This is our 20th Year of Service Above Self in Our Community, which is well worth celebrating!  The Rotary Centennial Park ad will run on the City of Spruce Grove electronic bulletin board (Calahoo Road and Parkland Highway 16A) during the third week of May.

... will be at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 14th at the Club House.

Jan Vanderblij will give his Classification Talk at our meeting on May 16th.

Past President Brad Mastaler presented Cozette and Norm Dick with Paul Harris Fellow medals at our on May 9th.  President Angus McKenzie is shown below left thanking them for their contribution to the Rotary Foundation.

Check out these pictures of Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka, along with our own Past President Arlaine Monaghan, taking part in the Fort Edmonton Park cleanup on Saturday, May 11th.

From Brad Mastaler:

Rotary District 5370 shattered the one million dollar goal by raising over $4.5 million of bequests and donations to the Rotary Foundation’s Permanent Fund.  Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka is shown below on the left with District Governor Kevin Hilgers.  Brad and Krista Mastaler are shown below with President Tanaka, followed by Nizar Abouchami.  Coreen Abouchami is sitting on the right at the table shown below.

Lara Smith, Sponsorship Chair for the 2013 Rotary Run for Life, is seeking sponsorships for this event.  She can be reached through their contact page here.

From Rita Sharek, Club Services Director:

Our regular lunch meeting on Thursday, June 6th will be cancelled.  Instead, we will gather at the Rotary Centennial Park (corner of Jennifer Heil Way/Campsite Road and Parkland Highway 16A) at 4:00 pm to conduct a cleanup of the grounds, followed by a barbeque and fellowship.

From Lesley Crawford:

An interesting article about the unintended consequences affecting the campaign to distribute the polio vaccine in Pakistan as a result of the US fake vaccine campaign used to flush out Osama bin Laden.  Just click here.

At our May 1st meeting, Dale Monaghan, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Alberta shared with members of the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove the progression and exciting advancements being realized with Albertans with disabilities, what the Economist magazine cites as a significant business trend specific to persons with disabilities (and opportunities for the business community), and finally the common roots and service to community foundations of Rotary and Goodwill.  Dale is shown below with President Angus McKenzie (left) and Elizabeth Marsh.

Various 2013-2014 Board Members, Past Presidents, and Rotarians met on Saturday, May 4th to learn more about strategic planning for next year.  Please check out the photo album of Rotarians at Work on the left hand side of this webpage.

George Sewell, Past President of the Spruce Grove & District Agricultural Society, spoke to us about the history of their society and their exciting plans for a building to house their archives and museum, offices, meeting spaces, and banquet facilities, at the meeting on April 25th.  George is shown below being thanked by President Angus McKenzie, accompanied by Moira Juleffs (Treasurer), Elsie Rodeman (Vice President), Lorene O'Neill (Secretary), and Maria Vandersleen (director).

The entire community of volunteers that help run Canadian Blood Services clinics and events in our zone  were suitably thanked and honoured at a brunch last Sunday, April 28th.  We were pleasantly entertained by CBS emcee Kerstin Dougherty, and Grant Crawford; Rotarians Lesley Crawford, Patti Zeglen, and Meryl Murray; and Dan Daniels and Rotarian Joanne Daniels represented our club.

Past District 5370 Governor Ed Willson (right hand side below) presented Past President Brad Mastaler and Krista Mastaler with a crystal award in recognition of becoming members of the Rotary Foundation Bequest Society (Level I), at our meeting on April 25th.  

Rick Lee from the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society will speak to us at our meeting on April 28th.

Paddi Sprecher, a volunteer with Catholic Social Services, spoke to us about the challenges experienced by refugees who come to Canada, at our April 18th meeting.  She is shown below (centre) with President Angus McKenzie and AnnLisa Jensen.

Click here to register for the 2013 Rotary Run for Life.

From Judy Kesanko:

Canadian Blood Services will host their next Blood Donor Clinic from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, May 31, 2013 at the Spruce Grove Elks Hall.

Mayor Houston made a quick visit to our club meeting on April 11th to update us on the progress of several developments in the City of Spruce Grove and to talk about a decorative tree planting project he would like to begin in partnership with the city and our club.  He spoke about permanently recognizing our contributions to this project and was very complimentary in regards to our good work in the community.  He shown below being thanked by President Angus McKenzie.

Celia Leathwood, Vocational Services Director, reported that we have a candidate for Adventures in Citizenship and for Adventures in Technology in Saskatoon; we will award two scholarships per school; RYLA candidates will possibly come from Spruce Grove Composite High School Interact Club; RYPEN candidate will possibly come from another area, if we cannot find a local candidate; we have $1500 for Polio Plus to cover speaker gifts; and $500 from unallocated International Services funds will be allocated to Canadian Volunteers for International Development Society.

Tony Zeglen, Chair, Public Relations Committee, reported that we have two Electronic Board ads to go to complete the one-year contract (Rotary Park and Highway Cleanup); the Open House Video is updated with still photographs of Presidents and Integrity Award winners; Memory Albums will be ready for display at Lobsterfest; 13 President history videos are completed (Jim Peddie will be interviewed on Thursday; Ken Innes is giving his interview via a video from Fairmont Hot Springs; Garry Lavasseur, Jim Rigby, Al Pawlowich, and Angus McKenzie will be completed within the next month); 45 Rotary Day Ads were laminated and distributed to the three Rotary Clubs; and 300 new brochures will be available for distribution at the Life of Leisure Show at the Agrena in May (volunteers will be recruited to man the booth).

Lesley Crawford, Secretary, reported that the Club has 43 members with an average attendance of 70%.

Angus McKenzie, President, reported that the unused trail money is at Birdsell Grant, held in trust; the Club will get approval to move it into our account and apply it to the Food Bank and Broxton Park Playground; he will be taking the Gain Course, and will be in charge of the Casino on August 29 to 30, 2013; Mayor Houston discussed placing labels on the plastic flower pots recognizing the contribution of Spruce Grove Rotary; the Club will approach Don Bay to discuss these Rotary stickers; the Board discussed putting a sign at each end of the planted trees, stating trees were donated courtesy of the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove, however, the City does not want signage; the Board discussed placing a giant rock among the trees with a plaque designating the contribution of the Spruce Grove Rotary Club; Barry Twynam will approach Mayor Houston regarding the signage issue; and the Board approved the tree planting project for this year, subject to the approval of the membership (maybe next year we can buy pots).

Allan Pawlowich reported that the Food Bank project has hit some snags (there is not enough space for the present design, the City has a new City Manager, it is trickier to get projects approved, there is black dirt in the expansion area, and the black dirt must be removed before building can begin, as black dirt emits methane); and and the Food Bank Annual General Meeting is April 22nd, the Board of Directors will be approved at that meeting, the Food Bank needs to approve a pro-active Board, the community needs to be canvased to find candidates willing to run for the position.

Barry Twynam, Community Services Director, reported that he will place a page in the Lobsterfest brochure advertising the top ten things we do as Rotarians (people read the program, perhaps it will entice new members); he will arrange for a Thursday Rotary Park Clean-up date, the regular meeting will be cancelled, members will assemble at the Park around 4:30 pm, complete the work and celebrate with a wiener roast; and the Jamaican Rotary Club is excited to be part of this project, the Club will send us a list of the books needed, we can use the Scouts and schools to do book drives. 

Vic Moroz, Vice-President, reported that we could put a coupon in our brochures inviting people to join us for a free lunch and see what we are all about; and that we will look at holding a Fireside in June.

Check out our booth while you are at the Spruce Grove Life and Leisure Show at the Agrena from May 10th to 12th!

Check out our new Club pamphlet under Photo Albums on the left hand side of this webpage.

Check out the latest edition of our Open House video below, which will be shown at the Life and Leisure Show, and the Lobsterfest Dinner and Charity Auction.

From Patti Zeglen:

This year for Lobsterfest, the decorating responsibilities will be shared by four Rotarians:  Lesley Crawford, Joanne Daniels, Yvonne Naughton, and Patti Zeglen.  The theme will be 20th Year of Service Above Self and the colours will be green and white.

We had the pleasure of touring the Spruce Grove Boston Pizza as a Vocational Visit for our meeting on March 28th.  Our hosts, owners, Past President Janice Scalzo, 1996 Rotarian Integrity Award winner Joe Scalzo are pictured below.  Please check out the new photo album on the left had side of this web page.

Our great, big 2013 Lobsterfest Dinner and Charity Auction (live and silent) will take place on Saturday, May 25th at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre featuring Danny Hooper, auctioneer extraordinaire.  Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased by contacting Tony or Patti Zeglen here.  Tables for eight or 10 may be reserved.  Net proceeds go towards supporting the many, many fine projects we support.

Parkland Food Bank renovations and expansion - Fully accessible playground at École Broxton Park School - Children of Ecuador project (education) - Bahia Hospital, Ecuador expansion (maternal health care) - Coordinated Suicide Prevention Program - Malawi School for Girls/Girls on the Move - Scholarships for students (Living Waters Christian High School -  Spruce Grove Composite High School, Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic High School) - 4th Spruce Grove Scouts - Canadian Blood Services Blood Donor ClinicsFamily Violence Initiatives - I Human (youth at risk and art programs) - KidSport - Neighbourhood Link - Parkland and Area Emergency Youth Shelter - Rotary Club House and Park - Post-Partum Depression Spruce Grove - Seniors Light-up Tour - Victim Services - West Sturgeon Aging in Place - Turning Points - Project Amigo, Mexico (education, health care) - Belize Literacy Project - Adventures in Programs Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment - Auggie’s Café (hot lunch program) - Clean Scene (anti-drug abuse) - Edmonton Epilepsy Association - Annual Parkland Children's Christmas Party - Canadian Mental Health Association - YIELD (Youth Initiative & Education in Lifestyle & Driving Association) -  Kinettes Christmas Hampers

Lt. Cheryl Anderson, Training Officer, for the 755 Parkland Air Cadet Squadron, spoke to us at our meeting on March 21st.  755 is an Air Cadet Squadron for youth aged 12 to 18 who are interested in learning about the air element of the Canadian Forces.  Lt. Anderson is shown below with Dwayne Schroeder (755 Public Relations) and Rotary President Angus McKenzie.

From Lesley Crawford:

The Rotary Run for Life will be held on September 8th and registrations are being accepted now.  Tax receipts will be issued for pledges only and will be publicized through social media.  Individual runners who raise over $500 get their registration fee returned.

Nahlah Ayed: Key Muslim clerics join fight to eradicate polio.  For details, click here.

Cozette Dick was inducted into our club (transferred from Parkland After Dark) at the March 14th meeting.  Cozette is shown below with her Rotary Sponsor and husband Norm, and President Angus McKenzie.

Neil Hollands announced at our March 14th meeting that we have received a grant of $8,200 from the Rotary Foundation making it possible to ship the medical equipment we have in storage to Nigeria soon.  Stay tuned for more details.

Hi HUSA Friends, 

HUSA is doing fantastic!  The HUSA high schoolers have started a new school year at Mkulo School.  They love the new school and, since the beginning of the school year, we have seen much improvement in the students.  The primary school children are well and we have four students in Standard 7 this year who are hoping to move onto high school in 2014:  Karim, Shani (twins), Mwajuma and Amri.  Abuu is also doing very well at his mission school in Dar es Salaam.  He's even learning English and is now able to text with me.  This is a 15 year old boy who wasn't able to read or write in Swahili and is now ranked third in his class!  We couldn't be more proud of Abuu!  

Our three cows are doing great and the two older ones are expecting again!  We're really excited and hope that we can sell some of our cows later on to raise money for our operations.  Our friend Baraka is currently working on applying for Non-governmental Organization (NGO) status for HUSA, within Tanzania, which we hope will allow HUSA to apply for government funding, building relationships with other organizations within Tanzania to support development in Kimamba and  make it easier in general. :) Very exciting.

Thank you again to everyone who has continued to support HUSA and our children.  We really are sincerely appreciative of your kindness.  As always, please email (here) if you have any questions or would like to make a donation.  You can also visit our website for more information, pictures and updates.  Oh and I've just been adding some video of "HUSA life", so please take a look here.  

Asante sana!

From Judy Kesanko:

Canadian Blood Services has just announced their local Blood Donor Clinic dates that we support with volunteers.  Please mark you calendars and be a donor and/or volunteer!  All clinics run from 3:00 to 8:00 pm.

Friday, July 26, 2013, Friday, October 4, 2013, Friday, November 29, 2013, Friday, January 31, 2014 at the TransAlta Leisure Centre

It seems our clinics are some of the most supported and Canadian Blood Services feels this shift from Monday to Friday clinics will still result in collection of at least 120 units of blood per clinic.

John Oldham gave his Classification speech at our meeting on February 28th.  He is shown below being thanked by President Angus McKenzie.

Congratulations to Jason Svenningsen, Linda Pawlowich (on behalf of Allan), Ken Tober, and Graham Anderson who won the District 5360 and 5370 Curling Bonspiel earning a birth in the Rotary World Curling Bonspiel in Aberdeen, Scotland!  As well, we were selected as the Host Rotary club for the District Curling Bonspiel in February, 2014.  Check out the latest photo album to the left of this website featuring the bonspiel and social events, and the "Crawling Through the Door Ceremony".

Congratulations to Past President Arlaine Monaghan upon receiving a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award presented by the Mayor and Council of Parkland County on February 26th.  Well deserved indeed!

From Bryn Styles, Member, Rotary International Board of Directors; and Richard Clarke, Chair, Pennies for Polio:

We are pleased to share that today, on Rotary’s 108th anniversary, it was announced at the Vancouver Peace Forum that Canadian Rotarians have raised over $1.6 million for the Pennies for Polio initiative. Thanks to you, we have exceeded our goal of $1 million.  This is a true testament to the continued interest and commitment of Canadian Rotarians to Rotary’s priority program.  Our funds, as you know, will also be further leveraged by matching funds from the Canadian government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. By doing this we have ensured vital financial support for global polio eradication activities and we have sent a clear message about the continued commitment of Canadian Rotarians to the goal of a polio free world.

Our government has heard and acknowledged this message.  Yesterday, Minister for International Cooperation Julian Fantino and International PolioPlus Committee Chair Bob Scott issued a joint editorial article affirming commitment to the shared goal of a polio free world and today, Minister Fantino announced that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will match all contributions received above the original $1 million ceiling by Rotarians through the 1 March 2013 deadline.  The Gates Foundation has also agreed to continue their match of funds donated by Canadian Rotarians.  Based on the $1.6 million in contributions are aware of to date, this already means a total of $4.8 million in additional funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. 

We have one week remaining where every dollar you contribute will be matched by an additional $2. We would encourage you to consider making an additional contribution to PolioPlus in honor of Rotary’s Anniversary prior to March 1st, 2013.  We are planning to announce a preliminary figure for funds raised by Rotarians through March 1st to Minister Fantino when he attends the Toronto Peace Symposium on March 2nd, 2013. 

We thank you for so clearly demonstrating the unwavering commitment of Canadian Rotarians to global polio eradication and hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to leverage your investment in a polio free world.  We also encourage you to express your appreciation for Canada’s continued collaboration with Rotary as highlighted by the extension of this match to your Member of Parliament.

Many thanks for your continued support and collaboration to END POLIO NOW!

At the February 14th meeting, David Oldham of the Children of Ecuador foundation presented a summary of his work thus far.  Neil Hollands, President Angus McKenzie, and David Oldham are shown in the photograph below.

From Judy Kesanko and Jan Vanderbij:

Auggie's Café expresses their deepest gratitude for the support we provide.  The café is run by volunteers (2300 hours) and served 3,433 guests in 2012.  Brookwood School has undertaken a special project with the café, raising $600 through a bottle drive and sending 40 Grade 1 and 6 students (with their own lunches) and student created placemats to visit with the guests.

We took advantage of our honourary membership in the Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce by attending their General Meeting on Tuesday, February 12th featuring Mayor Stuart Houston and his State of the City Address.  We showed our Open House video (below), and distributed our club business cards (thank you to Victor Moroz) and pamphlets to those in attendance.  Mayor Houston said some kind words about Rotary in his address and reviews of our promotion were very positive.  All in all, a good night for Rotary.

Best of luck to the following teams who will represent our club at the Rotary District 5370 Annual Curling Bonspiel, Stettler, Alberta from February 21 to 24th. 

Team #1:  Allan Shaw, John Moquin, Don Bay, Brad Mastaler

Team #2:  Des Bulger, Angus Mackenzie, Janice Scalzo, Randy Hetherington

Team #3:  Jason Svenningsen, Al Pawlowich, Ken Tober, Graham Anderson

From Randy Hetherington:

At the February 14th meeting, Randy Hetherington reported that the Spruce Grove Composite High School Interact Club is continuing their Pennies for Polio campaign.  They need empty coffee cans and coins which can be dropped off at the school or Jack's Drive-in.

The committee is seeking nominations for the Adventures in Citizenship Program in Ottawa and Adventures in Technology in Saskatoon trips, and RYPEN (3) and RYLA (2) scholarships.  Plans are in place for a Rotary Speech/Media competition and to award two $1,000 scholarships at each of the three local high schools.

Secretary Lesley Crawford and President Angus McKenzie reported that we have received a casino for Tuesday, August 13, 2013 and that we are currently looking for a Casino Chair.

President Angus McKenzie reported that Mayor Houston requested a $15,000 donation for ornamental tree planting.  He needs a commitment by the end of February.  Club Members must approve this expenditure since it will be issued from the 2013-2014 Budget.  Also, if the Club approves this project, it expects some form of permanent recognition.

International Service Director AnnLisa Jensen and Neil Hollands reported on the Future Vision Funding deadline March 1, 2013.  Neil Hollands attended the Orientation Course for Future Vision.  International and Global Outreach projects must be submitted to District by March 1, if we want to apply for matching grants in the year 2013-2014 (including Children of Ecuador).  Bill Steinberg has access to old medical equipment.  We will inform the other Clubs in case they wish to take on the job of crating and shipping the equipment.  International Funds are locked into projects.  It is time to ascertain if some projects should be replaced with others.  AnnLisa, Neil, and Brad Mastaler will meet to discuss the Ecuador Wish List.  If there are plans to apply for matching grants, the list must be at District office by March 1st,2013.

Vocational Services Director Celia Leathwood and Randy Hetherington confirmed that we have a spot for the Adventures in Citizenship Program in Ottawa.  Students must submit their applications to the Club by February 22 and we must submit the successful candidate’s name by March 8th.  Celia will apply for a spot for the Adventures in Technology Program.  The deadline for the Club to apply for a spot is March 17.  Randy will get a message out to the schools and will also submit an article to the Examiner.  The application includes a resume and a letter outlining their reason for applying.  The goal is to send two participants (Grade 11) to RYLA and three participants (age 14 – 17) to RYPEN.  Randy will work with the schools to identify potential participants.  Celia will attend the New Generation Information session on March 2nd and will gather more information regarding these programs.  The Club has enough money in the budget to sponsor two scholarships per high school.  The Spruce Grove Composite High School Interact Club is conducting a Pennies for Polio Drive.  The Four Way Test Competition is being advertised in the schools.  Liz Gawenus will be asked to chair the Integrity Award Selection Committee.

Community Service Director Barry Twynam reported that the committee has to decide on the budget for next year.  Jamaica is in desperate need of books.  Our Rotary Club could conduct a Book Drive, but we would need to ascertain the types of books in demand.  Barry will check International and Fellowship sites to find out what works and what does not work. 

Public Relations Committee Chair Tony Zeglen reported that four Presidential Video History interviews have been completed and three more are booked.  The Tri-club Rotary Day ad is ready for publication on February 22nd.  We need more club  pamphlets since there are only 50 left and we need to distribute them at the Life and Leisure Trade Show in May.  He will get in touch with Creative Color to attain an estimate.

Secretary Lesley Crawford reported that in January report we had 43 members with a 66% attendance rate.  Members who are repeating a Board position or have sponsored more than one member will receive “year hangers” to attach to their pin designating the appropriate number of years.

Next Board Meeting:  5:15 pm March 12th at the Club House

Congratulations to the Interact Club of Stony Plain Memorial Composite High School on their successful Charter Night on February 12th!  Welcome to the world of Rotary!  District 5370 Governor Kevin Hilgers is in the centre front, flanked on the left by Stony Plain President Michael Thomas and on the right by Interact Club President Taylor Rocque.

Mark your calendars!  Our 2013 Lobsterfest Dinner and Charity auction will be held on May 25th at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove.  Stay tuned for updates.

From Andrea Cheers via Arlaine Monaghan:

From Luis Enrique via Ramiro Contreras:

Dear Rotary members from the Spruce Grove Rotary Club,

Once again I am here to say hello. This is  the end of the first month of this wonderful year. This year I am sure will be full of blessings, new projects and goals to achieve.  I am beginning a new semester at school and I hope and expect to be even more productive than previous semesters.

From Lisa Salapatek, Executive Director, ShelterBox Canada:

Thank you for your support of ShelterBox Canada and your donation of $2,000.  A ShelterBox can often mean the difference between life and death for families when they need it most.  Your donation makes it possible to bring hope to families around the world.

From Liz Gawenus:

The Rotary Run for Life Board was pleased to present our club with a cheque for $6,300, as our share of the proceeds from the 2012 Run for Life.  We use those funds to support efforts to prevent and help those cope with suicide and other mental health issues.  Donations to the 2013 Rotary Run for Life will now receive charitable gift certificates from the Simon Poultney Foundation.

From Brad Mastaler:

I received some photos of the progress on the improvements to the maternal care ward in the hospital in Bahia de Caraquez that our club help fund through the Rotary Foundation.  We contributed $2,500 US and the total budgeted project cost was $65,300.  You can view these photos in a short photo album found on the left hand side of this site.

Randy Hetherington gave his classification Speech, at the January 17th meeting, highlighting his educational career thus far and his role as Principal of École Broxton Park School.  He shown below being thanked by President Angus McKenzie after his speech.

At the January 17th meeting, we proudly welcomed and inducted Ray Frayne (lawyer) and Jan Vanderbij (retired plant manager) as new members in our club.  From left below:  sponsor Tony Zeglen, Jan, President Angus McKenzie, Ray, and Past President Brad Mastaler.

From Marta Burns, President, Wings of Providence:

Wings would like to thank you for your generous donation (we donated 33 housecoats).  Charitable donations and support from the community are essential to providing safe and affordable housing to our current future families.

Wings is a second stage shelter that provides long term housing for women with children who have experienced family violence.  There are 33 fully furnished, two or three bedroom apartments.  The families stay at Wings for six months and during this time they attend programming, which involves group and individual counselling.  Topics discussed in group help foster parenting and life skills, as well as help mothers understand and better cope with family violence.  Kids group and youth programming discuss topics such as self-esteem, the family and feelings.  It also allows the children and youth to participate in activities and enjoy special outings.  

Your kindness is greatly valued and allows Wings to move closer to breaking the cycle of family violence.

From Pat Garrett, Executive Director, Wings of Providence, to Elizabeth Marsh, Rotarian:

Wings would like to thank you for generously donating housecoats (33) for each of our mothers here at Wings and Home Next Door.  You thoughtfully donated them in a variety of sizes which is a testament to your kindness and consideration for our residents.  The moms absolutely loved their gift as most can't afford to buy items for themselves to enjoy!  We were able to purchase some wonderful gifts for the children with your second generous donation.  You have been a fantastic supporter of Wings for many years now and we are very appreciate.  On behalf of the staff and families at Wings, I would like to thank you for your kindness and continued support!

It was very considerate to think of our mothers at this time of year because Christmas is an especially hard time for the families at Wings.  Many have associated Christmas to be a time of year filled with painful memories and hardships.  To experience the real joy and excitement of Christmas for the time ever or, for the first time in a very long time, is a magical journey bringing renewed hope and happiness to all.  To express how thankful these families are is difficult to explain but is apparent from the twinkle in their eyes, their tears of happiness, and smiles on their faces.

This is our eighth Christmas here in the new Wings.  With 20 families experiencing the holidays, it was very hectic time but also amazing and heartwarming as well.  Our families received more than they could have probably dreamed of including wonderful gifts, decadent goodies, gorgeous trees, beautiful decorations and a real Christmas meal.  Above all, the women and children were able to experience the love of so many people who care about them and are willing to make their Christmas unforgettable.  Thank you for helping make this Christmas so memorable for the families at Wings.

It is our hope that together we can help put an end to family violence.

At our January 10th meeting, President Angus McKenzie announced that he will sign the Tri-club Rotary Runner for Life agreement, considering there were no objections or concerns raised by members of our club.

From Lesley Crawford:

Our club was very active during Past President Jeannette Fuhr's Rotary Year (1996-1997):

• Inter Club Golf Tournament at Links hosted by the Mayfield Rotary Club
• Going away party at Bob Stirlings for departing exchange student
• Golf at Stony Plain hosted by Spruce Grove Rotary
• First Annual Guitar Festival
• Club served pancakes at City of Spruce Grove 10^th Anniversary Celebration
• Highway Clean Up
• Potluck at Links
• Moved to participate in preservation of Grain Elevator
• Christmas social at Grove Motor Inn – Three Rotary Presidents sing “The Rotary Song”, an original Rotary Club of Spruce Grove creation
• Supported “Let’s Talk Series”
• Curling Bonspiel in Spruce Grove
• Once a Year Pool Tournament for spouses of Rotarians
• Moved to pay for registration of all Board of Directors attending annual district conference to a maximum of $1,200 and moved to subsidize, to the tune of $2,000, the President Elect attending Rotary International Conference
• Judged the 4 Way Test Speech Contest
• Purchased a plaque for Alberta Vocational Center to recognize student attendance awards
• Sponsored Dan Rowe and Kari-Lynn Hauck to attend an AISEC conference in Basal, Switzerland. The theme of the Conference was Learning and Acting for a shared Future
• Lobsterfest
• Members attended International Conference in Glasgow, Scotland

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Henderson and the exceptional team at McConnell Place West.  To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com

From Judy Kesanko:

My memory of Jeannette is of how kind she was to me when I joined Rotary.  She would always buy something at the auctions that included a bunch of people and I would be asked to go.  She didn't know me well, but always made sure I felt included.  Bill and I visited her when she had a hip or knee replacement and the three of us laughed so much that day.  She talked about all the "old" people on the ward with her.  She was a great lady.  Generous and kind and funny.  And we'll miss her.

From Brad Mastaler:

Jeannette mentored me when I was President, providing good guidance and advice.

From Allan Pawlowich:

I remember travelling around Alberta with Jeannette:  many small towns, many historical sites, many bonspiels.  She also provided him with guidance during his Presidential year.

From the Spruce Grove Examiner, click here.

On behalf of Harry Buddle, Past District 5370 Governor, Syl Haisan, Assistant Deputy District Governor, presented Past President John Moquin and President Elect Nizar Abouchami with two District awards for our work in 2011-12:

• Gilbert Paterson Award for our contribution to the Best Club Project:  Rotary Run for Life (with the Rotary clubs of Parkland After Dark and Stony Plain)

• Public Relations and Marketing Award for our contribution to the Best External Publicity Marketing Tool:  Rotary Day Ad (with the Rotary clubs of Parkland After Dark and Stony Plain)

Bonnie Foster, Office Manager, Spruce Grove Specialized Transit Service, thanked us for our generous donation of $1,000 towards the Seniors Christmas Tour Lights, on behalf of their organization and clients.  Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely and were so thankful for the opportunity to see the Christmas lights and have an enjoyable evening out.

Ione Challborn, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association thanked us for our donation in memory of Deanna Fuhr.  Our donation will be used to support:

• public education programs that educate people about mental health and mental illness;
• supportive counselling, housing, and education programs that help people with a mental illness lead a productive life in the community; and
• social and recreational programs for children, youths, and adults which assist in reducing isolation and the stigma of mental illness.