The Rotary Club of Port Hope Beacon
Jan 22, 2024
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 191 Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 3W3
Web Site: www.porthoperotary.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PortHopeRotaryClub
Classification Talks
The meeting was held at Nookies Restaurant where diners enjoyed a variety of tasty and sometimes sticky items from the menu.
We were joined by Lori Moore and Jana MacNeil. Jana suggested that she’s interested in becoming a member!
Classification Talks
1.Olga Chernuk: Olga described herself as a “lifer” in Northumberland, where she grew up with a brother and a sister. She started counting worms at her parents’ Golden Beach Resort on Rice Lake and ended up owning and operating the resort with her sister.
Before the sale of the resort and her retirement in 2019, the sisters had built up the amenities on the property to be a holiday and event destination. This includes a 250 -seat venue, 2 marinas, a splashpad, trailer park, and several custom homes.
Olga is currently building her own home. She has a daughter in premed at the University of Victoria. Her hobby is horseback riding, both Western and English and she has participated in the sport of fox hunting. Olga joined Rotary because she likes helping and wants to give back to the community and has the skills to do so.
2. Kathy Wallace: Kathy, the wife of PDG Bob Wallace, has long been “the power behind the throne” but was convinced recently to join Rotary herself.
Kathy grew up in London, ON as the eldest of 4 children. She met Bob at Church, and they became High School Sweethearts. In fact, this week they are celebrating the 52nd anniversary of their first date. (Trivia: Kathy and Bob were delivered in the same hospital by the same doctor).
Kathy graduated in Nursing at Victoria Hospital and nursed in London, Ottawa, Port Hope and Cobourg until her retirement in 2006. She and Bob have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. From being a Candy Striper as a teen to volunteering as an adult with the Cancer Society, Ed’s House, and Probus (to name just a few) Kathy has had a very active life in Community Service. This is in addition to being by Bob’s side throughout his extensive Rotary career including a Polio Immunization event in India and numerous Rotary Conferences and Conventions around the world.
3. Sandra Hicks: Sandra gave an update on her earlier classification talk and described her new business venture as an eldercare planner under the name of “Sandra Dee’s Consulting for Seniors and Family”.
Sandra loves to help people and had a home care business prior to working at the Empire Crossing Retirement Community. In her new business, Sandra helps seniors and families navigate through the maze of organizations and acronyms to obtain the best care plan for a senior.
She says that often an “outsider” can be more help than family members in finding an acceptable solution. Her work includes “aging in place” plans and home safety assessments. As a member of Elder Care Planning of Canada, Sandra offers hourly consultations or package plans where she actively assists with necessary arrangements
Happy Bucks
Your scribe was unable to wipe wing sauce from his fingers in time to record properly the happy bucks but those he remembers are as follows:
- Ron was happy for a ski outing earlier that day.
- Olga was happy to have completed her classification talk.
- Steve was happy that Jen Mercer was returning to the club but sad that Tom Sears will step back from active membership, but happy that Tom will continue as an Honourary member.
- Sandra was happy for a new (4th and hopefully? last) grandchild, Matilda.
- John M. was happy …
- Riley was happy to be in his 6th and final term of his accounting course at Durham College.
(Apologies to those missed).
Business
Feb.19th, (Family Day Meeting)
This will be a Pizza and Games night with euchre and cribbage at the Knights Hall
Hall Charges
In the past, members have paid a twice annual special levy to cover rental costs for the K of C hall. Because we have had fewer meetings there, we have sufficient funds “in the kitty” to cover hall rental without a special levy.
Service Projects
P.P. Ron summarized the top items from his report emailed to members earlier that day. In particular, he strongly encouraged members to view the attachment to his report being photos from Steve Rutledge showing completion of an amazing water supply project for a remote village in Laos. This cause was supported by many Rotary clubs, including our own.
Coldest Night of the Year: Feb. 24th,2024
P.P. Bruce reported that we have several members and others on our walking team, (No Flakes) to raise funds for Green Wood Coalition. Our walk will start in the Rotary Park (downtown) at 10:00 ish AM and proceed to the Rotary Riverview Park at Jocelyn St. and back, with lunch probably at Olympus Burger.
Rotary Foundation
Rotarian Kevin read a heartfelt thank you from Julie Stewart expressing her gratitude upon receiving the honour of a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Enjoy the Flavours of Port Hope Gala ( Mar.2nd, 2024)
Co-Presidents Drina and Steve reported that ticket sales are proceeding and there has been good support from sponsors and from merchants and others offering items or services. However continued efforts are needed from club members on both fronts. Also, members are requested to bring in tickets and stubs, payments and unsold tickets at our next club meeting on Feb. 5th.
