Capital Ex Rotary Info Booth

The Capital-Ex Rotary info booth was a great gathering place for Rotarians and folks curious about Rotary. The Shelterbox attracted attention and interest (DGE Harry Buddle was trying to sell it for $1,000)

PDG Dan Graham stopped by as well as many volunteers from the District who promoted Rotary and shared our story. Thank you Rotarians!

A big thanks to Gary Keen, Edmonton Club - Randy Boissanault, Nirmal Nigger, LaVerne Quennel, Marilyn Mucha and Laura Ritchie for making this a success.

Dawson Creek Sunrise - July 16

President Sally Schilds opened this lively meeting adorned with crown. A gift from her sister...looks good Sally. Fine master Tim had an early morning Rotary quiz for members in attendance -

This energetic club partners with their sponsor club Dawson Creek to infuse energy into this community...a truly Rotary City. Rotary signs everywhere...

Returning exchange student Brynna Schilds (just home from Belgium) shares highlights with outbound student headed for the Ukraine.

General Ledger is NOT a new member. This club is excited... the annual pigeon races provide year round fun and funds for their many ambitious projects. Belize, Afghanistan, sewing center in Nicaragua Village, Malawi Girls School (Interact Project), scholarships...

For information on how to organize pigeon races - call members of this club!

This club has developed their New Generations programs - we appreciate the leadership from this club as opportunities for service are provided for young citizens of Dawson Creek.

Great job Dawson Creek Sunrise.

Dawson Creek Rotary Club - July 13

When you enter Dawson Creek - you know you are in a Rotary City. Sally and Tim Schilds provided us with a tour of walking trails, Rotary Lake and Rotary Historical Park... this community has a Rotary story to share.

President Jim Farley and members of the Executive met at the George Dawson for a mid-morning discussion about directions and future projects. The collaboration with Dawson Creek Sunrise club make this a unique Rotary partnership.

Projects such as the Pallative Care Centers, Cabin Fever, support for Interact Club's Malawi dinner and fundraiser, radio auction, pigeon races (you heard right), ice fishing challenge, $40,000 to Haiti (shelterboxes),community dinner, climbing wall...are only a few projects on their slate.

Congratulations Dawson Creek - chartered in 1954 WOW! Over 55 years of service!

I wonder what Rotary in Dawson Creek will accomplish in next 55 years...

Fort St. John Sunrise - July 14th

Coming into Fort St. John, Wayne and I recalled fond memories of the District 5360/5370 bonspiel hosted by FSJ Rotary clubs a few years ago, not to mention a super District conference...great fellowship and hospitality. We were also reminded that it was a Fort St. John Team that won the 2010 Rotary Bonspiel in Athabasca.

President Montana Currie and members of Board, along with AG Jim Kraus met Tuesday evening to discuss growing Rotary in this vibrant community. Membership growth and possibilities were explored as well as other initiatives for growing Rotary in Fort St. John. Club will consider an interact club - (building on success with Seeds of Learning program in El Salvador) and explore possibilities for evening Urban Spirits Club. Work is underway on new look for website with clubrunner.

Projects supported by this club include Youth exchange, Friendship exchange (Scotland), members from New South Wales, Australia are looking forward to the GSE for 2011 with NSW District; Trails Project, Christmas lunch for disadvantaged children; Food Bank for schools, breakfast program, kids sports, float...this is a busy club!

AG Jim Krauss invited us to visit his home at Charlie Lake. Thanks Jim. Carolyn is a super cook! Did you know Jim lives walking distance from his golf course.

This club is determined to meet President Ray's challenge - Bigger! Better! Bolder!

Fort. St. John - July 15th

President Trina Warren, along with Board members Darlene, Ernst, John and PE Clark welcomed Wayne and me to a productive meeting where we reviewed club plans for the coming year.

Some of the plans identified include by this great Board include - establishment of interact club, strategic planning session to identify future projects, participation in Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), weekly programs, updating website and improved communication to members using clubrunner and FUN and FELLOWSHIP activities.

Possibilities for projects include FSJ Soccer Club, Child Development Center - Interactive Play Center. Successful fundraisers and projects will continue...including the MEGA Lottery and the Rotary Park Society.

The club meeting had a number of distinguished Rotarians: Charter Member - Dudley Wagner and wife, PDG Bruce and Cheryl Christensen, AG John and Carolyn Kruass (great hosts at Charlie Lake)In bound and outbound exchange students.

A check presentation ($5000 to PolioPlus) from Moira Green and President Trina capped off a wonderful club visit. PDG Bruce had a big smile!

A challenge to both Fort St. John Clubs ----- this vibrant community of 18,000 may need another Rotary Club. A possible Urban Spirits ...to meet in late afternoon/evening.

Thanks for your wonderful hospitality. Let's make Rotary in 2010-2011 Bigger! Better! Bolder! Your club does make a difference...thank you for all you do!

Peace River Rotary Club - July 7

The Rotary Club of Peace River meets for lunch at the Sawridge - what a beautiful community nestled along the mighty Peace River.

President Paul Bennett welcomed members and guests including a visitor from Australia...outside of Brisbane. A highlight of the meeting was TWO TRUTHS and a LIE - each week two members are asked to share something (2 truths and make up another lie members then guess which is indeed the truth. A great fun way to start a meeting and get to know members better.

Peace River Rotarians serve as ambassadors for the Summer Games and are very involved in many projects in the community and internationally. An Interact club was chartered last year - well done!

Wayne and I have enjoyed our visit into the Peace River - Grimshaw - Manning area. We have been camping about 100 Km. north of PR. Wayne (Hank) is attending guitar camp in the Manning area.

Thanks to AG David McLaughlin - we look forward to joining members of club on August 31st for the corn roast.

Grimshaw Centennial - July 6

An early morning Executive meeting was attended by a core group of dedicated members, including Roy and Esme Nystrom. Grimshaw is now entering into it's 6th year of Rotary Service. Robert Taback has agreed to serve as President-elect - thanks Robert and Alan Schramm as Secretary Treasurer.

President Mark Reider welcomed a number of guests to the lunch meeting including PDG Gord and Dale Hankin (D7820 in Nova Scotia) Rotarian Roy Nystrom introduced Gord and Dale who were once residents of Grimshaw.

President Mark inducted a new member Chris Maggs and welcomed him to the club. Their goal is 30 members before the end of this Rotary year! Go for it Grimshaw!

Thanks for the support of AG David McLaughlin - great fun and fellowship at this meeting

Wayne and I look forward to our next visit August 31st.

Athabasca Rotary Club - June 30

Rotarians in Athabasca will be visible inn the community as they prepare the riverfront for the popular River Rats Festival.

The June 30th meeting was DGE Jackie's first club talk that will be shared at the 60 clubs around District 5370.

Dawn Minns was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship - well done Dawn!

Congratulations for out-going President Greg Assen for another great year of Rotary Service in Athabasca. Gerry Kiselyk - all the best as we strive to build Rotary - Bigger! Better! Bolder!

I look forward to hosting our District 5370 conference in Athabasca in June 2011 as we welcome the clubs in our district to our great community.