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!

Edmonton South Meeting - August 11

Joined by AG Arlaine Monaghan and DGE Harry Buddle, under the leadership of President Pauline, the Board met at the Derrick Golf and Country Club to review directions and possibilities for 2010-2011. This club is now into year 61 having celebrated their 60th anniversary last November. So many big projects - St Josephs, Ft. Edmonton Harvest Fair....the list is long.

The meeting was followed by a club social (western theme) at Hank Hendrick's beautiful home in Riverbend. What a garden! Ask to see Hank's crystal collection of all the 15 RI Conventions he has attended.

After some great burgers and remarks from President Pauline, AG Arlene introduced me and we all learned/and sang RI President Ray's song - COWBOY LOGIC.

It was great to have Dennis' son Ben in attendance as well as many rotary friends. Thanks to all for your hospitality -

Wetaswin Rotary Club - August 10

Wetaskwin was a picture perfect city - a City in Motion. The flowers were beautiful. The Rotary Club meets Tuesday at noon at the Wetaskwin Legion. What a great place to meet to discuss Rotary and enjoy the fellowship oof these great Rotarians.

President Tim and Bill Milnthorp met for a few hours and discussed strategies for strengthening the Wetaskwin Club. Suggestions included - form an interact club, plan a hands on International Service Project (e.g. playground in Belize) spread out the program duties to involve all members of the club - ...build on current successful projects: Excellent in Education Award, Watermelon Hole, Terry Fox Run, Wetaskwin Air Show, Boys and Rotary Clean up (just a few) Fundraisers include Hockey Draft. Plans also include information meeting to share the opportunity of Rotary with potential members.

Congratulations Wetaskwin -

The Battlefords - August 9, 2010

2010 marks the 90th anniversary of this club. Chartered in 1920 - The Battlefords is the second oldest Rotary Club in District 5370. Edmonton club was chartered in 2016...so many stories of service and bringing hope to others. Bud Gladwell is the member with the most service years in this club.

The Battlefords' Rotary theme... Bridging Communities - shares a bridge over the North Saskatchewan River and joins their two communities. What a beautiful setting for this Rotary Community.

If you stop by the exhibition - be sure to stop by the Rotary booth for a spud-nut. A great fundraiser for this club that has supported their community by building parks - skateboard park, dog park - proposed Memorial Park. Other fund raisers include Texas Hold'em, Trip of the Month, Hockey draft, PGA Golf Pool...this I am sure is a short list for this vibrant and active Rotary Club.

President Darlene and her Board will be exploring opportunities for accessing grants through our Rotary Foundation. Congratulations as you begin the last decade before your centennial. May your club continue to build BIG - BETTER - BOLDER!