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.

The Rapids Return to Dragon Boat

They're BACK!

Nothin' Dragon is proud to support the Rapids, a composite team of high school students from Riverside and Gleneagle in Port Moody and Coquitlam.

The team uses our equipment and boats and get out on the water (even in the rain) once per week. The students are led by Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon. and Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle.

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Coming in to the dock at Rocky Point Park, Port Moody. On steer is Linda Corcoran of Nothin’ Dragon.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Gold Place Finish For the Gleneagle and Riverside Rapids at Concord

Another huge shout out to the Rapids, the high school team that trains in our boats and with our safety boat, paddles, PFDs and our steer, Linda!

This youth team is made up of students from Riverside Secondary and Gleneagle Secondary students and they did very well at the 35th annual Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival at False Creek, Vancouver on June 24 and 25.

The outcome was a gold medal in the Junior Mixed C Division!

The students are led by Riverside teacher, Erica McArthur, former coach to Nothin’ Dragon. Susan Priestly, a teacher from Gleneagle is the co-coach.

The team trains at Rocky Point and many of the youth helped us on the dock at our Inlet Spring Regatta.

Way to go, Rapids!

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Medal ceremony. Junior Mixed C gold.

Dear Nothin Dragon,

Thank-you for your individual support with the Gleneagle and Riverside Rapids this season. Over the course of the season these paddlers learned so much about teamwork, commitment, pushing personal limits, and having fun. We could not have done it without your support. After a busy teaching day, arriving each afternoon to the crew getting out the equipment and boat made everything run smooth. Please know the pure enjoyment/exhaustion on the faces of the students in the attached photo was possible thanks to you.

Susan and I had a rewarding season coaching the Rapids and working with your support.

All the best in the remainder of your 2023 racing season and see you next year!

Sincerely,

Erica

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