Thank You, Summerside!
Together We Raised $22,092!

What an incredible weekend! The Summerside Rotary Club’s Annual Book Sale brought our community together once again, book by book, smile by smile, to raise $22,092 in support of local literacy initiatives and community programs.

A heartfelt thank you to our Book Sale Committee, our amazing volunteers, the countless book donors, and every book lover who came out to browse, buy, and give.

Your generosity fuels projects that make a real difference right here in Prince County.

.... also a special shout out to Anna and Sandy for your leadership on this event year over year!

We’re proud to live in a community that believes in the power of words, stories, and giving back.

See you next year..... and until then, keep reading!

The Summerside Rotary Used Book Sale is almost here — mark your calendars:
 Oct 2–4 at our new home, 98 Water Street.
All proceeds support literacy right here in Prince County. 

Reminders:
- Cash only
- New puzzles & board games available this year!

Get ready to shop & support a great cause! 

 

 Congratulations to the 2025 Summerside Rotary / PCH Foundation Charity Golf Classic Winners – Summerside Butcher Shop – who proudly took home the Earl Cannon Trophy this year!

A huge thank you to all our sponsors who make this incredible event possible year after year. Your support helps us continue making a meaningful impact in our community. 

An especially big shoutout to our Title Sponsor – Fitzgerald & Snow – for an amazing 25 years of continuous sponsorship. Your dedication has been the driving force behind the success of this tournament from the very beginning.

Here’s to another year of golf, giving, and community spirit!
Prince County Hospital Foundation

 

What an inspiring start to the day!

We extend our sincere gratitude to Past District Governor Suresh Mathew, of Rotary District 3211, for his inspiring presentation at today’s Summerside Rotary Club meeting.

His message of service, leadership, and global impact reminded us of the true spirit of Rotary. From championing youth development programs to advancing healthcare access through the “HOPE” app and dialysis initiatives, PDG Suresh has consistently led with heart and purpose.

Your dedication to service embodies Rotary’s core values and motivates us to pursue meaningful community impact.

Thank you for taking the time to speak to our group, we truly appreciated your insights.

We hope this is just the beginning and look forward to the possibility of joint initiatives between our two districts in the future.

#RotaryLeadership #RotaryExchange #PeopleOfAction

 

 Thank You, Dave Doyle

A heartfelt thank you to Dave Doyle for joining us as guest speaker this past Tuesday, and for sharing the impactful work of Heroes Mending On The Fly Canada – a program helping Veterans and First Responders heal through fly fishing and camaraderie.

With 27 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, including tours in Croatia, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, Dave brings deep insight and compassion to his role. Since returning to PEI, he has continued to serve by supporting others. In 2025, he founded the Island’s first Heroes Mending On The Fly chapter, creating a safe, supportive space for Veterans to connect, learn fly tying and fishing, and find renewed purpose.

His dedication to the well-being of those who have served is an inspiration, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.

Learn more about this powerful initiative: https://heroesmendingontheflycanada.ca

#SummersideRotary #heroesmendingonthefly 

… AND We’re back! 

The Summerside Rotary Book Drive and Sale returns at our new location: 98 Water Street (former Foodland space, entrance behind the Irving Station).

Last year, with your support, we raised just over $20,000 for literacy projects in Prince County!

This year, we’re aiming even higher…. and we need your help to beat that goal.

Book drop-off:
Thursday, September 25 – 4 to 8 pm
Friday, September 26 – 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday, September 27 – 10 am to 2 pm

Book sale:
Thursday to Saturday, October 2, 3, and 4

Bonus: We’re also accepting puzzles and board games!

Volunteers welcome—call Anna at 902-439-2983 if you can help.

#SummersideRotary #BookDrive #LiteracyMatters 

 

"Is it FUN?!"

Today our Summerside Rotary Club was delighted to welcome Marcel Gervais, District Governor-Elect for Rotary District 7815.

Marcel inspired us with his vision for Rotary and reminded us of the importance of service, connection, and community.

He also shared his special fifth addition to Rotary’s classic Four-Way Test: “Is it fun?” 

Marcella's focussing on making sure that "fun" is one of the main pillars of Rotary, and we couldn't agree more.

A wonderful reminder that while we strive for truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit, we should also find joy in the work we do together.

Thank you, Marcel, for your energy, insight, and enthusiasm—we look forward to supporting you in your upcoming year as District Governor!

#ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryFourWayTest #IsItFun

 

A heartfelt thank you to Steve Bellamy, CEO of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, for joining us as our guest speaker this Tuesday!

The story and purpose of Confederation Centre is as relevant today as when it first opened in 1964. It remains a truly great asset for PEI and all of Canada

Steve’s insights and passion for the arts reminded us of the Centre’s vital role in celebrating Canadian culture and creativity. Thank you for inspiring us and sharing your vision for the future of this national treasure.

#RotarySummerside 

 

Tuesday Speaker Spotlight: Chris Rushton!

This week, we had the pleasure of hearing from our newest Rotarian, Chris Rushton—new to Summerside Rotary, but no stranger to Rotary life, having spent close to 20 years with the Moncton Rotary Club before moving back home to PEI.

Chris shared highlights from his incredible career as a Project Manager, Structural Engineer, and Construction Manager.

From managing large-scale, multi-discipline projects to overseeing structural design, demolition, inspections, and more—

Chris brings a wealth of experience and passion for building strong foundations, both in construction and community.

... We also got to see a couple of videos of some impressive demos 

Sessions where we get to learn more about our fellow Rotarians are always a favorite—thank you, Chris, for sharing your story with us!

#SummersideRotary #RotarianSpotlight

 Rotarians believe in “Service Above Self.” For more than 80 years, the Rotary Club of Summerside has been proving it. 

These incredible volunteers, leaders, and humanitarians are always finding ways to make a positive impact, both here on PEI and around the world. 

One cause especially close to their hearts? Prince County Hospital. 

When plans for the new hospital came together in 2000, Rotarians were some of the first to step up by volunteering, fundraising, and donating to the capital campaign.  That same year, they launched the Rotary Golf Classic  with Fitzgerald & Snow, a tournament that has since raised over $300,000 for medical equipment and technology for patient care at PCH.

 25 years later, the Rotary Golf Classic is still going strong, raising important funds for the hospital and other community projects. 

And at the 2024 Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots event, the club made a major announcement: a $100,000 gift  to the Prince County Hospital Foundation.

This incredible legacy donation will be endowed, meaning it will be invested, with the interest earned each year supporting patient care at PCH, a true gift that keeps on giving. 

As Club Past-President Les MacLean shared:
 “To have the efforts of Rotarians, past and present, recognized in such a lasting way is truly wonderful. Our members’ generosity continues to impress, and I look forward to what the future holds for our hospital.”

 Thank you to the Rotary Club of Summerside for your decades of commitment to our community and healthcare. Your impact is felt every single day. 

 Full story of the Rotary Club of Summerside’s Legacy at PCH: https://pchcare.com/a-legacy-of-community-the-summerside.../

Photo: At a recent donor recognition event, the PCH Foundation honoured the legacy gift made by the Summerside Rotary Club. Many Rotarians present were also recognized for their personal and professional impact at PCH, alongside their commitment through the club.

#ServiceAboveSelf #Rotary #PCHFoundation #Legacy #PEI #PCH #PrinceCountyHospital #PCHFoundation #PrinceCountyHospitalFoundation 

 

 

 You’ve seen our signs. You’ve heard our name. Now come discover what we’re all about.

The Rotary Club of Summerside is a network of local leaders and volunteers committed to service — both here at home and around the world.

Join us for Discover Rotary
 Wednesday, June 12
 6–9 PM
The Oval, Summerside

Whether you're curious, ready to volunteer, or just want to learn more — this relaxed info evening is for you!

#SummersideRotary #CommunityLeadership #DiscoverRotary #RotaryPEI 

From Easter Seals: This evening, we take a moment to salute Dr. Scott Mollins, a Rotarian and a member of our Easter Seals PEI Provincial Committee, who is encouraging Islanders to join us to celebrate Red Shirt Day® on Wednesday, May 28th! By wearing a red shirt tomorrow you are helping enhance accessibility in our community! Scott recently retired from his dental practice in Summerside, and judging from his smile, we know he is taking time to enjoy his favourite activities such as trout fishing and being on ATV trails! Thanks, Scott for all that you do!

 

#RedShirtDay #RedForAccessAbility Rotary Club of SummersideRotary Club of Montague and Eastern PEIRotary Club of CharlottetownThe City of SummersidePublic Schools BranchPrince Edward Island GovernmentLa Commission scolaire de langue française de l'Î.-P.-É.HOT 105.5

The Summerside Rotary Club extends our sincerest thanks to Sheryl, Executive Director of JAPEI, for joining us as our guest speaker at today’s Rotary meeting.

Sheryl shared the remarkable work JAPEI is leading across Prince Edward Island, with a special spotlight on the dynamic programs right here in Summerside.

Her presentation underscored the vital role youth play in shaping the future of our local economy — and how essential it is for our community to equip them with skills in financial literacy, business planning, and career readiness.

JAPEI’s initiatives are opening doors for young people to explore entrepreneurship, develop real-world business skills, and gain a strong foundation in managing finances.

These programs encourage youth to think big, plan strategically, and dream about their futures right here on PEI.

By exposing students to local career opportunities, they help ensure that the next generation sees a future for themselves in our community — a critical step for building a strong, sustainable economy in Summerside.

This is why we partner with the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, to fundraise for this worthy cause.

Join Us for the Rotary & Chamber Lobster Luncheon, raising funds for JAPEI
 Date: July 11th at 11:30
 Location: Credit Union Place

Celebrate community leadership and invest in our future by joining local Rotarians, Chamber members, and guests for a delicious lobster luncheon, networking, and community building.

This signature event is a chance to support the ongoing work of organizations like JAPEI and honour the spirit of collaboration that keeps Summerside thriving.

 Tickets are selling fast!
Reserve yours here: https://app.glueup.com/.../summerside-rotary-chamber.../...

Let’s come together to celebrate the power of youth, leadership, and community!

Continuing our amazing Tuesday at Summerside Rotary… we’re celebrating the newest addition to our club – welcome, Chris Rushton! 🎉

Chris is no stranger to Rotary. Previously a long-standing Rotarian in Moncton, Chris recently moved to the Summerside area.

Thanks to a connection with our good friend and fellow Rotarian Keith Tanton, Chris found his way to our club – and we couldn’t be more pleased.

We’re grateful to have Chris’s experience and energy joining us in Summerside. We look forward to seeing the great things he’ll do in our community and in Rotary

 

A great morning to hear about the amazing support that the Family Place provides our growing families in Summerside.

We want to send a heartfelt thank you to Carol Hyndman, for joining us at today’s Rotary meeting and sharing her incredible journey and work with Family Place in Summerside.

From her years of experience supporting families through the Ontario Early Years Program and Social Services, to her current role coordinating the Full Circle Family Doula Program, Carol’s dedication to children and families is truly inspiring. We’re grateful she came out of retirement to bring her warmth, knowledge, and passion back to the Summerside community — and to us today.

Thank you, Carol, for the meaningful work you do and for spending your morning with us!

A huge thank you to Minerva Gamble-Hardy for joining us as a guest speaker at this week's Rotary meeting! 

As a dedicated leader with the Provincial Library Service, Minerva plays a key role in running incredible programs right here at the Summerside Rotary Inspire Learning Centre.

In 2024 alone, over 46,000 people attended library programs across the province— and over 600 room bookings in Summerside alone, for community programs and meetings.

Minerva also commented about the 20 - 25 students that volunteer on an annual basis here in Summerside with amazing programs such as a senior tech mentorship program!

These numbers are a testament to the meaningful work being done in our very own Summerside Rotary Library!

We’re grateful for Minerva’s insights, passion for literacy, and her ongoing contributions to lifelong learning in Summerside.

Interested in learning more about the amazing programs at the the Library? Check out the upcoming lineup here: https://inspirelearning.libcal.com/calendar?cid=7149&t=d...

A big thank you to Sam Sanderson, Executive Director of the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island, for being our guest speaker at the club this Tuesday!

Sam delivered a timely and insightful presentation on the state of the construction industry across Prince Edward Island.

With the backdrop of a challenging political and economic climate; rising costs, labour shortages, and the growing demand for infrastructure - his remarks sparked thoughtful discussion among our members.

He highlighted the vital role the Construction Association of PEI plays in advocating for its members and collaborating with government and stakeholders to drive positive change during this pivotal time.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to hear from someone so closely involved in one of the Island’s most impactful sectors.

Sam, your passion and dedication to the industry and Island was apparent. Thank you for your candor, clarity, and commitment to PEI’s future!

Yesterday we announced the winners of the Mardi Gras Bonspiel... and yes the curling was impressive. But let’s talk about the real competition—the costumes!

This year’s Best Dressed Team at the Summerside Mardi Gras Bonspiel brought style, flair, and just the right amount of “What on earth are they wearing?!”

HUGE congrats to Gene Murrays team who won the "Best Dressed" (and they maybe blinded a few opponents along the way).

Who knew curling could be this fashionable?

Thank you for the fun.

#SummersideMardiGrasBonspiel

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming District Governor Don, who shared valuable insights into Rotary’s leadership, structure, and the ways our club can thrive!

He highlighted how much the world has changed since Rotary’s founding in 1905 and emphasized the need for us to adapt and take action.

With four key priorities, he and his team are dedicated to helping clubs like ours:

> Increasing Impact through community needs assessments
> Expanding Our Reach by growing membership and diversity
> Enhancing Our Ability to Adapt to a changing world
> Strengthening Engagement within clubs

Don, we are proud to stand up as a club and pledge the 3 C’s:
 Continuity
 Consistency
 Collaboration

Thank you, DG Don, for your time, wisdom, and passion for Rotary!

#rotaryguestspeaker
Rotary International

.... Oh What a Night 

The Rotary Club of Summerside was thrilled to host around 170 Rotarians, community partners, MLAs, and distinguished guests from across the Island at our annual Dinner with the Premier—a signature event and a true highlight of the year!

It was Summerside's turn to host, and we were thrilled to welcome everyone to the Credit Union Place as the venue for this incredible evening.

This event wouldn't have been possible without the collective effort of so many individuals and organizations—thank you for making it such a success!

A heartfelt thank you to Premier Dennis King for your time, thoughtful address, and continued dedication to collaborating with Island Chambers.

Another great reason to be a Rotarian!

This week we want to send a big THANK YOU! to Honorable Bloyce Thompson for joining us as this week’s guest speaker.

Minister Thompson shared valuable insights into his work in justice, agriculture, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing our province.... and at this critical point in time, it was wonderful to hear his approach here.

His dedication to serving Islanders and improving our communities truly shone through in both his presentation, and his contribution to the trip to the US last week.

We are grateful for your time and for engaging with us on these important topics. Together, we continue to make a difference in Summerside and beyond! 

#RotaryGuestSpeaker #CommunityLeadership #SummersideRotary

What a colourful morning. 

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Kiele from Art Buds to our Rotary meeting. Her passion for fostering creativity and building connections through art truly inspired us all.

Art Buds is an incredible organization focused on promoting creative expression and community engagement through art.

They feature work exclusively from local artists, many of whom are showcasing and selling their creations for the very first time.

By supporting Art Buds, you're not only celebrating local talent but also helping first-time artists gain confidence and recognition in their creative journey.

Kiele, your dedication to empowering individuals, supporting local artists, and creating inclusive spaces through art is remarkable. Thank you for sharing your journey, the impact of Art Buds, and how art can truly transform lives.

Thank you for bringing this colourful shop to Downtown Summerside.

#ThankYou #ArtBuds #SupportLocalArtists

This past Tuesday was all about The Coldest Night of the Year

We were honored to welcome the inspiring team behind the Summerside branch of the CNOY campaign to our Rotary meeting this week! 

The mission of the Coldest Night of the Year is to shine a light on the struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness and rally communities across Canada to step up and help.

This vision perfectly aligns with Lifehouse Summerside’s commitment to fostering compassion, connection, and care for the most vulnerable members of our community.

.... and for the Summerside area campaign, all the funds raised goes to Lifehouse!

This mission is also a natural fit with the values of Summerside Rotary. As part of a global organization, we are driven by the belief in “Service Above Self,” striving to unite as People of Action to improve lives and create lasting positive change in our community and beyond.

Supporting initiatives like this is exactly what Rotary is all about. So after the presentation on Tuesday, of course we did exactly that -   

Check out the newest CNOY team

https://secure.e2rm.com/regis.../TeamFundraisingPage.aspx...

While many of our Rotarians may already be participating with their own companies or organizations (as Rotary is built on a volunteer membership filled with active working base), our team is open to all community members—not just Rotarians.

It’s a chance for Summerside to come together and raise funds for this critical cause while building connections and showing how much we care.

Join us in making this year’s Coldest Night of the Year a success and supporting the vital work of Lifehouse Summerside!

Together, we can make a difference. 

BGC Prince County - Summerside Club

#ColdestNightOfTheYear #LifehouseSummerside #RotarySummerside

The Rotary Club of Summerside extends heartfelt gratitude to Lucie Gallant for her outstanding contributions as the 2024 Easter Seals Society of PEI Ambassador. Lucie, a ten-year-old Grade 5 student at École-sur-Mer in Summerside, has been instrumental in raising awareness about neurodiversity and promoting optimism with her motto: "With a positive mind you can do extraordinary things."

We are also delighted to welcome our 2025 Ambassador, eight-year-old Remi Dean. A Grade 3 student at Ellerslie Elementary School, Remi resides in Poplar Grove with her family. Born as a micro preemie, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to her premature birth. Remi's infectious positive attitude and constant smile inspire us all.

We look forward to supporting Remi in her journey to raise awareness and support for Islanders living with disabilities in the coming year.

: pictured here is Summerside Rotarian and Easter Seals Supporter, Dr Scott Mollins

 

Yoshihiro, the Rotary Club of Summerside's youth exchange student, presented our club with a trading banner. He also had a lapel pin for each member from his home country, Japan. Thanks, Yoshihiro, for sharing a piece of your home with us!

RCS welcomes Mitch Shea, CEO of Summerside Port Corporation Inc., as our guest speaker on September 17th. Mitch serves as the Chief Executive Officer and continues to enjoy the day-to-day operations of PEI’s commercial port while working toward an even brighter future for the Corporation and Summerside Waterfront. Thanks, Mitch, for joining us. Rotarian David Anderson served as Meetings Chair.

Gotta luv this! We received an email from Ms. Lauren Ryder Key, a teacher at SIS, with an attached poster. I want to thank Hanah and Shelby Lynn, 9th grade students from SIS, for creating this amazing poster to promote The Rotary Club of Summerside's Book Sale for Literacy.

The Rotary Club of Summerside's 24th  Annual Charity Golf Classic was held on a beautiful day at the Mill River Resort, with participants eagerly gathering to compete and show their support for the Prince County Hospital Foundation. This year's winners, who demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship with a score of 54, are Collin Rayner, Jamie Rayner, Kenny Fraser and Tyson Gavin, representing Kildare Fisheries LTD. The "Earl Cannon Award" was sponsored by Key Murray Law. 
Congratulations!! 

We are thrilled to announce that the book-sorting process is now complete. The Rotary Club of Summerside's Book Sale for Literacy will be held from Thursday, September 19th to the 21st at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club in Summerside. We would like to extend a huge thank-you to everyone who generously donated books over the past few days. We have received a substantial number of books. We also want to express our deep appreciation to the volunteers who helped us with sorting the books. This event is a vital fundraiser for Literacy in our area and has become an annual community event that is eagerly anticipated and well-supported.

On Tuesday, September 10th, Lisa Vanduinkerken chaired the meeting. We were honoured to have Geoff Goodyear from the Rotary Club of Happy Valley-Goose Bay as our guest speaker. Geoff spoke about the valuable work being done and the support received from Rotary International to provide life-saving dialysis machines in remote areas.

Rotarian Mike Mann welcomes New Member Andrew Brown, Century 21 Realtor. Andrew distinguishes himself as a leading realtor in Prince Edward Island, renowned for his deep understanding of the market, vast networking reach, and steadfast dedication to delivering tailor-made services that surpass client expectations. His impressive history of successful deals, combined with a heartfelt enthusiasm for assisting clients in fulfilling their property ambitions, solidifies Andrew as the preferred realtor for a premier experience in Prince Edward Island real estate.

We thank Rotarian Thane Smallwood for inviting Trevor Spinney, President of CMP (Charlottetown Metal Products), to speak at our August 20th breakfast meeting.
CMP designs and manufactures food processing equipment that ensures the safety of millions of people worldwide daily. For over 60 years, CMP has been dedicated to creating, manufacturing, and installing food processing equipment that meets and often exceeds the hygiene standards required by some of the world's largest food processors.

Thank you all for your patience! We have secured a venue for our book sale in September. Many of you have been asking about the location and times of the sale, as well as where and when you can donate books. Please help spread the word to your family and friends. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you in September!

It was a pleasure having Ken Trenholm from S.A.F.E. Summerside as our guest speaker on August 13th. We would like to extend our thanks to meeting Chair Bill Thompson for inviting Ken to our breakfast meeting. 

During our breakfast meeting on August 6th, Adam Binkley, Executive Director, and David Woodside, Communication Designer of the BGC Prince County—Summerside Club, shared valuable insights with us. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn directly from well-respected organizations in our community. Special thanks to Meeting Chair Keith Tanton for extending the invitation.

The Rotary Club of Summerside will be hosting its 15th Annual Book Sale for Literacy from September 19th to September 21st. This event is one of the most well-known and highly anticipated events in Summerside and its surrounding areas. It wouldn't be possible without the hard work of the book sale committee, which includes Chairperson Sandy Rundle, Jaclyn Waite, Bruce McDonald and Club President Les MacLean.

On July 16th, we were happy to host our friends from BBEMA, who shared their expertise on preserving and protecting our environment. We always appreciate their information. Thanks to Chair Ron McConnell for inviting them to join us.

The Rotary Club of Summerside was pleased to partner with the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, PEI, to host the Inaugural Rotary and Chamber Business Community Lobster Luncheon on July 12. The event featured guest speaker Honorable Perrin Beatty.

We thank everyone who attended, including our sponsors, Key Murray Law and MRSB Group. The event's proceeds were donated to Junior Achievement PEI.

Rotarian and Past President Chad Mann welcomes Brian Stewart, President and Owner of RedFox Consulting Inc., as a new member of the Summerside Rotary Club. We are thrilled to have Brian join us. His dedication and commitment to service will undoubtedly positively impact our organization and the community we serve.

Another busy meeting! Tuesday morning's meeting, chaired by Thane Smallwood, began with our guest speaker, Ben Parsons, co-owner/operator of Dalmac Printing, Signage, and Cresting. We also welcomed Brian Stewart, President and Owner of RedFox Consulting Inc., as a new member.

On Tuesday, June 11th, Rotarian Derek Key welcomed guest speakers Derek Bondt, the Vice President of Prince County Hospital Foundation, and Paul Young, the Chief Operating Officer for the new Faculty of Medicine. We thank them both for taking the time to come and speak with us; it was very informative, thank you!

Thanks to all who attended our Discover Rotary event. Special thanks to Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Summerside for their excellent service and to Past Rotary President Randy Cannon for organizing the event.

                             CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN ROTARY
The Rotary Club of Summerside recognized Al Frost, Wayne Carew, and Les Chipperfield at the president's dinner on May 28th for their 40 years of service to Rotary. These three individuals' tireless dedication and hard work have brought about significant improvements in our community and beyond. Their unwavering commitment has played a crucial role in shaping a better world for everyone.

Calling all members of the PEI business community!

Join the Rotary Club of Summerside and the GSCC for the Rotary & Chamber Business Community Lobster Luncheon this July. We aim to enhance our economic impact in PEI and promote growth in our exceptional business community. We are excited to announce that the keynote speaker for this event will be the Honourable Perrin Beatty, PC, OC, President, and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Join us for an informative luncheon as we come together to celebrate PEI's business community.

Date: July 12th

Time: 12-1

Location: Credit Union Place

Cost: $100 (tax included)

To register, click HERE

Proceeds from this event will go to JA Prince Edward Island to support our youth in business!

We had a busy program during our Rotary meeting on May 21, chaired by Bill Martin. It was great to have Matt MacFarlane, MLA for District 19, Borden-Kinkora, as our guest speaker this morning.

On Tuesday, May 21, we were pleased to have Campbell McNeil and Madison Brown join us. The Rotary Club of Summerside is sending Campbell and Madison to Ottawa next week to take part in the Adventure in Citizenship program. Also Deacon Maddix, a 10th-grade student at TOSH, joined us. The Rotary Club of Summerside sponsored Deacon to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in Sussex, NB.

It was a pleasure to have Don McDougall, owner-operator of Mill River Resort, speak at Rotary. Don served as president of Labatt Brewing Company. He was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for his visionary leadership as the founding director of the Toronto Blue Jays and for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy, to name a few of his lifetime accomplishments. In the photo from left to right are Rotarian and Mayor Dan Kutcher, Dr. Don McDougall (Hon), Meeting Chair, Rotarian Glenna Lohnes, and Rotary President Chad Mann, CEO ADL. 

The Easter Seals Ambassador, Lucie Gallant, visited 66 schools across the Island in just 6 days. On the last day, she visited schools from Crapaud to Mischouche, and ended her tour at Ècole-Sur-Mer in Summerside, which happens to be Lucie's own school. It was truly amazing to witness the cheers, smiles, hugs, and sheer excitement of the students as Lucie entered each school.

During our early morning breakfast meeting on April 16th, Randy Cannon, the meeting Chair, welcomed AinZ, the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator of the United Way of PEI. AinZ updated us on how the United Way of PEI and its funding partners are working to combat poverty in PEI.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to this organization for all their hard work!

We were delighted to have these three young men from Three Oaks Senior High School with us on Tuesday, April 9th. Campbell McNeil, Isaac MacLean, and Ethan Reeves are co-founders of The Train Station podcast. They came up with the idea for their podcast after attending the 34th Annual Rotary Youth Parliament. The podcast aims to educate younger generations about current world issues that impact our community without bias or propaganda. Thanks to Jill Kelly Waugh for inviting them to join us.

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Summerside, Kaley O'Brien! We are thrilled to have you as a new member. Your dedication and commitment to service will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our organization and the local community.
President Chad Mann, Kaley O'Brien and Derek Key.

On Tuesday, March 12th, Rotarian John Maynard welcomed guest speaker Brian Stewart, owner and operator of Red Fox Consulting, a business consulting and services firm. We thank Brian for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us.

To all the women out there, we want to take a moment to acknowledge your strength, resilience, and contributions to our world. You are leaders, caregivers, innovators, and so much more. Your hard work and dedication have helped to shape our society and make it a better place for all of us. On this International Women's Day and every day, we celebrate you and stand with you in the fight for gender equality and women's rights. Keep shining your light and breaking down barriers. You are appreciated and valued beyond measure.

Rotarian Andrea Wile congratulates Darcy Gallant on having the winning ticket; Darcy takes home a $5,000 Mardi Gras travel voucher! The draw took place during the Rotary's Mardi Gras Curling Funspiel. 

Rotarian Blair Dunn welcomed Rotarian Bruce Mcdonald, President of BCM Consulting Inc., as his guest speaker on Tuesday, March 5th. It is always a pleasure to hear from our fellow Rotarians. Thank you, Bruce!

What an amazing few days! We thank everyone who participated in the 2024 Rotary Mardi Gras Funspiel. The event was a resounding success, with a sold-out crowd and loads of fun. Although it is a funspiel, and fun is the main focus, there is always a winner, and this year's champion was Team BMO. David MacFadyen (Skip), Patrick McSweeney (missing from the photo are Dale Burton and Josh Lauwerijssen). Also in the photo is Neil MacLean, NAPA Auto Parts - Mardi Gras Sponsor.

Last night marked the beginning of the Mardi Gras Curling Funspiel. Thank you to all teams participating this year! Please find attached the winning number for the 50/50 ticket.

Rotarian Gord Coffin and The Rotary Club of Summerside were pleased to have Gerry Reichheld, Summerside Farmer's Market, as our guest speaker. Gerry has been associated with the Market since its opening in 2008. 

Les Chipperfield from the Rotary Club of Summerside thanked Jay Gallagher for speaking at the breakfast meeting on Feb 6. Jay is the CEO and Founder of @Fuel Your Body, a healthy meal delivery service. 

The Summerside Rotary Club is pleased to have representatives from Make A Wish Foundation speak to our club. The photo includes Alex Johnston, Samantha Gallant, meeting chair and Rotarian Wayne Carew, and Trisha Mossey.

The Summerside Rotary Club is pleased to introduce three new members. Barb Hunter, Andrea Wile, and Ron McConnell. Welcoming the new members are club President Chad Mann, Rotarian Paul Power and Past President Randy Cannon.

The Rotary Club of Summerside was delighted to have Mary Dennis, the Executive Director of the Harbourfront Theatre, as our guest speaker. Mary has been associated with the theatre since its inauguration in 1996 and has held various senior positions there. For most of her 27-year tenure, she has served as the Director of Operations.

The Summerside Rotary Club was pleased to have Jeff Minten Executive Director of Atlantic Police Academy. Dave Anderson meeting Chair welcomes Jeff to our morning meeting.

On October 17th, the Summerside Rotary Club had the pleasure of hosting Karla Bernard, interim leader of the Green Party of Prince Edward Island and MLA, as our guest speaker. Bill Thompson, the meeting chair, welcomed Karla to our breakfast meeting. During her talk, Karla addressed topics such as housing, healthcare, and population growth in PEI.

Dr. Richard Wedge's guest speaker was Mayor Dan Kutcher, City of Summerside. Mayor Dan updated us on his progress since taking on the role of Mayor almost a year ago!

Fantastic morning for our weekly gathering! Thank you to Sarah Denman-Wood, SHIFT Project Manager, Workplace Sexual Harassment. Sarah gave an insightful and engaging presentation to our group this morning. #sexualharassment #rotaryinternational #rotaryclub

President Chad Mann was pleased to meet Paul Arbo, President of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Central. They exchanged banners at Lone Oak in Avonlea Village and enjoyed a great evening of fellowship and Prince Edward Island hospitality.

Over the course of the past 23 years, the Rotary Club of Summerside Charity Golf Classic has been a steadfast supporter of our community, raising an incredible amount of money exceeding $1,000,000. Their generous donations have gone towards various initiatives, including a notable $250,000 contribution to the Prince County Hospital. The Rotary Club of Summerside is grateful for the unwavering support of all their donors, and they cannot wait to host another successful event this coming September 13th at the Mill River Resort. 

We extend our thanks to Dr. Scott Mollins, the meeting Chair, for inviting Shona Pottinger to speak as our guest.

 

Shona Pottinger, the founder of Singing Sands Music Therapy, has been providing effective therapeutic services to a diverse clientele since 2010. Her services cater to individuals of all ages and with various conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer's, Depression, Stroke, and Global Developmental Delay. With her extensive experience and training, Shona delivers exceptional music therapy services of the highest quality.

The Summerside Rotary Club welcomed Dr. Sandy MacDonald, President and CEO of Holland College, as our guest speaker on August 8th. Rotarian and meeting chair Boyce Murphy invited Dr. MacDonald as his guest speaker.

On January 9, 2023, R. Gordon R. McInally, the President-elect of Rotary International, delivered a message to the members to inspire them to aim for possibilities that go far beyond what we currently expect. During the Rotary International Assembly held in Orlando, Florida, USA, McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland, announced the presidential theme for 2023-24: Create Hope in the World. He encouraged members to work towards promoting peace in troubled nations, supporting those affected by conflict, and continuing the initiatives that past leaders have started.

We are pleased to announce that Jeanette Arsenault has been honored with the 2023 Paul Harris Award by the Summerside Rotary Club at the President's reception. In the photo, Jeanette is seen with Past President Randy Cannon and Rotarian Wayne Carew. We invite you to join us in congratulating Jeanette and acknowledging her dedication to the community as a hardworking volunteer and successful business leader.

The Pancake Breakfast Flippers R-L Les Chipperfield, Mayor Kutcher and Keith Tanton. Great job, guys!

Pancake Breakfast Happy customers ! Thanks everyone who attended!

Rotarian Glenna Lohnes welcomes guest speaker Andrew Clark to our August 9th breakfast meeting. Andrew is a competitive ultimate frisbee and disc golf player, Vice-President of Disc Golf PEI and the Captain of the Party Sharks Ultimate Frisbee team. 

Bike To Rotary

Bike to Rotary encourages those members who can to attend the weekly Rotary Sunrise meeting by bicycle; this initiative aims to highlight the benefits of biking to Rotary and biking in general. Biking can reduce carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and help improve lives. 

We are always happy to see the return of summer residents to PEI; Dan Gallant is one of them. This morning we had the pleasure of listening to Dan speak to us about his life's journey, which has taken him all over Canada from tip to tip. Also, Dan is a long-time proud member of the Rotary Club of Port Moody, British Columbia. He is an active volunteer in the Rotary World Help, not for profit organization; this organization gathers and sends medical, dental, optical, education, sports equipment and disaster relief supplies all over the world to those with the greatest needs. In 2012 they passed their first major milestone when the estimated value of the goods shipped passed 100 Million dollars!  

This week we were joined at our business meeting by Lauren Key and Kelly Boyd from Summerside Intermediate School.

Meeting Chairperson Glenna Lohnes invited Ken Driscoll of Higher Design Media and recently of a new technology company named Sofishtofish. Ken spoke to us about an innovative hardware/software fishing product combination called Lobtrack that is being created, designed and tested right here in PEI.

Recently at our breakfast meeting, we were joined by PEI Easter Seals Ambassador Vaeda Zo Matheson. At the same breakfast Rotarian, Bill Martin was presented with his Easter Seals National Volunteer Award. Congrats Bill and thanks for speaking with us Vaeda! 

This week's meeting Chair Dave Anderson invited Spencer Long from the PEI Energy Corporation to discuss the ongoing and exciting transition to more sustainable forms of energy generation here in PEI. Spencer also helped us understand what is happening at the Slemon Park Megawatt Solar Farm project under construction just down the road from our meeting spot! A few of us stopped by the Solar Farm under construction (photo shown in this post).

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Special thanks to Hon. Bloyce Thompson, for joining us during our virtual Sunrise meeting on February 8. Hon. Thompson is the Minister of Agriculture and Land, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and Attorney General for Prince Edward Island.

We welcomed Ann Worth to our zoom meeting. Ann recently joined Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic to service the province of Prince Edward Island. Her insights as a business owner and economic developer were valuable and informative.

Rotary stayed active via Zoom during the

lockdown period.

Summerside Rotary Club fulfilling International Commitments during Global Pandemic.

The Rotary Club of Summerside heard a classification speech from one of our newest members, Keith Tanton, (right) this past week. Keith will be a great asset to the club.  Sponsoring member, Les MacLean, (left) .

One of our newest members, Zenaida Saldanha, gave her classification talk to the club. Zenaida’s journey has taken her from Mumbai to Dubai to PEI! She and her husband, Glenn, own and operate Z&G’s Specialty Fusion Cuisine Inc. in Summerside. Zenaida is an excellent addition to the club and a definite asset for the community!

The Rotary Club of Summerside - in genuine Christmas spirit - donated 10,000 masks to the Prince County Hospital. The Rotary Club also provided non-medical masks to a few local high schools, including Kinkora Regional High and Three Oaks Senior High

Dan Kutcher (left) and two others, Zenaida Saldanha and Keith Tanton, were welcomed as new members of the Rotary Club of Summerside on Tuesday, November 3rd. 

Dan was the first to give his Classification Presentation; he touched on four areas of interest: work and civil service, family, travel and his love of the outdoors. 

His life's journey to this point has been exciting and full of diverse experiences and unforgettable memories.

Thanks, Dan, and welcome to Rotary!

Also in the photo is the meeting Chairperson Al Frost (right)

May is Youth Services Month. Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) has been around since 1927 and the The Summerside Rotary Club has participated in this program for more than 40 years. RYE allows students from all around the world to live in and experience a new culture, language and environment. The outcome is that these young people then become global citizens with a better understanding and appreciation for world we live in.  

 STRIVE is a scholarship program introduced by the Summerside Rotary Club some ten years ago.  This annual program provides local high school students with the opportunity for a $1,000 scholarship to further their education.  For the past ten years, the club has provided five scholarships annually to graduating students.

 

While many scholarships are designed to award top scholastic marks, Rotary’s Strive Scholarship program is aimed at something a bit different.  STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) focuses on students who are facing challenges outside the classroom – be it a personal tragedy, health-related issues or other unfortunate circumstances.  Regardless of the student’s GPA, the focus of this scholarship program is on the student and their commitment to STRIVE to maintain or improve their marks, thus enabling them to plan for post-secondary education, despite the obstacles they face. 

 

The Rotary Strive committee is composed of approximately 12 Rotarians with a variety of business backgrounds.  They meet with students monthly each school year from January to June. Through this process, committee members become mentors for the students and share leadership skills, resume building and interview tips and offer public speaking opportunities.  Through the process, students may gain self-confidence and experience personal growth as they plan for their post-secondary education goals.  Students will also gain a better understanding of Rotary and the importance of volunteering in their future.  

 

Thanks to Rotary’s annual Mardi Gras Curling event and its primary sponsor Provincial Auto Parts, the Summerside Rotary Club has been able to maintain the STRIVE Scholarship program, even expanding the award in recent years.  Further to a final review of the applicants, the committee will announce the 2020 scholarship recipients in early June.  The Rotary Club of Summerside is proud of the work accomplished through this program and aiding in the development of future community leaders. 

 

Since opening in 2017 the Inspire Learning Centre has become an important hub of the City’s downtown core.  This ambitious project was championed by The Summerside Rotary Club.  The success of the Inspire Learning Centre can be measured by daily visitors and by demand for space. 
The Summerside Rotary Club is pleased to begin the construction of a $1.4 million expansion to the Centre.  Construction work started this past fall and the work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2020.  This additional space will be used by tenants and further enhance the Centre’s ability to provide continued community investments in literacy, youth engagement and access to technology. 

 

T.