WELCOME!!
to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning November 6, 2023
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
Please leave a donation to assist our club to do Rotary's good works!
to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning November 6, 2023
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
Please leave a donation to assist our club to do Rotary's good works!
Greeter this week
Rotarian Angel
Rotarian Angel
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Chautauqua County is a small rural county in westernmost New York state. There are 42 volunteer fire departments there. Many of the area firefighters regularly vacation in Marten River, a remote town 400 miles north in Ontario, Canada. They’ve become friends with the 12 members of the tiny Marten River Volunteer Fire Department.
Marten River protects a district of over 500 square miles — half the size of Chautauqua County. They also respond to emergencies on a 65-mile stretch of the Trans-Canada highway, and more frighteningly, the Trans-Canada pipeline runs through their district. Their equipment: a 3/4-ton pickup truck fitted with emergency equipment and a 200-gallon water tank. They depend on a portable pump and a nearby pond or river for more water. For more than half the year, the firefighters have to drill through over a foot of ice to reach additional water.
One Chautauqua County firefighter brought Marten River’s plight to the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs’ Association meeting. They decided to “adopt” Marten River.
The community of Dunkirk in Chatauqua County had retired a fire truck, and after a year in storage it had to be moved. Used fire trucks are not big sellers. Generally fire departments hang on to their equipment as long as they can, so when they finally get funding for a new one, the old one is outdated and sometimes in bad shape.
Dunkirk’s chief knew that if the truck sat outside, it would just deteriorate and end up in the junkyard. He brought his idea of donating the truck to the mayor and City Council, and they approved the transfer.
The truck’s ownership was transferred to the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs’ Association in October 2001, but it was in need of work. It needed paint, tires, hoses, nozzles, batteries, hard suction, new seats, and all related fire-fighting equipment. Word went out to the local fire companies, and donations of surplus equipment came pouring in. Letters were sent to local civic organizations, and money trickled in.
Even private businesses donated. A road construction service firm took the truck on their own flatbed to their central shop 200 miles away. They stripped, sandblasted, and did body work on the truck, then applied damage-resistant, no-fade paint (at $900 per gallon), and delivered it back — at no cost. Many hours of work by a small group of local firefighters then brought the truck back to life as a true Class A pumper.
On December 14, 2001, the fire truck rode the donated flatbed to its new home. Nine firefighters accompanied the truck. On arrival, they presented it to the Marten River Fire Department, and spent the next few emotional days training the Canadians on the apparatus.
After all the help U.S. firefighters got from Canada in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, this was the least we could do to repay them. It proves again that the brotherhood of firefighters — perhaps indeed the brotherhood of man — knows no boundaries.
Marten River protects a district of over 500 square miles — half the size of Chautauqua County. They also respond to emergencies on a 65-mile stretch of the Trans-Canada highway, and more frighteningly, the Trans-Canada pipeline runs through their district. Their equipment: a 3/4-ton pickup truck fitted with emergency equipment and a 200-gallon water tank. They depend on a portable pump and a nearby pond or river for more water. For more than half the year, the firefighters have to drill through over a foot of ice to reach additional water.
One Chautauqua County firefighter brought Marten River’s plight to the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs’ Association meeting. They decided to “adopt” Marten River.
The community of Dunkirk in Chatauqua County had retired a fire truck, and after a year in storage it had to be moved. Used fire trucks are not big sellers. Generally fire departments hang on to their equipment as long as they can, so when they finally get funding for a new one, the old one is outdated and sometimes in bad shape.
Dunkirk’s chief knew that if the truck sat outside, it would just deteriorate and end up in the junkyard. He brought his idea of donating the truck to the mayor and City Council, and they approved the transfer.
The truck’s ownership was transferred to the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs’ Association in October 2001, but it was in need of work. It needed paint, tires, hoses, nozzles, batteries, hard suction, new seats, and all related fire-fighting equipment. Word went out to the local fire companies, and donations of surplus equipment came pouring in. Letters were sent to local civic organizations, and money trickled in.
Even private businesses donated. A road construction service firm took the truck on their own flatbed to their central shop 200 miles away. They stripped, sandblasted, and did body work on the truck, then applied damage-resistant, no-fade paint (at $900 per gallon), and delivered it back — at no cost. Many hours of work by a small group of local firefighters then brought the truck back to life as a true Class A pumper.
On December 14, 2001, the fire truck rode the donated flatbed to its new home. Nine firefighters accompanied the truck. On arrival, they presented it to the Marten River Fire Department, and spent the next few emotional days training the Canadians on the apparatus.
After all the help U.S. firefighters got from Canada in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, this was the least we could do to repay them. It proves again that the brotherhood of firefighters — perhaps indeed the brotherhood of man — knows no boundaries.
Originally published as HeroicStories #276 on Feb 4, 2002
Canadiana
Roberta Joan "Joni" Mitchell (née Anderson; born November 7, 1943, in Fort Macleod, Alberta) is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and painter.
As one of the most influential singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1960s folk music circuit, Mitchell became known for her starkly personal lyrics and unconventional compositions which grew to incorporate pop and jazz elements.
She has received many accolades, including ten Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Rolling Stone called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever", and AllMusic has stated, "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century". [Wikipedia]
Here is a summary of Joni Mitchell's significant contributions to music:
1. Innovative Songwriting: Joni Mitchell is celebrated for her innovative and introspective songwriting. Her lyrics are known for their poetic depth and emotional resonance. She often drew inspiration from personal experiences, relationships, and social issues, creating songs that resonated with audiences on a deeply personal level.
2. Musical Versatility: Mitchell demonstrated remarkable versatility in her music. She seamlessly traversed folk, rock, jazz, and pop genres, consistently pushing the boundaries of her art. Her ability to blend and experiment with different musical styles showcased her exceptional talent and creativity.
3. Tuning and Guitar Technique: Mitchell's use of alternative guitar tunings and intricate fingerpicking techniques set her apart as a guitarist. Her signature open tunings allowed her to create rich, unique chord progressions that contributed to the distinct sound of her songs.
4. Influence on Folk Music: During the 1960s and 1970s, Mitchell played a pivotal role in shaping the folk music movement. Her albums like "Blue" and "Court and Spark" are considered classics in the folk and singer-songwriter genres. Her poetic storytelling and emotive singing made her a key figure in this musical era.
5. Exploration of Jazz: Mitchell's foray into jazz music, particularly in albums like "Mingus" and "Hejira," showcased her willingness to embrace new musical horizons. She collaborated with prominent jazz musicians, further demonstrating her adaptability as an artist.
6. Visual Art and Album Covers: In addition to her musical talents, Joni Mitchell is also a talented visual artist. She designed many of her own album covers, creating a visual dimension that complemented her music and reflected her artistic vision.
7. Social Commentary: Mitchell's songs often contained themes of social and environmental consciousness. Tracks like "Big Yellow Taxi" addressed issues like urban development and environmental degradation, making her music a platform for social commentary.
8. Impact on Future Artists: Joni Mitchell's influence can be heard in the work of countless contemporary musicians. Her unique style, distinctive voice, and fearless exploration of different genres have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
9. Recognition and Awards: Mitchell received numerous accolades throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her contributions to music have been celebrated by both critics and fellow musicians.
10. Enduring Legacy: Joni Mitchell's music continues to resonate with audiences of all generations. Her songs remain relevant and timeless, inspiring new generations of musicians and songwriters to explore the depths of personal expression in their work.
In summary, Joni Mitchell's contribution to music is characterized by her innovative songwriting, musical versatility, and lasting influence on a wide range of genres. Her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries have solidified her status as one of the most influential and celebrated artists in the history of music.
Produced with the help of ChatGPT.
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Comments from our guests and members
Members and guests attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring, and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you please send us your comments?
September 23. The Retrospective about Canadian Natural Resources was a great reminder of all the good things we have in Canada both for our own good but also for the good of the world.
-- David Werrett, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
September 26. I love this!!: “Do unto others’ children as you would have them do unto yours!”
-- Vicki Horsfield, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
September 28. Nice to see Angel doing the Four Way Test! Also, Don’t Touch My Hair – excellent TEDTalk.
-- Neil Rogers, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
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Archived Meetings
- For meetings before August 14, 2023, please click here.
- All meetings are archived. For meetings after August 14, 2023, please scroll to the very bottom of this page.
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Announcements
This month's Rotary theme
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
The Rotary Foundation is a vital and influential organization that plays a crucial role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Established in 1917 as the charitable arm of Rotary International, it embodies the humanitarian spirit and commitment to service that defines the Rotary movement.
Here are a few key areas of focus highlighting the importance of The Rotary Foundation:
Global Impact
Disease Eradication
Education and Literacy
Clean Water and Sanitation
Peace and Conflict Resolution
Humanitarian Aid
Community Development
Fellowship and Service
Sustainability
In summary, The Rotary Foundation is instrumental in advancing Rotary's mission to promote peace, provide humanitarian aid, support education, and address critical global challenges. Its importance lies in its ability to mobilize resources, engage volunteers, and make a positive and lasting impact on a global scale.
Through its work, The Rotary Foundation exemplifies the power of collective action and the potential for individuals and organizations to create meaningful change in the world.
Material Suggestions and Greeter Messages Always Needed!
Please feel free to forward an approx. 150 - 200 word message or any material suggestions in an e-mail, or in a Word document, along with a JPeg picture or two, to E-Club Administration Chair, Kitty Bucsko.
We'd love to hear from you!
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Real-time meetings
Each 3rd Tuesday of the month is our Fellowship Assembly, and we often invite interesting speakers or Rotary Leaders for this entertaining, educational fun event. Plan to join us.
Everyone is welcome to attend and we encourage your participation.
Please click our Event Calendar for details and access Link.
For further inquiries or suggestions please contact: info@rotaryeclubcanada.ca
All our videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
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How do you support our club?
- The Paypal button on our ClubRunner Home Page
- The donation button on the attendance form, or
- Make an Interac transfer to rotaryeclubcanada1@gmail.com
- Send a cheque to:
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
10430 135 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5N 2C6
(780) 267 4547
Environment
At a recent Thursday morning Coffee Chat, the topic of underground fires was mentioned. Here’s an interesting look at a very famous fire.
A century ago, Centralia, Pennsylvania was a busy small town filled with shops, residents and a brisk mining business. Coal from local mines fueled its homes and its economy, and its 1,200 residents worked, played and lived as tight-knit neighbors.
Today couldn’t be more different. Centralia’s streets are abandoned. Most of its buildings are gone, and smoke wafts down graffiti-strewn highways where a prosperous town once stood. The formerly busy burg has turned into a ghost town. The cause was something that’s still happening beneath Centralia’s empty streets: a mine fire that’s been burning for over 50 years, resulting in the devastation of a community and the eviction and impoverishment of many of its residents.
Today couldn’t be more different. Centralia’s streets are abandoned. Most of its buildings are gone, and smoke wafts down graffiti-strewn highways where a prosperous town once stood. The formerly busy burg has turned into a ghost town. The cause was something that’s still happening beneath Centralia’s empty streets: a mine fire that’s been burning for over 50 years, resulting in the devastation of a community and the eviction and impoverishment of many of its residents.
Coal seam fires are nothing new, but Centralia’s is the United States’ worst and one of history’s most devastating. Before the 1962 fire, Centralia had been a mining center for over a century. Home to a rich deposit of anthracite coal, the town was incorporated after mining began in the 1850s.
Mining defined life in Centralia, from its rough-and-tumble residents to its seedier side. During the 1860s, the town was home to members of the Molly Maguires, a secret society that originated in Ireland and made its way to American coal mines along with Irish immigrants. In the late 1860s, the Molly Maguires are suspected to have committed a rash of violence within Centralia. As Pennsylvania historian Deryl B. Johnson notes, the Molly Maguires were implicated in everything from the murder of the town’s founder, Alexander Rae, to the death of the area’s first priest. “Some believe that the Mollies were guilty, while others claim that the Mollies were framed by owners of the mines who feared that the members of the Mollies and [other organizations] would organize the mine workers into unions," writes Johnson. Eventually, after a brutal attempt to subdue the Mollies and the execution of some of the groups’ suspected leaders in 1877, the crime wave ended.
Centralia’s dependence on mining didn’t, though. By 1890, it was home to over 2,700 people, most of them miners or their family members. And even though the stock market crash and Great Depression struck a strong blow to the coal industry in Centralia, it didn’t kill the town.
It took a tragedy to do that, but it’s not entirely clear how the tragedy began. It seems to have started with the Centralia landfill, an abandoned mine pit that had been converted into a garbage dump in 1962. Trash was a thorny issue in Centralia, which was full of unregulated dumps, and the city council wanted to solve the problem with unwanted odors and rats.
Soon, a fire was raging in a coal seam beneath Centralia. It spread to mine tunnels beneath town streets, and the local mines closed due to unsafe carbon monoxide levels. Multiple attempts were made to excavate and put out the fire, but all of them failed. The reason, ironically, is the aftermath of the mining that defined Centralia for all of those years. There are so many abandoned mine tunnels in the area that one, many or all could be fueling the fire—and it would be prohibitively expensive and likely impossible to figure out which ones stoke the fire and to close off every single one of them.
Humour
...contributed with a giggle by Rotarian David
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New members' corner
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Rotary minute
Our Story
In 1988 Rotary took on the Challenge of Ending Polio – a disease sweeping the world which killed and crippled 320 thousand children a year.
In 1988 Rotary took on the Challenge of Ending Polio – a disease sweeping the world which killed and crippled 320 thousand children a year.
The African region was declared free of wild poliovirus (WPV) in August 2020. This incredible achievement was a result of decades of work by a coalition of international health bodies, national and local governments, civil society and community volunteers.
Now, the polio virus is endemic in just two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Please help Rotary to finish the poliovirus by donating to help End Polio direct to the Rotary Foundation Polio Fund click here.
Please help Rotary to finish the poliovirus by donating to help End Polio direct to the Rotary Foundation Polio Fund click here.
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Food for thought
Why we wear poppies
The poppy is the enduring symbol of remembrance of the First World War. It is strongly linked with Armistice Day (11 November), but the poppy's origin as a popular symbol of remembrance lies in the landscapes of the First World War.
Poppies were a common sight, especially on the Western Front. They flourished in the soil churned up by the fighting and shelling.
The flower provided Canadian doctor John McCrae with inspiration for his poem "In Flanders Fields," which he wrote whilst serving in Ypres in 1915. It was first published in Punch, having been rejected by The Spectator.
In 1918, in response to McCrae's poem, American humanitarian Moina Michael wrote “And now the Torch and Poppy Red, we wear in honor of our dead…” She campaigned to make the poppy a symbol of remembrance of those who had died in the war.
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Rotary Jukebox
For a small donation, your favorite musician will be featured on one of our next e-meetings for everyone to enjoy.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song featured!
THIS WEEK - Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)
When discussing the most influential women in 20th century music, you'd be hard-pressed to not put Joni Mitchell at the top of the list. The Canadian singer-songwriter rose to fame in the 1960s folk music circuit and helped define an era with hit songs such as "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Woodstock." For her efforts, Joni has been awarded 10 Grammys and was even inducted into the Ro ck & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 2023, Joni was further honored when she received the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. It goes without saying that the singer has accomplished several lifetimes worth of feats within her own, but how is her health nowadays? Is there anything for fans to be concerned about?
Now 79 years old, Joni has been a figure in the world of music since the mid-1960s. Given that her age is advancing, some fans are concerned if the singer has any health issues to look out for.
As of the time of writing, Joni seems to be in fair health. Neither the singer nor her representation have insinuated that she is facing any pressing medical issues, and she even made a rousing live appearance at the beginning of March 2023 for her Gershwin Prize ceremony.
In 2023, Joni was further honored when she received the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. It goes without saying that the singer has accomplished several lifetimes worth of feats within her own, but how is her health nowadays? Is there anything for fans to be concerned about?
Now 79 years old, Joni has been a figure in the world of music since the mid-1960s. Given that her age is advancing, some fans are concerned if the singer has any health issues to look out for.
As of the time of writing, Joni seems to be in fair health. Neither the singer nor her representation have insinuated that she is facing any pressing medical issues, and she even made a rousing live appearance at the beginning of March 2023 for her Gershwin Prize ceremony.
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Speaker Program
A great story and story-teller. Just entertainment!
Great delivery!
Just sit back and listen – and enjoy!
The Four-way Test
To close the meeting, enjoy the Four-Way Test song delivered by the Rotary Club of Saskatoon Nutana.
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Program Donations
Our E-Club is a dynamic club comprised of ordinary working and retired people who acknowledge that Rotarians are people who are generous with their time and their resources.
Our club and the program you have just enjoyed, either as a member or a visitor, is funded only by donations.
We are developing ideas for fundraising with our members who are scattered across Canada, USA, Central America, and Europe, but we do need your help.
As you have not had to buy lunch or travel to attend this program, please make a donation of a minimum of $10.00, considering you're saving in time and cost in appreciation for the experience you have enjoyed.
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