The Westerner for May 25, 2009

Rotary District 5370 Employment Partnership:  Jerome introduced Nadine Fulmer, who has been with the partnership for many years, they discussed the new brochure; Nadine advised that special needs people are available for employment - they do a good job as several of our members can attest

Playground Replacement:  Michel announced the long awaited St. Albert project would go June 6, possibly June 7 if needed.  Our part is to tear down the old equipment - call Michel to volunteer

Erika:  Jennifer announced that Erika will be going to Misericordia Hospital on May 29 for a major operation; her M S is acting up; Jennifer circulated Erika's donation books for donations towards the M S Run

Phoning Committee:  Jennifer also announced that our phoning committee needs new lives as Erika and Al MacLean (throat cancer) were the mainstays - call Jennifer or Laurie if you can help out

District 5370 Belize Program:  Jennifer announced that she is co-chair of "Teacher Training in Belize"; help is needed to load pallets of training materials @ the HAWS warehouse, before June 1 - call Jennifer to offer help

Al Hamilton & Friends Golf Classic:  John circulated team sign up sheets, tourney is @ Cougar Creek, July 30, tee time 9:00 am

Eskimo Ricky Ray:  Jim Spalding recounted a story, to support the guest speakers who will talk about Eskimos in the community, about a special needs teen who told his father about this friend Ricky that gave him a football - turns out the ball is autographed by Ricky Ray, Warren Moon & Tom Wilkinson - Ray was helping teens with their self esteem

Special Notices:  Grande Cache Rotary club first anniversary Jun 1; club dues due $325 (first increase in 4 years); Scarlet said goodbye - looking for rides to various locations in Canada in the meantime (like Calgary)

50/50: Wayne & Bill Arnold left $98

Finemaster:  Joe gave table questions:  who is R I President - D K Lee of Seoul, Korea; who is R I President Elect - John Kenny of Grangemouth, Scotland; who is our District Governor elect - Terry Drader; then fines for driving a vintage car $1, dressing casual $1, no Rotary pin and/or badge $1

Guest Speakers:  Ralph intorduced Brad Morgan & Dave Jamieson to talk about Edmonton Eskimos.

Brad spoke about Eskimo relations to community & business - off season, they help youth - education - Stay in School program 60 visits; reading week to 60 schools; DARE mentors to help Edmonton Police Service tell students to stay away from drugs and alcohol @ 20 inner city schools; also a presentation to help the environment; minor football - conduct spring practices especially high school camp; outreach - to Rotary, Chamber of Commerce in various communities north of Red deer; season tickets good deal from $199 and season ticket holders get first choice of Grey Cup tickets when the game is hosted in Edmonton in 2010.

Dave talked more about the team.  June 6 for medicals, quarterback camp next week; full team practices from June 7; new coach Ritchie Hall; free agent signings including Jessie Lumsden & Scott Gordon; they took a U of A grad in the Canadian draft; Green & Go program underwritten by Molson's - show Eskimo ticket to driver and get free transit/LRT for 2 hours before and after the game; retro to the 60's - 3 games team will wear retro uniforms; Sept 26 cheerleader reunion (6 decades); 8 CFL franchises are strong; doing upgrade  to Clarke Field - will reduce parking but provide an indoor practice facility, new offices, new dressing rooms.

Brad & Dave were thanked by Mike

Change Over Meeting:  no June 29 lunch meeting; evening meeting 5:30; tickets $40