Rotary Club of Stony Plain - March 3

Congratulations to Debbie Wiedeman, Stony Plain's newest member, proposed by Lynne Moros and inducted by Past President Ken Grenier. Members also welcomed a number of visitors who took part in an information evening on Rotary. This event was held during Rotary Week in February. The club published an invitation in the local community paper and also showcased club projects.

This lively, fun and informative meeting concluded with presentation of 4 Paul Harris Fellowships. Congratulations President Dee, Chuck (PE) and Stony Plain. It was a pleasure to share some thoughts on Rotary.

Great Rotary Events This Week

Chris Offer (RRFC) from Vancouver Chinatown Club reminded dinner guests at the Paul Harris Society dinner about the magic of the Rotary Foundation. "Children run and play because of what we do..."District 5370 now has more than 70 members - thanks to Brent Collingwood and the TRF Committee.

Rotary Day in Edmonton and throughout the district was dedicated to the End Polio Now Campaign. Struck by polio at an early age, Gary McPherson shared his story living with polio for 34 years in the University Hospital Polio Ward. The evening was hosted by several clubs including Edmonton Sutheast and Ave. of Nations. Kirsten Poon, Rotoractor from Edmonton Center M-C's the event.

Rotarians have stepped up to the plate to meet the $200 million challenge...let's do it!

Back Home - Rotary Club of Athabasca

Members of the Athabasca Rotary Club welcomed curlers from D5360 and 5370 to the annual curling bonspiel. District 5370 DG Terry Drader was winning coin tosses in unconventional ways and enjoying the event. Grande Prairie teams can give more detail. Curling action took place at the new Athabasca Multi-plex on February 18th. The curling was great - the fellowship, better. Congratulations to Dudley's Ft. St. John Team and Ross Hunter for a great job organizing this event. Next year we celebrate 50 years of Rotary curling in Lacombe.

My mother Joan Jewell and sister Wendy McDonald, Edmonton Mayfield Club were on hand to present the Harry Jewell Sportsmanship Award to Grande Prairie Team: Vernon Boyd, Sandra Impey, Rod McIntyre, Nicole Baker.




Conference Planning for the 2011 District ConferencejUNE 2011 is well underway. Athabasca University President Dr. Frits Pannekoek will be showcasing the work of AU in removing barriers to providing education around the globe. The club will have news of a world class ATHABASCA PROJECT which will benefit all Albertans and visitors to the area...stay tuned. -

The Training Begins for 2010-2011 Leaders

Bigger! Better! Bolder! -

The planning begins! District 5370 President's-elect and other 2010-2011 District Leaders met in Edmonton (January 29, 30) and Grande Prairie (February 6th) to begin planning for the coming Rotary year which begins July 1, 2010.

Club Membership profiles for the past 5 years were reviewed followed by discussions which centered around why our district has lost more than 1600 members in the past 5 years. Are we ensuring that Rotary is relevant? Does our membership reflect our communities? What changes must we make to ensure that Rotary service continues and grows?

President's-elect were challenged by District Trainer Wendy McDonald to create an exciting and bold vision for their Rotary year and to build the team and develop plans where all members of the club are involved and empowered in the spirit of Rotary Service to Build Communities and Bridge Continents

Rotarians were reminded of the excellent New Generations Rotary Programs for engaging youth and the need to enhance the public image of Rotary by implementing humanitarian service projects in their communities and communities around the world. Opportunities for connecting with members and potential members through social media were also explored.

Presidents-elect and club leader training will continue in Edmonton on March 5 and 6th, 2010.

Assembly - Final Reflections

Our new Rotary theme for 2011-2011 Building Communities: Bridging Continents aptly reflects who we are as Rotarians...we are a unique. We build the spirit and resources of our local communities in important ways, which is beautifully summarized by a PDG from Missouri. "When a positive spirit comes alive in our clubs, we inspire our communities. And when our communities are inspired by our service and presence, we inspire new members."Most agree that Rotary is the best in the world at Building Communities and linking people of goodwill around the globe and then gaining their cooperation and support to make the world a better place.

Wayne and I look forward to sharing more of our stories at the upcoming District Leadership Training events as well as our visits to clubs.

Assembly - a Celebration of Nations

This assembly was an opportunity to celebrate our unique cultures and traditions.
The Canadian delegates made quite a splash in their hockey jerseys and Olympic mits at the International Dinner. A spectacular and colourful affair featuring the costumes from around the world. Our RI President Elect Ray was in his cowboy gear...great music and fun.

Assembly - Group Study Exchange

DGE's had the pleasure of meeting with our GSE partners. District 5370 will exchange with District 9650 in New South Wales, Australia. DGE Jo Wilkin's team will travel to D5370 in May-June 2011 and the D5370 GSE team will travel to Australia in March 2011.