Message From the President – Jan 2025

As we enter into the new year, it is time to look ahead at the year and highlight some of the exciting things that lie ahead. We will be entering the 120^th Rotary year, since Paul Harris created the Magic of Rotary, and look forward to the birthday of Rotary on February 23^rd, 2025.

We will be entering January as the Vocational Service Month.  As discussed by Dustin, we will be accepting nominations for this award for the next few months and will most likely be presented in June. This is a very important recognition of someone who not only exceeds in their professional life but assists in the community to understand and benefit from the input and achievements that impact our community beyond the office door.

At our AGM, we presented the State of the Union address, whereby some of the achievements and upcoming goals were delivered, as we summarized our financial position, celebrated the things that we have accomplished, and elaborated on the wonderful projects and activities that will take our time and energy for the balance of the Rotary year, and beyond.

The Rotary Pier project at Kal Beach is in full swing as the construction of the pier continues. We met with both the Vernon Rotary Club and Silver Star Rotary to get financial assistance for completion of the project. We have completed pile driving for the base of the rock monument to be placed upon it, and have ordered the accessibility mats for wheelchair access to the pier and beach. We will keep you informed as to our progress.

The Legacy committee, led by Peter Evans and Mike Nolan, since presenting the unveiling of the Legacy Project, the Okanagan Science and Technology Centre, continue discussions and preparations to make this a reality. We are all truly excited for this dream to become a reality as we focus on fundraising and public awareness of this ambitious endeavour. We have truly been blessed with this opportunity to make the “Magic of Rotary” visible in tangible terms in our community.

We had a lot of fun at our famous Tacky Gift Exchange luncheon, and our annual Christmas party which was held at the Vernon Golf and Country Club. We look forward to several key events coming up in the next few months and remember to mark the date on your calendars for the Kal Rotary Golf Classic, to be held at the Vernon Golf and Country Club on June 5^th. More details for sponsorship and registration will be forthcoming. With the weather cooperating so far in terms of not seeing a harsh winter, you can get out and practice that golf swing a little earlier than anticipated.

Thank you all for making the initial months of this Rotary year filled with fun and fellowship and I look forward to enjoying the remaining months ahead. Thank you for your support, enjoy friends and family anticipating the spring, and may 2025 be everything you thought it could be!

Personal regards,

Brian Reid
President, Kalamalka Rotary 2024-25