A writer first made the connection between the poppy and battlefield deaths during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, remarking that fields that were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.

 During the tremendous bombardments of the First World War the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing 'popaver rhoeas' to thrive. When the war ended the lime was quickly absorbed, and the poppy began to disappear again.

 After John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields was published in 1915 the poppy became a popular symbol for soldiers who died in battle.

 Three years later an American, Moina Michael, was working in a New York City YMCA canteen when she started wearing a poppy in memory of the millions who died on the battlefield.

 During a 1920 visit to the United States a French woman, Madame Guerin, learned of the custom. On her return to France she decided to use handmade poppies to raise money for the destitute children in war-torn areas of the country. In November, 1921, the first poppies were distributed in Canada.

 Thanks to the millions of Canadians who wear flowers each November, the little red plant has never died. And neither have Canadian's memories for 116,031 of their countrymen who died in battle.

 

A Canadian institution for 70 years, CARE Canada has brought relief to Millions around the world.   Ulrike Thomas, a development Associate for the Alberta territory gave us a heartfelt, informative talk outlining the history of CARE Canada and it's hands on involvement with people in dire need of things like clean water and safer birthing, and medical and nutritional, and education...and....   You get the idea. CARE is needed and with less than 6%of funding going to administration, the Canadian Government sees the value. They match donations.   Thanks Ulrike, that was enlightening.

 

 

Last week there was excitement on the Rotary Wheel Of Fortune!   Hugo spun the $100.00 bill spot on the wheel; but the hard part was still coming! He now had to draw a Joker from a diminished card deck of 45 cards....And He Did! Graciously throwing the big win back into the Rotary pot, Hugo will be helping Operation Eyesight

The German Canadian Cultural Association (GCCA) is closed the last two Tuesdays in December, Dec 23 & 30. With the able help from Ron Dobbin, the super chef, Rick, at Allen Gray, has gracefully opened the doors for us to the 'Pub', which is adjacent to the dining room. This was the room that was the focus of Ron's dissertation a couple of weeks ago.   In the spirit of the holidays, a glass of wine or a beer will be included in the usual $21 meal cost at the door. Below is a map to Allen Gray.

MAP

Get ready to feel the Rotary love as we will hear heart warming stories of Rotary help around the world.

The Foundation helps to make it work with our contributions.

(please see the invitation info in the "read more" area below) December 2 has been chosen for bringing out a guest or two for a free lunch and to check us out.  The program will be several of our own members with Rotary related stories.  Try to think of a guest.   The sample invitation/letter can be opened from the This link below.

May 2, the last Membership Day, saw plenty of guests, a lively meeting, and an opportunity to let others know about Rotary!   Members and Guests can register from THIS LINK

 

 

Concentration; Dedication = Elation   ps: They saved his wife from the fire; and he parred the hole!

Hey! Model Rotarians Ken and Sandy G. made the cover of the Travel Brochure!  Well, the one at their house anyway.

"Past experience should be a guidepost, not a hitching post."

Our club KIVA team has recently passed a milestone or two. Patrick Gibson advised us that we have now been active with 100 (!) small loans to small businesses amounting to $8,800. in this, our first year of involvement. 100% of the 100 loans have either been paid back in full or are in the process of being paid back. 55% of loans have helped women, often with university tuition. Men and small agriculture based loans seem popular choices also. Good work by everyone involved in this positive, immediate solution that helps us connect with real people around the world.

 

RI link: 4-Way Test