I have been in touch with Angela Wilde, principal of Westminster and she has confirmed that the school is closed. She thanked us for checking with her and let us know they are closed to the public, but open for on-line learning and learning packages. Their staff are working, some at home and some at home. She indicated it is best to cancel our breakfast program until they open again and offered best health to all our Rotary team.
Thanks for your hard work in supporting the school and serving breakfast to the students. We will be in touch again when we know what our next date will be.
I hope you and your friends and families are all doing well during this unique, challenging time.
Things have gotten more complicated as the week goes on with the Covid 19 situation.
Nord-Bridge is closed for at least two weeks, the Calgary Rotary Clubs are not meeting for four weeks and we all are being asked to practise social distancing. Kim, Gwen and I agreed that we will not meet for at least four weeks. That brings us to the April 16 meeting, we hope to have more news before then. This also means our April 4 Vision 2020 meeting will be canceled.
If any one needs support because they are self-isolating, feeling ill or feel too compromised to go out, please let Kim, Gwen or myself know. We will help out or find someone who can.
Until we meet again, please take care one and all.
We have been advised that the Nord-Bridge Senior Centre will be closed on Monday March 16 for at least one week and possibly longer. This closure is under the recommendation of Alberta's Chief Medical Officer recognizing seniors as a high risk population.
We will keep members updated through ClubRunner emails, our ClubRunner website and our Facebook page as we learn more.
If you have any questions please direct them to Kim, Gwen or myself.
As Rotarians your work is all very important, please keep yourselves safe and remember "Wash your hands!".
October 24 is Polio Day ! We are this close to eradicate polio from the world.
But we need to do more to close that gap !
The following two weeks during our rotary meeting we will be collecting donations to our polio plus campaign.
Donate now ! and all your donations will be matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Give $20, and $60 will go to vaccinate children in the world ! IT'S THAT EASY !
If you prefer to donate on line or with credit card instead of carrying some money you can do that on this link: http://www.endpolio.org/donate
Donate Now !
Remember that we want to collect as much as possible before October 24, and your dollars will be matched 2:1 !
I will have a box to collect donations the following two rotary meetings. Bring your donation money (paper bills are preferred, but we will take coins also).
As has been announced at our weekly meetings over the last while, we are cancelling our normal Thursday Sept 19th morning meeting and instead have a tour of the new Science CommonsBuilding (formally the Destination Building) at the University of Lethbridge.
It is with great excitement that I announce that The Allied Arts Council will be recognizing Don Robb as a Joan Waterfield recipient.
He will be recognized on September 19 during the Mayor's Luncheon for Business and the Arts. What a great opportunity this is as members of the LCBS to be able to come together to support and recognize Don at this event. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchase tickets online at artslethbridge.org.
I am proud to say that compared to 2018, we had triple the number of Rotarians and their guests march in the Calgary Pride Parade on August 31st!
The value of diversity, equity and inclusion in our communities is increasing with more attendees than ever showing up in support.
In January 2019 Rotary International's announced it's policy for diversity, equity and inclusion statement for Rotary as follows:
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders.
Rotary International also updated its policy on adult harassment and requested the general secretary to provide training resources to club and district leaders regarding maintaining harassment-free environments at Rotary meetings, events, and activities.
I truly believe that through education, there comes understanding and acceptance. Kindly take your Rotary journey through adherence to Rotary's 4-Way test and the Rotarian's Code of Conduct.
This message is to invite you and any interested members of your clubs to join us at our weekly meeting on Tuesday, September 24 for a Naloxone training session provided by ARCHES.
We meet for dinner in the Saddle Room at the Exhibition (3401 Parkside Dr South) on Tuesday evenings, and anyone attending the training session is welcome to join us for the meal at 5:30 pm that evening. The cost of dinner is $23, and there is a cash bar available.
If anyone is interested they can e-mail me directly or you can collect responses and send them to me all at once. I would like to have all RSVPs by Friday September 20 please, as I will need to let our caterers know how many people will be joining us for dinner that evening.
There has been a call out to Rotary for assistance to the Bahamas in the horrific wake of Hurricane Dorian. Here is the link for information and donations:
My dear friends, Rotary leaders, and Rotaract leaders:
A new Rotary year is upon us, and let us say one final thank you to former President Barry Rassin for his outstanding leadership. Barry, we will miss you, but we know and appreciate that you will continue to lead Rotary in important ways for years to come.
I have spoken for several months about how Rotary Connects the World, and the time has now arrived to put our words into action. We have an exciting year ahead of us, a year when we begin to implement the new Strategic Plan, what I call the Rotary Action Plan and when we will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter.
That anniversary will underscore the ties we have and goals we share with the United Nations. We will host five special events—UN Day in New York, three presidential conferences in Paris, Santiago, and Rome, and a final celebration just before the Convention in Honolulu. This will help us achieve the first Action Plan goal of increasing our impact by demonstrating that Rotary’s influence in the world has only just begun.
The second Action Plan goal is expanding our reach. To achieve that, we need to grow Rotary – reaching out to new members, engaging current members, and creating more alternatives for membership for the next generation of Rotarians.
The third goal is enhanced participant engagement, making sure that Rotarians have experiences that are personally and professionally relevant and fulfilling. This is why I believe so strongly in building a more family-friendly Rotary -- one that welcomes children to our activities and that is considerate of families in our scheduling. Let us recommit to putting the needs, expectations, and growth of our participants at the center of all we do.
The final priority of our new Action Plan is increasing our ability to adapt. New approaches to our organizing principles do not threaten our sense of who we are. That is why I believe that Rotary must respect professional commitments and not require Rotary leadership to be a full-time job. We need to respect the time and responsibilities of young people who are building careers.
Together, we will harness the power of connection just as our organization has been doing for more than 114 years. We have a long, proud heritage. And we will continue to thrive because we are not afraid of change.
I look forward to leading you in this important journey, as Rotary Connects the World!
Yours in Rotary,
Mark Daniel Maloney President, Rotary International 2019-2020
Our Breakfast Club volunteer team who serve breakfast sandwiches to Westminster Elementary School students on Rotary Wednesday, are a wonderful team. They meet at 8:15 am for about an hour once a month during the school year and spend an enjoyable time with students and teachers. Each volunteer's usual routine is as follows:
Meet in the Westminster kitchen area
Prepare a bin of food and beverages for an assigned classroom
Deliver the bin to the classroom; meet the teacher and students
Serve breakfast
Read a story (assigned by the teacher) to the group of students
Return the bin to the kitchen
Not all volunteers are available each month so I send an email to each team member about a week ahead.
That way they can let me know if they are available.
Would you like to join us? Do you have any questions or concerns?
Some photos are attached FYI.
We need more volunteers and would appreciate your support! Let me know.
How would you describe 2018? Was it what you expected?
We would probably say no. From especially devastating natural disasters on the one hand to record numbers of women campaigning for office on the other, 2018 felt to us like a series of surprises. The world looking backward from today is very different from what we pictured a couple years ago looking forward.
A benefit of surprises is that they’re often a prod to action. It can gnaw at people to realize that the realities of the world don’t match their expectations for it. Some surprises help people see that the status quo needs to change. Some surprises underscore that transformation is happening already.
Twenty-five years ago, we read an article that said hundreds of thousands of kids in poor countries were dying from diarrhea. That surprise helped crystallize our values. We believe in a world where innovation is for everyone—where no child dies from a disease it’s possible to prevent. But what we saw was a world still shaped by inequity.
That discovery was one of the most important steps in our journey to philanthropy. We were surprised, then we were outraged, then we were activated.
There have been good surprises, too. When we first started learning about malaria, we thought the world would never make real headway on the disease until someone invented a long-acting vaccine. But thanks to bed nets and other measures, malaria deaths are down 42 percent since 2000.
In this year’s annual letter, we’re highlighting nine more things that have surprised us along this journey. Some worry us. Others inspire us. All of them are prodding us to action. We hope they do the same for you, because that’s how the world gets better.
The Family Member Category allows more than one person in a family to become members of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise at a reduced rate.
Eligibility. Any household may apply for Family Membership and designees may include any household member who is at least 18 years of age.
Family members do not need to join at the same time, but they can if they chose so. Current Individual Members may later add other family members.
The following process will be used to set up a Family Membership:
Approval. A Family Membership must first be approved by the Club’s Board of Directors.
Inductions. Each family member will be formally inducted into the club through the Club’s established new member process.
RI Registration. Each family member will be listed as an official member of the Rotary Club.
Votes and quorum. For the purpose of club meetings, each family member will be able to vote the same as an individual member.
Holding office. Each member, as an individual, can hold any office in the Rotary club to which the member is elected in the normal way.
Annual club dues. One member pays full club dues and additional family members pay a reduced due that covers RI/District costs and insurance.
Meals/beverage costs. Current meal fee structure is the same for all types of members.
Bulletin and communication. Family members will individually receive the club’s weekly bulletin/newsletter and regular club communications providing separate contact information is provided.
The Rotarian magazine. The family will receive a subscription to The Rotarian magazine (one copy per family).
Participation in youth activities. The family members are expected to abide by all restrictions, policies, and procedures with respect to club activities involving youth.
Termination. The process for terminating a family member is similar to that for individual members. An individual may remain a Family Member as long as the original Rotarian is still a member. If the original Rotarian leaves the Club, the related family member must become a regular Rotarian as soon as is feasible, but no later than the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Effective July 2018
FAMILY MEMBER CATEGORY – The Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise
We have been asked to volunteer for the Salvation Army Christmas kettles again this year. However, we won't take on a day to assign club volunteers and instead, anyone who is interested can contact Don Bladen directly at lethbridgekettles@gmail.com or call him at 587-257-5657 to set up a date, time and location that works best for you.
Spouses and friends of the drivers flew down and stayed for the second week, entirely at their own expense, so as to partake in the celebrations that the Mexican Rotarians organize to thank Alberta for the gifts that have been driven down. Some Albertans may find this generosity excessive and unnecessary (the writer included) but it is the customs of Mexico that must be respected. The Mexicans are polite and caring people who wish to show their gratitude. It would be seen as arrogant and offensive if Albertans did not partake. (The writer and his wife have spent many years snow birding in Mazatlan and thus both like and respect the ordinary Mexican).
The drivers and ambassadors were divided into four groups so that celebrations in each town could be attended.
Karl Samuel’s group.
Vehicle Handover Ceremony – Acayucan, Veracruz
A small group flew via Mexico City to Acayucan near the big port city of Veracruz on the southern Caribbean coast where the fire truck from the MD of Rocky View was being donated. The fire truck had been purchased by the Rotary Club of Airdrie for $5,000 thanks to the efforts of Randy Smith who was the retiring Fire Chief of the MD. Randy, his wife, Donna, Karl Samuels and Jim Campbell formed this group, all of whom were hosted by the Rotary Club of Acayucan.
John Fortunka’s group– Vehicle Handover Ceremony – Tepic, Nayarit
This was going to be a busy and memorable day for our group of six drivers and ambassadors who were visiting Tepic to handover the ambulance to the municipality of Tepic.
First stop an invitation to the Municipality Building to meet El President in his office. Greetings and pleasantries exchanged the group was escorted outside to the Plaza where the handover was going to take place. The canopy was quickly filled and the top table guests and speakers took their places facing the crowd.
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the contract between the Rotary Club of Tepic Nayar and the President of the Municipality. This binding agreement ensures that the Municipality accepts the responsibility of keeping the vehicle well maintained and used to it fullest extent for the benefit of the people of Tepic.
The handing over of the keys of the Ambulance was the next step in the proceedings. Lynne Brasnett was chosen from the group to do this. It was special for Lynn to do this because the vehicle had been donated by the community of Pincher Creek and sponsored by Lynn’s Rotary Club. Lynn is also a paramedic in Pincher Creek and had driven the vehicle during its service in that community.
Speeches were made, banners presented and gifts were exchanged. Finally, the photo shoot to mark the end of the official occasion. As an added attraction the group was treated to a tour of the Tepic Fire Hall. Here the group enjoyed the antics of the Exchange Students who gleefully enjoyed trying the firemen’s emergency exit pole.
A special thanks to our great Rotary hosts in Tepic!
Jack Yaeck’s group – Vehicle Handover Ceremony – Mazanillo, Colima
To deliver the handi-bus to Mazanillo involved a wearing four-day trip beginning with, on the first day, an eleven hour drive to Colima which is the capital city of Colima state. The Rotary Club of Colima treated the group to supper as their guests. Then it was back on the bus for a one-hour drive to Mazanillo where the handi-bus from Brooks was formally handed over to the Helen Keller School for the Disabled.
Then a one hour return journey to Colima and the hotel.
The morning of the second day was profitably spent meeting with the Under-Secretary of the Minister of Social Development for the State of Colima, learning about the lack of education and the problems caused by poverty combined with the State’s efforts to alleviate these.
In the afternoon the group visited three fire stations in the City of Mazanillo which just happens to be Mexico’s busiest port on its Pacific coast with a population of around 190,000 people. These fire stations are ill equipped so the group were able to ascertain their requirements and to hear their wishes for the future.
Despite Mazanillo being such a busy port, it lacks a Rotary Club so the handibus will be supervised by the Rotary Club of Colima on behalf of the Los Amigos project.
Again, supper as guests of the Rotary Club of Colima.
After breakfast on the third day the group visited a second school for the disabled in Coquimatlán which received a handibus last year and is still working just fine. Then there was a tour of a local village by the Department of Tourism followed by a visit to a nearby museum featuring a highly revered local artist.
That evening the group attended the regular weekly meeting of their hosting club, the Rotary Club of Colima and exchanged banners.
The fourth day was spent travelling back to Mazatlan.
Berga Moen’s group – Vehicle Handover Ceremony – Culiacán, Sinaloa
Sunday 14 October 2018 – The group travelled by van to Culiacán, where the local Rotarians held a welcoming barbeque at the hotel.
Monday 15 October 2018 – Presentation of an ambulance to DIF (Welfare Dept.) Sinaloa. The ambulance will be part of a DIF project to provide services to indigenous farm works. These are the very poorest who come to the Culiacan area to find work in the fields, at the dump, etc. The project is the brain child of Rosy, the wife of the Sinaloa State Governor, who attended the presentation. Also, in attendance was the CAO for DIF (Welfare Dept.) in Sinaloa.
Pepesán (the lead Mexican Rotarian) gave a speech to the crowd explaining the Los Amigos project and how such projects in Mexico are vetted by Mexican Rotarians there to make sure that the vehicles brought to Mexico will be used. Rosy, the Governor’s wife, was most impressed with the Los Amigos Project and made a point of speaking to Berga and others on the team to thank them for the work they are doing.
The presentation was followed by a tour of a rehabilitation facility operated by DIF. Services are provided to all citizens, adults to children. Payment for services is based upon income and is free to those who cannot pay. Services include physical therapies and life skills coaching as well as psychological support. Some halls were lined with art work done by clients of the facility.
Tuesday 16 October 2018 – Presentation of school bus at City Hall. The City Treasurer attended for the Mayor who was unable to attend. The head of the Institute receiving the bus was also present. The bus will be used by the Institute to transport students from the University out to do community service work with the very poor and to bring the poor into the City for various treatment facilities and/or education.
Following this presentation, we toured the MIA, an interactive “museum” designed to teach the public, particularly school children, about addictions, how drugs and alcohol affect the body and the impact this has on the lives of those around the addict and society in general. It was very dynamic.
It was an exploration of how and why to say “No” to drugs, including alcohol. Also, a section devoted to teaching how to develop good habits such as exercise and healthy eating.
Wednesday 17 October 2018 – Presentation of ambulance to Culiacan Civic Hospital. In attendance was the Director of Medicine for the hospital and other dignitaries. The hospital has 130 resident doctors, including several specialists. They provide medical care to the poor. Patients pay only what they can afford, may be a little, may be a lot, or may be nothing at all. This ambulance will be used to provide outreach services to the very poor migrant farmers living on the outskirts of Culiacan. The medical care will go out to them and transport patients back into the hospital when needed. The Medical Director in his speech to us emphasized that this ambulance will make a huge difference in bringing care to the very poor and will save lives.
Following the presentation, we were able to see the ambulance donated to this hospital three years ago. It originally came from Cardston and had just received a new paint job. Rotary emblems had been replaced on the ambulance as well.
Thursday 18 October 2018 – The group went by bus to El Rosario where we attended the Cultural School for the presentation of music instruments. They learned that the program run by this school is actually after regular school hours. A few of the children are able go to regular schools beforehand. The majority were children that have come off the streets to take part in the music program. As a result, they are getting not only the opportunity to participate in the music program, but also basic education skills such as reading and math. These are not the children of wealthy parents, so no school uniforms here. Of the instruments donated by Los Amigos, several of the larger instruments donated by Los Amigos will remain with the program in El Rosario, but the rest will be used to start a second music program in another location. The group were impressed by the dedication of the music teachers in bringing this program to the students of every age group all participating together. The program also included a choral ensemble. The program director emphasized that this music program was keeping these kids off the street and off drugs.
All 6 vehicles have been checked over. All 6 have been cleaned, washed and shined. All decals have been applied. All are waiting to be loaded with cargo before the October 4th departure following the big celebration send off breakfast.
This is the culmination of countless hours of negotiation, form filling, verification, translation, labelling, cross checking and finally loading. Over 800 pages of forms has been sent to Mexico City seeking duty free importation of the vehicles and cargo.
All 6 vehicles were presented to our local media at a luncheon event hosted by Lethbridge’s Fire department at their 5th Avenue North station on Wednesday, September 26. Most of the volunteer drivers were also present wondering quite what they had let themselves into. From past experience they will see lots of delightful scenery, meet fascinating people from all parts of both American and Mexican society plus see miles and miles of tarmac.
Note the cargo loaded inside.
Another Club has joined the convoy!
And look! Yet another Club has joined the convoy. We are growing.
MEDIA LUNCH
The local media were invited to inspect, film and photograph all the 6 vehicles in this year’s convoy at a luncheon held in the 5th Street North fire hall. The volunteer drivers explained to the media the origins of the project and it’s effect on many Mexican communities. Often these donated vehicles are the first emergency vehicles their town or village has owned.
Pincher Creek continues to support the convoy – as it has since Los Amigos began.
The Los Amigos project consists of two very separate but complimentary parts. Rotarians in Southern Alberta gather together the vehicles and equipment to be donated and then deliver everything to Mazatlan, Mexico. Rotarians in Mazatlan are responsible for deciding which towns the vehicles and equipment will be donated to. These Mazatlan Rotarians are also responsible for ensuring that the donated items continue to be properly and continuously used.
Albertan Rotarians very deliberately stay away from the donation decisions since they do not speak the Spanish language nor do we know the local customs or conditions.
THE CONVOY
After the October 4th departure breakfast the 6 vehicle convoy drove out of Lethbridge on Highway 4 to Coutts and Sweetgrass. This time the US border formalities were easily dealt with and the convoy rolled over the three Montana passes into Idaho without any problems. Overnighted in Idaho Falls and next day drove on through the scramble of Salt Lake City to Fillmore in Utah. There the regular evening meeting of the drivers was held in the open air which attracted other curious travellers who seemed impressed by Rotary’s efforts. Next day the convoy drove through Las Vegas, used the new by-pass that leads straight onto the big bridge over the Colorado Canyon and into Kingman, AZ. They were guests of Kingman’s Route 66 Rotary Club at their big Oktoberfest fund raiser. The drivers donated $150 to the Oktoberfest fund. After the regular morning vehicle checks the convoy headed on south through Phoenix and Tucson to Nogales, AZ, where they met up with Pepesán (the lead Mexican Rotarian) and Omar (a Mazatlan Rotarian). These two vital Mexican Rotarians traveled from Mazatlan just to ensure the convoy cleared the Mexican border checks and formalities with the minimum of trouble. Their magic touch clearly worked since the convoy was cleared in 3 hours, which is a record.
Overnighting in Nogales, Mexico gave time for the drivers to relax in a comfortable hotel just outside of the border control area.
The following day it was a short drive to the visa station at Km 21 were it took the drivers the usual one hour to obtain tourist visas. Then it was roll on south along fast Mexican toll road Route 15D to Navojoa and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel with a warm pool! Great relaxation. Next day in the late afternoon the convoy drove into Mazatlan where the vehicles were parked.
That completed the first week and the obligations of the Albertan part of the Los Amigos project which is very international as you can tell.ce our winter.
Thursday, October 4, was Departure Day for the 2018 convoy heading south to Mazatlan, Mexico. A 7.00 am celebration breakfast was held in the Nord-Bridge Center with some 60 people present. This was the opportunity to thank donors to Los Amigos who had supplied vehicle maintenance, decals, coolers, tools, etc.
Mayor Bob Tarleck (Mayor of Lethbridge from 2001 to 2010) was thanked for his faith in Rotary. It was his faith in Rotary that basically began the Los Amigos project in 2010. Don McInnis and Richard Tamkin asked him and the Lethbridge City Council for one retired school bus to take wheelchairs and walkers down to Mazatlan and, to Rotary’s surprise and delight, he and the City Council gave Rotary three retired school buses. This enlarged gift presented an unexpected (but pleasant) problem which Berga Moen, Judy Reed, Don McInnis, Jim Campbell and Wayne Stewart were left to solve while Richard Tamkin and his wife, Di, drove south to spend 6 months snow birding in Mazatlan. Thanks to the invaluable assistance freely given by Rotarians from the Grand Prairie area the three buses were safely delivered to Mazatlan. It soon became apparent that we Lethbridgeians had a lot to learn about border formalities.
Berga Moen is seen here thanking Karley Lewis, the band teacher at Gilbert Pattison Middle School. Karley had found many, many musical instruments which were then donated to and driven down for Mazatlan schools to enjoy. Travis Conrad, of Wilson Middle School was likewise thanked for repairing these instruments and for bringing them back to good working order so that Mazatlan’s students could enjoy them. The Mexican health inspectors at the border were particularly pleased that Travis had carefully replaced all the mouth pieces with brand new ones. Travis had wisely anticipated this potential problem.
Karl Samuels, the Los Amigos project Coordinator, (a.k.a. The Boss or “El Jefe”) is seen here thanking Val Bhoeme of the Rotary Club of Raymond for a $2,500 cheque which will be added to the Los Amigos project’s funds.
Connors’s Fleet Services were especially thanked for all their valuable mechanical checks on each of the vehicles in the convoy.
After the breakfast the drivers loaded up, said their farewells and drove off almost on time.
My three year term as the coordinator for the Los Amigos project will be over on December 31st, 2019. This is a volunteer position that requires a significant number of hours and some organizational expertise. It is both challenging and rewarding.
I would like to have the incoming coordinator in place by January 1st 2019.
This would allow the incoming coordinator to shadow me for a year and learn more about the inner workings of the project and the people on the Los Amigos team who provide support and volunteer hours to the planning for each trip.
Los Amigos is truly a Southern Alberta project with multiple Clubs involved. Any interested Rotarians please forward your name to me, by December 15, 2018.
Greetings from Vietnam! My husband, Bill, and I are serving an eighteen month mission for our church in Hanoi, Vietnam. We’ve been here for three weeks, so we’re still a bit shell-shocked. We’ve been struggling to learn at least some of the language, and that’s a trick! Just when I think I’ve got a phrase mastered, I try it out on some poor unsuspecting Vietnamese person in the elevator. My efforts are met with a look of total puzzlement, followed by a good natured smile, telling me that my awkward attempt didn’t quite hit the mark.
Bill and I will be here teaching advanced English classes at Hanoi University of Business and Technology beginning very soon. Until those classes begin, we’re busy adapting to a new world of fabulous food, tangled traffic – there are no lanes, no rules, and no mercy on the streets here. With 8 million people in this bustling city and most of them on scooters, pedestrians are at the bottom of the food chain. You take a deep breath, walk steadily, look straight ahead and pray, taking your life in your hands every time you cross the street because pedestrians NEVER have the right of way – and generous, hard working people.
I look back on our days producing The Christmas Carol in aid of the local food banks with great fondness, and I treasure the relationships with you. Your club does selfless, wonderful things for people who need help, and I’ve felt honoured to rub shoulders with such well-meaning, humanitarian minded club members.
On this day, Canadian Thanksgiving, I want to express my thanks to you and my gratitude for you and the great memories we’ve shared.
Cheque presentations to Lindsay Brown (YWCA, Girls Space), Leah Dormer (YWCA, Hestia House), Vi Knox & Sharon Loewen (Days for Girls), Mike Prociw (Young Lions Jazz) and Ken Rogers (LCI music instruments)
Farewell to Steve Oseen and Carla Trimble at Streetside Eatery.
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.
Join us for an evening of Food, Fun, Fundraising and Friendship!
Family Centre is committed to using all of the resources we have to ensure a better tomorrow. We all have a stake in promoting the well-being of the families in our community. Lethbridge McDonald’s Restaurants and Family Centre have joined together to ask you to support our efforts by attending the 5th Anniversary of the McFamily Gala & Auction.
You will be served a wonderful meal by Prime Catering. With a Vintage Carnival Theme to the evening, you will find lots of different activities to experience and enjoy. See Magic Tricks done before your eyes! Have your face painted by an incredibly talented team. With a Cocktail Chic dress code, you can wear your party outfits or come straight from the office.
Bring tissues as our speakers tell their stories which bring tears to your eyes. Bring your mobile phone or device as we use the Silent Auction Program HANDBID. Bring your chequebook to support TWO great charities that support people in Southern Alberta.
Help us raise $70,000 this year to support both Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta and clients to Family Centre who rely on Early Childhood Education programs, Parent Education programs, Family Support programs including counselling services and much more.
You truly can make a difference in our community through your generous support of the 5th Anniversary McFamily Charity Gala & Auction.
Buy a Table, Bring a Friend, Take out a Sponsorship! Call Kathryn Ponomar at Family Centre 403-320-4232 ext. 207 for sponsorship packages or just more information.
Los Amigos Handi-Bus Delivery 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 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 4 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 bebe 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 Handi -Bus 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 Foto -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 Handi-Bus 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
The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club (ULRC) had raised funds for a school in South Sudan, but the civil war there prevented its construction. Members of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge East (RCLE) proposed to the Rotaractors that they fund a permanent structure for a poor school in Mazatlan, that was built out of shipping pallets. The ULRC agreed to this change, provided there was local Rotarian supervision in Mazatlan.
Construction of a hurricane-proof school was overseen and completed by a Mazatlan Rotarian who is also a major contractor in town. The school is a busy lively beautiful kindergarten. This school will also serve as a community emergency shelter.
BEFORE
AFTER
In Mexico, children must attend kindergarten before they may enter grade school. To enter kindergarten children are required to wear a uniform and have a backpack filled the required school supplies. Many local parents cannot afford the uniform or the supplies, but local ‘snowbirds’ fundraise to ensure these children enter kindergarten. In Mazatlan there is a large group to permanent foreign residents plus snowbirds who organize scholarships and supplies to ensure children complete their grade school education.
The school’s new building formally opened in October 2017 and was timed to coincide with the convoy’s arrival. The two Presidents of the ULRC who were both heavily involved in project were also flown down (expenses covered by RCLE) to attend the formal opening.
L=>R: Katelyn de Boer and Katie Wilson
Katelyn and Katie attended the formal opening and in the evening, were entertained to formal dinner in a private house to thank them for the Rotaractor’s generosity. Mexican hospitality requires that visitors who bring valued gifts are specifically thanked, so the two Presidents also attended the formal dinner which marked the end of the 2017 convoy’s time in Mexico.
(Editor’s note: Mexican hospitality can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming to a foreigner, but good manners require that everyone joins in.)
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.
Greg Tiffin from Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise supporting Fresh Fruit Fridays at Senator Buchanan Elementary School. Basket of fruit presented to the principal, Dawn Ronne
We are having another club service committee meeting on August 15, 2017 at Erica's house at 36 Moonlight Blvd at 6:30 pm. Our Committee plans the program for the weekly meetings. All club members are welcome to attend this meeting. If you have ideas about speakers but aren't able to attend please let one of the committee members know your idea. At present the committee consists of Don Robb, Carol Kundrik, Richard Tamkin, Julie Smith, Erica Cormack and Krystal Cruikshank - hopefully we haven't missed anyone.
Volunteer Lethbridge and Lethbridge East are promoting a Photo Page celebrating Volunteers in Lethbridge. There will be a booth at Whoop up Days where the photos will be displayed along with information about the organization. This is a good way to promote our motto Service above Self and to support a very important organization in our community. If you have any good pictures of members of our club volunteering for an event please go to the link below and upload your photos.
Click on READ MORE... below right to view Bella's Excellent Rotary Adventure Calendar.
If you are planning an event, then please be aware that this calendar might not be complete. To be certain, contact Kim Derksen before planning an event. ALSO, you need to download and complete the IB Student Travel Form.
In early May two Rotarians from Lethbridge returned from a one week inspection tour of the 29 vehicles “Los Amigos” has driven down to Mazatlan in the past 6 years. Your editor is very happy to report that all 29 vehicles are well maintained and working on a daily basis. All vehicles are operated by authorized mature drivers, licensed, insured and are kept in sound operating condition. More importantly - each is highly valued by its community. The names of each Canadian town that donated the individual vehicle are each clearly displayed which show the local Mexicans on a daily basis that Canadians are their friends. Surely that alone has to make the “Los Amigos” project one of Canada’s better aid projects.
The Pincher Creek ambulance is being used.
The UofL Rotaract Club made possible this dramatic improvement. No wonder that Club has been awarded a prize for being the best Rotaract Club in North America and the Caribbean. Congratulations. Rotaract’s financing made these buildings possible and local Rotary connections supervised everything. So – connections work!
Below are “before” and “after” photos showing on the right the original school built of simple local materials with a dirt floor and a questionable roof. On the left is the new replacement school which also serves as a hurricane shelter for the local impoverished population. Now their children have a better chance of an improved life.
The Taber ambulance is well cared for and valued.
One of Lethbridge’s ambulances is earning its retirement to Mexico.
One of Cardston’s donations is at work.
Fort Macleod’s fire truck is still in service and will be for many more years.
Just to makes sure the ordinary Mexicans know who their friends are.
Other Pincher Creek donations enjoying a Mexican retirement.
Glenn Klassen is the music director of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra.
Glenn Klassen was appointed Music Director of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra in 2003. Previously held positions include: Music Director of the Rochester Symphony (Michigan), Mason Community, Mennonite Community and, Manitoba Conservatory of Arts and Music Orchestras, Associate Conductor of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor with the National Academy Orchestra at the Boris Brott Summer Music Festival. As a guest conductor he has performed with: the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Helena Symphony, Traverse Symphony, and return engagements with the Mennonite Community and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestras.
A native of Manitoba, Glenn relocated to Michigan in 1997 pursuing graduate studies at Michigan State University. While at Michigan State, he was Assistant Conductor and led the University’s Symphony, Chamber, Philharmonic and Campus Orchestras and also worked with the Opera Theatre Department. He graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2002.
Glenn has also been an active choral conductor and since 2003 has been the music director of Vox Musica. Memorable choral experiences include working with renowned conductors Robert Shaw and Helmuth Rilling. Glenn has also served as interim conductor of the U of L Wind Orchestra during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.
Glenn resides in Lethbridge together with his wife Sandra.
Speaker 27 April 2017: Glenn Klassen - Lethbridge Symphony
Dana Inkster was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario and focused on political studies during her undergraduate education at Queen's University, and in her graduate studies at Concordia University and at the University of Lethbridge. She has extensive experience in the film industry and in fund development for nonprofits. She has lived in Lethbridge since 2005 is currently the Marketing & Communications Officer at the Galt Museum & Archives.
We are joining forces with Lethbridge East in order to have Past District Governor (PDG), Steve Rickard come down from Calgary to do a presentation on Microfinance. We want our members to go to the meeting on Nov 1, 2016 at the Exhibition Saddle Room at 6:00 pm.
The HECD Program
The multi-year Honduras Economic and Community Development program (HECD) has been supporting the development of microfinancing in Honduras since 2014. The District 5360 Microfinance Task Force (MTF) has continued to expand its mandate to address new areas of need for financing in Honduras.
Phases I and II of the HECD program have been successfully completed, and Phase III is now entering the implementation stage, having just received funding from The Rotary Foundation (TRF) via a Global Grant. The initial phases of HECD addressed the need for providing small loans to family-based businesses (Trust Groups) through our Honduran Non Profit, Non Government Organization (NGO) - Institute for Development in Honduras (IDH). The HECD program has leveraged its partnership with Opportunity International Canada (OIC) to transfer the loan portfolio funds to IDH. It enabled loans in the capital Tegucigalpa, and a new branch in Santa Barbara. While these loans led to local employment and improved the lives of thousands of families, a new opportunity has been identified through Phase IV of the HECD program to expand the scope of microfinancing to have an even greater positive impact on local economies and families.
Learn more about this program and how your club can get involved.
When: November 1, 2016 at 6:00 pm Where: Rotary Club of Lethbridge East – Lethbridge Exhibition (Saddle Room) Who: Steve Rickard and Ken Montgomery from the HECD Program
Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more.
On Saturday 1 October, Bella went with Carol to enjoy theIlluminasia Lantern and Garden Festival at the Calgary Zoo. Illuminasia runs until 16 October this year.
This is the video that Isabella, our exchange student from Brazil, presented last week. Isabella provided exciting information about Brazil and her hopes for her exchange to Lethbridge. She looks forward to experiencing snow, particularly skiing and making snow angels.
President Carol presents the 2016 President’s Award to Gwen. Carol described Gwen’s contributions as significant but always low key. Congratulations Gwen, your good work is recognized!
Our club's fifteenth president, Carol Kundrik, was recognized by our District Governor AND the President of Rotary International as a leader who helped our club be one of the best! Thank you and Congratulations Carol!
The Root Bear visited Westminster School on Wednesday morning, accompanied by our own Don Robb and a couple of his local superhero friends. The children had a super time. Below are a few photos of the festivities.
Superhero musicians L-R: Randy Epp, Andrea Gedrasik, Don Robb
The Root Bear gives Don a few tips on playing the horn.
Princesses Superheroes & Villains was a Super Success!
Rosie Digout-Ford shared the value of hiring disabled people and described the Lethbridge Family Services DaCapo Employment program. DaCapo pre-screens applicants and provides training and ongoing support.
Kristina Larkin who is a member of Urban Spirits and also works at the Boys and Girls Club. The certificate is one of appreciation for Los Amigos giving the bus to the Boys and Girls Club
As a Volunteer Lethbridge Leader of Tomorrow recipient, Michael is presented with a $1000 scholarship from Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise. Congratulations Michael! Special thanks to Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise for providing 2 scholarships to Leaders of Tomorrow recipients in 2015.
The Rotaract club is trying to get a vocational pairing program going with a goal building connections between Rotaractors and Rotarians, while allowing Rotaractors to gain understand of different vocations they are interested in. For this program we hope to have a list of Rotarians who would be interested in sharing career advice one-on-one with a Rotaractor who is interested in the field/career the Rotarian is or was employed. Please let me know if you or any of your club members would be willing to put their name on our list. Putting your name on our vocational list does not guarantee matching but if you are matched with a Rotaractor the time commitment is minimal and may include emails, going for coffee, a workplace tour and/or anything else. Let Katie Wilson know if you have any questions about this program.
To make our club's banners available for all to see at any time, we are scanning them and placing them in a photo album on our website at lethbridgesunrise.ca. The banners that visiting Rotarians and exchange students have left us and the ones that our members have received through their travels. Please bring in your banners.
The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs.Wikipedia
Next week's speakers are Don and Carol on the Rotary Foundation
Last Thursday we had an impassioned speaker. Dr Robin Bright from the University of Lethbridge shared some of her research into Middle School Literacy. It was delightful to hear someone speaking so passionately about literacy, which is one of Rotary's areas of focus. It's great to hear about the good work that is happening right here in Lethbridge.
Chris Ritter took his first trip to Honduras just this past April. His classification is accountant and he has done the math. His Rotary Moment was in the realization that microcredit offers the most impact for the dollar and how many people are able to benefit.
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A small group flew via Mexico City to Acayucan near the big port city of Veracruz on the southern Caribbean coast where the fire truck from the MD of Rocky View was being donated. The fire truck had been purchased by the Rotary Club of Airdrie for $5,000 thanks to the efforts of Randy Smith who was the retiring Fire Chief of the MD. Randy, his wife, Donna, Karl Samuels and Jim Campbell formed this group, all of whom were hosted by the Rotary Club of Acayucan.
This was going to be a busy and memorable day for our group of six drivers and ambassadors who were visiting Tepic to handover the ambulance to the municipality of Tepic.
Mayor Bob Tarleck (Mayor of Lethbridge from 2001 to 2010) was thanked for his faith in Rotary. It was his faith in Rotary that basically began the Los Amigos project in 2010. Don McInnis and Richard Tamkin asked him and the Lethbridge City Council for one retired school bus to take wheelchairs and walkers down to Mazatlan and, to Rotary’s surprise and delight, he and the City Council gave Rotary three retired school buses. This enlarged gift presented an unexpected (but pleasant) problem which Berga Moen, Judy Reed, Don McInnis, Jim Campbell and Wayne Stewart were left to solve while Richard Tamkin and his wife, Di, drove south to spend 6 months snow birding in Mazatlan. Thanks to the invaluable assistance freely given by Rotarians from the Grand Prairie area the three buses were safely delivered to Mazatlan. It soon became apparent that we Lethbridgeians had a lot to learn about border formalities.
Berga Moen is seen here thanking Karley Lewis, the band teacher at Gilbert Pattison Middle School. Karley had found many, many musical instruments which were then donated to and driven down for Mazatlan schools to enjoy. Travis Conrad, of Wilson Middle School was likewise thanked for repairing these instruments and for bringing them back to good working order so that Mazatlan’s students could enjoy them. The Mexican health inspectors at the border were particularly pleased that Travis had carefully replaced all the mouth pieces with brand new ones. Travis had wisely anticipated this potential problem.
Karl Samuels, the Los Amigos project Coordinator, (a.k.a. The Boss or “El Jefe”) is seen here thanking Val Bhoeme of the Rotary Club of Raymond for a $2,500 cheque which will be added to the Los Amigos project’s funds.
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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!
5TH ANNIVERSARY MCFAMILY CHARITY GALA & AUCTION
The Alberta Government's Community Initiatives Program has approved a $15,000 grant to support the 2017 Los Amigos Project.
o make our club's banners available for all to see at any time, we are scanning them and placing them in a photo album on our website at 
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