As I sit down to write this column I am impressed with the generosity of our members and the number of things that are on the go! The following is just a partial list;
The Robbie Burns lunch auction and whisky raffle raised some $2,400 for the expansion of the Edmonton.Winspear Centre for music. Stay tuned for more on this tremendous asset in downtown Edmonton.
The process of identifying a larger legacy project is gathering steam. If you are interested in joining the committee shepherding this initiative let meknow! (jim.saunderson@synergiaassociates.com)
The International Service Committee has contributed $1,500 towards a District wide initiative to support UNICEF’s campaign to vaccinate people in developing countries. Individual members have more than doubled this amount through personal contributions.
The Community Services Committee has contributed $3,500 towards Sleep in Heavenly Peace to provide beds for children in Edmonton that lack them. Stay tuned for a hands on opportunity to help build these beds this spring.
Planning for this summer’s Million Dollar Golf Tournament is underway and a lead sponsor is being confirmed. We are positioned for a huge success but will need help as the date approaches. Mark August 8 on your calendars!
With the resumption of in-person meetings at the Chateau Lacombe the Sgt. At Arms Committee is coming back to life. We need a greeter and someone to work the reception desk every Monday. If you are willing to help out contact Mathias Deuel at mathias.deuel@edwardjones.com
At its February 3 meeting, the Board of the Rotary Club of Edmonton approved the Honourary Membership of John Chomiak in the club. John has been a member of the club since 1980 with the classification of “Engineer – Mechanical”. Now living in Mundare at the age of 82, John needed to take a step back. In recognition of his 42 years of service the Club is proud to have John as an Honourary member.
Jim Saunderson
More info on Mr. Chomiak from LinkedIn:
Honorary member of APEGA, Fellow of Construction Specification Writers, Rotarian, past chair of Glenrose Rehab Hospital, Alberta Blue Cross, BOMA Edmonton and Canada, NAIT foundation, past board member of Export Development Corporation, Past board member of Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Vice President Canada Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, board member of ACUAR, executive member of the centennial celebrations in 1991 first Ukrainians in Alberta, Co-chaired the 1988 federal PC re-election in Alberta, local VP of the PC 500 club, a number of technical societies, past board member of the Alberta Charolais Association, coached the company hockey team in the early 70's, member of Who's Who of America.
click on picture for more info!
-------- Service Above Self -------
Club member Yousif Abbas does it again shipping furniture on his army truck for the McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association.
Congratulations to Yousif!
Yousif with his
military truck on
another move.
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association welcomes Rotarian Yousif's help!
Habitat for Humanity ReStores and McMan Youth, Family and Community Services joined forces several months ago to support youth transitioning to their own homes in getting furniture. McMan supports the youth, and Habitat was willing to donate or subsidize the furniture. Start up money provided for these young folks to outfit an apartment is very limited and there are lots of items they need to get started. The supply of furniture was much needed and VERY much appreciated, but the problem was how to get it to the young people.
Enter Rotarians! A call went out to our Club for members with trucks (usually no lifting required) and a couple of great people stepped up to help out.
One member in particular, Yousif Abbas, has made approximately a dozen deliveries in his GIANT truck. The youth pick out furniture at ReStore and staff contact Yousif who picks up and arrives at the young person's new home. Unloading happens with all hands on deck and away he goes until the next time. The total cost of changing a young person's world is time and a little gas money. And we can't thank you enough, Yousif, for being the one to make Edmonton a better community. Truly the spirit of Rotary.
Melinda Noyes, President Elect
Welcome our new member Cathy McLean
Hello, my name is Cathy McLean and I am delighted to join the Rotary Club of Edmonton. I am a recent retiree from the Federal Public Service (33 years) where I was employed in various positions, the last being the CFO for Western Economic Diversification Canada. Reporting to the Deputy Minister, I was responsible for Finance, Human Resources, IT services, procurement and contracting.
I am the co-founder of the Corporate Division for YBB Connect. We will be launching this new division in March, 2022. The focus will be on primarily female owned and operated businesses to
provide support to this community to simplify business operations, identify efficiencies, work with both staff and management on post Covid work realities, from HR related policy updates to physical work arrangements. Covid has been exceptionally challenging on families and business! Obtaining
balance at work/ home is now a key priority to obtaining and keeping talent.
Born and raised in Alberta, I have two daughters Kirsten (Sean), Lauren (Justin) and I am a grandmother of 4 beautiful little ones, Ruby, Jack, Emilia, and Nate. I live in the west end of Edmonton with my partner Ken and my adorable Basset hound Roo.
Rotary provides me with an opportunity to continue to give back to our community and to support to those in need. I look forward to meeting fellow Rotarians and to making a difference in our
communities both locally and internationally.
Cathy
Scottish / Robert Burns Fundraiser for the Winspear Project a big success! The total proceeds of the fundraiser plus a top up by our club will be announced at a future meeting. Check out the Winspear Community Project.
Fund raiser results - approximately $2400 earned!
Winners:
Raffle first prize - a 27 year old Scotch bottle went to Nora Bumanis, a member of Rotary Club of Edmonton Glenora plus a harpist with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Raffle second prize - a Scotch bottle and Whisky bottle went to Dave Rumbolt, a volunteer for the Winspear plus involved with the Edmonton Youth Orchestra
Raffle third prize - case of 12 wines also was won by Dave Rumbolt who had purchased only 10 tickets
Dawn Fargey placed the top bid for "Duncan" a 14 inch artistic sculpture. I think he is her new best friend.
Thanks to the many donors, ticket purchasers and the Keg N Cork liquor store for their contributions.
Our club hosts the Integrity Awards for Rotary clubs in the Greater Edmonton Region. We are planning this event for May 17th 2022 that is hoped to be a hybrid meeting but will at least be online.
Nomination forms are due Monday March 14th. Best to submit your recommendation as soon as possible.
If you would like to join the committee in hosting this fabulous event, please contact one of the co-chairs Nadean Langlois or myself.
Neil Lang
It's called the Secret 3K. It's about "Empowering Women and Children" while we walk or run 3K how cool is that. It's something we can to do instead of having a meeting, as well as completing a Rotary Days of Service Project. Please invite others, family, friends and children to participate.
This Virtual Run/Walk is taking place March 2, 2022, at 6 pm or the run/walk can be done one week prior at anytime. You pick your spot to gather.
Included below is the link for you to look at for more details, there is a registration tab which is linked to the Running Room.
If you go to "About" and then "The Story" you can learn more about the history behind this event.
The Rotaract Club of Edmonton is looking for new members! Do you know anyone in their twenties or thirties who are looking for an opportunity to engage in their community, volunteer and meet new people? We would love to have them as part of our club . Anyone interested in joining Rotaract Edmonton can send us an email at rotaract.edmonton@gmail.com.
We have been going strong in February! Engaging in club planning for the year and spending time volunteering at the Food Bank. Thank you so much for your ongoing support!
Feb 28th speaker in The Future of Alberta's Economy series:
Jason Krips was hired as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA), effective April 14, 2020. AFPA is the voice of Alberta’s forest industry, representing companies manufacturing lumber, panelboard, pulp and paper, and secondary manufactured wood products in Alberta. Alberta’s forest products industry and the AFPA work together to develop public awareness of the industry, fostering a greater understanding of the economic, environmental, and social values of Alberta’s forests. As President & CEO, Jason is accountable to the AFPA Board of Directors for providing leadership and vision to all aspects of the AFPA and is responsible for achieving strategic, financial, policy, and operating objectives of the AFPA.
Previous roles for Jason include:
-Deputy Minister of Alberta Economic Development, Trade and Tourism
-Deputy Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
-Deputy Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
-Assistant Deputy Minister of International Relations at Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations; and
-Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry and Market Development at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
A lawyer by profession with a focus in agriculture and land use, Jason has a strong and diverse background in the areas of issues management, leadership, stakeholder consultations, personnel management and team building.
Join Rotary Club Edmonton West for a Pickleball Social. Saturday April 23rd from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Crestwood Curling Club 14317 - 96 Avenue NW Cost: $20 or less depending on how many people sign up. No experience required.
Pickleball is a paddleball sport (similar to a racket sport) that combines elements of badminton table tennis and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, much like a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racket sports: the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications.
Editor's message....
Can't keep up with what is happening with our club? Lost a newsletter? Forgot who the next speaker is and the Zoom link?
All can be found in our website that is updated several times a week. edmontonrotary.com
Look for speakers under "Events". Newsletters can be found under "Resources" near the bottom of the main page.
I am always open to interesting stories or articles from club members especially if they include pictures. Just "reply" to this newsletter.
I'd also love to hear your comments at the upcoming Town Hall Meeting March 7th.
Raffle third prize - case of 12 wines also was won by Dave Rumbolt who had purchased only 10 tickets
.png)
