The Westerner for January 31, 2011

Greek Dinner:  see Bob Lamoureux re dinner February 27 @ Koutouki Taverna (Gateway Boulevard & 45 Avenue just north of the Radisson Hotel); 17:00 for cocktails, 18:00 for dinner

Group Study Exchange:  the team going to Australia is asking each Rotary Club in District 5370 to contribute $100 towards helping the disadvantaged re the flood damage right across that country

Athlon School:  they request our club contribute $160 to pay for a bus to get 30 students to Edmonton Journal Games; the club approved

50/50:  Richard and Chris left $20 for next week

 Finemaster:  Al Sanderson did not like having the job so fined Bert for asking him to do it; fined President Mike just on general principals (asking the club to vote on money matters !!!); if you come from Alberta stock, you're fined because of the current confused politics; if you have complained about the weather - fined; if you are part of the extra cost of providing healthcare because you are not in good physical condition - fined - especially if you do not exercise at least 3 times per week; if you do not think that the Dept. of Environment is doing a good job - fined.

4 Way Test Contest:  plans are afoot to provide a $2,000 scholarship for the District winner to be used only on the winner's education; asking each club to provide $250 as a prize for the winner of their club competiton

Happy Bucks:  Chris is a Grandpa for the first time, grandson is doing well as is the mother, Chris and Kathleen's youngest daughter;   Ben Doz had a great team in Guatemala - Mike Bohops, Terry Davies, Al Sanderson, Lorne Proctor, Marley Doz;  Ron saw Jennifer and Tony for dinner last week in Phoenix, they are doing very well

Guest Speaker:  John talked about a regional or District Rotary project at Fort Edmonton Park.  The idea came from Jeff Polovich, a Rotarian since 1986, first with Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield, now with Rotary Club of Edmonton Sunrise.  Jeff has a Paul Harris Fellowship from our club and is currently on the board of directors of Fort Edmonton Management Co.

Rotary is a large part of Fort Edmonton history but there is no large acknowledgement sign.  All clubs could be involved in the revitalization of Fort Edmonton and there would be a public acknowledgement that Rotary has led the revitalization team.  Fort Edmonton opened in 1974 and the cost eventually reached $135,000.  Rotary was involved in many ways, one of which was running the annual harvest fair. 

City of Edmonton owns the site.  The plan is to revitalize the park to create the rational for visitors (Canadian and international) to return for many visits year round.  There might be a 1920 era midway expansion and/or an indigenous peoples' experience.  There is a warehouse in Edmonton that has many artifacts from eras past but no access for the public - we hope to get these into full display.  There might be a surroundsound with 360 degress visual theatre experience.  The indigenous peoples display would be keyed to make this park a major international visitors draw.  Hopefully, there would be room for sweat equity involvment by Rotarians.

This will be a world class destination property.  Mike thanked John

Paul Harris Fellow:  congratulations to Doug MacDougal for his third

CleanScene:  please buy tickets to the February 12 fundraiser, Mike needs the support.