Our own Rotarian from Whistler. Erika Durlacher told her story of the the September 28 2015  Kilimanjaro climb of 5895 metres or 19,341 feet with her daughter her daughter and friend Abbie Milavsky. This was an amazing sojourn, the magnitude of which many of us may never experience. They climbed through the eclipse of the super moon, altitude sickness, freezing temperatures, carrying backpacks and stumbling slowly as they ascended the world’s highest freestanding mountain and the highest mountain in Africa. Thankfully the temperature did not go below -20 as expected.

We had the great privilege to welcome the Hon. Diane Griffin, Canadian Senator for the province of PEI at our January 22, Tuesday evening at the Whistler Museum.  Diane is also a 25-year Rotarian for the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty in PEI. Shown with Senator Griffin is Secretary  of the Rotary Club of Whistler Gill Forester.
Diane provided a very informing overview of the “new” Canadian Senate where Senators are now selected by what skills and experience they can offer the Senate, rather than appointed by the Political Party in power, sometimes based on how much money the appointee raised for the party.  When a vacancy occurs (mandatory retirement at age 75) a “position opening” is posted, just like in private industry.  Any Canadian can apply.  The position is still “appointed” by the Prime Minister at the time, however with the intent of appointing the best qualified, regardless of political affiliation. 

Current Senators for the most part now independent and can vote with an independent view. There remains a small caucus of Conservator Senators who typically vote along party lines (whipped). Diane described a bill that she proposed, that ultimately was approved by both the House of Commons and the Senate. The bill formally recognized Charlottetown as the birthplace of the Canadian Federation.

Diane also provided a brief update on her Rotary Club (50+ members) and the primary fund raising cause they are working on, having the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a  book provision charity adopted in PEI.  The charity provides a book a month for every child from birth to age 6.

Festive Holiday Salutations from The Rotary Club of Whistler 

After a Holiday Hiatus our next meeting will be January 7th 2020 and Board Meeting January 9th 2020

Remembrance Day in the Olympic Plaza Cenotaph was attended by many local Rotarians past and present. RCOW Vice President Marg Pallot stands second from the left along with Eva Zebrowski and Doug Forseth.

After the ceremony cookies and hot chocolate were appreciated by all attendees.

November 12 Chairperson Claire Moses of the newly renamed Whistler Community Foundation formerly the CFOW spoke to the AM Rotary meeting. Shown with long time member and speaker organizer Wendell Moore,  Claire outlined how the overall role the Investment structure works and the management of the WCF Foundation Investments.  Claire identified our 3 Rotary Club of Whistler Foundation accounts in her description of how our investments are managed. 

October 29th Rotary Club celebrates Word Polio Day with the Mayor's Declaration and World Polio review by Polio Plus Chairperson Brian Finley. Whistler Museum 6:00. See you there!!

Tuesday October 15th in our cozy Whistler Museum Michael Blaxland, sitting third from the left, has been coming to Whistler since the early 1970s after graduating from Dalhousie Law School. He  built for us a tale of making his way to British Columbia for a variety of reasons after law school:  spinning a web through life with his love of skiing, travel, law, fair mindedness and our land of opportunity in the wild west.  Michael elaborated on how he has now found himself sitting as an arbitrator or as some might describe adjudicator for many parties in British Columbia and the Yukon Territories.

Chris Oddleifson: October 1st at the Whistler Museum was Hockey Night 

Speaker Laurie Cooper the enthusiastic and heartwarming; the founder of Canada Caring initiated an advocacy, support and sponsor, not for profit organization that has assisted numerous immigrants who were previously refugees,

Retired lawyer, dedicated humanitarian and local resident Michael Blaxland was inducted into the Rotary Club of Whistler on the evening of July 23^rd. We gave a welcoming cheer to Michael.  His knowledge and interests  will be very much appreciated. Michael quickly stepped up to sell tickets at our dusty's Pancake Breakfast

Foundation Scholarship Presentation:

David Oakes,  a dedicated regular at Iron Man is shown on duty for the Iron Man athlete's sign in at the Olympic Plaza in Whistler is moving to Vancouver Island.