D5370 December Open House

Battlefords Celebrate 90 years - Dec 13

Congratulations Battlefords - 90 years...you are the second oldest club in District 5370 - Chartered in 1920.

First Photo, is myself (left), Stewart Palmer, member since 1968, receiving recognition, Rotary mug presented by Rotarian Jean Walker. Missing from the evening and photo is David McDonald who is our longest serving member who has been a member since 1965!!! Stewart and David are our only member who are over 40 years serving as Rotarians.

Second Photo, is myself (left), Bub Gladwell, member since 1985 but the oldest in birthday, 94 years old, Rotary mug presented by Rotarian Jean Walker.

Third Photo, is myself, President, Darlene Kingwell

Fouth Photo; is Chris Odishaw, Mayor of Battleford bringing greetings from our community on behalf of his Council and the Mayor of North Battleford, Ian Hamilton & Council. (Ian was unable to be there that evening because of a council meeting).

It was great to meet Harry and thank him again for attending, I know that was a long drive. We would of loved it if you were able to attend as well. Appreciate the support as this is such a busy time of the year for all of us.

I do have some pictures but my son is not here right now to instruct me on the downloading, but they are much the same as what you have so thanks again for including this.

The Lloydminster club (4 members) came Terri Selin, President, Rotary Club of Lloydminster, Pat SKinner, Secretary & Rotarian Les Harper and his wife, Alpha Harper. They presented us with a huge Pointsetta Centrepiece that had brought a $1,000.00 donation in their Dutch Auction of Flowers! We will in turn be selling tickets to raffle them off at our Annual Meeting tomorrow. That's alot of financial spirit wrapped into a plant

Edmonton Strathcona - December 14

http://www.facebook.com/people/Rotary-Edmonton-Strathcona/100000573382535

Under the leadership of President Heather do Kok, Edmonton Strathcona has just signed the certification papers to charter a new Interact Club at J. Percy Page High School. Great job Eric Germain. There is some interest in Earlyact at one of the elementary schools.
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Kudos to Rotarian John Germain who is the charter President of this energetic club. John has 2 sons, Eric and Ken very involved in Edmonton Strathcona.

Fellowship and laughter were present...

Visitors at this meeting included DGND Betty Skrepnek and George, Eunice Maris, PDG Judy Harcourt and Peter, John Wojicki and more....

President elect Eric de Kok has taken a lead on the club's successful Rotary Canada Flag Program. Funds from this great projects enable the club to support many worthwhile community projects:
King Edward Academy Reading Program
RYLA and RYPEN
High School Scholarships
Youth Exchange
Blankets for Youth Emergency Shelter
Pajamas for Zebra Foundation
care - Quilts for returning soldiers (these are spectacular)

This club is a strong supporter of the Rotary Foundation - special recognition was paid to Hans Granholm (and Linda). They received their crystal and Major donar pin for their most generous contributions to our Foundation.


Check out some of Strathcona club's International Projects - Congratulations Bruce Kemp

1.Wheelchairs for Panama and other countries – led by Peter Denooy and funded for $5,000.
2.Coffee Processing Plant and Community Centre for Zua Foundation near Bogota Colombia. Joint project between Cortland Rotary, USA, Edmonton-Strathcona, Canada and Rotary Club of Bogota. Funded for $5,000 of our club money with DDF grant (to be approved) of $5,000. Rest of project funded through Cortland, Bogota and TRF.
3.Project Amigo in Mexico. Funding from our club $1,000. Personal involvement from Dennis & Joan Freeman and their daughter and family for one month next April.
4.Belize program (part of 3 year commitment)
5.Girls School in Malawi
6.Sanitation project in Chilca-Chapar, Ecuador. $16,000 funded from Community Initiatives Program of the Alberta Government, Rotary Clubs of Edmonton and Edmonton-Strathcona. Rest of funding provided by local utility company in Ecuador along with construction crew. Completed in October 2010.
7.New School for community in Cajas. Club funded $4,000 plus sweat equity from Bruce Kemp for 2 weeks.
8.2 Rural Health clinics near Guayaquil, Ecuador. Funding from our club: $2,000.
9.Seeking to provide medical equipment through donation or purchase in Ecuador for Rotary Club of Guayaquil for rural health centres.
10.Other projects to be determined.

Drayton Valley - December 9

COngratulations to PDG Terry (and Mary) Drader and DV Club for an amazing/fun conference last Spring...

President Val Thesen and her board continue to build on the excitement of the 09-10 Rotary year and the strong rotary history in that community. The club meeting was attended by Mayor Moe Hamdon, Reeve and a number of future Rotarians that were guests of members.

Congratulations to new Paul Harris donars as well as Past President Marty for supporting polioplus.

Things will really heat up in Drayton Valley as the community hosts the sixth annual "Thunder in the Valley Drag Race". Proceeds go to support DV many projects:

Adult literacy
Nutrition Program in 3 schools
Eleanor Pick Up Art Centre
Rotary Brasnch Library $200,000
Stars Helipad $25,000
Youth Exchange -
Brazeau Seniors Foundation
Pool Mural (beautification project)
Santa Parade
Kinette Musical Festival

In addition, they are able to support other groups who help out at THUNDER - including hockey groups, cadets, seniors...

The club donated $64,000 to Rotary Trail system.

Great work Drayton Valley -

Hinton - December 8

President Joan Udell and her team have undertaken a BOLD new project with the construction of an inclusive Play and Spray Park. Social media has been a vehicle for them to build support and excitement in the community for this project. Lisa Risvold Jones refers to this as a "Modern Day Barn Raising"

Check out the Rotary Play and Spray facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117196081644009

and the Hinton Rotary Club webpage...http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/home/homeF.asp?cid=470

Hinton has played a central role in the Regional Arts Festival. Their Radio auction is a huge success...

Youth exchange is another program that is supported. Julian Grams YEX student from Germany is heavily involved in the scouting movement. A pleasure to meet Julian and members of this club.

Edson - December 7

Check out the Edson website...http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=458 and read more aboput the following stories and projects...

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played to a full house at the Edson & District Recreation Complex. The evening was filled with toe-tapping country music. A great fundraiser and community event.

More..
Rotary helps out Eddie's Fun Run. The Edson Rotary club volunteered to man the trails for the first Eddy's Fun Run. We directed traffic throughout the course for runners of the 5 km, 10 km and half marathon races. Runners commented on how much they appreciated the cheering on by the 26+ Rotarians, Interactors and friends of Rotary who stayed at their stations for up to 3 hours. As well, we had a table at the finish line where we gave out freezies and were available to answer any questions about Rotary's involvement in the trails.

HIGHWAY TO MEXICO 2010!!! The Rotary Clubs of Edson and Grande Prairie are leaving for Mexico on Friday March 5, 2010 with 4 fire trucks, an ambulance and a handi bus.

INTERACT Club Chartered in Edson Edson INTERACT club officially installed!

INTERACT - SUDAN School Project The story of Sudan and the Lost Boys of Sudan is a true story of tragic experience outside our Canadian imagination. The spirit of the survivors compels us to help.


PROJECT: Walking Trails in Edson The Edson community is now enjoying upgraded and expanded walking trails due to the co-operative efforts of many.

Barrhead- December 6

President Heather Teppin - exchanging banners with Marie from Austria - Athabasca's exchange student.

Barrhead Rotary Club- now 50 years has left a legacy of successful projects and clubs. Driving into Barrhead, one cannot help but notice the Rotary Park. On the other side of this community is their newest project - a splash Park and Playground. The club are working to purchase a new bed for the hospital, volunteers are supporting a habitat for Humanity Build. The club also supports the yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program for youth, the Adventures in Citizenship program, RYLA, the Rotary Music Festival and 4-H public Speaking contest.

Their $10,000 raffle has been a successful fundraiser - and helps support the Belize Literacy Program, Rainbow for the Future, Haiti...

This great club under the leadership of President Heather and President-elect Shane is ready to plan for the next 50 years (well the next 3-5 for sure)

It was great to have Mayor Brian Schultz attend the meeting. He is a great supporter of Rotary. Rotarian Noel Major from Athabasca spoke about the legacy of this club and all the clubs that were chartered under Barrhead (Westlock, Athabasca, Lac La Biche, Stony Plain, Parkland Rotary After Dark...) President Rex from Westlock was on hand to offer support.