The Buzz - March 9, 2015

 
 
This week we heard from Camrose Rotary Air Cadet Squadron's Cpl. Ashley White who is competing in a cadet public speaking competition.
 
The Buzz – March 9, 2015
 
President David called the meeting to order
 
Guests: Peter and Joy Leblanc; Air Cadets Connie, Lt Mitchell, Ashley
 
Health of the Club: All good
 
Inbound Student, Maci: Went to Calgary and Banff on the weekend. At the Calgary Tower jumped on the glass floor and was amazed with the views. Shopped for foods, etc for Ron’s Brazilian dinner. Bought his favorite soda, may share with us at a future meeting. Brazilian steakhouse dinner reminded of home. Took a picture on Banff Avenue like the one he saw years ago. Impressive mountains, gondola ride, walk along mountain top and hot springs.
 
Announcements:
  • Celebration Gala, May 2 – Thursday’s meeting was good, next meeting March 19. See Tyler to get tickets or make payments. Let him know who the buyer is. Let Tony know silent auction items you’ve obtained.
  • District training on the weekend revealed incoming president K R Ravindran’s theme – Be a Gift to the World. Incoming District Governor Tim Shields promoted the Dawson Creek District Conference. President Elect Tony remarked on the emphasis on the My Rotary website and the encouragement for all members to login (your Rotary email and password rotary). It is a very comprehensive Rotary management site.  Ray H commented that he learned lots that will help him in his role as Assistant District Governor, Area 9, in the 2015-2016 year.
President-elect Tony with the new club banner showing the 2015/16 Rotary theme of "Be a Gift to the World."
 
 
Happy Bucks:
  • David S noted we’re surviving a meeting with no coffee. Cries of ‘It’s not over yet’
  • Darcy invited us to see him as Athos in the 3 Musketeers at the Lougheed Centre on March 26th and the sound of geese means spring is here
  • Sheila and Jerome are happy the weather is warm
  • Ken R enjoyed his grandchildren in southern Alberta and 2 concerts made this a music week
  • David T felt the impact Ron has on our club, district, international and the people he has helped, while listening to his presentation in Edmonton. Ray will be an asset in his District role and further enhance the reputation of our club. A family cruise was enjoyed by all. A sister turned 90, an event he didn’t expect to see.
  • Peter and Joy are thrilled to be able to hear their granddaughter speak to the club.
  • Joy shared that one of the hospice society ladies is going to be teaching young people about dying and death
  • Dan O is pleased the Bailey is offering gospel events
  • Bonnie is happy to be back and glad her husband is doing well
  • Jenn is celebrating her birthday today, all join in singing
  • Dan Mac had a great lunch with his wife and 2 girls from his school days. On his cardiologist’s advice to choose same=deteriorate or healthy=improve there is now lots of wine in the house as it is great for health.
  • Dawn turned the Tina Turner tribute into a fundraiser. Over 200 attended and raised $1,040 for Terry Fox and $1,300 for Mike Twerdun’s medical travel
  • Norm welcomed a great grandson March 1st and Betty is celebrating a birthday
  • Ray H found the training useful and also saw the esteem Ron has brought our club. The community band concert had no glaring errors
Judges Norm, Ray H:
  • Tyler was fined for making inappropriate comments
  • Carmen was happy he wasn’t fined
Presentation: Public Speaking, Prepared and Impromptu for Air Cadet Challenge
Cadet Ashley White presented a prepared speech on the Issue of Mental Health.
Noting that 1 in 5 persons will experience a mental health issue at some time in their life it is sad that it isn’t easy to get help or break through the stigma it embodies. She asks why is there stigma, rejection, judgment attached to mental illness that is not seen for physical illness or injury. The public perception of the risk of violence from the mentally ill is misplaced as the mentally ill are far more likely to harm themselves than others. Change is needed to break down the stigma. Only 49% would talk to a friend with mental illness. Who wouldn’t offer help to a friend with a physical illness? We also have to be kind and keep an open mind. Mental illness isn’t something to trivialize or ‘get over’.
 
She presented an impromptu speech on how Air Cadets has affected her life.
At first she was excited about everything to do with cadets, even shining boots. Over time she saw the recognition for progress and the opportunities for growth and interaction with others. She looks forward to the experiences summer camp will bring and expects to ‘age-out’ of cadets.
The judges provided comments on Ashley’s fine presentations and wished her success as she pursues public speaking. Connie noted that the cadet corps has grown from 27 cadets last year to 51 this year. She hopes the corps will have more interaction with the club going forward so the club can see the results of our sponsorship.
 
Chase the 8 of Diamonds: $18 up for grabs. Ken D won the chance and drew, to the surprise of everyone, the 8 of diamonds. He donated the prize back and declared we will now chase the ace of spades. He did not draw the ace so $18 in the pot for next week.
 
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NEXT MEETING: Monday March 16th at 1145 am in the Rotary Room of the Camrose Recreation Centre.
Greeters and Judges: Carman Mason and Maurice Francoeur
Guest Speaker:  Carol Davies-Pedersen speaking about her recent trek to Churchill, MB to experience the polar bears.