Latest news with #Rotarians
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: Waterton-Glacier Peace Park a reminder of goodwill between nations
In the weeks ahead, you will hear more about the Rotary International Convention coming to Calgary from June 21 to 25. Up to 20,000 Rotarians from around the world will descend on our city. Article content Article content Given the current times, several Rotary members thought it would be appropriate for Calgarians to learn more about a peace initiative with our friends in the United States that was conceived, promoted, and nurtured to this day by Rotarians on both sides of the border. Article content Article content It all began when a group of Rotarians from Cardston invited fellow Rotarians to a goodwill meeting at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park in July 1931. More than 100 Rotarians from Montana, Saskatchewan and Alberta attended. Article content Article content There was a consensus to advocate for the creation of an international peace park that would encompass both Waterton and Glacier national parks. It was resolved, 'that the proper authorities be petitioned to commence negotiations to establish the two parks indicated as a permanent International Peace Park, which will be definitely set aside for this laudable purpose, pledging our loyalty and allegiance to foster all international relationships.' Article content Canadian and American Rotarians reached out to their respective federal governments and, in the days when things could get done expeditiously, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park — the first of its kind — was commemorated on June 18, 1932. Article content Article content It's worth noting the words of leaders of the day. Article content Prime minister R.B. Bennett said, 'It is my earnest hope that this great International Peace Park stretching across our common frontier and in which citizens of both our countries may seek recreation, may forever remain a permanent memorial of all that neighbourly relations should be between adjoining nations.' Article content Said U.S. president Herbert Hoover: 'Dedication of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a full gesture of the goodwill that has so long blessed our relations with our Canadian neighbours, and I am gratified by the hope and the faith that it will forever be an appropriate symbol of permanent peace and friendship.' Article content The peace park combines the 525-square-kilometre Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada with the 4,144-square-km Glacier National Park in the U.S. The arrangement allows both national parks to operate as separate entities under the peace park mantle. Thereafter, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association was created to perpetuate the message of peace and goodwill inspired by this monumental achievement.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘Sharing ideas, sharing wins': Final preparations for the 2025 Rotary International Convention underway
Co-chairs of the 2025 Rotary International Convention, Craig Stokke and Mark Starratt talk with Sydney Boll about final preparations for the five-day event beginning June 21. The 2025 Rotary International Convention kicks off June 21 and will see more than 15,000 Rotarians from 120 countries converge on Calgary for five days. Local Rotary clubs won the right to host the annual event ten years ago. 'It's been a long journey for sure,' said Craig Stokke, convention co-chair. 'You know going from sort of the planting the seed and thinking about what may be and how the city got behind it and the communities got behind Rotarians, everybody's really excited.' Stokke says it's a chance to show off Calgary to international visitors but also raise awareness locally with people in the city and surrounding area who are not familiar with Rotary. 'There's a lot of charities out there that may not know what we do,' he said. 'And there's a lot of people I think that want to give back to the community but they don't know how to do it and they don't really have an avenue so just getting that exposure about Rotary and what we do in the community, I think is really important.' Mark Starratt, convention co-chair, says the annual event is designed for participants to share ideas and talk about projects they have in the works. But at it's core it's a gathering of people with like mind who want to make a difference. 'It's about sharing projects, sharing ideas, sharing wins and how we've impacted the communities around the world,' he said. 'But at the end of the day it's about just helping our communities be better.' Starratt says Rotary has been in part of Calgary and area's community for over 100 years and it's an organization that's working along side many other great organizations to build community and to add to everyday life here. 'From seniors to youth to new immigrant populations, just the sky's the limit in terms of the rich service that we've done,' he said. 'And the convention coming to Calgary allows us to show this on an international stage.' Stokke says close to 1,500 people have signed up to volunteer for the five days of the convention. He talked to other organizers around the world who recommended that Calgary have at least 400 volunteers to help it run smoothly. 'That's not Calgary, that's not what we do,' he said. 'We want to make sure that from the time somebody gets off the plane until the time that they leave, they know they're in Calgary, they know that they're taken care of.' In the final weeks before the convention begins, Stokke says all the 'heavy lifting' has been done. 'It's the little things now that matter and making sure that we cross the T's and dot the I's and we know that we're going to put on an amazing event,' he said. Learn more about the event here.
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
‘They have all changed lives': Rotary Club gala honours community champions
Five residents were honoured last Thursday during the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club's annual Paul Harris Fellow Awards Dinner — one of Rotary's highest honours for service to the community. The gala dinner, a club tradition for more than 25 years, drew a full house to Navy Hall on May 15 and recognized Rotarians Betty Disero, Greg Fedoryn and Martin Quick, along with NOTL residents Dr. Richard Merritt and Julia Buxton-Cox. 'They all amplify service above self,' said Jeannie Manning, the club's social media and marketing chair. 'They have all changed lives — and I don't think they know that they have.' While the number of nominees per year can change, they are always residents of the Niagara region and demonstrate one of the club's core principles. 'What we're looking for, always, is service above self, because that's a rotary objective for all of us,' said Carol Lipsett, past president and treasurer. The award is named after the founder of the first Rotary Club, formed in Chicago in 1905. Recipients have varying backgrounds, Lipsett said, and not all are Rotarians, such as Merritt and Buxton-Cox. 'But that's the whole point. It's to acknowledge our community — where we have people doing wonderful things,' she said. Merritt has practiced medicine in Niagara for more than 40 years, founded and chaired two non-governmental organizations and worked with the Friends of Fort George and the Niagara Historic Foundation. He was recognized as 2017's Living Landmark by the Niagara Foundation and co-chaired and led the construction of the Landscape of Nations with Indigenous leaders. Buxton-Cox volunteered at Pleasant Manor and Newark Neighbours and started the Farmworker Hub in March 2021, serving more than 1,500 seasonal farm workers in 2024 with services and supplies. Rotarian Disero joined in 2014 when she was elected to council. In 2018, she became the town's first female lord mayor and steered NOTL through the COVID-19 pandemic. During her time as lord mayor, Disero continued to help in committees and fundraisers and still does today. Having joined the Rotary Club and the Shaw Guild in 2017, Rotarian Fedoryn was hosting chair at the Shaw and served as an executive committee member. He was the secretary and president of the Rotary club and oversaw the updating of the club's constitution, bylaws and governance policies. Quick has been a Rotarian for more than 25 years, was club president in 2015-2016 and continues to serve as a house captain during the Holiday House Tour. Quick secured a grant of $120,000 for Wells of Hope in Guatemala and coordinated the El Carrizal Water Project. Among the political leaders in attendance at the awards dinner was MP Tony Baldinelli. 'It's an honour to be asked to participate,' said Baldinelli. 'I'm not a member of Rotary, but I participated in several of the Paul Harris Award recognition evenings and Rotary events.' Baldinelli loves the Rotary's objective, he said. 'Service above self. That encapsulates not only the commitment of these people — these individuals being recognized tonight — but of what Rotary stands for and all those who participate.' paigeseburn@
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warriors Way shares mission with Lima Rotary
May 19—LIMA — Founded on the belief in second chances in 2020, Warriors Way has grown into a nonprofit organization that provides connections for veterans, first responders and youth. Whether it's bladesmithing, blacksmithing, archery or being together under a roof sharing the same goal, Warriors Way members grow together through peer support. "Our programs serve people who are often at a breaking point," said David Bates, the founder of Warriors Way, during Monday's meeting of the Lima Rotary Club at Veterans Memorial Civic Center. "Instead of watching them fall through the cracks, we teach them to rebuild and start with their own two hands." A veteran himself, Bates started forging knives in 2016 as a hobby to relieve stress from serving three tours in Iraq from 2006 to 2012. Bates spoke about his traumatic experiences and how the idea of Warriors Way came about after he persevered through multiple life-threatening obstacles. "That just strengthened my resolve and what I want to do with my life," Bates said about a vehicle fire he put out after making sure those around him were safe. According to data from Bates, 44 percent of veterans face challenges when reintegrating into society and are at a significantly higher risk of suicide during this period. Warriors Way served nearly 800 individuals in 2024, 163 of whom were age 6 through 18. The organization hopes to grow through more collaboration and events continuing to shine a light on its mission. Warriors Way is located at 3865 S. Dixie Highway, Lima. "We have so many connections based on our mission, and our mission is to solely serve those who have served us and that are currently serving us," said Jeffrey Dauterman, the chief marketing officer of Warriors Way. "It is to give youth something to look forward to." Dauterman spoke highly of the youth involved in the organization. "They do not fit into the conventional sports world or whatever the popular thing that is going in the community," Dauterman said. "These are the ones that are the quietest." Looking to the future, Warriors Way is seeking collaboration with local youth centers. "We hope that youth also comes through our partnership with the Bradfield (Community) Center and the Boys & Girls Club of America," Bates said. Warriors Way is also looking to help nonviolent first-time offenders. "We're also working with the Hardin County courts and the sheriff's department, preparing to serve nonviolent, first-time offenders instead of letting these individuals disappear into a system," Bates said. The organization encouraged Rotarians to donate and support the mission. Classes will always be free, Bates said. Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351 Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC congressman hit another man with a clipboard at conference, Rotarian says
Rep. Chuck Edwards said he was the victim of a drunken man's belligerence on Saturday night, but a Rotarian who helped organize the event where Edwards spoke said the congressman was the aggressor — striking a man in anger with a clipboard after finishing his speech. Guy Gooder says he heard, but didn't see, Edwards hit the man and couldn't tell where the blow landed. Edwards' body was between Gooder and the other man, blocking his view, Gooder said. Edwards' staff did not return a phone call Monday. Apart from saying no one was injured and no one was arrested, police have not provided an official version of events that night. What's not in dispute: Edwards was scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. Saturday to Rotarians gathered in Asheville at the conference held by Rotary District 7670. Rotary clubs are intended not to be partisan or sectarian. So Guy Gooder, the district's community service project chair and a corporate sponsor of the event, said he had concerns as soon as he learned Edwards was a speaker, but he didn't expect what he witnessed Saturday night. Gooder, a graphic designer from Franklin, said Edwards was invited to speak about Helene relief and recovery, as Buncombe County Board of Commissioner Chairwoman Amanda Edwards — who is not related — had done the night before. He said she stayed on script. Edwards did not. Gooder said Edwards used his speech to defend President Donald Trump's administration, including on tariffs and cuts to federal agencies. Gooder said while Edwards said he might try to restore funding to the State Department to help the Rotarians' cause of polio eradication, he also spent his speech 'insulting' the federal agencies the Rotarians work with most closely. The Rotary put out a statement in February following the Trump administration's decision to pull out of the World Health Organization and to gut the U.S. Agency for International Development. Doing so complicated the club's mission to eradicate polio. 'He spent 30 minutes basically insulting the Rotarians' intelligence in his speech,' Gooder said. 'He insulted many of the programs that we partner with, agencies like the State Department, and the WHO, which is polio eradication, insulted those departments, talked about maybe we can get some funding back to the State Department for polio, so our efforts can continue.' Gooder, a critic of Trump who is registered as an unaffiliated voter, serves on the Franklin Tourism Development Authority board. Gooder stresses the importance of Rotarians to check their views on politics at the door when they walk into Rotarian events. When Edwards wrapped his speech, he had to walk down a center aisle between tables of Rotarians to get out the back door. 'If you do that for 30 minutes and you walk past somebody, they're probably going to insult you back,' Gooder said. And that's what happened. A man sitting at a table in the aisle addressed Edwards. 'The Rotarian basically said that was a load of B.S.,' Gooder said. 'Chuck stops and kind of bends over, kind of in-his-face type of stuff,' said Gooder, who said he was at the next table over, 'and then it continues from there.' Edwards, he said, 'hit the guy with his clipboard' while the man was still seated. Gooder said the two men left the room and continued arguing out of view of the Rotarians. Gooder identified the man, who told McClatchy he couldn't answer any questions but that he had just gotten off the phone with a police detective and that they're 'trying to come to a resolution.' McClatchy reached out to Edwards' office Saturday night. His spokeswoman Maria Kim said a statement was forthcoming. Midday Sunday, without a statement, but with confirmation from the Asheville Police Department that Edwards was present at a disturbance at the hotel where the Rotary conference took place, McClatchy published an article about police being called to the hotel. Edwards then immediately released a statement saying he 'refused to engage with an intoxicated man that was cursing.' 'He became more belligerent and later called the police,' Edwards' statement said. 'His behavior was embarrassing to the people at the event and was duly noted by the police. To my knowledge there was no further action taken by police.' Gooder defended the man, saying he was not belligerent. He said in all the years he's been with the Rotary he's never seen anyone be belligerent and that if a member was, such behavior would be shut down quickly. It's not tolerated. A message Sunday to ask about tips that Edwards was in fact the aggressor went unanswered. Seeking to verify those tips, McClatchy reached out by phone, text and email to organizers and people in attendance. McClatchy first reached out to Gooder on Sunday, who responded by email Monday morning agreeing to speak about what he witnessed. On Monday, after speaking to Gooder, McClatchy called Kim again and left a voicemail, but has not received any updates from Edwards' staff. The Asheville Police Department has not released any additional information. McClatchy has requested both the 911 call and the police report from the incident. The latter was not yet complete as of 4:30 p.m. Monday. The Rotarians were scheduled for a dinner break following Edwards' speech. Gooder said everyone could see the police cars that had arrived at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Asheville where the event was taking place and knew it had to do with what had just occurred. He said the two organizers of the conference went on stage and apologized. 'I was at least impressed by that,' Gooder said. 'I thought it was a terrible decision anyway, obviously, to roll the dice like that on a very partisan politician, but if the worst case scenario happens, at least you get up there and apologize.'
