Welcome! Our club was chartered on 3 June 2005 with 20 members and has grown to 30. We are one of four Rotary clubs in the Comox Valley on beautiful Vancouver Island. Check our calendar on the menu to the left to find out what's coming up. To find our meeting venue click on: Where we meet
Club Helps 10-year-old Learn to Read
Ten-year old Cumberland youth, Jack Dubois, has had great difficulty learning to read. He was tested and diagnosed with a form of dyslexia. His mom, Michelle Bradshaw, was told of a program of learning that would require Jack to use a computer and software that would help him in his quest to become a reader. The club decided to help the family by providing a laptop computer that Jack can carry to and from school. O In her last day as president of the club, Linda Oprica, paid a visit to Jack and presented him with a lightweight laptop that was purchased at a great discount from London Drugs in Courtenay. "This computer will make a big difference to Jack by enabling him to become a good reader", said mother Michelle, when the computer was delivered on Tuesday. "One of the programs will show Jack a document and then speak each of the printed words to him so he'll be able to recognize the letters and words more easily", she said. Jack and his mother were all smiles and very thankful for the club's decision to assist them.
Last Meeting of 2008-2009 Held in the Heritage Orchard
It was a beautiful, sunny morning on Tuesday, 30 June, as we gathered for coffe, muffins, orange juice and champers for our last meeting of the Rotary year. Good turnout of rotarians, spouses and guests.
Retiring Assistant Governor Recognized
Retiring Assistant Governor, Kim Sleno, received the thanks of our club from Keith Tatton, Linda Opriica, Dave Stevens Steve Galbraith, for her service to our club during her three-year term.
Four Members Recognized as Paul Harris Fellows
Stefan Pletscher, John Jones, Linda Oprica and Joanne Tatton were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows at our installation dinner on 23 June.
Foundation Benefactors
Linda and Keith receved recognition as Rotary Foundation Benefactors on 23 June.
Fifth Annual Installation Held on 23 June
Assistant Governor Kim Sleno installed our new president, executive and board at the Kingfisher Resort and Spa.
Hard Working Crew Installs Bench in Orchard
David Muir, PE Steve Galbraith, David Stevens and Jon Toogood were all smiles following the installation of this bench in the heritage orchard on Camp Road on Saturday, 20 June. Local builder, Tom Grant purchased the bench, which was built by students at Sandwick School, at our auction in October. The plaque pays tribute to Cumberlander David Warrens, his wife Norma and family. Warrens was well known for his service to the people of British Columbia through his role as a BC Supreme Court justice.
Cumberland Rotarians Help BCAA Provide Child Passenger Safety Restraints
In BC there are 360,000 children under 9 years of age who will require proper child passenger safety restraints. More than 20% of these children live in families that cannot afford these restraints. Each year in BC, more than 1,300 children under 9 are injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions. To help provide funds for needy families to purchase proper restraints for their children, the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation has set aside $100,000 to match donations dollar-for-dollar. At our meeting on Tuesday, 9 June, president Linda Oprica presented a cheque for $1,000 to Linda Farrell, Sales Centre Manager of the Courtenay BCAA office. Farrell thanked the club for its participation in this important program and emphasized that the funds would be spent to help provide equipment for children in our community .
Comox Valley Orcas Synchronized Swim Club Off to National Competition
Head Coach Heather McKinnon, swimmers Stephanie Bate and Camille MacCuspic accepted a cheque for $300 from President Linda to help with travel to the nationals in London Ontario on 2 June. This is the team's first national competition!
Two More Automated Electronic Defibrillators (AED) Presented to Community Groups
At our meeting on 19 May, representatives from the Comox Valley Child Development Centre (CDC)and the Comox Seniors' D'Esterre Centre received AEDs from our club. Pictured above ar (L-R) Comox Fire Department Training Officer Jim Lariviere, Lee Bjornason of the CDC, President Linda, Kathy Cruikshank of the CDC, Rotarian Dave Stevens, who arranged the purchase of the devices, Tony Hermes, President of the Comox Seniors and John Marinus of the Comox Seniors. The two devices cost the club $4,100 including taxes. Since 2006, our club has purchased and donated eight AEDs to several organizations in the Comox Valley community.
1st Courtenay Pathfinders Receive Club Funds
1st Courtenay pathfinders Leader, Wendy Jackson accepted a cheque for $500 from President Linda at our meeting on 19 May. She and a group of 15-year-old Pathfinders will be travelling to the UK and Europe to visit other girls in the Guiding movement this summer and the funds will help defray travel costs. A number of the young pathfinders helped out at a work party in the Cumberland heritage orchard project we have been developing since before our club received its charter.
GP Vanier Students' Robotics Team Off to the Nationals With Our Assistance
At our meeting on 12 May, President Linda presented a cheque for $300 to teacher Steve Claassen and GP Vanier Robotics Team member, Aaron Kelly to help pay for their travel to Charlottetown, PEI for the National Championship, representing BC.
Billy Strachan Receives Financial Support for his Junior Team Canada Mission to Central America in August.
Billy Strachan was presented a cheque for $500 by our club by President Linda at our meeting on 12 May in addition to individual donations, that accounted for 25% of the $5,000 he needs to cover the costs of his travel and accommodations. Since the meeting, Billy has been successful in raising money and pledges for the total including $1,000 from the Rotary Club of Courtenay. Well done, Billy!
Billy Strachan Selected by District 5020 for Ambassadorial Scholarship
This is a picture of Billy Strachan at our club meeting on 28 April. Billy was sponsored for an Ambassadorial Scholarship by all four CV clubs. He was selected by the district selection committee on 1 May and is now awaiting word from RI whether he will be accepted. Well done, Billy!
Cumberland May Queen Receives Club Sponsorship
Rachael Sawansky, Cumberland's 2009 May Queen, who will be crowned during the Empire Day's Weekend, accepted a cheque for $300 from President Linda to help with the expenses associated with her queenly duties. Our club has been proud to sponsor May Queens selected from the youth of the Village.
Club Helped Sponsor Successful Easter Egg Hunt
Spearheaded by Kathyrn Chung (tall bunny in the centre) some 300 people turned out to participate in the search for 2,000 Easter eggs hidden at No. 6 Mine Pak in Cumberland on Saturday, 11 April. Many Village businesses and individuals made the event a great success including a donation of $100 from our club. The weather was great and everyone had a great time!
Club Provides Funds for ROTAPLAST
At our club meeting on 14 April, President Linda surprised and delighted Courtenay Rotarian, Bent Harder, also known as "Mr ROTAPLAST" with a cheque from our club for $1,400.00 to cover the cost of two surgeries for children born with harelips and cleft palates. Harder has been on ROTAPLAST (ROTAry PLASTic Surgery) missions to the Philippines (twice) China, Peru, Venezuela and El Salvador. As a ROTAPLAST volunteer, Harder has paid for his own transportation to these countries and worked long hours alongside surgeons, anesthetists, nurses and other volunteers to help children and families through the process of the surgery and recovery. These surgeries are life-changing experiences for the patients and their families who could not afford the cost themselves. Harder is a dynamic, senior Rotarian in the Comox Valley who uses his generosity and great energy to benefit others in the world.
2010 Olympic Spirit and Torch Relay
Susan kelsey, Chair of the Comox Valley 2010 Spirit Committee and Marilyn Tevington, Chair of the Olympic Torch Relay Committee spoke to our club on 24 march. Susan highlighted the five years of work that she and Marilyn have been involved in and summarized the success they have had attracting Olympic teams from many countries to train on Mount Washington before the actual 2010 Games. Marilyn Outlined how anyone may become a torch bearer by simply applying through either www.icoke.ca or www.rbc.com/carrythetorch. No special skills are needed.
Comox Valley Rotary Clubs Sponsor "Top Cop" Trophy
Dave Durant, Director of Recreation for the Town of Comox has been working on an idea he has had for some time to develop a trophy to recognize the most outstanding police officer in the Comox Valley annually. Durant located two Winchester 30.30 rifles that were specially made to commemorate the centenary of the RCMP in 1973, purchased them from the owner and asked a friend to build a cabinet to house the. Three of the clubs in our community, Courtenay, Strathcona Sunrise and Cumberland Centennial will contribute funds to cover Durant's costs. The trophy will be housed at the RCMP Detachment and the name of the "top cop" will be attached to the trophy. A "keeper" in the form of a certificate, signed by the O i/c Comox Valley Detachment, the Superintendent of the BC Division of the RCMP and the Premier of BC will be presented to the police officer selected.
Mark R. Isfeld Student, Laura Holland, Selected to Attend RYLA
Laura Holland, a student at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School and an active member in the Interact club at that school, was introduced to our club members on 3 March by our Youth Director, Jon Toogood. Laura was selected and sponsored by our club to attend the annual Rotary Leadership Awards (RYLA) at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA from 5 to 8 March. Deserving students from BC and part of Washington State gatherer each year under Rotary's auspices to learn about themselves, develop their potential, make new friends and have a fun experience. Congratulations, Laura
The World Lights up to Support Rotary's End Polio Now Campaign
From Rome to London, to Glasgow, to Sydney to New York to Capetown, cities in many parts of the world are projecting Rotary's message on landmark buildings to raise awareness about the campaign to end polio now.
Rotary Club of Cumberland Honours Commitment to CV Hospice Society
The four Rotary Clubs of the Comox Valley have committed to providing financial support to the Comox Valley Hospice Society in 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11. As its share, the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial is donating $10,000 in each of the three years. At their regular meeting on Tuesday, Rotary President Linda Oprica presented a cheque for $10,000 to Maureen Swift, President of the Hospice Society, for its building fund, using some of the money raised at the Rotary club's fourth annual Extravaganza Italiana held in October. The Hospice Society is planning to build a free-standing, ten-bed hospice unit in the community by 2011 and requires $2.4 Million to get the job done. See: www.comoxhospice.com for further information about the Hospice Society.
Rotary Club of Cumberland Recognized as First Canadian Rotary Club to Support Oikocredit
Cumberland Rotarians have deposited $3,000 with Oikocredit, an international body that believes that poor people can build themselves a better life, if only given the chance, if only given credit. Individuals and organizations may deposit money with Oikocredit that is then made available to provide micro-financing in developing countries www.oikocredit.org The funds may be withdrawn at the discretion of the depositor with modest interest at any time. While the money is on deposit, it is used to provide loans to worthy individuals and projects throughout the developing world. The loans are usually repaid within a year and the repayment success rate exceeds normal banking institutions The Rotary Club of Cumberland is the first Rotary club in Canada to make a deposit and received recognition in the form of a share certificate from Ross Griffith-Cochrane on behalf of Oikocredit at the club's regular meeting on Tuesday.
Comox Valley Rotary Clubs Host Rotary Youth Exchange Conference
Thirty-five Rotary Youth Exchange countries in Asia, Europe and South America as well as Mexico and India, gathered on Wednesday, 11 February at a dinner hosted by the four Rotary Clubs of the Comox Valley: Courtenay, Comox, Strathcona Sunrise and Cumberland Centennial to begin a four-day conference. This is the 29th year the event has been held in the Valley and provides an opportunity to explore the area, spend a day in Powell River, a day on Mount Washington in the snow and a day learning about the Comox First Nations and the history of the Valley. Their fun-filled and interesting experience will end on Sunday when the tired but happy group will return to their host communities. Following dinner, several of the students displayed their musical talents and other skills as entertainment for the diners. A highlight was a spirited dance performed by a young lady from Peru, pictured below in mid-stride.
Club Supported Vancouver Island Adaptive Snowsport Society
This thank you came from Melissa, her caregiver and others who were helped by our support of VISAS during the 2009 Herb Bradley Coca-Cola Classic. Cumberland Rotarian Cathe Egan played a big part in this event.
Leslie Baird - Our Newest Rotarian
John Challender (L) had the honour of inducting our newest Rotarian, Leslie Baird, who was sponsored by John Jones at our regular meeting on 27 January. Welcome Leslie!
Fundraising for Paramedic Volunteer Bike Squad Successful
Cold weather did not daunt our spirits as we raised awareness and funds for the paramedics Volunteer Bike Squad - www.bikesquad.ca - before Christmas. The community generously dropped coins and bills into our buckets and we realized a total of $2960 for all of our efforts. The Bike Squad Members, Rotarians and family members partnered in this effort and grew to know one another better.
Cumberland Ready Mix Christmas Truck - A Big Hit
It took three weeks and lots of work to decorate this truck with 12,000 LED lights and a sound system provided by Mad Man McKay. The truck will help our club raise awareness about the CV Paramedics Volunteer Bike Squad and raise funds for the gear we have provided to them such as defibrillators, rain gear and much more. Through the generosity of past President Keith Tatton, this colourful behemoth will be seen all over the Comox Valley during the holiday season, bringing smiles of delight to young and old alike. Our club will be present at static displays at business, malls and parades. Our first static event was on Saturday, 6 December at Canadian Tire, Courtenay. A short slide show can be seen on our Photo Albums page.
Club Continues Support to Paramedic Volunteer Bike Squad
Club Service Director, Dodie Brand, presented a cheque for $4,008 to Leslie Barns and Ryan Thorburn of the Comox Valley Paramedic Volunteer Bike Squad. Eight sets of wet-weather gear have been supplied to the squad by the club.
Club Members Remembered the Fallen on 11 November
President Linda Donates to Cumberland Village Square
Village planner Judy Walker, Cumberland Councillor Bronco Moncrief, president Linda, Cumberland Councillor Gwyn Sproule and Cumberland Village CAO, Anja Nurvo pose in front of the Village Square sign on 6 November to mark the generous donation of more than $100 worth of bulbs by Linda to help beautify the square. A plaque will be installed by the Village to mark our president's generosity and to encourage other residents to contribute to the project.
Fourth Annual Extravaganza Italiana a Huge Success!!!
300 People filled the Cumberland Recreation Hall on Saturday, 18 October. The fun-filled evening featured a family-style Italian dinner and live and silent auctions. With Chef Dawn in the kitchen, the Orca Swim club serving under Chantal's guidance and Auctioneer Dave encouraging people to support our efforts to raise funds for the Comox Valley Hospice Society, there was plenty of good food, laughter and generous spending. The final numbers are being tabulated but revenue overall was in the $40,000 range. Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we had lots of great auction items and plenty of bidders. Well done Cumberland Rotarians and family members who worked so hard to make this event such a huge success.
Rotarians Help Support Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock
The four men pictured above raised $5412 by pledging to have their heads shaved in support of the 2008 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock who paid a visit to a small but enthusiastic crowd in the Cumberland Recreation Hall on 24 September. Local hairdresser Jean Cameron removed the locks and cancer survivor Colin Gardner presented hats to keep heads warm. Rotarians served as MC, auctioneer and ran a successful concession for donations. In all the Village raised more than $20,000 for the team!
Comox Valley and Campbell River Presidents Present Cheques
On a cold, wet and windy Wednesday morning, the presidents of the six clubs in the Comox Valley and Campbell River gathered on Mount washington to present cheques of $2,000 each to the Strathcona Wilderness Institute to help fund the wilderness hut that is being built adjacent to Raven Lodge at the trailhead to Paradise Meadows. The structure will be used as a gathering place for visitors and by the Park Rangers to orient people to the trails, flora and fauna to be found in Paradise Meadows and beyond.
Club Funds Community School Drama Programs
At our meeting on 9 september, president linda presented a cheque for $2,500.00 to Janey Armstrong, Program Director of the Cumberland Community School Society to fund drama programs in the Cumberland Elementary and Junior Schools. More than 80 students will benefit from this program as they learn theatre skills and enter the world of drama.
Club Receives RI PR Award
AG Kim Sleno presented a certificate of recognition to PP Keith at our meeting on Tuesday, 9 September. The certificate honours the club with a Public Relations Award signed by RI President 2007-2008 and DG 2007-2008 Norm Watts "For outstanding achievement in launching a successful public relations campaign to promote awareness and understanding of Rotary" PR Chair John, PP Keith and AG Kim were all smiles.
MPHF Recognition for John C
President Linda pinned a MPHF(Multiple Paul Harris Fellow) pin with 3 rubies (PHF + 8) on John's collar at our meeting on 9 September to recognize his contributions to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Newest Rotarian Inducted on 2 September
Our club welcomed Chantal Stefan as our newest Rotarian at our meeting on 2 September. John Challender presided over the induction ceremony as all members welcomed Chantal to the club.
Rotarians Cook Breakfast for 300 in Cumberland
On Sunday, 9 August, most of our club members turned out at 6:00 AM in the Cumberland Village Square to cook and serve pancakes to participants in The Big Time Out or TBTO as it is known locally. The busiest time was from 10:00 AM until Noon because it took a while for the concert goers to rise from their long night of music and shorter night of sleep! Funds raised will be used to support a drama program in the Cumberland Community School. A big thank you to TBTO organizers for including us in the festivities.
Transit Shelters Branded
The transit shelters we provided to the Village of Cumberland last year now bear our logo and a message for the public so everyone will know where they came from. Thanks to PP Keith Tatton.
DIstrict Governor Brian Beagle and Barbara Beagle Pay Official Visit at Our Meeting in the Orchard on 15 July
District 5020 Governor Brian Beagle and his spouse, Rotarian Barbara Beagle paid our club a visit at our meeting in the orchard on Tuesday, 15 July. DG Brian spoke to us about Rotary and being a Rotarian and the dream we all have to see polio eradicated from the world. Barbara reminded us of the importance of literacy and numeracy and asked us to continue promoting both in our community.
Great Work Party in the Orchard - 9 July
Rotarians and family members turned out in good numbers for an hour of hard work cleaning up the orchard. Lawnmowers, whipper-snippers, hedge trimmers, rakes, loppers and secaturs received a workout trimming the grass and other material in readiness for the visit by District Governor Brian Beagle and his spouse Barbara for our meeting on 15 July. Thanks everyone for the hour of service, fun and fellowship that was followed by a Lucky break!
Julie Horwood - World Peace Scholarship Candidate
Our club is honoured to sponsor Julie Horwood, a career nurse, as a Rotary Peace Scholar. Julie began the process to become a Rotary Peace Scholar in the Fall of 2007, has completed all the tests and interviews at the District level and her application has been forwarded to the final jury level at Rotary's world headquarters in Evanston Illinois. She has been informed that she will learn whether she will be part of the 60-person class of 2009-2011 in November or December 2008. Julie is a strong candidate and deserving of selection.
President Linda in the Chair
President Linda Oprica led our first meeting of the new Rotary year at the Gatehouse Bistro on 8 July. She reminded everyone of RI President DK Lee's theme for 2008 - 2009: Make Dreams Real.
Celebrating Canada Day at the Orchard
President Linda asked as many Rotarians as possible to participate in a Canada Day, potluck breakfast in the orchard. Nineteen of our members, some spouses and guests attended and we had a great time. Rehabilitating the century-old orchard on Camp Road was our first community project begun before we were chartered and a has become great contribution to the community. The property owner has been very supportive of our efforts and through responsible tree husbandry and the eradication of invasive plants, the area has become a place where families like to walk and play.