccine more than 300 children die needlessly everyday from measles.

By Carl Eisner, MD and Past President Rotary Club of Dryden

December is Rotary’s disease prevention and treatment month. This is one of the six areas of focus of the Rotary foundation. Much headway has been made in this area over the past decades – for instance, polio has been 99.9% eradicated, compared to where the world was with polio when rotary became involved.

The Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation Approves Thirteen Grants Totalling $31,011

Posted by John Borst on Nov 17, 2019

Four times a year the eight member Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation meets under the leadership of Rotarian and Past Club President Rena Madden, to disperse the money raised through the Dryden Rotary Bingo proceeds.

Are Women the Future of Dryden’s Most Vital Organizations?

Posted by John Borst on Nov 14, 2019

Dryden Rotary is unique among District 5550’s forty-six clubs because it has more women than any other club. Of the club’s 63 members 32 are male and 31 are female. However, when It comes to leadership within our organization women are more likely to serve on our Board of Directors and the Board of The Dryden Rotary Foundation. The latter is a separate body which determines the grants we distribute.

Loss of Two Volunteer Organizations Requires Meals on Wheels in Dryden to Find New Volunteers

Posted by John Borst on Nov 11, 2019

Colleen Hill, Dryden’s Meals on Wheels coordinator provided the club with an update on the operation of Dryden’s MOW program.

Ignace, Ontario Plans to be Canada’s Site for Used Nuclear Fuel

Posted by John Borst on Nov 05, 2019

Rachelle Davenport and Chantelle Gascon of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) in Ignace, Dryden’s neighboring community brought the club up-to-date on the NWMO’s site selection progress for that community.

Rotary Day at the U.N. is November 9th

Posted by Carl Eisener on Nov 04, 2019

November 9, 2019 is Rotary Day at the UN. It is the day that Rotary and the United Nations celebrate and honour their 72-year relationship.

Annual Rotary Awards Evening a Time to Celebrate Many Accomplishments

Posted by John Borst on Oct 27, 2019

Once a year the Rotary Club of Dryden hosts an awards evening in which it celebrates three local Drydenites who exemplify Rotary's motto "Service Above Self" through their volunteer efforts, Rotary members who have donated one-thousand (USD) dollars to The Rotary Foundation, winners of the Dryden Royal Conservatory piano competition and inducted new members who have joined the club.

Strategic Plan is Focus of DRHC CEO’s Operational Update

Posted by John Borst on Oct 21, 2019

Doreen Armstrong-Ross Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC) gave us a brief background on the state of our hospital and their future directions.

2019-20 Exchange Student ‘Lolly’ shares her background with the club

Posted by John Borst on Oct 14, 2019

Our Brazilian exchange student, Lorena Cartocci Bazanelli or ‘Lolly” for short, shared with us some background on her home and country.

October 24 is Rotary End Polio Day-Give Today

Posted by Carl Eisener on Oct 08, 2019

Ramesh Ferris was born in India to an impoverished single mother in 1979. When he developed polio as an infant, she surrendered him to an orphanage, knowing that he would have no chance for a good life if she kept him. He had the good luck to be adopted by a Canadian couple, and with proper rehab, braces and crutches, he learned to walk short distances at a slow pace.

Six Humanitarians Honored for their Work with Refugees

Posted on Oct 06, 2019

Six humanitarians who are members of the family of Rotary are being honored as People of Action: Connectors Beyond Borders during the 2019 Rotary Day at the United Nations, which focuses this year on the global refugee crisis.

District 5550 Governor Fred Wright Visits Club and Puts Emphasis on the Reduction of Child Poverty

Posted on Oct 06, 2019

Rotary International is divided into around 535 Districts. That averages out to about 65 clubs per district. Each District has a four-digit number. Dryden is part of District 5550. Each District is managed by a person titled the District Governor. Each governor serves for only one year from July 1 to June 30. For the 2019-20 year our District Governor (DG) is Fred Wright from Kenora.

Putting the Plus in PolioPlus

Posted on Sep 30, 2019

We’re doing so much more than eradicating polio

By Vanessa Glavinskas Photography by Andrew Esiebo

Musa Muhammed Ali, a farmer in Borno state, Nigeria, has had to deal with the many ways polio has affected his life. For instance, he used to have to pay for transportation when he needed to buy feed for his animals.

Dryden Rotary Works with District and other Clubs to Create a Literacy Program in Bangladesh’s Urban Slums

Posted by John Borst on Sep 29, 2019

Each month Rotary defines a theme for Rotarians to focus upon. September’s theme is Basic Education and Literacy. It is for that reason that our International Services Director James Kroeker and DHS law and justice teacher Cynthia Palermo spoke to the club on the topic of the Amarok Society.

Rotary 'Vocational Training Team' Program a Means to Support People With Autism

Posted on Sep 25, 2019

by Dr. Corina Yatco-Guerrero, member of the Rotary Club of Sta. Ana (Davao), Philippines

I am a Neuro-Ophthalmologist and my husband is a Neurologist; we both practice in Davao City, Philippines. When our third child, Emmanuel, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of two, we were both stunned and perplexed.

Transforming mathematics education in Ecuador's low income schools

Posted on Sep 25, 2019

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By Octavio Jarrin R., member of the Rotary Club of La Puntilla, Ecuador and Keith E. Axtell, member of the Rotary Club of Marin Evening, United States

An assessment of mathematics teachers in Ecuador showed they received little training in content preparation and teaching techniques. This resulted in teachers with little motivation and enthusiasm when preparing and teaching their classes.

2018-19 Rotary President to be Feature Speaker at District 5550 Conference

Posted by John Borst on Sep 21, 2019

In the absence of President Mardi, Assistance Governor Carl Eisner, took the meeting chair and proceeded to share future meeting dates and events of which we should be aware.

What the ‘together’ in Rotary’s vision statement means

Posted on Sep 19, 2019

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create

lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

— Rotary International Vision Statement

By Paddy Rooney, governor of District 7390 (Pennsylvania, USA)

The word which defines much of our world today is division. We are divided in so many ways by race or creed, ethnicity or belief, by gender or age or sexuality. But the divisions have gone beyond mere realities and instead have become a source of dissension among us with the result that we have sliced and diced ourselves into smaller and smaller groups or tribes which only further exacerbate our sense of alienation one from the other.

Why the loss of ‘The Dryden Observer’ Matters

Posted on Sep 18, 2019

by John Borst, editor Rotary Club of Dryden Website

In May of this year The Dryden Observer ceased to publish and the community of Dryden loss a little of its soul. Somewhat ironically it was Pope Francis speaking to an audience of Italian journalists on September 16th who reminds us why the local community newspaper is vital in the life of a community.

Club receives reports on Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) for 2019

Posted by John Borst on Sep 17, 2019

Each year District 5550 of which Dryden Rotary is a member, sponsors a Junior and Senior Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program. The program consists of “camp” environment at Shoal Lake, Manitoba.

The Contrarian Reflects on the New "New Morality"

Posted on Sep 14, 2019

by Mel Fisher, Rotarian and blogger as DrydenCurmudgeon. Mel's columns were published in the Dryden Observer and will now be co-posted here.

A page out of Willy Brant’s diary — Joe and I dropped off some veggies at the food co-op and were sitting in 'Timmies' when a carload of teenagers came roaring in and occupied the table next to us; I got the impression they considered that was ‘their’ table and us old codgers were interlopers to be sitting next to it. Well dressed, nice looking kids, all chattering at once, I didn’t pay much attention till I heard one girl announce ”Well I will never have any kids, that’s for sure!”.

Together Dryden Needs to Find a Solution to Our Youth Centre Crisis

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

Commentary by John Borst, editor Dryden Rotary News and We the Northwest News and Views

We have all heard the meme “It takes a village to raise a child.” We are also prone to nod in agreement and then go on about our business of living and forgetting about the kid who goes to school without having breakfast and hasn’t got a lunch to eat, or the teen who hangs out downtown or at school staying away from home as long as possible. But in a small city like Dryden even youngsters with three meals a day and a loving home can suffer from anxiety, loneliness or fear of their peers.

Democracy is Set to Take a Giant Leap Forward in Dryden

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

OPINION by John Borst,

There are two keys to living in a successful vibrant democracy: participation and vigilance. Dryden City Council is to be congratulated for taking a modern step forward to facilitate those principles.

Club Looking for Students Interested in Student Exchange in 2020

Posted on Sep 12, 2019

The Rotary Club of Dryden in looking for Dryden High School students interested in doing an international student exchange in 2020.

Dryden City Council Set to Webcast Meetings Starting in October 2019

Posted by John Borst on Sep 11, 2019

Buried in a single sentence in a Staff Report at the September 9th Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting on “Electronic Participation” by members of council that “The IT Department ...have sourced the required hardware and software solutions to implement this project including webcasting.”

Dryden Rotary Website to Become More Community Based

Posted by John Borst on Sep 10, 2019

With the demise of our community newspaper, The Observer, Dryden Rotary News will this fall expand by adding We the Northwest News and Views.

Poole Describes How the Salvation Army and Community Outreach Go Hand-in Hand

Posted by John Borst on Sep 09, 2019

Sandra Poole, a Kenora Rotarian and regional leader within the Salvation Army provided a brief insight into the workings of her church.

Dryden Youth Centre Needs Support if it is to Continue

Posted on Sep 03, 2019

Ann Tkachyk of the Dryden Police Department and Vanessa Shepherd, Manager, Children's Services Dryden Children's Resource Centre were instrumental in establishing a Youth Centre in Dryden which ran for 37 days this summer out of the former Child Care Centre on Albert Street.

Thunder Bay Runners Take First in We Run This City Half-Marathon

Posted by John Borst on Sep 02, 2019

Full Race Results Published Here

Sunday morning September 1, 2019, dawned wet and cool for the Dryden's Young Professionals' Second Annual We Run This City Half-Marathon and 10 km road races. The weather, however did not deter the the twenty-three runners in the half-marathon or the forty-six participants in the 10 km race.

Club Looses Member Marg Saville to Cancer.

Posted by John Borst on Sep 02, 2019

It is with profound sadness the The Rotary Club of Dryden announces the passing of its member Margaret Saville. Margaret joined Rotary in June of 2011. Her funeral service will be held at the United Church at 7:00 pm.

‘We Run This City’, Dryden’s Premier Road Race, All Set to Go

Posted by John Borst on Aug 24, 2019

Put September 1^st on your must-see list as 97 runners course through Dryden’s streets and trails in the Second annual ‘We Run This City’ half-marathon and 10 k road races.

WHAT CAN A ROTARIAN DO WHEN THERE IS NO COMPLAINTS POLICY?

Posted by John Borst on May 30, 2019

Many Rotarians are passionate about Rotary, some so passionate that they forget that other Rotarians must be treated with respect.

‘WeLoveDryden’ - Show Your Hometown Pride on June 8

Posted by John Borst on May 25, 2019

Imagine if the 8000 residents of Dryden marched in the same parade, what a scene it could be.

Okay, 8000 is a little extreme but 1000 would be a super goal and would pack a wallop for our sense of community. Packing a wallop is just what the organisers of Dryden’s first “We Love Dryden” day want to achieve. So put June 8^th on your calendar and participate in one or more of the three events.

1 Comment

Links to Series on 2019 Council on Legislation Plus Concluding Comments

Posted by John Borst on May 21, 2019

#7 in a series.

A request to provide a compendium of links to the 2019 Council on Legislation from a PDG at District 7390 was the inspiration for this post. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the bigger picture of what happened this year which may portend future directions and trends.

Sing-along with this Saskatoon-Nutana version of the Four-Way Test.

Posted by John Borst on May 19, 2019

This is a version of the Four-Way Test to which you will have no trouble singing along. The 53 seconds of lyrics have a slightly different ending. There is one additional line.

Did the Council make Rotaractors, Rotarians? No!

Posted by John Borst on May 17, 2019

Did the Council of Legislation change the status of a member of a Rotaract Club with Enactment 19-72? The answer is no. They are still Rotaractors. They are not Rotarians. That is the conclusion one has to draw from the experience of two Rotaractors who also have membership in Rotary Clubs.

Results of Survey on Changing the Name of The Rotarian

Posted by John Borst on May 16, 2019

As reported some two weeks ago, the Council on Legislation gave Rotary Executive the authority to alter the name of The Rotarian magazine if it was necessary to be consistent with Rotary’s rebranding initiative.

The Duarte Story as told by Dr Sylvia Whitlock

Posted by John Borst on May 14, 2019

Author of Women Also Serve: Duarte Invites Women to Join Rotary tells her first person account of what it was like to be a woman Rotary pioneer.

High Tech Industries in Saskatoon Awe Dryden Students

Posted by John Borst on May 14, 2019

Chris Mills and Cameron Miles, two Dryden High School students shared their trip to Saskatoon for a Rotary Adventures in Technology Program sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon.

What is wrong with this statement on women in Rotary?

Posted by John Borst on May 13, 2019

Variations of the statement below, I have seen many times over the years. A male, with many years of dedicated service, made it in a Facebook post, this past week.

Can Rotary Morph into a ‘Smart’ Organization?

Posted by John Borst on May 12, 2019

Eight steps Rotary must take to be a "Smart" Organization

“Smart’ is the word of the century. Smartphones, smart cars, smart cities, and smart organisations fill the pages of city newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals.

Rotary’s Chance to Right a Historic Injustice Fails

Posted by John Borst on May 10, 2019

The need to replace Sushil Gupta, RIPN 20-21, who resigned for health reason, presented the opportunity for the 20-21 Nominating Committee to correct a historical injustice.

The Power of ‘Creating Memorable Rotary Events’

Posted by John Borst on May 10, 2019

On May 3, 2019, Past Rotary International Director (PRID 2009-10), Dr John Blount spoke to the delegates attending the 2019 District 5550 conference on the topic “Creating Memorable Rotary Events.

John joined Rotary at age 27. He was President of the Sebastopol Club at age 32 and Governor of District 5130 eight years later.

THE ACT OF GENEROSITY GROUNDED IN ROTARY - MELISSA'S STORY

Posted by John Borst on May 08, 2019

Drawing from a lifetime of personal and professional experiences, from his humble beginning as an Indigenous youth living in Winnipeg's North End, to working alongside business, community and government leaders, Kevin Chief brings a unique voice that is able to attract diverse crowds into inclusive and healthy conversations about diversity, policy, and social change.

FIREFLY PROVIDES WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Posted by John Borst on May 08, 2019

Karen Ingebrigston, the executive director, explained the background on Firefly and a soft push to see if there were any potential future board members in the crowd.

COL takes small steps to streamline its proceedings but rejects the big one.

Posted by John Borst on May 07, 2019

RI’s tax status changed from a 501(c)4 to a section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the US Internal Revenue Code.

#6 in a series

Enactments 19-96 to 19-115 dealt with proposed changes to the before, during and after periods of the Council on Legislation itself.

Rotary International provides a good summary of what occurred during this session, however I have reordered their report to correspond more closely with the chronological order which took place.

An attempt to make the Council smaller and meet more frequently failed.

As Rotary reports

A measure to allow the Council to meet every two years, instead of three, but with a smaller number of delegates, failed 174-334.

The Board argued having a smaller half-sized council meet more frequently would make the process more manageable with more robust debate, and allow Rotary to be nimble and flexible. Districts would have been paired, with one district's delegate attending every other council.

But opponents were against shrinking the council, denying districts the ability to send its own representative every time.

On the other hand a motion allowing the council to meet on line before meeting face to face to find where agreement existed at the 80% level did pass so that those items could be dispatched with “consent” which is a small step in streamlining proceedings. Although only 117 resolutions were dealt with in 2019, the high end is 613.

Another rather strange streaming feature also passed “by the narrowest of margins”. Council members voted 258-252 to strike RI past presidents, and all but one board member from taking part in future councils as non-voting members. The president, president-elect, and one director would remain as non-voting members. It was put forward as a cost saving measure.

Notes revealed that in 2016 the cost of hosting the COL was 3.3 million, with the cost of the average delegate at $3,600. The 17 member board plus 14 Past presidents cost was $118,000 or $3,800 per non-voting delegate. In my view the decision smacks more like an attempt by Past District Governors to retain control of the Council and lessen the influence of the Directors and Past-Presidents even though they are non-voting delegates.

The Director’s did make a major gain with an “emergency” piece of legislation gaining approval. The Board may now propose legislation it deems urgent to the Council on Resolutions, which meets online every year, instead of waiting for the next Council on Legislation. Proposal 19-96 passed 325-182, and offers the Board a means of recommending constitutional changes more frequently than every three years. Evidently something similar already exits but it has never been used. Given where RI’s strategic plan is pointing, especially in Strategic Priority Four on future governance, I think the odds just increased this new authority may be put to use.

Regarding the change in tax status, although it passed 374-120 the very vocal minority “feared the measure would change the way clubs have to operate by requiring only activities that qualify as charitable, and would harm the reputation of The Rotary Foundation as the charitable arm of Rotary.” Rotary reports however, that “A joint committee, composed of members of both the Board and Foundation, has reviewed the idea for more than 18 months, and argued the change would not change the way Rotary clubs operate or be harmful to The Rotary Foundation.”

Finally before closing in two of its last resolutions 19-115 and 19-116 “the Council approved two measures that clean up and modernize The RI Bylaws and standard Rotary Club Constitution, making them more understandable. The enactments make no substantive changes. But proponents noted these documents have not received a comprehensive review like this in almost two decades and have accumulated redundancies and archaic language. So if you've avoided these documents in the past, give the new edition, when available, a second look!”

As an historical footnote, “This is also the first time a sitting RI President has ever proposed an item to the Council.”

Membership, RI Committees and Dues Provided Lots to Debate by COL Delegates

Posted by John Borst on May 06, 2019

# 5 in a series

Rotary has shouted out loud and clear that Rotaract Clubs are now officially clubs of and in Rotary rather then clubs outside of the family of Rotary. The path there had many twists and turns including an appeal to Social Media by President Barry Rassin. His was a post I just happen to read. Then the next thing I knew it I was hearing that Rotaractors would now be Rotarians too.

n my opinion it was a decision that made much sense since as I have argued in earlier posts, Rotaractors are adults and qualify by age for Rotary. I also live in a small working-class town in which Rotaract makes little sense. Hence if an eighteen to thirty-nine year old is interested in service to community Rotary is where they should be.

The debate over dues for seniors in 19-89, 90, and 91, I found fascinating primarily because the reasoning wants so poorly thought out. Rather than being a recognition that the aged like youth may require some adjustment to the cost of being a Rotarian, 90 and 91 especially were more a reward for long time service than age. 19-89 made the best case primarily on the basis of age but did include a short service factor.

The real reason we should provide a reduced cost to those 80 years or older is a recognition that it is a service to do so. At that age the social aspect of Rotary is our greatest benefit to others including our members. Isolation and loneliness face the elderly. Multi-generational contact may not be possible elsewhere in our age stratified society. A reduction for long-time service is not a justifiable reason for a reduced fee as is proposed in 19-90 and 91. Both create two classes of seniors, which certainly is not fair to all concerned. A reduction based solely on age does warrant consideration.

I also found the rejection of a standing committee on “Information Technology” disappointing. Nothing is so all-pervasive in this age than “information technology”. Perhaps it was the term itself that was part of the problem. Somehow, it is a dated expression. The next wave of the revolution is already poking at the door. Some call it, The “Internet of Things”. Concepts such as “Smart Cities” are being developed. So are Smart organizations especially mega-companies such as Amazon.com. We too are an organization. We too should be exploring and evolving into a “smart service organization”. It should not be left to our staff, we need our governance leaders to part of the process. But that is a topic for a future post.

There is not enough space to comment on other items, however, I do wish to say, I wish Rotary would report on the rational for the withdrawal of an item. Some items leave one wondering why? A little more transparency would go a long way in developing confidence in COL’s leadership and the delegates thing and an understanding of the process.

Marketing Rotary to Older Adults: Let’s Not Miss the Boat

Posted by John Borst on May 06, 2019

May is Youth Services Month. Rotarians in every community quite justifiably put much effort and coin into providing support to its early years’ cohort. Youth Exchange programs, adventure series of various types, scholarships, food programs, literacy supports, are some of the best-known Rotary activities.

A Short Study. Should RI change the name of its magazine, if so to what?

Posted by John Borst on May 01, 2019

At the recent Council on Legislation RI was given the authority to change the name of its magazine. Below is a two-question survey which will take about 10-15 seconds to complete on this issue.

COL Motions on Our Magazines, Privacy and Past-Presidents Are a Surprise

Posted by John Borst on Apr 30, 2019

#4 in a series

I didn’t expect subjects such as District Administration and Rotary International-General to hold anything exciting, but I was wrong as there was much to chew upon.

Dear Nominating Committee for 2020-21 Replacement President-Nominee

Posted on Apr 29, 2019

Please choose a woman as President-nominee for 2020-21.

COL Rejects Glorious Opportunity to Make Rotary More Democratic

Posted on Apr 29, 2019

# 3 in a series

Enactments 19-40 to 19-55 addressed issues of elections and nominations at the President and Governor levels plus two Miscellaneous election items.

Dryden’s Rotary Exchange Student in France, Maryn Wrolstad, Shares Her Latest Adventures

Posted on Apr 28, 2019

Sorry, it has been a while since my last email. I’ll give you an update on what’s been going on. We had our Paris/Toulouse/Barcelona week-long bus trip at the end of February. It was exhausting but a lot of fun!

If you are a Victim of a Crime, you need to know about VCARS

Posted by John Borst on Apr 28, 2019

Tanisha Grandbois, the Executive Director of Sunset Area Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services, is more commonly known by its acronym VCARS (pronounced vic-cars).

Council on Legislation more active in adopting changes to Clubs

Posted by John Borst on Apr 28, 2019

#2 in a series

COL approved ten changes to Clubs in the areas of Administration, Membership and Meetings and Attendance. They also rejected ten proposals. Two items were withdrawn.

#RIWPNow! – Join the Campaign for a Woman President @RotaryWP

Posted by John Borst on Apr 28, 2019

It is with regret that we learned of Sushil Gupta’s, (President-nominee for the 2020-21 Rotary year) decision to resign his position as a result of his health. I am sure it was an extremely hard decision to make and I am sure the people of India and throughout Rotary are disappointed.

Council on Legislation Rejects All Changes to Rotary’s Avenues of Service, Object of Rotary, and Core Values

Posted by John Borst on Apr 27, 2019

#1 in a Series

Making changes to Rotary’s CONSTITUTION and STANDARD ROTARY CLUB CONSTITUTION was impossible in 2019 as the 532 delegates rejected all 15 proposed changes while two were withdrawn.

Sally Sipos work with Habitat for Humanity earns a Woman of Excellence Citation

# 5 of 30 Women of Excellence to celebrate 30 Years of Women in Rotary

Compiled from resources from Patty Vann, Tommy Johnson, Peter Keen and John Borst

In 2017 Rotary International and Habitat for Humanity formed a partnership to ensure that in the future more people will have access to affordable housing around the globe. Rotary General Secretary John Hewko stated that “Habitat’s aim to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope aligns perfectly with Rotary’s commitment to make positive, lasting change in communities around the world. With Habitat’s expertise and the power of Rotary’s volunteer network, we will help build the foundation for stronger communities.”

It is time to replace the “Public Image Coordinator” with an “Integrated Communications Coordinator”

Posted by John Borst on Apr 24, 2019

It has now been five years since Rotary’s new branding initiative launched. To assist Rotarians in implementing the change, Rotary created, at the Zone level, a responsibility portfolio called the Public Image Coordinator. Some but not all Districts followed suit.

The Emergence of the Rotary Butterfly Begins on July 1st

Posted by John Borst on Apr 22, 2019

June 30, 2019 is nearly here and with it the end of if this Rotary year. But something else associated with Rotary ends too,Rotary International's current Strategic Plan.

A Short History of Women on Rotary's Board of Directors

Posted by John Borst on Apr 18, 2019

Women currently account for 22% of Rotary International's membership. The growth of women in Rotary officially began on 4 May 1987, when the United States Supreme Court confirmed the Californian decision supporting women in the case Board of Directors, Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte and the Council on Legislation confirmed the decision.

Kaakewaaseya Justice Services and the Role of the ‘Gladue Report’

Posted by John Borst on Apr 18, 2019

Jennifer Groves, an employee of the Kaakewaaseya Justice Services provide legal services to Treaty 3 Residents who live both on and off reserve. Groves is a specialist in writing Gladue reports.

Rotary says 'Let's talk about diversity and inclusion'

Posted on Apr 16, 2019

The theme of Rotary International’s April 2019 Training Talk Newsletter is on “Diversity, equity and inclusion.” Just last week I addressed this topic by sharing in graphical form the principles inherent in Rotary’s policy statement. Because this topic is of such importance to our future as a Rotarian, I am sharing the contents of the April 2019 newsletter so that it gets as wide a distribution as possible.

Understanding the relationship between consent and veto between Canada and Its Indigenous Peoples

Posted on Apr 14, 2019

By Roshan Danesh

Some politicians, journalists, business leaders, lawyers and others have adopted the practice of using the terms “consent” and “veto” interchangeably when discussing the role of First Nations in decision-making regarding lands and resources.

Community Support Centre NW Needs Help with Purchase of New Mobility Van

Posted by John Borst on Apr 14, 2019

Debbie Dokuchie, Executive Director at Community Support Centre NW (formerly the Dryden Volunteer and Recruitment Centre), began her talk by announcing that the organisation had undergone a name change to the Community Support Centre NW to better reflect what they do.

Apatisiwin Employment Counsellor for the Dryden Native Friendship Centre Explains Role to Rotarians

Posted by John Borst on Apr 13, 2019

Jeremy Dutton, the Dryden Native Friendship Centre’s (DNFC) Apatisiwin Employment Counsellor spoke on the kinds of services he provides to the urban Indigenous population of Dryden.

Remembering Denis Belleville

Posted by John Borst on Apr 12, 2019

Sponsored by the late Bill Beatty, Denis joined the Rotary Club of Dryden in1995 and remained an active member until his passing on April 3rd, 2019.

What Is a ‘True Rotarian’ Anyway?

Posted by John Borst on Apr 09, 2019

Words like “True’, or ‘Authentic’ applied to human endeavours are problematic whether applied to a member of a political party, fans of a sports team, a religious faith or a service organisation like Rotary.

It’s Time for a Woman President in 2014-15!

Posted by John Borst on Apr 09, 2019

Editor's Note: The following is a legacy piece first published in Spring 2012 at 5550opinions.

Sometime around now, a committee is about to meet within Rotary to decide whom to nominate as the 2014-15 President.

Diversity and Inclusion in Rotary, what’s the difference?

Posted by John Borst on Apr 07, 2019

Today on a Rotary Facebook page a Rotarian wrote: “Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance.”

DRYDEN ROTARY PROVIDES POWERPOINT ON YEAR’S EVENTS AND PROJECTS

Posted by John Borst on Mar 31, 2019

This PowerPoint had two requests that occurred at the same time. The District Governor wanted a report on the Club's annual events and projects. At the same time, the President-elect wanted help in creating a PowerPoint on the same topics. Hence, this presentation with its thirty-seven slides was born.

From Personal Advocate to National Advocate: Wendy Wiedenhoeft’s story with the CNIB

Posted by John Borst on Mar 31, 2019

Being an advocate for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) began seventeen years ago for Wendy Wiedenhoeft when her grandson was born blind. Today, Wendy is Northwestern Ontario’s representative on the CNIB Board.

Dryden Economic Development Officer Optimistic About City’s Future

Posted by John Borst on Mar 22, 2019

Dryden’s economic wows have been front and centre for so long that it was a delight to hear the optimism in Tyler Peacock’s upbeat presentation on Dryden’s future.

Don't just sit in the house, go outside and enjoy nature

Posted by Willem Vermeer on Mar 18, 2019

Each week the editor of the club’s weekly KEYWAY newsletter includes a column titled “The lighter side” in which items of a humorous nature appear. The item this week took the form of three pictures under the banner in the title.

The Lady Rotarian, the Gentleman Rotarian: Why do we see one and not the other?

Posted by John Borst on Mar 15, 2019

If women are equal to men in Rotary, why is it then that we frequently see the term “Lady Rotarian” but never the term Gentleman Rotarian?

Mae Concepcion Dolendo, PP of the Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao Philippines is known for her ‘House of Hope” and its Foundation

Posted on Mar 14, 2019

# 4 of 30 Women of Excellence to celebrate 30 Years of Women in Rotary

Nominated by Maria Victoria C. Jimenez, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao Philippines, edited by John Borst

Alexandria Ritchie only Twenty-four and Already a Rotary Woman of Excellence

Posted on Mar 12, 2019

#3 of 30 Women of Excellence to celebrate 30 Years of Women in Rotary

Nominated by Richard Cunningham, edited by John Borst

MP Robert Nault Updates Rotarians on Federal Initiatives in the Kenora Riding

Posted by John Borst on Mar 12, 2019

Member of Parliament Robert Nault visited Dryden Rotary to give us an update on the work he is doing on behalf of the Kenora Riding in Ottawa.

JUDITH DIMENT OF THE MAIDENHEAD THAMES ROTARY CLUB, AN ADMINISTRATIVE STAR IN ROTARY'S CAMPAIGN TO ERADICATE POLIO

Posted on Mar 04, 2019

#2 of 30 Women of Excellence to celebrate 30 Years of Women in Rotary

Nominated by Greg Wilkinson, text edited by John Borst

Toronto Calling is Theme of Graham Harrison’s Life Story

Posted by John Borst on Mar 03, 2019

When a new member joins a Rotary Club, they eventually have to give a little speech on their life story, especially their work history. We call it a “Vocational talk”. This is Graham Harrison’s story.

PP DR ANJANA MAITRA OF ROTARY CLUB OF ROURKELA STEEL CITY, D 3261

Posted on Mar 03, 2019

#1 of 30 Women of Excellence to celebrate 30 Years of Women in Rotary

Submitted by Putul Rahul and edited by John Borst

Help Celebrate 30 years of Women in Rotary

Posted by John Borst on Feb 26, 2019

The following call for submissions is patterned after a call at District 9940 in New Zealand.

Twenty-nineteen marks the 30^th year Rotary International has officially welcomed women as members.

Rotary Clubs in the News for February 26, 2019

Posted by John Borst on Feb 26, 2019

A compendium of Rotary Clubs in the news for February 26, 2019. Yesterday and today are tests to gauge the response to a daily news feed. It will take more time to establish the system to generate posts of this nature. Based on the response to the February 25, 2019 post it appears feasible to continue such a project.

Rotary Clubs in the News for February 25, 2019

Posted by John Borst on Feb 25, 2019

A compendium of Rotary Clubs in the news for February 25, 2019

Melissa Munn Explains Métis Nation Ontario Programs Available in Dryden

Posted by John Borst on Feb 24, 2019

Melissa Munn, the coordinator of the Community Action Program for Children (CAP-C) of the Métis Nation Ontario (MNO), described the services they offer out of their office at 34 King Street.

Rotary’s Obligation to Promote a Civilized Society

Posted by John Borst on Feb 22, 2019

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., the esteemed Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932, left many opinions which guided the creation of civil society in America for much of the Twentieth Century.

To Hope or Despair, that is the Question?

Posted on Feb 21, 2019

I am proud to say I am an American because I have the good fortune to live in a country that listens and reports – it provides a journalistic communication mechanism which gives prominence to controversial personalities and their radical ideas. At the end of the day, when the disillusion with the status quo reaches a critical point, incredible change happens through the ballot box, and new ideas are put to the test for at least four years. At the individual level, the process can be so disruptive and painful that many want only that it will end. The first view offers hope; the latter only leads to despair.

The Importance of Wearing the Rotary Pin

Posted on Feb 19, 2019

I am a Japanese businessman, and I wear a suit almost every day. The Rotary pin is always on my lapel. It is there because I am proud to be a Rotarian. Anywhere I go, people will see the pin and know who I am. Other Rotarians will see it and know that I am a friend, and people who are not Rotarians will see it as well. I want to be sure that all of them also understand the meaning of this pin.

A REVOLUTION IN THE TYPES OF ROTARY CLUBS IS UNDERWAY

Posted by Elaine Thompson on Feb 18, 2019

Gone are the days when all Rotary Clubs met weekly over a meal and attendance was taken and tracked. Over the past decade, flexibility and innovation have become the mantra of Rotary International. And the grassroots have taken up the challenge of creating new ways for clubs to meet the demands of modern society and different cultures.

What Rotary can learn from AOC as symbol

Posted by John Borst on Feb 18, 2019

AOC, AOC, AOC: it’s a chant frequently heard throughout the United States since the November mid-term election. For those not of the USA, who do not follow American politics, AOC stands for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. On January 3, 2019, she became the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district and at the age of 29, the youngest woman ever to serve in the United States Congress.

Rotary Adventures in Agriculture 2018 Another Success for Dryden Students

Posted on Feb 17, 2019

Cole Ford and Ashley Armit, two students from Dryden High School, attended the 2018 Rotary Adventures in Agriculture Program in Regina organised by the Rotary Club of Regina Eastview from November 21st - 25th, 2018.

Two Books on Rotary’s Four-Way Test Available at Amazon

Posted on Feb 17, 2019

Corrine Gregory and Wallis Zbitnew, two North American Rotarians have both written books on Rotary’s take on the golden rule. While the authors bring a different approach to the task of reflecting on how the “Test” can be used in life and work, they have the same goal to use it as a means to develop a more ethical and civilised society.

The Happy, Healthy Rotarian

Posted by John Borst on Feb 14, 2019

Are Rotarians happier and healthier than most people in society? Although I could find no article which definitively answers that question, there is plenty of evidence from research that volunteering in a community through an organisation makes you happy with the result that you are more likely to be healthier as well. It is especially true if the benefits that accrue are to your community.

Are Global Grants Distorting the Heart of Rotary?

Posted by John Borst on Feb 13, 2019

The heart of Rotary is the service club and the community in which it exists. People join first and foremost because they want to give back to their community. Finding fellowship and honing leadership skills are pleasant extras.

2 Comments

How Might a Philosophy Professor Analyse Rotary’s Four-Way Test

Posted on Feb 12, 2019

At a recent meeting, the Wilmington Rotary Club invited Wilmington College Philosophy Professor Ron Rembert to share his view of Rotary’s Four-Way Test as a philosopher.

3 Comments

The Biggest Problem That No One Talks About

Posted on Feb 11, 2019

Dr Pat Love speaking to the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs, Colorado asked Rotarians to identify a malady which is more highly correlated with early morbidity than obesity, smoking and drug abuse and is also correlated with violence, careless acts and substance abuse.

Bingo is Back!

Warm Winter Clothing Drive

A Ducky Day on the Wabigoon

Household Hazardous Waste Day 2024

Community Garden's First Season!

Newly Renovated Water Slide Supported by Rotary

Trek & Tackle Program - Donate at the Library on June 1

Taking Care of Books for Sharing Boxes

Donation to Hoshizaki House

Highway Cleanup 2024

Rotary Radio Bingo Wraps up 2023-24 Season

DRCF Donation to Red Lake Hospital

Thank you for your support!

Sharing our Community's History

Looking for Host Families for 2024-25 Exchange Student

Rotary Online Auction is Back!

Coldest Night of the Year Event

Rotary Online Auction Happening in March

Swims and Skates

Rotarians on Local Radio

Rotarians Lend a Hand

Fourth Annual Amarok Christmas Matching Opportunity

Winter Warmth: A Community Effort

Essential Care Kits Packed by Rotarians

Winter Warmth Project Underway

Helping out at Dryden Fall Fest

Three New Club Members Inducted

Rotarians and the City Working Together...

Rotary Hands Over Garden to the City

Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks!

Supporting Literacy

Rotarians Enjoy Fellowship Fridays

Household Hazardous Waste Day coming in September

Another Step in Garden Construction

Have You Visited Our 'Books for Sharing' Boxes?

Another Work Party at the Community Garden

Mark Your Calendar! Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Continued Progress at the South Community Garden

Rotary Adventures in Human Rights

Going! Going! Gone! Rotary 2023 Online Auction is Now Closed

Newest Club Member Inducted

2023 Online Auction is Open

RYLA 2023 - Applications Now Open!

Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly

Preview Online Auction Items

Dryden Ice Dogs honour Rotary

Rotary Online Auction is back!

Three New Rotarians Inducted

Dryden Club Recognized for Contributions to PolioPlus

Club's Charity Foundation Supports Area Initiatives

Dryden Cares Kits

Happy to Help with Fall Fest 2022

South Dryden Community Garden Project

Book Exchange wraps up Basic Literacy & Education Month

National Truth & Reconciliation - September 30th

Lucky Ducks on the Wabigoon River

Rotarians assist at "We Run This City"

Rotarians visit Dryden District Conservation Club

New Books for Sharing Box Installed in North Dryden

Rotary and Amarok Partner with Mothers in Bangladesh

Books for Sharing Boxes on the Map!

2022 Highway Cleanup

Fundraisers for ShelterBox

April 14 Bingo Cancelled

RYLA is back!

eRYLA 2022 - The Building Blocks of Leadership

Wrapping Up our Bingo Season - Schedule Update

Cook for Peace Fundraiser

Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation supports Red Lake Hospital

Bingo is back!

Another Successful Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day