Home Page | Rotary Club of Corner Brook

We meet In Person

Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

Glynmill Inn

1B, Cobb Lane
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2V3
Canada

Regular Rotary lunch meetings are held weekly at the Glynmill Inn on Thursdays at 12.30pm - 1.30pm. Rotarians and friends call 709 634 -3789 for more information.

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

Adventures in Citizenship Program Speak-Off March 5 2026

Guest Speakers 2026

Christmas Rotary Lunch December 18 2025

Rotarian Elaine Huxter named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

On December 4, Gift Cards donated by Corner Brook Rotarians given to the Salvation Army

Past Rotary President for 3 Years Jackie being thanked by current President Olaf

The Spinner May 14 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, May 14, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone.

Before the meal was served possible dates June 18 or 26 were suggested for the Rotary June Lobster Boil with June 18 being preferred. Lorraine or Elaine will look after booking the Steady Brook Community Hall for this social. Details will follow.

Olaf mentioned that Rotary Data services will be requiring details about the incoming Board, but this should not impinge on any privacy concerns.

There will be a special Rotary District meeting on May 19 via zoom to which all Rotarians are invited to participate.

Congratulations were given to the new graduates of Grenfell Campus, MUN especially noting the number of nursing graduates who all convocated this week.

Guest Speaker

After lunch, Rotarian Linda introduced the guest presenter Travis Sheppard, a Nurse Practitioner who spoke about changes and issues affecting Nurse Practitioners and their Clinics including their funding options.

Travis spoke with the aid of a visual presentation titled Healthcare NPHWC New Challenges/ New Opportunities. Travis is a founding member of the Nurse Practitioner Health and Wellness Clinic Inc., NPHWC, operating in Corner Brook since 2022. He began by giving an overview of his clinic beginning with the clinic mission which states that NPHWC strives to increase access to timely and accessible primary health care and wellness services across the lifespan contributing to a more effective and sustainable health care system.

Travis then went on to give an historical timeline of the clinic from when it opened in 2022 to now. There has been no government funding up to date and it follows a pay for service model paid by the patient.

He then looked at the services that have been offered by NPHWC which cover a full range of primary healthcare, episodic care, medical assessment as well as virtual care.

Travis next looked at different possible models of funding which he has presented to the government. Last August the provincial government launched a pilot project for nurse practitioner’s funding that would provide government funding for nurse practitioner’s patients. This pilot model is not one that Travis can follow as the NPWHC is an incorporated business. Other financial changes will result from Canada Health Act’s new mandate that states that medically needed services provided by Nurse Practitioners must be publicly funded if the same services would be insured when provided by a physician.

Travis has much to sort out for the NPWHC so that he can fulfill his aim to see and help patients as a Nurse Practitioner and be financially viable.

Travis answered several questions before being thanked by Gerry on behalf of the club for his interesting and informative presentation.

The Spinner May 6 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, May 7, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone including guests Gina Spencer, Rotarian Janice’s daughter and Neil, Rotarian Linda’s spouse.

Olaf informed Rotarians that ClubRunner, Rotary information and communication program will be upgraded to ClubRunner Nova. The format of Nova will look different but will offer an improved version of the older ClubRunner and more services for Rotarians at the club and district levels.

Guest Speaker

After lunch Rotarian Linda introduced the guest speaker Justin Brake. Justin who lives in Benoit Cove is an award-winning journalist and Editor in Chief of The Independent, Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading non-profit independent news outlet. newspaper,

Justin began by speaking how he became involved in journalism and his belief that journalists do not need to hide their biases. He then spoke about and gave the history of The Independent newspaper.

The Independent is a digital news publication that covers stories and issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. This weekly print publication newspaper was founded in 2001 as a weekly provincial paper which ceased publishing in 2008. The online version was launched in February 2011 and is a source for independent news and analysis. Justin spoke how he began working for the paper and his belief in the importance of independent journalism using the old school approach of investigation and questioning. Justin began in 2012 as a reporter and is now the editor-in-chief of the digital paper. He believes the public needs good information and fundamental questions not often covered in the general media, answered. This led him to speak about Muskrat Fall, human right and economic issues. Justin feels that it is the function of journalists to discover the truth of an issue or situation.

The paper has won many journalism awards including last year two RTNA Canada awards and this year The Independent has been named as a finalist in four categories of the 2026 Atlantic Journalism Awards, which recognize the best reporting and journalism produced in the Atlantic provinces throughout 2025.

Justin spoke about how he believed in the importance of independent journalism.

The Independent covers many issues but for each copy the focus is on one or two. Justin ended his talk by answering several and varied questions before being thanked by Adam on behalf of the club for the informative and interesting vibrant talk.

The Spinner April 30 2025

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, April 30, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone.

Guest Speaker

After lunch, the guest speaker Ian Locke was introduced. Ian is the Director of the Graham Academy and Co-Artistic Director of Camber Art.

Ian began his talk by speaking of the experience he just had had when he attended a PACTcon conference in Whitehorse, Yukon earlier in the month, sponsored by Rising Tides.

Rising Tides is a skill development and mentorship platform designed for IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) performing arts administrators and managers. The initiative intends to fill a gap in the Canadian performing arts sector around the training and mentorship of developing and mid-career IBPOC administrators and managers by providing a program specific to their needs. Through one-on-one pairings, five pairs of mentees of which Ian was one, and mentors engaged with each other, focusing on skill development in theatre administration. These pairings met regularly, supported by four virtual meetings for them all and culminating in an in-person event in Whitehorse. This past year the program had focused on applicants from the North and the Atlantic provinces. Ian had had a fantastic experience in being part of this program culminating in his time in Whitehorse.

Ian then spoke of the Camber Arts programming in the coming weeks noting that the Camber Arts works across four major areas of activity: presentation, creation, innovation, and education.

The April Owl Festival was highly successful, and it is hoped to make this an annual event. This poetry and music festival, April 9 – 13^th, was a revival and evolution of the March Hare held for many years from the 1980s to 2018.

Next weekend, May 7 – 9 the Next Tide Festival will bring home young artists that have pursued the arts in their education journey, giving them stages to perform upon at home. This festival will also include the Spring Choral Celebration.

The first concert, May 7, - No Place Like Home will feature Lucas Upward. The second concert, May 8 at Corner Brook United Church- All Things Bright and Beautiful: A Spring Choral Celebration with the Camber Arts Chorale, Corner Brook Intermediate School Choir, and others in this celebration of choral music. The final concert – What I’d Give to Return, features Katie Colbourne, Mary Jane Jacobs, Mat Birmingham and Sophie Simms.

At the end of May and beginning of June there will be Graham Academy Shows. The summer be a busy time which will include three productions including a show at the train site, a Newfoundland Kitchen Party Show and a play plus there will also be Summer Camps for students. To finish, Ian answered several questions before being thanked for his interesting and informative talk. The meeting then adjourned.

The Spinner April 9 2026

The guest presenter Dwayne White was introduced. Dwayne is the President of the local Blow Me Down Biathlon club. He is also the head coach of the Biathlon Newfoundland and Labrador competitive team. He a Gold level Community coach and a certified Competitive Introduction coach. In his presentation, he talked about the Biathlon sport, a Winter Olympic sport, and what is not well known it is also a local sport.

Biathlon is a sport of multiple rounds of alternating cross-country skiing 2.5 km at a heart rate of 140 beats per minute and shooting five 2-inch targets 50 metres away, where each missed target results in additional ski distance. The Biathlon sport developed in Scandinavia in the 19^th century as a sport of military patrols

The equipment needed is skate-skis, boots, poles, ski clothing, arm cuff, gloves, sunglasses and biathlon rifle of which there are three styles.

Dwayne continued by describing the different rifles used.

The official style is a .22 calibre rifle, certified accurate in sub-zero temperatures manufactured in Germany, very expensive and each magazine holds five rounds of ammo. The air, pellet rifle is used traditionally to train new and younger athletes. This is more affordable and safer for younger athletes but difficult for them to handle. The third type of rifle that can be used is the optical rifle, EcoAims or Kiwis that is the new generation of introductory rifles as camera-based technology is used. There is no live fire, so safety is increased and is adaptable for all levels of ability. This is also used in the Paralympics. Shooting is either done standing or in a prone position.

The talked continued by Dwayne showing the Biathlon range in Brookside PEI and the plan of the 2023 Winter Games 2.5 km racecourse.

His talk continued by him talking about the Blow Me Down Biathlon Club which was established for the 1999 Canada Winter Games. It was initially mainly cadet organized and supported but in the last 8 years it has transitioned to a civilian program. A PAL license is recommended, and the club has 11 biathlon rifles, 10 air rifles and 4 optical rifles. The yearly activities include a 10-week winter Biathlon program for junior and senior youth and for the first time this year a10-week adult program. There are Try It days on International Biathlon Day, Corner Brook Winter Carnival and through CBRH physical education program.

Besides Corner Brook there are Biathlon Clubs in Grand Falls, Clarenville and Labrador City with Try It days in Pasadena.

There is a provincial competitive program which includes athletes from across the province with the official race team consisting of 4 female and 4 male athletes. Training camps are held in Corner Brook, Terra Nova and Gander with there being Provincial Races, Atlantic Cup series and in March 2027 the Canada Winter Games in Quebec.The photos in Dwayne’s presentation were of local Biathlon athletes in action.

Dwane answered several questions before being thanked for giving such an interesting and informative presentation.

The meeting then adjourned

The Spinner April 2 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, April 2, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guests to the Rotary lunch meeting especially Rotarian Jim who had not been able to attend Rotary meetings in the winter months. Rotarians showed their pleasure at his attendance at the meeting.

Guest Presentation

Olaf welcomed the guests from the recently established Corner Brook Islamic Centre, CBIC, in Corner Brook. The guests were Abdul-Lahf Alhassan, General Secretary of CBIC, Imam Mahmoud and Dr A. K. M. Shahidulla, President of CBIC.

President Shahidulla, Shahid presented the power point presentation entitled Muslim Community in Corner Brook, Visibility, Solidity and Solidarity.

He began by looking at the visibility of the Muslim community in Corner Brook area before 2020 and how the community has grown to the present day. Before 2020 the were about 30 in the community but there was a gradual increase each year so that in 2026 there are about 500 in the local Muslim community. This community includes students at Grenfell Campus and CNA campus as well as people moving to the area for different reasons including work. As the community grew space was needed for Prayers and Cultural Affairs. Initially an assigned room in the hospital was used but to accommodate more the meetings rooms were changed to the old Club 64 and then other rented areas.

In 2024 the Solidity of the community showed the need for a permanent and cultural larger space. Shadid spoke of how the community would not qualify for any possible assistance unless it officially combined and became what is now known as the Corner Brook Islamic Centre. It was decided to buy property for a Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Corner Brook which will serve Western Newfoundland. A solidity fund collection drive began with friends, family and many throughout the world making donations. The Sabeel Muslim Youth and Community Centre, Halifax has collaborated with the Corner Brook Mosque Islamic Centre resulting in the purchase of 38 Clarence Street Corner Brook.

This building now holds the first Mosque in Corner Brook and an Islamic Community area of which visuals were shown.

Shahid concluded his presentation by referring to his last topic presentation topic Solidarity. There are plans for a public opening of the new Mosque and Community Centre building in the future. There is also hope that by CBIC working with other organisations benefits to the wider community can result.

Shahid answered several questions before being thanked and the meeting adjourned.

The Spinner March 26 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, March 26, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone to the Rotary lunch meeting.

Guest Presentation

After lunch Olaf introduced the guest presenters Dr Majunath Suthesapavan, Community Connection Officer for the Association for New Canadians, ANC, and Damon Clark, ANC’s Regional Settlement Coordinator.

Damon with the aid of power point slides spoke about the programs and services that ANC offers across the province and in Western Newfoundland. The main office is in St John’s with 8 satellite offices across the province. The Corner Brook office covers the West Coast of the province. This office has about 2000 clients with about 1500 living in the Corner Brook area. Many of the clients are academic students at Grenfell Campus and Corner Brook College of the North Atlantic Campus. There are 8 officers based here which is the largest satellite office.

Damon continued by looking at the mission, values and vision of the ANC.

The Association for New Canadians (ANC) is a non-profit, community-based organization delivering settlement and integration services to immigrants and refugees in Newfoundland and Labrador. For many years, the Association has delivered programs and services that support all aspects of immigrant integration.

The newcomers can be temporary workers, students or permanent residence status seekers. Those seeking permanent residence status can work anywhere in Canada and they are all needed in this area to help sustain the economy. The challenge is to retain these people. He helps these newcomers by helping them with information like starting a business, buying a house or a car which are things necessary for the newcomer to have good quality of life. In the past year, 60 newcomers bought houses, and some have started businesses.

This is part of the service offered by ANC. There are also language training and assessment, career and employment services, settlement services, community connections, planning of religious and recreational events, children and youth programs. He explained in greater detail the programs offered and their value.

Damon spoke of the ANC employees at the Corner Brook office and the work they are each doing to help the different status newcomers.

He went on to speak of the Ukrainians recently now living in the area who face many challenges including some not being English speakers and trauma from leaving their country because of war.

He ended his talk by explaining how a local person can connect and help newcomers. This can be by volunteering, private sponsorship of refugees, offering needed services, employment and asking the local office of what help could be needed.

Damon answered several questions before being thanked on behalf of the club and the meeting was adjourned.

The Spinner March 19 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, March 19, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

This is the meeting at which the Rotary Music Festival adjudicators usually speak or perform at the Rotary lunch meeting. This year the four adjudicators – Dr. Christine Carter - Brass, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion, Accordion, and Bands, Lori Cooper – Piano, Melanie Jardine – Voice and Dr. Vicki St. Pierre – Musical Theatre and Choral due to flight changes had to leave Corner Brook in the morning. Thus, this year the Corner Brook Festival Board Chair Rotarian Paula Butt spoke to Rotary and read notes from adjudicator Lori Cooper that Lori had intended to give.

Paula began by introducing the Board President - herself, Paula Butt, Vice President – Karen Michael and Past President - Bernd Staeben and the committee members Rotarians Chris Healey, Adam Baker, Janice Spencer, Diana Alteen present at the meeting, and Connie Dolomount unable to attend as well as music teachers attending Alison McHugh, Katie Barrett, Ian Locke, Marcelle Boisjoli meeting and unable to attend Laura Chadderton. Paula thanked the board and committee for all their hard work which had made the festival so successful. She also thanked the Volunteer Coordinator James Dolomount, attending the meeting for organising the volunteer helpers for each session.

This led her into giving special thanks to the Executive Assistant, Sandy Myles for the fantastic and efficient job she always does but particularly this year when the bad weather on the festival’s first day had meant flights were delayed resulting in many classes having to be rescheduled. The Rotary Music Festival 2026 ran so well because of Sandy’s work in organising all the changes that had to be made and ensuring teachers and participants were informed of different times and venues of classes.

The next group that Paula acknowledged and thanked were the adjudicator’s secretaries. Each adjudicator had a secretary that would organise the music and paperwork so the adjudicator could focus fully on each participant’s performance. Three of the four secretaries were at the meeting. They were Katie Healey, secretary to adjudicator Melanie Jardine; Wendy Archambault secretary to adjudicator Lori Cooper; and Ellen Janzen secretary to adjudicator Christine Carter whilst Marylyn Murphy secretary to adjudicator Vicki St. Pierre could not attend the meeting.

Paula continued by reading the thoughts Lori Cooper had intended to give. Lori had written about the importance of a Music Festival in bringing a community together and how children and young people needed opportunity and guidance. A festival helps to give them confidence and goals to achieve. She continued by talking about the Senior and Junior Rose Bowl Concert the previous night and the winner of the Senior Rose Bowl competition Roman Sumin playing accordion. She concluded by saying that children are the future and festivals help show them the beauty of music and the value of making music with others. It gives them a sense of pride which will be important in years to come.

Paula then asked the different teachers present to speak about the Music Festival which they did expressing their different views including the value of music in the public school system, the value of professional development for teachers, the supportive tone of the festival and the pursuit of excellence and not perfection, the value of music, friendships built on a positive experience and the comradery felt in the festival.

Karen congratulated the accompanists on the many hours playing at the festival and before. She spoke of the special needs’ classes and their value and the indigenous classes that have been introduced and are well received. Overall, the week has been fabulous, and thanks go to all the teachers, participants, volunteers and supporters of the festival.

President Olaf ended the meeting by giving a final thanks to Paula whose hard and well organised work, and dignified presence has helped the festival be highly respected and successful with the hope she would continue being President of the Corner Brook Music Festival Board.

The meeting them adjourned.

The Spinner March 5 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, March 5, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting in which the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship Speak-off was held.  The winner would be sponsored by the Corner Brook Rotary Club to attend the Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program in Ottawa May 23 – 27 2026.
This annual program organised by the Rotary Club of Ottawa, is open to students aged 16 – 18 years from across Canada.   Each year the Corner Brook Rotary Club selects a student from Corner Brook to attend this program by holding a speak- off at a regular Rotary lunch meeting.  This year there were four students speaking who were from Corner Brook Regional High School, CBRHS Kyah Gould and Connor Elliott and from Immaculate Heart of Mary School, IHMS, Grace Brake - Higgins and Ramadan Ssufuya.
To begin the meeting Olaf welcomed Rotarians and guests – the students in the speak-off, Elaine King, principal of IHMS, Stephanie Lewis, teacher at IHMS, Paula Grudich, teacher CBRHS and parents Grace Brake- Higgins and Darren Brake
Program-chair Dianna Alteen had organised this event. It began before lunch with each student being interviewed by the panel of Rotarian judges- Janice Spencer, Adam Baker and Olaf Janzen.
After lunch was served, the four students spoke on the topic ‘What it means to be Canadian’, All the students gave excellent talks with each presenting their thoughts from different angles.   The judges had a very difficult decision to make but after deliberations Kyah Gould was selected as the Corner Brook representative for the Adventures in Citizenship 2026 program in May.
Congratulations go to the participants Kyah, Connor, Grace and Ramadan for their excellent presentations and to their teacher sponsors for helping and encouraging the students to participate.
Congratulations again go to Kyah who will attend the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship Program 2026 in Ottawa and then afterwards will speak to Corner Brook Rotary Club about her experiences.
The meeting was adjourned after the judges had made their decision and the winner selected.

The Spinner February 19 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, February 19, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Club Business

Donna had asked for volunteers to look after the Toonie Quest West table on Saturday at the Winter Carnival Craft and Gift Expo. Could anyone with free time on Saturday who would be willing to help please contact Donna.

Guest Speaker

After lunch, Adam introduced the guest speaker, Melanie Barrow who spoke about the new Ukrainian National Federation Chapter being started in Western Newfoundland, UNF-WNL to be based in Corner Brook. The Avalon Branch of UNF is sponsoring this new chapter.

Melanie began reading a message outlining the work done by the Avalon Chapter of UNF and speaking about her current role in UNF and how an office has been opened on 38, Main Street, Corner Brook which will be the Ukrainian Cultural and Community Hub for Ukrainians now living here. It is hoped that this hub will provide integrated, bilingual services focusing on cultural preservation, employment and entrepreneurship in Western Newfoundland.

Because of the Ukraine war when Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine many Ukrainians came to live in Canada and in Newfoundland and Labrador and there are more than 4,000 Ukrainians living in the province with over 400 Ukrainians living in the Corner Brook area.

The UNF Avalon Chapter as will the Western Newfoundland Chapter be, is a non-profit cultural and community organization dedicated to supporting Ukrainians living in their local region of Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of the national UNF network, this chapter plays a vital role in welcoming and assisting newcomers from Ukraine and fostering cultural pride through community engagement.

UNF-WNL plans to create a welcoming environment for individuals and families to connect, celebrate Ukrainian culture, and to receive practical support during their settlement journey. The organization will be led by volunteers and community leaders who will organize regular programs, cultural events, and outreach activities that benefit both newcomers and residents.
It is hoped to offer programs and services such as settlement support for Ukrainian newcomers, community orientation events, cultural and heritage events, Ukrainian language and cultural education and youth and family events

plus, collaboration with local organizations and government to advocate for Ukrainian newcomers and help promote inclusive policies.

It is hoped to open Saturday school, Ridna Shkola, here for Ukrainian children so they will learn to speak and write Ukrainian but also discover Ukraine and Canada through fun activities.

Melanie went on to speak of past and upcoming events celebrating Ukrainian culture for example Easter egg painting which will be open to all and will be held at the Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre. There will be a Ukrainian Blossom Festival later in the month and at the Hub on Main Street an exhibition.

Melanie finished her presentation by showing a video of a mother speaking and one of Roman playing traditional Ukrainian accordion music.

Melanie mentioned that the Corner Brook UNF- WNL chapter is looking for volunteers to join a steering committee to help plan the role of this new chapter.

Melanie answered several questions before being thanked by Olaf on behalf of the club.

The Spinner February 5 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, February 5, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Club Business

Olaf reminder Rotarians that next Thursday lunch meeting February 12 will be at the usual time 12.30pm but at the Blow Me Down Ski Lodge on Lundrigan Drive, CB.

Olaf had had a message from Geoff Goodyear, ADG concerning Rotary International Youth Exchange programs that are offered to students for a long- or short-term exchanges. Olaf plans to contact the local high schools or school board offices regarding this program. This is a great program sponsored by Rotary International for students and hopefully Guidance Counsellors in schools in Western Newfoundland will shortly have more information about these programs.

Guest Speaker

The guest speaker Dawn King, President of the Corner Brook Winter Carnival Society was introduced and then spoke about the exciting 10 days from Friday February 20 – March 1, 2026, when the Corner Brook 2026 Winter Carnival will take place.

Dawn began by saying she has been involved since 1996 with the Winter Carnival Society, and this will be the 53^rd Winter Carnival. She mentioned that it is the longest and largest winter event east of Montreal.

The event is run by a Board of seven members with two nonvoting members. She noted that a lot of the success of Corner Brook Winter Carnival is due to the

sponsors who donate financially or in kind as Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Friends of Carnival depending on the level of support.

The Committee itself employs an office administrator but everyone else volunteers their time.

In the fall elementary schools are approached to suggest a slogan for the coming Winter Carnival. The winning slogan for this year came from Mr. Bradbury’s class, Eastside Elementary School and is Get in the Spirit, Get in the Mix, for Winter Carnival 2026!

In January the two Social Media Ambassadors were chosen, and they are Lily Smallwood and Ella Rashleigh

The Leifling Annual Gala will take place February 22 when a child aged from kindergarten to Grade 6 will be selected to accompany Leif the Lucky (Dave Elms) during Carnival activities.

Corner Brook Winter Carnival is for all ages and interests to enjoy participating in the many over a hundred different events. Many organisations sponsor meals and activities as fundraisers for their organisation.

Dawn went through the new and regular events that can be found in the printed program and on the Winter Carnival web page. Printed programs can be found where Carnival badges are sold but they are also available at the Winter Carnival office. The Carnival begins with the raising of the Carnival flag followed by a torch light parade from City Hall to Margaret Bowater Park where there will be a Night of Music and Magic and here Leif the Lucky will emerge from his hut so Carnival can begin.

Dawn answered several questions before being thanked for her 2026 Winter Carnival presentation that showed the work done for ten months by the volunteer committees so that the Corner Brook 2026 Winter Carnival will be ten days of activities, fun and many delicious meals. A time for everyone whatever their age, to participate and join in with others at the many 2026 Winter Carnival events thus making the Carnival a great success.

The Spinner January 29 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 29, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Club Business

Olaf reminder Rotarians that the Thursday lunch meeting on February 12 will be at the usual time 12.30pm but at the Blow Me Down Ski Lodge on Lundrigan Drive, CB.

Guest Speaker

Donna introduced Corner Broon Mayor Linda Chaisson, the guest speaker at today’s meeting.

Linda who has been a city councillor for many years was elected last fall as Mayor of the City of Corner Brook.

She talked how for many years how she has been a strong supporter of the city and now is leading a strong city council as they are learning their different roles to benefit the city. She quoted the Rotary motto ‘Service before Self’ which is one she herself follows.

The council has been working hard to finalise the budget for the coming year which has been built on what she heard on people’s doorsteps as she campaigned during the fall election.

Corner Brookers want a clean and respectable city in which residences play as well as work. The city requires economic growth and of course housing and health care concerns are felt by all residents. She noted in the past year 142 international nurses have been hired who are all working in the city

Linda believes in having a glasshouse policy in City Hall and wants to address the concerns of Corner Brook citizens. She is investing more in communication with the citizens based on a transparency operating system. She is holding regular town hall sessions in different parts of the city so she can find out the needs of residents and their views. She noted that through this method businesses will be helped as they can now pay their business tax in installments with no interest charged.

She continued by looking at the different concerns in the city. In 2025 there were permits granted for 80 new homes and 40 business ventures.

The Marina Redmond Centre is open, and this complements the Civic Centre for sports and city functions. Tourism is flourishing in the area with many cruise ships visiting the city. Festivals abound throughout the year from CB Nuit in the fall to Jiggs and Wheels festival in the summer and of course the February Winter Carnival Festival.

2026 will be the year of modernization for the city. The city is doubling its bus fleet with it moving into an on-demand system. Services will be restored for Saturdays with evening services to 11pm coming into being which will help students, workers and residents move around the city.

Linda believes transportation should be accessible so there will be plans for 2 accessible buses that can be reserved. Building accessibility including City Hall is important for all. She noted the city tax bill was mailed out to residents, and the tax rate has been lowered. During 2026, there will be plans to revitalise historical areas of the city.

She finished her talk by speaking of the revitalisation of waste management in the city and the new system that is being used and water treatment services.

Linda answered several questions before being thanked by Bernd for her informative and interesting talk.

The Spinner January 22 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 22, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Club Business

It was decided after lunch that the regular Thursday Rotary Lunch meeting on February 12th will be a social gathering at 12.30pm at the Blow Me Down Ski Club. Further details will be emailed to Rotarians

Guest Presenter

Olaf introduced the guest speaker Cassidy Mercer, Games Manager for the 2026 Summer Games to be hosted on the West Coast in August 2026. Cassie who has extensive experience in volunteer management and major event operations including Volunteer Coordinator for the 2025 Canada Games in St John’s, spoke about the plans for the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games to be held this coming summer in Corner Brook and Stephenville.

Cassie gave a vibrant and interesting presentation. She began by stating that The Legacy comes Home in 2026 as 50 years ago the first Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games were held on the West Coast of the province. The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is a premier sporting event in which 1600 athletes between ages 11 – 18 will take part in 9 different sports over the week-long event from Saturday August 8 – Saturday August 15. Corner Brook will be the host city.

Signs will soon be appearing around the city. The sports included will be Athletics (Track and Field), Ball Hockey, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Rugby.

The event will be divided into two group August 8 – 11 and August 12 – 15 with 800 athletes taking part in in each group of sports. The athletes will be housed at Corner Brook Intermediate School and Corner Brook Regional High School.

This coming week the Volunteer Program is going to be introduced. Volunteers must be 16 years by July 2026 and be willing to commit 10 hours service

Cassie talked further about the value of volunteering and the experience gained from being a volunteer. Some of these benefits will include being part of history, having a volunteer uniform, attending a thank you event, building of skills and experience, as well as meeting new people plus giving back to the community and much more.

The Volunteer Program launch will take place at the Marina Redmond Centre, Corner Brook between 4 – 8pm on Thursday January 29^th with the mascot Blaze in attendance.

Cassie went through the different committees that are working to make the Games successful and the types of sponsorship that is being requested. Stephenville will be hosting the athletics portion of the games.

Tickets will be going on sale later in the year for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies which will be special events held at the Civic Centre.

Cassie finished her presentation by answering several questions.

She was thanked by Olaf on behalf of Rotarians for her interesting and informative presentation.

Cassie noted August 8 – August 15 will a great time to be in Corner Brook, host city for the 50^th Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.

The Spinner January 15 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 15, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting. He welcomed Rotarians, guest speaker MP Carol Anstey and her Constituency Assistant Selma Pike.

Olaf spoke of the email he had received from Rotary International regarding a virtual meeting of focus groups on January 22^nd concerning the Rotary Action Plan. Rotarians will be sent more details by email about how to participate in a focus group

Guest Program

After lunch was eaten, Adam introduced MP Carol Anstey. Carol gave a most interesting talk about her experiences on becoming an MP last year.

She is the first women member of the Conservative Party in the province, and she represents the Long Range Mountains Constituency, Newfoundland and Labrador.

She talked of some of her experiences such as being present when King Charles III opened parliament in fall 2025, and she noted the document she was handed when attending this ceremony, had a picture of Gros Morne on its cover.

She has spoken at Question Time in the House of Commons, and she talked about this experience and preparation needed for this. She has spoken several times at Question Time including in the leader’s round which is quite an honour.

One of the rewards she is finding as an MP is the bringing local people to serve on committees whose outcomes will help individual people. She stated that her riding is mostly rural and often problems arising are not often understood by those in more urban settings, but she aims always to do the best she can.

She went on to talk about the different committees on which she serves. She referred to the private Member’s Bill C-234 which she was involved with that had its first reading on September 22, 2025. This act will institute a Living Donor Recognition Medal to recognize and honour the altruistic and life-saving act of living organ donation.

Another bill, Bill C-225, Carol has been involved with is Bailey’s Law which has unanimously passed its second reading. This bill named after Bailey McCourt will strengthen the legal response to Intimate Partner Violence.

Carol is involved in the Standing Committee for the Environment and Sustainability as well as several other committees. As Carol said committees involve a lot of work for all parties sit together and discuss issues which can be brought to the Minister at Question Time.

She herself focuses on the Newfoundland and Labrador prospective especially when oil and gas is concerned and of course with fishery issues that affect rural Newfoundland and Labrador. She continued to speak of the work she is doing on different issues and in different committees. Her focus is the concerns of her province and how in meaningful ways she can address these issues. Carol plans to stay rooted in the communities she is serving to serve them as best she is able. Her informative and interesting talk showed how hard she is working to represent the Long Range Mountains Constituency in Ottawa.

Carol answered several questions before being thanked by Olaf for speaking to Rotary and the meeting was adjourned.

The Spinner January 8 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 8, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting. He welcomed Rotarians and guest Rick Chow to the first Rotary meeting of 2026.

Guest Program

After lunch was enjoyed, Olaf introduced the guest speaker MHA for Corner Brook Jim Parsons. Jim spoke about his experiences in his new role as a Member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly and he noted how pleased his was to speak in person to this gathering of Rotarians.

Jim spoke of the organisational details of setting up a new office and his role as an opposition MHA. He noted that he believes in listening to people and always tries to respond with respect and honesty. He realizes that he can’t solve everyone’s problems but being honest he believes is extremely important.

The main issues he is coping with are housing and health care problems.

He then went on to consider bigger policy issues that the province will need to address. He noted that the election had a surprise outcome resulting in now practical problems needing to be sorted out but a major issue is the provincial debt. He talked a little about Churchill Falls and how its link to Quebec needs to benefit both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, without causing financial issues for the province. He looked at Federal politics and the erosion of trust in government plus the rise of social media and how this affects government

Jim finished his talk by speaking of about his personal philosophy and how he believes in more equity in society. He quoted a passage from Edmund Burke,1729 - 1797 an Anglo- Irish writer, philosopher and politician from which he explained his views. He feels that as a government opposition MHA he needs to find constructive ways of being critical of the government as one of his main aims is to help people.

Jim answered several questions before being thanked for his interesting and informative talk before the meeting adjourned.

The passing of Honorary Rotarian Noreen Murphy

Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Corner Brook were deeply saddened this week at the passing of Honorary Rotarian Noreen Murphy on January 8^th, 2026. Rotarians and their families send their condolences to Noreen’s husband Gerry and their family.

Noreen was very much involved with the Annual Rotary Auctions and with her husband Gerry organised and attended many social events.

Noreen will be sadly missed by all Rotarians and former Rotarians. She truly represented the Rotary motto “Service before Self.”

Her obituary can be found on the Fillatre’s home page. (https://fillatre.ca/tribute/details/16176/Noreen-Murphy/obituary.html#tribute-start

This gives a beautiful tribute to a life well lived in the service of family and community.

Visitations will be held on Sunday, January 11^th from 2 – 4pm and 7 -9pm at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 4 St. Mark's Avenue, Corner Brook

Her funeral service will take place at the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Corner Brook, on Tuesday, January 13th at 10 a.m.

The deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow is sent from present and former Rotarians to Noreen’s husband Gerry and the Murphy family at this heartbreaking time.

Rotarian Elaine Huxter named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

At the Rotary lunch meeting on December 18, 2025, President Olaf announced and congratulated Rotarian Elaine who has been named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. She will be invested into the Order on January 27, 2026, at Government House. Elaine has received this honour for her volunteerism service. The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the province’s highest honour and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an exemplary manner the province and its residents. At the meeting Elaine was warmly applauded on receiving this honour.

The Spinner December 18 2025

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, December 18, 2025.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Olaf welcomed Rotarians and guests attending the Rotary Club Christmas dinner.

He asked all attending to wish Kathleen and Gerry who were celebrating birthdays in December, a happy birthday.

Olaf then congratulated Rotarian Elaine, who has been named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. She will be invested into the Order on January 27, 2026, at Government House. Elaine has received this honour for her volunteerism service. The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the province’s highest honour and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an exemplary manner the province and its residents. Elaine was warmly applauded on receiving this honour.

Guest Musical Program

Program-Chair Rotarian Karen had arranged a musical concert after the traditional turkey meal was enjoyed. Karen introduced the student musicians who were performing. They were Carly Rae Mouland – guitar and voice, Jonathan Upward –bass saxophone, Mia Napoli-tenor saxophone, Leah Baker – alto saxophone and also Karen herself on saxophone.

The Christmas music concert began with Carly Rae singing and playing followed by solos from Jonathan and more from Carly Rae before the Saxophone Quartet ended the concert with a couple of Christmas selections. The concert was greatly enjoyed by everyone. Olaf thanked Karen and the student musicians for the wonderful Christmas concert. The meeting closed with everyone feeling very Christmassy,