August 3rd to 7th First week of Official DG Club Visits:

Forest fires everywhere and a heavy layer of smoke over the Cariboo did not dampen the welcome for DG Penny to Williams Lake and Quesnel in the Cariboo on her first club visits.

The two Williams Lake clubs held a joint club BBQ including a wagon ride around town. The two club presidents Ron Malmas and Bevan Koch are planning to bring the two clubs closer together starting with the BBQ for the DG. They are both planning to participate in the Government House Literacy project headed up by PDG Bob Blacker. Great to see the clubs working together to support the work of Rotary. The theme in Williams Lake this week was - On Fire for Rotary!

Second stop in the Cariboo was Quesnel with the wonderful hospitality of the RC of Quesnel Rotarians led by Club President John Havens. More smoke from the thousands of acres of forest on fire around this community. YE student Jordin had his long curly locks cut short to raise money for Polio. Over $2200 was raised to support his efforts. This club also planning to get involved in the Government House Literacy project with local First nations bands. DGN Rebecca MacPherson hosted a potluck BBQ social to end the DG visit in typical Quesnel style.

Two Rotarians received Building Community Bridging Continents recognition from DG Penny for their work supporting the RI Theme for 2010-11. John Stace-Smith from the Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club and Rebecca Beuschel from the RC of Quesnel are the honoured recipients.

Thanks to all the Cariboo Rotarians for their support and welcome.