Club Information
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Terrace!
Terrace

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 12:15 p.m.
Arabisk
4665 Lazelle Ave
Terrace, BC V8G 1S8
Canada
District Site
Venue Map
Club Executives & Directors
President
Manuela Krisinger
President Elect
Ward Skinner
Secretary
Reece Dozzi
Treasurer
Valerie Gauvin
Service Projects
Dave Merritt
Foundation Director
Rich Toomey
Immediate Past President
Reece Dozzi
Membership
Gordon Blumhagen
Public Relations
John Crawford
Club Administration
Brian Downie
Sergeant-at-Arms
Rick McDaniel
Youth
Yvonne Koerner
Downloadable Files
Stories
TERRACE ROTARY HELPS LOCAL THEATRE SOCIETY “RAISE THE ROOF”

The Rotary Club of Terrace is delighted to donate $3,000 to Terrace Little Theatre's “Raise the Roof” fund.

The Theatre group's aging venue, the McColl Playhouse, badly requires the replacement of its leaky roof, with society president Treena Decker saying they long for the days when they can put away the water buckets, placed strategically to catch water dripping from the ceiling.  

The society has been engaged in numerous fund-raising activities, and has received many donations from numerous community organizations and individuals, and through memberships.  If you'd like to contribute, visit the TLT website:  Raise the Roof | mytlt

At this week's Rotary Club meeting, Terrace Rotary President Manuela Krisinger presented a $3,000 cheque to TLT President Treena Decker – which brings the “Raise the Roof” campaign that much closer to its final target.   

 

 

TERRACE ROTARY'S NEW EXECUTIVE FOR 2026-27

The new Rotary year has begun – and this past week, the Rotary Club of Terrace held its Installation Barbecue, to welcome incoming President Manuela Krisinger and her new executive for the coming year.

We also thanked outgoing President Reece Dozzi for a great year (his first) at the helm.   Well done Reece!

And we congratulated Sarah Zimmerman, our Rotarian of the Year for 2025-26.

 

[PHOTO BELOW:  Reece receives his President's Plaque from Manuela] 

 

[PHOTO BELOW:   Reece congratulations Rotarian of the Year Sarah Zimmerman] 

 

 

[PHOTO BELOW:  This year's executive – Brian Downie, Rick McDaniel, President Manuela Krisinger, Past President Reece Dozzi, Val Gauvin, John Crawford, Gord Blumhagen, Dave Merritt, Yvonne Koerner, Rich Toomey   (missing is President-elect Ward Skinner)]

 

(for more photos, click “Read more”) 

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TERRACE ROTARY MOURNS THE PASSING OF ART ERASMUS

The Rotary Club of Terrace is deeply saddened by the recent passing of our longtime member Art Erasmus.

 

To everyone who knew him, Art was the epitome of Rotary and what it's all about.

 

Pictured below is Art receiving one of his many, many awards – Rotary's Service Above Self award at the District Conference in Whistler in 2016.  Photo courtesy of the Terrace Standard. 

 

 

 

 

Art was born in Europe during the early years of World War II, and he and his family became refugees when fleeing the Baltics for West Germany after the Soviet invasion, and soon after emigrated to Canada.


 

Following a career in education, he became a school trustee in Terrace after his retirement.


 

Art joined Rotary in 1983, and became an Honourary member of our club in 2021. His accomplishments would fill a book and his contributions to our club and to Rotary at large will never be forgotten.


 

He and his wife (and fellow Rotarian) Lesley were the driving forces behind a water project in Ethiopia, which brought clean, safe drinking water to many people in that African nation. While there, they were also active participants in Rotary’s Polio plus campaign, immunizing children against the dreaded disease.


 

Art was an 8-time Paul Harris Fellow, a past president of our club and a past District Governor of District 5040.

 

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TERRACE ROTARY NOW MEETING AT ARABISK

The Rotary Club of Terrace has once again moved its meeting location.  

The club is now holding its weekly meetings at Arabisk Mediterranean Cuisine, at 4665 Lazelle Avenue (at the corner of Sparks Street).  

The meeting day and time remain the same:   every Monday (except stat holidays) at 12:15pm.

The club wants to thank the Royal Canadian Legion for serving as our meeting place for the past couple of months, following our two decades of meeting at the Bavarian Inn. 

THE PASSING OF LONG-TIME ROTARIAN AUDUN BIRKEDAL
Our club is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, mentor and fellow Rotarian, Audun Birkedal, on May 12th, 2026. Audun celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Rotary Club of Terrace, BC this year. That’s four tremendous decades of dedicated community service.
Audun participated in virtually every event, fundraiser and hands-on project that the club championed.
He was a steadfast weekly meeting attendee and was always one of the friendly faces welcoming members, guests and speakers over the years, and was the man who took charge of setting up the flags at the beginning of each meeting.
He was also the club’s secret weapon when it came to raising funds for community projects through our annual Rotary Duck Race ticket sales. He was consistently a top seller and many a fellow Rotarian would hear, “I already bought one from Audun!” when trying to sell their own tickets.
We will miss Audun’s friendly demeanour, calm perspective and dedication to Service Above Self. We are all better people for having known him.
Our condolences to his wife Eileen, his children and great grandchildren.
Thank-you to Karen Birkedal for sharing the details of his celebration of life Sunday, July 12 at Hidden Acres Farm.
 
 
TERRACE ROTARY DUCK SEASON HAS ARRIVED!

May 20th is the start of our Terrace Rotary Duck Season!  

For the past 40 years, Rotarians have provided an opportunity to support Rotary and our many community projects with the purchase of Duck Tickets.

Tickets are $20 and prizes include:
First Prize          $25000 cash
Second Prize     Half Hour Helicopter Flight on Canadian Helicopters
Third Prize         $500 Gift Card at Canadian Tire
Fourth Prize      $500 Gift Card at Safeway

You can purchase your ticket from Rotarians at the Terrace Farmers Market, at the BC Liquor Store or at Canadian Tire.

Our Terrace Rotary Duck Drop occurs August 3rd into the Skeena River at Ferry Island.

ROTARIANS AND FRIENDS TIDY UP TERRACE AREA HIGHWAY
Terrace Rotarians and friends were busy along Highway 37 south of the Roundabout Sunday (April 19th), collecting trash and making the highway corridor cleaner.
 
Members of both Rotary clubs (Terrace and Terrace-Skeena Valley) were joined by volunteers from the Terrace Ringette Association and the Skeena Climbing Society, for Rotary's annual Highway clean-up.
 
Dozens of volunteers came together to pick up garbage from the Thornhill roundabout to the Airport turnoff.
Many hands truly make light work - and a big difference.
We appreciate our partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and we also want to thank members of the local Conservation Officer service for their assistance.
 
 
 
(FOR MORE PICTURES, CLICK “READ MORE”)
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Rotary's Spring Highway Clean-up

It's that time of year again!  Rotary has organized rotarians and volunteers to clean-up the Highway 37 right-of-way from the Roundabout to the Northwest Regional Airport turn-off in the spring and fall each year for more than the past 25 years.

The Rotary Club of Terrace is planning this spring's cleanup on April 19th; volunteers meet at the turn-off at 10 AM to get their hi-vis vests, pickers and garbage bags and to start their day with coffee and treats.  

Terrace Rotary Moves to A New Meeting Location

Rotary Club of Terrace is moving our weekly meetings to the Royal Canadian Legion, at 4425 Legion Avenue, starting Monday April 13, 2026.

Rotary has met at the Bavarian Inn for at least 20 years, enjoying the hospitality of Gus Gerdei, the previous owner.  Many Rotarians commented on the unique meals, often Bavarian, and served with a smile.  We are grateful for the staff of the Bavarian Inn going out of their way to make Rotarians and guests welcome in their establishment.

PAUL HARRIS HONOURS BESTOWED AT ROTARY FOUNDATION DINNER IN TERRACE
Terrace Rotary was pleased to present Paul Harris Fellow awards to long-time Rotarian Dr David Try and guest of Rotary Janice Shaben at our recent Foundation Dinner, co-hosted by the Skeena Valley Club.
 
Club Treasurer Rich Toomey made the presentations.
 
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of the highest honours in Rotary, bestowed upon individuals who make substantial contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
 
The Foundation is Rotary's principle charity and significant service and provides financial support for Rotary’s mission, including PolioPlus and humanitarian grants.
 

 

TERRACE ROTARY HELPS LOCAL YOUTH GET INVOLVED IN SPORTS

Terrace Rotary is a proud supporter of the local chapter of KidSport BC and their efforts to help area youth participate in sports.

At this week's club meeting, Rotary President Reece Dozzi presented a $3000 cheque to KidSport's Shelly Haynes-Marrelli.

KidSport Terrace provide grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids aged 18 and under in Terrace can play a season of sport.

The Terrace chapter accepts applications and administers grants of up to $400 per child/year, for kids who live in Terrace, or in one of the other communities it serves.

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LOCAL SKATERS GET FINANCIAL BOOST FROM TERRACE ROTARY

The Rotary Club of Terrace is delighted to support the Terrace Skating Club's 2026 Ice Show coming up later this year.

President Reece Dozzi presented a $1000 cheque to Skating Club President Linda Gingles and coaches Katie Gingles, Heather Hannah and Shelby Corbett at this week's Terrace Rotary meeting.

TERRACE ROTARY SUPPORTS COLLEGE STUDENTS IN PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION

The Rotary Club of Terrace is proud to support local students in their pursuit of advanced education.

Club President Reece Dozzi recently presented Yvonne Koerner of Coast Mountain College a cheque for $5,000 to go to Rotary's CMTN Foundation endowment fund. 

The donation is matched 50% by the college. Every year, two students are each awarded a $1200 bursary with money from the fund.

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JOHN HEIGHINGTON NAMED MEMBER OF PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY

Terrace Rotary congratulates long-time member John Heighington, who has been recognized by Rotary International with membership in the Paul Harris Society, for his ongoing contributions to the programs of the Rotary Foundation. John was given a special pin by fellow Rotarian Brian Downie at this week's meeting.

The Rotary Club of Terrace honours and thanks John for his generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation. We are all very proud of John!

 

The Paul Harris Society continues the legacy of Rotary’s Founder, Paul Harris, to improve the lives of people in our community and around the world.

Worldwide, 30,000 Rotarians in the Paul Harris Society make ongoing commitments to donate $1000 (USD) annually to the Rotary Foundation annual programs, polio eradication, disaster response and towards Rotary’s promise to improve our communities and communities around the world.

CLUB MEETINGS ON TUESDAYS DURING FEBRUARY

Our Rotary Club of Terrace meetings will be on Tuesdays for the month of February. President Reece Dozzi stated that the Club wants to experiment with Tuesday meetings  as some Rotarians have noted that Mondays are busy for business managers and make attendance at the Rotary meetings difficult.  The Club hopes the change for February will enable more Rotarians to attend Club meetings and be able to participate in the camradery and networking we all enjoy in Rotary.

Our Rotary Club of Terrace meetings will continue to be at the Bavarian Inn.

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TEMPORARY CHANGE OF VENUE – ROTARY MEETINGS AT LEGION JAN 5 & 12

REMINDER TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND GUESTS: The Rotary Club of Terrace will hold our next two meetings -- January 5 and January 12 -- at the Royal Canadian Legion while our regular venue (the Bavarian) undergoes renovations.

Meeting times will still be 12:15pm. We hope to be back at the Bavarian on January 19.

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COAST MOUNTAIN COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE TERRACE ROTARY AWARDS
Coast Mountain College recently held its Donor Appreciation & Student Recognition Dinner.
 
Terrace Rotary President Reece Dozzi was delighted to be on hand to present the Terrace Rotary Trade Foundation Award to Abbygale Giles (Hairstylist Foundation); and the Terrace Rotary Academic Success Award to Sheena Dan (Practical Nursing)
 
Congratulations to both of you!
 
 
 
 
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TERRACE ROTARY AUCTION ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS

Our 2025 Rotary Auction is complete and was very successful, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of Rotarians from our Club and Terrace-Skeena Valley, the donors and the bidders.  

While we were competing with Game 7 of the World Series, bidding was active and the Auctioneers worked hard to raise the bids.

At this week's Club meeting, we reviewed the Auction and our successes and ideas for change for 2026.

 

Numbers were down slightly from last year, but the Club is still pleased with the results.

 

The 65th annual auction was streamed live via Zoom from the Terrace Sportsplex, and Rotary spokesperson Brian Downie says preliminary figures show that 224 businesses donated 354 items, valued at over $75,000.  There were also $3500 in cash donations from local businesses.

 

The two-day auction generated $42,749 in bids.

 

By comparison, the 2024 auction featured 382 items, valued at just under $74,000, and generating $43,754 in bids.  

 

The money raised goes to fund worthy community projects in the Terrace area.

 

 

ROTARY AUCTION SITE NOW LIVE!
The 65th annual Rotary Club of Terrace Online Auction is coming up this weekend (November 1st and 2nd) -- and the auction site is now live!
 
 
Get your bids in early! Hundreds of items have been donated by area businesses -- see the Oct 23rd Terrace Standard for a list, and watch the auction for late additions!
All proceeds to support worthwhile community projects, as well as youth and international endeavours.
Thank you for your support!
 
 
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TERRACE ROTARY SUPPORTS SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

Terrace Rotary supports local community organizations. 

This week, club president Reece Dozzi presented a $1500 cheque to Aron Nenninger of the Dare to Dream Foundation, in support of local school music programs.

 

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TERRACE ROTARY WELCOMES DISTRICT GOVERNOR JAN GISBORNE

It was our pleasure to welcome District 5040 Governor Jan Gisborne to this week's Terrace Rotary meeting.

Governor Jan presented Club President Reece Dozzi with a Major Donor Certificate in recognition of our club's contributions to Rotary International's fight to eradicate polio.

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TERRACE ROTARY AUCTION COMING UP SOON

The 65th Annual Terrace Rotary Live and Online Auction is coming up soon!

The auction takes place Saturday November 1st (5pm to 10pm PDT) and Sunday November 2nd (1pm to 9pm PST) in the Terrace Sportsplex Banquet Room.

Terrace Rotarians have been busy canvassing local and area businesses for donations, in order to raise money for worthy community projects.

Pre-bidding will be available beginning Oct 24th at 5pm when the auction website goes live.

 

[PHOTO BELOW:   Terrace Rotary Online Auction from 2022 – Archives]

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TERRACE ROTARY WELCOMES RICK McDANIEL TO CLUB

Terrace Rotary is pleased to welcome realtor Rick McDaniel to our club. Rick is a long-time Terrace resident and active on many local community groups.

Rick received his Rotary pin at a recent meeting from Past President Chad Sallenback.

 

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ISABELLA KING -  2025 TERRACE ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
As students head back to classes for the fall session, Terrace Rotary extends best wishes to all of them.... with a special shout out to Isabella King, the recipient of this year's Rotary Club of Terrace $3,000 Scholarship.
 
Isabella plans to achieve a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and majoring in Native Studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
 
Best of Luck Isabella!!
 
 
 
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GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF TERRACE ROTARY DUCK RACE:  PAT HOLLAND
Congratulations to Pat Holland -- the grand prize winner of $25,000 in the 2025 Terrace Rotary Wild Duck Race.
 
Pat held the winning ticket as her duck was the first to cross the finish line during the race on the Skeena River at Ferry Island on BC Day (Monday August 4).
 
The 2nd Prize winner of a 30-minute helicopter ride, donated by Canadian Helicopter Ltd, was Ross Parnell of Prince Rupert.
 
Our 3rd Prize winner of a $500 gift card from Safeway was Codie Long.
 
And our 4th Prize winner of a $500 gift card from Canadian Tire was Paul Wilkinson.
 
A big Rotary THANK YOU  to our sponsors, to Emil Anderson Maintenance for traffic control on the bridge, to Canadian Helicopters for dropping the Ducks... and most of all, thank YOU for purchasing all 4,000 tickets in this year's race and for supporting Rotary!   
 
The money raised will be used to support worthy community projects in the Terrace area.
 
 
[PHOTO:  Our grand prize winner Pat Holland receiving her $25,000 cheque from Club President Reece Dozzi]
 
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2025 WILD DUCK RACE WEEKEND APPROACHING!
It's a highlight of Terrace's Riverboat Days opening weekend -- the Terrace Rotary Wild Duck Race -- and it's happening on Monday August 4th at 10am.
 
Canadian Helicopters will drop 4,000 plastic yellow quackers into the Skeena River at Ferry Island -- and then they'll make their way under the western section of the Dudley Little Bridge and be scooped up by a flotilla of boats, with a grand prize of $25,000 going to the holder of the ticket number matching the first-place duck's number!
 
Second prize is a half-hour helicopter ride donated by Canadian Helicopters -- third prize is a $500 gift card donated by Canada Safeway -- and fourth prize is a $500 gift card donated by Canadian Tire.
 
Proceeds go to support community projects funded by Rotary!
 
Good luck!!   Come on down and watch the fun!  Spectators allowed on the bridge, but please obey the folks who try to keep vehicle traffic moving through the area -- stay in the roped-off area!! 
 
REECE DOZZI INSTALLED AS NEW PRESIDENT OF TERRACE ROTARY
Terrace Rotary's youngest member is now our President.
 
Reece Dozzi took possession of the President's gavel from Chad Sallenback, during the club's recent Installation Barbecue at Dozzi Acres (the home of Reece's dad Paul).  
 
Also honoured was our Rotarian of the Year for 2024-25, Kara Loy.  
 
The new roster of directors were also installed:  Secretary Manuela Krisinger, Treasurer Rich Toomey, Membership Director Valerie Gauvin, Publicity Director John Crawford, Sergeant-at-Arms Bryan Gascon, Service Projects Director Chris Houston and Foundation Chair Sarah Zimmerman.
 
 
[PHOTO:   Incoming President Reece Dozzi]  
 
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[PHOTO:  Reece being sworn in by outgoing President Chad Sallenback]   
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[PHOTO:   Chad congratulating Rotarian-of-the-year Kara Loy]
 
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[PHOTO:  this year's executive -- Valerie Gauvin, Manuela Krisinger, Reece Dozzi, John Crawford, Rich Toomey, Bryan Gascon, Kara Loy

(Not pictured: Chad Sallenback, Chris Houston, Sarah Zimmerman)] 
 
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[PHOTO:  Our MC for the Installation -- Tyler Valouch]  
 
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CITY PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR ADDRESSES TERRACE ROTARY
Terrace Rotary was pleased to welcome Tara Irwin, the City's Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, to this week's meeting.
 
Tara talked about some of the city's plans for future projects, one or more of which may be eligible for a financial boost from Rotary.  
 
Rotary has funded several of the city's projects in the past -- and Tara thanked us for our contributions.    
 
The money is thanks to the generosity of Terrace and area residents who always show strong support for our two main fundraisers:  The Terrace Rotary Auction in November and the Rotary Wild Duck Race in August.
 
[PHOTO:    Tara Irwin, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the City of Terrace, addressing Terrace Rotary -- Jun 9, 2025]
 
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[PHOTO:  A partial list of some of the City of Terrace projects supported by Terrace Rotary] 
 
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Terrace Rotarian Brian Downie named the District's ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR
The Rotary Club of Terrace is proud to announce that our own Brian Downie has been named Outstanding Rotarian of the Year for the entire District 5040.
 
This is the first time a member of our club has received the District's highest honour and we can't think of anyone more deserving!
 
The "Rotarian of the Year" award honours a District 5040 Rotarian who exemplifies "Service Above Self," adheres to the Four-Way Test, and significantly contributes to the club's mission, operations, and community or international service.
 
The honour was bestowed at this year's District Conference held at River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.
 
Here he poses with our club President-elect Reece Dozzi in front of the banner showing all winners of the award over the past years.
 
Congratulations Brian on a well deserved award!
 
 
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Terrace Rotary Helps College Students advance their education
Terrace Rotary is beginning a new Endowment fund at Coast Mountain College, and has donated $10,000 to the CMTN Foundation as our initial contribution (to be matched by the College).
 
The fund will support two yearly awards of $1200 each to deserving students -- one for the academic program and one for the trades program -- at Coast Mountain College.
 
The Rotary Club of Terrace already provides scholarships for high school students through the Northwest Scholarship Foundation and to UNBC Students.
 
Club President-elect Reece Dozzi presented the cheque to CMTN's Yvonne Koerner at this week's Rotary Club meeting.
 
 
 
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Rotarians in action: Highway Cleanup south of Terrace
The annual Rotary Springtime Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup took place Sunday along Highway 37 south of Thornhill.
 
We had 32 participants this year including members of both the Rotary Clubs of Terrace and the Rotary Club of Terrace-Skeena Valley, as well as 11 members of Terrace Ringette and other volunteers!
 
Thanks everyone for helping out!  And thanks to all motorists along the route who honked their encouragement and kept an eye out for us!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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ROTARY HELPS IMPROVE THE LIVES OF TERRACE SENIORS 
Terrace Rotary President Chad Sallenback and President-elect Reece Dozzi presented a $10,800 cheque today to Chris Mallett of the Dr REM Lee Hospital Foundation.
 
The donation will allow the purchase of one complete Gantry Ceiling Lift and Motor System at Terraceview Lodge.

The lift will improve the lives of Terraceview residents by allowing patients with evolving physical detriments to stay in their rooms where they reside, rather than transferring them to an unfamiliar setting.
 
This is important especially with residents that suffer from dementia as moving to another room or unit can often increase their confusion and delirium.
 
The installation of the ceiling lifts will also improve the work environment for TVL staff as it will help to mitigate musculoskeletal injuries.
 
 
Chad Sallenback, Reece Dozzi, Chris Mallett
[PHOTO:   Terrace Rotary President Chad Sallenback and President-elect Reece Dozzi presented a $10,800 cheque today to Chris Mallett of the Dr REM Lee Hospital Foundation -- APR 2025]
 
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The Value of International High School Students Detailed at this week's Terrace Rotary Meeting
Terrace Rotary was pleased to welcome Joe and Maiya Dominguez to this week's club meeting, and to learn more about Coast Mountains School District 82's International Homestay Program which hosts international students attending high school here.
 
The value of this program to our community and to the students themselves was detailed by Joe and Maiya.
 
 
 
 
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Terrace Chamber Exec-Dir Addresses Rotary Club
Terrace Rotary was pleased to welcome Terrace Chamber of Commerce executive director Ward Skinner to this week's meeting.
 
Ward, who is also a Rotarian (Skeena Valley club), outlined some of the keys to being successful in business, which is extra important in these uncertain and volatile times.
 
 
 
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Jul 13, 2026 12:15 PM
Why you need to know Ai
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Aug 03, 2026
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Aug 17, 2026 12:15 PM
Health Care Recruitment & Retention
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