Fairview - August 31

This vibrant community of 3500 has the formula for growing Rotary Bigger! Better! Bolder! Amazing projects, public relations, fun meetings and committed members. Did I mention strong leadership and a succession of leaders eager to learn and contribute!

President Linda and her Board have just raised over $14,000 at the RCMP Musical Ride event hosted by the club. In addition, more than half the club turned out for the 50th anniversary of the Dunvegan Bridge and republished the photos and stories from August 31, 1960 dedication.

This club has brought hope to many through their Good For Kids Foundation and their project in Kenya. Youth Exchange student Yvonne Zabadalove from the Czech Republic introduced herself at the meeting and is settling into school. Welcome Yvonne.

Fairview Bulletins are informative! What a great way to celebrate and spread the good news of Rotary.

Do ask members of this club about their successful community calendar fundraiser and Cow Plop Bingo...this is amazing.

When you drive into Fairview you see a Rotary clock - beautiful!

The meeting had a unique heads or tails game. The winner gets to recite the 4-way test and wins a prize...thanks to this club for a fun meeting. Your donation to polioplus is appreciated.

Well done Fairview Rotarians!

Edmonton West - August 30

This club visit was a great opportunity to reconnect with Rotary friends - many who have served (and still do) as my mentors in Rotary. My first fireside was with Jerome Martin at the Faculty club. Jerome continues to serve - playing the piano at every meeting, providing leadership on the Belize Literacy Program Committee and sharing opportunities with Rotarians of the benefits and magic of social media. PDG Dan Graham, past AG Ann Orsini and other great friends were in attendance.

Rotarians in this established club have such as record of service as evident by the long tradition of service projects in: Grandview Extendicare, Air Cadets Squadron 395 (since 1985) , Clean Scene network for Youth, Guatemala Eye Care (Ben Doz), MicroBanks, HAWS, literacy projects at James Gibbons School, inner city rink project (Boyle Street)... they are working on purchasing a grand piano for Grandview.

Internationally -a new project building latrines in Belize with the Rotary club in Placentia, Belize has potential to expand further into this community.

Rotarians Jennifer Lawley, Sherry Holmes and Al Sanderson, just back from Belize working with the teacher professional development program which took place this summer made a huge contribution to this year's summer workshops. Thank you!

President Mike and his Board are committed to growing and strengthening this club - 2 prospective members were in attendance at this meeting. Rotarian Chris Gowers was on hand to share the good news about Rotary.

Guest Nadine Fulmer from Edmonton Northeast Club was present to support Shane - who is helping out at the desk. The D5370 Employment Partnership is making a difference. It was great to have Shane at this meeting.

The Rotary Wheel commissioned by PDG Allan McLean was presented to District 5370. Thank you Edmonton West.

Thank you Edmonton West for your warm welcome and hospitality. AG Arlaine Monaghan was on hand to assist. Thanks Arlaine!

St. Albert - August 27

President Tony Elaine treand Elaine treated Board members to a wonderful dinner that was BIGGER (ham) BETTER (Potatoes) BOLDER (spicy veggies) RI President Ray would be proud Tony - and certainly pleased to hear how this club continues to grow in your 26th year of service in the city of St. Albert.

The Sturgeon Golf Club is a beautiful setting for this breakfast club meeting. A new member induction, welcoming exchange student from Thailand, recruiting members for many service project, Shelterbox donation to Pakistan - organizing Guess Who is Coming to Dinner and much more added to the energy and vibrancy of this amazing club.

Teacher of the Month recognition, pancake breakfast for 55+ Games, planning a legacy project - confirming a project in Eygpt and supporting the malawi Girls School are only a few of the projects discussed.

Thank you St. Albert Rotarians - I know that you will be successful in growing Rotary - Bigger! Better! Bolder!

Thank you also for your generous $1,000 donation to polioplus.

Sherwood Park Centennial- August 26

President Cam Ross and Board members of this energetic club are busy planning for their annual Fall Fest to be held September 18th at Millenium Place. Funds from this fundraiser which features Brent Kissel will go toward a Rotary Career Centre in the new Sherwood Park Library. A five year commitment of support. WOW!

International Service projects are being developed and may include a scholarship program for girls in Uganda. Do check out the grant opportunities from our Foundation.

Congratulations on your commitment to our youth and Rotary New Generations Programs.

This club has many leaders and we will be calling on their help for RLI - Rotary Leadership Institute.

This is a wonderful club - they will make you welcome at Smilies. Watch out for the fine master...

Edmonton Mayfield - August 25

The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield continues to build on their rich history of Rotary Service. This is the club where we (our family) were first introduced to Rotary as our dad - Harry Jewell was one of the early members of this club. .

It is reassuring that President Nonie Buski and her Board are committed to building on this strong tradition of service and fellowship with their plans for 2010-2011.

The club welcomed their newest member Crystal Beaver and youth exchange student Maria from Japan. Rotarian Mike Brandingan read the charge and introduced us to Maria. This club supports the new generations’ programs and remains active supporters of Interact, the two Edmonton Rotaract clubs as well as RYLA and RYPEN. The annual Brightview School Christmas dinner is a highlight for the members of this club and many students and parents who are fed a turkey dinner.

Mayfield Rotarians have published a top quality welcome and introduction letter describing their many service projects spreading the GOOD NEWS about Rotary – well done!

This club has a ten year successful partnership with Compassion House and the annual FORK IT OVER dinner and auction with Danny Hooper has raised big dollars which have enabled members to be active in their many community and international service projects.

A strong supporter of the Rotary Foundation... the $1,000 check to TRF a donation to PolioPlus will go far on our campaign to eradicate polio. Thank you Edmonton Mayfield!

It was great to have Mom Joan Jewell and family friend Heather Rogers at this meeting. My father Harry Jewell loved this club and enjoyed the fellowship of Rotary.

Fort Saskatchewan Club - Rotary River Valley Festival - August 22

Words that came to mind on this glorious afternoon in Fort Saskatchewan were Citizenship, Identity and pride. Pride in our country, our community and Rotary.

Several thousand spectators were out to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of dogs, sheep, more dogs and the RCMP Musical Ride which all took place in the Rotary Amphitheater.

Program included: Dog Agility Performance, Edmonton Police Service Canine Unit Demonstration, Brightbank Finnsheep sheep herding demonstration Pipes and Drums from Edmonton Police Service and RCMP Musical Ride - Warrant Officer David Schultz was on hand to accept the salute.

Rotary signage was placed throughout the venue as well as top notch displays which described one of their priority projects - sending wheelchairs to Belize.

Well done Rotarian - thank you for you hospitality.

Fort Nelson Rotary Club - visit August 18

Jim Krauss, Assistant Governor from Fort St. John and I had the pleasure of visiting this vibrant community. Upon landing, President Colin McMillan provided us with a tour of Rotary Projects - the most recent being the splash/water Park with visible Rotary signage. A row of trees planted by Rotarians 20 years ago line the center of the main street. The community has enjoyed ball diamonds, parks - all supported by the annual duck races, Rotary Auction, car wash and garage sale events help support these projects. The club is getting ready to welcome their in-coming exchange student.

The club meets at the backwoods Sport and Grill - if you are in Fort Nelson - drop in for a make-up. Members are warm and welcoming.

Enjoy the upcoming grand opening of the splash park.

Morinville Rotary - August 17

President Syl and his energetic Board from this 15 year old club are mapping out ambitious plans to complete a gazebo near the water park and fund Rotary Room at the new Community Centre under construction. The club plans to establish an interact club,(thanks Kathy)and welcome a student on youth exchange while continuing their work in Belize, Peru and Malawi. Bulletin editor Linda keeps this club informed - great work.

The meeting with this wonderful club - members and spouses and partners included two young guests; one to take the lead on Interact and a junior reporter from the local paper. Thanks for your continued support of polioPlus and the Annual Program's fund.

Wayne and I enjoyed the warm friendship and fellowship of this club...thank you! Your new meeting space is great at Don's Steakhouse. AG Sharon Cornelius was a great addition to this special evening.

Rotary Club of Camrose - August 16

Camrose is truly a picturesque city. Driving in you can't help but notice Rotary Park near the Fountain - this is also Rotary. Drive a few blocks into the city and you see more amazing projects - butterfly and hummingbird gardens,incorporated into the Four Seasons Environment Centre and trail system. This club has been active locally supporting youth - Air Cadets, since 1958 and Army Cadets. Interact and Rotaract clubs are established and growing. Members are getting ready to welcome their newest exchange student.

Note the sign that travels around Camrose into local businesses. A great way to promote Rotary.

Internationally, Camrose Rotary has supported many international projects including wheelchairs (driving a bus load) to Mexico, Belize Literacy Program and more...

Some unique fundraisers from Camrose including a car bingo (a few years back)

President David Stolee and his Board have some great ideas for growing Rotary in Camrose. At this meeting a new member Kelly was welcomed and David Taylor was presented with yet another Paul Harris recognition pin. Thank you David and members of this club who do support our Rotary Foundation. Have a great fun filled Rotary year!