Rotary Halifax Harbour Earns Bronze EnviroClub Award
Rotary Halifax Harbour is proud to announce that we have been awarded the 2024–2025 Bronze EnviroClub Award by Rotary District 7815. This recognition highlights our club’s commitment to Rotary’s newest Area of Focus: the environment.
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Peace, People, and Purpose: Michaela’s Fellowship Abroad
Spring has arrived in Uppsala, Sweden, and Rotary Peace Fellow Michaela has been making the most of a busy and inspiring season abroad. As part of the prestigious Rotary Peace Fellowship program, Michaela continues to represent Rotary Halifax Harbour with warmth, energy, and dedication to global peacebuilding.
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Celebrating Youth Service Month: Jules' Rotary Youth Exchange Adventure 🌍
May is Youth Service Month, a time to highlight how Rotary empowers and uplifts youth around the world. One of Rotary’s most impactful youth programs is Rotary Youth Exchange — and this year, our club has had the joy of hosting Jules from Italy.
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Eileen Millett Honoured with Halifax Volunteer Award
Rotary Halifax Harbour is proud to celebrate Eileen Millett, co-coordinator of the PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools) program at Joseph Howe Elementary School, who was recently recognized with a Halifax Volunteer Award.
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Rotarians Roll Up Their Sleeves for Earth Month Cleanup
As part of Rotary Halifax Harbour’s ongoing commitment to community service and environmental stewardship, a group of Rotarians came together in April for a neighbourhood cleanup at the George Dixon Community Centre in Halifax’s North End.
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Protecting Our Coastline: Earth Day Webinar with the Ecology Action Centre
On Earth Day 2025, Rotary Halifax Harbour welcomed Mimi from the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) for a thought-provoking webinar focused on climate change, coastal adaptation, and the importance of environmental advocacy in Nova Scotia.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Launches Pedal-Powered Meetings for Environment Month
As part of Rotary International’s commitment to supporting the environment, Rotary Halifax Harbour is proud to launch a new sustainability initiative this April:
Pedal-Powered Meetings. |
About Those Pedal-Powered Meetings...
If you saw our recent announcement about powering Rotary Halifax Harbour’s meetings by stationary bike this April — we have a confession to make: It was an April Fools’ joke. |
Cogs of Community Podcast: The Magic of Rotary with Don Sword
The latest episode of Cogs of Community is here, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! This week, we sit down with Don Sword, a two-time Rotary District Governor and lifelong Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Rotary Youth Exchange Students Make an Impact in Halifax
This weekend, Rotary Youth Exchange students from District 7815 gathered in Halifax for an unforgettable experience filled with learning, connection, and community impact.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Welcomes District 7815 Governor Don Sword
Last Friday, January 17, 2025, Rotary Halifax Harbour was honoured to host Don Sword, the current District Governor (DG) for District 7815. Don, who stepped into the role following Jillian Gibson’s leave for health reasons, brought a wealth of experience, insights, and inspiration to the club. A past DG himself and a long-standing Rotarian, Don's visit marked an engaging and informative session for all attendees.
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Cogs of Community Podcast: Mid-Year Update with President Dave Kowlessar
In this episode, host Thomas Paul chats with President Dave Kowlessar about Rotary Halifax Harbour’s progress so far and exciting plans ahead. Find Cogs of Community on your favourite podcast app or listen here.
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In Memory of Terry Pond
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our fellow Rotarian, Terry Pond, who passed away on January 3, 2025. Terry was a member of Rotary for more than four decades, joining Rotary Halifax Harbour in 2004 after being a founding member of the Rotary Club of Oromocto. His dedication to Rotary and service to the community earned him the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship medal.
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Celebrating Vocational Month at Rotary Halifax Harbour
In Rotary, Vocational Month is a time to celebrate the power of diverse skills and expertise. At Rotary Halifax Harbour, our strength lies in the incredible range of professions and talents our members bring to the table. We are not an organization for one type of "professional." Instead, we thrive because of our members’ varied vocations, all united by a shared commitment to service and community.
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Exciting Changes Coming to the Rotary Halifax Harbour Express!
Starting in January, we’re introducing a brand-new format for the Rotary Halifax Harbour Express. This update is designed not only to better engage our members but also to make our newsletter more appealing to the public, helping to promote our club’s mission and activities to a wider audience.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Brings Holiday Cheer with 100 Christmas Hampers
This past weekend, Rotary Halifax Harbour demonstrated the power of community and generosity by assembling and delivering 100 Christmas Hampers to families and individuals in need across Halifax.
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Supporting Moms in Need: Rotary Halifax Harbour Joins the PJ Drive
This holiday season, Rotary Halifax Harbour is proud to partner with Rogers and the NS Provincial Council in their annual PJ Drive for Women. For the past four years, this initiative has provided pajamas to the women residing at Adsum House during the holidays, ensuring they feel supported and comforted.
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Spreading Holiday Joy: Christmas Hampers for Families in Need
Rotary Halifax Harbour is proud to continue its tradition of spreading holiday cheer with our Christmas Hampers initiative. This year, we’re expanding our efforts to deliver 100 hampers to families and individuals in need across the Halifax area. This project represents our most ambitious effort yet, and we are grateful for the incredible support that makes it possible.
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Joseph Howe Elementary Students Create Artwork for Rotary Fundraiser
Earlier this year, Rotary Halifax Harbour partnered with Joseph Howe Elementary on an exciting art project to support a small fundraiser. The collaboration invited students to create artwork to be featured on a set of generic greeting cards.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Spreads Holiday Cheer at Holiday SocialOn December 11, Rotary Halifax Harbour members and friends gathered at Big Leagues in Bayers Lake for a festive and fun-filled holiday social. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with one another, and reflect on the incredible community we’ve built together.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Joins BlueSky!
We’re excited to announce that Rotary Halifax Harbour has officially joined BlueSky, the emerging social media network that’s redefining how we connect online. You can find us on BlueSky at @rotaryhfxharbour.bsky.social. Our account will be managed by Alex Handyside and the PR team, ensuring we stay engaged with both our members and the wider community.
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Share Your Stories: Help Us Showcase Rotary Halifax Harbour’s Impact
At Rotary Halifax Harbour, we’re incredibly proud of the amazing work our members do—whether it’s in service projects, events, or community outreach. To share these efforts with a wider audience, we rely on your stories, pictures, and updates.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer: Christmas Cards for Seniors with Jack 92.9, Rogers, and Rotary Halifax Harbour
On December 9, 2024, Rotary Halifax Harbour partnered with Rogers, Jack 92.9, and the Northwood Foundation to bring holiday cheer to seniors as part of the “Christmas Card & Giving Tree Campaign.” The event, known as "Jack's Festive Fave," took place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Northwood Residences, marking the culmination of this heartwarming initiative.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour AGM Elects Leadership Team for 2025/26 Rotary Year
Rotary Halifax Harbour held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 6, 2024, under the leadership of immediate past president Godfred Chongatera. The AGM provided members with an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the 2023/2024 Rotary year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024). During the meeting, members officially accepted the annual report and participated in the election of the club's leadership team for the 2025/26 Rotary year.
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Improving Meeting Experience for Online Participants
Rotary Halifax Harbour is committed to ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all our members, whether attending in person or online. Based on feedback from our online participants, we are making a change to improve the sound quality during meetings.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Welcomes Three New Members
On December 6, 2024, Rotary Halifax Harbour was thrilled to welcome three new members to our vibrant club. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and fresh perspectives to our mission of service above self.
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Supporting ShelterBox Canada: A Giving Tuesday Success
This past Giving Tuesday, Rotary Halifax Harbour once again rallied to support ShelterBox Canada, a global leader in disaster relief. Through the generosity of our members and friends, we are thrilled to announce that we exceeded our fundraising goal of $2,500—an amount that will be doubled to maximize its impact.
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Give to ShelterBox, this Giving TuesdayRC Halifax Harbour is, because donations to ShelterBox this Giving Tuesday (December 3rd) will be doubled due to the generosity of some Rotary clubs! |
Rotary Halifax Harbour Welcomes Three New Members
On November 15, 2024, Rotary Halifax Harbour was excited to welcome three new members to our club. Each brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, strengthening our mission of service above self.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Volunteers Raise $27,000 at Magnetic World Music Festival
On September 28 and 29, Rotary Halifax Harbour members rolled up their sleeves to run the bar at the Magnetic World Music Festival in Halifax. This incredible opportunity not only offered a fun and rewarding volunteer experience but also helped raise an astounding $27,000 to support the club’s many impactful projects.
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Pints for Polio Raises $2,600 to Support Polio Eradication
This past October, Rotary clubs across the Halifax region came together for a night of fun, community, and fundraising at Pints for Polio, hosted at Celtic Corner in Dartmouth. The event was a collaboration between five local Rotary clubs: Halifax Harbour, Halifax Northwest, Dartmouth, Dartmouth East, and Sackville and Area. Together, we raised an incredible $2,600 for Rotary International’s PolioPlus program.
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Halifax Nocturne Festival SocialJoin us for a fun social evening at the Halifax Nocturne Festival on Saturday, October 19th! Halifax Nocturne is a celebration of contemporary art, transforming the city with immersive art installations and performances in unexpected public spaces, all free to explore. If you're free and interested in spending a creative night together, please reach out to Lauren. We'd love to experience the magic of the festival with you! You can see more about the festival here: https://nocturnehalifax.ca/
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Tuskegee's Hidden Figures in Polio History: A Legacy of Perseverance and the Ongoing Fight to End PolioThe fight against polio has been marked by the courage and determination of unsung heroes. Among these are the healthcare workers and scientists at Tuskegee University, whose contributions during segregation made a profound impact on the development of the polio vaccine. In a world where Black patients were often denied proper care, the Infantile Paralysis Center at John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital, located on the Tuskegee campus, was the only place in the U.S. providing treatment exclusively for Black polio patients in the 1940s and 1950s.
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Exploring Rotary Halifax Harbour’s International Impact: Join Us on October 24th
Rotary’s impact extends far beyond our community. Rotary International and our club have a rich history of global engagement, supporting initiatives like ShelterBox, The Aninga Project, Roll Out the Barrel, Kiva, and, of course, the Polio Plus campaign.
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Honouring Mayor Mike Savage
We were thrilled to have Mayor Mike Savage join us at Rotary Halifax Harbour on October 4th, 2024. Throughout his time as Mayor, Mike has consistently shown up for the community, supporting numerous organizations and causes, including our own. In recognition of his dedication and support, we proudly inducted Mayor Savage as an honourary member of Rotary Halifax Harbour. We are grateful for all he has done for Halifax and look forward to seeing what comes next in his journey. Thank you, Mayor Savage, for being a true champion for our city!
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Join Us for Pints for Polio!
On October 21, 2024, the Rotary Clubs of HRM are hosting Pints for Polio at Celtic Corner in Dartmouth! For just $25, you’ll get a delicious burger and beer, with $5 from every ticket going directly to End Polio Now. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and the offer is available from 11 AM to the kitchen close. It’s a great way to enjoy good food, good company, and support an amazing cause! Let’s give polio the finger and raise some money. Learn more here.
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Help Us #GivePolioTheFinger this October
This October, Rotary Halifax Harbour is stepping up in the global fight against polio through our #GivePolioTheFinger campaign. You may be familiar with the tradition of marking pinkie fingers with purple dye after a child receives the polio vaccine, signifying protection from this crippling disease. With this campaign, we’re asking our members and supporters to symbolically “give polio the finger”—to take a stand, spread awareness, and rally behind Rotary’s efforts to end polio for good.
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Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Rotary Halifax Harbour’s Role in a Nova Scotia Context
On September 30, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and communities and to reflect on the ongoing journey toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As Rotarians in Nova Scotia, this day holds deep meaning as it aligns with our core values of truth, fairness, and building goodwill and better friendships. It reminds us of our shared responsibility to support healing and understanding, especially in the context of the Mi'kmaq, the original inhabitants of this land, and the enduring impacts of colonialism.
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Shae’s Adventures in Citizenship: A Journey of Growth and Connection
This week, we had the pleasure of hearing from Shae Reimer, who represented Rotary Halifax Harbour at the Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa last May. From exploring Parliament Hill and visiting historical landmarks to experiencing dorm life and becoming pen-pals with her roommate Rachel, Shae’s journey was full of impactful experiences.
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Beyond Borders 2025: Save the Date and Pre-Register Now!
We’re excited to share the news about Beyond Borders 2025, an incredible event happening during the Rotary International Convention in Calgary. Set to take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Calgary Zoo, this event will bring together Rotarians and Rotaractors from Zones 28 and 32 for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun. Learn more and pre-register here: https://www.beyondborders2025.com/
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Supports The Aninga Project with an Additional $5,000 Donation!
On September 20, our club was thrilled to present The Aninga Project with an additional $5,000 in support of their incredible work. The Aninga Project is dedicated to funding the education and empowerment of young women in East Africa, with a focus on Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Welcome, Jules! A Year of Adventure and Discovery Awaits!
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student, Jules, to Halifax! 🤗 Coming all the way from Italy, Jules is about to embark on an exciting year-long adventure, exploring everything that Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Canada have to offer. 🍁 We couldn’t be more excited to see how this journey unfolds and to have Jules become part of our vibrant community. Benvenuto in Canada, Jules! Siamo felici di averti qui con noi e non vediamo l'ora di mostrarti tutto ciò che Halifax e il Canada hanno da offrire! (Welcome to Canada, Jules! We are so happy to have you with us and can’t wait to show you all that Halifax and Canada have to offer!) |
Celebrating Basic Education and Literacy Month with Rotary Halifax Harbour!
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Exploring Culture Through Food: The Jollof-Off Social at Rotary Halifax Harbour
Our recent Jollof-Off social potluck was a delicious exploration of this iconic dish and a chance for Rotarians and friends to come together and share some awesome food. Thank you to Jillian and Mike for graciously hosting the event and providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Mayoral Candidate Waye Mason
In the lead-up to municipal elections in Halifax this October, we have invited mayoral candidates to speak to the club about their vision for Halifax. This week, we heard from Waye Mason. Important Note: Rotary Halifax Harbour is a non-political organization that does not endorse any political candidate or their comments. To protect our position on this, this week's speaker video will only be available to members upon request.
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Welcome Jahnae, Bill, and SalwaWe are excited to welcome three new members to our growing club of doers! Welcome Jahnea, Bill, and Salwa!    |
In Memoriam: Tom O'Handley
With profound sadness, we share the passing of Tom O'Handley, a cherished former member of Rotary Halifax Harbour. Tom’s warmth, humour, and dedication made him an integral part of our Rotary family and the broader community. All who knew him felt his kindness and generosity, and he left a lasting impact through his commitment to service and his infectious joy for life. You can view Tom’s obituary, leave a message, and watch the live stream of the celebration of life here.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Exchange Student Returns from Brazil: Simon's Year of Adventure and LearningAt our latest Rotary Halifax Harbour meeting, we enjoyed hearing from Simon, our outbound exchange student, who recently returned from a year-long adventure in Brazil. Simon’s presentation was not just a recount of his experiences but a reflection on the personal growth and cultural immersion he underwent during his exchange.  |
Short on Time? Try a Membership Short |
Exploring Rotary Membership: Challenges and OpportunitiesUnderstanding membership dynamics is crucial as Rotary continues its mission to bring together leaders who want to make a difference in their communities and beyond. In August, Rotary Halifax Harbour dedicated a special two-part series of the Cogs of Community podcast to exploring the current state of Rotary membership and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.   |
Growing Together: Celebrating Membership and New Club Development Month
August is here, and with it comes an exciting opportunity to focus on what makes Rotary thrive – our members! At Rotary Halifax Harbour, we are thrilled to celebrate Membership and New Club Development Month, a time dedicated to enhancing our reach and impact by attracting and retaining passionate people eager to make a difference in their communities.
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Paul Radford's Overview of the Rotary Halifax Harbour Charitable TrustDuring a recent Friday morning meeting, Rotary Halifax Harbour member Paul Radford shared valuable insights about the club's Charitable Trust. Paul delved into the structure, purpose, and benefits of the Charitable Trust, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role and operations. Watch Paul's talk here: https://youtu.be/LsDHLeeMbdw?si=uzMbUsG-Az3TbIyl&t=2086
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Doug Logan's Insights on Rotary Membership: A Path to Growth and ExcellenceAt our recent Friday morning meeting, members of Rotary Halifax Harbour heard from Doug Logan, a membership coordinator in Rotary Zone 28, who joined via Zoom to discuss the current state and future of Rotary membership. Doug's insightful talk covered a range of topics, including the challenges and opportunities facing Rotary clubs in North America.  |
Discover the One Million Club: A New Podcast Episode from Rotary Halifax Harbour
We are excited to share a new episode of our podcast, Cogs of Community, featuring a conversation with Dav Kowlessar, the president of Rotary Halifax Harbour. In this episode, we dive into the transformative concept of the One Million Club, an initiative aimed at making a million-dollar impact through collective efforts in fundraising, volunteer work, and community projects. |
Celebrating Inclusion and Community: Rotary Halifax Harbour at Halifax Pride 2024
This past weekend, Rotary Halifax Harbour proudly marched in the Halifax Pride Parade, a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and community. Thousands of spectators lined the streets to watch over 100 organizations march through the heart of Halifax. The event was a display of unity, featuring colourful outfits, lively music, and an atmosphere filled with joy and acceptance.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Welcomes Michelle Hughes from Rogers Communications
Last year, Rotary Halifax Harbour took a significant step forward by welcoming Rogers Communications as our first corporate member. This strategic move was aimed at expanding our reach and enhancing our community impact through the resources and expertise of prominent organizations. Today, we are delighted to announce that Michelle Hughes has officially joined our club as the representative member for Rogers Communications.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Welcomes The Westin Nova Scotian as a Corporate Member
Last year, Rotary Halifax Harbour took a significant step forward by welcoming our first corporate member, Rogers Communications. This move was part of our strategic plan to expand our reach and amplify our impact within the community by leveraging the resources and expertise of prominent organizations. Today, we are thrilled to announce the addition of our second corporate member, The Westin Nova Scotian.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Awards Danielle Lemieux the PeaceBuilder Award
A couple of years ago, under the leadership of our current District Governor, Jillian Gibson, Rotary Halifax Harbour became a PeaceBuilder Club. This designation marked a significant milestone in our club's dedication to fostering peace and goodwill within our community and beyond. Immediate past president Godfred Chongatera took the opportunity to award this year's PeaceBuilder Award to a person who embodies these values.
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True Rotarian Award Bestowed Upon Thomas Paul
On July 12, 2024, during the Rotary Halifax Harbour Handover Breakfast, a significant event marked the transition into the new Rotary year that began on July 1. Immediate past president Godfred Chongatera awarded the prestigious True Rotarian Award to immediate past secretary Thomas Paul. This esteemed recognition is bestowed at the discretion of the president and celebrates the exemplary service and dedication of a distinguished Rotarian.
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Embracing the Magic: Our Journey to the One Million Club
It gives me great pleasure to serve you in this magical Rotary year as President. Since my election in December 2023, I have been thinking, learning, and planning the best way to work with you wonderful members to make this Rotary year truly magical.
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President Godfred's End of Year Message
Dear Fellow Rotarians, It is a unique privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve as your president for 2023-2024. It has been a rewarding and interesting experience. There were a lot of successes but also a few challenges, as this is a human society. Many wonderful people in this club have great energy and help to create a better life for those in need in our local community and around the world. Over the years, I have served on and been involved with many community groups, but nowhere have I met people committed to community service than the members of this club. |
Michael McDonald and Eileen Millette of Joseph Howe SchoolWe're excited that Michael McDonald of Joe Howe School and Eileen Millette of PALS came to speak to the club. You can see their Friday talk here: https://youtu.be/Y7kDwppl7Q4?si=Ywf9BGDwsFvYXA-Z&t=931  |
Don't Miss Out: Pay Your Rotary Dues for 2024-2025
On June 8, Clarke sent out the membership dues for the 2023/2024 Rotary Year. Members over 30 as of July 1 are charged $235, while those 30 and under are charged $195. If you plan to continue as a member of the Club on July 1, please pay your invoice via eTransfer or cheque at your earliest convenience. If you need a payment plan or have any concerns, please let Clarke know ASAP.  |
Rotary Ping Can Now Answer Your Basic Questions!
We are excited to announce that Rotary Ping is evolving to better serve our club! You can now text Rotary Ping at 902-707-3022 to ask basic questions, such as "What are the upcoming events this week?" This new feature is in addition to the custom notifications you can sign up for, ensuring you never miss important updates. Signing up for Rotary Ping alerts and reminders is now open to non-members. Learn more and sign up here.
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Do you know someone living under a rock? |
Exciting News: Chris Hornberger Selected as District Governor for 2026-2027
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Chris Hornberger has been selected as the District Governor for the Rotary year 2026-2027. This prestigious selection comes after an extensive and rigorous process by the District Nominating Committee. Chris, a member of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour since 2015, exemplifies the vision of Rotary in District 7815: “To inspire diversity, collaboration, friendship, and service.”
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Planting Trees, Growing Fellowship: Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour's Commitment to the Environment
On June 8, the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour gathered on the side of a hill in Bedford, surrounded by the natural beauty of our community. Rotarians, friends, and family members, despite the damp weather, joined hands to plant 1000 trees. This event was not just about planting trees; it was a testament to our club's enduring commitment to the environment and the power of fellowship.
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Rachel Shepard - Chebucto LinksWe're excited that Rachel Shepard of Chebucto Links came to speak to the club. You can see her Friday talk here: https://youtu.be/N5k9elBgRkU?si=1rbvXEyr7lX6TlhS&t=1752  |
Building Bonds: Celebrating Rotary Fellowship Month at Halifax Harbour
June is Rotary Fellowship Month, a time when Rotarians around the world celebrate the unique bonds and friendships that form through our shared commitment to service. At Rotary Halifax Harbour, we believe that fellowship is more than just camaraderie; it is the glue that holds our organization together and amplifies our impact on the community.
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Liesje Somers-Blonde - Bide Awhile Animal ShelterWe're excited that Liesje Somers-Blonde of Bide Awhile Animal Shelter came to speak to the club. You can see her Friday talk here: https://youtu.be/-fmKYcv2oA0?si=XwwEhQTx0VMmL71U&t=1694  |
Alex Handyside - Rotary Friendship Exchange South AfricaToday, we were excited to hear from member Alex Handyside about his Rotary Friendship Exchange to South Africa. You won't want to miss this here: https://youtu.be/QW-6YWcpWDc?si=Lcud0XGD3JXFFqy8&t=1775  |
Who's That New 'Wise' Member at Our Meetings? It's the Meeting Owl!
Hold onto your feathers, folks! Our very own tech wizard, Brett, has outdone himself this time by snagging a Meeting Owl for our hybrid meetings. This isn't just any bird; it's the primo-supremo of meeting tech, and we're not owl-kidding!
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Danielle Lemieux - KivaToday, we were excited to hear from member Danielle Lemieux about Kiva. You won't want to miss this here: https://youtu.be/KAdn5-2kP4w?si=-IuXNXP3atK3_ia8&t=1198  |
Introducing Rotary Ping: Your Connection to Everything Rotary Halifax Harbour
Are you tired of missing out on Rotary events because you forgot to check the calendar? Worry no more! Rotary Halifax Harbour is thrilled to introduce Rotary Ping, our brand-new automated reminder system that’s here to save your social life—or at least your Rotary life.
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Reflecting on the Success of the Food Summit at Joseph Howe School
This past April 6, Joseph Howe School proudly hosted a pivotal gathering dedicated to enhancing the school’s food programs. The Food Summit brought together 27 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including Joseph Howe School (JHS) leadership and staff, community partners, and dedicated volunteers. This event was made possible through the collaboration of organizations such as Nourish Nova Scotia, Schools Plus, Parker Street Food Bank and Furniture Clinic, Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour, Partners Assisting Local Schools (PALS), HRCE, Praxius, Coalition for Healthy School Food, YouthNet, and Loaded Ladle.
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Stephen Fine - Melanoma Education FoundationToday, we were excited to hear from Stephen Fine and the work of the Melanoma Education Foundation. Dr. Fine spoke to the club about the dangers of melanoma and how to self-detect. You won't want to miss this here: https://youtu.be/kfua5GjPTUE?si=E9AB2rqiAiBL5Y8F&t=1023  |
Building Community and Gardens: Rotary Halifax Harbour’s Green Initiative
This April, Rotary Halifax Harbour members rolled up their sleeves for a cause that goes beyond mere gardening—it's about growing community resilience and addressing food security. On a crisp Sunday morning, April 21, 2024, about 15 dedicated members gathered at Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank in the north end of Halifax. Their mission was simple yet impactful: install a vegetable garden to help the center grow fresh produce. Read on to see pictures...
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donalee Moulton - Author of ConflagrationWe're excited that author donalee Moulton came to speak to the club about her new book, Conflagration. Members may recall donalee's talk in November 2022 about effective communication. You can see her Friday talk here: https://youtu.be/CnI0yx4jJW4?si=X1AD4YKiKgVf9PKL&t=1077  |
Don't Skip Breakfast! Sign Up for Tasty Email & Text Reminders
We understand that it's easy to forget routine tasks amidst our busy schedules. That's why we're excited to introduce a trial program designed to simplify how you manage your Friday morning breakfast orders. Previously, you may remember receiving weekly emails every Tuesday to remind you to place your breakfast orders by Thursday noon. However, this led to an excessive number of emails in your inbox. This year, we've empowered you to self-manage your orders, but we know that sometimes life can get in the way. |
Strategy in Action Update - April 2024At our last assembly, we began our Strategy to Action activities. An outcome of the assembly was a list of 30-day action items to help us focus on. These bite-sized action items developed by the membership help guide our actions month by month. Here is an update on our progress. If there is an area of interest that you think you can help with, please reach out. You can get a recap of the assembly and more information here.
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Our Projects UpdateAs part of our April 2024 Action Items, we have compiled a list of all the projects the club is undertaking. This is part of the Strategy in Action Update April 2024.
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Tracking Our AlumniAs part of our April 2024 Action Items, we have developed a process for tracking our alumni. This is part of the Strategy in Action Update April 2024.
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Outbound Exchange StudentsWe were excited to welcome our outbound exchange students to last Friday's meeting, where we learned more about them and what they were looking forward to. You can watch their presentation to the club here: https://youtu.be/HJrU-A9wTlM?si=nDF-V2zpszNZUWW2&t=1421  |
Welcome to our first corporate memberWe are excited to share that Rogers is becoming our first corporate member! While corporate membership is not new to Rotary, it is new to us. We will share more about how this program works as it evolves and matures. Read on to learn more...  |
Quarterly Insights: Updates from Rotary Halifax Harbour's Leadership
Tune into the latest episode of Cogs of Community: Rotary Halifax Harbour for a special third-quarter update! Join President Godfred and Vice-president/Incoming President Dav as they discuss the club's recent activities and what’s on the horizon for the final three months of this Rotary year. Don’t miss their insights and updates—available now on Spotify or wherever you enjoy your favourite podcasts. Listen today and stay connected with the heartbeat of our community!  |
Doug McMillan - Programs of ScaleWe're excited that Dr. Doug McMillan, a former president and club member, spoke to us about a Programs of Scale grant application he is involved with. The Programs of Scale (One Million Healthy Mothers and Newborns in Uganda) is one of two finalist applications. The winning grant will be announced in Singapore during the RI Convention. We wish Doug the best of success in this grant application. Our club sent a letter of support in December, which you can see here. You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/a7s5fA0vgj8?si=CUSTpKY2oj5NL3f1&t=1220  |
April Fools' Fun & Our Unwavering Commitment
On April 1st, both our club members and social media followers were greeted with an unexpected revelation. Without prior notice, it appeared that our club had undergone a name change to the Rotary Club of Armdale, complete with a congratulatory video from the Mayor of Halifax. Naturally, this was an April Fools' prank, cleverly devised to shine a spotlight on the remarkable endeavours we undertake, showcasing that our actions define us more than any name ever could.
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Frank Palmero - Rail ConnectsWe're excited that Frank Palmero of Rail Connects NS came to talk to our club about light rain public transit! You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/ycDcrgjFDNo?si=kN8ztWXsoHcwHPoe&t=1108  |
Cogs of Community Podcast - New Episode
We have dropped a new episode for our podcast, Cogs of Community: Rotary Halifax Harbour. Follow the link below or find us on your favourite podcast app. |
Cogs of Community: Rotary Halifax Harbour
🔊 Exciting news! Our new podcast, Cogs of Community: Rotary Halifax Harbour, has officially launched. Get an inside look at our projects, initiatives, and the impact we make in the community. Find us on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! Our debut episode recaps the March 13th strategy session. Listen to the first episode here.
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From Strategy to Action
Thank you to everyone who attended our March 13th assembly and social! Special thanks to Louisa Horne for leading our strategic "DOING" discussions. |
Tripta Devichand - Internaitonal Women's DayWe are immensely proud of our fellow Rotarian, Tripta Devichand, for her unwavering dedication and tireless volunteer efforts within our community. Her contributions uplift those around her and embody the true spirit of Rotary. A heartfelt thank you to Rafah DiCostanzo for acknowledging Tripta's invaluable work in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Tripta's exemplary service inspires us all to strive for greater community involvement and support.  |
George Butters - Generative A.I. BasicsWe're excited that George Butters of SmartyPants.com Inc. came to talk to our club about Generative A.I. Basics! You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/tIHHyfxU9-w?si=mzQHTa92ZRCM3klx&t=1082  |
Member Spotlight - Ashley and Henk
Wednesday evening was truly one to remember! Rotary Halifax Harbour is immensely proud of our members, Ashley Butt and Henk van Leeuwen, for their incredible work with DASC Industries. The LaughAbility event at the Westin Nova Scotian was not just a night filled with laughter and joy but also a successful fundraiser for a great cause.
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Rotary Halifax Harbour Champions Literacy with Innovative Early Home Reading Program
In an update to the Club, member Adrienne shared inspiring updates on the transformative work being done at Joseph Howe School(JHS) assisted by the Club's Partners Assisting Local Schools (PALS) initiative. The Club's dedication to the school has been unwavering, with significant investments of time and resources in various programs, including an impactful food program. |
Unlock Your Tax Treasure: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Rotary Receipts
Ah, tax season: that magical time of year when the thrill of sorting through piles of paperwork could rival the excitement of finding a forgotten $20 in your pocket! For those who get a buzz from balancing the books, it's a joyous time of year. And for those among us who contributed to the Rotary Foundation in 2023, here's a perk: those donations are as tax-deductible as a business lunch with a client who orders the lobster! |
Denise Daley - Parker Street Food BankWe're excited that Denise Daley of the Parker Street Food Bank came to talk to our club! You can see her talk here: https://youtu.be/oOirrNS7eNI?si=kPHXfxOoyM9ax0AF&t=2165  |
Welcome Three New Members
Please join all members in welcoming three new members to our club: Denise Daley, Mary O’Donnell, and Peter Woosley. They were inducted on March 1, 2024, at our Friday morning meeting by president Godfred Chongatera.
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Fundraising Update |
Host Family HELPThe Club needs a host family to host our inbound exchange student for ONLY two months. Hosting our exchange student for May and June would be an excellent way to see what it's like. Alice will be away for a few weekends at that time, too. If you have any interest, please reach out to Alex Russell.
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Empowerment Through Laughter: Henk van Leeuwen Previews LaughAbilityIn the heart of our community, Henk van Leeuwen stands out for his commendable work as the Executive Director of DASC in Dartmouth and a member of our Club's Board. He also rocks an impressive mustache—a symbol of his distinguished character.  |
Adventures in Citizenship Applications OPEN NOW
We are excited to open applications to send a student to Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa this May. This is an amazing program, and there's more info about it below. Please share the information below with any students you know aged 16-18 - including your own kids; no Rotary affiliation is required! |
Celebrate Rotary's Anniversary With a Donation
Today marks Rotary's 119th anniversary! If you want to honour our global Rotary history and help us do more good in the world, please consider giving to the Rotary Foundation or the Rotary Club of Halifax Charitable Trust. A donation to either is tax deductible. But what is the difference between the two?
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SailGP Halifax Internship OpportunitiesThird-party, non-Rotary opportunity. As many of you know, Halifax will host SailGP this spring on the Halifax Waterfront. While the event will be held over two days, the event organization will have a presence in the city for nearly a month to prepare. With that comes the opportunity for youth to take part in an internship program that they have created where students and young professionals (18+) work alongside the permanent staff that travel the world putting on the event. Attached is information that may highlight opportunities for someone personally close to you, or within your work.
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Harbourside RibFest is BACK!Harbourside RibFest is BACK! June 28 - July 1 at Alderney Landing. Want to help? It's simple - share, like, follow, and share again! Find Harbourside RibFest on social media and share the news!  |
Our 1st Rotary Paint PartyPlease join us at the Westin Hotel for our first Paint Party. Just bring your joy and inner artist, and everything else will be supplied, including non-alcoholic beverages. $50 per person all inclusive. To register, please email rotaryfunds@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca. You can request to have your funds placed on your account or e-Transfer your registration funds to info@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca
We have room for 20 folks, so don't delay. Thank you for your support! |
Jennifer Gillivan - IWK FoundationWe're excited that Jennifer Gillivam of the IWK Foundation came to talk to our club! You can see her talk here: https://youtu.be/1xxI82Pu3U8?si=YUrMsVNuZ5933YRD&t=1375  |
Joanne Bull - Ecology Action CentreWe're excited that Joanne Bull of the Ecology Action Centre came to talk to our club! You can see her talk here: https://youtu.be/bAnLI8z2lgQ?si=J9rwZb77JZwnHPv0&t=1513  |
Celebrating a Legacy, Embracing Renewal: Logo Transition Ahead
As we reflect on the past year, we've had the privilege of celebrating a significant milestone: our club's 110th anniversary. Throughout this memorable journey, we proudly showcased our commitment and dedication through a special anniversary logo. As we approach our 111th anniversary, it's time to bid farewell to our anniversary logo. While this transition may take some time, we are excited to embark on this new chapter with our traditional club logo. |
Lisa Harrison - Brunswick Street MissionWe're excited that Lisa Harrison of Brunswick Street Mission came to talk to our club! You can see her talk here: https://youtu.be/pksFdggTwKQ?si=k8sWhyegpheYfZOv&t=1375  |
Putting the FUN back in FUNdraising!David Penney, chair of the Fundraising Committee, shares some thoughts about fundraising and its importance. As he says, every member is a member of the Fundraising Committee. Please watch this important update. If you have ANY fundraising ideas, please submit them HERE or email rotaryfunds@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca.  |
Jenny Benson & Enoch Magala - The Aninga ProjectWe're excited that Jenny Benson & Enoch Magala of The Aninga Project came to talk to our club! We have supported The Aninga Project for many years, and it is always a pleasure to hear about the value of this project. You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/OYsLsaIWWAE?si=YcQl0SWsKC7JyBHv&t=1487  |
Embracing Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention This February
As we welcome February, we also embrace a theme at the heart of our mission as Rotarians: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. This month is more than just a theme; it's a call to action, reflecting Rotary International's dedication to creating a more peaceful world.
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Second Quarter Update with President GodfredAs we pass the halfway mark in the Rotary year, President Godfred shares some reflections on the last three months and what to look forward to in the next three. Click Read more to see more important links.  |
Aninga Project Speakers This Friday
This Friday (February 2nd), we’re thrilled to have Jenny Benson and Enoch Magala from the Aninga Project join us as our speakers. Jenny is the boots on the ground here in Canada, raising funds to educate girls in East Africa. Enoch is boots on the ground as a key volunteer in Uganda, AND he’s a Rotarian. Jenny and Enoch will provide an update about the project, which our club has supported for six years. Please be sure to join us on Friday.
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PALS Volunteers
PALS is looking for volunteer reading tutors and breakfast/lunchtime monitors. Keep reading to learn more.
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RibFest Update
We're excited that our RibFest Committee spoke to the club about our most important fundraiser! You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/KgrSIpPLj6M?si=BmzyFPzECbm9CTpz&t=1204
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Rotary Exchange Students in Halifax
This week we were excited to host many current inbound and future outbound exchange students from our district! Lead by Alida Campbell, she spoke with the students and talked about the program at our Friday meeting. You can watch here: https://youtu.be/7lYCrOmpEB4?si=CbXdOiKzWnuoHLQ8&t=1297
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Don Sword - Rotary Foundation Endowments and Major GiftsWe're excited that Don Sword, past district governor, came to talk to our club! Don spoke about major gifts and endowments to the Rotary Foundation. You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/T8R3oB7wVqw?si=pK_BJ-R1zQyhzkSh&t=1173
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Charting Alice's Canadian Adventure
Alice, our exchange student from Belgium, has already begun to leave her footprints in the vast, snow-covered terrains of Canada. Last Monday, she buckled her snowshoes, adjusted her skis, and set out to conquer the frosty challenges of our beloved winter. Her companions, Lauren, Ashley, and Alexis, guided her through the powdery paths.
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Exciting New Zoom AI Features to Enhance Our Meetings!
We're excited to announce that we're trialling two innovative AI features on Zoom during our Friday morning meetings and Board sessions. These tools promise to make our online gatherings more accessible, interactive, and efficient.
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President Godfred Discusses Mental Health
At our Friday morning meeting, our president, Godfred, talked about the RI President's awareness campaign around mental health. You can watch his presentation here: https://youtu.be/sR1lofZDLHo?si=GTmld84vOMCF7DdW&t=2565
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Sandwich Superheroes Wanted: Join the Rotary Halifax Harbour's Bread and Butter Mission!
Did you know that our dedicated club members volunteer every month to make sandwiches for Souls Harbour and Joseph Howe School? We have a significant goal of preparing about 250 sandwiches monthly for Souls Harbour and 100 sandwiches weekly for Joseph Howe School. This commitment is a massive undertaking, and it's vital to our community. Many students at Joseph Howe rely on these meals, coming to school hungry and depending on the food we provide. Unfortunately, we're currently facing a challenge: we urgently need more volunteers to help make these sandwiches. It's crucial that we meet this need to support these two important organizations. |
Embracing Diversity in Professions: Celebrating Rotary Vocational Service Month
Rotary Vocational Service Month shines a light on the profound impact of professional diversity in Rotary Clubs worldwide. Contrary to common myths, modern Rotary Clubs aren't limited to traditional professions or restricted to one representative per vocation. This post explores the essence of Vocational Service Month and how a diverse range of professions, from Actuarial Consulting to Transportation, enriches Rotary's mission.
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Celebrating Our Professions in Rotary
January is Vocational Service Month, a cornerstone of Rotary's Five Avenues of Service. This month is dedicated to celebrating the dignity and value of every profession and the critical role they play in fostering high ethical standards in business and society.
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Bringing Holiday Cheer to Halifax: Christmas Hamper StoryAs the festive season lights up our hearts, the Rotary Club, in collaboration with compassionate local businesses like Dylan's NOFRILLS in Spryfield, embarked on a mission to deliver hope and joy to families in need and individuals confined to their homes in the Halifax area.  |
'In the cold night' - A ShelterBox story with Imelda Staunton‘In The Cold Night’ is based on the real life stories of families ShelterBox supported in Syria and Türkiye after the devastating earthquakes in 2023. It’s not too late to give the gift of shelter this holiday season. Make a donation today to ShelterBox in someone’s name to give the gift of shelter to a family displaces by disaster, conflict, or the climate crisis. Give now.  |
President Godfred Chongatera
We're excited that Godfred, our president, took the opportunity of the last meeting of 2023 to share holiday traditions among members! You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/wUPA0s_L5_A?si=AoByu2yW1pWZRXEM&t=1265
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Rotary’s Healthcare Heroes: Supporting Malaria Workers in Zambia
As the sun sets on the vast landscapes of Zambia's Central Province, a heartening scene unfolds that exemplifies global solidarity and local empowerment in the face of health challenges. In a candid photograph from 26 August 2022, we see Ruth, a community health worker with Partners for Malaria-Free Zambia, conducting a malaria test. This image captures more than a moment; it represents a triumph of collaborative effort, a snapshot of the ongoing fight against malaria led by a coalition of determined organizations, including Rotary.
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Honoring Commitment: Celebrating Stella's Fight Against Polio
This December, as we observe Disease Prevention and Treatment month, we spotlight the selfless service of Stella, District 7815 Polio Chair, Board Member of the Rotary Foundation Canada, and past district governor of the former District 7820.
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Grapes of Wrath: Verses from the Vineyard's Edge
As our wine survivors were banished from the tribe, an unusual thing happened. Spontaneous poetry erupted from the email chains. Here is a collection of poetry we are calling "Grapes of Wrath: Verses from the Vineyard's Edge". See the elimination video here.
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Alice - Inbound Exchange Student 2023/24
We're excited that Alice, our exchange student, came to talk to our club! Alice came to Halifax in September and will stay for a whole year. You can see her talk here: https://youtu.be/KI5tdgzYQ80?si=d7-xGZQPGveMuUOk&t=1684
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Volunteers Needed - Joe Howe School - December 19
Joseph Howe School is having a big breakfast for all the students on December 19, and they need some helpers! It's from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. They got a special grant to make this breakfast happen. If you want to help out or learn more, ask Adrienne!
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District 7815 Enviro Awards
Did you know that in the past year, the District 7815 Environment Committee introduced the Enviro Awards? These awards were established to encourage District 7815 clubs to enhance their environmental impact. In the 2022/2023 period, eight District 7815 Rotary Clubs received Bronze Enviro Awards.
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Do you have a great fundraising idea?
David Penney has agreed to chair the Fundraising Committee, but he needs your help. A "pitch night" is being planned for January, but ideas can be submitted now. Why not consider joining David in planning our club's fundraising? Submit ideas or questions to David Penney, rotaryfunds@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca.
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Kathleen Novelia - Rotary Peace Scholar Finalist
We were happy to welcome Kathleen Novelia, Rotary Peace Scholar Finalist, to speak with our club. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Learn more about the Peace Fellowships here. Watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/Is0Le8QL1TI?si=grJkzWs56bqdnmON&t=1472
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Rotary Fighting Disease
Welcome to Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. Rotarians are passionate about battling diseases because we believe every human has the right to basic health care. Unfortunately, more than 400 million people lack access to or cannot afford this essential care. Rotarians and their partners have a proven track record in the fight against diseases. |
Carrie Low - Survivors for Change and Empowerment
We were happy to welcome Carrie Low - Survivors for Change and Empowerment, to speak with our club. (Trigger warnings: sexual assault, rape) You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/WmCOGyooF6s?si=Ak2GYm-_MKri-qV6&t=1383 You can learn more here: https://www.s4ce.ca/
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Rotary Meeting Recap December 1, 2023
To help encourage engagement with members who cannot attend meetings, we have created quick links to quickly watch highlights of Rotary Meetings. Click "Read more" to see links.
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Holly-Day Shop - Joe Howe School
This Holiday Season, the Joe Howe School Advisory Council is creating a "Holly-Day Shop" in the gym for students to purchase gifts for someone they love. They are looking for donations of gently used or new items for the students to purchase between December 12 and 14. Find all the details here.
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ShelterBox - Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who got involved with Giving Tuesday for ShelterBox. Thank you to everyone who shared, liked and commented on the social media posts. Thank you to everyone who donated so generously.
From the start of the Giving Tuesday Campaign, $1885 was added to our Stock-the-Box total. That was doubled by a matching pledge from the Rotary Club of Calgary Fish Creek and the Rotary Club of Kenora, bringing our impact to $3770. That's the equivalent of 151 families now no longer in the dark. |
Giving Tuesday - ShelterBox Canada
November 28, 2023 is GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is the world’s largest generosity movement. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a stranger, or giving to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. This year we are continuing our support of ShelterBox Canada and donations will be matched! Read on to learn more, to give, and see how you can help!
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Rotary Meeting Recap
To help encourage engagement with members who are unable to attend meetings, we have created quick links to quickly watch highlights of Rotary Meetings. Unfortunately we had a wifi issue for our most recent recording which caused some quality issues.
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Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign
We are coordinating opportunities to volunteer for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign at the Halifax Shopping Center. Dates (options are Dec 11, 18 or 19) and times have not been confirmed. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Dav. Louisa Horne is modelling how to be a Kettle volunteer during last year's campaign.
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Christmas Hampers Donations and Volunteers
We are excited to share we will be delivering Christmas Hampers to needy families in the Halifax area. We need your help! If you are able to donate food items or volunteer to pack/deliver the hampers, please read more below.
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Yemi Olaniyi Classification Talk
We were very happy to learn more about our fellow member, Yemi. You can see his talk here: https://youtu.be/CPBPrhEauGY?si=HPdAHfTQMV69wCwg&t=2323
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ShelterBox Gifts - Make a Difference
Do you have a special someone that is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for (but they have a heart as big as yours?) Do you have a client that deserves something more meaningful than the usual gift basket? Well, we might just have an answer! A global gift brings dignity and shelter in a part of the world affected by disaster. You will get an e-card from ShelterBox can be filled in and sent to your giftee - sharing with them the impact you have made in the world on their behalf. |
Rotary Club of Boorowa November Newsletter
The Rotary Club of Boorowa in Australia has shared their November newsletter. Who is the Rotary Club of Boorowa? We have been in talks with them about establishing a formal relationship! Keep an eye out for more on this exciting topic.
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Tim Keizer - Souls Harbour Rescue MissionWe were happy to welcome Tim Keizer of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/N6n2wRruB54?si=lSm0xQJJduKgktED&t=1558
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Welcome Thevan
Thevan Samarasinghe has transferred into our Club from the Mud Creek Rotary Club. Welcome to the Halifax Harbour family, Thevan! Thevan is originally from Sri Lanka. He was an interact member in high school there. When he moved to Canada in 2021, he joined the Mud Creek Rotary Club. He moved to Halifax for work last year and wanted to keep up with Rotary activities here! This morning our Club President Godfred presented him with his membership certificate.
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Aninga Project UpdateSubaru have been a long-time supporter and sponsor of the club. And the Aninga Project has been a long-time beneficiary of the club. Isn't it wonderful that Rotary brought the two together! Now Subaru supports Aninga!!!
We LOVE spreading the joy of Service Above Self! |
RI Integration Update
We use ClubRunner to manage many areas of our Club. ClubRunner is connected to Rotary International's database. When you make an update to your ClubRunner profile (email address, phone number, etc.) this also updates RI's database... in theory. Until recently, this has been a one-direction process. If any changes were made in My.Rotary.org the changes would not be reflected in ClubRunner. We have turned on two-direction syncing. This means changes made on either ClubRunner or My.Rotary.org will reflect on the other.
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Hon. Wayne Easter - Razom Invest Canada in Ukraine
We were happy to welcome Wayne Easter of Razom Invest Canada, to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/NfXDiAX0d-4?si=xfk8_K_K9lFCd_xR&t=1696
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October is Cyber Security MonthOctober is cybersecurity month. More than ever, we depend on our technology to help us achieve our goals. This dependence makes us the targets of cybercriminals who steal our information for profit or to cause chaos.
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Rotary Youth Exchange Program
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour Programs Committee welcomes applications for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program! Students aged 15 to 19 are eligible to complete an application to be considered for either a short or long-term exchange starting in 2024. The application deadline is Wednesday, November 15th. To learn more about the programs, please visit this link (https://www.
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Welcome Three New Members
Please join us in welcoming Peter Skakum, David Penney, and Anne Pryde! Peter, David, and Anne were inducted as new members on October 20, 2023, at our Friday morning meeting by President Godfred Chongatera. Peter and Anne are returning members, and David is a transferring member from Lunenburg. You can watch the induction here: https://youtu.be/PCUIRW4g06o?si=94KuSykuZcdwDBSF&t=2716
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Bob Rae - Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations
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AGM and NominationsThe Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour's Annual General Meeting will happen on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 7:30 AM. The meeting will occur in person at the Westin Nova Scotian and online via Zoom. This meeting is open to all members and the general public.
The nomination committee will also speak to members shortly about nominations for Board positions. Find all the details here. |
Club First Quarter Update with President Godfred
It's hard to believe, but we are already one-quarter of the way into our Rotary Year! Our club is so diverse, and members contribute in so many ways that it's easy to get lost in everything our club does. |
Pints For Polio
Pints for Polio is happening on October 24! See all the details here or reach out to Ashley Butt. You can watch Ashley's update here: https://youtu.be/velQzFVceH8?si=v6X939A9_6Pj0hnA&t=871
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Ally Buck - ShelterBox
We were happy to welcome Sally Buck of ShelterBox Canada to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/velQzFVceH8?si=T8-OJL0AJ48MQp0w&t=1389
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Rotary Shirts (and Sweaters) Are HERE
Members are now able to order some Rotary swag! Member Mark MacInnis of Instant Imprints is taking orders now. Short and long-sleeved T-shirts and hoodies are available! A $3-5 donation will be made to the club for each order.
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Humans of Rotary - Veronica Dossah
Veronica joined the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour two years after immigrating to Canada from Ghana in 2019. |
Passing of Mary Lawley
With great sadness, we share the passing of Mary Lawley, wife of Honorary Member Gordon Lawley. Gordon was an active Member of the Rotary Club of Halifax since 1958 until becoming an Honorary member just before the merger. Mary was a member of the Women of Rotary. Mary's obituary can be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/halifax-ns/mary-lawley-11485802 A funeral service will be held at Bethany United Church on October 11, 2023 at 7 PM and live-streamed at https://youtube.com/live/j_Wu9J59ZUk. The burial will be in the East Lake Ainslie Cemetery the following day at 2pm.
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Dr. Tony Ryan - Visual Thinking StrategiesWe were happy to welcome Tony Ryan, a neonatologist, to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/jYb1xnslJIo?si=qb6knxgBEamFr_Na&t=1697
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Rotary Wine Survivor - Mike Gibson
We started with 16 thirsty survivors, and Mike Gibson is our champion, followed by Alex Russell and Bob Power. Thank you, everyone, for playing along and helping us raise over $400 for the club. See the elimination videos below...
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Halifax Ghost Walk
On October 4, our Club members were treated to terrible tales of Halifax's haunted past: stories of ghosts from graveyards, the Halifax Explosion, historic homes - tormented souls and tales of disease, despondence, and death. And all for a great cause! Funds raised from our ghost walk support our Club's projects, Ovarian Cancer Canada and End Polio Now. We were even joined by a mystery ghost at the Old Burial Ground - they helped serve as guide and host! A ghost from Rotary's past, perhaps? Thank you, Joanne Rivest, for serving as our interpreter and ghost historian! Check out our social media for more pictures and videos...
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ShelterBox HERO
Our Club has been a longtime supporter of and contributor to the ShelterBox campaign. ShelterBox is a global non-government organization that works with disaster-hit families worldwide, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. In 2022-23, the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour and its members raised $5,165 in support of ShelterBox - enough to receive Silver Hero status! Click here to learn more and give! |
Honourary Rotarian - Herman Ssebazzo
It is with great pleasure our Club has decided to make Herman Ssebazzo an Honourary Rotarian for his many years of service to Rotary. He was recognized at the 110-year Gala on September 21st by Past District Governor and Past Club President Stella Roy.
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Classification Talk - Steph Letemplier
This morning, we heard from fellow member Steph Letemplier about her life. You can watch Lauren's talk here: https://youtu.be/ys83OAjRWNo?si=G97MwZrNi9bCvOU-&t=1534
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Ways to Observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Halifax
September 30th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Learn more about this important day here. If you are looking for a way to observe this important day, check out these things happening in Halifax:
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Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour celebrates its 110th Anniversary
Rotary fully embraces the motto Service Above Self and that was evident at the Deca-Centennial Gala held at the Westin Nova Scotian on Thursday, September 21st. The evening opened with greetings from Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally, Mayor Mike Savage, current District Governor Richard Sevigny, and current Club President Godfred Chongatera.
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Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour Peacebuilder Award
Alex Handyside was awarded the inaugural Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour Peacebuilder Award by Past President Jillian Gibson. September 21st is not only the date of our 110-Year Gala, but also the International Day of Peace. Rotarians are Peacebuilders. It’s embedded right there in our mission statement: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
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Hurricane Lee
You may have heard that Nova Scotia is awaiting the arrival of hurricane/tropical storm Lee. Please stay safe and follow guidance from the government. Here are some ways to connect with fellow members and other helpful links.
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"My Why" - Rotary Peace Scholar Applicant - Michaela Peters
We were happy to welcome Michaela Peters, a Rotary Peace Scholar Applicant, to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/xSGyHSRisHg?si=e_VUpVYkuLWhK8_0&t=1086
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Ghost Walk - Sign Up Today
Please mark your calendars for our first club ghost walk October 4. Don't delay signing up; there are limited spots! Find all the details on the club calendar here. If you have questions, who you gonna call?
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Women Unlimited at NSCC - Shelley Wallace
We were happy to welcome Shelley Wallace, Program Coordinator of Women Unlimited at NSCC, to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/3ZHct8Ksd94?si=GWBod1ew-cjdZRD-&t=1414
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Episode 3 - Intro to Stakeholders - September 6, 2023
Find us on your favourite podcast app!          This episode releases on all major podcast apps on September 6, 2023. Subscribe now, and never miss an episode. Understanding and working with stakeholders effectively is critical to a successful project. It could mean the difference between success and failure. Effective stakeholder engagement can make our projects more effective, take less time, and use fewer resources. In this episode, Rotarian Chris Hornberger talks about what stakeholders are, why they are important, and how to analyze them. Learn more about this episode and the Rotary Project Manager at www.rotarypm.ca #rotary #rotaryhalifaxharbour #rotaryprojectmanager #projectmanager #stakeholders Music by Evgeny_Bardyuzha from Pixabay
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My Rotary - Jillian Gibson
Immediate past president, Jillian Gibson, spoke to the club about the new My Rotary and club targets. You can watch her presentation here: https://youtu.be/_aL_37uSpKA?si=WmN7LXkklKaeRfjE&t=2039
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New Member Andrew Dickinson
Please join us in welcoming Andrew Dickinson as a new member. Andrew was inducted on September 1, 2023, at our Friday morning meeting by President Godfred Chongatera. Picture from the left, Godfred Chongatera, Andrew Dickinson, Thomas Paul. You can watch the induction here: https://youtu.be/_aL_37uSpKA?si=YfxQhEabkPEhzfES&t=1461
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The Great Halifax Hunt
The Halifax Rotaract Club is hosting a fundraiser, The Great Halifax Hunt, on September 9. For all the details and to sign-up click here.
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Rotary T-Shirts Are Coming!
The final touches are being made on Rotary T-shirts. Members can purchase the T-shirts in navy blue or goal directly from Mark MacInnis's business for $25. More details will be available soon. You can also email Mark at markm@instantimprints.com.
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Bem vindo ao Brasil!
Our outbound exchange student, Simon, has arrived in Brazil! Stay tuned for more updates!
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Welcome Alice!
Our exchange student, Alice, has arrived in Halifax from Belgium! She was met by members Alida and Nadera, plus her host family, Mareen, Otto, and Andrew! Welcome, Alice! Come out to Fort Needham Park on September 2 between 10:30 and noon to welcome Alice and the Dartmouth exchange student! It's supposed to be   . |
Peace Keeper Club - Godfred Chongatera
At our Friday morning our president, Godfred Chongatera, spoke to the club and drove a conversation about peace and what it means to be a peace keeper club. You can watch Godfred here: https://youtu.be/ICOXCO49WME?si=Sr0B4TJrMKnfXczI&t=1563
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PALS Help
Adrienne shared that the PALS coordinator and a teacher at Joseph Howell have spent a large amount of time this summer sorting and cataloging books as a teacher resource. If you are able to help, please email Adrienne. They will be there daily between August 28 and September 1st.
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110th Anniversary Gala - September 21, 2023
How often do you get an opportunity to celebrate anything that has lived for 110 years? The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour proudly celebrates its 110 Anniversary of service to the community and to the world on Thursday, September 21st, 2023. |
Meeting Our Exchange Students
We were thrilled to speak with our outbound exchange student, Simon, and our summer outbound exchange student, Rachel, and summer inbound exchange student, Zoe. Simon will be leaving for Brazil this week. Rachel has just returned from France with Zoe, who she stayed with while there. You can watch their remarks here: https://youtu.be/6eBzBj4H7Kw?t=1159
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Classification Talk - Lauren McLennan
This morning we heard from fellow member Lauren McLennan about her life. You can watch Lauren's talk here: https://youtu.be/6eBzBj4H7Kw?t=3100
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Visiting Rotarian Tour
A Rotarian is visiting Halifax on September 12 by cruise and is looking to “hire” a fellow Rotarian for a tour around Halifax. Interested? Tom has the details.
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Halifax Fringe Festival - Sara Graham
We were happy to welcome Sara Graham, Executive Director of the Halifax Fringe Festival, to speak with our club. You can watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/FqpYfLL7Y6E?t=3269
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Shubie Park Rotary Fellowship Walk - August 19
We have another Rotary Fellowship Walk planned for Shubi Park on August 19th. See all the details here. Text Tom (902-817-0041) if you want to confirm we are going ahead.
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Rotary Friendship Exchange - Valerie Bobyk
This Friday we heard from Valerie Bobyk about Rotary Friendship Exchange and her trip to Oregon. You can watch the meeting here: https://youtu.be/ppjirMlB21c
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Exchange Student Events - Mark Your Calendar
We have two youth exchange events happening soon. Please click the links to learn more and mark your calendars!
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Why is Rotary important to you?
This week we sent a message to current and former members of our Club. We want to know why folks joined and why Rotary is important. We are looking for content for our 110 Year celebration. Check your email for details, or click here.
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Membership makeover: Invigorate your club
Member Louisa Horne spoke to Rotary Magazine about how clubs can become and remain irresistible. Louisa discussed Halifax Harbour's format, strategy, diversity, and fun! Check out page 29 of Rotary magazine's August issue or click here.
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Listen to Episode 2 - Strong Foundations for Your Project
Have you ever been on a project or committee without understanding its purpose? Were you the only one who was a bit lost? Chances are, if you were lost, so were others. Learn more...
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A + B + C + D = Irresistible
Mike Gibson and Louisa Horne were recently featured in a Zone video about membership. They discuss the A B C D of irresistible membership! See their discussion here.
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Venezuelan Scholarship Project
The Rotary Club of Dartmouth East, alongside Rafflebox, is excited to announce our Venezuelan Scholarship Project online 50/50 fundraiser! - Grab your tickets now!
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Zone 28 & 32 Learning to Lead Conference
Zone 28 and 32 is hosting a "Learning to Lead" conference in Toronto from September 27 to October 1, 2023. This conference is open to all members to attend at their own cost.
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Member Doug Harris
Member Doug took an opportunity to speak to the club about his life and work experience this morning. You can watch Swetha's presentation here: https://youtu.be/4p6qTwV4WsE?t=2280
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Member Swetha Priyanka
Member Swetha took an opportunity to speak to the club about her life and work experience this morning. You can watch Swetha's presentation here: https://youtu.be/4p6qTwV4WsE?t=1376
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Camp Tidnish Update
Member Chris Hornberger provided an update on Camp Tidnish. Early this year, Joanne Bernard of Easter Seals Nova Scotia shared how the physical camp needed some TLC. While the camp is run by Easter Seals, the camp is owned by the Amherst Rotary Club. Apparently, the former Rotary Club of Halifax had been involved with the construction of the pool at the camp. We will update members on more details when they come available about our commitment to the pool.
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Episode 2 - Strong Foundations For Your Project - July 26, 2023
Find us on your favourite podcast app! This episode releases on all major podcast apps on July 26, 2023. Subscribe now, and never miss an episode. Have you ever been on a project or committee without understanding its purpose? Were you the only one who was a bit lost? Chances are, if you were lost, so were others. In this episode, we discuss three foundational assets to consider when starting your next project: project charters, team charters, and scope statements. Learn more about this episode and the Rotary Project Manager at www.rotarypm.ca #rotary #rotaryhalifaxharbour #rotaryprojectmanager #projectmanager #projectcharter #teamcharter #scopestatements Music by Evgeny_Bardyuzha from Pixabay
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Rotaractor Looking for Housing
**Updated** Shyamal Prajapati, a member of the Rotaract Club of Junagadh India, is starting a master's program at DAL in September. Like many students, Shyamal is struggling to find housing. He is looking for temporary housing from August 16th to September 16th.
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Belonging - Jillian Gibson
At our Friday morning meeting, we had our Immediate Past President and District Governor Elect, Jillian Gibson, share her presentation on Belonging. This was the presentation she shared at our most recent District conference. You can watch Jillian's presentation here: https://youtu.be/8beeXBpylr8?t=1156
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Rotary Halifax Harbour in Ghana
Our club president, Godfred Chongatera, is in Ghana and shared a picture of one of our Rotary projects.  |
The Great Halifax Hunt
The Rotaract Club of Halifax is busy preparing for its annual Great Halifax Hunt, a huge scavenger hunt right along the Halifax waterfront, in support of Roll Out the Barrel. |
Metal Health First Aid Course
In alignment with RI President Gordon McInally’s goal to put some focus on Mental Health this year, Louisa Horne thought it would be good to start with learning a bit more. Louisa is gauging interest in having the St. John’s Ambulance Mental Health First Aid course delivered for Rotary in the Halifax area.
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New Member - Taiye Ayo
Please join us in welcoming Taiye Ayo as a new member. Taiye was inducted on July 14, 2023, at our Friday morning meeting by Vice President Dave Kowlessar. Picture from the left, Dave Kowlessar, Taiye Ayo, Yemi Olaniyi. You can watch the induction here: https://youtu.be/P8sGSj3VrKQ?t=1189
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Angela Bishop - Housing Trust of Nova Scotia
At our Friday morning meeting, we were pleased to hear from Angela Bishop, Executive Director of the Housing Trust of Nova Scotia. You can see Angela's presentation here: https://youtu.be/P8sGSj3VrKQ?t=1523
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Rotary Cabinet Lock
We have installed a combination lock on our Rotary cabinet. We use our cabinet to store our laptop/projector and other items. For the location, combination code, and other details, please click here.
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Pay Your Dues > Win a PrizeEvery member who paid their dues by July 1 had their name put in a draw for a prize (baked goods). The winner is Joelle Perkins. The Finance Committee would like to thank everyone for sending in their dues! If you need any help or have questions about dues, please reach out to finance@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca or check out our dues webpage.
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Episode 1 - Projectize and Simplify - July 12, 2023
Find us on your favourite podcast app! This episode releases on all major podcast apps on July 12, 2023. Subscribe now, and never miss an episode. What is a project, and what is project management? When we say “projects”, Rotarians may think of service projects. But projects exist in almost every area of Rotary. Good project management can push Rotary projects forward and, in turn, increase impact in the world. In this first episode, Rotarian Yemi Olaniyi talks about how he got involved in Rotary and how projects can be the key to a more significant global impact. Yemi’s advice is, “projectize and simplify.” Learn more about this episode and the Rotary Project Manager at www.rotarypm.ca #rotary #rotaryhalifaxharbour #rotaryprojectmanager #projectmanager Music by Evgeny_Bardyuzha from Pixabay |
Halifax Pride Parade
Will you be joining us in the Pride Parade this Sunday? We're proud to have been the first Rotary club in the world to ever participate in a Pride parade, and we continue to stand in solidarity and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Halifax and Nova Scotia. Sign up here to join us. We really want to have a good show of support and need more people to make that happen! We’ll be meeting at 1:30 on Cogswell Street between North Park and Robie. We'll be in line 4. The parade starts at 2:00 and is a 2.6 km (downhill!) route ending on Spring Garden Road. We’ll be happy to arrange transportation back to the starting point for folks who need it if you let me know. We don’t have a vehicle as a part of our contingent, so be sure to bring only what you need. Dress code is as bright and colourful as you want, and paraphernalia is encouraged (Party City always has some good stuff)! We have a Rotary banner and some flags to bring along with us. Families, kids, friends, and neighbours are all most welcome to join! You can reach Alex anytime before or on the day at 519 400 3011. See you there! |
Anne Olaniyi - Adventures in Citizenship
We were very excited to hear from Anne Olaniyi, our club’s sponsored student to Adventures in Citizenship in May. See Anne’s presentation here: https://youtu.be/s_m-VvFV5PU?t=2188
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Engagement Creates Impact
As an organization, Rotary International is embracing change and is willing to do things differently. The historic first female president of Rotary International and the organization’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion, among others, are prime examples. When you do things differently, it leads to change, and change can lead to hope. Our Rotary International President is Gordon R. McInally. The theme for the year is Create Hope in the World. The RI President urges us to make Membership the lifeblood of our organization. He encourages us to use the flexibility of technology to establish new style clubs that would appeal to a different demographic. He urges us to engage our members and implement Best Practices in retention, especially mentoring.
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End of Year Message
To my dear fellow Rotarians, As we approach the end of another Rotary year, I wanted to take a moment to express gratitude to each and every one of you for your own unique way of expressing Rotary’s vision: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for Rotary in Halifax! At the Changeover event on Friday evening, I gave out a few special awards.
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2022/23 Annual Report
Updated December 11, 2023. Below is the annual report for the Rotary Year of 2022/2023. On June 23, 2023, members of the Board shared their final reports for the 2022/23 Rotary year. The recordings plus additional content are found below.
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Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board - Paul Allan
Paul Allen, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, spoke with the club at our Friday morning meeting. You can see Paul's talk here: https://youtu.be/jeviWCIzzbg?t=1725
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Pride Parade
Our Rotary Club will again be marching in the Pride Parade on July 23. Planning is still happening, but if you are interested, please mark your calendars and reach out to Alex Russell for details. Everyone is welcome!
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Pod Pack Party - Help Needed
Busy during RibFest? We need your help on June 24 moving RibFest items from our storage locker to a moving Pod. This process usually takes less than an hour and is followed by a social trip for pizza. Members pay for their own food. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Gardening gloves or other hand protection may be a good idea. See all the details and times here.
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RibFest Update
Two weeks from this Friday RibFest will be in full swing! There are still a handful of open volunteer spots, plus some waste management teams are needed. Ashley will continue to try and fill these spots, but if not, Rotarians will be drafted in! Non-profit teams and groups who serve a four-hour waste management shift will receive a $400 donation.
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District Award - Membership Growth AwardOur club was recognized with a membership growth award at the district conference last weekend. We are the only club in the district with double-digit membership growth! Well done Mike and his membership team.
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Last Board Meeting of the Year
Our club's board had its last meeting of the year. Led by president Jillian, board members Godfred, Ashley, Dav, Alex, Mike, Lori, and Tom, recapped the year and looked ahead for another Rotary year starting on July 1st. Board member Henk was away this week and was missed!
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Rotary Fellowship Walk
Last Saturday, June 10, a handful of Rotarians enjoyed fellowship and walked in Long Lake Provincial Park. We plan to organize future fellowship walks of varying toughness.
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Hayes Beach Cleanup
On Saturday, June 10, Bob Power and his grandson, Rafe, did a beach cleanup along Hayes Beach. There were there for over three hours, and there is still more to be cleaned up. There were about 15 pots, five bags of styrofoam, other plastics, several items too large for bagging, and a propane cylinder. If you are ever interested in joining Bob, please send him a message.
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Rotaract Club of Halifax - John Pearce
John Pearce, president of the Rotaract Club of Halifax, spoke with the club at our Friday morning meeting. You can see John's talk here: https://youtu.be/flMkWPQqtpY?t=1703 You can learn more and connect with the Rotaract Club of Halifax here: https://www.facebook.com/RotaractHFX/
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Fellowship Month Videos |
Claim PMI PDUsYou can claim free PUDs with PMI by listening to Rotary Project Manager. Visit rotarypm.ca and select individual episodes for details and Talent Triangle PDUs.
PMI uses the Talent Triangle to categorize PDUs. We will list the relevant PDUs for each episode on the website. When you visit rotarypm.ca and click on the episode you will see details, including the Talent Triangle breakdown. Details on the Talent Triangle can be found on PMI's website here: https://www.pmi.org/learning/training-development/talent-triangle Please send questions to contact@rotarypm.ca.
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Quilt Raffle for Red CrossHello members and friends! Fellow member Tripta Devichand has donated her handmade quilt to be raffled off for the Red Cross Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada Fires Appeal.  This internal raffle is open to all members. You may buy tickets on behalf of friends and family. Please do not advertise this on social media as this is an internal raffle and unavailable to the public. 1 for $10 or 5 for $45 Draw June 23 During Meeting Club Members Only Charged to ClubRunner Account  |
RibFest SignupHave you signed up to volunteer for RibFest?We NEED you!Now's your chance! |
RibFest Update |
Membership Dues ExplainedThis Friday, the Club passed, by special resolution, an increase in annual membership dues for the next three years.  Would you like more information on club dues? Visit our Club Dues page on our website (Member Info & Tools > Member Dues) or follow this link: https://rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca/page/club-dues |
Nova Scotia Wildfire Update
Wildfires continue to impact many Nova Scotians. As People of Action, Rotarians are ready to support their communities. Please reach out to each other and make sure your friends and family are safe. You can also find member contact information on the ClubRunner app or our member directory. Another way to connect is through our club's WhatsApp group (private to our club only) here. Rotarians, if the wildfires have impacted you, please email info@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca. What can you do?
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The Promise of Kangaroo Mother Care
Those familiar with former member Doug McMillian will know about Kangaroo Mother Care. See June's Rotary Magazine for an article about this important maternal and child health project. You can also see the article online here.
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New Member
Please join all members in welcoming Charles MacKenzie as a new member. He was inducted on June 2, 2023, at our Friday morning meeting.
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Missed The Assembly?Did you miss the assembly on May 17th? No problem. You can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/rw9sOh7qYRg
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Carol Kehoe - Symphony Nova Scotia
At our Friday morning meeting, we were excited to welcome Carol Kehoe, Director of Marketing and Communications at Symphony Nova Scotia (https://symphonynovascotia.ca/), to speak with the club. You can watch Carol's presentation here: https://youtu.be/L0GG4nnK4EE?t=1821
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Ken McCormick - Moosehead Brewery
This Friday morning, we had a visit from Ken McCormick of Moosehead Brewery. Ken is a Rotarian from Dartmouth who spoke to the club about the Moosehead products and what to expect from RibFest. The number one way our club makes money at RibFest is by selling drinks. Please tell your friends and family about RibFest and share it on Facebook. We also need members to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Please check your email for volunteer signups. You can watch Ken's presentation here: https://youtu.be/L0GG4nnK4EE?t=661
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New Member
Please join all members in welcoming Stephanie Letemplier as a new member. She was inducted on May 26, 2023, at our Friday morning meeting.
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Special Resolution - June 2, 2023The Board of Directors of the Club wish to recommend a small increase in club dues over the next three years. This is to account for a small increase in Rotary International dues and other expenses. In order to approve an increase in membership dues, members must vote on a special resolution following appropriate notice. Every active member is eligible to vote but must be at the meeting (in person or via Zoom). We require 1/3 of the members for a quorum. Members will have an opportunity to comment or ask questions during the meeting. For clarity, honourary members are not eligible to vote. We plan to move the special resolution as one of the first points of business on Friday, June 2, 2023, during our regular meeting. Even if you have other commitments, please consider joining the meeting to hear this special resolution before leaving the meeting. See the special resolution here. If you have any questions, please email info@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca.
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Former Rotaractor HelpA former Rotaractor is moving to Canada and applying to an NSCC program. They are inquiring about funding and scholarship options. If any members have any experience or knowledge in this area, please reach out to Tom Paul to be connected with the former Rotaractor.
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June Fellowship Month Challenge
Did you know June is Rotary Fellowship Month? Fellowship is about sharing interests and experiences with your fellow members. It can be fun or educational (hopefully both). You can find lots of Rotarians with similar interests here. Here is the challenge! If you are interested in something that is not necessarily Rotary-related, invite your fellow members to join you! It's that easy. Share the details with us and we will share them with members in our communication and calendar! Did you see Clarke's QRS (Quick Rotary Social)? These are the kind of things we can do year-round, but why not give it a try this month? Send your fellowship activities to updates@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca to be shared with the club. |
District 7210 Conference in Halifax?
This is kinda cool! District 7210 (Hudson Valley, New York state) is planning to have their June 2024 conference on a cruise to Halifax! During their stop in Halifax, they would like to team up with local clubs to do a fun service project. We don't know the exact dates or even how many people will be on the cruise, but suffice it to say, this could be a big service project event! We need one or two club members who are not tied up with other Rotary commitments in June 2024, to work with District 7210 and our local clubs to coordinate this idea. If you don't think you will be busy this time next year and are interested, please let Tom Paul know!
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Vehicle Help
We have received a request from a member of the public regarding the repair of a vehicle. A caregiver of a child with medical and developmental complications requires taking the child to multiple appointments weekly. This request came from a Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services nurse. If anyone knows any organization that may be able to help, please reach out to Tom Paul for contact information.
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Project DesignOn May 12, President Jillian Gibson led a presentation on Rotary Project Design. You can watch Jillian's presentation here: https://youtu.be/SDdwfV7Cz4M?t=1936
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110 Years Means Cake
We don't need a good reason to eat cake, but turning 110 years young is a pretty good one! On May 5th we launched a year of celebrations. Check back often and follow us on social media for news, events, and fun facts about our history. Former member Doug McMillian joined the club on May 5 to give a little background on the club's history. You can watch Doug's presentation here: https://youtu.be/t7gAOfMJRF4?t=1811
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Enviro Club AwardsDanielle Lemieux, a member of the District Environment Committee and club member, spoke to members about the committee and the Enviro Club Awards. You can watch Danielle's presentation here: https://youtu.be/t7gAOfMJRF4?t=832
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Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
On May 5, President Jillian Gibson presented Ashley Butt with a Paul Harris Fellowship +1 for recognition as a past president of the Club. Ashley was away during the Paul Harris Fellowship night. Jillian also presented Alex Handyside with a Paul Harris Fellowship +5 and Sally Holden with a Paul Harris Fellowship +7. Thank you, Ashley, Alex, and Sally, for your generous contribution to the Rotary Foundation.
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Naan Curry Social May 10
That's an invitation from the proprietor of Naan & Curry and President Jillian to join them for dinner on Wednesday May 10th, at 6pm. Snazzy, eh? The event is open to Rotarians, family and non-Rotarian friends, so please do include them too. The restaurant, at 6386 Quinpool Rd, has pool tables and a foosball table in the basement. Clarke is organizing the initial batting order. |
110 Years of Service
Today marks the 110th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour, and 110 years of Rotary and #ServiceAboveSelf in our region. Formed on May 5th, 1913, our club has a long and proud history of advancing the mission and values of Rotary in the region. Today marks the start of a year of celebrations and recognition of the Rotarians who have served their community through Rotary. Check back often and follow us on social media for news, events, and fun facts about our history. #rotaryhalifaxharbour #rotary #halifax #peopleofaction #110years
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Paul Harris Fellow Night
On April 20, 2023, the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour held its annual Paul Harris Fellow night. This special night is about recognizing outstanding people in our community. This year we bestowed Paul Harris Fellowships upon Dr. Ardra L. Cole, John Paynter, Vicky Craig, Wadih Fares, and past president Ashley Butt. The club also honoured past president Doug McMillian with a special club citation. Please find us on social media for more pictures of this special night. Picture: President Jillian Gibson, Vicky Craig, John Paynter, Dr. Ardra L. Cole. Watch a recording of the evening here: https://fb.watch/kcRbvsTawF/     |
District Conference
Our district (7815) will be holding its annual conference in person in Moncton on June 9, 10, and 11. All members are encouraged to attend if they can. Please save the date and keep an eye on your emails. You can learn more on the district website: https://ridist7815.org/ If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Godfred or Jillian. Watch here: https://youtu.be/Qj0l8HY1YcM?t=1014
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Citadel High Interact Club
Our club sponsors and supports the Interact Club of Citadel High School. This small club is working hard on some school initiatives, including fundraising ideas and volunteer opportunities. To maximize their input, the Interact Club will raise money for the Youth Project on Brunswick Street and host volunteer opportunities for fellow students. As a small group, it can be hard to raise money, but their impact can be magnified by creating volunteer opportunities in the community. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Tom Paul. Also, don't forget to follow the Interact Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citadelinteractclub/ What is Interact? Find out here: https://www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/interact-clubs Watch here: https://youtu.be/Qj0l8HY1YcM?t=1470
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Souls Harbour Sandwiches and Fresh Fruit
Paul Radford is leading the volunteers making sandwiches for Souls Harbour Rescue mission. Please keep an eye on our email, as Paul is looking for some volunteers to help. Henk also pointed out that Souls Harbour also welcomes the donation of fresh fruits. Did you know that if you keep your receipts for donated items to Souls Harbour, they will issue a tax receipt? Watch here: https://youtu.be/Qj0l8HY1YcM?t=1307
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Happy Anniversary to Us
Friday, May 5th, will mark our Club's 110th anniversary! Wow. The Rotary Club of Halifax was chartered May 5th, 1913. When the clubs of Halifax and Harbourside merged to form Halifax Harbour, we retained the original Halifax charter. We will have lots of celebration opportunities over the next year, but keep an eye on your email for some special activities starting this Friday! Watch here: https://youtu.be/Qj0l8HY1YcM?t=906
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Harbourside RibFest Update
Harbourside RibFest is our club's largest fundraiser. Thousands of volunteer hours go into organizing this mega-event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors. (Did you know that Harbourside RibFest is one of the largest volunteer-run, non-profit events in Canada?) If you are looking for an opportunity to help with the Club, this is it! RibFest runs from June 30 to July 3 at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth this year. As we get closer to these dates, you will see more detailed updates and requests for help. Mark Your Calendars - Stay Updated - Be Ready To Volunteer Updates:
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Strategic Planning Update
This week Chris Hornberger gave an update on our Club's strategic planning. Many members would have seen the survey sent earlier this month. While 64 folks opened the survey and 39 started the survey, only 29 completed the survey. We would like to thank Rafael for combing through the results and producing a report. Some of the trends from the survey are:
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Committee ReportsThis is a reminder that committees are asked to produce a report summarizing your work over the last Rotary year. Please direct your report to a board member for distribution.
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Humans of Rotary - Nick Kasteljanov
Nick Kasteljanov first joined Rotary in the Annapolis Valley in 2004, and several years ago made the switch to our Halifax Harbour Club when he moved to Halifax.
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Doug McMillian - Paul Harris Fellow
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to honour Doug McMillian with a Club Citation. |
Vicky Craig - Paul Harris Fellow
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to honour Vicky Craig with a Paul Harris Fellowship. |
Wadih Fares - Paul Harris Fellow
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to honour Wadih Fares with a Paul Harris Fellowship. |
Dr. Ardra L. Cole
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to honour Dr. Ardra L. Cole with a Paul Harris Fellowship. |
Ashley Butt - Paul Harris Fellow
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to honour Past President Ashley Butt with a Paul Harris Fellowship. |
John Paynter - Paul Harris Fellow
The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to honour John Paynter with a Paul Harris Fellowship.
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Welcome Three New Members
Please join all members in welcoming three new members to our club, Swetha P., Tushar Biware, and Lauren McLennan. They were inducted on March 14th at our Friday morning meeting.
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Michael MacDonald - Joseph Howe Elementary
At our Friday morning meeting we were pleased to welcome Michael MacDonald, Principal of Joseph Howe School, to speak to the club. Members can watch the presentation from Michael here: https://youtu.be/dVL880yPAhw
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Last Call - Member Survey
The strategic planning committee is reminding members to complete the important member survey that closes Sunday evening. Please check your email for the link. This survey is how we are able to drive the direction of the club in the near future. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Hornberger.
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Friendship Exchange Calgary to KentvilleThere is a Rotary friendship exchange between Calgary and Kentville this summer. Many of the visiting Rotarians will be in the city and coming to a BBQ at Stella Roy’s home on June 27th. Stella has very kindly invited fellow members as well.
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Welcome Back To Instagram
We are thrilled to share that Doug Harris has agreed to resurrect our club's Instagram account! You can follow us here: @rotaryhalifaxharbour. Did you know we are more effective at telling our club story with compelling pictures? Members are encouraged to share our work with the world by sending content to updates@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca. Welcome, and thank you, Doug!
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Rotary Learning
Are you a lifetime learner? Do you want to expand your skills and knowledge of Rotary? We have added new links to many Rotary learning resources and webinars to this newsletter. It doesn't matter how much Rotary experience you may have; there is always something to learn. Look above for the links. You can also find a link on our Member Info and Tool page on our website.
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Paul Harris Fellowship Award Night
“Rotary changes us and those we serve. I believe we can change the world one life at a time.” - Paul Harris The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour is pleased to continue the tradition of recognizing outstanding local leaders by honouring them as Paul Harris Fellows. These Fellows exemplify Rotary’s motto, “service above self.” |
Believe in Hope
This event is happening in 2023. The Interact Club at C.P. Allan High, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sackville and Area, is hosting a public event in support of Alexis Fletcher IWK Adolescent Mental Health Memorial Endowment. It is on April 19th, at Bedford United Church. Headliners include Lisa Richard and Brooklyn Blackmore and other performers. Sit back, enjoy the coffee and support a good cause! Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Please send questions to rotarycoffeehouse@gmail.com. |
Joseph Howe School Volunteer Opportunity (June 22)
JHS needs 6 volunteers to go on a school trip to Hatfield Farms on June 22nd. This will be an outing that takes approx. 4-5 hours. Any volunteer signing up must have a current Criminal Record Check and clearance from the Child Abuse Registry. Either can be obtained online. Other trips are being planned and additional calls for volunteers will follow If you are able to volunteer, please email Adrienne Malloy - adrienne.malloy55@gmail.com .
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Four Way HarmonyAs some of you will know, we formed an HRM Rotary choir some years back. We named it ‘Four Way Harmony’, and its membership numbered about 20 Rotarians from all clubs, and friends. Our repertoire (sung in four part, SATB harmony), comprised a diverse selection of really fun to sing, light music, pop, country, folk songs, etc., and included numerous Canadian and Maritime classics – and Christmas music. We rehearsed every second week, and performed at several retirement homes, as well as on the Halifax waterfront and at CTV’s Christmas Daddies. Several members sang in performances of the Rotary International Choir at Toronto and Hamburg conferences. We had a lot of fun, and were clearly much appreciated. Some members are still asked if we can come back to some of the places where we sang! We have fans!
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Treasurer Transition
We are sharing the news that Asad Raza has resigned as Club Treasurer and as director of the Board. Please join me in thanking Asad for his work as treasurer. We are excited to share that Lori Payne has volunteered to fill the treasurer position for the remainder of this Rotary year. The Board recently confirmed Lori's appointment. Lori will work closely with Kathleen Houlihan and Clarke Paynter, of the Finance Committee and Asad to facilitate a smooth translation. Please bear with them as they complete this process. More information will be shared on how best to ask questions and submit receipts in the near future. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jillian.
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Business Meeting
At our Friday morning meeting, we heard from the Board members with updates on the club. You can watch the whole meeting here: https://youtu.be/bDTjCoYiHOg
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RibFest Update - Garbage Volunteers
This year’s volunteer roster for the RibFest garbage crews will be slightly different. The shifts will now be shorter (4 hours) which should make them more appealing. Groups are welcome to volunteer for more than one shift if they wish. Each group that volunteers will receive a $400 donation per shift. Each group must have 16 folks on site. Volunteers must be no younger than 14 years old. If you know any interested groups, please reach out to Ashley.
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Welcome Doug Harris and Yemi Olaniyi
On Friday we inducted two new members, Doug Harris and Yemi Olaniyi. Welcome to Rotary Halifax Harbour! Read their bios below:
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Youth Exchange - Alex Russell
At our Friday meeting we heard from fellow member, Alex Russell. She spoke to the club about Youth Exchange. Take a look at our Friday meeting and Alex’s presentation here: https://youtu.be/Yu2manoH1XQ
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ShelterBox Is Hiring
ShelterBox Canada is hiring for a Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator position. If anyone is interested or knows someone interested, please follow this link: https://charityvillage.com/jobs/rotary-and-community-fundraising-coordinator-remote-in-nationwide-ca/
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Paul Harris Night
Check your emails for details on our upcoming Paul Harris night on April 20th at the Westin. We will be recognizing and celebrating outstanding community leaders. There is a $10 fee to cover the event costs. Registration is required through the email sent to you. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashley.
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Anniversary Logo
We are rolling out a special anniversary logo to mark this occasion. You can find information and download our logos/letterheads on our Club's Branding webpage (Member Info & Tools > Club Brand Content). Please let me know if you need help getting and using our brand content.
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Pakora, Paneer & Pool Party
We are planning a Club Curry Night on May 10. More details will be shared soon. Also, there are pool tables at the restaurant we choose, so this may be a Rotary takeover.
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SchoolsPlus Apps
With the financial support of our Charitable Trust, we will be purchasing iPad applications called Proloquo2go for two students in the Halifax area. The students have non-verbal Autism Spectrum Disorder and these applications will help them to communicate. The request came through from SchoolsPlus.
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110 Years of Rotary in Halifax
This year our club will be celebrating our 110th anniversary! The original Rotary Club of Halifax was chartered in 1913. May 5th is our official anniversary. This also represents 110 years of Rotary in our region. |
Second Harvest - Charles MacKenzie
We were very happy to hear from Charles by MacKenzie of Second Harvest. Second Harvest is the largest food rescue organization in Canada. No waste, no hunger. You can watch the whole meeting and Charles' presentation here: https://youtu.be/a01eZqD-L4A
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Volunteer Opportunities
There are lots of volunteers opportunities for members to take part in. Both Joe Howe and Souls Harbour benefit from our member’s hard work marking sandwiches. If you are looking for something to do, please reach out to folks like Lori Payne and Paul Radford. FYI, the club covers the cost of sandwiches to Joe Howe, and Souls Harbour will provide a tax receipt for food given with a receipt.
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Paul Harris Night
Our club will be honouring leaders in our community on April 20 at the Westin hotel. Please keep an eye on your email for updates and invitations.
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Rotary Babies Winner - Baby Ashley
We have just wrapped up our first Fun February Fundraiser - Rotary Babies. Participants submitted baby pictures, and members had a chance (for a small buy-in) to match the Rotary members to the correct baby pictures. The person who matches the most babies wins half the pot ($90). The winner is - Ashley Butt, matching six babies. Want to test yourself? Watch the video below and see if you can guess the Rotary Babies.
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My Rotary
Our Club President gave a tour of Rotay's online world at Rotary.org. Jillian showed some of the features and tools available at members' fingertips. Members are encouraged to signup at Rotary.org using the same email address in ClubRunner. You can watch the whole meeting and Jillian's presentation here: https://youtu.be/dClnZQ9QbWc
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Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning is meeting to plot a way forward in our planning. Committee members may approach club members to gather information on Rotary and our working environment. Please provide as much feedback as you can.
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Thanks Tom!
We thank Tom O'Handley for leading our club's relationship with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. Tom is stepping back from the role, and Paul Radford is stepping up to lead the important work we do.
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ShelterBox Earthquake Update
The response for the earthquake in Syria and Turkey has been very good in Canada. ShelterBox Canada has raised over $630,000, and £2 million world-wide. It is work noting earthquakes tend to receive greater donations than extreme weather events. Over 600 tents have been deployed to Turkey, and some clothing to locations in Syria. ShelterBox is hoping to provide shelter for 30,000 people. Right now, over 1 million people have no housing as a result of the earthquake. If you can, please consider giving to ShelterBox: https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/ Or our District's Turkey/Syria Disaster Response: https://raise.rotary.org/District7815/fundraiser
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International Committee Wants You
The International Committee is looking for some more folks to join the committee. The committee is working on exciting initiatives like a regional/international project group with other clubs. This should make it easier for clubs to lead impactful international projects. If you are interested, please reach out to Godfred Chongatera.
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PALS - New Volunteers Needed
PALS has some short-term volunteer opportunities coming up shortly. Students will be taking day trips starting in April, and volunteers are needed. Volunteers must complete a current criminal background check and vulnerable sector check to volunteer for PALS. If you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more, don't hesitate to get in touch with Adrienne Malloy.
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Rotary Continues to Support Ukraine
Last week marked one year of war in #Ukraine. Rotary continues to respond to the #humanitariancrisis in Ukraine. This week, member Valerie Bobyk reflected on the War during our #RotaryMinute.
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Adventures in Citizenship: Applications Now Open
We are excited to open applications to send a student to Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa this May. This is an amazing program, and there's more info about it below. Please share the information below with any students you know aged 16-18 - including your own kids! |
Humans of Rotary - Stella Roy
Stella is a physiotherapist, and she has been involved in Rotary for 27 years. “Rotary is great a way to give back internationally and locally. Professionally, it was a big help. It gave me opportunities to travel. It’s given me leadership skills. I learned how to run meetings, how to present at meetings. I presented at conferences. I got this confidence from Rotary.
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Discover Halifax - Ross Jefferson
We were very happy to hear from Ross Jefferson, CEO of Discover Halifax. Discover Halifax is a non-profit, membership-based, destination marketing and sales organization. They work in partnership with the Halifax Reginal Municipality, the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia, and participating industry members. You can watch the presentation from Ross here: https://youtu.be/ZAMeo83-OUs
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ShelterBox - Earthquake Response
The International Committee has responded to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We will be giving $1,000 from our existing international budget to ShelterBox, who are on the ground now. Additionally, Rotary International has opened a disaster fund with money directed toward that disaster zone. We will also be giving $1,000 from our existing international budget to the disaster fund. To give to ShelterBox, visit: https://www.shelterboxcanada.org/ To give to the Rotary International Disaster Fund, visit: https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
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Mentorship Program Launch
Mike Gibson and the membership committee have launched the Mentorship Program. While there will be more details shared later, each new member will be assigned a mentor to assist them through various activities and learn about Rotary. We are expecting some new members shortly. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Gibson.
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RibFest Performance Clarification
During the assembly, the financial results of RibFest were shared. At this point, our final number is around -$177. While this is disappointing, we have to clarify that this number is after we have donated to the various non-profit and charitable groups that participate in RibFest. As part of our operations, we donated:
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashley.
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Andrew Macdonald - The Macdonald Notebook
We were delighted to welcome and hear from Andrew Macdonald of The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew spoke about his career and The Macdonald Notebook's work as an independent publication. To learn more about The Macdonald Notebook, please visit https://www.themacdonaldnotebook.ca/
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Rotary Babies Fundraiser **February Only**
We are hosting a quick, fun February fundraiser called "Rotary Babies". You can enter with or without a baby picture. The winner will receive half the pot, and the Club will receive the other half. Here is what you need to do:
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The Buffet is BACK!
Please try to contain your excitement, but the Westin buffet is BACK! Starting at our next meeting at the Westin (February 17th), we will offer the Westin Buffet for a special price of $25 (including tax and gratuity). This is a very special price EXCLUSIVE to our club. Usually, the buffet is $25 plus tax and gratuity. We are discussing the final details with Westin and will share more soon. Please extend a thank you to Glenn and the Westin team, who have supported our Club for many years! Ok, now you can celebrate like Micheal Scott...
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Corporate Membership SurveyCurrent, former, and potential members are being asked to take a few moments to complete the corporate membership survey here: https://questionpro.com/t/ANw0oZwEkn The survey is open until February 15, 2023, and is anonymous. We received a very valid comment in the initial few days of the survey, which is worth sharing. A responder stated that they don't feel our club should have anything to do with corporate membership and that the survey is built in a way that does not provide an opportunity to object. They are correct about the survey.
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Humans of Rotary - Clarke Paynter
Clarke is a senior investment advisor with Manulife Securities and has been a member of Rotary for nearly 30 years. He has served as President of (the former) Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside twice and has held many other leadership roles within the Rotary movement. He’s also a long-time rally car enthusiast! |
Mayann FrancisWe were very happy to welcome and hear from The Honourable Mayann Francis, the 31st Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Mayann spoke about her life, her time as the Lieutenant Governor, and her writings. Mayanna was the first Black Nova Scotian and the second woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. You can watch the whole meeting and see Mayann's talk here: https://youtu.be/ar4h6CPNYWk
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Rotary Adventure Club
The Rotary Clubs of Halifax Northwest, Yarmouth, and New Minus Sunrise are hosting a vacation draw called the Rotary Adventure Club. There are some amazing cash and vacation prizes! See all the details and buy your tickets here: https://rotaryadventureclub.ca/ With only 1000 tickets for sale and prizes being drawn every month, there are plenty of opportunities to win big!
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Friendship Exchange
We are happy to share we have a group of local Rotarians heading to Oregon as part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange. The Rotarians will be away from May 19th to June 3. The biggest expense will be travel, but when folks get there, they will be housed by local Rotary members. There are some openings. Please reach out to Bob Power for more information.
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Rotary Bridge Club Is A Go!
After a pandemic hiatus, the Rotary Bridge Club is back up and running. While the group is mostly Rotarians, there are some non-Rotarians. The Bridge Club has been running for over 40 years now! If you are interested or want to learn more, please contact Bob Power.
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Breakfast Ordering
We continue to look for ways to improve the breakfast ordering process. We have removed some areas of weakness in the process and are happy to see things working well in the background. As part of this streamlining, we will be phasing out payments, of any form, during meetings for members. If you order breakfast, it will be placed on your ClubRunner account, as well as the $5 fee for coffee and tea. We will still accept cash for guests and visitors or allow other members to cover the costs. This is still a work in progress, and we look forward to any feedback.
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Meeting Tech Team
We are looking for some volunteers to handle the tech (laptop, projector, speaker) setup every week. This team would coordinate with each other and ensure the tech is set up and ready for each meeting. If you are interested, please reach out to Jillian.
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Youth Programs
We have some FUN youth-oriented activities that we need some help with. We have an active youth program, including youth exchange, Interact clubs, and youth trips. If you are interesting in helping out or learning more, please reach out to Alex Russell.
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Rotary Exchange Students
We were very excited to see and hear from many youth exchange students at our Friday morning meeting. You watch the meeting here: https://youtu.be/e2L-buvj178
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Young At Heart
We will meet with a group called Young At Heart (Rotarians who are young at heart or new to the club ). We are looking to do projects to help newcomers to our community. Please contact David Gosine if you want to get involved or have any ideas for projects.
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ShelterBox Update
ShelterBox has confirmed we have raised over $1,400 from our last GivingTuesday campaign. We are sorry that some folks had some technical issues with the giving page online. Sally is working with ShelterBox on this issue. Please keep an eye out for a future fundraiser coming soon.
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Programs and International Committees Wants You |
Humans of Rotary - Ansha Greene
Ansha has been a member of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour for 13 months. She works as an insurance broker, supporting commercial small business. She joined Rotary shortly after beginning her professional journey in the corporate world.
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SCANS
On Friday we heard from Mimi Little, a volunteer at the Seniors’ College Association of Nova Scotia, SCANS. This organization offered seniors learning opportunities in a large number of subjects taught by experts and current/former instructors and professors. Learn more here: https://www.thescans.org/ Watch the presentation and meeting here: https://youtu.be/8P-2SX4qH2M
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Breakfast Order Updates
We are still working with the Westin on some logistics, but we hope to offer the buffet at a future meeting. Non-dairy food options are also being added to our pre-order starting this coming Friday. We are also working on some other updates and streamlining. Please keep an eye on your emails.
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RLI Coming SoonThe Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will be hosting online, level one, training sessions for three Tuesday starting January 17th. RLI is a three level program where members learn about Rotary and enjoy facilitated discussions about Rotary leadership, the Foundation, and other areas of Rotary. This is great for new Rotarians. Registration closes on Sunday, January 15. Please check your email or reach out to Ashley for more information.
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Humans of Rotary - Alida Campbell
Meet Alida Campbell, who has been involved with Rotary for 19 years. In the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing you to Halifax Harbour Rotarians like Alida. She first became involved as a youth exchange student in 2005, when she went to Germany.
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Enoch Became a Rotarian in Uganda
Last week Chris Hornberger presented a cheque for $4,300 from the club to the Aninga Project to help ten students in Uganda. The club as been supporting the Aninga Project for several years. Chris also provided a great update on Enoch Magala.
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Rotary Friendship ExchangeBob Power is helping with the Rotary Friendship exchange and is happy to announce that a team from our District will be heading to Oregon in May. Our District has visitors from Oregon a couple of years ago. The Rotary Friendship Exchange is between two districts and typically involves eight to 16 Rotarians. Local Rotarians volunteer to host the visitors in their homes and show them around the district for about two weeks.
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Exchange Student Weekend
Alida Campbell and her team have been preparing for the youth exchange weekend (January 19-22). This is where inbound (six) and outbound (eleven) students can get together for fun (and learning). We are planning a potluck for all the exchange students at Stephen's condo common room (aka Stephen's Rotary Party Room). Please let Alida know if you are interested in coming (or any of the activities) and meeting the exchange students. The students will also be at our January 20th meeting for a presentation.
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Sandwich Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to help with sandwich marking, supply shopping, and delivery to Joseph Howe Elementary School. Please check your email for volunteer sign-up forms. If you have any questions or want more details, please reach out to Lori Payne: loripayne0404@gmail.com We provide 50 sandwiches each week to the school for the staff to distribute to students who need lunch. The sandwiches the students like are made of chicken salad or turkey/chicken deli meat. Each sandwich is cut in two, giving 100 portions to be distributed over the lunch hour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The sandwiches can be dropped off at the school at 2557 Maynard St on Tuesday mornings between 830 and 11 am. Each time slot a volunteer signs up for is a commitment to make ten sandwiches.
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Action Teams Update
This week at our morning meeting, we got an update from our Action Teams and general club business updates. You can watch the club meeting here.
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In-person Breakfast Changes
Does anyone remember the Westin buffet in pre-COVID times? We are talking to the Westin about the buffet breakfast option for future in-person meetings. Before COVID, members could order and pay for a light breakfast just before meetings started or take advantage of the buffet during a short break. We are still discussing the details and costs of what this may look like. Until we have more details, we will continue to offer a pre-order option every week we meet in person. We are also looking into non-dairy options.
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Christmas Hampers Delivered
This past weekend we delivered forty #ChristmasHampers to needy families in Spryfield and Uniacke Square. Food Security is a problem in our community year-round, but we hope these food packages will make the holidays easier. A BIG thank you goes to Bob Power and his delivery elves (Diane, Gerry, Chris, Peter, Terry, Heather, Kelley, and Joel). We also want to thank our donors for donating food, money, and supplies. Shout out to Prescott Group for providing cakes at cost and Dylan's No Frills for providing the bags for the hampers!
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Christmas Kettles
Last Monday, Rotarians volunteered at a Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at Halifax Shopping Centre! Thanks, everyone!
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Congratulation, Luke MacDonald
Our very own Luke MacDonald recently and very deservingly received the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal! 👏👏👏 Luke is pictured here with MLA Lorelei Nicoll, his mom, Peggy, and daughter Bria. |
Cash Draw Donors - Updated
In past years the former Rotary Club of Halifax hosted the Vacation Draw and later the Cash Draw. The club decided not to complete the draw this year. Still, Bob Power has reached out to many former donors, and many have generously agreed to donate to the Charitable Trust (the charitable arm of our club). So far, over $1,600 have been donated! Thank you, Bob, and thank your generous donors! If you know folks looking for a charitable giving opportunity, please reach out to any member of the Charitable Trust.
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Field Trip Meeting Next Week
This is a reminder that the December 23 meeting will be our last in 2022 will be happening at DASC. Please read the important information below if you plan to attend in person.
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PALS Looking for Volunteers
PALS is up and running at Joesph Howe School. We already see remarkable results from the students and teachers. However, the school needs more one-off volunteers to help with small activities and field trips. Adrienne will share details on upcoming needs in January, and members are encouraged to consider volunteering. A criminal background check and vulnerable persons check will need to be conducted.
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#Giving Tuesday Thank You
Thank you for your generosity this #GivingTuesday. In 2019 79.5 million people were forced from their homes due to violence and conflict. Additionally, millions more were displaced through floods, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Every ShelterBox brings hope and homes to families and communities. Your gift can make more of a difference than you will ever know. To learn more about ShelterBox, visit shelterboxcanada.org To learn more about GivingTuesday, visit givingtuesday.ca
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Beatles Fest Cancelled
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Beatles Fest fundraising concert scheduled for Friday November 18th at Paul O'Regan Hall has been cancelled. We want to thank our generous sponsors - HaliPad Real Estate, Patterson Law, Burnside Law and SimplyCast, as well as all those who bought tickets. Full refunds will be issued to all ticket purchasers.Nevertheless the work of Rotary continues. The Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour will continue to raise funds and give of our time to critical programs in our community that make a difference every day. We will continue to find ways to provide much needed funds and resources to lift up those most in need in our community and beyond. If you would like to donate your ticket purchase to Rotary, a charitable tax receipt for the full amount paid will be issued with gratitude. Please reply to dance@rotarybeatlesfest.ca and indicate if you wish to have your purchase refunded, or if you are donating the funds in exchange for a charitable tax receipt. Either way, we thank you for your support. Yours in Rotary The Rotary Beatles Fest Committee
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ShelterBox Update - Pakistan
Our club has been a supporter of ShelterBox for many years. You can learn more and donate by visiting ShelterBoxCanada.org. ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters or conflict. Please see the update below regarding Pakistan: Global disaster relief organization ShelterBox Canada announced today it is deploying an emergency team to Pakistan to respond to devastating flooding and determine what aid it will provide.
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District Designated Funds (DDFs)
Last week there was a question about the Rotary Foundation, District Designated Funds (DDFs) and how they work. When you donate to the Rotary Foundation, you can choose where your money goes. If choose Annual Fund-SHARE the funds are divided as follows:
Donations are invested in a three-year cycle. That means donations received this year will not be available for another three years. A district can ask for up to half of the DDF in district grants for local causes and programs. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district.
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Fringe Artist Les Kurkendaal-Barrett
This week were delighted to have Les Kurkendaal-Barrett speak to our club about being a fringe artist, actor, and storyteller. Based in Los Angeles, California, Les is in town for the Halifax Fringe Festival with his show, The Real Black Swann, Confessions of America's First Black Drag Queen. It is about a former slave, William Dorsey Swann, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, becoming the queen of drag in the US and the first queer activist on record. Les talked about how little is known about William and the making of the show. For more information on the Halifax Fringe Festival and tickets, visit: https://halifaxfringe.ca/ |
Club Assembly & Social - September 28 @ 6PMAssemblies are an important time to talk about the club, our vision, and brainstorm ideas for the future. Assemblies are less about day-to-day business and more about club strategy. Potential members may find assemblies valuable and are welcome. Our next club assembly will be on September 28 @ 6PM at the Westin Nova Scotian Lunenburg Room. Everyone is invited to the Seaport Social (hotel bar) for an informal social opportunity following the assembly. This meeting will be in-person and on Zoom. If you plan to attend the assembly, please register. You can register and find more information here: https://rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca/event/club-assembly-2/
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International Toast - Rotaract Club of Kabale Institute of Health Sciences
At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we take the time to introduce and recognize Rotary Clubs from around the world.
This week we recognize the Rotaract Club of Kabale Institute of Health Sciences. Located in Southwestern Uganda, Kabale is a small city about the size of Thuro. What is interesting about Kabale is how they have one Rotary club but four Rotaract clubs. Rotaract clubs in Kabale are People of Action. |
Rotaract Club of Halifax Update
Our friends at the Rotaract Club of Halifax are hosting a few fundraisers.
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Oksana Tjupa, President, Rotary Club of Kyiv Int'l
At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we watched a pre-recorded meeting between Oksana Tjupa, President, Rotary Club of Kyiv Int'l and our district governor Harvey Bass. Our President, Jillian Gibson, shared some details on the district disaster response grant. In the early stages, only clubs in Ukraine and clubs that border Ukraine were eligible to apply for the immediate disaster response fund. The grant is now open globally. Our district has an opportunity to apply for a USD 25,000 grant that can be used locally to help displaced Ukrainians in our area. This grant is for the district, not a specific club. We also have the option to send the entire grant to a Rotary club in Ukraine. After a review of needs, the district has decided the best use for the funds would be to send the money to Ukraine. However, we can re-apply for the grant if there is an urgent need in our district. For added simplicity, our district is looking to combine with other districts to send a single large grant. Jillian will keep the club updated.
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Rotary Bridge Club
There has been a Rotary Bridge Club in the Halifax/Dartmouth area for 40-plus years. While COVID put a pause on the club, Bob Power is now attempting to restart it. If you are interested in playing bridge, please contact Bob Power.
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We Nominate Doug Logan!At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, Louisa Horne made a motion that our club recommend our very own Doug Logan to be considered for this director role. This motion was overwhelmingly adopted!
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Rotaract Club of Halifax Fundraiser
The Rotaract Club of Halifax is hosting a fundraiser for Youth Exchange. It is a social media based fundraiser where the winner will walk away with $500! It only costs $10 to participate!
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BREW Fellowship
During this week’s Friday breakfast meeting we were joined by Kevin Duguay of the Rotary Club of Peterborough. Kevin talked about the Rotary BREW Fellowship. BREW stands for Beer Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide. The goal of BREW is to create the largest fellowship in Rotary. An international community of Rotarians who share a love of beer. They also strive to support efforts and projects to bring clean water to those in thirst since water is the primary ingredient in beer. To learn more or become a member visit their website: https://www.rotarybrew.org/ Or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329069693938136/
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What is “Every Rotarian, Every Year” All About?
This initiative by the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation encourages “every Rotarian, every year” to:
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Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia - RRANS
On August 5, 2022 the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia - RRANS joined our breakfast meeting to speak about their group. RRANS makes possible LGBTQI+ refugee resettlement and supports safer communities of belonging through advocacy, education, and sponsorship. |
Calling All SpeakersDo you have a great speaker who might want to speak with our club? Please send all speaker requests to speakers@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca.
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International Toast - Rotary Club of Mönchengladbach Gero
At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we take the time to introduce and recognize Rotary Clubs from around the world.
This week we recognized the Rotary Club of Mönchengladbach Gero. Chartered in 2013, they are located in Mönchengladbach, Germany, 30 km west is the Dutch border and 30 km east of the North Rhine-Westphalian state capital of Düsseldorf. |
What is the Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is the primary source of unrestricted support for the programs of The Rotary Foundation. From digging clean water wells for villages in Africa to teaching basic literary skills to children in Latin America, during any given moment in a day, thousands of Rotarians volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that all contributions given to the Annual Fund are spent wisely on quality Rotary projects. |
Looking for Action!
We are Rotarians, and we are People of Action! This year we have grouped the different committees of our club into one of four "Action Teams". But what does this mean? We are using the Action Teams to organize the many things we do into distinct groupings for better clarity. One of the reasons we are doing this is to help members focus on areas of interest. For example, if you are a person who craves hands-on, on-the-ground volunteering, the "We Transform Communities" Action Team is for you! Within this Action Team, there are tons of opportunities to serve our local and international communities. Now it's time you join an Action Team!
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We Connect People
During our July 29th Rotary Breakfast, Mike Gibson and Alexandra Russell shared details on the Action Team, We Connect People. The presentation covered:
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International Toast - The Rotary Club of Rotonda
At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we take the time to introduce and recognize Rotary Clubs from around the world.
This week we recognized the Rotary Club of Rotonda, Florida, District 6960. Located in Rotonda, Flordia, some of the things they do include collecting donated sneakers from the community for underprivileged kids for back-to-school, hosting Monopoly-style and Texas Holdem fundraisers, roadside clean-up, and helping clean local non-profit premises. |
Recycling for End Polio Now
Did you know your recycling can help end polio? Here's how:
It's that easy! All the money raised is sent to the Rotary Foundation End Polio Now Fund! |
Peter Yurkiw
It is with a heavy heart we share that Honorary Member Peter Yurkiw passed away on July 27, 2022. He was 102. Peter was an active member of the Rotary Club of Halifax for many years. His obituary can be seen here. Contributions in memory of Peter may be made to the Canadian Red Cross. https://www.redcross.ca/donate |
What are the objectives of the Rotary Foundation?
The Rotary Foundation's objectives were agreed upon by the 1945-1946 Rotary International Board and Foundation Trustees and included in the 1946 Manual of Procedures:
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We Fund Sustainable Projects
During our July 22nd Rotary Breakfast, Ashley Butt and Derek Brett shared details on the Action Team, We Fund Sustainable Projects. The presentation covered:
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International Toast - Rotary Club San Francisco
At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we take the time to introduce and recognize Rotary Clubs from around the world.
This week we recognized the Rotary Club of San Francisco, district 5150. It is one of five clubs in the San Francisco area, and the second oldest club in the world. It was founded in 1908 to help the city after the great earthquake and fire of 1906. It has launched 4 clubs in its neighborhood and sponsored one of the first clubs overseas in Dublin. |
How did the Rotary Foundation get started?
The Rotary Foundation started by Rotary International in 1917 when Rotary International’s sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, suggested an endowment fund for Rotary “to do good in the world”.
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We Transform Communities
During our July 15th Rotary Breakfast, Jane Spurr and Godfred Chongatera shared details on the Action Team, We Transform Communities. The presentation covered:
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Fantasy Football Fundraiser
Do you like raising money for The Foundation Polio Fund? (I know you do!) Do you like a bit of friendly rivalry? ( I think you do!) Do you like football? -even if you call it soccer? 😊 The RC Preston Guild has run a private fantasy football league for many years , and as the English Premier League is about to start NOW is the chance for you to join the fun! |
Rotaract Club of Halifax Fundraisers
The Rotaract Club of Halifax is hosting two fundraisers for Youth Exchange and local underprivileged children. The first is social media based fundraiser where the winner will walk away with $500. The second is a book sale @ Alderney Market Saturday July 16.
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We Create Opportunities
During our July 8th Rotary Breakfast, our President, Jillian Gibson, shared details on the Action Team, We Create Opportunities. This team is make up of the club executive and will collaborate with Rotarians and community partners in:
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Halifax Newcomer Choir
Rachel Karoline of ISANS has formed a new singing group called the Halifax Newcomer Choir. They are looking for people, and you don't have to be a "singer"! If you like singing and like helping newcomers, this may be for you. This fun group spends its time both helping newcomers learn English and singing. They practice Tuesday evenings. If you are interested, please contact Louisa Horne for more information.
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Rotary Foundation Moment July 3, 2022
"Our Foundation is characterized by efficient, continuous, and dynamic action. Every day of the year there is not an hour that goes by without a hand being extended by The Rotary Foundation to efficiently help, aid, construct, vaccinate, and even save lives." -Paulo Costa, 1990-1991 Past President of Rotary International
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Day of Service Recognized
Past Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta, has recognized our club for hosting a Day of Service. On June 5 our club completed a litter clean-up around Halifax West High School as a service project. Thank you to Bob Power for leading this day of service project and Tripta Devichand for advocating for the clean-up needs of Halifax West High School.
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Happy New (Rotary) Year
This Rotary year, let’s imagine the possibilities in the change we can make to transform our communities. This is a special year… Our first female President of Rotary International – Jennifer Jones. Her theme for the year is Imagine Rotary and she urges us to dream big and harness our connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality: “Imagine a world that deserves our best, where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”
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Litter Clean-up - Rotary Day of Service
Celebrating Rotary's newest Area of Focus during a Rotary Day of Service and World Environment Day!
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Mom's Day Brunch is BACK!
Are you looking for a way to celebrate Mother's Day? We can solve your dilemma. Visit www.halifaxmothersdaybrunch.ca to order an amazing brunch, buy raffle tickets, and bid on many great auction items. |
Halifax Harbour honours the late Brian Burnell |
Halifax Harbour names five Paul Harris Fellows |
Bite Rotary for Youth March 31st |
2015 Mother's Day Brunch |
Disaster Assistance Response Team
What better time to hear from a member of our Canadian Forces, but on the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. Warrant Officer Chris Brown spoke to us about his experiences of being deployed with the Disaster Assistance Response Team (D.A.R.T.) in November 2013, in response to the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan (one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded) in the Philippines. It was an impressive and moving talk, which left us feeling proud and thankful to all the men and women of our Canadian Forces. |
Runners from Kenya share their story
This morning our President Barb presented fellow member Stella Roy with her 3rd Paul Harris! Stella is the incoming District Governor, taking on full position as District Governor come July 1st. We are so very proud of all the work she has done with Rotary, locally and internationally and wish her the best of luck in this coming year! Today we had special guests John Ewoi and Philip Biwott, professional runners from Kenya. |
Inspiration on the ground with Polio Immunization
Today's meeting our own Stella Roy, District Governor Elect, shared her experience of traveling to Nigeria in November of 2013 to immunize children against the Polio.
This was an eye opening and inspirational talk that Stella shared with us. Thank you for sharing Stella! For more information on the fight against polio, please click HERE |
Business Meeting
Today our committee chairs shared updates on their projects and how planning is coming for our upcoming Mother's Day Brunch. We also had the induction of our new member Brent Platt! We are so pleased to welcome Brent to the club, he truly lives the Service Above Self way and we are looking forward to the great things we will accomplish with Brent. It was an efficient and information filled meeting, thank you to all who were able to be present.
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Business Plans from a Running Man
Luke MacDonald joined our club just over 6 months ago and his drive and passion for local and international development has really blown us out of the water. Luke shared with us an inspiring, moving and down-right impressive classification speech! |
An Inspirational Talk from Jacob Deng on the Lost Boys of Sudan
Jacob Deng is a remarkable individual who has overcome more hardships than many could imagine. And from these experiences he is filled with compassion and respect for all humans, and persistence in providing education to those in similar situations, to better the world.
He created Wadeng Wings of Hope, a charitable organization to better the lives of those in South Sudan. His work has garnered national press, and he has had the opportunity to meet with fellow humanitarian George Clooney, also doing work in South Sudan. |
History Lesson at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel
We enjoyed a tour of The Westin Nova Scotian hotel with our very own Glenn Bowie.
This beautiful building was built in 1930, just 2 years after the train station. We enjoyed a view from the top suite, down to the inner workings with the fabulous staff! Thanks to Glenn and the staff for welcoming us this morning! |
Election Results are In!
This morning was the highly anticipated club elections for the 2014/2015 Board. We had a great turnout and strong candidates put forward for the roles. Please see further, for a note from our President, Barbara Fickes, with the results enclosed. |
International Committee shares the wealth.
Our fellow member Stella Roy, District Governor Elect and Chair of the International Committee, provided an update on what the International Committee has been working on this past year. On another note, Stella just returned from a trip to Nigeria to administer Polio vaccines, that story is to come at a later date!
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District Governor meets HRRC on Board the HMCS Sackville!
Today was the annual visit from the District Governor to our Club. DG Greg Coldwell and his wife Claudia joined us on board the HMCS Sackville where Greg shared his presentation with our Club Members.
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Conductor of Another Kind
This week's Special Guest Speaker was Beth Lynch, from March of Dimes. Beth is an Conductor of sorts, but not the kind you would usually know about.
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Engage Rotary, Change Lives!
The Rotary International Motto - Engage Rotary, Change Lives - could not have been more relevant that today, at our first Business Meeting of the new Rotary Year!
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Community with a Heart
Today's Guest Speaker was Bernie Smith, formerly the Director of both the Spring Garden Area Business Association and the North End Business Association.
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It Takes a Community to Raise a Child
Dr Linda Liebenberg, from the Resilience Research Centre was our Special Guest Speaker today.
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US Consul General visits Halifax Harbourside Rotary Club! |
HMCS Sackville, Soul of the Canadian Navy |
Learnings from Grand Prairie!
Today we had our business meeting, the minutes have been saved in clubrunner for club members. We also had a guest with us, Lorraine Gabriel, who shared with us the powerful force that Rotary is in Grand Prairie. We were impressed with their fundraising efforts and the size of membership for the city. It was really great hearing from Lorraine and we were so pleased she could join us! |
What can Rotary do for you?
Today we took time to go around the table and have each person talk about how Rotary has impacted their life and what Rotary can do for them moving forward. |
Happy Stories all Around!
Our scheduled Guest Speaker was unable to join us today so we shared Happy Stories from our Members.
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Melissa Mancini of Halifax, Recent Presenter at UN Alliance of Civiliaztions
Melissa Mancini, News Producer at News 95.7 radio, recently presented at the 5th Global Forum of the UNAOC in Vienna.
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NATURE: Respected and Protected
Jennifer West from the Ecology Action Centre reported to us about the recent Say Something Big Conference, which we proudly supported this past November.
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Laing House, a Stigma Stomper!
Today the Halifax Harbourside Rotary Club was joined by Cindy Wheeler, the Marketing Coordinator for Laing House.
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Business As Usual
Our Monthly Business Meeting was held today. As usual, there was lots of discussion, several great ideas and positive energy all around.
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Community Carrot Gains Ground in Healthy Food Fight!
Special Guest Speakers Cathy Carmody and Dr. Norman Greenberg shared their recent achievement in the search for funding for the Community Carrot Co-op.
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Immigration, Alive and Well in Nova Scotia
Our Special Guest Speaker today was Sherry Redden, Manager of Business and Workforce Integration with ISIS (Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services).
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Dine with a Legend!Phil Calvert, an inspiring and motivating local entrepreneur, presented on a few of the impressive events and speakers he's brought to Atlantic Canada and the exciting upcoming events! Check out the latest, Dine with a Legend ~ Arlene Dickinson, coming up in March. Click here Dine with a Legend
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Muungano - We Are All Together
Today's meeting was held at the Comfort Inn, Bayers Lake. Our Club inducted one new member, and our special guest spoke about a truly inspirational children's education project in Kiritu, Kenya. |
Outlook 2013 - The Financial Future is Looking Up!
This morning's Guest Speaker was David Baskin of Baskin Financial Services Inc. His presentation entitled "Climbing the Wall of Worry, and Looking Over the Top" was both fascinating and informative. He made understanding world economics a whole lot easier for us and gave some great direction on investment possibilities. |
Monthly Business Meeting Today!Our monthly business meeting was held today. The full minutes are available for our members when they log into our site and look at the Club Documents. Vivienne's ticket was picked for a chance to win our 50/50 draw, but it's still in the pot for next week. See you all then! |
Stop that Rapid Aging Process!
Meeting today was chaired by Paul Radford. Thank you Paul!
Our Special Guest Speaker today was Floria Aghdamimehr, Wellness Consultant & Coach. Floria spoke about the aging process and how we can actually slow it down. The three main areas that need work from most of us are:
For more information you can contact Floria at floria@RecognizeYourPotential.com |
Haitian Communities in the Dominican Republic
Wendy Keen, of the Darmouth East Rotary Club, led a team of four Rotarians from District 7820 for phase four of the project. They left on January 13th for a week in batey Vasca, a small impoversished sugarcane village. There they helped the community establish a community garden; helped paint the houses and refurbished the kitchen of the senior men's residence and school. The matching grant of $23,000.00 with the Rotary Club of San Pedro de Marcoris will help install better latrines, solar ovens and raised beds and shade for the garden. It was a great Rotary experience to see the growth and development taking place. We'll be back next year. Wendy is available to make presentations to clubs in the district of this very successful project.
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Impersonations!
Cold day outside but warm bodies inside. We were lucky enough to have an induction today as well as impersonations done by two members, that taught us a lot about their lives! |
Update from Dominican Republic!
Currently we have two members volunteering in a Haitian community in the Dominican Republic. For one member, Paulette, it is her first year going over. For our other member, Gerry, this is over his third time going! Here is a photo of Gerry and some locals on their traditional form of transportation (low on fuel)!
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Rotary Awareness Month
Today was not so great outside but fantastic inside at our meeting! We inducted 3 members, 2 new and 1 transfer, and had a great speech from Paul Besant from the New World Merchant Bank.
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Assembly Meeting
This Assembly meeting was to discuss our next signature project. Ideas were presented regarding potential opportunities. The ideas seem to mesh well, so now we will see if we can create a project that will incorporate all ideas and areas of concern. See power point for more information regarding the meeting.
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Happy New Year and Welcome Back!
A New Year is upon us; to Rotarians we know the New Year starts with ROTARY AWARENESS MONTH. So have we got a month for you! Ukrainian New Year, RAHs (Rotary After Hours), and our first networking event of the year (Mingle with Rotary), all happening in January!
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Neither wind, nor rain, nor dark of night
A dozen committed Rotarians and guests braved the awful traffic, wind and rain to come to the Sobeys Community Room, just as a storm was heading into town. What a night! The atmosphere inside however, was joyful and as usual, there were lots of laughs. We welcomed two guests and heard a Rotary minute about the Foundation. Adam saved the 50-50 day by quickly getting a new deck of cards at Sobeys to start a new round after Hilary’s big win last Friday. The pot today was low, and Clarke thought he might win, but no, the pot has started its path to double and triple digits again.
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Vocational Speech by Ken Geddes
Today we had the pleasure of hearing our fellow member, Ken Geddes, speak about his life, growing up in Dartmouth and getting into the Radio Industry.
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NEW Board ELECTED for 2012 -2013What a great morning at Rotary - Thank you again to our Nominating and Election Team of Valerie & Clarke and thank you to all those who allowed their names to go forward for leadership. |
Games Night! REPEAT REQUESTED! REPEAT REQUESTED!!
Another fun morning at Harbourside - we were delighted to have 29 people
present including seven guests. The Tuckers and Natalia were our
special guests, along with friends of Erin, Clarke and Evelina. Two of
the guests were "repeats" so we must be doing something right. We had
to add chairs which is a great problem to have.
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Halifax Harbourside Business Meeting
Another great way to start a Friday. O Canada, Rotary Minute, great breakfast buffet at the Westin. We heard about some happy moments, particularly relating to Zone training in Moncton last weekend and a New Members' Orientation at Louisa's, also last weekend.
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Board Meeting
November Board Meeting Minutes
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Harbourside Remembers at Bayers Lake
This is Remembrance Week and we paused to remember, reflect and give Thanks for the freedom of movement and expression , a debt of gratitude to Veterans who have paid the supreme sacrifice and others wounded in conflict both physically and mentally. He outlined his childhood experience in Scotland during the dark days of WWII., then in 1948 the creation of the United Nations, facilitated by Rotarians around the world (in line with our objective of Peace and goodwill to all). He led a Moment of Silence followed by a rousing National Anthem. |
Bullying. A Shocking Situation. Can we help?
We were delighted to welcome our exchange
student, Natalia, our District Governor Elect, Tom McCaughy and two other
guests, Donna’s son, Dan Warren, and a new faculty member at Dal, Maria Reyes,
to our meeting. In addition, we were honoured to have our speaker, Wayne
MacKay, QC, OC.
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Dinners... District Governor Nomination... and Destination Halifax!After the usual singing of the anthem, Rotary minute and breakfast, Sergeant at Arms Lanc facilitated the sharing of news, we heard numerous people comment on the fun they had at the Potlucks for Polio last week, these Dinners were great fun. Louisa and Evelina each hosted dinners and Adrienne’s family turned their usual family gathering into a Polio event as well. Louisa was pleased that Jim Axell from the Halifax Club and his wife attended the dinner at her house, it was great to have more inter-club activity. |
WOW! The DG, a TR, 4 PHFs, DRBs... the whole alphabet AND two new members... all in an hour!
It is not often that this much activity can take place
on a Friday morning before 8:30 a.m.! We had a very full agenda and a lot
of fun at the same time. The meeting started in the usual way, Barb gave
us a perfect “O” to start the anthem and Lanc, as Sargeant at Arms, shared a
Rotary Minute about our District Governor’s role in dropping the puck at a
hockey game to raise money for Polio, the story made the Rotarian Magazine.
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Harbourside Stops In At Bayers LakeHello Everyone Today was a great day in Rotary, some great guest and news about a new project! Hilary's Dad, Bruce Taylor, was in to visit our club today, he gave a Happy Buck for visiting his daughter. Also visiting was Erin Martin and Donna Clarke (who as of this writing are going to be new members! Yah!). Lots of Happy bucks to go around today, Michael was at the running challenge, Barb is going to Cape Breton this week, Vivienne had been visiting her daughter and son in law and Evelina had Thanksgiving weekend with her granddaughter.......... |
Our First Afternoon Meeting: An Experiment in Flexibility!
Valerie gave us a Rotary “elevator speech” for a Rotary Minute and we all enjoyed the buffet. Lanc collected some Happy Bucks, Louisa was happy that Alleyne, from the Halifax Club, joined us and that she was not injured in the fender bender on the bridge that she was involved in on the way to the meeting!
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Pole dancing... roses... flying hats...latex gloves on the head and spinning plates. Not just another meeting.
Vivienne facilitated the sharing of happiness – here are a few of the gems:
Murray was happy about the Car Rally last weekend (Harbourside’s three cars did not make it into the winner’s circle... even with a former winner navigating in one car, we lost!) – it was great fun. Paul Radford and Stella, Murray and Val, Louisa and her husband all enjoyed the event – Murray suggested that we might launch a class-action suit against the organizers for some very tricky instructions. A team from the new Sackville Club won the right to wear the winners’ vests for the next year and the New Minas Club took home the trophy, again............ |
Sunday, September 25th at Ready to Rumba
A dozen women from the Halifax, Halifax Harbourside and Dartmouth Clubs had a fun afternoon, learning the finer points of pole dancing! The laughs were many and were matched in number by the aches and pains that resulted the following day. Wow, that is tough work. Our instructor, Michelle, was such fun – she engaged us all in participating in the activities. We also enjoyed some tasty treats – and excellent conversation and fellowship. Everyone agreed that more opportunities for women of Rotary to get together would be welcomed – a sequel is in the works. |
Business Meeting Sept 23, 2011Rotary Club of Business Meeting Minutes Sep 23, 2011, 7:30 am - Westin Hotel, Why are we happy today? Gerry: sold the Miata Stella: gave Paul a surprise trip to Peter: pleasure of standing beside Barb while she led us and harmonized O Canada this morning!.......... |
A Very Entertaining And Productive Pseudo Business Meeting
Gayle chaired the meeting on this grey Friday
morning – it feels like fall! Vivienne was in the SAA hotseat again and
Lanc’s mentorship is working well! She roused the group to offer some
Happy Bucks – Paul Roy is a new member of the Burns Society (does this
mean we can expect to see him in a kilt?); Murray is happy to have moved
to a new apartment with a view (what exactly is he looking at with his
binoculars?);.........
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A Yak on Your Shoulder!
Friday September 9, 2011
Vivienne
had her debut as Sergeant at Arms, under Lanc’s careful mentoring. She
did a great job. We heard some happy news – school is back in session
and that is good news for many. Our Exchange Student, Natalia, has
arrived and has already started school at Citadel High – we are looking
forward to getting to know her better.......
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Rotary BrandingAnother fun day at Rotary for the first week of September. Good food, good fellowship and laughter were all plentiful!
After the usual musical start to the meeting, and the filling of plates at the yummy buffet, we heard some great happy moments such as that Bonnie did not have to get up early for the first day that teachers go back to school. Ian did not get a deserved speeding ticket. Clarke was having fun on his motorcycle and did not get to the RAH...
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Rotary Leadership InstituteGreetings The Rotary Leadership Institute will be holding it's annual Truro "learning" day on Oct 15 2011. Parts 1, 2, 3, and Group Discussion Leader courses will be held. It is urged that all clubs in Nova Scotia and PEI send at least two members to each RLI session. This is a wonderful opportunity for new Rotarians to learn more about our organization and for experienced Rotarians to learn what has changed in the past few years. This year participants may register online by going to the District 7820 website ( www.rotary7820.com) and clicking on the RLI feature in the center column. Please notify all your members of this opportunity to update their Rotary knowledge, meet Rotarians from different clubs and share fellowship. Treasurer & Registrar Rotary Leadership Institute Atlantic Division Atlantique |
Happy New Rotary Year!
Happy New Year! What a busy day to start the new Rotary year... we began with the Installation of the new officers – President Louisa and Treasurer Vivienne were installed by ADG Clarke. New Directors Andrew and Bonnie also received their pins. VP Adam, Secretary Sharon and Directors Adrienne and Gayle will receive their pins at a later time. Louisa’s first act as President was a very happy one – the induction of Hilary as a new member. |
June 24, 2011
Today we heard from Wendy Keen and the DR group. It was a great day as many of us have heard of the DR project, but did not understand the extent of what our club has been involved in. It was one of those days when you realize why you are in Rotary and feel proud. |
June 3rd, 2011-Tatiana Clarke Sings Her Award Winning SongToday was another fantastic day in Rotary. Lots of Happy Bucks, two awesome guest speakers, and a great song. Tatiana Clarke, a student at Joseph A. MacKay school was in to sing us a song that she wrote and won an award for. It was a very moving performance. |
Great Business Meeting And News From The ConventionToday we had a great business meeting. We heard reports from the District conference and news on a very busy June to come. Tripta kept us informed on St. Pats and there was a ton of Happy Bucks to go around. After last week's 50/50 win it sits at only $25 today. |
Barb Brings Down The HouseToday was a very busy and entertaining day in Rotary!. Last minute ticket sales were made and lots of Rotarians brought in Auction items. We were a full house today, some of us had to sit off to the side. Everybody has really come together last minute here, lots of tickets sold and lots of items! We had a really busy day with lots of Happy Bucks as well. both Adrienne and I commended Clarke on all his efforts with Salt Scapes the week before. Rotarians were out in full force and we were able to sell some tickets and interact with the community. |
Cathy Waite Inspires Youth And Our Rotary ClubToday was a day of planning in Rotary, only a week away until the brunch!
We started off the meeting getting signed up for jobs on May 8th. As usual, at this time of year, lots of people stepped up.
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Colin Mason Comes For A Visit And Mother's Day Job's Are Passed Out
Today our guess was Colin Mason who talked to us about how people are managing all of the new media and how the tradional media are affected. We also heard from Adrienne about the Mom's Day Brunch and some taks were assigned.
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Health And Wellness Is The Topic Of The Day
Today was a great day in Rotary. If we all follow what the speaker said, we just might live a little longer. There were lots of Happy Bucks today but surprisingly few April Fools. Our speaker today was Dr. Clayton Roach. Dr. Clayton Roach has been in professional chiropractic practice for over five years. During these years, Dr. Roach has made an effort to educate his community by providing lectures and engaging workshops for businesses, groups and clubs. |
Paul Radford Sure Does Play A Mean Guitar......Or Does He?
March 24, 2011 I was particularly excited today as my buddy was the guest speaker. He didn’t disappoint!
Paul started off by putting some music on to set the mood. He strummed his guitar for a bit and then told us that he didn't actually play the guitar. |
Business Meeting March 18, 2011
Today was a very busy day at Rotary. It was a great business meeting.
Louisa was the Sergeant of Arms and asked everyone what 3 days were celebrated this past week. Everyone knew St. Patrick's Day, some guessed The Ides of March......but how many knew that Monday had been PI Day? Well Louisa knew, and she soon told us about her regular gas station attendant who knows PI to 100 numbers. |
Luke MacDonald Speaks About KidsFest
Today was a fantastic day in Rotary!
Luke Macdonald came from Kidsfest to talk to us about how it works They are in three schools in metro The program is 2 hours every week after school and goes from Oct to May. The program begins with a run / walk exercise and moves on to discussing a word and then reading for the remainder of the 2 hours. The children are from under privileged homes and the goal is to run 5 km in the Blue Nose Marathon. |
Maurice From Moncton Comes To Town
Today was another great day at Rotary. Our guests were Maurice Leblanc from Moncton and Gonzalo Daniel Seises Garcia from Spain.
There were a few happy bucks to go around. The women of Rotary were very happy that they had a fabulous weekend at White Point Lodge. Stella was delighted to say she is going to Pets And Sets in Newfoundland. Murray was happy because he was watching a great program on PBS that was about Spain. Peter put in a Happy Buck because he was having a conversation (with me) that reminded him of the old days of telemarketing when nobody hung up on him. Andrew is happy because he is going to the World's largest Mining convention. |
Who is the Halifax Harbourside's Heartthrob?
Today we played a Valentine's Trivia Game. And boy was it every hard! We also had encouraging reports from both Sackville and the Dominican Republic. And out District Governor Elect paid us a visit and gave us some news
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Mark Brown Comes For a Visit
Today was a great day in Rotary. Kathleen received a Paul Harris fellow, Adrienne and Gerry received a True Rotarian award, and we were visited by our District Governor. Plus we added a new member and the 50/50 didn't go!
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Evelina's Day!
Today we were treated to a great Classification speech from Evelina. Tripta spoke about the reading challenge and we heard some news about Laura Tucker
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A Very Ukrainian ChristmasToday was a very interesting day at Rotary. We learned all about Ukrainian Christmas from our President. Val told us all about the traditions and experiences of a Ukrainian Christmas. Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated January 7 according to the Gregorian calendar as in most of other Orthodox Christian countries. |
It's Christmas!Ho Ho Ho Halifax Harbourside! Today was our last day before Christmas Break. Lots of members were excited to be able to spend the next few weeks with their families. Today was great as we had out Secret Santa. We all exchanged ornaments! There was lots Happy Bucks as everyone was in the Christmas Spirit (except for Paul Radford who was in a grinchy mood--Just kidding Paul!) The best part of the day off course was that we all spilt up in teams and sang Christmas Carols! All I can say is that when we sing O Canada there are a bunch of us in the club who's talents (or lack there-of) are disguised. Merry Christmas Everyone! |
Meeting November 26, 2010
Today our speaker was Jamie Baille, the leader of the progressive conservative party. Mr. Baille spoke fondly of the work being done by organizations such as ours. In fact, he mentioned that his dad was a Rotarian and was able to recite the 4 way test. Jamie has also had experience with organizations helping the community as he told us of his time with the United Way.
Jamie believes that there are many people who have turned their backs on the political system and that his number one job is to get these people back. Jamie hopes people can have faith in the political system. |
Tim Outhit-- NovaKnowledge
Friday, July 16, 2010-- At today's meeting we enjoyed a presentation by Tim Outhit, CEO of NovaKnowledge. NovaKnowledge is a 15 year-old economic development organization that advocates for a progressive and knowledge-driven economy for Nova Scotia.
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