Aliesha and her son Eli shared a presentation about the wide variety of ways that youth can be involved in Rotary and the benefits of community involvement and opportunities for service.  The impact on the community and individual are immense.  A powerful presentation from the Interact Club in Grande Prairie illustrated the connections in the community and the growth of those involved. She highlighted some of the activities that youth have been involved with this year:  Parade, Tree Planting, RYLA, RAYEC, etc.  As the daughter of a Rotarian and a mother of Eli, she hopes to continue modelling the importance of giving back to the community and helping others.

 

Information regarding the wide variety of programs for youth to become involved in Rotary was shared by Harvey M..  He highlighted the New Generation Service Exchange for post secondary students and young professionals, ages 18-30.  Harvey participated in a virtual exchange in the agricultural field and found it very rewarding.  At present there is an Interact group in Sylvan Lake and efforts are being made to form a group in a Red Deer School this year.  He encourages all who wish more details to contact him.

 

Andrea Liptak Thane shared her story as a Rotary Exchange Student in Sweden in 1992.  She shared stories of her personal growth and the lasting friendships with her host family.  The use of post it notes as a tool for language learning was used wisely by her host mother and resulted in Andrea quickly becoming able to communicate with those around her with ease.  The experience touched the lives of so many and resulted in global connections.  The Rotary wheel was a symbol of family and belonging to a community wherever she went. Her experience has resulted in Andrea continuing to expand her global connections and continuing to model the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.   Andrea encourages all to consider involvement in Rotary Youth Exchanges.

Sarge was Jodie Jamieson

 

Visiting Rotarians:

Dani: Innisfail

Ray Miller

Bryan Wilson:  Red Deer East

Meaghan Maskowitz;  Red Deer Sunrise

 

Friend of Rotary

Gina Belich:  Rotary Employment Partnership

 

Guests:

Numerous guests attended the meeting to celebrate youth and family in Rotary.  They included

Dwayne Holland’s father, Gloria B’s 2 granddaughters, Amanda’s husband, mother, and daughter, Jim M’s 2 grandsons, Darcy’s wife and son, Aliesha’s son, Harvey’s daughter in law and 2 grandchildren, guest speaker Andrea Thane and her husband and 2 sons.  It was great to see so many future Rotarians there today!!

 

Happy/Sad

Donna P:  Congrats to all who were involved in the Afro Caribbean Festival on the weekend.  A great event that should happen annually! 

Jerry: 15 year old grandson is attending Youth Entrepreneurship Camp, report next week

Rob S:  Has accepted position as Manager of Strategic Economic Development at the Red Deer Curling Club

Dwayne H: Celebrating 34th Wedding anniversary.  Love having his dad here for a week as they celebrate the 1 year anniversary of his mother’s passing.  

Grant:  Visited Parksville and connected with Ron and Donna Woodward, former Rotarians.

Darcy: Celebrating 16th Wedding anniversary.  Property in Maui is safe and reminded all to keep residents in thoughts and prayers.  Son Nate celebrated his new Crocs.  Son Sam is having fun at Kayak camp.

Lisa M:  Happy to have her children attend to day and be part of the Rotary movement along with mom and Grandpa.  Sons are off to STEM camp today

Gloria:  Pleased to have granddaughters Isabelle and Madeline here today.  Reminding all ofl the upcoming Farm Day at Parkland Nursery which will include performances by LTHS improv group and showcase of musical theatre, and Morgan McKee.

Victor: Trishaws are being well used at Revera for the next month.  Great to see them out and about

Leanne:  Annoyed at patio thieves who helped themselves to items, including the BBQ cover.  She reports that her margarita machine is safe!!

Phil H:  Granddaughter Malena continues to work as a Verification Officer in the Parliament.  

Judith:  Great to be back from Belize and ready to share our successes at a later time.  It was an exciting trip and the future looks bright for the project roll out.

Grant E:  Shared the sad news of the passing of long time Rotarian, Rae Patterson.  Celebration of life will be Aug 25 at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.

 

Harold was the lucky ticket holder for 50/50, however did not draw the lucky card!

We returned excited about the workshops and connections that we made during our 2 week visit. The group of 7 travelled to all corners of Belize and provided in-services to all teachers in the country who are working in Government Schools.  We met with ministry officials and education leaders who are enthusiastically embracing ownership of the project and ensuring its success.  The teaching kits that were made by the club were well used.  Information  about the project was highlighted in newspapers and TV clips across the country.  We look forward to sharing more information once we unpack out suitcases!!!!