WELCOME!!
to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning April 21, 2025
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 April 21, 2025
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
Rotary International President – Stephanie Urchik
And for our clubs -
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Greeter this week
Rotarian Jim
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Inspirational moment
...contributed by Rotarian Vicki
“Good heavens, potatoes are worth more than gold!”
“Surely not!”
“If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what would you prefer, a bag of potatoes or a bag of gold?”
“Yes, but a desert island isn’t Ankh-Morpork!”
“And that proves gold is only valuable because we agree it is, right? It’s just a dream. But a potato is always worth a potato, anywhere. Add a knob of butter and a pinch of salt and you’ve got a meal, anywhere. Bury gold in the ground and you’ll be worrying about thieves forever. Bury a potato and in due season you could be looking at a dividend of a thousand percent.”
Terry Pratchett, Making Money
“Surely not!”
“If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what would you prefer, a bag of potatoes or a bag of gold?”
“Yes, but a desert island isn’t Ankh-Morpork!”
“And that proves gold is only valuable because we agree it is, right? It’s just a dream. But a potato is always worth a potato, anywhere. Add a knob of butter and a pinch of salt and you’ve got a meal, anywhere. Bury gold in the ground and you’ll be worrying about thieves forever. Bury a potato and in due season you could be looking at a dividend of a thousand percent.”
Terry Pratchett, Making Money
_____________________________
Ankh-Morpork - is a fictional
city-state that is the setting for many Discworld novels by Terry
Pratchett.
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Canadiana
Hans Island, a small, uninhabited landmass measuring approximately 1.2 square kilometers, is situated in the Nares Strait between Canada's Ellesmere Island and Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Despite its barren nature, the island became the focal point of a unique and amicable territorial dispute between Canada and Denmark, colloquially known as the "Whisky War."
Origins of the Dispute
The contention over Hans Island dates back to 1973 when Canada and Denmark delineated their maritime boundaries through the Nares Strait. However, they couldn't reach a consensus on the sovereignty of Hans Island, as it lies roughly equidistant from both nations. This oversight left the island's ownership ambiguous, setting the stage for the ensuing friendly rivalry. canadiangeographic.ca
The "Whisky War" Tradition
The lighthearted nature of the dispute emerged prominently in 1984. During that year, Canadian forces visited Hans Island, hoisted the Canadian flag, and left behind a bottle of Canadian whisky. In a spirited retort, the Danish Minister for Greenland Affairs arrived on the island, replaced the Canadian symbols with the Danish flag, and deposited a bottle of Danish schnapps along with a note proclaiming, "Welcome to the Danish Island." This initiated a tradition where both nations alternately visited the island, exchanged flags, and left bottles of their national spirits for the other to find. en.wikipedia.org
Resolution of the Dispute
After decades of this cordial back-and-forth, Canada and Denmark sought a formal resolution. In June 2022, both countries reached an agreement to divide Hans Island along a natural ridge, effectively establishing a land border between Canada and Greenland. This accord not only settled the territorial ambiguity but also symbolized a commitment to resolving international disputes through peaceful and cooperative means. canadiangeographic.ca
The "Whisky War" stands as a testament to how nations can engage in good-natured rivalry while maintaining mutual respect and diplomacy. It underscores the potential for resolving disputes without resorting to hostility, even turning a contentious issue into a tradition of camaraderie.
For a visual exploration of this unique chapter in international relations, you might find the following video insightful:
Origins of the Dispute
The contention over Hans Island dates back to 1973 when Canada and Denmark delineated their maritime boundaries through the Nares Strait. However, they couldn't reach a consensus on the sovereignty of Hans Island, as it lies roughly equidistant from both nations. This oversight left the island's ownership ambiguous, setting the stage for the ensuing friendly rivalry. canadiangeographic.ca
The "Whisky War" Tradition
The lighthearted nature of the dispute emerged prominently in 1984. During that year, Canadian forces visited Hans Island, hoisted the Canadian flag, and left behind a bottle of Canadian whisky. In a spirited retort, the Danish Minister for Greenland Affairs arrived on the island, replaced the Canadian symbols with the Danish flag, and deposited a bottle of Danish schnapps along with a note proclaiming, "Welcome to the Danish Island." This initiated a tradition where both nations alternately visited the island, exchanged flags, and left bottles of their national spirits for the other to find. en.wikipedia.org
Resolution of the Dispute
After decades of this cordial back-and-forth, Canada and Denmark sought a formal resolution. In June 2022, both countries reached an agreement to divide Hans Island along a natural ridge, effectively establishing a land border between Canada and Greenland. This accord not only settled the territorial ambiguity but also symbolized a commitment to resolving international disputes through peaceful and cooperative means. canadiangeographic.ca
The "Whisky War" stands as a testament to how nations can engage in good-natured rivalry while maintaining mutual respect and diplomacy. It underscores the potential for resolving disputes without resorting to hostility, even turning a contentious issue into a tradition of camaraderie.
For a visual exploration of this unique chapter in international relations, you might find the following video insightful:
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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?
February 17. Great talk on fish ladders and power dams, the two can work together.
-- Patrick Gibson, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
February 23. Dams and loss of biodiversity in fish populations. After watching this video I was reminded of a holiday in Scotland in the early 50's and Dad took us to see the salmon ladder at Pitlochry. I assumed that most dams by now would have a fish ladder to enable fish to get up river but apparently not.
-- David Werrett, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
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Archived Meetings
- For meetings prior to November 4, 2024, please click here.
- All meetings are archived.
- For meetings starting November 11, 2024, please scroll to the very bottom of this page.
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Announcements
is the Rotary International president-elect (for 2025–2026).
He will be the fourth Brazilian to hold the office.
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First Earth Day - April 22, 1970
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April is the month of "Microfinance"
Join the Rotary E-Club of Canada One as we support the
development and expansion of small stakeholder businesses
in underdeveloped countries.
Visit www.kiva.org to see how it's done
Open your own Kiva account?
Join the E-Canada One lending team?
You have questions?
Contact Patrick Gibson: gibson55@gmail.com
(happy to answer any questions you have)
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E-Club Foundation Newsletter for April
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April 2025 “Service Above Self”
“Each One Teach One”
“Each one, reach one; each one, teach one” was a rallying call of Dr. Stan Hamilton starting in the 1960s to promote reading literacy. It was used in South Africa to educate prisoners during Apartheid and then throughout the world to empower marginalized people. Yet there is another crucial literacy to which “Each one, teach one” can marvellously be applied: Environmental Literacy.
After the winter snows melt and as Medicine Hatters take to the streets for Spring Cleanup, it’s hard not to think that if we each reached one person with a Stash your Trash message, the community would forever be clean and attractive to residents and guests.
Imagine if each one in our city of 63,000, every year picked up one piece of litter and taught at least one other person this act of Environmental Literacy, there would be 126,000 fewer coffee cups, sandwich wraps, napkins, plastic bottles, and unmentionables thrown out vehicle windows and doors.
What a radical concept! There are communities across the globe who protect their own part of the world by self-disciplined anti-litter behaviour.
And, while cigarettes may seem romantic in old films, discarded cigarette butts don’t have quite the same appeal. Not only do they spoil a blissful moment while resting on a bench overlooking one of the City’s vistas, they also raise the danger of a rapidly-spreading and destructive grass fire.
Crescent Heights (in Medicine Hat) has seen a number of such events in recent years. The black scar on the land and smoke memory linger well after the MH Fire Department has doused the flames. There is a cost beyond destroying the landscape. So, how often do these fires occur? Medicine Hat Deputy Chief Doug Gill reports that there were 60 outdoor fires last year. The money spent managing preventable fires could better be allocated instead to another exciting recreation attraction for the city.
Rotary International publishes a monthly action inspiration. April’s action focus is Environment. We don’t all have to be as dedicated as Greta Thunberg, but we can pick up trash and encourage those within our sphere to do the same. A little reminder helps.
For example, the Rotary International focus worldwide for March was Water and Sanitation. In our household that nudge translated into our remembering to turn off the water while we were brushing teeth. At restaurants, we poured only the amount of water we knew we could drink. At home, excess water got saved for our ever-forgiving succulents. Our water awareness extended to using the washing machine and dishwasher only for full loads. Little changes can go a long way. From one household to another to another.
As we start Spring with this wee reminder to make wise decisions about the way we treat our world, may we be Environmentally Literate and “Each one, reach one; each one, teach one.”
And, while cigarettes may seem romantic in old films, discarded cigarette butts don’t have quite the same appeal. Not only do they spoil a blissful moment while resting on a bench overlooking one of the City’s vistas, they also raise the danger of a rapidly-spreading and destructive grass fire.
Crescent Heights (in Medicine Hat) has seen a number of such events in recent years. The black scar on the land and smoke memory linger well after the MH Fire Department has doused the flames. There is a cost beyond destroying the landscape. So, how often do these fires occur? Medicine Hat Deputy Chief Doug Gill reports that there were 60 outdoor fires last year. The money spent managing preventable fires could better be allocated instead to another exciting recreation attraction for the city.
Rotary International publishes a monthly action inspiration. April’s action focus is Environment. We don’t all have to be as dedicated as Greta Thunberg, but we can pick up trash and encourage those within our sphere to do the same. A little reminder helps.
For example, the Rotary International focus worldwide for March was Water and Sanitation. In our household that nudge translated into our remembering to turn off the water while we were brushing teeth. At restaurants, we poured only the amount of water we knew we could drink. At home, excess water got saved for our ever-forgiving succulents. Our water awareness extended to using the washing machine and dishwasher only for full loads. Little changes can go a long way. From one household to another to another.
Submitted by Kitt Brand, Rotary Club of Medicine Hat and Rotary E-Club of Canada One - kittbrand@gmail.com
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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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Just so you're aware -
Our Club's Ongoing Projects -
We provide ongoing support for the following projects:
And we're doing great!
Ask for more information if you'd like to be involved!
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Real-time meetings
Each 3rd Thursday 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.
The time is 9:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) in lieu of the weekly Coffee Chat except for July and August when there are no FA’s. Here is the zoom link:
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
Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, is a breathtaking natural wonder in the Peruvian Andes. It is renowned for its stunning, multicolored mineral deposits that create vibrant streaks across the mountainside, resembling a rainbow. The colors result from sedimentary mineral layers exposed due to erosion.
It was once covered by a glacier, which has since thawed due to climate change and rising temperatures in the Peruvian Andes.
Glacial History of Vinicunca
The vibrant colors of the mountain were hidden beneath ice and snow until the glacier covering it melted in the early 21st century.
The exposure of the colorful sedimentary layers is a relatively recent phenomenon, making Vinicunca a newly discovered tourist attraction.
As the ice receded, the mountain's mineral-rich layers became visible, revealing the iconic rainbow-like stripes.
Climate Change Impact
The melting of the glacier is attributed to global warming, with rising temperatures accelerating ice loss across the Andes region.
Scientists estimate that glaciers in Peru have shrunk by over 40% in the past few decades.
The disappearance of the glacier not only revealed the stunning mountain but also raised concerns about water shortages for local communities that depend on glacial meltwater.
Significance of the Discovery
Though the rapid thawing of glaciers is alarming, the unveiling of Vinicunca has provided a new cultural and economic opportunity for local communities, with tourism boosting the regional economy.
Indigenous Quechua communities have played a role in protecting and managing tourism in the area.
Other Mountains Affected
Vinicunca isn't the only mountain experiencing this transformation. Other high-altitude regions in the Andes, Alps, and Himalayas have also revealed new landscapes as glaciers recede.
Key Information about Vinicunca
• Location: Cusco Region, Peru
• Elevation: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level
• Colors: The mountain's colors come from different minerals:
o Red: Iron oxide
o Yellow: Iron sulfide
o Green: Chlorite
o Brown & Purple: Goethite or oxidized limonite
• Climate: Due to the high altitude, the weather can be unpredictable, with chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall.
How to Visit
Most visitors take a day trip from Cusco, with a trek of about 4-6 hours round-trip. The hike is challenging due to the altitude, so acclimatization is crucial.
It was once covered by a glacier, which has since thawed due to climate change and rising temperatures in the Peruvian Andes.
The vibrant colors of the mountain were hidden beneath ice and snow until the glacier covering it melted in the early 21st century.
The exposure of the colorful sedimentary layers is a relatively recent phenomenon, making Vinicunca a newly discovered tourist attraction.
As the ice receded, the mountain's mineral-rich layers became visible, revealing the iconic rainbow-like stripes.
Climate Change Impact
The melting of the glacier is attributed to global warming, with rising temperatures accelerating ice loss across the Andes region.
Scientists estimate that glaciers in Peru have shrunk by over 40% in the past few decades.
The disappearance of the glacier not only revealed the stunning mountain but also raised concerns about water shortages for local communities that depend on glacial meltwater.
Significance of the Discovery
Though the rapid thawing of glaciers is alarming, the unveiling of Vinicunca has provided a new cultural and economic opportunity for local communities, with tourism boosting the regional economy.
Indigenous Quechua communities have played a role in protecting and managing tourism in the area.
Other Mountains Affected
Vinicunca isn't the only mountain experiencing this transformation. Other high-altitude regions in the Andes, Alps, and Himalayas have also revealed new landscapes as glaciers recede.
Key Information about Vinicunca
• Location: Cusco Region, Peru
• Elevation: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level
• Colors: The mountain's colors come from different minerals:
o Red: Iron oxide
o Yellow: Iron sulfide
o Green: Chlorite
o Brown & Purple: Goethite or oxidized limonite
• Climate: Due to the high altitude, the weather can be unpredictable, with chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall.
How to Visit
Most visitors take a day trip from Cusco, with a trek of about 4-6 hours round-trip. The hike is challenging due to the altitude, so acclimatization is crucial.
Humour (& food for thought perhaps)
Click here to try your hand at this interesting "general knowledge" quiz.
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New members' corner
Rotary Branding: What Members Need to Know
Rotary’s Brand: More Than Just a Logo
Rotary’s brand represents its identity, reputation, and global impact.
As a new member, understanding and applying Rotary’s branding correctly ensures that you contribute to a strong, unified image that enhances awareness and trust.
1. The Essence of the Rotary Brand
Rotary is built on five key values: service, leadership, diversity, integrity, and fellowship.
1. The Essence of the Rotary Brand
Rotary is built on five key values: service, leadership, diversity, integrity, and fellowship.
Every member represents Rotary, and their actions shape public perception of the organization.
2. The Rotary Logo & Visual Identity
• The Rotary Wheel is one of the world’s most recognized symbols and should always be used correctly and consistently—without distortion, modifications, or unauthorized variations.
• The Rotary wordmark should always be paired with the wheel in official materials. • Clubs may personalize branding with their club name, but designs must follow Rotary’s official guidelines.
• Rotary’s official colors, fonts, and design styles help maintain a professional, consistent brand across all materials.
3. Consistent Messaging: People of Action
• Rotary’s global message is centered on being People of Action. This means that Rotary branding should always emphasize real impact and service.
• Messaging should be clear, engaging, and focused on results. Avoid internal jargon or acronyms unfamiliar to non-Rotarians.
• Sharing stories of service is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen Rotary’s public image.
4. Digital & Social Media Presence
• Clubs and members should use Rotary-branded templates for newsletters, social media posts, and promotional materials.
• Social media accounts should reflect Rotary values by showcasing service projects, celebrating members, and engaging communities in a positive way.
• Be mindful of how Rotary is presented online—every post contributes to the organization’s reputation.
5. Protecting the Brand
• Avoid using outdated Rotary logos or unofficial designs.
• Always present Rotary with professionalism and integrity—whether speaking at an event, wearing a Rotary pin, or sharing content online.
• Every member plays a role in maintaining and strengthening Rotary’s trusted global reputation.
6. Accessing Branding Resources
• The Rotary Brand Center (on MyRotary.org) provides official logos, templates, and branding guidelines.
• Club leaders should ensure that all materials align with Rotary’s official branding standards to maintain a consistent and professional image.
Final Thought
Rotary’s brand is built through action. A strong, consistent brand helps Rotary gain recognition, attract new members, and amplify its impact worldwide.
Every member contributes by embodying Rotary’s values and presenting a unified, professional, and inspiring image—because Rotary is only as strong as the way it is represented!
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Rotary minute
In 2013, we updated our logos and visual guidelines. The previous logo, shown here, was retired at that time.
Just as Rotary International has stopped using our previous logos, Rotary clubs and districts should also refrain from using old logos like this one on their signs or in communications.
Here is the updated Rotary logo you should be using now –
Just as Rotary International has stopped using our previous logos, Rotary clubs and districts should also refrain from using old logos like this one on their signs or in communications.
Here is the updated Rotary logo you should be using now –
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Food for thought
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!
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The Four-way Test
To close the meeting, Rotarian Doug recites the Four-Way Test of the things that Rotarians think, say, or do.
Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your feedback and hope you will return and invite a guest.
Please Click HERE to leave us a comment or send a message.
Scroll down for Program Donations and Attendance links.
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Our Facebook page. Please remember to check out our posts on the Rotary E-Club’s Facebook page. We work hard to post something every second day, sometimes more often.
Invite friends to Like our page and enjoy our posts. Also, please take the time to Share our posts on your Facebook Page.
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Attendance Links
Complete the attendance/donation form to have your attendance recognized.
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- Members of Rotary E-Club of Canada One - Click HERE.
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Please support our club!
Donate For the Meeting You Have Attended.
Please consider making a small donation in lieu of a meal
to help us help those in need.
As you have not had to buy lunch or travel to attend this program, please consider a donation of a minimum of $10.00 in appreciation for the experience you have enjoyed.
We thank you very much!
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.
Interested in providing Rotary Service? Unable to attend terra club meetings?
Contact our membership chair for information or
or HERE to learn about Associate Membership
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