A new Rotarian was welcomed into the family of Rotary - welcome Rev. Maureen Crerar.
I had the pleasure of recognizing Rotarian Barbara Yule and husband Les for their generous contribution to The Rotary Foundation - our newest members of the Bequest Society.
Thank you Barbara and Les.
Outgoing President Brian Mason and in-coming president Roshan Gupta shared their successes and dreams for the future of their club. What a great year for Northern Lights Rotary club and ambitious plans for 2010-2011. You can do it!
We missed the company of Harold Witte - but not his music. This club knows how to sing...thanks for a most enjoyable evening at Ric's Grill. The food, fellowship and the incredible spirit of Rotary.
Wayne and I are on a Rotary High as we head back home after attending the 100th Rotary International Convention in Montreal this past week.More than 300 Rotarians, Exchange Students, Interactors, Rotaractors and guests from District 5370 took part in this extraordinary convention.This Rotary International convention will stand out as being memorable for a number of reasons –
Canadian Rotarians have cause to celebrate – 100 years ago the first rotary club in Canada was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba contributing to the formation of our International Rotary organization.This was the first club established outside of the USA.To commemorate this defining moment in Rotary’s history, a commemorative stamp was released recognizing this extraordinary event in history.
We have achieved our goal for completing our Canadian Rotary Centennial Project –AfghanistanThank You District 5370 club.
Featured speakers included Greg Mortenson – author of Three Cups of Tea, Jo Luck – founder of the Heiffer Foundation providing food for the hungry and Dolly Parton, music star and founder of the Dollywood Foundations’ Imagination Library provided delegates with inspiration and insight into possibilities for making a difference in the world.
Always a highlight is the time to meet with rotary friends from around the world.
District 5370 was well represented at this convention;
·Youth Exchange Committee members Wayne McCutcheon, Pauline Perrault, Darrin King shared the newly developed D5370 leadership training program - theBs...which is attracting attention throughout the Rotary world; congratulations to this team!
·Interact co-chair Stephen Lindop participated in a discussion forum on engaging youth in Rotary; his interact team from Calmar helped out in…
·D5370 Employment Partnership booth in the House of Friendship provided a wonderful opportunity to share with others from around the world how D5370 Business Owners are changing lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing employment; the booth became a meeting place where D5370 Rotarians met and shared information with others promoting this partnership;
·The Rotary Club of Westlock showcased their project in Ethiopia and Rotarians from 5370 were present at the Project Amigo booth sharing more worthwhileopportunities for service;
·PDG Terry Drader, and Rotarians Richard Dickinson, Randy Boissanault from the Edmonton Club presented highlights of literacy initiatives from across the district; in addition, DGE Jackie shared some of the Success Stories from the Belize Literacy Program; Randy provided us with a first glimpse of the new Literacy Without Borders project...watch for details.
Wayne and I also connected with our 2011 Group Study Exchange partners from Australia (D9650) DG Jo Wilkin and Lindsay.Please note the timelines for applying for this exciting GSE opportunity.
Our history of service is truly remarkable and one in which all 1.2 million Rotarians should be proud.
The themeBuilding Communities; Bridging Continents will be our theme as we undertake to continue the strong tradition of making a difference in the world as we seek to make Rotary BIGGER! BETTER! BOLDER!Our 2010-2011 Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith is appealing to all Rotarians to build on the successes of the past and ensure that Rotary International continues to be the premier service club in the world bring hope to the millions of people around the globe who need our help.
Congratulations to members of the Rotary Club of Morinville. President elect Syl Haisan provided an over view of club projects over the past 14 years. Trails, benches, TRECK 2000, toys for underprivileged, spray park, cadets, business centre, Belize Literacy Program (lots of support from this club), youth exchange program, playgrounds, support for soccer and hockey...this is the short list.
Thanks to Rotarian Kathy and members who made this early morning meeting - lively and welcoming. All the best in your next 14 years as you build Rotary in your community.
Preparation is well underway for Belize Summer 2010 workshops. This year 24 teachers from D5370 (a few from D5360) will travel to Belize this summer to provide Belizean Learning Coaches with the facilitation skills and knowledge to lead workshops for their teacher peers. In addition, more than 300 Principals will attend training on literacy, Positive Behavior Management, Effective Planning, Differentiating Instruction and Integration of Technology for Learning.
Many hands were on deck to organize the supplies, books, computers for shipping to Belize.
Three containers will be heading to Belize in next few weeks - 3 playgrounds and more...thanks to all who were on board at HAWS to help load container 1.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Stony Plain, Rotary After Dark - an "Urban Spirits" club was chartered by DG Terry Drader and a host of attendees, including PDG Mark Starratt from D5360 who brought greeting and spoke about Rotary.
The theme - Jersey's and Jeans - defined the dress code for the evening.
June 4, 2010 - a great day for Rotary and D5370 as we welcome new Rotarians
Congratulations! Interactors from Calmar are off the Montreal Convention. Their successful auction and dinner, attended by friends, family and Rotarians netted this group more than $10,000
