🌻 🍁 FALL 🍁🌻
Community Service Project Grants
We support local, innovative, specific community projects!
Your non-profit organization or registered charity may be eligible for one of our Community Service Project Grants!
WHAT WE DO LOCALLY
In the Fall of 2023 the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston awarded a Community Service Grant of $2,000 to the Kingston Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology.
Thanks to the dedication and skill of Holly Gwynne-Timothy and a Community Service Grant of $2,780 from the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston. a program called “Music for All” enables musicians who are blind to sing in Melos Choir & Period Instruments.
RYLA (Student Youth Leadership Awards), Interact, Adventures in Citizenship and a dinner with MPP Ted Hsu were topics of the student reports
Kolson Shunk spoke first on the Adventures in Citizenship Program which took place in Ottawa. He said,
Today we had 2 speakers - Ronda Candy of Martha's Table and Sandi Dodds of The Mess Studio. Their organizations were 2 of the recipients of our Spring 2024 Grants.
Martha's Table has been operating since 1997, and serves 400 meals daily to those in need. They received 2 grants for microgreens growing and cooking classes, both of which were very successful.
Ronda told us that Martha's Table is striving to go beyond the 'first line' emergency response. Her key words for how they are operating were stretching and adaptation.
The Mess Studio is no stranger to the club, and is a trusted partner who have received several grants before. The latest grant was to purchase and install slat walls to better display more of their clients art. Sandi showed a video of the installation, and told us the 'wow' factor of The Mess Studio has increased substantially. The Mess Studio serves between 90 and 120 clients a week. Coincidentally for those who don't know The Mess Studio got their start at Martha's Table.
The link to Ronda's presentation is
The link to Sandi's presentation, and the thanks to both speakers is
New puppy in training
An announcement courtesy of Kingston4Paws
We are thrilled to announce that our K4Paws family is growing!! We are delighted to introduce you to our latest addition #K4Paws Meadow. Meadow comes to us thanks to Chantelle Bennett of Benacres Kennels
This morning our guests were Charles, Julia, and Amy, three Queen's Biology students spearheading a project to establish a edible native species garden on Queen's campus. The biosciences building already has a pollinator garden o it's grounds, but this group wants to expand into edible plants, and ultimately food gardens to help those experiencing food insecurity at Queen's. Our club has supported this project, and after the discussion the cheque was presented.
To see the full presentation click on the link - https://youtu.be/3TAYPkPsnUE
This morning Andrea shared the story of her journey through photography as a community member at The Mess Studio. Andrea's path story of finding her hidden photographic talent, and how it has helped her, was inspirationsl.
Sandi Dodds, who founded The Mess, also gave us an update on the Pottery Program that we sponsored in the FALL Grants session.
The full presentation can be seen at - https://youtu.be/j5o_xM2KoYA
This morning we were happy to have Paige Bailey joining us via video recording. Paige was our Club's representative to the Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise youth program Adventures in the Environment. Taking place from September 11th to the 14th, this program immerses students in environmental and conservation studies, with both presentations from experts and actual filed work. This year the students counted pollinators, identified and measured fish populations, and had lectures on topics ranging from Bat Protection, Eels, and Beekeeping.
Thanks to Bill Egnatoff for per-recording an interview with Paige about her experience. Paige has a very long bus ride to Rideau Lakes High School so couldn't be here in person, but wanted to tell us about her experience.
You can watch the presentation at https://youtu.be/
You can also learn more about the Adventures in the Environment at R-C Cornwall Sunrise's website https://www.cornwallsunriserotary.com/sitepage/adventures-in-the-environment
Today Riley shared his experience in the canoe-based, multi-cultural Adventures in Understanding, which ran from August 27th to September 1st. The program is offered by the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha with the assistance of the Curve Lake First Nation Youth Committee, with the co-operation of Camp Kawartha and the Canadian Canoe Museum. Riley is a high school student who also works and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club in Kingston, BGC South East.
Riley has also previously participated in RYLA. He is becoming almost an honourary Rotarian.
You can see the full presentation at https://youtu.be/qdiihDJnmPU
Below you can see this year's group of students. Riley is in the front row, second from the left.
Heather Nogrady introduced our speakers this morning. Bruce has a background in architecture, specializing in heritage properties. Elinor has lived in Kingston since 1962, and worked at St. Lawrence College in a program which helped single mothers succeed in business. She is a member of Kingston Fibre Artists. Both are board members at 99 York Street. Started in 1983 the Kingston House for Self Reliance (KHSR) provides low-cost meeting space for organizations, and has become a sort of hub of activity in the community near the Memorial Centre.
The full presentation can be seen at the following link
This week we were happy to have Alan MacDonald, club member and new Paul Harris Award Recipient, speak to us. Our Club got to know Alan through the greenhouse project, which our Club helped fund. From a simple concept of a greenhouse the project grew, adding a teaching kitchen and a beautiful geodesic design greenhouse which produces food all year round. This food is shared with the school students, local food bank, and a senior's home. It's real value is what it has taught the students not only about gardening and food, but about being good community members.
Alan's full talk can be viewed at the YouTube link
Today we were joined by Chantel Balintec, Emily Dunbar, Christie Gray, and Nikki Beaulieu from the National Youth Orchestra Canada. They told us about the work of NYOC, the free concerts taking place at The Bader Centre until the end of June, and the "Day in the Life' program, which our Club funded.
To see the presentation, go to https://youtu.be/gA_G6OuHE5g
Today we heard from RYLA participants Riley Switzer-Pask, Shania Snyder, and Lexi Curson. Also at our meeting was Lauren Hartwick from Pathways to Education Kingston. Riley and Shania were RYLA for their first time; Lexi participated last year and returned to help out this year. Lauren was a great help to our club, helping us find great candidates to send this year.
To see the full presentation you can click on the link - https://youtu.be/Tkn7r7C_gDw
To learn more about RYLA in our District, go to https://www.rotary7040.com/page/ryla
Left to right; Riley, Greg Mumford, Shania, Lauren and Lexi
At our club meeting May 16, 2023, Sandi Dodds told us of the development of a photography studio at The Mess Open Arts Studio.
At our regular meeting, May 16, 2023, Tina Bailey gave us an update on the impact on people's lives of the service dogs offered by Kingston 4 Paws, with an update on Millie, currently with foster parents in preparation for training.
IMAGINE…
…a classroom without walls, no chalk board, no bulletins boards, no desks, and no chairs, but a place in the forest, with trees, and wild flowers, and filtered sunlight, and rocks with moss, and squirrels running about! THIS is the classroom of Mother Nature where 120 young schoolchildren from Loughborough Public School will spend a total of five days during the next school year, experiencing the wonders that surround them in Frontenac Provincial Park.
This week we heard updates from two more of our Fall Grant recipients - Napanee Rotarian Mandy Stapeley from Autism Network Lennox and Addington County, and Tara Bauer from Turtles Kingston.
Mandy spoke about the mission of ANLAC - to support individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and provide education to the community. One in 59 Canadians is affected by ASD, which covers a wide range of conditions (hence 'spectrum'). Autism Network LAC won the 2021 Social Impact Award from the Napanee District Chamber of Commerce for it's work. They received a grant to provide 14 sensory support kits for kids in schools. These kits include tactile items (shown below). The items can be comforting, allow self regulation, help reduce stress, and avoid meltdowns or shutdowns for kids with ASD.
In cooperation with the Limestone District School Board, kits were distributed to kids needing them the most. The LDSB has 4 special Autism support classes and a further 10 referral/support school sites. The kits help foster learning and inclusion, benefiting all kids. With each kit distributed, Autism Canada sned out a package to help families and teachers make best use of the kit.
Other work by ANLAC includes; providing kits to first responders to help kids in stressful emergency situations (which they were very pleased to receive); providing communication tablets to schools; and spreading awareness, especially for World Autism Day (April 2nd) and Autism Awareness Month in Canada (September).
Our other speaker was Tara Bauer, new Director at Turtles Kingston. Tara is an Environmental Scientist with a B.Sc. and M.Sc., and a background in Hydrogeology. Turtles Kingston is dedicated to protecting and educating the public about turtles in the Kingston area. Kingston is home to five of eight turtle species in Ontario, all of which are at risk. Only 1 % of turtle eggs ever reach reproductive adulthood. They are considered a 'keystone' species - their loss indicates severe breakdown in the ecosystem. Turtles help clean the ecosystem and are a conduit between land and water. They help keep fish populations healthy as well.
Our grant provides materials for nest protection boxes. Nest predation is one of three big dangers to turtles (traffic and habitat destruction are the others). The boxes are simple constructions anchored with spikes that help protect turtle nests and allow every egg to hatch. Part of the grant also went to instruction cards and turtle crossing signs.
Boxes are currently being constructed, and an army of volunteers are ready to install them for the nesting season in May. In response to questions, Tara told us they are attempting to expand the science side of their operation, trying to do turtle counts, especially in the inner harbour. They are also working with the city to install more turtle protection fencing like is being done now along Collins Creek. Tara noted that turtle fencing helps others species as well.
Both of our wonderful speakers were thanked by Joyce Yee. Thanks to the Service Projects Committee for selecting such amazing recipients, including Interval House and The Mess, who spoke two weeks ago.
Remember DINAH - The Service Dog Puppy?
In the Fall of 2020, our Cataraqui-Kingston Rotary Club awarded a Community Service Project Grant to KINGSTON 4 PAWS SERVICE DOGS in order to assist in acquiring and training a service dog to be placed eventually with a person with Autism, PTSD, seizures, other health issues, or mobility challenges.Today, almost 18 months later, we received an update and photos from Dinah’s Foster Family describing how Dinah has grown into a wonderful companion and enriched their lives as she prepares for her placement with a special needs individual. It is a heartwarming story which we thought everyone would love to read. Their letter follows, so please continue…
“Kingston 4 Paws Dinah”
February 2022
By George! It’s Lunch Time!
Your donations and Auction dollars at work!
Our Cataraqui-Kingston Rotary Club has a lengthy history with Lunch by George in Kingston. Through our Local Grants program, we have supported Lunch by George on an annual basis since 2011. In addition to the funding, many Rotarians have volunteered in the food preparation and serving under the capable direction (for 33 years!) of Coordinator Jennifer Hurd. On special occasions, such as the Christmas Lunch, Rotarians are out in numbers helping to make the day a joyful experience for the vulnerable members in our community. For years, a team of Rotarians have cooked and carved the turkeys, while others have helped prepare the the trimmings and decorated the tables. See photos in link: Christmas Turkey Carving for Lunch by George
Of course, the pandemic introduced a number of challenges, most notably the prohibition of in-person dining. But Lunch by George soon adapted to a takeout program which continued to provide a steady supply of nutritious and appetizing meals every week day, without compromising the quality and variety of the lunches served. Just take a look at a sampling of lunches served during the pandemic! See photos in link: Lunch(es) by George!
The Cataraqui-Kingston Rotary Club is proud to be an ongoing supporter of Lunch By George. We are but one part of many individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations who make this support possible. Donations are always welcome, as the need is always great. lunchbygeorge.ca/support-lunch-by-george/
And don’t forget, your participation in our annual Community Auction as a Donor, a Bidder, or a Sponsor will also support Lunch by George!
Greta Du bois introduced today's speaker, Mabyn Armstrong. Greta just happened to be watching a program on turtles in Ontario, and was impressed with Mabyn's knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject. Greta got in touch and so Mabyn was here to speak to us. Mabyn moved to Kingston in 2014, and driving through the Westbrook wetlands she witnessed the deaths of turtles because of cars. She dedicated herself to helping stop this slaughter and re-launched Turtles Kingston in 2018 with a new Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TurtlesKingston
By way of introducing Jo-Anne today, President John spoke about the genesis of the FAR program at Pathways, and how it seeks to continue the good work of Pathways, how it brought together many partners, and how it has been so successful, despite Covid. John talked about the next step - our project is time limited, so there is a need to ensure long term funding. That's what Jo-Anne was here to speak about today. Jo-Anne is a co-chair of the fundraising committee at Pathways Kingston.
Investing In Our Youth and Their Future.
In 2000 the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston created an annual bursary for St Lawrence College to honour the memory of Mike Tierney, past President of the club and devoted Rotarian. The original capital of $ 10,000 grew over the years as the Rotary Club of Cataraqui- Kingston added to it on a regular basis. During the last three years, following the creation of a National Committee, the Club increased the principal by as much as $ 13,000. It now stands at $ 40,000 and is held in trust by St Lawrence College. Its returns are used to award bursaries to deserving students at the discretion of the College. According to the criteria set by the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston the bursary is available to one or two entrance or returning students enrolled full time in any program on any campus of St Lawrence College, demonstrating above average academic achievement, commitment to volunteerism and community service. Preference to be given to at least one student who is First Nations, Métis or Inuit. Applicants must be Ontario residents and demonstrate financial need for support.
We are proud to have two recipients for this 20/21 academic year.
Cassandra Hunter-Dubois is studying Behavioral Science Technology. Sharlene Anderson is in Business Administration & Human Resources. Both study at the Kingston campus. Please see Sharlene’s enthusiastic thank you in the video attached.
Nikki thanked our Club for the commercial washer and dryer that will be installed shortly at their Robin's Hope Centre. This will enable them to expand their important clothing program to their clients.
Kingston Youth Going FARther on Pathways to Education!
Rotary is assisting vulnerable youth in their transition from high school to post secondary pursuits.
Thanks to a $140,000 Rotary Global Grant initiated by the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston, high school graduates of the Pathways to Education Program will now have greater access to ongoing support through the new Rotary FAR Project as they move on to post-secondary education and meaningful employment!