October 2024
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Scroll down and dive in to find the latest updates on our club's local and global impact..!

More information CLICK HERE

NEW THIS YEAR

You have 2 options this year for buying tickets. If you want to pay by credit card you can click the link below and fill in the information. We are using a platform that doesn't charge any fees and allows us to put every dollar towards our children. There is a place where this company asks for a donation. If you don't want to donate to this, click the area and hit "Other" and put $0 into the donation location.

Once you fill out the form and pay, you will not be issued a ticket. Your name is your ticket and when you arrive, your name will be on the list. This way we can save a few trees and not have you worry about losing or forgetting your tickets.

Click here:

2024 Rotary Dinner Auction Tickets

OR if you want to buy your tickets by e-transfering money, please call or email Henry Weickert at 519-797-1388 or at weickert@bmts.com and he will get your information and get you all set up. If using e-transfer, use the Club email address: southamptonrotary@bmts.com and enter Rotary Dinner Auction 2024 in the memo line.

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE

Tim Horton's BBQ July 17th, 2024

Southampton Rotary Club teamed up with Dave Falconer’s Tim Horton’s team, Southampton Foodland, VPI Employment Services and Police Chaplain, David Baker to host a very successful Camp Day at Tim Horton’s Southampton on Wednesday, July 17th. Tim Horton’s drive-through patrons generously donated $760 to David Baker’s donation can to help send kids to camp. At the barbecue, Southampton Rotary members and VPI employees flipped 125 burgers and 60 hot dogs, bringing another $965 to the Tim Horton’s Foundation. Southampton Foodland owner, Martino Catalano, again donated all the food to support the cause. Tim Horton’s foundation champion, and local franchise owner, Dave Falconer, was very appreciative of the public's support of Tim Horton’s camps. For more information on Tim Horton’s camps, visit https://timscamps.com/ .

We are proud to be supporting the Town's 25th Anniversary Celebrations with our Family Funday on August 10th and our Rotary 25th Anniversary Quiz. See the poster below:

Entry Forms can be downloaded by clicking on the link above in the Down Load Box above.

Family Funday

Join us at Jubilee Park from 11 am to 3 pm for the Rotary Family Fun Day!

Event highlights will include:

Southampton Rotary's famous fresh-cut fries and popcorn from Noon till 2 pm.
Children's entertainment
Bouncy castles
Box land
Bubbles
Interactive Games
Bollywood Dancers
Touch-a-Truck event with the Fire Department and more..!
25th Quiz Draw at 2 pm

Feel free to bring a picnic and your refillable water bottles. Picnic tables will be available but families are also welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on.

Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

*Note: In the event of rain, this event will be moved indoors, to the Southampton Coliseum. Organizers will decide whether to move the event indoors by 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9th.

For what's happening during the full celebrations check out the Town'Web Page. CLICK HERE

Southampton Rotary Club Celebrates Changeover Dinner and Year-End Generosity

The Southampton Rotary Club recently hosted its annual Changeover Dinner, marking the official handover of presidential duties from Dave Bertrand to Tony Sheard. The event was a night of celebration, fun and optimism.

Dave Bertrand, the outgoing president, was honored for his service and leadership with a unique, handmade 4-String Rotary Guitar, a token of appreciation that reflects the club’s gratitude. Dave’s tenure was marked by dedication to youth exchange and numerous achievements, setting a high bar for the incoming leadership.

Taking the helm, Tony Sheard was inducted as the new president, along with the new board members. Tony, who is no stranger to leadership within the club, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for service at home and around the globe. "I am excited to lead this team and continue the incredible work that our club is known for as we imagine how we connect and create hope in the world through the magic of Rotary service," said Tony during his acceptance speech.

The evening also featured club members and the club’s Exchange Student, Rei, celebrating together, showcasing the club’s commitment to international friendship and community spirit.

Year-End Donations Highlight

In keeping with its tradition of giving back, the Southampton Rotary Club confirmed recent year-end donations exceeding $20,000 in June alone.These contributions are set to make a significant impact both locally and internationally:

Local Donations:

New side tables for the HCSS Day Away Program.
A donation towards furnishing a consultation room at the Salvation Army Foodbank.
A series of school scholarship awards
A donation to Owen Sound Rotary Camp Presqu’ile.
Refurnishing grant for the Aaron Roote Memorial Youth Centre

International Contributions:

Support to disaster relief agencies at Shelterbox and Aqua Box.
Funding for Rotary Handup's humanitarian work in Guatemala.

These donations underscore the club’s commitment to international humanitarian efforts, supporting vital local services and fostering educational opportunities.

TS July 2024

Rotary-Sponsored STEM Workshops Engage Local Elementary Students

For the third consecutive year, the Rotary clubs of Southampton, Saugeen Shores and Port Elgin have sponsored STEM workshops in 5 local schools throughout the spring term. Through the “Scientists in School” program, children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 get to do a variety of hands-on science experiments and activities to learn about important concepts in their science curriculum. This year, the three local clubs each sponsored one workshop in our 5 local elementary schools. A total of 14 engaging workshops were undertaken. From learning about seeds and plants to constructing structures for different purposes, students enjoyed and learned a good deal from the hands-on instruction and materials provided by the program. Teacher Cheryl Barnard comments: “The kids had a blast! They were engaged the whole time and loved the added challenge at the end of the program which they could work on here at school, or at home.” Teacher Victoria Ruby comments: “The invertebrates unit was very hands-on and engaging. The students loved working with the clay provided.” Grade 1 student Lily says “Scientists in School is useful to help kids minds grow and learn new things,” while a classmate adds, "“You get to learn about being a scientist by making and testing things.” And Grade 1-2 student, Cohen, says “I liked learning about different insects. It was awesome!”
Media Release June 18th 2024. Contact Dave Bertrand for further information,

Japanese Exchange Student Rei Kaneda Talks to Probus

Rotary Youth Exchange student Rei Kaneda has been in Canada since August and is proving to be an excellent ambassador for her home country of Japan. She talked to Probus on May 7th, telling the club about her life in Japan and some of her experiences and learnings throughout her exchange year. Rei is hosted by the Southampton Rotary Club, but the local program is supported by all three local Rotary clubs.

Rei’s current host mom is president-elect for Port Elgin Rotary, Katie Rice, who was an exchange student to Brazil herself as a teen.

Rei’s Youth Exchange Officer, Dave Bertrand, also talked about the Rotary Youth Exchange program in general after Rei’s presentation. Dave was a youth exchange student to Australia in 1980-81. In his talk, he mentioned that Southampton Rotary is still looking for two host families for next year’s German exchange student, Lena Storath.

If interested in hosting Lena in the Fall or in the Winter, please contact Dave at portelgindave@gmail.com. The relationships one forges as a host family last a lifetime.

You can aslo check out our Awards and Scholarship Page. CLICK HERE

Bearama Seals The Deal With Eastlink!

Louigi Salvati, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Eastlink Telecommunications, shakes the paw of Bearama and pledges to donate $1500 to help the 2024 Rotary Winterama campaign. Corporate dollars and individual donations to Winterama help to pay for this February program in 8 area schools by funding incentives, prizes, CanadaHelps administration fees and the cost of events. If there are excess funds after, these are distributed to the participating Rotary Clubs’ many youth programs. After 8 days, the 2024 Winterama program has already raised $ 12,200 online for local schools through CanadaHelps and more money is be raised via paper pledges. School children are collecting pledges from family and friends to build play equipment in their school yards, to provide an accessible swing for children with disabilities, to improve activity opportunities for school children on their playgrounds and to strengthen school nutrition programs. Individuals are asked to consider sponsoring a local student in their school’s journey across Canada this February, as children in all grades (and some of their teachers) skate, ski, sled, walk, run, and do other movement activities to earn kilometres, which they record daily on a master database designed by Nuclear Promise X. The kilometres from all participants in the school are added together in the database, and children find out each day where their school is on their cross-Canada journey along Terry Fox’s and Steve Fonyo’s route. Some schools are already over halfway across our nation while others are still “gaining steam” in the Maritimes. All money pledged to students goes directly to their school’s projects, through Rotary Winterama. Go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/Rotary/p2p/2024RotaryWinterama/ if you would like to sponsor a student in their February Winterama journey. Your support will encourage these students in their goal and help them to provide “service above self” in their schools, as they do their best to help fund their school’s major projects.

If you or your business would like to donate directly to Winterama, email rotarywinterama@gmail.com, and all the necessary information will be sent to you.

2024 Rotary Winterama Race Across Canada in February Media Release Monday, January 22nd.

Phew......we launched the 2024 Rotary Winterama in 5 schools yesterday and will do the final 3 schools today. The awards assemblies will be after March Break, and I promise to provide more lead time for those.

Dave Bertrand

2024 Winterama Committee

Mon. Jan. 22

9:15 - Sauble

10:15 - Hepworth

11:45 - Tara

12:45 - SDSS

2:15 - St. Joseph’s

Tues. Jan 23

9:15 - G.C. Huston

12:45 - Northport

2:15 – PESCS

This year, students and teachers at each school will be skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, walking, running and doing other movement activities to collectively propel their school across Canada. Each school will leave St. John’s Newfoundland on February 1st and will try to get to Vancouver before February 29th, following Terry Fox’s and Steve Fonyo’s route. Students will be asking parents, relatives and friends to sponsor them on their individual Winterama challenge, and all donations collected by the students will go to special projects in their schools and school nutrition programs. Improved prizes will be awarded by Rotary for top pledge earners across the 8 Winterama schools and within each school. Rotary will also award fun prizes for all students achieving 25 kms, 50 kms and 75 kms, and a top class prize in each school as well. Nuclear Promise X has designed a slick website where students track their personal kms and compare how they, their class and their school are doing in the race across Canada. The website will keep students and teachers updated on what province and city they are in as they travel across our huge nation. Please consider offering a financial pledge to a keen student this February, as they try to achieve a personal fitness goal and provide "service above self" to their schools, to make their schools a better place. Businesses can also consider making donations to Rotary Winterama to help offset costs for the program and to support Rotary youth programs in our area. The 3 Rotary clubs involved thank our very generous businesses that have offered support this year so far, and in years past, as Winterama and many other Rotary youth programs would not exist without their steadfast generosity and community mindedness.

For more information on how the 2024 Rotary Winterama program works, go to the promotional/instructional video at https://youtu.be/_y4OV0HzjYQ .

To record your distances: https://www.npxinnovation.ca/winterama

Here are a few pics from Northport.

Salvation Army Replacement Foodbank Van – Service Clubs Partnership "WHEELS OF HOPE"

Handover Ceremony – January 18th at 11 am, 614 Barnes Ave, Port Elgin.

In a display of community synergy, the Rotary clubs of Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, and Southampton, together with the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, have joined hands with the Salvation Army for the formal handover of a much-needed replacement Foodbank Van. This collaborative effort not only symbolizes the spirit of unity but also amplifies the impact of service clubs on community welfare.

The clubs jointly donated $32,500 and this was matched dollar for dollar by the Salvation Army to enable the purchase. The vehicle is a 2 year old van Ford Transit Cargo van, sourced by community minded Port Elgin Chrysler.

The replacement van represents not just a mode of transportation but a conduit for hope, illustrating how service clubs and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. This enhanced vehicle will undoubtedly elevate the efficiency of the Salvation Army's food distribution efforts, ensuring that support reaches those in need promptly.

The project was spearheaded by Southampton Rotarian and Food Bank Volunteer John Van Bastelaar who said: “The collaboration between the service clubs and the Salvation Army stands as a testament to the impact that can be achieved when organizations align their goals for the greater good. This venture is more than a van; it's a reflection of a caring community investing in those less fortunate”.

Members of the service clubs were then invited to a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Foodbank and a talk about the array of services offered by the Salvation Army.

A Look Back: The Earlier Van

Reflecting on the history of community service, the original Foodbank Van, acquired in 2014, was made possible through the combined contributions of the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin and Southampton, The Rotary Foundation, the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, the SouthPort Optimists, and public donations. With an initial investment of approximately $15,000, this van has been steadfastly serving the community's needs over the past decade.

For further information contact: John Van Bastelaar 519 386 8288.

January 18, 2024

Posted by Tony Sheard

Our Dinner of the Month Winners 2024

Month

1st Prize - $250 Gift Certificate

2nd Prize - $100 Gift Certificate

January

Gary Cobean - Southampton,

Gift Certificate to the Berkshire

George Gruetzner - Southampton,

Gift Certificate to the Queen's Bar and Grill

February

Jonna Ebel - Port Elgin

Gift Certificate to Rosina's

Jane Kramer of Southampton

Gift Certificate to Southampton Thai

March

Denise Buttenaar - Southampton

Gift Certificate to the Elk and Finch

Stephanie Gomes - Port Elgin

Gift Certificate to Allan's Fireside Grill

April

John Clancy - Southampton

Gift Certificate to 797

Ann Veyvara-Divinski - Southampton

Gift Certificate to Little Black Dog

May

Bruce Fotherby - Southampton

Gift Certificate to Highview

B & K Speight

Gift Certificate to the Wismer House

June

Heather Conlin - Port Elgin

Gift Certificate to the Walker House

George Bulzer - Southampton

Gift Certificate to Smokey Cactus

December 22, 2024 - GC Huston Public School.

President Dave and Principal Hugh officiated at the draw this morning.

And our winners are:

First Prize - Heather Howe

Second Prize - Alana Chambers

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, you have helped give our playground fund a $4000 boost. Thank you..!

December 12th, 2022

Two major donations help us reach our goal...!

....but due to the early success, we are keeping the Fundraiser open as community members are keen to help us make the playground bigger and better...! THANK YOU.

Southampton Rotary, in collaboration with GC Huston, is thrilled to announce a major milestone: a
major donation of $20,000 from Tuggy’s Gas & Variety has propelled us to reach our $85,000 goal. This
follows a generous $10,000 donation last week from Roote’s Gas Bar and Top Shelf. Achieving this
remarkable feat in less than three months since the launch of our fundraising campaign (MOU Signed on

Sept 13th) speaks to the incredible support from across our community.

Thank you to each supporter who has contributed to this success. From the inception of the project, we
committed that any funds surpassing our initial goal would be dedicated to providing youth-related
initiatives at GC Huston such as further enhancements to the playground project.

While celebrating this achievement, our fundraiser remains open, presenting an ongoing opportunity to
enhance the proposed playground with additional features and accessibility. The continued support of
our community ensures that we not only meet our target but also create an even more inclusive and
vibrant space.

Cheers to 85 Years: Southampton Rotary Club Unveils Exclusive "1938 Lager"

in Partnership with Three Sheets Brewing!

The picture shows members of Southampton Rotary and Three Sheet Brewing owners Jeff Carver and Curtis Thomas.
From Left to Right: Sylvia Sheard, Tony Sheard, Jeff Carver, Curt Thomas, Cathy Janveau, Jim Wade and Dave Bertrand.

Southampton Rotary Club is excited to announce we have partnered with Three Sheets Brewing to produce a limited edition special brew known as 1938 Lager.

Jeff Carver, the driving force behind Three Sheets Brewing said: “I have been a longtime admirer of the good work of the Southampton Rotary Club and in recognition I am delighted to offer a special edition brew to commemorate the club’s 85^th Anniversary.”

Dave Bertrand Club President advised:

“The club was thrilled to have been selected by Three Sheets to brew a special beer in our honour.”

He went to say “Club members ran a competition to pick a suitable name and by a unanimous vote “1938” was selected to mark the year the Rotary Club of Southampton was established”.

Extract from the Brewmaster’s notes about the lager:

“A light, crisp, and very drinkable beer, this beverage represents something that brings people together to celebrate ties of friendship and service that unite us all.”

Where can you purchase 1938 Lager?

The beer is now exclusively available from the Three Sheets Brewery Tap Room, 1246 Goderich Street, Port Elgin.

The beer retails at $5 per can and 50% of the proceeds of every can sold will be donated to support Southampton Rotary Causes.

CHECK OUT THIS SHORT VIDEO OF THE CANNING BRIGADE: CLICK HERE

On Thursday, November 2^nd. 2023 a $2000 cheque was presented to Fred Schlenker of the Bruce Ski Club in Hepworth, by Mary Ellen Harrigan, the chair of the Youth & Vocational Committee of the Southampton Rotary Club. The funds were given to Rotary by family and friends in memory of long-time Rotarian Peter Day. The Ski Club used the funds to build a shed to store the ski equipment for the Jack Rabbit equipment.

Photo shows, left to right: Brad Churchley, John Conlin, Mary Ellen Harrigan, Fred Schlenker, Bob Speight, Dave Bertrand and Ron Downie.

20^th Annual Dinner Auction – Exceeds Expectations November 2nd, 2023.

Southampton Rotary held its 20^th Annual Dinner Auction in support of Rotary Causes and the GC Huston Playground Project at the Walker House last weekend. The capacity crowd enjoyed a sumptuous 3 course dinner, and were entertained by the guest auctioneer, Bill Walker, former MPP and now President and CEO of the Organisation of Canadian Nuclear Industries.

GC Huston School Principal, Hugh Morrison gave a compelling address to illustrate the power of play and advised the new playground initiative transcends mere playground equipment; it's about crafting an inclusive space where children can play, learn, grow, and create cherished memories.

Dave Bertrand, President said “Businesses, citizens and friends once again demonstrated their unwavering support for Southampton Rotary causes on October 28th with a lively, sell-out dinner auction. The end result of all the very generous bids and donations was very positive indeed, and the Fund-A-Need portion of the night, by master auctioneer, Bill Walker, netted over $40,000 toward Southampton Rotary’s $85 000 goal to pay for a new state-of-the-art accessible play structure on the G.C. Huston school yard. Without such a generous, supportive community, ambitious goals like this would not be reachable. On behalf of our club and the community, thank you, to the friends of Southampton Rotary..!

Tony Sheard, the Auction Co-Chair said “We extend special thanks to National Bank Independent Network for being our Presenting Sponsor, Kelly and Sons for being our Table Sponsor and The Saugeen Team at Century 21, In Studio Reality for hosting the Bubbles Reception and all the businesses who donated items for the auction or took ads in our program. Without their support we would not be able to stage such a fun event., so we encourage everyone to support our community by continuing to SHOP LOCAL..!”

He further acknowledged “The net proceeds for the evening exceeded $65,000 and wished to thank all our Rotary members, partners, and friends who worked tirelessly to make this event such a success.”

Mark your calendars for next year’s event, which will return to the Walker House on Saturday, October 26^th, 2024.

Picture Shows Auctioneer Bill Walker and Auction Co-Chair Sylvia Sheard.

Rededication of Southampton Rotary Peace Pole: Embracing Peace in Ojibwa and Japanese

September 21, 2023

Earlier today at Perkins Park Southampton, we came together for a momentous occasion to rededicate the Southampton Rotary Peace Pole. This powerful symbol of unity united community leaders, representatives, and residents for a day of reflection and peace.

The ceremony featured addresses from notable figures, including Club President Dave Bertrand and Deputy Mayor Diane Huber, Lori Kewaquom from Saugeen First Nation illuminated the translation process of the Peace Pole's message into Ojibwa. - "Bekaadesewin".

This year the club is hosting Rei Kaneda, a Japanese Rotary Youth Exchange Student, and the club added a Peace message in Japanese and Rei took the opportunity to bring greetings from her home country.

Past President, Jenny Amy gave a short address on the meaning of peace to conclude the ceremony and formally invited all present to reflect and rededicate the pole by saying the words 'May Peace Prevail on Earth'.

Peace Poles Originated in post-WWII Japan, and our Pole now stands as a beacon of Rotary's commitment to peacebuilding. Inscribed with 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' in eight languages, it embodies the collective hope for peace worldwide.

September 13^th, 2023

Playground Project – GC Public School, Southampton – Everyone Can Play!

At a landmark signing ceremony this morning at GC Huston Public School, President Dave Bertrand and School Principal Hugh Morrison signed a Memorandum of Understanding to embark on an ambitious project to build an inclusive school playground that will benefit all students, regardless of their abilities.

The estimated cost of this project is approximately $115,000, and the school already has funds in reserve of around $30,000, which they will pledge to help make this playground a reality. With Rotary’s participation, we have an opportunity to bridge the remaining $85,000 shortfall together.

The target is to raise all the funds by Spring of 2024 to enable the School Board to tender and install the play equipment, ready for the new school year in the Fall of 2024.

🎒✨Brightening Futures with Backpacks! 🌟🎓 - September 2023.

We're thrilled to share the success of our 2023 Backpack Program! With our help, students at GC Huston, Northport, Saugeen Central, and St Joseph are starting the school year with confidence and a smile. Together, we're shaping brighter tomorrows! 🌈📚 #CommunityStrong #BackToSchoolMagic" #RotaryPeopleOfAction "

Frequently asked questions by clicking on the read more button.

Southampton Rotary and Rotary Hand Up Unite to Provide Clean Water to Guatemala

Southampton, Ontario - July 21, 2023 - Southampton Rotary, in collaboration with Rotary Hand Up, is excited to announce the receipt of a generous global grant of $34,000 CAD from the Rotary Foundation. This significant grant will contribute to a transformative project in Guatemala, aiming to construct eight Rain Harvesters with a total project value of $54,600 CAD. The Hand Up Clubs have contributed $19,600 to this project. As well as writing the grant application and leading the project on behalf of Hand Up the Rotary Club of Southampton has made a direct cash contribution of $2,000 CAD towards this vital endeavour.

The Rotary Club of Southampton and Southampton Arts are delighted to confirm the installation of a mural in the “Gateway to the Arts” alley between the Town Hall and the Art School in Southampton, Ontario, Canada.

This whimsical mural of the High Street was originally commissioned by the Rotary Club of Southampton in 2022 for use as a tracking board for “Toonies for Tom”, a Rotary fundraiser for a CT Scanner for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, raising $20,002 for the campaign.

The painting was created by local artists and friends of Southampton Arts and the project was led by Darlene McConnachie and Jo Ann Sturgeon.

After the “Toonies for Tom” campaign, the artists asked if the mural could go on permanent display and Rotary suggested changing the title to reflect a “Shop Local” theme.

The mural was installed by Town staff on August 2, 2023 and a photo op with the artists, Sara Porter of the BIA and Art School Manager Michelle Casolino was held on August 15, 2023.

NEW THIS YEAR

You have 2 options this year for buying tickets. If you want to pay by credit card you can click the link below and fill in the information. We are using a platform that doesn't charge any fees and allows us to put every dollar towards our children. There is a place where this company asks for a donation. If you don't want to donate to this, click the area and hit "Other" and put $0 into the donation location.

Once you fill out the form and pay, you will not be issued a ticket. Your name is your ticket and when you arrive, your name will be on the list. This way we can save a few trees and not have you worry about losing or forgetting your tickets.

Click here:

2024 Rotary Dinner Auction Tickets

OR if you want to buy your tickets by e-transfering money, please call or email Henry Weickert at 519-797-1388 or at weickert@bmts.com and he will get your information and get you all set up. If using e-transfer, use the Club email address: southamptonrotary@bmts.com and enter Rotary Dinner Auction 2024 in the memo line.

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE

Tim Horton's BBQ July 17th, 2024

Southampton Rotary Club teamed up with Dave Falconer’s Tim Horton’s team, Southampton Foodland, VPI Employment Services and Police Chaplain, David Baker to host a very successful Camp Day at Tim Horton’s Southampton on Wednesday, July 17th. Tim Horton’s drive-through patrons generously donated $760 to David Baker’s donation can to help send kids to camp. At the barbecue, Southampton Rotary members and VPI employees flipped 125 burgers and 60 hot dogs, bringing another $965 to the Tim Horton’s Foundation. Southampton Foodland owner, Martino Catalano, again donated all the food to support the cause. Tim Horton’s foundation champion, and local franchise owner, Dave Falconer, was very appreciative of the public's support of Tim Horton’s camps. For more information on Tim Horton’s camps, visit https://timscamps.com/ .

We are proud to be supporting the Town's 25th Anniversary Celebrations with our Family Funday on August 10th and our Rotary 25th Anniversary Quiz. See the poster below:

Entry Forms can be downloaded by clicking on the link above in the Down Load Box above.

Family Funday

Join us at Jubilee Park from 11 am to 3 pm for the Rotary Family Fun Day!

Event highlights will include:

Southampton Rotary's famous fresh-cut fries and popcorn from Noon till 2 pm.
Children's entertainment
Bouncy castles
Box land
Bubbles
Interactive Games
Bollywood Dancers
Touch-a-Truck event with the Fire Department and more..!
25th Quiz Draw at 2 pm

Feel free to bring a picnic and your refillable water bottles. Picnic tables will be available but families are also welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on.

Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

*Note: In the event of rain, this event will be moved indoors, to the Southampton Coliseum. Organizers will decide whether to move the event indoors by 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9th.

For what's happening during the full celebrations check out the Town'Web Page. CLICK HERE

Southampton Rotary Club Celebrates Changeover Dinner and Year-End Generosity

The Southampton Rotary Club recently hosted its annual Changeover Dinner, marking the official handover of presidential duties from Dave Bertrand to Tony Sheard. The event was a night of celebration, fun and optimism.

Dave Bertrand, the outgoing president, was honored for his service and leadership with a unique, handmade 4-String Rotary Guitar, a token of appreciation that reflects the club’s gratitude. Dave’s tenure was marked by dedication to youth exchange and numerous achievements, setting a high bar for the incoming leadership.

Taking the helm, Tony Sheard was inducted as the new president, along with the new board members. Tony, who is no stranger to leadership within the club, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for service at home and around the globe. "I am excited to lead this team and continue the incredible work that our club is known for as we imagine how we connect and create hope in the world through the magic of Rotary service," said Tony during his acceptance speech.

The evening also featured club members and the club’s Exchange Student, Rei, celebrating together, showcasing the club’s commitment to international friendship and community spirit.

Year-End Donations Highlight

In keeping with its tradition of giving back, the Southampton Rotary Club confirmed recent year-end donations exceeding $20,000 in June alone.These contributions are set to make a significant impact both locally and internationally:

Local Donations:

New side tables for the HCSS Day Away Program.
A donation towards furnishing a consultation room at the Salvation Army Foodbank.
A series of school scholarship awards
A donation to Owen Sound Rotary Camp Presqu’ile.
Refurnishing grant for the Aaron Roote Memorial Youth Centre

International Contributions:

Support to disaster relief agencies at Shelterbox and Aqua Box.
Funding for Rotary Handup's humanitarian work in Guatemala.

These donations underscore the club’s commitment to international humanitarian efforts, supporting vital local services and fostering educational opportunities.

TS July 2024

Rotary-Sponsored STEM Workshops Engage Local Elementary Students

For the third consecutive year, the Rotary clubs of Southampton, Saugeen Shores and Port Elgin have sponsored STEM workshops in 5 local schools throughout the spring term. Through the “Scientists in School” program, children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 get to do a variety of hands-on science experiments and activities to learn about important concepts in their science curriculum. This year, the three local clubs each sponsored one workshop in our 5 local elementary schools. A total of 14 engaging workshops were undertaken. From learning about seeds and plants to constructing structures for different purposes, students enjoyed and learned a good deal from the hands-on instruction and materials provided by the program. Teacher Cheryl Barnard comments: “The kids had a blast! They were engaged the whole time and loved the added challenge at the end of the program which they could work on here at school, or at home.” Teacher Victoria Ruby comments: “The invertebrates unit was very hands-on and engaging. The students loved working with the clay provided.” Grade 1 student Lily says “Scientists in School is useful to help kids minds grow and learn new things,” while a classmate adds, "“You get to learn about being a scientist by making and testing things.” And Grade 1-2 student, Cohen, says “I liked learning about different insects. It was awesome!”
Media Release June 18th 2024. Contact Dave Bertrand for further information,

Japanese Exchange Student Rei Kaneda Talks to Probus

Rotary Youth Exchange student Rei Kaneda has been in Canada since August and is proving to be an excellent ambassador for her home country of Japan. She talked to Probus on May 7th, telling the club about her life in Japan and some of her experiences and learnings throughout her exchange year. Rei is hosted by the Southampton Rotary Club, but the local program is supported by all three local Rotary clubs.

Rei’s current host mom is president-elect for Port Elgin Rotary, Katie Rice, who was an exchange student to Brazil herself as a teen.

Rei’s Youth Exchange Officer, Dave Bertrand, also talked about the Rotary Youth Exchange program in general after Rei’s presentation. Dave was a youth exchange student to Australia in 1980-81. In his talk, he mentioned that Southampton Rotary is still looking for two host families for next year’s German exchange student, Lena Storath.

If interested in hosting Lena in the Fall or in the Winter, please contact Dave at portelgindave@gmail.com. The relationships one forges as a host family last a lifetime.

You can aslo check out our Awards and Scholarship Page. CLICK HERE

Bearama Seals The Deal With Eastlink!

Louigi Salvati, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Eastlink Telecommunications, shakes the paw of Bearama and pledges to donate $1500 to help the 2024 Rotary Winterama campaign. Corporate dollars and individual donations to Winterama help to pay for this February program in 8 area schools by funding incentives, prizes, CanadaHelps administration fees and the cost of events. If there are excess funds after, these are distributed to the participating Rotary Clubs’ many youth programs. After 8 days, the 2024 Winterama program has already raised $ 12,200 online for local schools through CanadaHelps and more money is be raised via paper pledges. School children are collecting pledges from family and friends to build play equipment in their school yards, to provide an accessible swing for children with disabilities, to improve activity opportunities for school children on their playgrounds and to strengthen school nutrition programs. Individuals are asked to consider sponsoring a local student in their school’s journey across Canada this February, as children in all grades (and some of their teachers) skate, ski, sled, walk, run, and do other movement activities to earn kilometres, which they record daily on a master database designed by Nuclear Promise X. The kilometres from all participants in the school are added together in the database, and children find out each day where their school is on their cross-Canada journey along Terry Fox’s and Steve Fonyo’s route. Some schools are already over halfway across our nation while others are still “gaining steam” in the Maritimes. All money pledged to students goes directly to their school’s projects, through Rotary Winterama. Go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/Rotary/p2p/2024RotaryWinterama/ if you would like to sponsor a student in their February Winterama journey. Your support will encourage these students in their goal and help them to provide “service above self” in their schools, as they do their best to help fund their school’s major projects.

If you or your business would like to donate directly to Winterama, email rotarywinterama@gmail.com, and all the necessary information will be sent to you.

2024 Rotary Winterama Race Across Canada in February Media Release Monday, January 22nd.

Phew......we launched the 2024 Rotary Winterama in 5 schools yesterday and will do the final 3 schools today. The awards assemblies will be after March Break, and I promise to provide more lead time for those.

Dave Bertrand

2024 Winterama Committee

Mon. Jan. 22

9:15 - Sauble

10:15 - Hepworth

11:45 - Tara

12:45 - SDSS

2:15 - St. Joseph’s

Tues. Jan 23

9:15 - G.C. Huston

12:45 - Northport

2:15 – PESCS

This year, students and teachers at each school will be skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, walking, running and doing other movement activities to collectively propel their school across Canada. Each school will leave St. John’s Newfoundland on February 1st and will try to get to Vancouver before February 29th, following Terry Fox’s and Steve Fonyo’s route. Students will be asking parents, relatives and friends to sponsor them on their individual Winterama challenge, and all donations collected by the students will go to special projects in their schools and school nutrition programs. Improved prizes will be awarded by Rotary for top pledge earners across the 8 Winterama schools and within each school. Rotary will also award fun prizes for all students achieving 25 kms, 50 kms and 75 kms, and a top class prize in each school as well. Nuclear Promise X has designed a slick website where students track their personal kms and compare how they, their class and their school are doing in the race across Canada. The website will keep students and teachers updated on what province and city they are in as they travel across our huge nation. Please consider offering a financial pledge to a keen student this February, as they try to achieve a personal fitness goal and provide "service above self" to their schools, to make their schools a better place. Businesses can also consider making donations to Rotary Winterama to help offset costs for the program and to support Rotary youth programs in our area. The 3 Rotary clubs involved thank our very generous businesses that have offered support this year so far, and in years past, as Winterama and many other Rotary youth programs would not exist without their steadfast generosity and community mindedness.

For more information on how the 2024 Rotary Winterama program works, go to the promotional/instructional video at https://youtu.be/_y4OV0HzjYQ .

To record your distances: https://www.npxinnovation.ca/winterama

Here are a few pics from Northport.

Salvation Army Replacement Foodbank Van – Service Clubs Partnership "WHEELS OF HOPE"

Handover Ceremony – January 18th at 11 am, 614 Barnes Ave, Port Elgin.

In a display of community synergy, the Rotary clubs of Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, and Southampton, together with the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, have joined hands with the Salvation Army for the formal handover of a much-needed replacement Foodbank Van. This collaborative effort not only symbolizes the spirit of unity but also amplifies the impact of service clubs on community welfare.

The clubs jointly donated $32,500 and this was matched dollar for dollar by the Salvation Army to enable the purchase. The vehicle is a 2 year old van Ford Transit Cargo van, sourced by community minded Port Elgin Chrysler.

The replacement van represents not just a mode of transportation but a conduit for hope, illustrating how service clubs and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. This enhanced vehicle will undoubtedly elevate the efficiency of the Salvation Army's food distribution efforts, ensuring that support reaches those in need promptly.

The project was spearheaded by Southampton Rotarian and Food Bank Volunteer John Van Bastelaar who said: “The collaboration between the service clubs and the Salvation Army stands as a testament to the impact that can be achieved when organizations align their goals for the greater good. This venture is more than a van; it's a reflection of a caring community investing in those less fortunate”.

Members of the service clubs were then invited to a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Foodbank and a talk about the array of services offered by the Salvation Army.

A Look Back: The Earlier Van

Reflecting on the history of community service, the original Foodbank Van, acquired in 2014, was made possible through the combined contributions of the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin and Southampton, The Rotary Foundation, the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, the SouthPort Optimists, and public donations. With an initial investment of approximately $15,000, this van has been steadfastly serving the community's needs over the past decade.

For further information contact: John Van Bastelaar 519 386 8288.

January 18, 2024

Posted by Tony Sheard

Our Dinner of the Month Winners 2024

Month

1st Prize - $250 Gift Certificate

2nd Prize - $100 Gift Certificate

January

Gary Cobean - Southampton,

Gift Certificate to the Berkshire

George Gruetzner - Southampton,

Gift Certificate to the Queen's Bar and Grill

February

Jonna Ebel - Port Elgin

Gift Certificate to Rosina's

Jane Kramer of Southampton

Gift Certificate to Southampton Thai

March

Denise Buttenaar - Southampton

Gift Certificate to the Elk and Finch

Stephanie Gomes - Port Elgin

Gift Certificate to Allan's Fireside Grill

April

John Clancy - Southampton

Gift Certificate to 797

Ann Veyvara-Divinski - Southampton

Gift Certificate to Little Black Dog

May

Bruce Fotherby - Southampton

Gift Certificate to Highview

B & K Speight

Gift Certificate to the Wismer House

June

Heather Conlin - Port Elgin

Gift Certificate to the Walker House

George Bulzer - Southampton

Gift Certificate to Smokey Cactus

December 22, 2024 - GC Huston Public School.

President Dave and Principal Hugh officiated at the draw this morning.

And our winners are:

First Prize - Heather Howe

Second Prize - Alana Chambers

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, you have helped give our playground fund a $4000 boost. Thank you..!

December 12th, 2022

Two major donations help us reach our goal...!

....but due to the early success, we are keeping the Fundraiser open as community members are keen to help us make the playground bigger and better...! THANK YOU.

Southampton Rotary, in collaboration with GC Huston, is thrilled to announce a major milestone: a
major donation of $20,000 from Tuggy’s Gas & Variety has propelled us to reach our $85,000 goal. This
follows a generous $10,000 donation last week from Roote’s Gas Bar and Top Shelf. Achieving this
remarkable feat in less than three months since the launch of our fundraising campaign (MOU Signed on

Sept 13th) speaks to the incredible support from across our community.

Thank you to each supporter who has contributed to this success. From the inception of the project, we
committed that any funds surpassing our initial goal would be dedicated to providing youth-related
initiatives at GC Huston such as further enhancements to the playground project.

While celebrating this achievement, our fundraiser remains open, presenting an ongoing opportunity to
enhance the proposed playground with additional features and accessibility. The continued support of
our community ensures that we not only meet our target but also create an even more inclusive and
vibrant space.

Cheers to 85 Years: Southampton Rotary Club Unveils Exclusive "1938 Lager"

in Partnership with Three Sheets Brewing!

The picture shows members of Southampton Rotary and Three Sheet Brewing owners Jeff Carver and Curtis Thomas.
From Left to Right: Sylvia Sheard, Tony Sheard, Jeff Carver, Curt Thomas, Cathy Janveau, Jim Wade and Dave Bertrand.

Southampton Rotary Club is excited to announce we have partnered with Three Sheets Brewing to produce a limited edition special brew known as 1938 Lager.

Jeff Carver, the driving force behind Three Sheets Brewing said: “I have been a longtime admirer of the good work of the Southampton Rotary Club and in recognition I am delighted to offer a special edition brew to commemorate the club’s 85^th Anniversary.”

Dave Bertrand Club President advised:

“The club was thrilled to have been selected by Three Sheets to brew a special beer in our honour.”

He went to say “Club members ran a competition to pick a suitable name and by a unanimous vote “1938” was selected to mark the year the Rotary Club of Southampton was established”.

Extract from the Brewmaster’s notes about the lager:

“A light, crisp, and very drinkable beer, this beverage represents something that brings people together to celebrate ties of friendship and service that unite us all.”

Where can you purchase 1938 Lager?

The beer is now exclusively available from the Three Sheets Brewery Tap Room, 1246 Goderich Street, Port Elgin.

The beer retails at $5 per can and 50% of the proceeds of every can sold will be donated to support Southampton Rotary Causes.

CHECK OUT THIS SHORT VIDEO OF THE CANNING BRIGADE: CLICK HERE

On Thursday, November 2^nd. 2023 a $2000 cheque was presented to Fred Schlenker of the Bruce Ski Club in Hepworth, by Mary Ellen Harrigan, the chair of the Youth & Vocational Committee of the Southampton Rotary Club. The funds were given to Rotary by family and friends in memory of long-time Rotarian Peter Day. The Ski Club used the funds to build a shed to store the ski equipment for the Jack Rabbit equipment.

Photo shows, left to right: Brad Churchley, John Conlin, Mary Ellen Harrigan, Fred Schlenker, Bob Speight, Dave Bertrand and Ron Downie.