Speaking to you through the pages of Rotary magazine this past year has brought me so much joy. I have especially enjoyed sharing the incredible stories of the wonderful people Nick and I have met on the Imagine Impact Tour.
From Patzún in the mountainous western highlands of Guatemala to a small village outside of Lusaka, Zambia, we have been greeted by countless people who imagine and work toward a better world.
We were inspired by teachers who imagine a better education for girls and boys facing gender-based violence, by Rotaractors in a refugee settlement who created a flour mill to provide for their families in a critical food shortage, and by brave polio workers who push tirelessly to reach every last child.
All of us have imagined Rotary this year. This means looking past what we are today and reaching for what we could be tomorrow. We imagine a Rotary that will continue to tell our stories in impactful ways, work to reduce our carbon footprint, and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that lift every voice in our organization and beyond.
Nick and I want to thank all of you for the moments we’ve shared and for your efforts to Imagine Rotary. And now, we look forward to continuing these efforts as we Create Hope in the World. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with each of you.
June is Rotary Fellowship Month
June is designated Rotary Fellowships Monthto recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program.
What are the benefits for Rotarians in joining the Rotary Fellowships? Fellowship provides opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside their own Club, District or country. Fellowships contribute to the advancement of world understanding and peace. Also, Fellowships serve as an incentive for attracting new members to Rotary and retaining our existing members. Indeed, Rotary Fellowship, together with the Rotarian Action Groups, serve as an effective tool in promoting membership development and should be actively promoted in our Districts.
We had 3 generations volunteering together to improve our community and the environment. Enthusiastic planters from MacEwan Rotaract Club, Rotary Club of Edmonton West, Vimy Ridge Interact and MacEwan University Health Center came together to work side by side. Big thanks to Root for Trees for guiding the planting event. We planted over 200 native trees and shrubs.
By volunteering with Rotary, you know that you will be changing people’s lives for the better. But you don’t necessarily need to be a Rotarian to be involved in service to the community through Rotary. Anyone is welcome to join us.
Volunteering is more than just giving back to the community. It is also about you bringing your skills, experience and enthusiasm for great community outcomes, whilst making some great friends along the way.
Volunteering with Rotary could be the most important thing you ever do and are invaluable in our drive to help communities locally and around the world through our volunteer work.
Edmonton West has a long tradition of volunteering in the community with hands on projects. We have many long standing relationships with local community organizations. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds these community organizations together. When we volunteer it allows us to connect to our community and make it a better place.
During the Rotary 2022/23 year Edmonton West Rotarians, with the help of family and friends, MacEwan Rotaractors and Interactors from Vimy Ridge we have logged 1,150 hours of hands on volunteering. Thank you to everyone who gave their time this past year. You are all invaluable!
Watch the video below to see our amazing volunteers at work.
The Big Day is fast approaching and we still need or Members to step up and help us out!!
There are 2 remaining foursomes open for golfers, and/or 2 holes that need sponsors.
Lorne is still looking for wine ($25 per bottle) for the wine tree that will be auctioned off.
We are also in need of items for the Silent Auction!
All contributions will help us raise money for the great things we do in the community and the world.
Volunteers
I will be organizing the volunteers in the coming weeks. Jobs will be assigned and job descriptions will be distributed. Thanks to all of you who have signed up to help. We couldn't run the event without you!!
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Ed Schultz
June 2
Ben Doz
June 5
John Donner
June 8
James Spalding
June 16
David Turner
June 23
Fred Kraft
June 29
Krista Galenzoski
June 29
Darrel Ripley
July 6
Darryll White
July 24
Anniversaries
Alastair Sanderson
Alastair
July 3
Join Date
Joseph Lizotte
June 1, 1993
30 years
Lorne Proctor
June 1, 1984
39 years
Darrel Ripley
June 30, 2012
11 years
Sherry Holmes
June 30, 2001
22 years
James Spalding
July 1, 1982
41 years
Jackie Hobal
July 5, 1999
24 years
Bert Andrews
July 23, 2009
14 years
Richard Dickinson
July 27, 1987
36 years
And That's A Wrap!
As President Jennifer Jones said...."All of us have imagined Rotary this year." And what a great year it was!! As we emerged from COVID restrictions, our club came together again to continue the work we do in the community and the world. Members reunited in person and enjoyed fellowship with renewed enthusiasm. We can all be proud of what our club has accomplished this year. Let’s continue on this path, always taking care of our club and of our friends. They are precious, and they keep Rotary alive and thriving.
As the Rotary Year came to an end, members gathered at the University Club to celebrate and reflect. It is a time to thank and appreciate the outgoing President and their board for all of their hard work and commitment. Many hours are logged behind the scenes to keep the wheels of Rotary moving.
Thank you President Doug for leading our club for the past year. You 'Imagined Rotary" and brought forward many ideas that created more connections in the community. We will continue to strengthen those connections as we "Create Hope in the World".
Friendship and Fellowship
The power of connection. This is what Rotary is all about. We unite in friendship to realize truthful, fair, good-willed, and beneficial outcomes in our communities and the world. For Rotary members our lives are forever transformed by this powerful network. All of it, in the end, relies on the spirit of friendship.
It was heartwarming to see so many members, partners and friends attend the Changeover BBQ. Many hugs and much laughter was enjoyed throughout the evening.
Incoming President Vicky spoke about the year to come and introduced the new board. A more detailed report on her vision for 2023/24 will be in the July issue:)
Sihle-Sizwe Marimba Band
No evening is complete without some entertainment. We were treated to an outstanding performance by the Sihle-Sizwe Marimba Band.
Patricia Gumbo is the volunteer Executive Director for the Sihle-Sizwe Vineyard Organization. She leads projects in both Edmonton and Zimbabwe. The youth Marimba band project uses music for youth development.
The Marimba is like a giant xylophone with large wooden keys. Patricia explained that in Guatemala, the word marimba means “the wood that sings”. The organization's youth marimba band brings joy and hope wherever they play.
Recent performances included at a local junior high's anti-racism day and for seniors and youth in affordable housing.
Edmonton West has supported the Marimba Band by building insturment stands for the group. Al and the Daytimers will be building a few more in the months to come.
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