February 19, 2015

April 30, 2015

Our sponsor this month is SUSAN PILATZKE - LHIN Thank you Rotarian Susan Pilatzke Susan talked about the new McKellar Place Retirement Living centre that offers Assisted Living Retirement Suites tailored to the needs of elderly persons who require some daily assistance, but still enjoy an

President-Elect Volker is poised to bell the meeting to order and keep us all independent, active life. Where once a hospital stood, the McKellar on track while President Ken is away…while our Shrimp Fest mascot Place complex now provides a contemporary residence of spacious Sammy reminds us that Shrimp Fest is just two weeks away now studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom accommodations in a friendly residential and historical downtown neighbourhood. Another new development is the Hogarth Riverview Manor site on North Lillie Street, the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors' Services is a President Ken’s theme for our Club this year… model in the provision of integrated services for better seniors' health “LIGHT UP ROTARY” care.

OUR FAMILY OF ROTARY IN A delightful spring morning for our meeting with 20 Lakehead Celebrating birthdays this month Rotarians on hand; Sheila’s guest and prospective new member ??? Emily Bosma, Administrator of Grandview Lodge; and our special guest Dave Shannon

ON THE DOOR IN 2014/15:

Richard was on the door today but we are still looking for someone to take the meetings in May. The sign-up sheet for our 2014/15 year is out now…so pick a month, help your Club, and welcome Rotarians and guests. JULY Mo Papich JANUARY Mo Papich AUGUST Richard Kehrig FEBRUARY Karl Ratz SEPTEMBER Graham Stewart MARCH Karl Ratz OCTOBER Karl Ratz APRIL And celebrating anniversaries this month NOVEMBER Volker Kromm MAY Gail & Brian Brescia DECEMBER Allan Kozlo JUNE Clint Kuschak CALENDAR – MEETINGS & EVENTS: SPONSORSHIP: MAY If you can help your Club and wish to promote your business or MAY 5 BOARD MEETING – 5:15 P.M. community interests through a month sponsorship, please contact MAY 6 – 9 DISTRICT CONFERENCE - DULUTH Sergeant Bill or Clint. Here is the sponsorship line-up for 14/15…all MAY 7 – 50TH ANNIVERSARY st months sponsored. THANK YOU ROTARIANS!!! MAY 8 LAKEHEAD ROTARY’S 31 ANNIVERSARY MAY 14 MEETING CANCELLED MAY 15 SHRIMP FEST – RFDA JULY Sunset Memorial Gardens JANUARY RFDA MAY 19 VICTORIA DAY AUGUST Ken Boshcoff Inc. FEBRUARY Beaux Daddy’s MAY 21 BUSINESS MEETING SEPTEMBER Valhalla Inn MARCH Blair Schoales MAY 21 CLUB PLANNING SESSION – RFDA @ 4:00 p.m. OCTOBER MS Society APRIL Susan Pilatzke MAY 28 CYNTHIA WESLEY-ESQUIMAUX NOVEMBER Investors Group MAY Salvation Army LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY DECEMBER NOSM JUNE 5 Star Rotarians VICE-PROVOST [ABORIGINAL INITIATIVES] MAY 28 CANADA CLUB MEETING – SCANDIA

JUNE – ROTARY FELLOWSHIP MONTH Great Walleye/Pickerel, "World Class" Smallmouth Bass and JUN 2 BOARD MEETING – 5:15 P.M. Northern Pike fishing awaits you as soon as you step on the dock. JUN 4 OPEN Fishing off the dock is a major attraction for guests as many fish have JUN 6-9 ROTARY CONVENTION – SAO PAOLO, BRAZIL JUN 11 SHEILA CLARK been caught here. Fishing on lower, middle or upper Lake JUN 18 MORNING MEETING CANCELLED Shebandowan continues to offer a wide assortment of fish. HAGI is JUN 18 PRESIDENT’S BBQ – VALHALLA INN happy to work within all budgets, package deals are available and JUN 25 BUSINESS MEETING the qualified staff is happy to assist you. Wilderness Discovery and HAGI have been in the news lately over the Provincial Government’s JULY ROTARY’S NEW YEAR BEGINS plan to see the property at Shebandowan. The Board of Directors of JUL 1 CANADA DAY the Wilderness Discovery Family Camp have issued a statement JUL 2 OPEN regarding the future of the facility: JUL 7 DIRECTORS MEETING WITH DG LOUGHERY JUL 9 DG LOUGHERY OFFICIAL VISIT JUL 16 BUSINESS MEETING In a decision by the Board of Directors, HAGI Community Services JUL 23 OPEN for Independence has decided that there is no other option than to JUL 30 OPEN stop operating the Wilderness Discovery Family Camp and Resort JUL 30 CANADA CLUB MEETING [TENTATIVE] unless there is a significant change in the financial picture. The current cost to operate the barrier free resort is approximately PRESENTATION: $200,000 per year and the Board has decided to direct its resources Dave Shannon, Executive Director of HAGI, paid a visit to update us to alternative recreation and arts programming for people with a on HAGI’s plans with regard to their Wilderness Discovery camp at disability. Lake Shebandowan. HAGI has always operated the camp with a combination of fundraising and summer rentals. HAGI will immediately start fundraising and planning for a new program that will be similar to the Make-A-Wish foundation and provide opportunities to attend cultural, recreational and sporting events. “We will build on partnerships with existing disability arts and recreation organizations, and build toward a very positive future”, said HAGI Executive Director David Shannon. Mr. Shannon also said, “It is with much thought and difficulty that the Board made this decision. However, with the new direction that it is taking, we believe that there will be better recreation and arts opportunities for persons with a disability in Northwestern , and we will be able to focus on the people right in our region who need us to help them access these opportunities the most. I believe that after people consider where we are going with the future of this program they will be very excited.”

The Wilderness Discovery Family Resort & Conference Centre was developed in the early 1980’s, by the Handicapped Action Group Incorporated, to promote outdoor recreation for persons with a disability.

Wilderness Discovery-Backgrounder HAGI’s Resort & Conference Centre is located on beautiful Lake In the 1980’s the HAGI began to focus on the development of a Shebandowan. Its own private Isle is a perfect point to experience residential camp. The organization initiated a camping program that incredible views, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. The involved one to five day canoe trips into the wilderness matching uniqueness of the Resort makes it possible to enjoy the best of able-bodied individuals with disabled. However, the result was that Wilderness. It`s an ideal location to escape the busy work and city a majority of the individuals with severe disabilities were still unable environment. The Resort offers barrier free (handicapped to participate because of the rugged conditions. The closest accessible), modern, non- smoking, completely furnished cabins with accessible affordable residential camping program was eight extra-large decks to enjoy the view. Both Conference Centre & all hundred to a thousand miles away in Sudbury or Northwest of living spaces including kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms are . Due to the distance, cost, and the availability of accessible ergonomically designed for mobility impaired individuals. transportation; the number of disabled from Northwestern Ontario, who were able to participate, was limited. Wolf`s Den, Cougar`s Cave, Bear`s Den, Eagle`s Roost and Moose Manor are our 2 and 3 bedroom barrier free, modern, completely In 1984 the Ministry of Natural Resources entered into discussions furnished, non-smoking cabins with all the facilities necessary to with the HAGI on the leasing of waterfront property on Shebandowan make your stay as comfortable, enjoyable and pleasurable as Lake. This property previously leased by the YMCA had four cabins possible. Venue Lodge with its picturesque setting on stunning Lake and a cinder block lodge. We were successful in obtaining a land Shebandowan is a perfect place to organize any kind of event: use permit for the site by late December 1984 after negotiations with anniversary; business meetings; workshops; seminars; baby both the Ministry and the Shebandowan Campers Association. showers; family reunions, management lunches and many more... During our first year of operation, extensive renovations were done to both the buildings and property to make it accessible to persons Everyone is invited to join us for swimming, basking in the sun, with a disability. An appeal to the community resulted in a successful paddle boating, canoeing and kayaking. Extra boats/motors are furniture drive allowing us to furnish all the buildings. In August of available to rent along with canoes. Use of our paddle boat is no 1985 and again in 1986 and 1987 a summer camp program was charge. Guests may moor their own watercraft at the dock during provided, with approximately 150 disabled taking advantage of the their stay. Children can enjoy our playground and zip line. facilities. The camp was established to meet the following objectives: TV/DVD/VCR`s along with WIFI, at no charge, are offered in each cabin and Conference Centre. The games/library room offers a 1. To provide a residential facility completely barrier free in design variety of games including Wii and a full size pool table. Many books, for all persons with a disability. DVD`s and Videos are available to further enjoy your stay. 2. To provide a residential facility at affordable rates, since approximately 70% of persons with a disability are on a fixed income.

3. To provide an environment that will promote independence of HAGI began its housing program in 1978 with the construction of persons with a disability. Thunder Bay`s first wheelchair accessible barrier free apartment complex at 150 Castlegreen Drive. In late 1987, a twenty-year lease was negotiated with the Ministry and fundraising began to raise money to rebuild the cabins and lodge. A Wintario application was approved for 1988 and with support from all of the major local service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Kinsmen, and Lions), construction began to build four cabins averaging approximately 1,000 square feet each. Each cabin was designed barrier free and is self-contained with two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and a bathroom with a wheel-in shower.

In 1989, we saw the start of residential camping again in the new facilities with approximately 111 individuals taking advantage of the camp. We also started building our fifth cabin this year as the demand had exceeded our expectations. The programming of the camp is a two-tiered program, one non-structured and the other structured. The non-structured program consists of disabled and non-disabled of all ages with their families and friends. The person with a disability who use the facilities do so at a subsidized cost of $25.00 per person per night. A person with a disability may have friends and/or family members accompany him to ensure all of his/her personal needs are being met. The structured program is In 1994 they opened a second building, 1201 Jasper Drive, not only when an agency block books the camp for a specific time and to provide barrier free and accessible affordable housing, but also to assumes all operating costs for that period. We currently work with house administration offices of all its programs and services. It was the Autism Ontario, Kidney Foundation, St. Josephs Care Group, built in a manner to ensure residential and common spaces met the Ontario March of Dimes, Community Living Thunder Bay and all of needs of individuals with a disability. Currently HAGI owns two the local senior homes. buildings, providing tenants the ability to live an independent life in fully accessible and barrier-free units. The camp is available to children, adults, and seniors with a disability as well as the general public. However priority is given to Thunder Bay and area residents with a disability and individuals with a disability from Northwestern Ontario. Thanks to a generous donation from the Lakehead Rotary Club a unique walkway was constructed that created a fully accessible property enabling individuals to freely move around from the upper levels to the dock without assistance. In 1994 a new twenty year lease was signed with the Ontario Realty Corporation who was given the mandate to oversee the province’s realty holdings. In 2006 the facility got a face-lift with cabins getting refurbished and re-furnished and a new state of the art main lodge and conference centre was constructed to replace a fifty year old cinder block building.

The new lodge was developed and built environmentally friendly; designed to take advantage of both passive solar technology and future active solar technology. It was designed completely barrier free to accommodate a wide variety of disabilities. It has a main hall, a smaller meeting area a fully functional kitchen a recreation centre and future expansion possibilities of two living quarters. Lakehead Rotary’s involvement with HAGI and Wilderness Currently Discovery in particular go back a long way. Local Rotarians joined Today, we average over 632 campers annually, who utilize our with other service club members to help finance and build the cabins facilities for a variety of programs and services, from fishing, on the property and here’s a vintage 1999 photo of some of those swimming, nature treks, campfires, barbecues, retreats and our Rotarians on the site of the future Eagle’s Roost cabin. popular pontoon boat rides around the lake. The management of the facilities is done by an elected Board of Directors, guided by an Advisory Committee of active members of the organization and users of the facilities. The Advisory Committee reviews operations, monitors usage, recommends policies and procedures, and helps in the design and development of the camp. Stressing the mandate of the organization, all the members of both the board and committee, are made up of consumers with a disability who have a genuine interest in promoting equality of access to recreation. Volunteers play a big role in the day to day upkeep of the facilities with over 2500 hours annually donated to help us offer our disabled community a state of the art facility that meets their recreational needs.

Dave Shannon also shared information and photos of some of the other HAGI properties and services in its portfolio. HAGI`s housing program is funded by rental income with the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of health and Long-Term Care. With this funding HAGI is able to provide 44 barrier-free units and expand options for those people who otherwise would be restricted to long-term care facilities.

Here’s another vintage photo of Lakehead Rotarians and friends COMMUNITY SERVICE: repairing the floating dock sections…an annual ritual. Yes, that SHRIMP FEST: would be Don Morrison sporting a fine “stache” on the job with smiling approval from former Lakehead Rotarian John McReady. Your humble Chronicler is behind the lens but I did my share of wrenching, drilling and thumb bashing. This was part of the annual HAGI “Workday” at WD when we did assorted chores and helped with major projects to help get the camp ready for the operating season. One of our most ambitious and rewarding projects over a number of seasons was the construction of a wondrous wooden walkway/ramp that meandered through the trees and gently sloped all the way to the floating dock at the point…so those in a wheelchair could transport themselves from the cabins up top to the lake. A few rest stop platforms were also included so one could pause and take in the view.

This year’s Shrimp Fest will take place on FRIDAY, MAY 15th at the RFDA with the Valhalla Inn handling the food and beverage services. Promotion of the event is underway now. Shrimp Fest flyers and order forms are now available at weekly meetings and the search for silent auction items has started. A canvassing letter [template] for silent auction items was emailed to members along with the ticket order form and event flyer. Allan is heading up the silent auction again this year and asks that all donations come to his office as soon as possible so he may prepare the bid sheets.

In 2007, the new Resort Lodge opened at Wilderness Discovery and He is also asking members for donations of bottles of wine for [at our Club used the opportunity to rededicate the Eagle’s Roost least] two of the Chinese auctions at the event. These are very [Rotary] cabin as the “Tony Villeneuve Cabin” in honour of a successful and popular with the patrons at the event. We will also Lakehead Rotarian who was a great friend of HAGI and its offer a pair of Spirit 2016 tickets and 2016 Shrimp Fest tickets for Wilderness Discovery Camp. Here is a photo from that dedication Chinese auction. day with members of Tony’s family out for the occasion. Tickets for the Shrimp Fest are available [from Clint] at weekly meetings or at the Valhalla Inn [desk] or HSBC. Tickets may be ordered as well by email or phone [call Clint] and tickets will be held at the door. Table of 8 are available and tent cards to reserve those tables will be available.

YOUTH SERVICE: CAMP RYLA: Chris Davidson reported that the local Clubs have interviewed and selected candidates for the 2015 Camp RYLA in Crookston, MN. 10 candidates will be sponsored by our Clubs and Lakehead Rotary will be sponsoring Teagan Venables (Westgate) and Sydney Kelner (Westgate). Chris is now working on transportation plans with the other Clubs and is looking for Lakehead Rotarians who could help drive some students to or from Duluth in July. He will get us dates and times for the connecting bus to and from Crookston

BILL’S STUFF… Welcome regular contributor to your weekly Club Chronicle – Bill Butuk with his “Bill’s Stuff” Column.

This may be the last season for Wilderness Discovery operated by Rory HAGI but a Workday is still planned to get the camp ready for this final season. The Workday date and work plan will be set once the nature of the work is determined and it will take place in June. Stay tuned for more information on this “final” Workday. Gallagher

spent recently in Nassau with his buddy…someone who was instrumental there is establishing the first Disability Access Act in the Bahamas. Audrey was happy to be heading to Arizona soon while Allan was happy to have had some fine golf in Virginia Beach. Chris was happy to remind us that the next Chamber After Business event will be at Beaux Daddy’s on May 20th and it will be “wing night”. Paul closed down this round with his “challenge” to all members to match or better his personal donation of $100 U.S. [$120 Cdn] to Shelter Box Canada to help them replenish their worldwide inventory of shelter boxes so they can send more on to Nepal and be ready for the next crisis. Shelter Box was the first disaster relief agency with tents and supplies on the ground in Nepal thanks to having 200 shelter boxes on stand-by in Nepal for rapid deployment to that part of the world. Shelter Box has a number of these depots strategically placed around the world helping to make it easier and faster to deploy. Lakehead Rotarians who want to respond to Paul’s challenge may bring their cheque made payable to next week’s meeting. The Club will send Shelter Box Canada one cheque on behalf of all our donors with a list of donors’ names and addresses William Rory Gallagher (born March 2, 1948 in Ballyshannon County for charitable tax receipts. Members who are away can also inform Donegal Ireland---died June. 14, 1995 in London England) was an Clint of the amount of their donation and can reimburse the Club Irish blues-rock musician, songwriter and band leader. Shortly after when they return. Those who may wish to donate by credit card his birth, the family moved to Cork City where he and his younger should see Clint. brother Donal were raised. Rory and his brother were both musically inclined and were encouraged by their parents. He learned to play 50/50: the ukulele at age 8, received his first guitar from his parents at age Susan was the lucky winner of today’s 50/50 draw and her $ 9 win 9, and taught himself to play the guitar at small functions around will be heading to the Rotary Foundation in June along with all other town. He won a talent scout contest at age 12 and used the prize 50/50 wins and donations received by then. money to buy an electric guitar. At the age of 15 he bought a 1961 Fender Stratocaster that became his primary guitar that was NEXT MEETING: associated with him throughout his career, THURSDAY, MAY 7th LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY’S 50th ANNIVERSARY He had become fascinated with American blues and rock songs on the radio. Through his record collection he had a wide range of influences such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, ARTIST LIZ BUSET PRESENTS… Leadbelly, and others. Gallagher moved to London in the early 1960's and formed a group called “Taste” and began his recording To Ambassadorial Scholar Liz Buset’s art show opened last career. Between 1965 and 1971 Gallagher and Taste recorded 3 Saturday, April 11th at Espresso Joya (the old Atkinson Jewelers - 8 albums. When the band split up in 1971 Gallagher began performing Cumberland St. S). under his own name. Between 1972 and 1980 he was prolific in recording albums. By 1982 he had made several world tours. In The show runs until the end of May. 1982 he began performing live again

During Northern Ireland's period of conflict, artists were warned not to tour in the region but Gallagher did not heed the warnings and toured Ireland at least once a year and won the dedication of thousands of fans. Gallagher made his last U.S. tours in 1985 and 1991. Some of his best work wasn't under his own name but with Muddy Waters on “The London Sessions” and with Albert King on “Live”.

He had a liver transplant surgery in 1995 but died due to complications on June 14.1995. In 1997 a tribute sculpture was dedicated in his home town (See picture at top of this article). In a suburb of Paris France, a street was re-named as Rue Rory Gallagher. Watch and listen to Rory Gallagher at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Jaodra7AY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxChSF5GUB8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL80jFkLzQ0

.FELLOWSHIP FINES: Allan was recruited just as he entered the room today but despite this last-minute call and minimal “preparation”, he scored a fine sweep. He opened with tribute from P-E Volker for some “shots” directed at Graham. Graham immediately countered with a gleeful dollar for Allan being called to be the fine guy today. In honour of our guest and topic today, all those who have worked out at HAGI’s Wilderness Discovery were invited to pay tribute. Those who are looking forward to Shrimp Fest or getting an item for the silent auction were also invited to pay tribute. Volker shared his happy dollar for successful meetings up north to help find ways of providing food security to northern reserves. Graham had another happy dollar for some time