News

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Listed below are some of the projects worked on, activities participated in, and speakers appeared at the club throughout the year. We try and ensure that there is a good mix of great speakers, volunteer effort, fellowship and business networking by all members.

Amarok Schools - Transforming Society

Saint City Rotary Club has for many years been a proud supporter of the Amarok Society and its schools for mothers in the slums of Bangladesh. At our meeting last week, Tanyss Munro, co-founder of the society, brought us up to date on "our" school and shared stories of how teaching mothers to read and pass on the knowledge impacts the behaviour of many others. Thank you Tanyss and GEM for the amazing work you do!

St. Albert Family Resource Centre

Shelley Passek, Executive Director of St. Albert Family Resource Centre was our speaker this week. Shelley told us about the many programs offered by the centre, as well as the mentoring provided. The centre continues to be a lifeline for many during these COVID times. Many thanks to you and your staff for the work you do, Shelley!

World Polio Day

World Polio Day was October 24th and in celebration of that event, Past District Governor Linda Robertson, regional coordinator for End Polio Now Coordinator for this and several other Rotary districts, spoke to our club and provided an interesting update on this worldwide program of Rotary. The exciting news is that there have been only 2 polio cases from the wild polio virus in the world in this calendar year!

InterVivos

Our program guests this past week were Zohreh Saher and Janette Bishop, who spoke to us about the InterVivos organization and the wonderful mentorship programs offered by it. Thank you for this most interesting presentation Zohreh and Janette and for the good work done by your group.

Rotary Rose Parade Float - Promoting Rotary

Brett Morey, Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee Director spoke to our club from San Diego via ZOOM at this week's meeting. Brett told us how the floats are constructed, the many hours of volunteer work required and the great publicity Rotary receives from the float. Rotarians and clubs can support the float financially and in other means. We are lucky to have Diane Ellis, our past president, as a Rose Parade Float Ambassador. If interested in helping out, please contact her.

A SCHOOL COPES WITH COVID

COVID POSES CHALLENGES BUT SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO DELIVER QUALITY EDUCATION.

That was the message from our guest speaker this evening, John Strembitsky, principal of Elmer Gish School in St. Albert. John outlined some of the challenges he, his staff, and students have been facing in keeping the school operating during COVID times. He also highlighted how the school had been overcoming these challenges and continuing to deliver quality education to the students. Thank you for sharing this story with us John, and for the dedication of you and your staff. Teachers matter!

SAINT CITY ROTARY - PROUD SUPPORTER OF CAMTA

Our speaker tonight was Jackie Wiebe, Program Manager of CAMTA (Canadian Association of Medical Teams Abroad). CAMTA volunteers (orthopedic surgeons, nurses and support staff) travel at their own cost each year to Quito Ecuador, where they perform around 40 surgeries free of charge, over a two week period, for needy individuals. Thank you CAMTA for the amazing work you do and thank you Jackie for your visit. Kathleen Soltys (on the right), Saint City's International Service Director, presented Jackie with a cheque for $2,000 as our annual contribution to this amazing organization.

Better Together - Rotary Serves to Change Lives

We were treated to a wonderful upbeat and informative presentation by DG Donna Barrett at our first in-person meeting of this Rotary year tonight. Among other things, Donna shared with us that the District Conference, in person, will be held at the Fantasyland Hotel on May 27 and 28, 2022. A great line up of speakers and special early bird registration rates.

Thanks for sharing the news, Donna, and reminding us how Rotarians Serve to Change Lives.

Our next meeting will be on August 31, with Jackie Wiebe talking about CAMTA, one of our favourite projects.

Saint City Rotary, the little club that can, the little club that does!

It's A New Rotary Year

It's a new Rotary year and yesterday evening Saint City Rotary held its changeover dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion in St. Albert. We were treated to a sumptuous buffet prepared by Kelley Catering and honoured several of our members as well as presenting our annual Integrity Award. It was outgoing president Diane Ellis's birthday so of course we had a birthday cake for her. Diane presented Kathleen Soltys with our Rotarian Year of the Year Award and paid special recognition to outgoing secretary and charter member Linda Perras, During her twenty one years with the club Linda has served in almost all the executive positions, including president, treasurer, and most recently several years as secretary. Also honoured was outgiong treasurer Bonnie Huckabay, who has served in that position since she joined the club in 2011. Pauline Vaugeois was presented with the Cliff Dochterman Scouting Award, in recognition of her many years of service to the Girl Guide movement. Our annual Integrity Award was presented to Cheryl Dumont, tireless community worker, by Vocational Services Director Chad Hierlmeier. Incoming president Julius Buski and his new board are looking forward to an exciting year of Serving to Change Lives!

SOGI 123 - Making a Difference

The SOGI 123 program - making a difference in our community! Our guest speaker today was Charlotte Kirchner, coordinator of the SOGI 123 program in St. Albert Public Schools. SOGI stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. This critical program works towards providing a pathway to safe and inclusive schools. Thank you for your work in this and for your presentation to our club, Charlotte!

Rotary Employment Partnership - A Rotary Success Story

Another great program. Our speaker this week was Wendy McDonald, COO of Inclusion Alberta, who told us about the Rotary Employment Partnership. The Partnership is a collaboration between Districts 5370 and 5360, Rotary Clubs, Inclusion Alberta and the Government of Alberta. The purpose of the Partnership is to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in association with business owners, employers and municipalities. Saint city Rotary Club is proud to be a supporter of this wonderful program.

John Nanni - A Polio Survivor's Story

A powerful presentation at this week's meeting by John Nanni, a polio survivor, talking about his journey with polio and its after-effects. John has spoken to over 300 groups to share his story and the vital need for vaccinations. Thank you for sharing your story, John!

Saint City Supports Shelter Box

SHELTERBOX CANADA -EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF

ShelterBox is dedicated to helping ensure no family is left without shelter after natural disaster or conflict – by going where others can’t, or won’t.

Saint City Rotary is a proud supporter of Shelter Box. At our meeting this week, Bernie Kreiner provided us with an update on the very important work this organization is doing. Thanks for sharing this information and for your dedication to Shelter Box, Bernie!

Clean Scene - Saving Lives, Transforming Futures

Clean Scene - drug education and helping youth deal with addiction. Our speaker this week was Mike Ryan, who founded Clean Scene 19 years ago. Mike told us about some of the tragic results of drug use and about the programs offered by the organization. Thank you for your tireless work and dedication to this case, Mike! Saint City Rotary is proud to support Clean Scene and to sponsor the program at Sir George Simpson School in St. Albert.

U School - A Unique Program

U School - reaching out to and bringing in the community. U School is a program of the University of Alberta Senate. The program brings in classes of children from disadvantaged areas for a one week experience on the University Campus (virtually during COVID). At this week's meeting Michaela Mann, U School Program lead told us about the program and how it changes children's perceptions and life plans. Many students who had not previously considered post-secondary education, change their minds after being exposed to this unique program. U School - a unique and innovative approach to reaching out. Thank you Michaela and your staff for the good work you do.

China in Time

Posted on Feb 25, 2021

"China in Time" was our program this week and Ron Good, our speaker is passionate and knowledgeable about the topic. Ron is a an avid collector of Chinese made timepieces. He has been to China numerous times and is considered an expert on the topic by even the Chinese. His presentation took us through the development of water clocks, sand clocks, mechanical clocks and wristwatches. His many photographs made for a spellbinding presentation. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, Ron. Another excellent program!

Our speaker on March 2 will be Michaela Mann, talking about the University of Alberta Senate's U School.

Tuesday, March 2, at 5:45 p.m. via ZOOM. Email to saintcityrotary@shaw.ca for log in instructions. You are welcome to participate.

Our Newest Member

Some of our most interesting programs are classification talks - a member telling us their life story and Rotary experiences. Yesterday evening was no exception. Our newest member, Claire, presented a most interesting talk. Thank you for sharing with us, Claire, and a special warm welcome to our club. We are delighted that you h ave found us and are continuing your Rotary experience with us!

Saint City Rotary - the little club that can; the little club that does!

Peace Energy Cooperative - Our Program This Week

Posted by Julius Buski

We had a great presentation at our meeting this week by Don Pettit, from the Peace Energy Cooperative. The cooperative has emerged as a leader in wind and solar energy and is looking for new members.

Wine Survivor Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the lucky winners in our Wine Survivor Draw! Tickets were drawn December 15th, 2020 at 3:30 PM MDT.

Stacy Reynolds - 100 bottles - Ticket # C-1007

Ash Khan - 50 bottles - Ticket # B-296

Gregory MacIntosh - 25 bottles - Ticket # C-882

Shown delivering the wine to our first place winner is Saint City Rotary President Diane Ellis (along with committee chair Kathleen Soltys - who took the photo)

AGLC license #566272

District Governor's Visit

Our meeting this evening featured District Governor Jim Ferguson as our guest speaker. Thank you for visiting our club (via ZOOM of course) and for your inspiring presentation, Jim! Rotary - Doing good in the world!

St. Albert Policing Committee

Our club had a great presentation at our ZOOM meeting this evening by Dr. Kris Wells and Allan Bohachyk, who spoke about the work of the St. Albert Policing Committee. Great programs, great fellowship, come check us out!

Rotary - Doing Good in the World

A New Rotary Year Has Begun

More opportunities for service.......doing good in the world!

We Continue to Meet - via ZOOM

Saint City Rotary Club continues to meet during the COVID-10 pandemic, albeit over ZOOM. Our next meeting on Tuesday, April 28 features a fascinating presentation by Kurian Tharakan, speaking on "The Power of Story". Please e-mail us at Saintcityrotary@shaw.ca if you would like to join in.

St. Albert Victim Services - Serving the Community

Colleen and Becky from St. Albert Victim Services attended our meeting this evening to share information about the important services provided by their organization. Thank you for the work you do and for sharing this story with us, Colleen and Becky! Shown thanking our presenters is Saint City Rotarian Ross Algar.