The Westerner for August 10, 2009
Meeting: chair, Ben Doz; music, Jerome; grace, Jean
Attendance/Guests: 39 including Retired Chief Justice Ed Wachowich; Darlene Hallett; Kieran Leblanc; Jelto Schiebel, Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield; Bruce Banks, guest speaker; Jim Knights, Rotary Club of Market Harborough in Leicter near Birmingham, England
Thanks: to the golf committee for an excellent tournament! John gave an update - tournament sold out, Cougar Creek was an excellent venue, guests commented on the well run tournament, total receipts to be reported later; to the salmon bake committee for a great time, 42 attended, special thanks to Bob Lamoureux and Ross Hallett
Bertha Kennedy School: letter came with thanks for the donation of time for the playground demolition, in June
Past Presidents' Plaque: if you have it, please return it to Laurie
Dues: please pay to Richard
Billets for International Inbound Youth Exchange: we need billets; only 2 so far; need at least 4 couples; please contact Mike or Lorne or Ben Doz
Kids to Camp: Ralph announced they had a fundraiser 2 weeks ago - raised $7,500; funds are added to pool that our club administers for them
Retirement: Ralph is retiring, staying at his and Kathy's farm, will not be in the city so is retiring from Rotary as well - we will miss you, Ralph
Medical Equipment Donation: Ralph advised that Veterans' Affairs have donated $80,000 in said equipment and he will be looking for help to move it to the HAWS Warehouse
Eye Exam Trip to Guatemala: if you wish to join Ben and Marley Doz, in early January, 2010, please contact Ben
50/50: Jean Lauzon (second time for Jean, welcome to the club) & Zen Moisey, no match of cards; $255 carried over
Finemaster: Dr. Joe advised $2 maximum but everybody would pay = not involved with golf or salmon bake $1; no proposal of a new member within the last year $1; did not shake hands with a new member today $1; not wearing Rotary pin $1; not wearing name badge $1
Danny Chau's Son: Ross advised Danny's son won the Highlands youth golf tournament
Guest Speaker: Steve introduced Bruce Banks, chief executive officer for 4-H Foundation of Alberta (Steve created the fund for scholarships for 4-H members) which also operates a camp @ Battle Lake. Children going through the 4-H progarm learn the care of animals and public speaking. 4-H started in 1913 in Manitoba, came to Olds, Alberta in 1917.
Currently there are 400 clubs in 50 districts with 7000 members and 2500 volunteers - learn to do by doing. Each club determines its own agenda. All members must give a speech or be master of ceremonies. The current drought is causing some member/volunteer problems.
Workshops are available for members/volunteers. Districts are aligned by the county or municipal district. 7 regions coordinate the districts and districts are represented by 1 member and 1 volunteer. Provincial provides personal development programs. Trips are also available to be won - they go to destinations all over North America. Provincial also selects ambassadors from each district to do outreach to other groups like Rotary. The Alberta 4-H council provides policy, procedures, insurance and has a branch composed of Alberta Government employees that help with animal care. Alberta 4-H Foundation manges the money with planned giving a big component of receipts - death estates are currently providing donations. These fund the scholarships that provide up to $2,000 per year for 4 years. Each application received is made available to administrators of all scholarships or awards for consideration.
In 1977, the foundation purchased land from Grant McEwan for the 4-H Centre @ Battle Lake, 10 miles west of Pigeon Lake on Highway 13. There is a camp each week during the summer. Fund raising skills are taught to each member. Tire recycling for rural Alberta brought in $150,000. The foundation also receives sponsorship money from businesses and the provincial government. 4-H gives recognition to the sponsors. The foundation also manages funds for other rural Alberta groups.
Bruce was thanked by Mike