In 2003/04 Four Nanaimo Clubs donated $25,000 towards the construction of the Skateboard park at Pioneer park. Frank Allen was President and Paul Geneau, Rotarian of the year. International Service included Project Amigo in Mexico, water in Thailand and a Zimbabwe school. Fundraisers included the Dragon Boat Festival Bar and others, Citrus for Charity, bingo, club, auction hockey pool and a Tony and Tina's wedding event.

For Fellowship we golfed, met at the Dinghy Dock, toured the Art Gallery and a powder coating factory. The District Conference was in Campbell River.

In 2004/05 Rotary celebrated its 100th anniversary and all 5 clubs attended a special celebration dinner at Malaspina College.

Gill Campbell was President and Al Richmond was Rotarian of the year.

We also celebrated "Mr Rotary", Bruce  Coleman who had 52 years of perfect attendance, and instigated the creation of the clubs of: Nanaimo North, Lantzville, Parksville, Comox, Campbell River, Tacoma North and Ladysmith! Bruce was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and was one of the few to actively support women joining Rotary. 

For fundraisers we swam for Polio Plus, had an auction and wine tasting, more Citrus for Charity, Art Calendars bingo, Vegas draw and bar services. For fun we toured the construction of the Malaspina library, had a guided tour of the Linley Valley, toured the Morden Mine park and dined at the Crow and Gate and played Mini golf at Parksville.

 

Guests:  Anne Northwood, Vicky Parkhill, Lynne Chiplen

and Andrea Thomas.

 

Visiting Rotarians:  Troy DeJong and Joanne Tremblay

(Lantzville) 

 

THE GARAGE SALE  is this Saturday - 10th September. volunteers for Saturday afternoon are still welcome, 12 to 3 p.m.

The Sally Ann breakfast will be on 17th September

Youth Exchange "Meet and Greet" is on 14th September at the Rugby Club. Donations of bottles of wine for a draw and items for the silent auction are needed.

There will be a 5 club Christmas party at the Conference Centre on December 17 - details to follow.

 

New member:  Rob introduced Keith Moores as our newest member, sponsored by Paul Geneau. We look forward to his keen desire to volunteer for everything! Welcome to Rotary Keith.

 

Derek introduced Larry Stevenson , CEO and Andrea Thomas, Corridor Development of the Foundation. Larry gave an impressive and very informative presentation about the Island Rail Corridor, starting with its history based on the Federal Gov promise to induce BC to join Canada and the passing of the E & N Act in 1883, followed by the land grant to the Dunsmuirs to build the railway. The first train ran in 1886. The line has mostly been disused for many years and ICF was created in 2003 to  acquire, preserve and develop the rail corridor from Victoria to Courtenay and from Nanaimo to Port Alberni. The presentation gave us an update on where things now stand. For those who want to learn more please visit: www.islandrail.ca.