I always walk into meetings at my home club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, with a smile on my face.
A few years ago, someone arrived late. Instead of scolding the person, we cheered. Since then, we’ve made it a tradition to applaud all members when they arrive for meetings. It’s tough not to smile with a greeting like that.
There’s nothing more powerful for engaging and retaining members than a club that’s vibrant, welcoming, and — yes — fun.
Think back to what drew you to Rotary. Chances are, it wasn’t just the service projects or professional networking. It was the people — the friendships, the shared laughter, and the joy of working toward a common purpose. That’s what keeps us coming back.
If you’re looking for that sense of joy in your meetings, don’t be afraid to ask yourself and your fellow members some tough questions. If you were a prospective member, would you join your current club? It’s a powerful question but don’t stop there.
Do members of your club feel that they belong? Are your meetings fun? If not, what can you do about it together?
At your next meeting or event, try something new to bring out a few extra smiles. It’s the simple things that create lasting bonds and make clubs simply irresistible.
Here’s one example of a club moving in the right direction. The Rotary Club of Fukushima, Japan, has been combining environmental responsibility with community fun since 2021. In Japan, people have made picking up trash into a sport known as SpoGomi, and every year the club hosts a game. This year, more than 400 participants cheered each other on while they came together to improve their community.
This event is an excellent example of how Rotary clubs can have fun, make a difference, and raise awareness for broader global challenges all at the same time. And the inclusive, family-friendly format allows people of all ages to participate.
When we enjoy what we do, that energy becomes contagious. It’s what attracts new members and keeps our clubs strong and engaged. It helps people feel that they belong.
Retention and culture go hand in hand. The healthier our club culture, the more likely members are to stay. Rotary magazine is an outstanding resource for inspiration on how to enhance our club culture and deepen member engagement. I encourage you to explore the stories and strategies in these pages, drawing from other clubs’ successes to find ideas that work for you.
Together, we can create a more engaged, enjoyable, and inclusive Rotary that every member can feel proud to be part of. Let’s continue with renewed commitment and enthusiasm, living The Magic of Rotary.
Rotary Theme for January
THE CONCEPT OF VOCATIONAL SERVICE
The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the second object, which calls on Rotarians to encourage and foster:
High ethical standards in business and professions
The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society
As a Rotarian, how can you put these ideals into action? Consider these suggestions:
Talk about your profession in your club, and take time to learn about fellow members’ occupations.
Use your skills and expertise to serve a community.
Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions.
Help young people achieve their career goals.
Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
By undertaking these activities, you bring vocational service to life. Vocational service is the essence of Rotary and serves as the foundation from which we serve our communities around the world.
Sinkunia
Fred, Susan, Karen and Al attended Sinkunia's year end event. The organizers were very pleased to have them there representing our club. They acknowledged the help our club has given them and always make us feel welcome. It was a lively evening with African food, speeches and music. Al would encourage more of our members to get to know this group; they would be warmly welcomed!
Pilgrims Hospice Society
Our member, Bern Ayotte suggested we support the Pilgrims Hospice and the work they do for the community, having experienced the care they provide. Pilgrims Hospice Society provides supportive and compassionate family-centred care to enhance the quality and dignity of life for those diagnosed with a progressive, life-threatening illness as well as support to those who are grieving. Any person in Edmonton and the surrounding area can access calm and compassionate care at the end of life, or as a survivor or loved one find help with the transition caused by death. Edmonton West is proud to support this wonderful organization. We received a lovely thank you letter.
Hello Bern,
I hope this message finds you well.
The fundraising team at Pilgrims wanted to pass along some photos from the youth/teen grief services program using the ipads the Rotary club so generously funded earlier this year.
The Grief Services team is so very grateful for the technology - it opens up a new avenue of communication and care for this special group of kids learning to navigate the loss of a loved one.
We are all appreciative!
Thank you again, and we are looking forward to sharing more
in the New Year.
Take Care,
Margo
Ronald McDonald House
Our speakers this week were from Ronald McDonald House and we heard how they support families seeking vital medical treatment for their seriously sick or injured child. Their warm, compassionate Houses provide a home-away-from-home for families who need to travel for medical reasons. When those families are experiencing one of life’s most difficult times, they offer them the gift of togetherness.
Our Daytimer group worked hard volunteering their time to help with some general maintenance and painting last year. I'm sure they will be back there this year to provide support.
Karen Sanderson, our quilt making queen, has been busy. She donated 5 beautiful quilts. When families arrive each child is given a printed voucher that they can exchange for a quilt, and apparently the kids and quilts become inseparable! Well done Karen!!
Edmonton's Food Bank
A small group of our members volunteered to work a shift at the food bank. We were given the job of sorting donated food. A big thank you to those who came. The organization provides much needed support to those experiencing food insecurity.
Classification Talk
I was thrilling to hear our new member, Jennifer Pascoe, give her very lively classification talk. We enjoyed learning about her life journey and the many organizations where she volunteers her time. Jennifer is already representing our club on the Inclusion Alberta board and has arranged for the Terra Centre to speak to our club. This organization provides supports and services that empower teen parents to succeed. We look forward to hearing how our club can support them.
Thank you to Jennifer for sharing her story and we are so pleased that you have become part of the Edmonton West Family.
Wounded Warriors Canada
Karen Gibbens and I participated in the Rucksack Hike for Remembrance in October last year. It raises awareness and funds for Wounded Warriors Canada.
Before the hike there was a short ceremony where speakers talked about the impact of the help and support they receive from the organization. The information shared was overwhelming and heartwarming. One of the speakers shared her story of becoming a widow at the age of 32. She came home and there was a note taped to her front door...Don't come in. Call 911 and tell them that one of their own is down.". It's hard to imagine the impact that has on the family left behind.
The organization supports Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Paramedics, Public Safety Communicators, Corrections Officers, Security Officers and Search and Rescue Personnel and their families. There are many support programs including Trauma Resiliency, Couples Overcoming PTSD, Couples Resiliency Program, Spousal Resiliency Program, Surviving Spouses Program and the Warrior Kids Program.
A study out of the US states that 22 military personnel commit suicide everyday. Suicide is the end result of an injury that they achieved through work. Wounded Warriors aims to properly support the men, the women, the families that are impacted by PTSD.
Karen and I are so proud that our Board approved a $3000.00 donation to the Rucksack for Remembrance/Wounded Warriors. These funds came out of our casino fund and will therefore go directly to the Warriors Kids Camp. The Warrior Kids Camp is a two-day immersive experience designed for children aged 8–16 whose parent is a Veteran or First Responder living with an Operational Stress Injury (OSI). Grounded in trauma-informed care, this camp empowers kids to build resilience, nurture self-confidence, and gain tools to thrive in the face of challenges.
I challenge all members to come out to the Rucksack for Remembrance hike in October 2025 and support this much needed cause. If you don't want to hike the 22 km....there is a 5 km walk as well. See you there:)
Literary Peace Project
In 2018 The Rotary Club of Edmonton West became a Peacebuilder Club. Peacebuilder Clubs are a Rotarian movement creating energy and momentum for peaceful conflict resolution around the world. Rotarian Peacebuilder Clubs commit to engage in dialogues and projects that promote positive peace both in their communities and across the globe.
Last year we donated books to Sakaw School as part of our Literary Peace Project. Books have the ability to speak important messages into a child’s life. We can ask our child to respect others, share their toys and be thankful for what they have, but sometimes the message needs a practical example. The very act of reading about another person’s story, fiction or not, encourages empathy as we put ourselves into the conflict and tension existing within the story.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Vic Rudkowski
January 2
Karen Gibbens
January 5
Meena Deccan
January 8
Richard Dickinson
January 10
Jocelyn Neumann
December 11
Joseph Lizotte
December 16
Mike Ryan
December 25
Spouse Birthdays
Pat White
January 26
Join Date
Ben Doz
January 1, 1993
32 years
John Donner
January 6, 2020
5 years
Bruce Hobin
January 10, 2001
24 years
Arthur Lachance
January 13, 2013
12 years
Ann Orsini
December 1, 1991
33 years
Capital Care Grandview
The Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship is an approximate 1100 square foot addition adjacent to the main entrance of Capital Care Grandview. It includes the "Tuck Shop" where they sell cards, snacks, and crafts made by the residents, a large room with big windows where residents can enjoy a good view of the exterior, a gas-fired fireplace for a cosy feeling on a cool day, and wall displays of resident-created art works. The House of Friendship has been occupied and used by the residents and staff of Grandview since we cut the ribbon on February 23, 2005.
The residents of Grandview really look forward to these evenings, and many of them very much enjoy and appreciate the Rotary-Grandview House of Friendship. It is a place where they can visit with friends and family in a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful environment.
In the past few years our club has funded the refurbishment of the House of Friendship. This has included floor repair and replacing the well used furniture. Al picked up the new furniture and delivered it on Tuesday. It looks really good and the staff are thrilled. We invited Sylvia, one of the long time residents to join and she explained how much she loves this room as her family comes to visit and they always use the room. She expressed her great thanks to Rotary for providing the room and for the new furniture.
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