Stories

President Brian Reed presents Nicky Coughlin the Rotarian of the Year award thanking her for her hard work and dedication to the Super Six Lottery Raffle and charring the Community Christmas Party.  Congratulations Nicky!

Kathy introduced Lane Lawrent, a grade 10 student from Sturgeon Comp who just returned from the Saskatoon trip, Adventures in Technology. Lane reported on 3 technology advanced businesses plus a food company who made artificial meat. Tasted awful.  Lane visited the following businesses

An informative presentation by interim Staff Sergeant Riz Suleman interm  Commander of the Morinville detachment

Bob Taylor(left)with the Rotary Club of Morinville gives the keys for a new 27-foot recreational vehicle to Super 6 lottery winner Troy Dale on November 28 in RV City.  "It's very good luck, it's nothing but luck"said Dale.  I've never won anything in my life so I'm grateful to Bob and the Rotary Club."  Also in the photo are Nathan Peesker(second from left), Sales Manager with RV City and Troy's wife Mary(right).

Wednesday September 18th the Rotary Club of Morinville met with regional stakeholders to discuss a proposed Regional Recreation Facility

On June 19th the Club's guest speaker was Stephen Dafoe, owner of "The Morinville News".  Stephen provided the Club with a brief history of the on-line and print publication highlighting some of the changes over the last few years.   He also noted the print publication would be seeing some changes this August with respect to size.  He provided the Club with two options and asked the Club for feedback on its preference on the two options.  What a great way to get community buy in on a great news publication that well serves the Town of Morinville and its residents!

On June 5th, the Morinville Rotary Club was treated to a visit from three past Rotary Exchange Students.  K. Hughes, N. Boulanger & Renee Thompson shared snippets of their exchange experience. K. Hughes visited in Germany; R. Thompson went to Bolivia where she volunteered at an orphanage; and, N. Boulanger traveled to Brazil.  All three women emphasized how the exchanged program positively impacted their lives and they highlighted the life long relationships and familial bonds they made that have carried on into their adult lives.   They experienced new cultures, learned a second language, grew into self confident and independent individuals.  Each walked away from their experience understanding what it means to be a "global citizen".  They encouraged the Club to participate in the Rotary Exchange program and suggested not only to provide support to the students but also to their families as it can be difficult for families to let their children go away for a year and then have their children return different in many ways. They acknowledged they were very fortunate to have the support of their families.

All three were incredibly grateful to the Rotary for providing them the opportunity that shaped their lives in more ways than they ever imagined.

At the Club's May 29th meeting, Bob Taylor provided the members with an update on the planning of the Club's first ever Golf Tournament and Fundraising Event being held on Friday, June 14th.  Everything is coming together!

On May 22nd the Morinville Rotary Club welcomed Heather Miller who provided a presentation on Living in the Tower of London.  Heather's husband was chosen to be a Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty's Royal Place and Fortress of the Tower of London.  The Warders, popularly known as Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels; however, in practice they act as tour guides and are a tourist attraction in their own right.  Heather and her family lived in the Tower for two years before immigrating to Canada in 2007.  Heather's presentation provided Club members a history of the Tower and its activities as well as included a few humorous stories of some of its more unusual inhabitants including the ravens and things that go bump in the night!  Club members were also treated to pictures and got to see the actual uniforms of the Warders.

On May 22nd, the Morinville Rotary Club welcomed Paul Smith who is with the Morinville Festival Society.  Paul spoke to the Club about the Society and the upcoming St. Jean Baptiste Festival.  Paul also thanked the Club for its continued support of the St. Jean Baptiste Festival through the Rotary Rock and Ride.  He indicated the Society is currently fundraising to support its work with the Town of Morinville.  The Society plans to produce a newsletter three times a year and invites community businesses and organizations to advertise in the newsletter for a nominal fee.  The advertising fees would go to support the Society's work.  Club members interested in advertising in the Society's newsletter were requested to talk to Paul.

On May 15th, the Morinville Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker Sheldon Fingler.  Sheldon is owner of a thriving DJ and entertainment rental company as well as a Town of Morinville Councillor.  The Club was treated to Sheldon's life journey thus far and learned that he is a life-long champion of the community that he has grown up in and where he is raising his family.

On May 8th the Morinville Rotary Club held its first "Committee Fair".  The Fair was held in order to give all members a chance to familiarize themselves with the "Five Avenues of Service" and to sign up to a committee that compliments a member's interests and passions.  The process was thoroughly engaging and a fun time was had by all.  At the end of the "Fair", all committees reported a full compliment of members!

On May 1, the Morinville Rotary Club was treated to an excellent presentation by Carter Hnatiw on his Nicaraguan trip with the "Me to We" Foundation and the Kindersley Rotary Club.  Carter is currently a grade 10 student at the Morinville Community High School.

The "Me to We" Foundation provides youth the opportunity to do volunteer work in Nicaragua on a school campus for children who have limited access to education.  Carter's group assisting in laying the foundations for a new school building.  Through participation in this program youth build and deepen leadership skills through global development workshops; learn Spanish and volunteer along side local community members; and, gain first hand experience of environmental conservation and rural development issues through guided hikes along volcanoes, walks through coffee and sugar plantations; and, a leadership workshop at a coastal retreat.

Carter ended his presentation by stating the trip was an awesome experience and would return to Nicaragua in a heartbeat.  He also stated he would like to assist in starting up an Interact Club at his high school in order to promote youth connecting with each other on a common goal and wanting to improve the health of the world.  He thanked the Club for giving him the chance to go to Nicaragua.

On April 24th, the Morinville Rotary Club was treated to Wendy McDonald's presentation, "A Fish Story".  Wendy is an accomplished trainer and adult educator with over twenty-five years experience in staff training and leadership development.  She is currently Development Director for the Alberta Association for Community Living.  She is a past President of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield.  Currently Wendy is a member of the Rotary District Training for Rotary District 5370 and Chair of the District 5370 Employment Partnership.

Wendy's presentation was on Pike's Place.  Pike's Place became famous without advertising but through making a decision to buy a business without any business experience.  During the first staff meting the owner asked what the staff wanted out of their jobs.  One staffer said he wanted to be famous and they all agreed.  The first action after this decision to be famous was to change the business name to "Famous".  Secondly, they decided to change how they treated each other and their customers.  The coached each other and held each other accountable on their conduct and customer service.  They adopted four rules that translated into a very successful business and improved the personal lives of the staff as well.

Play - They looked at how to become more efficient with how they moved and have fun doing it.  Play looks at how to bring the light side, energy and enthusiasm of ourselves to a task that has to be done.

Make their day - How are we making the day of our fellow workers and members.  What are we doing to make an exceptional experience.  Be  authentic.  Be intentional.

Be there (be present) - the electronic age is making this difficult.  You have to commit to this principle and choose to focus on where you are and who you are with.

Choose your attitude - (it's a simple choice) emotion is a physiological response, but behavior is a choice.  Ask yourself what you are contributing to or contaminating with your attitude.

Thank you Wendy for your inspiring words and encouragement!

On April 17th, the Morinville Rotary Club held part one of its Club Assembly.  The Assembly was led by Membership Committee Chair, D. Gibb, and President-Elect, L. Kilian.  In response to the Club's large membership growth over the last year, the Club felt now was the time to review each of the five avenues of service as well as how the Club addresses these avenues within its organization and local/international projects.  The information provided will give new members an opportunity to see where their passions lie.  Part two of the Club's Assembly is scheduled for May 8th.

On April 3, 2013 St. Albert Rotary Club Exchange Student, Carl Waszkiewicz, provided an informative and often time humorous prsentation to the Morinville Rotary Club. Carl is from Sweden.  Carl's presentation included information about himself, his family, his home city and country.  He also shared some insight into some of his Canadian experiences thus far.  In appreciation of his presentation, Carl was given a Morinville Rotary Club banner by Club member G. Hodgins.

On April 3, 2013 Club President, John Wasmuth presented Teen Time founder Wally and Rosanna Sczebel with a cheque in support of the Teen Time Annual Banquet and Fundraiser.  Wally and Rosanna started Teen Time in order to reach teens in need.  Teen Time offers four main programs - Summer Camps, Retreats, Friday Evening Program & Basic Leadership and staff training.  Many of the youth who participate in Teen Time are dealing with a lot of issues.  Many youth also continued to participate in the programs as Teen Time becomes their second family; staff are accepting; the assistance provided helps teens turn their lives around; many friendships are formed; and councilors care for the youth.  When Teen Time began its motto was, "Where love is felt the message is heard" and this motto is still relevant today.

On March 27th the Rotary Club of Morinville welcomed new inductees F. Burdzy, S. Boersma and N. Coughlin!

On March 27th, the Morinville Rotary Club was treated to a presentation by Hanna Turner who spoke about her journey with the Canadian Association of Medical Teams Abroad to Ecuador.  Hanna and CAMTA members left on February 15, 2013.  The mission of the group was to provide orthopedic surgery to repair clubfoot and hip dislocation to children and adults.  By doing so, the patients were provided the opportunity to achieve mobility.  Hanna was kept very busy.  As a lay-person, her jobs were varied ... keeping the coffee room stocked and ready, shopping for groceries, setting up cell phones for team members, translating and sterilizing medical equipment.  Hanna stated the trip was the greatest experience of her life and solidified her plans to become a doctor.

Hanna thanked the Rotary Club of Morinville for its sponsorship.  She stated the CAMTA team was able to make a difference to so many people in need.  The opportunity to participate in this worthwhile endeavor has inspired her to give more!

At the Club's March 20th meeting, Morinville Community High School Principal, Todd Eistetter, presented information on the functions and impact the local School Resource Officer has on the school's students and family.  Also present were the School Resource Officer, Cst. C. Blackmore and Staff/Sgt. M. Mathias from the Morinville RCMP Detachment. 

The benefits of the School Resource Officer reverberates from the school out into the community.  Often incidents happen in the community and have the to potential to spill over into the school community.  Many times the community does not hear about incidents and therefore do not hear about the positive impact the School Resource Officer has in solving these incidents.  Through Todd's presentation the Club learned that without the vital position of the School Resource Officer, the positive outcomes for the school's students and families would become infrequent.  The Club also learned that with the current fiscal challenges, the school is looking for assistance from the community to fund the School Resource Officer position.  A total of $34,000 comes directly out of the school's budget.  Mr. Eistetter indicated any financial support from the community would be greatly appreciated.

The Club appreciated the opportunity to hear and learn about the School Resource Officer and the impact this position has on the school community as well as the community at large.

On March 13th Club members were treated to a classification presentation by Carol Haley.  Carol is a local girl, born and raised in a community to the west of Morinville.  After graduating from NAIT, Carol embarked on a 35 year journey in a science career with a small regional company that has grown over the years to a national company and just recently was bought out by a competitor. This has now allowed the company to move to the status of an international company with world wide sales in the billions of dollars.  Carol has worked her way through the company and is now Regional Manager of a territory that spans northern Alberta all the way to northwestern Ontario and she has thirteen representatives working for her.

Carol is now experiencing the "empty nest" as her three sons have moved from the family home and are on their way to various careers.  She views life as an adventure and is hoping to do more world traveling.  Carol would also like to get more involved in volunteering and giving back to the community through local activities and the Rotary.  She is looking forward to learning more about the Rotary and becoming more involved.

On March 6th Westlock Rotary Exchange Student Ellie H. was guest speaker at the Morinville Club.  Ellie provided an excellent and often humorous account of her life back home in Taipei, Taiwan as well as her adventures thus far in Westlock and Canada.

On February 27, 2013 Morinville Rotary Club's President Elect, L. Kilian and member sponsor, M. French welcomed New Inductee, Doris Jolicoeur.  Welcome Doris!

On February 6, 2013 guest presenter Simon Boersma spoke to the Club about The Flying Doctors of Canada.  Simon is with the local company Pleasant Homes.  His presentation on philanthropy and The Flying Doctors of Canada was both passionate and inspirational.   Club member K. Sandmaier was so inspired she challenged Club members to match her donation of $100 to The Flying Doctors of Canada.  The Club rose to the challenge and that morning raised $1,010 for The Flying Doctors of Canada!

For further information about The Flying Doctors of Canada, please check out the organization's website  www.flyingdoctors.ca

Membership Committee Chair, D. Gibb, presents new member Alanna Hnatiw with a Rotary hat.

On January 30, 2013 Morinville Rotary Club member Monty Johnson received his Paul Harris Fellowship Pin +4 from Assistant District Governor, S. Haisan and Club President, J. Wasmuth.  Monty's contributions, along with Rotary members from around the world, assist the Rotary Foundation in advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.  Congratulations to Monty on reaching this awesome milestone!

On January 23, 2013 the Morinville Rotary Club was treated to an excellent presentation on "Success Fundamentals - Five Essential Elements" given by President and CEO of Champion Petfoods, Frank Burdzy.  The information he imparted was both inspirational and educational!

On January 16, 2013, Rotary Club Member, Bob Taylor, presented his vision and draft plans for the Club's next fundraiser.  Stay tuned for further details to be released in the coming weeks . . . The event is going to be awesome!

The Rotary Club of Morinville has sponsored H. Turner in her trip to Equador in 2013 with the Canadian Association of Medical Teams Abroad (CAMTA).  H. Turner is a third generation Sturgeon County resident.  She has been a member of the Namao Trail Busters 4-H Club for seven years.  She graduated from Sturgeon Composite High School and is currently in her third year of science at the University of Alberta -  with a major in Biological Science and a minor in Spanish Language and Culture.  At the U of A she is a Campus Ambassador.  In her free time she enjoys backpacking in the mountains, coaching basketball and meeting new people.

The CAMTA is a team comprised solely of volunteers and the mission of the group is to provide orthopedic surgery to repair clubfoot and hip dislocation repair to children and adults.  The group provides this service primarily in Ecuador.

The Morinville Rotary Club wishes CAMTA and H. Turner much success down in Equador and looks forward to receiving an update from H. Turner upon her return.

The Morinville Rotary Club's second annual Rotary Christmas Gala was a resounding success.  Among the honoured guest were Brian Storseth, MP for Fort McMurray-Athabasca and Maureen Kubinec, MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock.  The evening began with a scrumptious catered dinner and ended with the evening's musical entertainment, the "Whiskey Boys".  A fun time was had by all . . . what a great way to ring in the festive season.  A huge thank you goes out the the Gala's committee chair, Bob Taylor, who worked tirelessly to ensure the evening was a success!  Also, thank you to all of the Club members who worked with Bob and during the event . . .

At the November 14th District Governor's visit, Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec presented the Morinville and Saint City Rotary Clubs with an $11,500 grant cheque to go towards the international Families of Hope Project.  The funding comes from the province's Community Initiatives Program - International Development Grant which Assistant District Governor and Morinville Rotarian Syl Haisan applied for.  The funds will go toward building a commercial kitchen and a teen centre in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in a location where families live at the dump.  The cheque was presented to Saint City Rotarian Maryann Pelletier along with Morinville Rotary Club president elect Linda Kiliam and Saint City Rotary Club president Bart Paterson.

At the November 14, 2012 District Governor's visit, Rotarians were treated to the induction of two new members to the Morinville Rotary Club . . . Rayann Menard and Kelley Perras.

At the November 12, 2012 District Governor's visit, past President of the Morinville Rotary Club, Gord Putnam, accepted the District award for increasing the Club's membership over this past year.  Gord stated the Club's membership increased thanks to Duane Gibb's assistance.

On November 14, 2012 the Saint City Rotary Club of St. Albert and Morinville Rotary Club teamed up to host a visit from District Governor Kevin Hilgers.  The evening gathering had an awesome Mexican flare and flavour thanks to Morinville Rotarian Artia Tappauf who catered for the evening.

On the Immunization Day, the booth Marilyn worked at put through 400 children from 9:30 to 2:00. They administered 2 drops of serum in the child's mouth and painted their pinkie finger nail purple, starting the catchy phrase- Purple Pinkie Day. In total there were 709,000 children immunized throughout the country.

Morinville – Westlock-St. Paul MP Brian Storseth paid a visit to the Morinville Rotary Club July 25, an early morning stop on the heels of his town hall meeting in Fedorah July 24, a meeting that drew about 20 people to hear the MP speak on his private member’s bill to repeal Section 13 of the Canada Human Rights Act.

Membership Chair Duane Gibb was invited to speak at the Rotary Spring Training Conference in Edmonton.  Since his induction in our Rotary Club mebership chair Duane Gibb has seen our  membership grow from 19 members to 32 members! 

Kathy Sandmaier presented Neil Korotash team leader of the MCHS M

Margaret McClellan from Alberta Health Services Addiction & Mental Health spoke to us on the “new” trend in drug abuse.  We were all surprised to discover that street drugs are becoming a thing of the past; mainly due to the cost and availability of the street drugs.  A move from meth as it is a “dirty” drug; to prescription drugs that are viewed as “safe” because they are prescribed by a doctor.  The stolen prescription drugs are then combined with vast amounts alcohol.  The new focus is on how to help high risk children by using tried and true methods such as coping skills.  As adults; we should lock up our prescription drugs and liquor cabinets.

Congrats to new Area 5 Assistant Governor for 12/13, Syl Haisen of Morinville,  replacing Sharon Cornelius July 1, 2012, for whom we thank for such gracious service.  
Say hi to Syl at syl@cafischerlumber.com   - You may even want to announce at Club level, certainly when they are at your next meeting!

Please join me in thanking and congratulating our newest Assistant Governor.    The AG role is defined below.  Presidents and PE's, please make use of your AG as a resource. He or she should be your first line of contact regarding District or Rotary International queries.   Please also send your congratulations and introductions when you can.
There are 14 areas,  14 AG's.  Clubs Syl is responsible for:  Morinville, Parkland After Dark,  St. Albert St. City,  Spruce Grove,  Stony Plain

Kevin D. Hilgers 
Governor 2012 2013 - Rotary International District 5370 (In