December 20, 2011 Meeting

Good afternoon all:

Our last meeting of 2011 just finished up.  Our next meeting will be on January 3, 2012. 

Our new members were inducted today.  Welcome to Michel and Leann.

We want to wish all Rotarians a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I shared a small poem at the end of our meeting today and said I would post it on the site.

Until next year...

THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Charles Olsen

'Twas the week before Christmas, when here at the Beef

All the Rotarians were meeting in hopes it would be brief

All the banners were pinned in a nice straight line,

In hopes that the Rotarians ‘O Canada’ would be sung fine;

The Rotarians were filing in, putting their name tags on display,

With visions of the Sergeant giving no fines today;

And Eric at the back collecting all the money,

50/50 tickets being sold to everybody,

When up at the front there arose such a clatter,

I turned my head to see what was the matter.

Just then, Dennis flew into the room like a flash,

threw off his jacket, and adjusted his moustache.

I hope I’m not late or I’ll have to go

Because I don’t have a dollar for that Sergeant so and so

When, what to my wondering eyes do appear,

But Tyler up front with our guests and their gear

With a lively little character some would call an old fart

I knew in a moment it must be Art

More rapid than eagles the Rotarians came

He whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now David, now Norm, now Cory and Kim

On Gloria, On Len, On Judy and Tim

To the table at the back of the hall

To get your lunch, Dash away dash away all

As chairs that were left in the aisles from days gone by,

When they met with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So to the back table the Rotarians flew,

Tyler with his guests and the Rotarian crew

And then, in a twinkling, I heard at the back

The pushing and shoving of the brat pack

As I drew in my head, and peered through the door to see,

And in come Gail, the past assistant DG

She was dressed all in fur, from her head to her toe,

And her clothes were all covered with fresh fallen snow;

A bundle of toys she had flung on her back,

And she looked like a peddler just opening her pack.

Her eyes -- how they twinkled!  Her dimples how merry!

Her cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry!
She had been out all day collecting toys

For all the unfortunate girls and boys,

Now Tyler with a drumstick held tight in his teeth,

And cranberry sauce circled his plate like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, and taller than an elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

I knew he had something that needed to be said;

He handed his drumstick to Bill

and started talking about kindness and good will

About how this time of year,

is for happiness and cheer;

He sprang to the front, gave his team a whistle,

And they all left the buffet line like the down of a thistle.

But I heard them exclaim, as they strode out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Rotary pays tribute on Remembrance Day

The Rotary Club of Estevan honoured those who have served in Canada's combat and peacekeeping efforts during the annual Remembrance Day service on November 11 at the Estevan Comprehensive School. President Tyler Knibbs laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in honour of those who have perished while serving their country. Several other Rotarians placed a wreath at the Cenotaph, or attended the service.

Rotarian celebrates renovated business

Rotary's weekly meeting on Tuesday was held in a different location. We met at the recently-renovated McDonald's on Sixth Street. Co-franchisee Tim Jenish is a Rotarian, and he invited us to have our meeting at his restaurant. Tim explained why the renovation was needed, the changes that have taken place on both the interior and the exterior of the building, and the benefits of the renovation. He also discussed the new McCafe product line that the local McDonald's boasts. Grand opening activities started on October 27, and they will continue until October 30.

Golf cart winner announced.

The Rotary Club of Estevan would like to congratulate Karen Beselt, who is the winner of our golf cart raffle. Karen's name was drawn during the first intermission of the October 14 junior hockey game between the Estevan Bruins and the Humboldt Broncos.
A total of 83 tickets were sold on the golf cart draw. We needed to sell 50 to break even, so the raffle should result in a decent profit for the club.
Rotary would like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket for the raffle.

Rotary supports the United Way

(L-R) Tim Schroh, Norm Nicol and Judy Krall were among the Rotarians who volunteered at the United Way of Estevan's Telethon on October 14 and 15. Tim, Norm and Judy answered phones during the first hour of the telethon. Other members of the club showed their support by answering phones, preparing meals, operating cameras, hosting and helping out in other capacities.

October 18, 2011

Good afternoon all:

We had a very good meeting on Tuesday with Terri giving her vocation(s) speech.  If you missed it, ask Terri what she wants to list on her name badge as her vocation. 

Bill F announced that Bienfait is holding their annual dinner theatre again this year.  In past years, we have used this as our Christmas party and enjoyed dinner and entertainment by local talent.  The event will be on Friday, November 25 starting at 6:00.  They are holding tickets for us and Bill needs to let them know how many tickets we need.  Please email him at wfonstad@sasktel.net and reserve your spot.

Art B is still looking for volunteers to help out with the bingos on Tuesday night.  Contact him if you are interested in helping out.

Dennis M announced that we will be doing Meals on Wheels again this year.  Please help out and deliver meals to the folks that need them.  It takes approximately 45 minutes out of your lunch break to lend a hand.  Contact him for exact dates and details.

Until next week...

District Governor visits Estevan Rotarians

Rotary Club of Estevan members received an update on district and international goals when district governor Eva Vida attended a meeting earlier this month.
Membership is her top priority for this year. She would like to see each club increase by at least one member this year; she applauded the local club for its desire to grow by at least two.
“While membership month for Rotary may be designated as August, membership really is a full-time job, and we continue to focus on opportunities for us to bring on more people who are like-minded, who want to serve the world and the local community,” said Vida.
Other goals are to encourage support for the Rotary Foundation, and to further polio eradication efforts. Each Rotarian is urged to donate $100 each year to the Rotary Foundation; she lauded members of the local club for their average support of more than $200.
As for polio, four countries remain endemic: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Nigeria has seen a 50 per cent reduction in the number of cases, while India hasn't had a new reported case since January of this year.
Vida's district encompasses most of Saskatchewan, all of Manitoba and part of northwest Ontario.

Originally from Hungary, her family immigrated to Canada when she was a teenager. Her theme for this year: “Peace, the Power of One.”
This year's Rotary International president, Kalyan Banerjee, has tremendous energy, Vida said, and he wants Rotarians to be introspective, to see what they have to offer to world peace and the betterment of humanity. The theme is "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity."
“He further talked about the theme, or described the theme, as an opportunity for us to look within, to understand that all of humanity has similar dreams, similar hopes, the same aspirations and similar problems,” said Vida.
Three areas of focus this year are family, continuity and change. Banerjee believes that the core of every family is a mother and a child, and a good family is the building block of a good community, country and world. But it's hard to have a good family when you can't afford food or medication.Banerjee has encouraged projects that consider basic human rights and improving the well-being of others.Vida encouraged the local club to meet the continuity goal by continuing with what they have been doing well.“Your club has been around for a while,” said Vida. “It is growing and vibrant. It was wonderful to have an opportunity to meet with your board to review some of the things that you have been involved with in the support of your community.”Change is inevitable, she said, and the club has to be prepared to change that which isn't working.
Vida hopes to see as many people from the local Rotary club as possible at the district convention in Winnipeg from June 7 to 10, 2012.
Also during her visit, she met with local executive members to find out what the local club is doing in Estevan, presented a district governor's banner to our president, Tyler Knibbs, and handed over a 30-year perfect attendance pin to Eric Pullam.

Captions:
1) District governor Eva Vida spoke at a Rotary Club meeting recently.
2) President Tyler Knibbs accepted a district governor's banner from Eva Vida.
3) Eva Vida presented a 30-year perfect attendance pin to Eric Pullam.

Showcase was a big success

The Rotary Club of Estevan, the Estevan Lions Club and the Estevan and District Board of Tourism, Trade and Commerce organized a very successful Showcase business expo this year. Nearly 3,000 people attended this year's Showcase, which was held from September 23 to 25 at Spectra Place. It marked the first time that Showcase has been held inside the new events centre.
There were 1,045 people who attended on September 23, 1,314 on September 24 and 613 on September 25, for total attendance of 2,975.
A total of 85 exhibitors were part of Showcase this year. They brought kitchen supplies, home furnishings, showers, electronics, agriculture implements, toys, food, jewelry and clothes to Showcase. Other exhibitors were selling real estate, telecommunication services and healthy living ideas.
Most of the exhibitors were located on the arena's floor. A protective covering was placed atop Spectra Place's ice surface. There were also a few outdoor exhibitors in front of the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Spectra Place can accommodate even more exhibitors.

Rotarians found several ways to be involved at Showcase. Some worked security during the overnight hours. Others volunteered took admission at the front entrance. And other Rotarians had booths at Showcase.

Captions (from top picture to the bottom):
1) Art Beselt and Rev. Eric Pullam flank a Rotary Shelterbox tent that was on display at Showcase.
2) Paul Kwan from Family's Great Gifts flew a toy helicopter.

3) Jaycee Neff enjoyed sitting in a John Deere Tractor.

4) Rotarian Bill Fonstad (right) learned more about Walker's Water Systems while at Showcase.

Rotary supports the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home

The Rotary Club of Estevan and the Estevan Rotary Foundation have each committed $50,000 towards the drive to build a new nursing home in Estevan, for a total commitment of $100,000.
Rotary Club of Estevan president Tyler Knibbs presented the first $10,000 to Hearthstone Community Campaign members Don Kindopp and Vern Buck during a recent Rotary meeting. The club and the foundation will each make donations of $10,000 over the next five years.
The Hearthstone Community Campaign is the committee that is fundraising for the new nursing home. Buck said that they recently received an anonymous $500,000 donation from an individual who wants to see a new nursing home constructed in Estevan.
The campaign needs to collect $8 million before the provincial government will give the project the green light. The estimated cost of a new nursing home is $40 million.

Photo caption: Hearthstone Community Campaign administration chair Don Kindopp and campaign chair Vern Buck accept a cheque for $10,000 from Rotary Club of Estevan president Tyler Knibbs.

September 6, 2011

Good afternoon all:

Our September 6 meeting was Sara Pippus in regards to the Hillcrest School breakfast program.  She brought forth some good points about the breakfast club as well as the after school programs they are starting.  If anyone has any questions or wishes to volunteer for any of the programs contact Sara Pippus at 634-4931 or email at sara.pippus@cornerstonesd.ca.

Our Rotary Bingo season is once again upon us and Art is looking for volunteers to call and help out at the bingos.  The bingos are on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 at the Access building.  If you are interested in helping out contact Art B.

Our schedule for upcoming meetings are:
     Sept 13 - Trimount Developments regarding Peterson Point Condos
     Sept 20 - Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting
     Sept 27 - Tracy Lewis Miller, new Marketing Director for the Estevan Motor Speedway

Guess who's coming to dinner?  We have an exciting event to meet with fellow Rotarians outside of a formal meeting setting.  Sign up to host or just to go for dinner.  You will get an email a week in advance asking you to bring something to the dinner.  You will then get an email the day of the dinner that will direct you at whose house you will be dining.  You do not know whose house you will be dining or who you will be dining with until the day of the event.  It is a great way to socialize with fellow Rotarians.  To sign up, please contact Gloria C and she will set it up.  You can email her at gloria.chicoine@sasktel.net.  Gloria would like all replies by Sept 9 so you still have time to sign up. 

Until next week...

Rotary continues to support 4-H

The Rotary Club of Estevan continued its support of local youth in agriculture during the Rotary 4-H Show and Sale July 9 at the Estevan Exhibition Grounds. Rotarians sponsored an award for the reserve champion female cow, which was won by Riley Lafrentz. Thanks to Rotarians Bill Fonstad, Charles Olsen and Brian McKinnon for helping out during the evening.

This year's auction was once again a success. Fifty-five animals were sold during the event. Colten Brokenshire had the grand champion steer; the 1,358-pound animal sold for $5.00 per pound to Sherritt Coal. Jonathon Geisel had the reserve champion steer; it sold for $3.75 per pound to Redhead Equipment.

The Outram-Madigan, Browning, Crossroads and Benson 4-H Clubs were involved in this year's show.

Rotary at the Races

The Rotary Club of Estevan volunteered at the Estevan Motor Speedway races on June 29. Rotarians barbecued and wrapped hamburgers and hot dogs, stocked shelves, served customers and performed other tasks at the track's concession area.

Rotary will once again volunteer at the races on Monday, July 11. A few volunteers are still needed for that program. The program will be Estevan's stop on the Dakota Classic Modified Tour, and it's typically the biggest race program of the year in Estevan, so we'll certainly be busy that night.

GSE Team visits Estevan Rotary.

The Rotary Club of Estevan had the pleasure of hosting a team from Brazil this week through the Rotary Group Study Exchange. We learned more about the nation, and about each member of the team at a supper meeting on Tuesday night at the Days Inn.

Also during the meeting, Rotary handed out Paul Harris Fellowship Awards to those who have reached milestones for donations to the Rotary Foundation. Art Beselt was recognized for being a major donor, which means that he has contributed at least $10,000. Larry Pangborn, Kim Marcotte and Reynold Bert were presented with multi-sapphire pins for their support. Herb Padwick was recognized for donating $2,000. Lynn Chipley, Bill Fonstad, Brian Pilloud, David Quirk and David Willberg were presented with Paul Harris Fellowships for donating $1,000, and Ron Areshenkoff was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship on behalf of his father, Nick.

Lobsterfest was a huge success

The Rotary Club of Estevan's Lobsterfest was once again a huge success, as we managed to raise tens of thousands of dollars for our projects locally and internationally.

Lobsterfest was held on Friday, June 10 at the brand new Spectra Place events centre in Estevan. It was the first time that we have been able to use Spectra Place for Lobsterfest; previous editions were held in the Civic Auditorium.

Nearly 700 people were served a fresh, whole Atlantic lobster that was shipped to Estevan earlier in the day. Steak, baked potatoes, buns and salads were served with the lobster. And, of course, supporters could enjoy a beverage at our Atlantic spirits bar.

There was also a silent auction, which helped to raise thousands of dollars for the club.

Rotary would like to thank everybody who attended Lobsterfest this year, and helped to make it the best ever. We'd also like to thank all of the volunteers who allow this event to be the success that it is on an annual basis. We look forward to seeing you at Lobsterfest 2012.

Rotarians at Work: Lobsterfest set-up

Lobsterfest was a lot of fun this year, and we once again managed to raise tens of thousands of dollars for our community and international projects. But it was also a lot of work. Rotarians, along with some of their family members, were at Spectra Place on Thursday, June 9, to complete much of the set-up that was needed for Lobsterfest this year. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

GSE Team off to next stop

Good morning all:

The Brazilian GSE team is off to Regina for the next leg of their tour.  I would like to thank all the Rotarians that helped out with the team while they were in Estevan.  If you missed the Tuesday night meeting, you missed a very good one.  The team gave a presentation about their lives in Brazil.  While they were in Estevan, they toured the coal mine, Shand power station and the greenhouse, Customs and Immigration in North Portal, and Energy Training Institute.  The members also got a chance at a vocational experience.  We sent a couple to ECS, a member to the Chamber and a member over to Spectra Credit Union.  A special thank you to the host families and to Norm N and his wife for organizing the BBQ and giving up their house for an evening of entertaining. 

June 7, 2011 meeting

Good afternoon all:

We had an interesting meeting on Tuesday with Brian Dueck from the Woodlawn Golf Course. He gave us an update on future construction and the flooding that has occurred this year. 

Ryan S was the winner of the draw of the receipt for the Shelter Box.  Congratulations Ryan!!

Friday evening is Lobsterfest.  I hope everyone is ready as it has been sold out.  Ron A has arranged TV's to be set up for the evening for the Stanley Cup finals.  Please remember the clean up that will be occurring on Saturday morning.  Many hands make light work. 

The GSE team is coming to Estevan on Sunday evening.  They will be touring the Estevan area on Monday and Tuesday and will be making a presentation at the Rotary meeting.  The meeting has been moved from a lunch meeting to a supper meeting and will start at 6:30 on Tuesday, June 14th. 

Cory has a sign up sheet for the race track concession for the nights that Rotary as agreed to work.  Contact him for further information. 

Duty roster for the June 14th meeting are:
          Greeters - Andrea S and John S
          Student pick up - Allison H
          Rotary Minute - Jerry B

See you all at Lobsterfest on Friday.

Rotary Connection Night

Rotary Club of Estevan members enjoyed wings and fellowship during a Rotary Connection Night on Tuesday, May 24 at the Estevan Church of God. Four different flavours of wings were served to 20 different Rotarians who were in attendance. A few guests were also present.

Five members of the club - Mike Horton, Charles Olson, Brian Pilloud, Judy Krall and Norm Nichol - discussed why they joined Rotary, and some of the opportunities that they have enjoyed since they became part of the Rotary Club of Estevan.

The connection night was held on a Tuesday night, and it took the place of our regular Tuesday meeting at the Days Inn. We'll return to our normal Tuesday meeting schedule on May 31.

Rotary would like to thank the Estevan Church of God for allowing us to use their facility, and we'd like to thank the church members who prepared the wings. It was an enjoyable evening for all who attended.

Rotary Connection Night

Good day all:

Just a reminder that today's meeting (May 24, 2011) will be an evening meeting at the Church of God, 1920 Wellock Road.  The program is selected speakers with a Rotary Theme.  The time is 6:30 with Mike H providing the wings and "fixins".  Hope to see you there. 

May 10, 2011 meeting

Good afternoon all:

The meeting today was about the National House of Prayer (http://www.nhop.ca/).  It is a group established in 2005 that is committed to praying for the Government of Canada.  Their heart is to establish an ongoing positive Christian presence in Canada's capital as they seek to fulfill 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

Tickets for the Lobsterfest are going quickly.  Approximately 300 have been sold to date.  Please speak with Brian P if you need tickets to sell. 

Tomorrow, May 11, is McHappy Day at the Estevan McDonald's.  A dollar from every purchase of a McDonald's coffee, Big Mac, or Happy meal will go toward the Ronald McDonald House.

Norm P announced the upcoming Gala for the St Joseph's Hospital Foundation.  The gala happens on Friday, May 13 at the Day's Inn Plaza.  Contact Norm P or Roxy Blackmore for tickets or more information.

Also on Friday May 13, a concert featuring former resident Chris Henderson, will occur at the Estevan Exhibition Centre.  Proceeds will go toward the Souris Valley Theatre to constuct an outdoor refreshment area and patio. 

Duty roster for the May 17th meeting:
Greeters, Kim M and Dennis M
Student pickup, Ken S
Rotary Minute, Eric P

Upcoming events:
Rotary Connection Night - May 24, 2011 (evening meeting, email Norm N for your reservation)
Lobsterfest - June 10, 2011 (committees formed and handed out at meeting)
District Conference - June 10-12 in Dauphin, Mb
Brazilian GSE team presentation - June 14, 2011 (evening meeting)

May 3, 2011 Meeting

Good afternoon all:

Our May 3 lunch meeting consisted of Michel Cyrenne giving his vocational presentation.  Victor also gave a small presentation about the Youth exchange get together in Russell, Manitoba that he attended over the weekend. 

Please note that our regular Tuesday, May 24th meeting will move from a lunch meeting to an evening program.  We will be meeting at the Church of God (1920 Wellock Road) at 6:30.  We are having a special "Rotary Connection Night".  The night has been planned to give us an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship of our fellow Rotarians in a setting that is different from our regular lunch meetings.  There will be wings and all the "fixins" plus desert.  To help with preparations for the evening, please confirm your attendance to Norm via email by May 20, 2011.  His email is Norm.Nicol@spectracu.com

The duty roster for the May 10 meeting are:
          Tim S and Judy K are greeters
          Melanie P is student pickup
          Cory P is Rotary Minute

Rotary members who are on program committee for the month of May are Jerry B, Norm N, Herb P, Len M, and David Q. 

Upcoming Rotary events include:

Rotary International Convention in New Orleans - May 21-25, 2011
Rotary Connection Night - May 24, 2011 (evening meeting instead of lunch meeting)
Lobsterfest - Friday, June 10, 2011
District Conference in Dauphin - June 10-12, 2011
Brazilian GSE team - June 12-14, 2011

April 19, 2011 meeting

Good afternoon all;

We had a very interesting vocational presentation by Leann Boehm at the meeting. 

Donna F still has tickets left for the Shelter Box Tax receipt. 

Lobsterfest tickets have been distributed and are on sale.  Lobsterfest is scheduled for June 10, so mark it on your calendar. 

The canadian GSE team has arrived in Brazil and are now on their tour.  Follow their blog at http://brazilgse2011.blogspot.com/

I am still looking for host families for the Brazilian team when they visit our district in June. 

Duty Roster for the April 26 meeting is:
Reynold B and Tim L are greeters.
Kim M is student pickup
KateLee D is Rotary Minute.

Until Tuesday...

GSE Blog site address

 Good day all:

The address for the blog site for the Canadian team traveling to Brazil from district 5550 is below.  They just had their orientation weekend and got the blog site up and running. 

http://brazilgse2011.blogspot.com/

Duty roster for April 19, 2011

Good day all:

Just a reminder of the duty roster for the April 19, 2011 meeting. 
Bill F is greeter, Herb P is student pickup and Ryan S is Rotary Minute.

I am still looking for hosts for the GSE team coming in June.  If you are interested in helping out, please let me know.

Shelterbox raffle is still going on.  Please talk to Donna F for tickets.

We are running the concession at the Estevan Motor Speedway track for certain race nights.  Please see Cory P for dates and times. 

Congratulations to Judy K on her nomination for Women of Today Awards.  Good luck!!

Charles

April 5, 2011 meeting

Good day all:

We had an interesting meeting on Tuesday with a speaker from the Sask Watershed Authorithy.  She discussed how and why the Watershed Authority was created. 

We are raffling off a shelter box.  Not quite.  Buy a $20.00 dollar ticket and get a chance to win the tax receipt for the shelterbox.  Once we have sold enough tickets for the shelterbox, a draw will be made and the lucky winner will win the tax receipt for the shelterbox and get the tracking number for the box so you can log in and follow your shelterbox's journey.  Please see Donna F if you have not gotten your ticket.

GSE host families are still needed.  If you are interested in hosting a GSE team member from Brazil on June 12, 13, and 14, please let me know.  It is not very often that you get a chance to have someone from a different country stay and share their culture with you. 

Greeters for the April 12 meeting are Gail D and David Q.
Student pickup is Gloria C

Dennis Moore is on for the Rotary Minute so we are looking forward to an entertaining and insightful minute.

Until next time......

Rotary Auction Photos.

Our 48th annual Auction on Thursday night was a big success. Nearly 100 people registered for the event, and they were able to bid on a wide variety of merchandise, plus gift certificates, which were all donated by local businesses and organizations. An estimated $13,000 was raised during the auction, and another $4,000 came in through cash donations. The money raised will go to various Rotary community projects.

Thanks to the businesses and everyone else who donated items towards the auction, those who turned out to bid on the auction items, and everyone who was involved with setting up and running the auction. Also thanks to Mack Auction Services for once again serving as auctioneers, and the Girl Guides for preparing sandwiches which were very popular during the event.

Rotary Auction in the books

Good day all:

The auction is in the books for another year.  All went smooth other than a missing gift certificate or two.  With the 2 auctioneers from Mack Auctions, things kept moving and we had most of the items sold by 9:00.  A huge thank you to all the Rotarians and others that helped set up, clean up and make the 48th auction the success it was. 

Now we can turn our attention to our next big event.  Lobsterfest, coming to a Spectra Place near you.....

March 21, 2011 Meeting

Good day all:

Just a quick review of what happened at the March 21st meeting. 

A presentation from the Envision Councelling which was formerly VIP Services. 

I will be looking for volunteers for the upcoming Rotary Auction on Thursday night.  I need a couple of bid spotters, recorders and money handlers.  We will also be setting up on Thursday about 3:00 in the afternoon.  The more help we get, the faster it goes!!

Greeters for the March 29 meeting are Gloria and Carroll.

Rotary Minute is Edie and student pick up is Jerry.

April is Magazine month.  Rotarians on the program committee for the month of April are:  Larry P, John S. Tamara B, and Megan K. 

See you all Tuesday!!

Rotary supports Spectra Place

The Rotary Club of Estevan has been a proud supporter of the new Spectra Place events centre that has been under construction in our community.
Rotarians will be busy during the Spectra Place fundraising supper on March 25. We will have 10 or 11 volunteers working at the bar that night, serving drinks to supporters of the new arena. And several Rotarians have been serving on the steering committee for the new arena fundraiser.
The benefit supper will be held on the floor of the new events centre this year. Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke will be the guest speaker. He will be joined by fellow Leaf executive member Dave Nonis, Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant and several members of the Trail Smoke Eaters 1961 World Championship hockey team. Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen will be the master of ceremonies.
Rotary has volunteered at the new arena fundraiser each year since the first one in 2007. We have also purchased the naming rights to three sections at Spectra Place, for a total of $50,000, and many Rotarians have purchased the naming rights to seats inside the venue.

Rotary Auction is on March 31

Our 48th annual Rotary Auction will take place on Thursday, March 31 at the Estevan Shoppers Mall. Browsing will begin at 5 p.m. and the auction will start at 6 p.m.
Our auction is one of our top fundraisers of the year. This year we have collected about $19,000 worth of merchandise, and another $5,000 in gift certificates. So this year's auction should once again be the "Best Ever!"
The auction has enjoyed excellent support from the business community. We have something from just about everyone, and we'll have something for almost everyone.
Merchandise will cover everything from clothing to jewelry, while the gift certificates range from oil changes to eye exams.
Proceeds from our auction will go to Rotary projects in the community.
A few volunteers will be needed to help set up the merchandise and the gift certificates in the afternoon of March 31, and then many people will be needed to help out with the auction that night.

Southeast Newcomer Services - March 15, 2011

Good afternoon all:
If you missed the meeting, you missed a very good presentation made by members of the Southeast Newcomer Services. 
They are a group set up to help newcomers and immigrants find the information, resources, services and people they need to make their move to Southeast Saskatchewan a success.  They schedule language assessment appointments, connect newcomers with career and employment services, provide free access to computer and internet as well as find community groups who share ethno-cultural backgrounds and interests.  If you wish to find out more about the programs they offer, send them an email to: newcomerinfo@southeastcollege.org or visit them Monday to Friday from 8:30 - 5:00 in Room 159 at the Southeast College Campus or call at 306-637-4920.  You can also find them on facebook.

Rotary Upcoming Events:
Leisure Centre fund raising supper - Friday, March 25, 2011
48th Annual Rotary Auction - Thursday, March 31, 2011

We are still looking for hosts for the GSE team coming from Brazil.  They will be in the city from June 12th to June 15th.  More information will follow.

Next weeks program is Envision Counselling and Support Centre.

New Blog Site

Welcome to the Estevan Rotary Club blog site.  We hope to post weekly blogs to keep everyone up to date of what our club is doing.  We can post updates of our meetings, our fundraisers, and our weekly speakers.  If you have any ideas for the content of the blog site, send me an email and I will see what we can make happen.

Until next time...