Rotary district conventions serve as a unique platform for reconnecting with old acquaintances and forging new friendships. The upcoming convention in Drumheller on May 4 and 5, 2024, promises to uphold this tradition, offering an enriching experience for attendees.
Distinguished speakers, renowned for their ability to weave compelling narratives, will center their discussions around the theme of 'Creating Hope in the World.' Their diverse storytelling approaches will captivate and inspire, providing attendees with a fresh perspective.
Engaging breakout sessions are designed to broaden your understanding of the expansive Rotary world. Noteworthy, this year's convention will kick off at 10:00 am on Saturday, facilitating convenient morning travel for district Rotarians. To ensure a packed schedule of fellowship and informative programs, the event will extend until 3:00 pm on Sunday. This thoughtful scheduling allows participants to return home at a reasonable hour.
Anticipate the creation of lasting memories, ones that participants will carry with them and eagerly share with fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike.
See you in Drumheller at the Badlands Community Facility!
Guided Journeys Foundation is a registered non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing our communities with palliative care support wherever they may need it. Every moment is precious for us, so we try to make each one count. We offer comfort, guidance, and compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers facing end-of-life bereavement
Every year Toby and Bernadine Boulet continue to spread the message of organ donation and registry after their son Logan Boulet died in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Logan was a registered organ donor and his organs saved six lives.
Ally Buck is te Rotary and Fundraising Coordinator for ShelterBox Canada. Ally is from rural Nova Scotia and is of mixed settler and M'kMaq indigenous background. She attended N.S. Community College where she studied Social Services and Community Development before moving to Kingston and attending Queen's University where she graduated with a degree in Global Development Studies. Ally is married and has 4 cats. ShelterBox philosophy is that everyone should live in a safe place able to sleep and cook their food, recover from the disaster, and prepare to move forward. This is a basic human right. Some years ago Rotary International became a partner with ShelterBox. John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International said: "Through the partnership with ShelterBox, Rotary members around the globe can collaborate with ShelterBox to support communities in desperate need of emergency temporary shelter and vital supplies following natural disasters." The Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise has been consistently donating since 2013, spurred by the enthusiasm of Rotarian Inga Jesswein. The Club has been recognized as Bronze HERO each year since 2019 to the present, reflecting an annual donation of $1,200. Lethbridge Sunrise has accumulated a lifetime donation of $11,856.50 since 2013.
In preparation for a long journey to Mexico through the Alberta Rotary Club Los Amigos Project, two frosty fire trucks were serviced by students in the Heavy Equipment Technician Diploma program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. These students honed their new-learned skills by inspecting and servicing the fire trucks, ensuring they are safe and reliable for the 3,000-mile trip ahead. From changing oils and filters to checking lights, wheels and tires, the students gained hands-on experience working on a different type of vehicle that wouldn’t typically be available to them.
“This initiative has elevated our students' experience as we would typically not have a fire truck at Olds College to work on during class,” says Greg Loewen, Instructor, School of Trades & Skills. “We are happy to help the community with this great cause, and it is valuable hands-on experience and exposure for our students.”
This is the second year that the School of Trades & Skills has helped the Los Amigos Project by having students service the vehicles. Olds College trades students are inspiring examples of what can be achieved when people come together to support a worthy cause. It's clear these generous individuals and organizations are making positive and lasting changes in their own communities as well as others around the globe.
The Los Amigos Project began in 2011 through partnerships with Rotary clubs in southern Alberta and Mexico. Through 12 successful trips, they have delivered fire trucks, ambulances, handicap vans and school buses to Mexico. For this trip, 16 drivers will be used to deliver the two fire trucks. The Los Amigos Project is also looking for more Rotary Clubs to become involved in this worthy initiative.
To get involved or if you have any questions, reach out to the Rotary Club of Olds at rotaryclubofolds@gmail.com.
Jeff Foss is the District Membership Chair for District 5360 and a member of the Rotary Club of Okotoks.
Lethbridge Sunrise is one of 5 clubs in the District to be chosen to participate in a “People of Action” Pilot Project. IN speaking to the club via Zoom, Jeff outlined the purpose and process of the initiative, designed to strengthen our clubs by focussing on Membership, Public Image and the Foundation.
Chris Mclean and Paul Henderson from the Rotary Club of Lethbridge East provided a progress report on the upcoming Dragonbaot Festival. The
Festival is an event supported by the four Rotary Clubs in Lethbridge. This year the Rotary Club of Lethbridge east is taking the lead but there is a need for increased support from the other clubs in terms of volunteers on the administration and during the event.
The Club enjoyed learning more about Toastmasters in Lethbridge, with presentations from Michaela Enzmann, treasurer of the Coulee Commentators Toastmasters Club, previously serving as VP Membership, President and Area Director
And Dave Schaaf, who has been a Toastmaster since 1990 and chartered the Downtown City Speakers in 1996.
Toastmasters is focussed on having fun and taking a positive approach to improving public speaking and personal skills in a supportive network, building leadership skills and self-confidence.
There are 6 Toastmasters Clubs in Lethbridge, and, like our Rotary Clubs, meet weekly and
welcome guests to their meetings, and encourage visiting the different clubs to learn about them all, and perhaps join in the fun!
Rotary district conventions serve as a unique platform for reconnecting with old acquaintances and forging new friendships. The upcoming convention in Drumheller on May 4 and 5, 2024, promises to uphold this tradition, offering an enriching experience for attendees.
Distinguished speakers, renowned for their ability to weave compelling narratives, will center their discussions around the theme of 'Creating Hope in the World.' Their diverse storytelling approaches will captivate and inspire, providing attendees with a fresh perspective.
Engaging breakout sessions are designed to broaden your understanding of the expansive Rotary world. Noteworthy, this year's convention will kick off at 10:00 am on Saturday, facilitating convenient morning travel for district Rotarians. To ensure a packed schedule of fellowship and informative programs, the event will extend until 3:00 pm on Sunday. This thoughtful scheduling allows participants to return home at a reasonable hour.
Anticipate the creation of lasting memories, ones that participants will carry with them and eagerly share with fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike.
See you in Drumheller at the Badlands Community Facility!
Shannon Frank has been the Executive Director of the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) for the last 13 years.
OWC is a one of 11 Watershed Advisory and Planning Councils in Alberta, mandated by the provincial government to provide an independent voice for watershed management and health under the Province's Water For Life strategy. Shannon’s very interesting presentation described the complexities of continent-wide watershed connections and also raised awareness of adaptive measures in water supply and management.
Steven Urquhart is Professor of Modern Languages at University of Lethbridge. His vocational talk made us very proud to have someone so accomplished in our Rotary Club! After having worked as an "au pair" in Lyon, France, Steven pursued his passion for the French Language and its literature in the French Teaching Specialization program at the University of Waterloo. He subsequently obtained a B.Ed. from Brock University before doing an M.A. at Penn State University. Steven's Ph.D. is from Queen's University, Kingston. Such a citizen of the world!!
Foundation Fellowship Dinner Fundraiser Rotary members, spouses, partners & friends
You are invited:
To host or attend a at home dinner party when love is in the air,,, week of February 14!
We will be working with theme of Rotary Love and will be looking for the menus to follow the February 14th theme.
We are looking for 4-5 at home hosts to host 6-8 fellow Rotarians & friends
Guest will be asked to make a minimum donation towards TRF to attend a dinner. Your host will not be asked for donation but will be asked to make the main dish for the dinner. Hosts may also ask guests for courses as a donation reduction, or not!
Hosts will get to select the day of the week of February 14 and the number of guests at their table.
Once we have volunteer hosts, we will work details such as numbers, dates, cost and menus. Guests will be contacted after details are finalized and will be given options of date and costs.
Please rsvp your interest as a HOST to Gwen as soon a possible
All Rotarians must have a police / vulnerable sector check. That they must have this check, even to attend a meeting where a youth or other vulnerable person was present.
We have received clarification from our insurance provider: "
Insurance coverage for abuse would apply to members directly working with vulnerable individuals/youth, such as chaperoning, driving, attending an event, counseling/advising, trips, etc. If members are just attending a meeting as a group and not interacting with the youth, it should be fine. For the insurance abuse coverage to apply, the accused individual must have had a VSC done in the past 3 years. If the accused had not, then the insurance would not cover them.
This statement from our insurer is in line with current district policy, those that work directly with the vulnerable sector must have a Vulnerable Sector Check.
From:rotarysw2@gmail.com <rotarysw2@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, January 7, 2024 5:44 PM To: Bev Thornton <bev@albertasouthwest.com> Subject: Wish you a happy charter day celebrations - Rtn Suren Poruri , District Chairman Global Grants - RI District 3150
Dear President Beverley Thornton ,
This is Suren Poruri, District Chairman - Global Grants, RI District 3150, from India.
Your rotary club of Lethbridge Sunrise was chartered on January 8, 2001, which is today. Your club completed 23 years service today in RI District 5360 in serving the communities across the world .
I would like to extend my warm wishes to you and to all your club members on this joyous moment.
Rotary is the only organization which has global foot print and is working towards happy communities across the world with it's noble initiatives.
Thanks to our rotary club founder Rtn Paul Harris, we are able to make a difference in the communities where we live.
Rotary clubs across the world executes service projects worth 2 billion dollars every year in their communities. Rotarians gives 25 million volunteer hours to their communities across the world every year.
Thanks and regards
Suren Poruri
District Chairman - Global Grants(Successfully executed 1 million dollar worth of global grants)
Please accept this letter as acknowledgement of your donation made to Lethbridge Food Rank.
We here at Lethbridge Food Bank are incredibly grateful for your donation made to our organization. Since 1982, the Lethbridge Food Bank has been proudly operating in the community of Lethbridge and serving the surrounding area with a "food share" program. Lethbridge is home to over 100,000 people and growing, making the Lethbridge Food Bank an important part of the community ensuring food security for families in need. As a non-profit organization we depend on donations to continue our mission to "feed the need", and we are incredibly grateful to have received yours.
Kind Regards,
Mac Nichol Executive Director - Lethbridge Food Bank
Henry Doeve is the President of the Link Pathway Committee, a past councillor for Lethbridge County, and an avid cyclist! Henry and a small group of visionary founders launched this project to connect Lethbridge and Coaldale with a bike path. Henry has led that effort over the last 10 to bring it to the point where it is today.
Peter Casurella is the Owner of Progressive West Consulting, the Executive Director of the SouthGrow Regional Economic Development and has been helping for the past two years to advocate for the construction of the Link Pathway.
This is an exciting opportunity for broad community involvement to create a unique 15 km of infrastructure with many benefits for the region.
Monica Ercolessi is the Associate Director, Community and Corporate Relations at Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta. She has been working in the non profit sector for the past 15 years, trying to satisfy her wish to do her part in the present to create a better future. In her spare time, you will find her in the mountains with her family and her dog, hiking biking skiing or just sitting under a tree.
Monica Ercolessi, CFRE
Associate Director, Community and Corporate Relations
Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Cheque Presentation
Although the 2023 Rotary Clubs of Lethbridge Lobsterfest main festivities had to be cancelled, the silent auction portion of the event was continued through the kind support of Kastner Auctions. Through the generous donations of items from local businesses, individuals, and our caring, generous buyers, our Rotary Clubs were able to provide the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre with a cheque for $4,900 on December 5, 2023.
Present in photo. L-R Udo and Mary-Ann (Sunrise Rotary), Cheryl (CCYAC representative), Todd (Downtown Rotary)
At the cheque presentation we each received a pin from the Chinook Child Youth and Advocacy Centre.
All of Rotary’s supporters are the Everyday Heroes.
Topic: “East Asian Adventures in Shenzhen, Vietnam, and Inner Mongolia”
Born and raised in Montreal, I obtained my B.A. (Honours, 1976) and M.A. (1981) from Carleton University in Ottawa before studying for my doctorate at the University of Toronto (1990). While working on my doctorate I taught in geography departments at University of Toronto at Mississauga(1985-86), University of Windsor(1986-88), and Carleton (1988-89) before I joined the Department of Geography at The University of Lethbridge in 1989.
In 1991, I taught International Studies on a faculty exchange with Hokkai Gakuen University, Sapporo, Japan. I was a Research Associate at the Instituto de Geografía, Universidad Autónoma de México during study leave, 1995-1996. On my second study leave, in 2003-04, I was a Visiting Scholar at the Centre of Canadian Studies at the University of Edinburgh. My third leave in 2011-2012 took me to the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Western Australia.
As an economic geographer, I have wide interests in Canada and overseas. I have focused much of my research on a variety of livestock and beef issues ranging from contemporary cattle production in Alberta, to nineteenth century slaughterhouse reform in the United Kingdom, and the livestock revolution in the developing world. Some of my more recent work has shifted into the area of planning history, regional economic development, and resource towns as outcomes of my last study leave.
I have been involved in a number of university service activities including Marshal of Convocation, General Faculties Council, Parliamentarian/Assistant Parliamentarian, and Chair of the Academic Quality Assurance Committee. I have served the City of Lethbridge as a Public Member on the Municipal Planning Commission, as a board member of Nikka Yuko, the Lethbridge and District Japanese Garden Society, and as a member of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge East.
I share a century house in South Lethbridge with my wife of over twenty-five years, Diane Clark, and two very bad cats. Downhill skiing, hiking in the Alberta Rockies, recreational SCUBA diving, and riding my bicycles and motorcycles are avocations that I would like to do more often.
I retired from the University of Lethbridge at the end of 2015 at age 63. In my 3rd Age Career I have a post-retirement contract with the University of Lethbridge in the autumn semesters of 2016 and 2017. In the spring semesters of 2016, 2017, and 2018 I am appointed as a Professor of Geography at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School of Urban Planning and Design where I teach "Human Geography for Planning Graduate Students".
Carol Kundrick is honoured as a Rotary "Major Donor".
Foundation Chair Gwen McMillan acknowledged this significant financial support and also Carol’s many years of service to Rotary since joining Lethbridge Sunrise in 2009. Carol has held various committee chair positions, is Past President 2015-16, Past Foundation Chair, and current inbound counsellor for our Exchange Student.
AG Sherry Davis presented the award, and also brought greetings from DG Kurt Kowalchuk.
On accepting the award, Carol reminded us that if we deliberately make small, regular donations it can add up to be an impactful contribution toward service to the world through Rotary projects.
Lethbridge Sunrise is proud to welcome Ali Norris, our sponsored participant at Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneur Camp (RAYEC) 2023. Ali is in Grade 9 at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. She is an honour student and member of the volleyball team that won zone championship at season’s end in October. In addition to continuing sports, academic aspirations are civil and/or mining engineering.
She sends her appreciation to Lethbridge Sunrise:
I’d like to thank you all for supporting me and sponsoring me for RAYEC this year. It has truly made an impact on my life, with new friends, new engaging opportunities, and knowledge that I can use for the rest of my life!”
Brock brings to southwest Alberta his experience as Head of Advocacy for Keep Alberta Rolling, a non-profit that showcases the benefits of the screen industry in the province.
Brock has assistant director and production experience on shows such as Interstellar, The Revenant, Wynonna Earp & Fargo.
Brock has a thorough understanding of how a film set works and all the jobs that go into making a successful project and the vendors needed to supply a film shoot. Keep Alberta Rolling has partnered with film industry organizations like the Directors Guild of Canada, Calgary Economic Development, Edmonton Screen Industries Office and municipalities throughout the SouthWest to develop initiatives to grow the industry in Alberta.
Bill Spenceley BASc/BSc Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
Bill Spenceley is president and owner of Flexahopper Plastics Ltd., headquartered in Western Canada and has over 43 years involvement in the Rotational Moulding Industry. He will be speaking to the Club about his company’s efforts to innovate, reduce energy, and be successful in global markets while keeping the environment on the balance sheet.
Bill has been actively promoting his passion for sustainability since 2005 including green sourcing 100% of his company’s power since 2007 and installing a 167KW solar array in 2017. His company initiated the establishment of a green polymer lab at the University of Lethbridge in 2018 to help fund research and development of materials and process improvements.
November 9, 2023 – Guest Speaker- Brenda Small, Operations Consultant, Gift of Life International
Brenda returned to Canada in September 2020 after living in California for 27 years. Brenda has been a Rotarian since 2006 and has received five Paul Harris Awards as a result of her work with Gift of Life.
The birth of Brenda’s youngest daughter changed life as it was forever. At just one week of age, she was diagnosed with complex heart disease. Doctors delivered the heart wrenching news that she would not survive her first birthday without receiving corrective heart surgery. Thankfully, the surgery was a success and Brenda had a new purpose in life. Following her daughter's surgery in 2002, Brenda began to raise funds to help children in need with heart disease. In 2006 Brenda joined Rotary and also founded the Los Angeles chapter of Gift of Life where she held the position of President until 2021. In 2012, Brenda was hired as the Assistant to Gift of Life International CEO, Rob Raylman. Brenda has worked Full Time for Gift of Life International for the past 11 years. She also implemented the Gift of Life Nutritional Assistance Program in El Salvador in 2008. Brenda currently resides in Stoney Creek, ON and holds the position of Operations Consultant for Gift of Life International and feels blessed to be able to save the lives of children in need each and every day.
Brenda’s presentation outlined the beginnings of the organization in 1975, the affiliation with Rotary International, and the milestones and impacts for nearly 50 years.
We will meet at Luigi’s North at 6 pm next Monday evening, November 13th
We will have the ground floor private room to ourselves where we can spread out a bit and be more comfortable.
REVISION: We will not have the Luigi’s “group rate” $20 dinner, which requires a minimum number… INSTEAD, we will each just order what we want, individually, off the menu!!
Those who have previously paid their $20 per head will be refunded their cash to apply to their choice.
Welcome one and all to an informal evening of enjoying each other’s company.
~ ~ Here is where Richard said I should add something cheeky to his note … but now is not the time to give you a pizza my mind!
Then, I thought I would add a joke about lasagna, but it’s just too cheesy.
Hey… maybe we have a prize for the best Italian food pun or joke of the evening?
Did you hear about the guy who took a second job as a pizza chef? He kneaded the dough!
From President Bev, with thanks, on behalf of Richard!
These are "goat heads" and they are everywhere on Yuma's bike paths
We must avoid anything plant growth poking through the asphalt; but, I think we got punctured when we had to ride 1 mile on the other side of the East Main Canal, because they were doing new construction along the bike path side. It was all sand and I'm sure that sand was full of those little goat heads. Now, more than ever, we will avoid like the plague, any plant material poking through cracks in the asphalt. Three tires in one trip! live and learn.
2288.5 km completed… 85.4%of the goal with 19 days remaining until November 13, 2023
Guest speaker-Kim Orr, Educator, Victoria Park High School
November 2, 2023 – Guest speaker-Kim Orr, Educator, Victoria Park High School
Kim has been an educator and administrator for 23 years with Lethbridge School division. With a diverse background in teaching, she has taught students ranging from kindergarteners to university students. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree in science from Montana state university. Outside the classroom, Kim enjoys traveling and living an active lifestyle with her husband and daughter. Kim currently teaches science at Victoria Park High School and Kim Orr has been an educator and administrator for 23 years with Lethbridge School division. With a diverse background in teaching, she has taught students ranging from kindergarteners to university students. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree in science from Montana state university. Outside the classroom, Kim enjoys traveling and living an active lifestyle with her husband and daughter. Kim currently teaches science at Victoria Park High School and is an active champion for community projects such as the school Christmas Hamper Project.
The private room at Luigi's North for 6 pm on November 13 (a Monday) for their standard package of pizza, lasagna and salad for $20 per person which includes tax and tip. Drinks are extra. There are only 24 seats available. Please pay on or before the November 9th Rotary breakfast.
Melody Garner-Skiba offered a fascinating view of the agriculture industry, as it has evolved from its traditions toward a future of innovation and new technologies.
Melody grew up at Rocking Heart Ranch, a cow/calf operation, and is a next generation owner and operator of the family ranch which now includes an equine breeding operation, agri-tourism and learning venture, and selling aggregate.
Melody holds a Bachelor of Management from U of L and has spent the last 23 years in various senior and executive leadership positions, most recently she was the Executive Director of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and President of the Canadian Sugar Beet Producers.
She is a recipient of the 2023 AFSC Women in Ag Award and current President of the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association.
It was a privilege to have her share her passion and knowledge, engaging with our global community to ensure the ag industry is strong and growing!
Comprised from a series of quotes from author Melody Beattie.
Thank God, life, and the universe for everyone and everything sent your way.
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. It turns problems into gifts, failures into successes, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. It can turn an existence into a real life, and disconnected situations into important and beneficial lessons.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Gratitude makes things right.
Gratitude turns negative energy into positive energy. There is no situation or circumstance so small or large that it is not susceptible to gratitude’s power.
We can start with who we are and what we have today, apply gratitude, then let it work its magic.
Say thank you, until you mean it. If you say it long enough, you will believe it.
Technology Development Advisors, NRC- “Enabling Innovation Right in our own Backyard.”
The Club enjoyed a great presentation by two Technology Development Advisors from Natural Resources Canada-Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).
On the topic of “Enabling Innovation Right in our own Backyard”, Cal and Nicole offered a small glimpse of the many successful companies that have taken a new idea to commercial success.
For the last 25 years, Cal Koskowich, Technology Advisor, has been NRC’s person south of Calgary, connecting with a broad spectrum of industries including Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Construction, Transportation and Telecommunications. He further collaborates with Defense Research & Development Canada (DRDC), Agriculture Canada, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and Medicine Hat College. He is a 3rd generation Albertan and Professional Engineer
Nicole Daub holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Lethbridge and an MBA from Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. and served on the board of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce finishing as the Chair in 2019/2020. In 2022, Nicole joined NRC bringing with her over 15 years experience in geospatial/ag tech industries, and continues connecting a diverse range of industries including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), software development, health technology and whatever else emerges!
You may have heard that Uganda is a corrupt country but there is all kinds of corrupt countries around the world. In all these countries there are desperate good people looking for help to help others. For years Sophie has been doing her best to help others in her home land. I'm hoping our Sunrise Club and our membership will help out by providing funds for clinic equipment. You can do so by passing on a cheque payable to Bridges Of Hope to me at our next meeting or mailing to me at 39 Tudor Blvd. Lethbridge T1K 5B9. Charitable Tax receipt will follow shortly Deane
Cam juggles the changes in how the Mission functions on a daily basis. Cam not only makes sure we’re operating in accordance with health regulations and such, he’s also helping staff, volunteers, and clients to adjust to all the changes. Can manages the new temporary Community Donation Centre.
Volunteer to Stuff Backpacks at MyCityCare "Stuff The Bus"
Date: Thursday, August 17, 2023
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: MyCityCare, 120F Mayor Magrath Drive N, Lethbridge
The Club meets together to help fill backpacks for the annual "Stuff The Bus" initiative. This program collects donations of backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and food for families undergoing financial pressure during the back-to-school season.
A Special Rotary Experience: “Doing a good deed can cost extra money: Travels in Argentina”
Our well-travelled Rotarian, Richard Tamkin, shared memories of his and Di’s travels in Argentina. This resulted from a Rotary “good deed” hosting a young doctor who from that country who then became a lifelong friend… as so often happens! Richard’s entertaining stories and scenic images created a glimpse of an interesting country!
The Lead for Lethbridge Sunrise on District 5360 “Move for Polio”.
Club members are sponsoring each other for a variety of activities. Sergeant-at-Arms fines and Happy Bucks went toward this effort, raising another $50 for the initiative!
Erin heads up a large team of staff and volunteers, collaborating with community organizations and all levels of government. Erin is an outstanding cheerleader for Lethbridge, and we look forward to hearing more about how the organization works to promote the City and southern Alberta.
Since 2006 Steven has been Associate Professor of French, Quebec literature specialist, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Lethbridge.
He attended Brock University for his undergraduate degree, Penn State University for his Master of Arts, and received his PhD in French Language and Literature at Queens University.
LtoR Sherry Davis (Assistant Governor), Steven Urquhart, Myrna Procinsky Longair (Membership Chair), Gwen MacMillan (President 22-23), Bev Thornton (President 23-24)
Associate Professor, History, University of Lethbridge; specialist in Russian and modern European History
”The Myth of the Good Czar”
“not what we see on the news” insight into the attitudes and intricacies of Russian society, attitudes, and social patterns.
This fascinating talk placed current events in the context of the centuries-old expectation that our rulers are benevolent and work to serve their people.
Steve Leavitt ( DG 2022-23) along with Don and Gwen
On June 29, 2023, Rotarian Pat hosted a BBQ to mark the “Passing of the Gavel” from Co-Presidents Don Robb and Gwen McMillan to incoming President Bev Thornton. We were joined by outgoing District Governor Steve Leavitt and his wife Pat.
Our Hosts: Pat and Keith
Gwen, Rita, Pat, and Rita's sister (sorry)
Karen and Greg always happy
Udo
Richard
Carla
Karl
Berga
Sharon
Wayne
Alan
Tristan Urquhart
Tristan Urquhart, our outgoing Exchange Student, was presented with a selection of Canadian items to accompany him on is way to Chile for his year abroad.
Trevor Sakatch, BSc. Kinesiology, CSEP- Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CSEP- High Performance Specialist, EiMC Level II Clinical Lead- South Zone Supervised Exercise Program Alberta Healthy Living Program
• Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta • Attended the University of Lethbridge and completed a BSc. Kinesiology • Attained a post-graduate certification in Exercise Physiology • Currently working as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, registered under the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, within Alberta Healthy Living Program • Areas of interest: exercise for people living with chronic conditions, Exercise as a form of medicine, high performance training for overhead athletes • Hobbies: avid outdoorsperson, coaching/playing baseball, golfing, reading, spending time with family/friends/miniature schnauzer named Esme
, Bev Thornton was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal by Livingstone-Macleod MLA Roger Reid for “community leadership and contributions to sustainable economic development”.
Tristan Uraqhart receives his RYE Red jacket from DG elect Kurt Kowalchuck at this weekends orientation. Tristan parents Steve and Wendy were on hand to share in the moment. Tristan is one of 9 students District 5360 is sending out. Destination Chile
Mishka Singh is a South African born family physician who enjoys working with a diverse range of patients within the population she serves. She graduated in 2010 from the University of KwaZulu Natal, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in South Africa. Whilst working in South Africa she worked in trauma, emergency medicine and obstetrics. She moved to Canada in 2015 and has since completed all of her Canadian licencing exams as well as the exams of the College of Family Physicians Canada. She currently serves a full panel of patients within the Lethbridge community. She enjoys community service and just recently returned from a trip abroad volunteering with Kitrinos Healthcare at a refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece. Dr. Singh realises that technology is the way of the future which motivated her to complete a few short courses on Artificial Intelligence in Health Care through MIT and Harvard. She endeavours to continue to improve her skills in her field to continue to help the community she serves.
A special visit and tour has been arranged during this week’s Thursday meeting, 7-8 am on Thursday October 20.
Instead of meeting at the LSCO, go to the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, 712 4th Avenue South. Doors will open at 645 am.
It’s a “bring your own coffee” day, and it is suggested that those interested in having breakfast together to make their own arrangements for after the meeting.
There will be no zoom meeting this week. There will be a short presentation before the tour, to be confirmed.
The trip this year will be leaving Lethbridge at 7:00 AM on Sunday, February 20th, returning to Lethbridge Saturday, March 5th around midnight. We ask that if you are interested in applying for a drivers position this year, please complete the attached application and return it by email to doug@thornfin.caBEFORE Friday, November 26. The Admin Team will be making selections over the weekend. Successful candidates will be notified on Monday Nov 29th.
Following current travel laws, all drivers must be fully vaccinated, and show proof of out of country travel insurance covering the dates of our trip.
You will note that there is no ambassadors application attached, since this year, the Admin Team has decided not to offer space to Ambassadors. Costs of Fuel, accommodation and flights have increased substantially.
Please feel free to share this application with any other members of your Rotary Club that may be interested. As you are aware, only members of Rotary are eligible to drive.
I want to reach out to give you information on the current state of our project. It will come as no surprise to anyone, due to travel restrictions, we will not be sending our units before the end of 2021. The Admin Team has met and we have begun to make preparations to leave Lethbridge for Mazatlan on Sunday, February 20, 2022. We will be returning home on Saturday, March 5th. All planning and travel arrangements will be re examined on or before December 20, 2021 and may be cancelled at that time.
There have been some changes to previous trips that are motivated to protect the safety of our drivers. We will require 14 drivers and two administrators for this trip.
1. All participants must be fully vaccinated for Covid 19, and be prepared to wear N95 masks in public areas that exhibit high chances for
transmission of the virus.
2. We will be unable to accommodate Ambassadors for this trip.
3. All drivers must possess out of country travel insurance that provides coverage for Covid 19 infections, including the cost of quarantine or return
transportation if necessary.
Driver applications will be available in the next few days. As before, drivers must be Rotarians, members of Clubs that have contributed to funding of Los Amigos or have provided vehicles.
We have found that our budget, prepared over two years ago, may have to be adjusted to account for realities in fuel costs, travel and accommodations from then to now. We will keep you advised as plans take shape.
Thank you for your interest and commitment to our Los Amigos Project.
Los Amigos Project Advisory Committee --- Zooms ahead!
The Los Amigos Project Advisory Committee gathered virtually on December 12, 2020 to share updates on the Project!
Stehr is a Star!
Annie Stehr, University of Lethbridge, and Lethbridge Rotaract-er has spent many hours building the www dot losamigosproject dot ca website, which is no longer supported (updated 10 January 2024)
A huge THANK YOU goes to Annie for her knowledge, commitment, attention to detail and patience in sorting through 10 years of records and photos and creating order out of all the ideas and information.
The Project is excited to have a place to celebrate 10 years of international achievement, tell the story of the project, thank partners and sponsors and archive the participants and photos from each year of the project since 2010 .
Please visit and have a look! It is still in construction, and the Admin Team welcomes comments. If you have ideas or information to add, please contact doug@thornfin.ca
President Gwen attended the meeting and thanked the Project for all the great work, with special thanks to Annie for all her work to create the website.
Los Amigos Project Admin Team (RC Lethbridge Sunrise):
Doug Thornton and Henry VanHierden, Co-chairs
Karl Samuels. Daryn Wenaas, Berga Moen
Los Amigos Project Advisory Committee
Randy Smith (RC Airdrie); Richard Gette (RC Brooks); John Fortunka (RC Calgary Fish Creek};
Michael Henderson (RC Cardston); Robert Karchmarski (RC Kindersley); Jim Crawford (RC Olds);
Dick Burnham (RC Pincher Creek); Jim Campbell (RC Lethbridge Sunrise); Greg Tiffin (RC Lethbridge Sunrise);
Lee Koran (RC Lethbridge Sunrise); KrJack Yaeck (RC Lethbridge); Wayne Stewart (RC Lethbridge).
On Saturday morning, five amigos and one amiga transferred Los Amigos Project equipment (gurneys, SCBA tanks and backpacks, masks, radios, wheelchair and assorted parts) from current storage unit to the one next door. RYPEN and Dragonboat items were moved to another club storage unit. A BIG THANK YOU TO
Brian Cornforth, a former member of the Lethbridge Fire Department, played an integral part in the Los Amigos Project in the past. He continues to provide fire equipment to the project. Recently, Brian arranged for a donation of the following items:
Upon finishing the drive down From Lethbridge to Mazatlan, all of the vehicles were parked overnight in the parking lot of the playground named after Allan Kuechle from Grand Prairie Rotary Club, who started the vehicle convoys 15 years ago.
This newsletter reports on four of the vehicle deliveries. The remaining deliveries will be presented in the next Los Amigos newsletter.
The first week (which is the driving) was the responsibility of Alberta Rotarians and the Los Amigos project. The Rotarians from Mexico responsibility for the second week. After parking the vehicles, the drivers and ambassadors were taken to their hotel.
Next day, all Canadian representatives were returned to the park to attend the ceremonial handover of the vehicles' keys to Rotarians from each recipient town. Each town was represented by Rotarians, municipal officials, spouses, et al. Speeches were made with translators on hand. Following the ceremony, the vehicles were driven off to their new homes.
In order to formally deliver each vehicle, the drivers and ambassadors were divided into two groups. One group went north, the other went south.
THE NORTH GROUP
The north group consisted of the firefighters and trainers who drove “their” ambulance to Culiacán. The training team had the opportunity to make this presentation. It was especially touching for the three firefighters from Lethbridge (the Trainers) who had actually driven the ambulance many times while on duty. This handover is covered in the preceding article.
THE SOUTH GROUP
The following day (week 2 day 2), the drivers and ambassadors boarded a bus and for a seven hour ride to Guadalajara via the fast toll road. They spent that night in a hill-top hotel.
Next day (week 2 day 3) the Pincher Creek ambulance was presented to the Rotary Club of Zacoalco de Torres and handed to the community of Acatlan (population 10,000). It is geographically remote with a lot of surrounding agriculture. In the past it has taken an ambulance one hour one way to respond to an emergency in Acatlan, then another hour to return to the hospital in Zacoalco. A bit of good news is that patients are stabilized at a medical clinic in Acatlan while waiting for transportation. There are 4 stabilization beds for adults, 2 for children, and a bassinet for one newborn.
The Fish Creek handibus was presented to the Rotary Club of Colima and handed to a school for disabled children in the community of Coquimatlan (one hour from Manzanillo). The school has waited three years for this; it was a 'dream come true.' There are 30 children registered and teachers have very little to work with. This handibus will enable children to go on field trips, reduce their isolation, and most importantly, get them to and from school. Many parents struggle in getting their children to school, especially during inclement weather when pushing a wheelchair in the mud is not that easy! After the official ceremony, the Mayor of Coquimatlan drove the children home using the donated handibus. It was a very celebratory yet poignant moment in time. The next article in this newsletter, written by John Fortunka of the Rotary Club Calgary Fish Creek, is a heart-warming story about this delivery.
Next day (week 2 day 4), the Cardston handibus was donated to Tlaquepaque which is on the outskirts of Guadalajara. It was donated in memory of Michael Henderson's mother, Beverley Henderson. The handibus was already booked solid for the next few days. It will be used in transporting the elderly and disabled to and from doctor appointments.
The following day (week 2 day 5) the whole group was bused back to Mazatlan.
Next morning (week 2 day 6) was the formal opening of the “proper” school to replace the “pallet school,” as mentioned in the previous newsletter. In the evening all attended the formal farewell dinner hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Mazatlan.
Next afternoon (week 2 day 7) everyone boarded a direct flight back to Calgary and home.
Coquimatlan Municipality School - Monday October 23, 2017
A happy band of Rotarians and Ambassadors were eagerly greeted and welcomed by local Rotarians and staff of the Coquimatlan Municipal School . The children were in their classrooms and were excited about our visit and the anticipation of what was going to happen. The kids who attend the school have varying disabilities and are aged from around four years old to young adults. School is important to these children and adults and getting to the school from their community is not easy for them.
I want to introduce you to Mercedes, one of the younger pupils in the classroom we were invited into. This is what she had to say about her School:
Translation: "I am Mercedes – Mechita to my friends, I am a talkative person, always wanting to be informed of everything, so I always ask questions. I insist that I come to my school from my community because I am so happy there."
The initial welcome quickly progressed to the official handover of the handibus to the school. The President of the Community was there to officially receive the keys to the vehicle and many parents and members of the local Rotary Club were also present. The school children, young adults and staff were part of the audience for the official handover. Many speeches and photos!
The President had a great idea,‘’Let's load up the handibus with some of the school pupils for a photo-shoot!’" The tailgate elevator was lowered and pupils in wheelchairs were loaded on-board. Other students climbed up the bus steps to take a seat inside. There was a look on the faces of the students that was amazing. Their eyes sparkled with pride for their new acquisition. Tears and smiles spread infectiously among the kids and adults alike. It was a special moment which touched the hearts of everyone. My Rotary Moment!
A final surprise was to follow. The President decided that as the bus was now filled he would drive those kids on board home. So off they went!
The handibus was now in Service to provide transport for these Very Special Kids to attend their Very Special School and other trips out to enrich their lives.
On Thursday, October 12th. another convoy headed off to Mazatlan, Mexico, thanks to the generosity of many municipalities in Southern Alberta who donated retired vehicles to this project. All these retired vehicles will have a second life working in the towns and villages of western Mexico.
This convoy consists of:
3 Handibuses from the City of Lethbridge obtained by RC Lethbridge Sunrise.
1 Handibus from the Town of Cardston with delivery sponsored by the Henderson family of Cardston in memory of Bev Henderson.
1 Ambulance from the City of Calgary obtained by RC Calgary Fish Creek.
1 Ambulance from the Town of Pincher Creek obtained by RC Pincher Creek.
1 Ambulance from the City of Lethbridge obtained by RC Lethbridge Sunrise.
All of these vehicles were loaded with stretchers, back boards, turnout gear, cutters, and other useful equipment that the Mexican villages can not afford to buy. Rotarians in Mazatlan have selected the towns and villages that will receive these donated vehicles after sifting through many, many applications. The task of making these selections is left entirely to the Rotarians in Mazatlan, since they speak Spanish, know the localities and can best assess the needs.
The training programme has been expanded yet again. This time senior experienced Mexican EMS personnel will be trained to become trainers in their own locale. Alberta training manuals have been translated into Spanish for this task.
Two representatives from the truly wonderful Rotaract Club at the University of Lethbridge will be flying down to attend the formal opening of a primary school, for which they financed the construction. Instead of a rickety “school” built of shipping pallets and tarpaulins there is now a solid masonry school with a concrete roof, which is also designed as a hurricane shelter for the local community. The Rotaract Club should be very proud of themselves.
In general Mexican firefighters receive little or no training. All Mexican firefighters are volunteers (except the one local boss in each municipality) who sort of, kind of, learn on the job. They have limited insurance coverage and very few, if any, benefits. They are courageous people and greatly respected in their locality for this.
Once again Lynn Brasnett (Past President of Pincher Creek Rotary and a Captain in Pincher Creek Fire Dept.), Chris Tomaras (Senior firefighter in the Lethbridge Fire Dept.) and Chris Carney (Captain in the Lethbridge Fire Dept.) have volunteered their time to assist in this training. Without this donation of their time this training would not take place at all. All the expenses of this training have been underwritten by the Rotary Club of Lethbridge.
For October 2017 the focus of the training courses for Mexican firefighters has been changed. The intent this October is to “train the trainers” so that training may continue throughout the year. Prior to our arrival in Mazatlan, 6 senior firefighters will have been selected to attend a pre instruction class. At this class they will be given a 2 day seminar in the proper presentation of course material. After those 2 days these 6 senior individuals will then lead the instruction of “regular” firefighters with our Albertan trainers serving as supervisors. This training course will be held at the University of Sinaloa in Mazatlan.
We hope that these changes will enable training to continue throughout the year in the three states we serve..
Throughout this past year the Albertan training team has assembled a large amount of equipment which will be given out during the training sessions. Delivery will be assisted by the Los Amigos team.
On behalf of the City of Lethbridge, mayor Chris Spearman formally donates six decommissioned vehicles to the Los Amigos project. Los Amigos project director, Karl Samuels, presents Mayor Spearman with a certificate of recognition in the photo below.
City Donates 6 Decommissioned Vehicles to Los Amigos
Thursday 21 April 2016 from 7:00 am to 8:00 am at Streatside Eatery
Join Rotarians and friends as they bid the Los Amigos convoy farewell. They will head out on a seven-day, 3800 km trip to Mazatlan Mexico. The convoy includes sixteen drivers and eight vehicles - 2 ambulances, 2 fire trucks, and 4 handibuses. Learn more about the 6th year of Los Amigos operations. Meet members of the driving, training, and ambassador team.
The Communications Group Lethbridge Ltd. has again generously loaned us the free use of 8 radio handsets which will enable each vehicle to communicate with all others in the convoy. Each set will need to be recharged overnight. The unfortunate truth is that not all drivers keep their handset turned on which leads to missed instructions. This type of error is the cause of much bantering at supper time. Drivers are not allowed to forget these errors.
Al Green, the locksmith, kindly checked out each lock and where necessary either made new keys or reworked the faulty existing keys so now we have two keys for each ignition and each door for all of the 8 vehicles.
Robert Lloyd of Impact Signs came out over a weekend to apply all the decals on the 8 vehicles so that everyone can easily see that this a Canadian and Mexican joint project.
Canadian Tire regularly donates rigid coolers, tool sets and road safety kits to the convoy. All these items are then donated in Mexico. Canadian Tire has donated rigid coolers, tool kits and roadside safety set for the convoys use and for onward donation in Mexico.
The Fire truck arrived and the goodies were loaded on.
The simple fact is that without the support of many businesses, the Los Amigos convoys would not depart Lethbridge and so ordinary Mexicans would needlessly suffer.
Tuesday 12 April 2016 from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at College Ford Lincoln
Short Program at 12:15
A light lunch will be served.
Los Amigos are taking eight vehicles to Mexico this year. Join us for lunch and you can see the units all shined up and ready to go! Join Rotarians for a fun and information-packed taco lunch. Learn more about the 6th year of operation for Los Amigos. Meet members of the driving, training, and ambassador team.
Los Amigos keeps growing because it has so many helpful friends. This newsletter is an attempt to keep all of our valuable friends up-to-date with what is happening Not only are the convoys growing bigger but new projects have spun off due to contacts made within Los Amigos. The formal training of "bomberos" and the construction of a pallet school are two such projects - read more later.
At 3:00 pm Friday afternoon I received an urgent message from Jose Sanchez Reynoso (Pepesan), our primary contact and representative in Mexico for the Los Amigos Project. He informed me that the paperwork for the four vehicles we plan to donate to Mexican communities, was not finalized. Although we completed and sent all documentation, (consistent with the process followed in the previous four years) in early February, the Mexican government was now indicated that the paperwork regarding ownership of the vehicles is not acceptable. Late last night we re-submitted the paperwork and are waiting for clearance to proceed. We do not expect any resolution on this until Monday morning or later.
I have consulted our project leadership team and Sunrise club president to chart a course of action. We have decided that we must delay departure and not leave on Sunday morning, as planned. I realize this creates stress and upheaval for many of you. We are hopeful that clearance from Mexico will be obtained next week and allow us to head south. Even with a latest departure date of Saturday April 18th it would remain our intention to return on the flight departing April 26 from Mazatlán. If the paperwork has not cleared by Friday April 17th we will cancel the trip for this year.
The training team will proceed as scheduled as their participation is not dependent on the vehicles.
If you are part of the driver team please let me know if you will be available to drive at short notice, this coming week.
I will keep you updated as information becomes available.
Henry van Hierden of RC Fort Macleod presents $1500 cheque to Sunrise President Marty Boogaart and President-Elect Greg Tiffin in support of Los Amigos Project
On Wednesday of this past week, Jim was interviewed by Holly Preston, host of the CBC radio program Alberta @ Noon. If you want to hear the interview, you can go to the link below. On this link go to the media file beneath Wednesday July 18, 2012 and you will be able to hear the interview
Fireside Event at the Thornton's Mansion 
Ignacio, The Sailer , Oops, The Paddler
Date: Thursday, August 17, 2023
Upcoming Events
, Bev Thornton was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal by Livingstone-Macleod MLA Roger Reid for “community leadership and contributions to sustainable economic development”.
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Annie Stehr, University of Lethbridge, and Lethbridge Rotaract-er has spent many hours building the 
The President had a great idea,‘’Let's load up the handibus with some of the school pupils for a photo-shoot!’" The tailgate elevator was lowered and pupils in wheelchairs were loaded on-board. Other students climbed up the bus steps to take a seat inside. There was a look on the faces of the students that was amazing. Their eyes sparkled with pride for their new acquisition. Tears and smiles spread infectiously among the kids and adults alike. It was a special moment which touched the hearts of everyone. My Rotary Moment!
In general Mexican firefighters receive little or no training. All Mexican firefighters are volunteers (except the one local boss in each municipality) who sort of, kind of, learn on the job. They have limited insurance coverage and very few, if any, benefits. They are courageous people and greatly respected in their locality for this.
The Alberta Government's Community Initiatives Program has approved a $15,000 grant to support the 2017 Los Amigos Project.
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