(L-R) Rotarians Mike Henry, Mac Campbell, Rosemary Davis chat with Wendy Yamamoto- Chapman, Special Projects Coordinator  for Bluewater Recycling Association

Recycling and the environment are top of mind these days.  Members  had the opportunity to speak one on one with our recycling service provider at our regular meeting.  Bluewater Recycling Assoc was founded in 1989 as a non-profit corporation owned by the municipalities they serve which include Huron, Perth, Lambton and Middleseex counties.  The unique structure of the Association enables it to operate at arms length from its municipal owners providing a management environment similar to a private company focused on efficiency.  The Bluewater Recycling Association believes that in essence waste does not really exist. We prefer to think of all materials as resources that we may or may not have a use for, hence leading to their value determination as a commodity. The result is that we think in terms of resource management.

As markets for the materials change so too this changes what is considered recyclables and what is destined for landfills.

The latest material guide is found here.

 

 Arriving at Pearson International Airport August 28 is our newest exchange student, Helena Karczmarska.  Her home country is Poland. She is shown with Rosanne Field, Exchange Student Coordinator and initial host family.  The Long Term Exchange Program (LTEP) lasts one year, during which Helena will attend school and live with several families here in the host country.  Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens while meeting new friends and forming lifelong international friendships. 

 

Dr Dean Nisbett, Optometrist with Rotarian Michael Strickland

Dr Nisbett shared with the club the highlights of his mission to Nicaragua last May.   Organized through Vancouver-based Ascenta Foundation Dr Nisbett and his two vision therapists Leslie Dixon-Rose and Laurie Donnelly of Huron Optometric Centre  together with a team of doctors, nurses,dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, translators, drivers, cooks and security people travelled to Riscos de Oro Nicaragua for a 4 day clinic.  Ascenta works in partnership with Calibre Mining Group, completing missions every three years.  Riscos de Oro is in a remote area an hour's drive from Rosita.  The makeshift clinic was set up in an old school.  They took just over 800 pairs of donated glasses from his clinic here in Goderich.  During the campaign, the overall patient count was 2,353 of which 1028 were seen by optometry and 413 pairs of glasses were distributed. The experience was life changing to the local residents, plans are being made to return to Nicaragua in another three years.

 

Invited to our August 20th Rotary meeting was President & COO of Nautical Lands Group shown here with club president Colleen McGregor.  

Harbour Hill Retirement Suites is a Nautical Lands Group community in Goderich that is excited to be undergoing a 75 unit expansion. Nautical Lands Group (NLG) is an award-winning designer and developer committed to creating senior housing solutions throughout Ontario, all based on resident feedback and needs. For over 23 years, NLG has provided affordable and comfortable senior housing solutions in Ontario communities, and is proud to offer rental apartments designed and built with top-notch amenities and features. NLG seeks to improve the comfort and convenience of everyday life in a community residents can call home.

(L-R) Assistant Governor Rosemary Davis, Alice Sikma, Gary McRae

We'd like to send out a big welcome to our new member Alice Sikma and a big welcome back to new member Gary McRae.  Alice and Gary will undoubtedly bring lots of energy and enthusiasm to our club. We are very excited to have them as members.