Given the COVID restrictions that are in place until after the May long weekend, it should not surprise anyone that Clearwater Rotary is changing its plans for the May Day Parade. With Stage 1 vaccinations on-going, and the promise of Stage 2 to come, Rotarians collectively have their fingers crossed and are postponing the parade until July 1. We will keep you posted re: date and theme.
Meanwhile, other activities keep Rotary members planning and on the move! Starting immediately, Rotarians are selling raffle tickets to raise money for a gazebo, bear-proof garbage can and table with inset checker board. All of these will be added to the splash park behind Buy-Low Foods. Tickets cost $10 each.
First prize is an E-bike valued at $3200, an inflatable paddle board worth $750 is second prize, while third prize is a fire bowl worth $200. Each Clearwater Rotary member has tickets to sell. A table will be set up outside Buy-Low, and some local businesses are also supporting us by selling these numbered tickets.
On Friday, April 23, several Rotarians and friends assisted Evergreen Acres board members in moving their community garden so the latest addition of 20 more housing units and an amenities building can be added. Help from Clearwater Secondary School students and teacher Marie Giesbrecht was invaluable.
The following two days had us out there with many other caring locals for Community Spring Clean-up.
For the final meeting of each month, Rob Vesak arranges speakers to address us at our Zoom meetings. These have included District of Clearwater mayor Merlin Blackwell, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area A director Carol Schaffer, inspirational speaker Kevin Eikenberry and Clearwater Times editor Stephanie Hagenaars.
A power failure forced the postponement of MP Cathy McLeod’s address to a later date. Others have been arranged, continuing into the summer.
Clearwater Rotary donated $25 to Polio Plus of Rotary International in the name of each speaker.
Beginning several years ago, our club has coordinated with BC Parks to maintain the Flat Iron trail in Wells Gray Provincial Park. This year, the local Horsemen’s Club is generously assisting in transporting a bench and the makings of a cement slab for it to the first lookout on that trail. The initial work bee is scheduled for early May.
Another unfortunate COVID-caused cancellation for the upcoming school year, as directed by Rotary International, is the Student Exchange Program. However, come September, the process of selecting our out-going student for 2022-2023 will begin. The Secondary School will be kept appraised of developments of this most important aspect of Rotary. Look for information this coming June.
We also assist and participate in Danny’s yearly fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital, held at the Wells Gray Golf Course in Upper Clearwater. The aforementioned raffle will be drawn at this event on August 1. Our annual Rotary Golf Tournament at Lacarya Golf Course is scheduled for later that month.
Yes, we have lots to enjoy and keep us busy. If you are interested in learning more about our local Rotary Club, contact President Abbey Bates (250 674-2127) or talk to any of the members when you are buying those enticing raffle tickets!
Submitted by Kay Knox, communications