Honouring Remembrance Day at Legion 119

On November 11, members of the Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society gathered to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our veterans, proudly representing our team at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Legion 119 in Port Moody. BC. This solemn event brought us together in gratitude and respect as we honoured those who served.

Our team captain, Bob Walton, went above and beyond this year, selling poppies for Legion 119, and he had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of our team during the ceremony.

View fullsize

Marcus Farmer, a member of The Rapids high school team we support.

We were also please to see Marcus in the parade, representing the next generation in commemorating the importance of this day. Joining Captain Bob at the ceremony were Nothin' Dragon members Lori, Trish and John, Steve C, Sandra, and both Pat J and Pat W. Each of us stood together, unified in remembrance.

The Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society is proud to have been part of such a meaningful event and continue to support our community with the same spirit we bring to the water.

Lest we forget.

View fullsize

Bob laid a wreath on behalf or Nothin’ Dragon.

Society AGM and Elections Held

Our annual general meeting was held on Oct. 24 2024 at the Old Mill Boathouse to discuss our successes, review our finances, and to vote for our new executive.

The new executive is as follows:

• President, Robbin Whachell

• Vice President, Steven Price

• Treasurer, Sandra Foubert

• Secretary, Linda Corcoran

• Race Registrar, Denise Nelson

• Captain, Bob Walton

• Assistant Captain, Ian Codyre

Thanks to all those who step up and support as managers and assistant managers.

The team was formed in 1998 in Coquitlam and trains at Rocky Point, Port Moody. In September 2022 the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society was formed. We promote participation, fitness, camaraderie and support community. We also host the annual Inlet Spring Regatta each April.

Great Attendance at Annual Safety Session

Each year our team Nothin’ Dragon holds a safety session at City Centre Aquatics Complex (CCAC) in Coquitlam’s city centre.

On The session serves as a review of what to do should the boat capsize. We also review the fitting of our life vest or pfd, and learn other safely procedures. While the session is done predominantly for our new members, it’s a great refresher for long-standing members.

27 paddlers attended the safety session on Feb 15, which may well be a record attendance.

View fullsize

"The session went well and quickly,” said our safety manager, Bob Walton. “Many thanks to those attending for helping each other in the lesson, and to Neil and Donna Nyberg who ran the show and provided the canoe. Thanks to all the helpers, in and out of the pool, in particular Randy, Dave S, Brian A, Brent, Michele, and Christine. Alumni, newbies and regular paddlers all contributed to a valuable team building exercise."

Thank you Bob, for coordinating this session!

Remembrance Day Wreath Laid

As Canadians gathered across the country for Remembrance Day memorials, Donna Nyberg and Bob Walton represented our team in paying respect at the Port Moody Legion 119 on November 11, 2023.

Thanks also to those from the team who sold poppies earlier in the week. Donations of well over $1000 were given to the Legion.

New President for Nothin' Dragon Paddling Society

In 2023, Nothin’ Dragon turned 25 years as a team, and since 1998, there have been only two presidents. The initial leader was actually Ann Hensel who was labeled team coordinator until Ron McPherson took on the role of president and he held the position until Brian Kenny took over in Nov. 2011.

Brian announced his resignation at the team’s general meeting in Spring of 2023, and since that time, team chatter was abuzz with everyone trying to figure out who should be their next president. A survey was also put out by the executive to canvas the team about who they felt would be best to lead.

View fullsize

THANK YOU outgoing president, Brian Kenny! Brian holds up a painting gifted by teammates.

While most expected the vice president, Brent Murphy to take the role, he announced he was unable to. At the annual general meeting in October 2023, Robbin Whachell (team captain) accepted the nomination for president being the only person whose name was brought forward.

Brian was thanked for his years of service to the team with accolades and gifts and will remain past president on the executive for the next year, guiding Robbin in her new role.

“When I put my resignation on the floor it was an emotional time for me,” Brian said. “I was going to leave sooner but COVID hit and I felt I could still offer support to keep the team alive and functioning. We survived and that was my signal to step down. An organization always needs new input from the top and Robbin's name came to the top of my list. Knowing that Brent would not accept the role, I approached Robbin who was reticent to take it on given her time to numerous organizations. But it is that fact that made her the obvious candidate because she is energetic, forward-thinking, and a people person. She is a trailblazer and will take us as a team to new heights. We are in good hands.”

Both have worked closely over the years, first when they helped organize the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge from 2016 to 2019 and most recently the team-driven event, the Inlet Spring Regatta (2018 to present), which is held each April at Rocky Point Park.

View fullsize

Robbin and Brian during the Coquitlam Crunch Challenge in 2019

The Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society was formed in 2022, and Robbin is no stranger to non-profit Societies as she served two terms as president of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society in Coquitlam. She also sits on other society boards related to sports or community service.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our executive to find ways to enhance or improve the Society’s operations and see how we can grow as a club,” she said.

View fullsize

Two days after the AGM, Brian and Robbin share a toast at the team’s Oktoberfest fundraiser.

The 2023/24 executive is comprised of the following:

• President, Robbin Whachell

• Past President, Brian Kenny

• Vice President, Brent Murphy

• Treasurer, Wilhemina Savage

• Secretary, Linda Corcoran

• Race Registrar, Denise Nelson

• Captain, Sandra Foubert

• Asst. Captain, Bob Walton.

---

Nothin’ Dragon is an energetic group of men and women who strive to achieve excellence in physical fitness by participating in recreational and competitive dragon boating. We are a motivated group, enjoying an active lifestyle in a friendly, supportive team setting, and contributing to the community by sponsoring, encouraging, and mentoring youth programs. This group is a force that sees potential in every stroke of the paddle.