The Westerner for December 6, 2010
Meeting: chair, Ben Doz; music, guest Eva Bostrand; grace, Cheryl
Attendance/Guests: 34 including Sheila Stauffer, guest of Chris; Susan Cribbs; Eva Bostrand, guest speaker
Condolences: to Mike and Shauna Ryan on the passing of Mike's mother; there was a moment of silence to start our Rotary meeting in honour; funeral scheduled for Thursday about 2:00 p m; details to follow
Induction of New Member: sponsor Al Sanderson introduced Bill Macdonald who was inducted into the classification Environmental Engineer (congratulations to Bill for the membership and also attending Grandview Christmas party in his first week of membership)
Fellowship Dinners: call Bob Lamoureux to register (780-890-1315)
Get Well Wishes: Al Holmes spent several days in cardiac care unit @ Royal Alex - needs pacemaker - now on second floor RAH
Hockey Pool: winners are Brian Gould and Steve
Grandview Piano: apparently Jerome found an unnamed foundation who accepted our request and have funded the $17,000 needed to purchase same - thanks Jerome
50/50: Charlie held both tickets but could not match cards
Finemaster: Bert, covering for Sandon, gave exemption to Laurie because of laryngitis; fined those wearing suits $1; Chris $1 for his beard, then another $2 for insubordination; everyone $1 if you did not know December was Rotary family month
Happy Buck: Jennifer because she is back from her travels and misses us plus the cold weather
Guest Speaker: Ben Doz introduced Eva Bostrand who represents Singing for Life. She described the benefits of singing - physical, emotional, social. Research demonstrates these benefits improve overall health and icreases life expectancy. There is brain improvement as singing involves both hemisperes which increases cognitive activity and brain plasticity (improves memory). Emotional - singing releases endorphins; cortisol (a stress hormone) is reduced; oxytocin (an hormone for bonding) is increased; changes to the sacculus makes you feel better. Choral singing gives you a social network and support system.
Singing For Life - held at the Edmonton Institution for Women - singing in prison helps the inmates with anger control, positive relationships, trust of authority. This inmate choir is related to Joyful Noise Choirs and the inmates can join one of those when they are released from prison. Singing For Life participates in both internal and external performances. A recent internal performance was held in conjunction with Restorative Justice Day aimed at helping inmates lead a noncriminal lifestyle in the future. External performances are restricted to minimum security inmates who can get passes - these performances are largely held at local churches. New beginnings - their Motto is "Respect, Community, Pride".
Susan Cribbs attended as a director of the Singing For Life Society. They have a fund raising program called "88 Keys to Success". They plan to raise $5,000 to purchase a piano for the prison so inmates can get more out of provided piano lessons.
Eva was thanked by Joe.
TUESDAY EVENING AT GRANDVIEW REPORT