District 5360 Flood Relief Fund

Donate on line or mail a cheque to:

District 5360 will work with the local Rotary Clubs in each affected community to disburse donated funds. The proceeds of the fund will support flood relief projects in the affected regions through Rotary Clubs in Calgary, Canmore, High River and Medicine Hat.

If you have questions, please contact:
       PDG Mike French
       mikefrench.rotary@gmail.com
       Phone 403-850-6421

Welcome (or welcome back) to Mike Marcotte, Kent Prestage, & Scott Ross our newest members. Make a point of meeting these new Rotarians.

After a long journey and a tremendous amount of work, the laptop computers have arrived in Malawi. Check out some of the photos on our Facebook Page.

Remember our outbound student, Sophie? Remember that she writes a blog? sophieinspain.wordpress.com has the tale of her in the harsh winter of Spain.

If you are reading this, consider yourself lucky.
Rotary is involved in improving literacy in so many ways, from providing books to providing light so that people may read at night.

Timely article from The Washington Post.

News from the International Assembly in San Diego, California.

We are so so close . . . .

There are as many reasons to support The Rotary Foundation as there are ways to do good in the world.

By contributing to the Foundation , you help support the Foundation's six areas of focus, which help to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. By giving US$100 a year through the Every Rotarian, Every Year  (EREY) initiative, you become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member. Contributions to EREY are the primary source of funding for Foundation programs.

Here are a few ways your contributions are making change possible.

This week's Foundation thought is about . . .

Seems it was not that long ago, Past District Governor reflects on events of that memorable day.

 For our club members, stats on Fund Development of The Rotary Foundation

 

Online contributions break records during the period October 18 - 24, 2010

Leaving your legacy through The Rotary Foundation.

A reminder to all club members of the hectic time period at The Rotary Foundation (Canada) to process tax receipts.

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International belongs to all of us in Rotary, and it is our greatest resource for doing good in the world.

Most clubs have an embarassing problem with Early Leavers or "Scooters" and this bit of tongue-in-cheek humour needs to be spread throughout the world of Rotary as a clarion call to those who have joined any organization just for saying they are a Member and don't really fulfill ALL of their obligation. To be a Member of anything, one must ATTEND the meeting and that means ALL of the meeting. So, if you are a "Scooter", this one's for YOU. The following is with apologies to that "other" great Canadian poet, Robert Service. The Cog is the RC of Calgary weekly bulletin.

October 6, 2014

President Nick - Announcements:

Juran is in the hospital with knee replacement and in pain. So keep him in your thoughts and perhaps stop by for a quick visit.

Though there is a great line up of speakers coming up, Ramon needs more suggestions. Starting January 1, 2015 there will be a vocational speaker from a club member each month.

Back Tie Gala:
Foster & Sons Jewellers and Lethbridge Volkswagen are donating another Rolex this year. Also, there is a variety of New York entertainment to look forward to for the Gala.
Please work hard to sell raffle tickets. Event tickets can be picked up from Amber Rebbit.

Darryl Alexander - funds from the gala are a huge chunk of funds that we use for doing good in our community. For the event to sell out we need to sell 352 tickets. We are at 169 right now. And… we only have 30 recorded raffle tickets sold. This is urgent!!! Please take two seconds and let someone know you are coming if you plan to attend. If you are not able to join us, don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket.

Lina's Highlights:
Lina met with other exchange students over the past week.
They went to a pizza party and she attended her first football game.
Sherry’s threw a 9th birthday party at the bowling lanes so Lina had an opportunity to attend that and had a good time as well.
She also went to a play with Shilpa called Jake’s Gift.

Sergeant at arms – Charles Funk:
Fines – will all the blondes stand up (Brandie Lea went blonde and resembles someone in Hollywood that Charles knows from curling), shorts only for July or Aug (Darryl Alexander is still wearing shorts!)... Someone asked "Are those your legs or are you riding a chicken?" Darryl, I think they are all just jealous!

Ed Fetting – thinks that Darryl’s legs are an insult to the chickens because he processes 80,000 chickens a day.

Shanaley Galts - is now a proud Canadian because she passed the test! Congratulations Shanaley!

Clint Dunford - just learned that the Bulls Baseball club will have Darryl Sittler and Lanny McDonald coming for their dinner. Stay tuned for dates and more information!

Phil North- was happy to be on the ice with his son and grandson yesterday morning

Dawn Leite- went to Cuba last week and it was very hot at 45 degrees for her cousins wedding. There were only thunderstorms in the evening – luckily no hurricanes. She also appreciated more the availability of water. You don’t realize how much you appreciate it until you don’t have it. She has had lots of water since she has been back.

Dale Merchant - Beth went through hip replacement on the same day as Juran. She was discharged on Saturday and seems to have had very little pain. Dale stopped to see Juran while there and Juran’s knee was bigger around than Beth's waist!

Chris Yauck- He attended the Harvest Moon Ball for St. Michael's Foundation over the weekend and had a great time.

Pat Killoran – was able to represent the district president in Oklahoma and was treated very well. They asked him what the weather was like back in Canada and he was happy to report that it was 88 here and 84 in Oklahoma!

Brandie Lea – her hair color is not the only change right now. She has also accepted a position with the University of Lethbridge and will no longer be with the St. Michael's Foundation.  She will be raising funds for the new Science Building at the University.

Darren Newberger - changed his hair and is proud to be Canadian.

President Nick - Oct 24 is world polio day.
He hopes to tie it in to the Black Tie Gala and plans to do something on Friday evening as well.

Ramon Ramirez – introduction of guest speaker
Jenalee is the president of kids help phone. She has been working in not for profits for 7 years and with Kids Help Phone for 2. She joins us from Calgary. Her position is Manager of community events and fundraising.

Jenalee:
Kids Help Phone gives kids a trusted person in their life to help them ready themselves to talk to a parent or other adult and inform them of what is going on in their life.
They can talk to someone in English or French.

One misconception about Kids Help Phone is that they have volunteers, but the counselors are actually paid professionals.

In 2002 they began offering online services. They have 4 websites by 2010 with various aspects (English French or age specific). Live chat is also available.
There is also an app available to them called "Always There".

On the websites they have a map that shows resources around the individual’s location. They can view a list of topics for the services they are interested in and see the location of the various locations for the services of interests.

Regional stats - kids from 181 communities in Alberta contacted kids help phone.
Calls from Alberta are 10% or 58 kids call their service each day.
As for the "Ask us" option for online posts, 15% of them are from Alberta.

Funding– another misconception is that they are a government funded organization. They rely heavily on funds that they receive through businesses, and fundraisers.
One of their fundraisers is "Lets walk so kids can talk" which happens in 3 communities in Alberta - Calgary Edmonton & Red Deer. They would like to start it up again in Lethbridge.

#beahero

Q & A:
How do kids find out about this? They do school mail outs to over 200 schools. They also do presentations in schools. They only usually do presentations if the school asks for them.

What is the biggest concerns? Students that are contemplating suicide, struggling with school issues, homework issues etc. Mental health is a big challenge that young people contact them for.

When the counselors opens a case, is there follow up? There is no follow up by Kids Help Phone. If the youth calls in more than once, they are not guaranteed to get the same counsellor. That is part of the confidentiality. The councillor will not end the conversation until they have given the young person on the line resources to help them.

How do you track the outcomes from the calls? There is no real way to follow up so they often ask the young person in advance if they would answer a few questions about how the service has helped them with their challenges.

What about confidentiality with kids and the web based conversations? They do not keep the chat records or phone records. Only two people can see the numbers are calling in from which is mainly used for statically reporting.

Winnerof the Draw - Darryl Alexander

There is no meeting next week due to Thanksgiving!
Have a great long weekend next week.

August 17, 2015 Rotary Meeting

Opening – Anthem, Grace

Introduction – of guests:

• Ashley Lehto  ( Out of Bound Student)    Murray Anderson
• Bruce Anderson - Kim Davis
• Donna Bilyk – Patrick Bilyk

Visiting Rotarians

• Mac Leblanc - Lethbridge Urban Spirits

Video – President of Rotary International – Rotary Global Rewards Affinity marketing program which can be accessed by smart phones

Announcements

• Malawi teacher billets required
• August 29 assembly meeting. Membership will hear from each Director on their portfolio 
• Strategic Planning session slated for October 7 District, All members invited. Governor from Calgary will be present to facilitate
• Black Tie Meeting held after today’s meeting
• Induction of new members and Paul Harris for September 14 2015
• Costa Rica – money went for medical equipment
• Casino October 16, 17 – Steven Graham thanks to all who volunteered
• District Newsletter Please read

Vocational Talk - Allan Friesen -   Certified Employee Benefit Specialist

Sgt at Arms Clint Dunford:

Happy Bucks

Review of “Year of Service Analysis” graphs

Draw after 8 weeks for $110 – Winner Chris Yauck

• Format change – use of different colors of marbles in hopes to create some excitement

Closing Comments

Meeting adjourned 1:15

New member proposal: Shane Ellis, proposed by Patrick Killoran, classification Utilities. 

Rotary Minutes – August 10, 2015
President Pat K. was away so Nick N. welcomed.
O’ Canada led by Stephen G.
Alan F. welcomed guests and visiting Rotarians

Announcements:

Black Tie Gala
Please consider letting your name stand as Co-Chair for Black Tie Gala with Nick.
Sherry D. has been in this role and has it very well organized thus far.  She has come into health challenges and will not be able to continue as co-chair at the moment.  If you have interest in becoming involved in one of our greatest events, please let Nick N. or Greg K. know.  Take care Sherry, we hope you are doing well.

Casino
We need at least 5 more volunteers.  This is a guaranteed $30,000 for our funds so contact Greg K. if you are interested and able to help out for a few hours.  It will be a fun and easy couple of days and really help our Club Funds increase.

Dates of the Casino are October 16^th & 17^th.

If you don’t want to come alone, bring your spouse or a friend – the more the merrier!
URGENT – if you are interested Greg needs to know by Thursday!  There is a form to fill out.

Membership Dues
These are due and can be paid to Carol.  ASAP please.

Malawi Teacher Project
We are co-sponsoring a teacher from Malawi in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge.  The teacher is coming here to take a 7 month course and his tuition, books, fees, transportation, etc will be covered as well as a small monthly allowance given.  The teacher is required to stay with the APU school for at least two years and has committed to do so.

While here he will have two mentors – one from our Rotary club and one from the University.

Past Rotarians of the Year
This year a pin was given to our Rotarian of the Year so extras were ordered for our past recipients.  Stephen, Loralee, Robin & Murray were presented with the pin today.

Vocational Talk – Alex J.
Alex grew up in Ontario in the middle of a soy bean field.
He currently works at CIBC.
He and his wife have two kids.
His hobbies include beer brewing, renos & woodwork.
His sister was a Rotary exchange student so Rotary has been in his life for a while.
Alex looks forward to being able to help out with impacting local and international initiative.

Good-Bye
Shannon P. is moving to Airdrie for a new position.  We will miss you.  Good luck in your new role!

Chris E. won the draw.
Adjourned at 1:15 pm

Rotary Meeting November 25, 2013

President Patrick Bilyk began the meeting at 12:15

 

There are still shirts available for $30 from Pat to support High River.

 

Senior’s Dinner - Joanna Kappel

Sign up please to assist with the Senior’s Dinner

We will have about 420 seniors, we are a bit down from last year’s 450.

It will take place on Dec 8 at the Lodge. 

This Saturday there will be a gift wrapping, please join us if possible to help wrap 420 gifts.  Spouses and children are welcome to come and assist at both the gift wrapping and to volunteer for the dinner.

 

Christmas Party Update – Shanaley Galts

The family Christmas Party will take place on Sunday, December 15 here at the Lodge from 1:30 to 4:30.  There will be gifts for kids, as well as crafts, snacks and caroling.

It will be a great time for all.  Crafts will not be age specific so everyone can come to participate.

 

Sunrise Club Raffle - Don McGinnis

Their club had to cancel the Vegas night, but they still have the door prizes available to win and will be raffling them off.  They have a wine fridge fully stocked with 36 bottles, a trip to Mazitland and Vegas, as well as tickets to Blue Rodeo.  Please contact Don if you would like to purchase tickets.

 

Shelter Box Fundraiser – Charmaine Bonifacio (Rotaract Director of Membership)

The location that the Typhoon hit is Charmaine's home town and the aftermath is quite sad and tragic.  There is no food, electricity or structures.  Most of her family was safe, but they struggle because they lost everything and many people are still missing.  They did loose one beloved family member.

Shelter box has a great potential to help the survivors and they are doing a fundraiser to assist the victims in teh Phillippines.  The U of L Rotaract Club has set up a shelter tent at the University and will be there for the next the days until Thursday.  Please come by and donate.  All three clubs have sponsored $1000 so that takes them to over $5000.

 

President Patrick presented Charmaine & Marc (Rotaract President) with $1000 to support their project.

Induction for New Members - Robin Hood

Paul Harrigan – sponsored by Leslie Colburn-Swartz

Paul is from St. John New Brunswick and is the new manager of the Lethbridge Lodge as of March 2013.

 

Ramon Ramiriez – sponsored by Shannon Preus

Ramon is a commercial account manager for the HSBC. He was raised in Paraguay.  At a young age he was very service oriented. He and his wife Amy have two children and a dog.  His father is also a Rotarian in Paraguay.

 

Exchange Student Update - Milan

Milan had two games over the weekend. One was a loss and one was a tie.  There were some fights that added to the excitement.

His mother back home also had her birthday so Milan had his whole class tell her happy birthday in Hungarian by video.

 

Guest Speaker Introduction - Joyanne Mitchell

Dr. Paula Burns is the president adn CEO of the Lethbridge College.

She is from Nova Scotia and we “scooped her up” from NAIT.

 

Dr. Burns

Paula is very pleased to be here and instantly felt at home when she arrived in Lethbridge.

 

The wine auction went well on the weekend so thak you to all that had been a part of that.

 

The Board of Governors at the College is very committed to the city and region as well as the college.  Dr. Burns was faced with challenges as soon as she arrived because there was a shortage of finances.  They saw it as an opportunity.  They have taken time to discuss what was needed to meet their needs.  They met with the board and then the faculty and asked where do we want to go and what they want to do.  They developed a strategic framework in career based programming in order to meet the job needs that are here.

 

They also have taken time to ask the college students why they were here.  The students responded with the facts that they like the small classes, the skills that they develop and that they are job ready once they are done.  Paula and her team want to be on the leading edge of education.

 

A few areas that they envision growth and change are as follows:

Collaborative partnerships – the goal is to create unprecedented connections in Lehtbridge and the region.  This is a unique location where there is a university and college in the same area and it will work to our benefit.  They have found that the academic landscape is changing so they want to engage us as business people in how to change the way to learn.  If you have any suggestions and ideas, please feel free to contact her.

 

People Development – their goal is to make sure they are able to have staff work in the areas they are passionate about and ensure that resources are available for people to do the work they enjoy that will add to the College.

 

Resource Innovation – the College receives funding of 50% from the government.  They want to be innovative in fund development.  Questions are asked such as “What are some of the entrepreneurial things they can do to inspire learning and development, but will also add to fund development”.

 

Right now they are working on a plan and implementation strategy.  They are also working on extreme action learning.  Workers are leading the change as they are learning about the change.  The process and strategies emerge as they go.

 

Question- What changes might the government make to its funding formula to help the college?  Four working groups from the college are working with the budget and connecting with the government. The funding formula is from a community college perspective as opposed to the new regional focused Lethbridge College.

 

Question- What is the reason for clearing the soccer field?

They are redeveloping the soccer field, but it also has to do with the trades education they offer.

 

Rotary Moment - Doug McArthur

Reflecting upon the time that Doug went to a student exchange program conference in a different country.  It was a great opportunity to see the dichotomy between the extremely well off and very impoverished.   Rotary is one of the few organizations that can bridge a gap such as this.  We are very privileged to be part of an orgainzatin that can do so much good in this world.

 

Foundation Reminder

First $100 that the new members donate will be matched if you donate to the foundation. Any cheques towards the Foundation can be given to either Jim or Nick.

 

Sergeant at Arms - Charles Funk

 

Happy Bucks

Shannon Preus – Is happy to have Ramon at Rotary and happy that Sea Hawks had a bi this weekend.

 

Mark LeBlanc – Attended the Everest challenge this year at the University climbing wall for up hills both ways. People were still climbing at 3:00 in the morning. Mark was happy to see how well it did.

 

Murray Pritchard – Gave $5 for Umbrella bucks to speak about the fundraiser at Henderson Golf Club to help with the micro hydro project in Nepal.  They have thousands of dollars of Nepalese work available to purchase such as woolen toques, and mitts, silk and pashmina scarves, handcarved chess sets, teas and spices, down jackets and mitts, buffs, Yaak wool blankets and shawls, children's wear, and singing meditation  bowls.  It will take place on Wednesday, November 27 from 4-9:00 pm. 

 

Sherry Davis – Her son Nicholas had the highest math mark in grade 10. She also leaves for Maui this week.

 

Brandie Lea – Is proud of her four children.  Two of them were on the honour roll and the other two were on the honour roll with distinction for their first report card period.

 

Joyann Mitchell – She has a duaghter in Macau still remembered her mother’s birthday.  Joyann was also very happy for the way that things went over the weekend at the wine auction for the college.

 

Nick N. – Was happy for Riders Football.  Also for all the Rotarians for supporting his movember fundraising.

 

Lelie Colburn-Swartz – She is happy to have Joanne with us as a guest and Paul as a new member.

 

Clint Dunford - Today we go to city council to present the bid for the 2019 city games.

 

Bridget Mearns – Is happy to be back and will be able to spend more time with us again.  It is bitter sweet for her.

 

Bruce Glats – The tec and mingle that the chamber put on this past week was great.

 

Bill Glover- Visited the Dr. this month and had positive results.  He is going on 17 years with someone else's heart.  He is now in the 5%.

 

Draws

Rotary moment & $10 - Andrew Foster

$5 - Karlen McDonald

The results of the 2010 US Open Golf Pool are posted here.

Polio cases worldwide continue to drop, see stats available and where polio National Immunization Days (NID's) are being held.

The monthly publication called "The Rotarian" each member of Rotary receives by mail each month is one of Rotary's oldest traditions.

Rotary International has adopted social networking as a useful tool in communicating with and informing Rotarians - and the rest of the wired world.

Lobsterfest 2010 is June 5, 2010.
Get your tickets!