As we planned for this Rotary year, I could have never "imagined" the breadth of stories we would encounter nor the scope of the people we would meet.
I find oxygen in sharing time with our members — hearing their truths and learning about their personal journeys and their deepest desires for goodness.
And so it was that I encountered two very different men with very similar stories.
One-hundred-year-old Genshitsu Sen is a remarkable human being and a joyful soul. We greeted each other in Kyoto, during my trip to Japan in November, with a hug and an instant connection.
Not only is Sen a former grand master of the Urasenke tea tradition but he is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Kyoto, where he has served as club president. He assisted in the charter of the Rotary Club of Kyoto-South. And he has also served as governor of District 2650 and held leadership roles in Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.
During that same week, I had the great pleasure to record a birthday video for a 100-year-old World War II naval hero who is an exemplary leader and who served two terms as governor of District 5810 in Texas.
Both men are decorated World War II heroes in their respective countries and share unthinkable history. And although they served on opposing sides of the war, their stories are remarkably similar — and they are both honorable men who chose Rotary to carry on lives of peacemaking.
I have been reflecting so much lately that we are all on this planet simply trying to do our best, and we are much more similar than we are different.
I feel incredibly fortunate to share in these stories and to meet such incredible people.
Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates our members to build wells, install rainwater harvesting systems, and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.
While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, providing the impetus for our members to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries. Members start by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure and then add education programs to promote hand-washing and other good hygiene habits.
Edmonton West in the Community
Edmonton West Rotarian and MacEwan Rotaractor volunteers spent part of their Saturday at the Hope Mission. The kitchen staff are very well organized and keep the volunteers busy preparing food.
When the staff open the doors to let people in it's all hands on deck to help serve the meals. Every day over 1700 hot meals on average are provided by Hope Mission.
Volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help.
The Edmonton Food bank has never experienced the volumes of people and the need in the community that they have right now. They are serving over 30,000 people a month through their hamper programs alone. The extent of the demand has forced the them to change how food is handed out. Hamper sizes have been adjusted and the bank has reduced the number of boxes per month to three, down from four.
Edmonton West volunteers are proud to help out where they can and our regular volunteer events are very much appreciated by the organization.
Our last two events saw Edmonton West Rotarians and MacEwan Rotaractors working side by side. A big thank you to all of you who gave your time to give back to your community.
Be Rotaractive
Darryll White had a great idea for members, family and friends to get together periodically for an activity, whether it be a walk in the river valley, a bike ride, a canoe/kayak trip down the river or a stroll in the woods. We may even throw in a weekend in the mountains or trails along the way. It’s all open to suit our needs. It’s about fellowship and a way to connect outside regular Rotary meetings. Maybe this will also be a way for new members to get involved more and to get to know long time members of our club.
On Sunday March 12th. Karen Gibbens, Jim Johnston, Al Sanderson and Darryll White, and Bob the border collie, met at the Victoria Golf Course. They walked in the river valley towards the high level bridge, climbed the stairs, crossed the bridge and then proceeded by the UofA and through Emily Murphy Park and back across the Groat Bridge to the golf course. Then they went for hot beverages at the Grand Coffeehouse. Many conversations were had along the way, sharing our travel stories, talking about kids and siblings which led to a better understanding of our fellow club members.
The next outing was on Sunday March 26 where we met at Louise McKinney Park and walked and walked east. The Rotaractives were Darryll, Al, Karen and myself along with Bob and Christie. Being Rotaractive has many benefits for our health and wellbeing and gives us a great opportunity to explore the Edmonton trails.
The highlight of the walk was seeing the new Tawatina Footbridge. It is decorated with 400 paintings depicting the area’s natural landscape, and the area’s Indigenous history and cultural significance. You can enjoy the colourful collage as you slowly walk across the bridge.
The next outing will be on Sunday April 9th at 11:00 am. More information to follow. Come and be Rotaractive with us!
For more than 100 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation upon which our values and tradition stand. The Four-Way Test, Object of Rotary, and the Avenues of Service express our commitment to service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.
The 2023 Alberta Capital Region Integrity Awards will be hosted by The Rotary Club of Edmonton West. Each participating Rotary Club in the Capital Region nominates an individual who promotes high ethical standards and raise awareness of Rotary ideals. The purpose of these awards is to honour adult, non-Rotarian Albertans, for their integrity as citizens.
Thursday May 18, 2023
Chateau Louis
Conference Centre 11727 Kingsway NW.
Cost: $75.00
This is one event in the Rotary year that you don't want to miss.
Fundraising
June 4th and 5th, 2023
A huge thank you to Fred Kraft who has organized and wrangled volunteers to fill the shifts. And of course, thanks to the volunteers.
Edmonton West Golf FUNdraiser
Thursday July 28, 2023
Cougar Creek Golf Resort
The invitations and sponsor requests have gone out to the donors and participants from last year. Thanks to the Golf Committee for all of their hard work so far.
We are asking all members to donate silent and live auction items. Do you have any connections? How about businesses that you frequent often! We will also be asking for a donation of 2 'good' bottles of wine from each member.
Thanks to members who have already indicated they would like to volunteer to help out on the day. For any members who would like to volunteer please email Annie. rotaryannie@telus.net
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Ann Orsini
March 14
J P Poirier
March 14
Annie Mueller
March 15
James Johnston
April 24
Spouse Birthdays
Annie
March 15
Join Date
Vicky Grabb
March 15, 2004
19 years
Mike Ryan
March 17, 1998
25 years
James Johnston
April 1, 1986
37 years
David Weir
April 11, 2016
7 years
World Immunization Week: Vaccines Save Lives
During World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, join us in advocating for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines.
As one of the greatest advances of modern medicine, vaccines are safe, effective, and save millions of lives each year. Our progress in the fight to end polio is proof that vaccines work.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates that the polio vaccine has saved more than 20 million children around the world from paralysis. However, approximately 12.5 million children are totally unvaccinated. They are known as zero-dose children, and vaccinating them is critical to stopping polio for good.
We need to continue vaccinating the world’s children against polio, because polio anywhere is a threat everywhere.
If you haven't heard yet how easy it is to become a member of the PolioPlus Society, let me tell you!
You can become a member by filling out the 'Commitment' form attached and agreeing to donate $100USD per year until Polio has been eradicated. Forward the form to me at dgreenway@telus.net. Then make your donation through MyRotary each year.
District 5370 will send your Club President the Certificate and special pin for presentation to you at your meeting.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or your Foundation Chair
Imagine creating peace through RESPECT, hope, and kindness. In Jasper, we will share stories of inspiration, accomplishments, and impacts. We invite you to join us in Jasper National Park and the beautiful, iconic, Jasper Park Lodge from April 20 to 23, 2023 for a weekend of fun and fellowship that includes the whole family.
We have an exciting program planned for you in the panoramic Rocky Mountains.
Peace
Diversity
Sustainability
Empowering Women and Girls
Rotary Youth
Polio
Indigenous Perspectives
And so much more!
Along with an engaging program for young Rotary leaders, Interact, Youth Exchange and Rotaract, for the first time we have something for family members and friends of Rotary of all ages! Meet inspiring guest speakers and get reports on the ground from Rotary clubs and members with their project and initiatives.
And, we look forward to celebrating a year of Rotary at the Governor’s Soiree on Saturday night with District Awards, the official changeover, and dancing the night away!
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is sending 9 members from our MacEwan Rotaract Club and 2 Interactors. The club is covering their registration fee. We look forward to hearing about their experiences at the conference.
.png)
