A Little Bit about Rotary 

Rotary International is the world's first service club organization with more than 1.2 million members in over 35,000 clubs worldwide.  Rotary club members are "People of Action".  They are your neighbours and friends.  They are problem-solvers who take action to create lasting change by volunteering locally, nationally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto "Service Above Self".  We are proud to be a part of this dynamic organization as we celebrate 96 years of service in our community.  Please take a few minutes to peruse our website and read our promotional brochure, "This is The Rotary Club of Bowmanville".

Are you a person of action who is interested in meaningful volunteer work?  Are you interested in joining Rotary?  For more information about Rotary and the Rotary Club of Bowmanville, please contact Gord Wallace by email at gord.wallace@ibwsurveyors.com.  Thank you.

• Jim Boate, a cycling and hiking enthusiast, was recognized for several community activities but especially for pestering the municipality into clearing the snow from the Bowmanville Valley Trails so they can be enjoyed during the winter.
• Ben Earle, Executive Director of Feed the Need in Durham, received recognition for his leadership of his amazing team as they work to keep food available for those in need in Durham.
• Joe Solway, a Bowmanville Rotarian, was recognized as the driving force behind the Concert to Feed the Need in Durham that raised $20,120 last December for the food bank.
• Marj Huxter, a cashier at the Bowmanville Metro, received recognition for her welcoming smile and outgoing personality over 36 years that has been especially welcoming during this difficult time.
• Steve and Cherie Mintz were recognized for putting smiles on children's faces this past Christmas.  They organized a socially distanced visit with Santa on their front lawn  and ended up raising $1,400 which they then distributed to several families in need.
• Mark Canning received his PHF for taking the lead in organizing the construction and maintenance of two outdoor rinks in local parks, one in Courtice and one in Bowmanville, for kid's outdoor recreation.
• Koren Kassirer was recognized for her many many community activities both prior to and during the pandemic.  Koren was a founder of Picasso's Picnic which became the Kids Outdoor Art Festival.
• Martha McGee was recognized for her cheerful presence and welcoming smile while managing the Algoma Orchards store during the pandemic.  She is a good friend, good neighbour, and someone you can count on if you need help.
• Eleanor (Eli) Brooks, a Bowmanville Rotarian, helped with the organization of the Concert to Feed the Need in Durham and was, and still is, the driving force behind Bowmanville Rotary's Grocery shopping and delivery program.
• John Albi, owner of the Newcastle Rona, was recognized for his Newcastle Proud poster campaign, his Christmas lights on Toronto Street, and his gifts of flowers and poinsettias to local long term facilities.
• Michelle Stroud, retiring CEO of Glen Hill Strathaven Long Term Care Facility, received her PHF for her aggressive, proactive management approach to the pandemic which resulted in a minimum of COVID-19 cases in the facility.

• Lakeridge Health and especially Lakeridge Health Bowmanville received a PHF Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the courage, hard work, and dedication of EVERYONE who works at the hospital.  Their willingness to tirelessly step forward on our behalf during this battle against COVID-19 has earned them our everlasting gratitude.  Accepting on behalf of Lakeridge Health was Dr. Harvey Williams and Registered Nurse Jennifer Keeler both of whom work in the Emergency Department at LHB.
• Bowmanville Older Adult Association received a PHF Certificate of Appreciation for rising to the challenge to create online programming after the pandemic shut their doors in March of 2020.  Within two weeks online programming was available, staff were recalled, and daily care calls were being made to shut-in members.  The response of the BOAA team was nothing short of amazing.  The Certificate of Appreciation was accepted by Executive Director Angie Darlinson and her team.

               

               

         

Bono, lead singer and front man for the rock band U2, is well known for his humanitarian work.  In this brief video Bono pays tribute to Rotarians and their belief in their motto of "Service Above Self".