From Boyle Street to Belize, Edmonton West Rotary has a sixty year history of applying its members' unique skills and talents to the challenges that face our community, our city and our world. Join us!
Attendance/Guests: 27 including visiting Rotary members, John Nypiuk, Peter Bradley and Miao Tsai as well as our speakers Barb Reid and Kyle Goertzen from GRIT.
Announcements:
Reminder of next Board Meeting to be held at the Petroleum Club on Wednesday, March 19, beginning @ 5:30 with a light meal - all members are eligible to attend.
Cambodia: Darryl White announced that we have successfully raised enough funds to rebuild the house of the Cambodian who donated his land to build a water storage pond. Thanks to all who donated towards this great project!
Clean Scene: Mike announced that all the worker spots for the upcoming Clean Scene casino (April 25-26) were now filled - Thanks to all who stepped forward. He also reminded everyone of the upcoming "Broadway Themed" fundraiser coming up on May 17th.
Paul Harris Fellows: Bill Buckham reminded all fellows of the PHF meeting that was going to be held immediately after the conclusion of todays regular meeting.
Fine Master: Ben Doz challenged all in attendance to some St. Patrick Day Trivia with some hits but many misses. The collection backet looked like a leprechaun's pot of loonies at the end of the day.
50/50: Bill Buckham and David Gibbens did not match cards and therefore could not take home the growing pot of $236.
Barb Reid
Presentation: Getting Ready for Inclusion Today (GRIT)
Bill Buckham introduced Barb Reid (Executive Director) and Kyle Goertzen (Communications Director) from GRIT.
GRIT is a family centred program to assist children with disabilites, 2 1/2 to 5 1/2 years of age, be fully included in family life, community and school. They are a true leader in early childhood development working towards a community of respect.
Core Values of GRIT:
Family Centered Practice
GRIT values the uniqueness of families. Through collaboration, a flexible partnership is created. The family is the constant in a child's life. Parents hold a central role in informed decision making and choices for the well-being of their child and family. An integral aspect of our program is to ensure parents experience meaningful opportunities for active parent participation, learning, and strengthening of each family. The family gains confidence in their abilities to positively influence their future.
Community Inclusion
Inclusion is embedded in the belief that "we all belong". All children have the right to participate in natural settings, regardless of their diverse abilities. When children are included, they are active and valued participants in typical family life, community, and in their neighborhood school. An inclusive community is a welcoming community where each member experiences the feeling and reality of belonging.
Learning Through Play
Young children learn through play. Guided play forms a strong foundation for ongoing social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Through building on play interests, children learn to make sense of their world, practice skills, expand their imagination, and create a valued role for themselves with their peers. Play leads to feelings of competence and self-confidence; it is the real work of children.
Learning Organization
The most valuable asset of an organization is its people. GRIT families and staff are involved and passionate. They learn together, seek knowledge, and discover innovative practices for their work. Through constant dialogue, respect, and trust, people and ideas evolve and grow.
More information can be found on the GRIT web site: www.gritprogram.com
After several questions from the floor, President Duane thanked both Barb and Kyle for the presentation and letting us know about such an important program being run in our community.
While resident in New Zealand, Ed Schultz sometimes attends the dinner meetings of the local Rotary club - Rotary Club of Waiuku Inc. Pictured above is a March 5, 2014 photo of Rotary Club president Don Wills and Ed (Ed is the one with the most hair).
On this occasion, the fine-master (Peter - who had just returned from a British Columbia ski trip) fined Ed $2 for Canadian petrol prices being about one-half of New Zealand's. On paying, Ed accepted the fine as 'happy bucks' situation.
Two years ago, Ed exchanged the Edmonton West banner for a Waiuku banner.
This was an awareness sign at the start of the Waiuku Rotary Club annual fundraiser "Sunshine Coast Walk" at Waiuku, New Zealand. It cost participants $20 to enter and enjoy a walk on the high sand dunes along the Tasman Sea (west coast north Island New Zealand).
Judy Schultz walked 8.3 k of this trail on February 23, 2014. Several hundred people came out to support Rotary. Note the farm villa in the background (part of a dairy farm).
