Rotary Club of Peterborough Introduces New President; Organization Donates Final $25,000 of $100,000 to Camp Kawartha Centennial Health Centre

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has announced Ken Seim as its new president, taking over the role from Betty Halman-Plumley at the organization’s meeting at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

All ‘Breakfast Cup’ groups volunteer groups that special breakfast for the young Breakfast Club Patrons. The ‘Thursday Club’ were declared the winners. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Halman-Plumley had her last meeting with the club as president before passing the torch to Seim. She was the fifth woman to become Rotary president in the organization’s history since its founding in 1921.

“It was an honour but it felt to be a big responsibility too,” said Halman-Plumley. “I wanted to be a great role model for other women, paving the way for them hopefully to be presidents and leaders of this club for years to come.”

“Filling Betty's shoes is not going to be an easy task,” explained Seim. “She's accomplished a lot in this year.”

The club is in the middle of a three-year plan on year two initially set up by Halman-Plumley. Seim says he wants to carry on the plan to aid the community.

“Part of is the growth of our club but we are to embark on a process to what's the next legacy project of what the Rotary Club is going to do for the community.,” he explained. “We've got the Rotary Greenway Trail, Rotary at the Five Counties Children's Centre so we're just looking for what our next big project is going to be.”

Betty Halman-Plumley honours Tony Grady, Rotary treasurer as one of two Rotarians of the year.

Catherine Hanrahan, Rotary director of public relations, is named the other Rotarian of the year.

Atul Swarup, Rotary Volunteer (left) and Halman-Plumley (right) present the last $25,000 of their $100,000 donation to Jacob Rodenburg of Camp Kawartha for its Health Centre.

Representatives of the Thursday's Club were declared winners of the Rotary's 'Breakfast Cup' as one of the five groups of volunteers who served breakfast at Prince Of Wales from June 17 to 21.

The rotary welcomes Tim Maloney (second from left) and Myrlene Sundberg (second from right) as new members of the Rotary Club.

Betty Halman-Plumley, Rotary outgoing president (left) passing the torch to new president Ken Seim. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The Rotary Club donated its final $25,000 of a $100,000 pledge to Camp Kawartha. It was part of the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Centennial Celebration Project with the money going towards the construction of the new Camp Kawartha Health Centre; an eco-friendly straw bale building completed in 2021.

The meeting also gave the award for the Breakfast Cup to one of the five Prince of Wales Breakfast Club volunteer groups. Every morning last week, each group prepared a special breakfast for the young Breakfast Club Patrons.

Meals were judged by a panel of school staff and students with points for presentation, nutrition and taste. The ‘Thursday Team’ captured the trophy and bragging rights after serving up a deluxe breakfast buffet that consisted of homemade Mac and cheese, devilled eggs, heart-shaped watermelon pops and more.

The club named Catherine Hanrahan, Rotary director of public relations and Tony Grady, Rotary treasurer were named Rotarians of the Year.

Tim Maloney and Myrlene Sundberg were welcomed as new members.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Hosting Open House For General Public to Understand Its Operations

The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, Peterborough-Kawartha, and Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield are hosting an open house for the public to understand the Rotary’s operations this Thursday at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre.

The Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary on April 1, 2021 Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The open house is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with opening remarks at 5:45 p.m. Guest speakers are also at the open house to speak to the public.

“Guests will have the chance to chat with Rotarians and see how Rotary is making a difference in our community and around the world,” as read in a statement from a press release.

Light food is being provided with a cash bar available on site.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Introduces New Fundraiser to Help Those Live "Brighter Futures"

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has introduced a new fundraiser called Bright Futures. It support of local and international Rotary Projects that help individuals and families to live Brighter Futures, announced on Monday.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough was established in 1921 and currently has just over 70 members. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraiser is a raffle ticket fundraiser with more than $7,500 in prizes available. The winning tickets will be drawn live at a dance party at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre on June 8.

“Organizers aimed to offer prizes that would appeal to a broad number of adventure-minded people including a $5,000 travel voucher from Blowes & Stewart Travel, a five-night cottage rental on Catchacoma Lake and a Palusky Kayak and Paddle,” said Amy Simpson, Bright Futures committee co-chair.

The dance is a casual celebration with snacks, a cash bar, silent auction and live music from local band The Patio Stones. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the draw itself will take place at 9 p.m.

The owners of the winning tickets do not need to be present to win the draw prizes but is preferred for more dramatic effect according to Susan Sharp, co-chair.

“It would certainly add to the excitement to have the winners on site when the big prizes are given away,” she said.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each or three for $20. Dance tickets are $50. For raffle tickets, dance tickets or auction donations please email contact@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Grady’s Feet Essentials, 231 King St..

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Rotarians Defeat Media To Promote Rotary Club of Peterborough's Kids 10th Annual Spelling Bee For May 4

The Rotarians got the last laugh and word in over the local media in a promotional spelling bee competition at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Donna-Marie Fennell of the Rotary Club attempting to defend her spelling bee title in the promotion Media versus Rotary competition. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several media members —including yours truly— participated in the event to promote the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 10th Annual Spelling Bee which will take place at the Whetung Theatre at Fleming College on May 4.

The competition is divided into two groups. The Junior Division for Grades 4-6 runs at 9 a.m. and the Senior Division for Grades 7-8 starts at 1 p.m.

“We’re hearing from teachers at participating schools that kids are very determined to make it to regional bee and they are focusing intently on studying their practice words,” said Catherine Hanrahan, spelling bee committee chair.

The event is being broadcast on YourTV Cogeco.

The top three spellers in each division will win prizes, trophies and more.

“We’ve had a number of local businesses come forward with some really generous prizes like a week at Camp Kawartha or a week at Trent Excalibur Camp, a party at Zap Attack and lessons at the Art School of Peterborough,” said Hanrahan. “We also have two bicycles generously donated by Canadian Tire on Lansdowne and Realtor Rebecca Quinn from Century 21 United Realty.”

Every participant will receive a grab bag with items like Family Swim Passes for the YMCA, Train Passes for Riverview Park and Zoo, free games from Zap Attack, handmade toys from Leslie Covert and silly putty from Crayola. The winning students' schools will also be eligible for bursaries from the Rotary Club of Peterborough for literacy projects.

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Peterborough to Host International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians From April 6 to 12

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha and Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield (BEL) are hosting the 27th World Championships of the International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians from April 6 to 12.

In 1956, Rotarians from Scotland, Canada and the USA organized a curling tour to Scotland. Scottish Rotarians visited Canada (Quebec and Ontario) and the USA (Utica and Schenectady, NY) for curling events the following year. Since 1978, this tournament has been bi-annually hosted by Scotland, Canada or the USA. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough,

The tournament is being held at the Curling Club of Peterborough, hosting 21 teams from across Canada, England, Scotland, and the United States who will participate in Friendship Division and Championship Division draws.

The general public is welcome to attend to spectate throughout the event.

The Rotary’s committee has worked hard over the past two years to create a fantastic week of unforgettable moments, friendship, and exceptional curling performances, according to a press release and statement by tournament organizer Ken Seim of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

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38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Takes the Plunge For Easter Seals and Rotary Projects

The 38th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim plunged into the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to fundraise their goal of $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough on Friday morning.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left) with her sister Renée Oake shortly after the latter did 146 laps in the swimming lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event has fundraised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds are literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter and more) Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Roughly $5,300 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Carl Oake started this event 38 years ago. He says he was inspired by the work the Easter Seals did because of his relatives. His mother’s twin sister contracted polio in the 1950s while a cousin of his was born with spina bifida - both physically debilitating diseases.

Carl’s daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan, succeeded in the role of organizing the event in 2017 after the former was satisfied that the event had so much community support over the years. She and her sister, Renée Oake, were proud to carry on their father’s legacy.

“He built so much momentum with this event over the year and it's gained a lot of support with the community so it was a natural for us to carry it on,” said Vanessa. “It's definitely important for us to carry on dad's tradition.”

”I'm just proud to carry on the torch for my father for such a good cause,” said Renée.

Teams and groups could swim in lanes to participate in the fundraising event.

New to this year’s swim was the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge. They were alternative activities for those who cannot swim or could not get a team to help raise money while participating in the event.

“It was a great addition,” said Vanessa. “I think it's definitely something we would want to continue.”

The online fundraising page remains open for donations until March 15.

“It's always a lot of work leading up to it but it's the day of the event you say, 'Okay, it's all worth it,' and I'm really happy to have all the support and the volunteers,” said Vanessa.

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Peterborough Curling Team Clinches Rotary CanAm Curling Championships In Wisconsin

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Curling Team has captured the Rotary Can-Am Curling Championships hosted by the Rice Lake Curling Club in Wisconsin from last Thursday to Saturday.

(Top row, Team USA) Paul Matzke, Rich Lepping, Jim Sirianni and Mike Pfiffner. (bottom row) Ken Seim, Nick Avlonitis, Joe Kapron and Bill Crins. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough,

Peterborough defeated the USA team (representing Madison, Wa.) in the championship match to capture the title.

The winning team consisted of Ken Seim (skip), Nick Avlonitis (vice), Joe Kapron (second) and Bill Crins (lead).

The team's victory allowed them to qualify for the Rotary Worlds Curling Championships in Scotland in 2026.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Curling Team now plans to attend the 27th Rotary World Curling Championships which will take place at the Peterborough Curling Club from April 6 to 12.

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Cannonball and Floating Catwalk Challenge Added to 38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has added two fun activities, the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge, in addition to their swimming to fundraise for the 38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim, announced at the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club on Monday afternoon.

Various members and Rotary guess showcased swim attire to participate in the new events as an aternative to traditional swimwear. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraising event is scheduled at the YMCA of Central East Ontario for March 1, beginning at 7 a.m.

The new activities for the annual fundraiser were added to allow those who cannot swim or provide an alternate activity to raise money for teams or individuals.

“Not everybody is a seasoned swimmer,” said Ken Seim, Rotary president-elect. “Some of the older groups that used to come out were having difficulty putting together a team and we thought, ‘let's change it up and make it more fun.’”

Participants can cannonball into the pool in the ‘Cannonball’ challenge or run across a tarp floating atop the water in the ‘Floating Catwalk’ challenge.

The Rotary Club presented a swim fashion show to promote wacky swim attire as an alternative to traditional swimwear like bikinis or shorts. A contest with prizes is being held for those who wear the aforementioned.

A goal of $45,000 has been set for fundraising efforts towards Rotary projects. Over $1.4 million has been raised to date.

“It’s our primary fundraiser and with that, we’re able to do our projects in town,” said Seim. “The Prince of Wales breakfast program, you heard about the international program that’s been done, Easter Seals Christmas party, work on the Rotary Trail, supporting stuff like the YES program, transitional housing and anew nurses station at Camp Kawartha.”

The public is encouraged to participate in the events as an individual or a team and can register online. Those registered will be assigned a fundraising page. The public can also donate directly via the website and receive an instant tax receipt.

Anyone can donate at any time online at the Rotary’s website.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Increases Water Accessibility With Aquatics Wheelchair Donation to YMCA

The YMCA of Central East Ontario Balsillie Family Branch’s pools are now more accessible thanks to the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha with a donation of an aquatic wheelchair.

Rotary’s Len Lifchus (Rotary Club Secretary), MaryAnne Wooldridge (Balsillie Family Branch General Manager) and Bill Gordanier (Rotary Chair of Community Service Projects). Photo courtesy of the YMCA.

The specialized aquatic wheelchair allows members and guests with mobility issues a more accessible entrance into the swimming pools.

“We are thrilled to have a new small chair to access the pool. Our members who are users of a chair can have some comfort in ways of entering the pool,” says Shannon Hunter, Regional Supervisor of Aquatics and Camp. “This chair is great for adults and children. The old chair was not fit for use anymore and we are so thankful that people can still entre our lap pool and therapy pool.”

Members can access the aquatics wheelchair by asking the guard on duty to get it for them. If there is no guard available, staff will direct the member to get it themselves.

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Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament Tees Up Vital Support for Five Counties Children's Centre

There were 87 golfers teeing off for the Rotary Club of Peterborough ‘Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ to support Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC) at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene last Thursday.

(Left to right) Linsey Kampf, Five Counties; Laurie Heigh, Rotary Club of Peterborough; Craig McFarlane, Linwood Homes and Lyn Giles, Five Counties. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The tournament was renamed ‘Fore the Kids’ a couple of years ago and has ran for over 25 years. Last year, FCCC assisted over 6,200 children according to a press release. The tournament’s proceeds went towards FCCC and aiding children.

“We are thrilled to see the community come together once again to support Five Counties Children's Centre,” said Wayne Harding, Golf Committee Chair. “The success of this tournament would not have been possible without the dedication of our golfers, our sponsors, and the incredible team behind the scenes. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of children and families in our region.”

Notable winners included Carolyn Kitchen, Gail Huges, Carm Warman and Debra Moore, with the ‘Team Low Score’ award in the Women's category. Dave Hannah, Jason Pulchinski, Andy Edwards and Eric Lodgins won for the men’s category. In the Team Low Score, Mixed competition; Wendy Hill, Jim Coyle, Sandy Fulton, and Dave Fulton captured the honour.

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