Rick speakingWe have learned more these past few weeks about “Service above Self” than in our years in Rotary. We have so many great Rotarians that are dedicated to our causes. The service projects are nothing short of amazing. To see this trend continue in the District will be wonderful.

 

Rotary Projects
We have visited with clubs in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage, Gimli,  Selkirk, and Ontario. Each club has something different to offer.  We have seen Rotary Parks, a recreational complex, multi purpose buildings, Senior's housing, a Hospital and facilities, playgrounds, walking paths, and many smaller projects.

We saw some of these projects first hand and watched videos of projects in other countries.

Congratulations to all of these clubs!!! Keep up what you do for the community. Be very proud of what you do!! You are practicing “Peace through Service” !

Other "Happenings"

Polio Plus is our main objective this year and I found every club to be very supportive. Although each club may have their own service area to concentrate their efforts on, they all support Polio, ShelterBox, the Foundation and Youth Programs.
Peace Garden & RYLA Camp
Our travels have taken us to the Peace Gardens---if you haven’t been there---take the trip. It is not only a beautiful garden, there is definitely a Rotary presence. We visited the Game Warden Museum and found plaques with friends from The Pas named for their work in Conservation.  We went to the RYLA camp by Clear Lake. We saw a bunch of “Happy Campers”! Great work Rotary!! This is “Peace through Service” again!!

While at RYLA we had a call from Lorraine Hansen. She asked if we would express her gratitude to all of the Rotarians and Clubs that showed their respect to Harvey. The cards, calls, emails, and donations were appreciated. 

“I would like to thank everyone who donated so generously at the Conference to Polio Plus in memory of Harvey.  Also for all the other donations from the clubs and individuals in District 5550.  This was Harvey's passion and it is a great tribute to him.  I would also like to thank everyone who sent messages of hope and best wishes while Harvey was in the hospital .  And they were very much appreciated.  It was a great comfort to him and also to me."

Best Regards, Lorraine Hanson


We hope to visit with Lorraine when we get to Dauphin.

We would also like to extend our condolences to the families of Rotarians Dick Davidson of Sioux Lookout, Bill Haswell of Regina, Dennis Cleave of Charleswood and to Frank Schnerch after the loss of his partner, Norma. 

We have heard of other Rotarians and families that are visiting hospitals for one reason or another. Get Well soon!! We need you back with our Rotary family.

PDG Nancy Morris has asked for nominations for a District Governor Nominee delegate. There is further information attached to the newsletter.

Remember the World Peace Partners’ FREE concert on September 21st ,   FREE concert

AND don’t forget about the “Half Marathon” on September 23rd. Fort Garry club is still accepting entries. Fort Garry 

Want a new adventure? Try the “Dine in the Dark” The Winnipeg east AM club is working with the CNIB on September 13th at Assiniboine downs. An exciting new way to eat. Experience what they don’t see!

Call  774-5421 (CNIB) or Aurthur Crawford (President) at 668-0808 for tickets

We are still in need of applicants for this the final year of GSE. Please inform everyone you feel that may qualify. Kim Marcotte is waiting to hear from these applicants. Congratulations to the new team leader -
Rotarian Scott Yule  from the Oskaya Rotary Club. Scott is a past GSE team member, his wife a past youth exchange participant and they went to Benin in 2009 with the polio campaign.

The friendship exchanges have been set up- THANKS Kevin! Applications are available. Fill them up this time!!! India is full. Guatemala is now full and New Mexico has one couple.  If you haven’t been on a Friendship Exchange- you don’t know what you are missing!!!

This month our exchange students arrive (some already have). Be sure to make them welcome and plan to keep them busy. Take one to a sports game, movie, or just for dinner. They are interesting and fun.  No, we are not too old to enjoy their company! Give it a try! You might like it! And remember –they need friends to make their stay a happy one.
Time to Relax
We had the opportunity to enjoy the company of our own “Host parents” on our trip. Better than a motel for sure! There was golf, a little fishing, area tours, marine adventures, history lessons, great food, and great fellowship. A big THANKS to Paulette, Rob and Sharon, John B. and Sharon and Deano!!  You all made the trip more enjoyable. We enjoyed the discussions and suggestions. Thanks Joanne for the time spent with us and I am sorry I have to tell this—

We were golfing in Dryden—Jo hit the ball to the edge of a small pond –after a couple of tries and balls in the water--- Sterling said “Oh- just toss it over” . That she did and threw it in the water!! One of many laughs!

Kenora took us on a sailboat ride on Lake of The Woods. Did you know that a 35 foot sailboat cannot drive over a reef?? We tried a couple times—but, alas, we had to get towed off!  Keep tryin’ Fred- you’ll make Captain one day!!

We understand that the Future vision Transition team and our District training team have been working hard on getting things set up for November. Thanks for doing this in such a timely manner. No wonder we are one of the most successful Districts!!

More good news—our Ripple Effect team has been selected to attend GETS in Vancouver to explain the program to other members of Zones 24 and 32. They were in San Diego as well. It is good that our District program receives this recognition.

Finally , we just read some interesting information on Polio- We can’t stop!! Because “Global anti-polio drive stumbles on funds shortfall, 94 million kids vulnerable” (By Subodh Varma, TNN Jul 25, 2012) The First Lady- Fran—has come up with a plan to help. We have discussed this with a few members and want to give it a try. Although the Zone 24 has a Polio cookbook out, we want to make our own. (see the story which follows)

We feel strongly that this cookbook will sell well due to the nature of its cause, the fact that it will be a Rotary keepsake, and of course; because the contents will be yours!

We are getting ready to do the Saskatchewan trip after we have visited a couple more Manitoba clubs- so we’ll see you there.

This just in: Ed Thompson and Al Snyder are getting the “Presidents Forum” going in Winnipeg. Attendance is the key issue. They have some new ideas and promise that it will be an improved version. Be there!

Thank you for your Rotary work!

Remember- “Peace through Service” is what we all do

Rick