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Solar Insights, Member Recognition & Club Announcements

February 3, 2026

We were pleased to welcome Scott Beadell from Penfolds Roofing & Solar as our guest speaker. Scott shared an overview of the company’s long history in British Columbia and its integrated approach to roofing and solar installations, allowing projects to be delivered entirely in-house with streamlined coordination and warranties. He also highlighted current residential and commercial incentive programs that help reduce upfront costs while supporting long-term energy efficiency.

In a lively Q&A, Scott addressed practical considerations such as roof age and materials, typical residential payback periods, and how BC Hydro’s net-metering program works. Members also appreciated the clarification that solar panels alone do not provide power during outages without battery storage, which is required to support critical loads. The discussion provided a clear, balanced look at how solar, battery storage, and load-management programs fit into both residential and commercial settings.

Rotary International recognizes members for their financial support of The Rotary Foundation and the global projects it makes possible. Each Paul Harris recognition represents a contribution of US$1,000 in support of programs in health, education, the environment, peacebuilding, and other areas where Rotary has a lasting impact. Paul Harris Fellows exemplify generosity and a strong commitment to Service Above Self within both the Club and the wider community. At this meeting, Bo Long received her first Paul Harris recognition through the Club’s 50/50 program, while Terry Peel was recognized for receiving his fifth Paul Harris, with all of his contributions directed toward the PolioPlus program.

Robbie Burns Day, Community Spirit & Coldest Night of the Year

January 20, 2026

We enjoyed a lively and entertaining meeting featuring guest speaker Maureen Lyon and the Tam O’Shanter Dancers from the White Rock Scottish Country Dance Club, along with guests Abby Gemino and Janet representing Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) and Sources.

Maureen Lyon, who was born on the west side of the Isle of Lewis and whose first language is Gaelic, introduced us to the rich traditions of Scottish culture. The Tam O’Shanter Dancers, part of the White Rock Scottish Country Dance Club based in Vancouver, delighted members with two wonderful Scottish country dances, a recitation of Robbie Burns poetry, and a fun quiz about Burns’ life and works. Adding a personal touch, our very own Gordie Hogg shared that he is a descendant of Robbie Burns.

The presentation also included a dance demonstration, followed by a spirited opportunity for Club members to try Scottish country dancing themselves. The program concluded with a joyful sing-along of well-known songs written by Robbie Burns, as everyone joined hands to sing “Auld Lang Syne.”

We also received an update on the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), including a short video highlighting the local Peninsula walk and community impact. Over the past 10 years, the Rotary Club of White Rock has proudly raised $88,000 through CNOY as both a team participant and sponsor.

Meeting Highlights: Youth Leadership, Community Support, and Climate Action

January 13, 2026

Our meeting highlighted youth leadership, community support, and an informative presentation on climate action.

The Club presented the Leaders of Tomorrow Award and a $500 cheque to Aleena Manoj from Semiahmoo Secondary School, recognizing her leadership and contributions to her school and community. A $1,500 cheque was also presented to SHER Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society, received by Karu Sahota, in support of their ongoing programs and services.

Our guest speaker was Larisa Lensink, Climate Policy Advisor with the City of Surrey, who spoke on the City’s Climate Change Action Strategy. Larisa outlined Surrey’s goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions to net zero before 2050 and shared how the City is advancing practical, locally driven climate solutions.

Larisa Lensink is the Climate Policy Advisor with the City of Surrey, leading the implementation of the City’s Climate Change Action Strategy. She has worked in local government sustainability and climate action for the past ten years in Halifax, North Vancouver and now Surrey, and is passionate about advancing local solutions to the climate crisis. She holds a Master of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and a Bachelors of Environmental Science from UBC.

We were also pleased to welcome and induct Kym Bailey-Cook as a new member of our Club.

Highlights from Our January 6 Meeting

January 6, 2026

Our January 6 meeting featured the induction of a new member, an engaging youth-driven presentation on climate and national security, updates on preparations for the Spring Book Sale and the Fieldhouse, and reminders about upcoming club events, including our AGM and the Coldest Night of the Year walk. We welcomed guest speaker Maiya Morancie and officially inducted Trevor Halford as a new member of our club.

Maiya is an undergraduate student in International Studies at Simon Fraser University, with a strong interest in global security and climate change, and serves as President of her department’s student association. She is also a co-founder of the White Rock–South Surrey Climate Corps, a local volunteer organization focused on sustainability, climate awareness, and community resilience. Her presentation, “Climate and National Security,” blended her personal journey with thoughtful insight into how climate issues intersect with global stability, while encouraging practical actions we can take toward more sustainable living in 2026.

Introducing Our Speaker: Ernie Klassen, MP

December 16, 2025

Born and raised near Abbotsford, Ernie studied photography and eventually opened a series of small businesses, including a photography studio and a floral shop. He also served on many volunteer boards of directors, was the founder and president of the White Rock Pride Society. He was elected to the White Rock City Council in 2022, where he served until he was elected Member of Parliament in 2025. He was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries. Ernie currently lives in White Rock with his husband and has three children and two grandchildren.

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We are currently meeting for lunch at the Rotary Field House in the South Surrey Athletic Park on Tuesdays at 12:00pm, we are also broadcasting on Zoom. Please contact us for the Zoom link, or if you would like to attend the in person lunch meeting.

Meeting Location

Maura Fitzpatrick

Feb 17, 2026 12:00 PM

Children of the Street

Chinese New Year

Feb 24, 2026 12:00 PM

Chinese Dancers

Kristina Eng

Mar 03, 2026 12:00 PM

My Life

Keryn Denroche

Mar 10, 2026

Kindred Farm Visit

Karn Sahota

Mar 17, 2026 12:00 PM

Sher Pride Vancouver

Greg Duly

Mar 24, 2026 12:00 PM

Save The Children

Robyn Curtis

Mar 31, 2026

2026 District Conference

Sandra Dumitras

Apr 07, 2026 12:00 PM

A Rocha - CAFI

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Speaker List at Upcoming Tuesday noon Meetings

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Book Donations

are welcome at the Rotary Fieldhouse in the South Surrey Athletic Park

Donations of books in good condition are welcome. We cannot accept magazines, textbooks, encyclopedias, manuals, or damaged books. Thank you for your understanding.

Books can be donated 24/7 at the Blue Bin on the North side of the Rotary Fieldhouse, located at 2197 148 St, Surrey, south of the Surrey Eagles Hockey Arena. Large donations can be dropped off Monday mornings 9-11. We can help you unload directly into the book warehouse and not fill up the bin. If you need help picking up a large donation of books, we can help. Contact us at rotaryclub.booksale@gmail.com for assistance.