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

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Rotary Lobster Social Friday June 26

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 October 8 2026

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

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guest Mike Spencer and prospective Rotarian Mark Lamswood.

Guest Speaker

After lunch was enjoyed, Kathleen introduced the two guests from the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, Kellie Clark, Communications Officer and Brad Evoy, Chief Administrative Officer who gave the presentation

Brad’s very interesting and instructive talk was about connecting with the Qalipu First Nation and the work that is being done.

He began by talking about the Mi’kmaq territory in Eastern Canada showing a map of the 7 Mi’kmaq districts, which are the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Mi'kma'ki encompasses Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the island of Newfoundland, and parts of New Brunswick and Quebec.

He continued by speaking of his own heritage, which is Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk and Mi’Kmaki. He spoke about his present role and the different areas in which he is involved. The Qalipu was formally recognized in 2011 and is made up of 67 traditional MI’kmaq communities over 9 electoral wards. An elected Chief and Council govern the Qalipu First Nation with two additional Vice- Chiefs representing Western and Central Newfoundland. The Qalipu has 4 satellite offices in Glenwood, Grand Falls – Windsor, St Georges and Stephenville with its central administrative office in Corner Brook.

Brad continued by looking at the core programs and services that are offered by different teams. These include

Lands and Environment which includes environmental monitoring and assessment and native resources,
Health Benefits and Community Services which has a wide mandate including housing, health services, and community outreach, cultural and mental wellness
Education and Training, in which the team visits schools to give support, provide land activities for children and youth and more
Tourism Development,
Employment Programs and Career Exploration which is becoming increasingly important. The Qalipu team works closely with Memorial University, Grenfell Campus, College of the North Atlantic as well as offering cultural and employability workshops.
Registration Assistance
Culture and Heritage
Community Economic Development

Brad concluded by speaking of the Qalipu Development Corporation, QDC, whose function is that of a holding company for all business operations and investments.

Its aim is to ensure the Band’s long term economic growth and sustainability.

To conclude his presentation Brad was thanked by Olaf on behalf of the club for his extremely interesting and well researched, informative presentation.

The Spinner September 24 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, September 24, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guest Renee Sherstobetoff.

Club Business

Elaine spoke about the AGM of the Rotary Arts Centre Board and announced and congratulated the Rotary representative on the RAC Board Rotarian Janice who is now the RAC Board secretary.
The Dolly Parton’s Imaginary Library Corner Brook representative, Renee Sherstobtoff was presented with the Corner Brook Rotary Club’s donation to the Dolly Parton’s Imaginary Library Corner Brook. This will help financially to ensure children between birth and Kindergarten registered with the program receive monthly books for free through the organisation. There are about 361 children living in the area who receive books. On the following morning, September 25^th Olaf and Renee with Lenny Benoit of Bay FM will issue a challenge to service groups, companies and community members to donate. September 25^th is Give like Dolly Day. Just a note if anyone wishes to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Corner Brook, visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/149382 to donate.

Guest Speaker

After lunch Rotarian Adam introduced the guest speaker Dustin Parsons of Team Rubicon. Dustin began by explaining what Team Rubicon Canada is about.

Team Rubicon Canada is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves communities before, during and after disasters. They mobilize military veterans, first responders and everyday people to support people on their worst possible days. Their vision is to aid people when disaster is to be faced as no one faces disaster alone and every person has a role to play when responding to a disaster. Team Rubicon is deployed when help is needed. The mission of Team Rubicon is to serve communities across Canada and around the world by mobilizing skilled volunteers to respond to disasters and support recovery with urgency and compassion.

Members of Team Rubicon are well trained, and Dustin referred to the training given in using chainsaws which are invaluable in a disaster situation e.g. removing and cutting up fallen trees, debris management. The capabilities of Team Rubicon involve damage assessment by local or provincial emergency management, hazard mitigation, incident management, disaster mapping and work order management, site survey, expedient home repair and spontaneous volunteer management. In a disaster situation Team Rubicon mobilizes trained volunteers to help clear and consolidate disaster debris. Trained and skilled chain sawers and heavy equipment operators are used pre and post disasters.

Dustin showed a couple of videos of Team Rubicon in action with one being from a young woman who lost her home last year in the Avalon peninsula fire disaster. Members of the Team helped her find a treasured mug belonging to her grandfather when they were sifting through her home’s debris. The Team Rubicon veteran members are very pleased to be able to help others by serving when a disaster has struck.

Dustin talked about what it means to be a Greyshirt. Team Rubicon members wear a grey tee shirt which identifies them and their role.

A Greyshirt would define his mission when disaster strikes that action always happens and this comes before ego, comfort or recognition. A Greyshirt would say it is not just what is worn but when Greyshirts show up they lead with integrity, serve with empathy and stand shoulder to shoulder through the toughest days.

Dustin noted that on an operation things are done as economically as possible and, on a mission, then those deployed don’t take anything from funding. Everything is kept simple and remembering that cost over comfort is a good mantra resulting in teams being as self-sufficient as possible.

Dustin ended his talk by speaking of the steps taken to serve on Team Rubicon which include registering, building a deployment profile, passing a background check, completing training and earning a ‘greyshirt’.

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

Donation to Dolly Parton Imagination Library

On September 24, 2026, Corner Brook Rotary Club gave a cheque to Renee Sherstobetoff of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This was followed on September 25, Rotarians Olaf and Kathleen with Renee spoke with local radio host Lenny Benoit on Bay FM on the value of supporting this cause and the significance of giving on September 25^th. Renee explained that from coast to coast to coast, September 25 is celebrated in honour of Dolly Parton and her commitment to helping children grow up surrounded by books. Today, approximately 361 children in Corner Brook and the surrounding areas receive a free, high-quality book every month from ages birth to five, through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Behind every book is a community of donors, volunteers, local partners, and supporters who believe in the power of giving.

Renee continued that September 25, Give Like Dolly Day, anyone can help us continue reaching Corner Brook children and families. While it costs approximately $47 to provide one child with a full year of books, every donation is appreciated. Consider making a symbolic gift of $9.25 in honour of September 25 — or give whatever amount feels right for you. Every gift helps to put books into the hands of local children and families, making a difference in their lives. 💕📚 To support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Corner Brook, visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/149382 By donating more Corner Brook children will discover the joy of books and reading.

Rotary President Olaf then issued a challenge to service groups, companies and community listeners to donate. He explained that this project costs approximately $17,418 annually to continue serving currently enrolled local children for a full year of books. Unfortunately, the program’s existing funding has ended. Without immediate community support, the Corner Brook program will close in about two weeks. The program urgently needs bridge funding while the Dollywood Foundation works to develop a sustainable community funding plan. Give Like Dolly Day, September 25 is a great opportunity to honour Dolly's legacy and help keep books arriving in the homes of Corner Brook children. Everyone please consider donating anytime to support this worthy cause.

The Spinner September 17 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, September 17, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guests Kim Colbourne and Stephanie Webb.

Club Business

Before lunch President Olaf introduces 3 business items.

Olaf mentioned our District 7815 is looking for Rotarians to join the planning committee for the 2027 District Spring Conference in Halifax.
A request has been received from Jeanne Smitiuch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for help in funding books for the 377 Corner Brook children from birth to age 5 that receive books monthly for free. The executive supported this idea and those Rotarians present agreed. Treasurer Jackie suggested the club donates $500. She also suggested that the Club do a challenge on Bay FM morning show to challenge other service clubs and the community in general to support this cause. She suggested it could be launched on 9 to 5 Dolly Day on September 25. Everyone agreed and Rotarian Gerry will talk to Lenny of Bay FM to follow through with this idea. For anyone interested in making a personal donation, a donation can be made through Canada Helps to Donate to Corner Brook Imagination Library.
The Rotary Club of Stephenville has invited Corner Brook Rotarians to join them for a Meet and Greet on a Wednesday later in September at 5.15pm at Days Inn. Olaf asked Rotarians to let him know if they were able to attend.

Guest Speakers

After lunch Rotarian, Janice, Rotary Club’s representative on the Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre Board, introduced the guest speakers Robert Gross, the Interim Chair and Administrative Officer of the Rotary Arts Centre, and Helen Reid, Board Chair of the Rotary Arts Centre.

Helen began her talk by speaking of the involvement and vision of the Corner Brook Rotary Club when the Rotary Arts Centre was conceived and came to fruition. She stressed how its history as part of the identity of the Rotary Arts Centre, RAC, is very important. However now the RAC needs to diversify and look at other financial sources probably corporate. She noted the Rotary name is a legacy to those who helped to establish the Rotary Arts Centre and the Rotary Club’s involvement in the Centre should always be acknowledge.

Helen when speaking about the Rotary Arts Centre abbreviation RAC noted it is affectionally used and developed organically helping to make people feel connected to the Centre.

She feels speaking about the RAC is very timely as the RAC is grateful to the last director Nicole’s contribution, but a new director will be appointed soon. Helen was quite emotional as she stressed how important Rotary’s involvement with the Rotary Arts Centre is and together the Centre will flourish for Corner Brook deserves such a place.

Helen was followed by Robert who though a relative newcomer to the area talked about what has been happening at the RAC in the past year. There has been a wide variety of shows in the theatre covering different genres as well as different shows in the gallery. The goal of the Rotary Arts Centre is to build a structure that will stand on its own.

He passed out a Community Feedback sheet. He looked at one section identifying what should be prioritized in the coming year and supporting new artists was high on the list followed by more public performances then artist’s fees. He then spoke more about expenses and artist’s fees. Robert stressed that artist compensation is built into the operating model of the Centre directly as one of its core goals.

He finished his talk by answering many questions and mentioning that the Rotary Arts Centre AGM will be at the RAC theatre at 7.30pm on September 23 to which all are invited.

Elaine on behalf of the club, thanked Helen and Robert for speaking today and for their informative and interesting talks. The meeting then adjourned.

The Spinner September 10 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, September 10, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone.

Guest Speaker:

After lunch, Olaf introduced the guest speaker Dr. David Surdam, Professor of Economics at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Dr Surdam has published numerous books. His Rotary talk was entitled Getting, Spending and Giving the Accumulation and Uses of Wealth throughout History.

He began by asking the question why does this matter as all societies must deal with the issues as to how people accumulate wealth and how is the wealth disbursed.

David considered the origin of the project because wealth cannot be taken with one on death, but individuals and societies had ‘grave goods.’ A prime example of this was the Ancient Egyptians who buried considerable amounts of wealth and even people with their pharaohs.

He then considered several Paths to Wealth which include

Lying, cheating, stealing, fraud and expropriation.
Ownership of land, labour and natural resources
Government largesse
Lend money at interest
Produce (desirable) goods and services
Peaceful voluntary trade

The modern way to wealth involves acquiring and using human capital, entrepreneurship, becoming a CEO and gambling speculation.

David then looked at Ways to use Wealth which are.

1. Acquire more land, labour, animals and resources

2. Create productive assets

3. Insure against adverse events

4. Gain Status

5. Power/prestige potlatches

6. Conspicuous consumption

He concluded his talk by noting throughout history there has been a strong element of coercion underlying most wealthy people’s holdings. Modern day

riches, and western economies create and produce grounds and services people are willing and able to buy. He did note that the modern day rich often use their wealth to benefit others.

Dr Surdam answered several questions before being thanked by Olaf on behalf of the club for giving his informative talk. The meeting then adjourned.

The Spinner August 27 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Thanks go to Linda NR. for the report.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Club Business

There was no winner of this week’s Toonie Quest 50/50 draw.
Two guests were introduced: Al Cormier and Charles Pender, uncle and friend of the guest speaker respectively.

Guest Speaker

Rotarian Elaine introduced Richard Cormier, a man of many vocations with a lifelong love for Marble Mountain. Following in his family’s footsteps Richard was described as a fourth-generation season pass holder. At Marble he was a volunteer with the Canadian Ski Patrol, was head of the ski patrol, oversaw outside operations, and has been the General Manager of the Development Corporation since October 2025. Richard stated his core message was that Marble Mountain is more than a ski hill! It is a provincial tourism asset, a gathering place, and an important economic driver for Western Newfoundland.

Richard gave a detailed history of Marble beginning with the Massey Drive Ski Club in the mid 1930s, organized skiing at Marble in 1961, opening of the current lodge in 1994, the important role played by Marble in the 1999 Canada Winter Games, and its reputation today as the largest ski area in Atlantic Canada reiterating that Marble is more than a ski hill; it is part of the region’s history, identity, and tourism infrastructure.

For several years, Marble experienced a gradual decline in season-pass sales. Over the last two seasons Richard reported that trend was reversing. Season-pass sales increased from 923 to 1,657 (79.5% increase), adult passes increased from 345 to 665 (93% growth), passes for those 22 and under increased approximately 368% and passes for children 5 and under increased by approximately 266%. This growth came from making skiing more accessible, improving communications and giving people a reason to connect with Marble. He further stated that a larger season-pass base also supports rentals, food/beverage operations, lessons, and other resort activities.

Because of the above statistics Marble Mountain is no longer being actively marketed for sale under the current provincial government. Budget 2026 states that government will take steps to optimize Marble while ensuring that it continues to support residents, visitors, and the regional tourism economy. The focus now needs to be on strengthening the resort, addressing its infrastructure, and maximizing its value to the province.

Social media is playing a much more important role in telling Marble’s story; Facebook and Instagram are seeing millions of viewers allowing Marble to control the narrative – proving accurate information, responding quickly, and consistently showing the positive work happening at the resort! Day-pass visitors for visitors outside the immediate region come from primarily St. John’s but also from around the world! These visitors do more than purchase a lift-ticket. They stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, purchase fuel, rent vehicles, etc. For every 1 dollar spent skiing 5 to 9 is spent locally. Marble gives people another reason to visit western Newfoundland during a time of year that has traditionally been challenging for tourism operators. In addition, Marble caters summer events and weddings, and it builds and strengthens relationships with other businesses. An RFP process involving the former Bishop’s Tavern space looks promising. And, finally Marble has the potential to play an important role in the proposed Cabox UNESCO Global Geopark! Stay tuned...

The challenge for Marble is to build on its current momentum by addressing aging infrastructure, strengthening partnerships, growing summer operation, and continue to tell Marble’s story.

Richard was thanked for his talk by Rotarian Verbon who himself was a season-pass holder for many years and who was excited by the future for the resort.

The Rotary Spinner August 20 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, August 20, 2026, written by Rotarian Linda NR.

President Olaf chaired the meeting.

Club Business

There was a winner this week for the Toonie Quest 50/50 draw with the winnings being more than $6000. Linda thanked all volunteers for their extra time and effort associated with the count and 40+ new players.

Guest Speaker

Rotarian Linda NR introduced Isabelle Bouge.

Isabelle Bouge works with the Services Canada Community Outreach and Liaison team (COLS). She is bilingual and is based in Corner Brook, covering western Newfoundland from St. Anthony to Port-aux Basques. (A disclaimer was offered that her presentation today was today’s reality and that changes might be forthcoming).

Isabelle and four other community outreach colleagues are expanding Services in Labrador, Central and Eastern Newfoundland, and St. John’s are expanding Service Canada’s reach by visiting communities across the province, particularly those with limited access to in-person service locations. They focus on building relationships with community organizations and partners to reach people who might otherwise not have access to programs and benefits.

A list of programs and benefits was provided including Employment Insurance, Maternity Benefits, Care Giver Benefits (you do not have to be related...), SINs, Job Banks, CPP & OAS, the Dental Plan, Canada Disability Benefits (different here because NL has also launched a disability benefit - many are lacking information and people can apply for both), Indigenous programs & services, Newcomer programs, Passports, and many more.

Isabelle highlighted the important difference between Canadian Revenue Services and Services Canada. These are two different AGENCIES. She stated the importance of filing an Income Tax even when there is no income, benefits will be missed if not done!

She cited an example of a lesser-known benefit, that being Childrearing provisions. (If you stopped working or received lower earnings to raise your children, you may be able to use the CPP’s “child rearing provisions” to increase the value of your CPP benefits). People questioning their entitlement to benefits were encouraged to use the Canada.ca website and NOT Google!

Then at the direction of Rotarians, Isabelle focused on the December 2023 enacted Canadian Dental Care Plan. She stated to qualify four requirements must be met. Applicants have 1. no access to dental insurance, 2. filed an income tax return, 3. an adjusted family income of less than $90.000, and 4. Canadian citizenship. She further stated there were three levels of coverage: 1. No co-payment if family income < $70,000, 2. 40% co-payment >$70,000 to $99,000, 3. 60% co-payment > $99,000. Applicants must apply online Canada.ca/dental or call 1-833-537-4342. Once a determination has been made applicants will receive a welcome letter from Sun Life. It is important to note that this benefit must be renewed yearly.

In addition to making many handouts available, Isabelle stated that because of time she would send information to Olaf and Linda should Rotarians be interested in a specific benefit. Isabelle was thanked by Verbon for her very informative talk.

The Spinner August 13 2026

Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, August 13, 2026.

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone.

Treasurer Jackie mentioned that she had invoiced Rotarians for their biannual dues.

Guest Speaker:

After lunch the guest speaker Louise Gauthier was introduced by Rotarian Linda. Louise, executive director of CB Nuit 2026 spoke about the CB Nuit Art Festival which is celebrating this year its 10^th anniversary. This festival will be held on September 18 – 20 in the West Street area. The theme this year if “Flow” which will highlight movement, connection, and creative expression.

Linda in her introduction was pleased to inform Rotarians that Louise had been named the Woman Entrepreneur of the year at the 2026 Lauriers de la PME which is a national RDEE Canada award that celebrates outstanding entrepreneurs in the Francophone Business community. Congratulations from us all go to Louise on receiving this award.

Linda then introduced Board member Kateryna, (Kate) Sydorenko who was accompanying Louise. Kate spoke how CB Nuit is about involving the Corner Brook community, local organisations and businesses. This year the Ukrainian Association will be involved and will be showcasing Ukrainian culture during the festival.

Louise began speaking about the CB Nuit Festival Night, Saturday, September 19 though the festival encompasses the weekend September 18 – 20. The festival will be celebrating a decade of creating community through art. She talked about

how to celebrate its 10 years CB Nuit has developed a new mentorship program that she spoke about in greater detail. She continued by speaking of different projects that will be highlighted at the festival and the artists participating in the festival. She noted the library through the Autism Society will be a sensory space which will include games and puzzles for those needing a place to chill.

CB Nuit 2026 is looking for volunteers and there is a sign-up sheet on their web page.

Louise answered several questions before being thanked by Elaine on behalf of the club for this interesting and informative talk which left everyone looking forward to September 19 when the centre of Corner Brook will be transformed by the CB Nuit Arts Festival.

The Spinner July 30 2026

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

President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guests Leslie Lundrigan, Joanne Rowe, Jeff Martin, and Maureen Murphy

Guest Speaker:

After lunch Olaf introduced the guest presenter Rotarian Jackie Chow who is the Community and Stakeholder Advisor for the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (Kruger) Project Tuckamore. Jackie’s role is to manage relationships with regional, public and indigenous stakeholders from the new Project Tuckamore Community Engagement Office based in Corner Brook.

As Jackie explained Kruger is a fourth-generation company with over 6000 employees with 19 manufacturing and production options. Kruger plans to invest in the future of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, (CBPP) with a major revitalisation project, Project Tuckamore which will extend the life of the mill and CBPP will become a modern, competitive and sustainable fibre-based producer,

Jackie used power point slides to help clarify her points as she explained about Project Tuckamore. This project will combine forestry, the mill site, a wind farm and hydro generation.

She began by looking at the reasons for this $700 - million industrial revitalization

as continued dependence on primarily paper production is not viable for the future, thus a transformable business model was needed – hence Project Tuckamore.

This project aims to transition the CBPP mill into an integrated energy and industrial hub by combining sustainable forestry, industrial modernization, and renewable wind energy.

From a forestry perspective - The pulpwood which is now cut to 8 feet length will be harvested to full tree length. This will be delivered to sawmills with only chips and biomass going to the mill for paper production. At the mill, there will be an improved chip receiving area and a biomass drying facility will be installed that will eliminate oil usage. The paper making will be supported by variable power from the windfarm and mill cogeneration. The Mount Bernard tank farm will be removed resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

A windfarm will be constructed within the CBPP active harvesting limits. Jackie spent time speaking about the windfarm which will be located southwest of Corner Brook, 8km southwest of PInchgut Lake in an area already used for forestry with existing road access. The individual turbines will be chosen based on regulations, human and environmental factors. There will be a refurbishment of Deer Lake Power and Watson’s Brook hydroelectric facilities including penstock replacement and conversion to 60 cycle power with upgrade to control systems.

This strategic project for the province is one that will strengthen the province’s energy capacity while securing the long-term future of forestry and manufacturing. During construction there will be 575 full-time equivalent jobs with over $50 million in local economic impact, 1000 direct jobs. It will sustain and support the growth of provincial sawmills and add reliable power capacity to support future economic growth.

Throughout her presentation and at the end, Jackie answered many questions before she was thanked by Olaf on behalf of the club.