to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning July 7, 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 July 7, 2025
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
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Greeter this week
Rotarian Kitty
Inspirational moment
A Lifeline Across the Sea
In the vast reaches of the Pacific during World War II, a mother’s love and dedication unknowingly saved her son’s life.
On August 9, 1942, during the Battle of Savo Island, the USS Astoria was attacked by Japanese cruisers. Navy Signalman 3rd Class Elgin Staples was aboard when the ship was hit. An explosion from a turret blast threw him overboard, and he sustained shrapnel wounds. He managed to stay afloat for hours using an inflatable rubber life belt. After being rescued by the USS Bagley, he returned to the Astoria to assist in salvage efforts. However, the ship eventually sank, and Staples found himself back in the water, still relying on the same life belt, until he was rescued again by the USS President Jackson .
While aboard the President Jackson, Staples examined the life belt that had saved him and noticed it was manufactured by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio—his hometown. He also saw an inspector number on the belt. Upon returning home, he shared his ordeal with his mother, Vera Mueller-Staples, who had taken a wartime job at the Firestone plant. When she saw the belt, she recognized the inspector number as her own, realizing she had inspected the very belt that saved her son's life .
Verification
This account has been corroborated by multiple sources, including the National WWII Museum, which features a detailed article on the incident. Additionally, the story has been referenced in publications like Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul, further attesting to its authenticity.
While aboard the President Jackson, Staples examined the life belt that had saved him and noticed it was manufactured by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio—his hometown. He also saw an inspector number on the belt. Upon returning home, he shared his ordeal with his mother, Vera Mueller-Staples, who had taken a wartime job at the Firestone plant. When she saw the belt, she recognized the inspector number as her own, realizing she had inspected the very belt that saved her son's life .
Verification
This account has been corroborated by multiple sources, including the National WWII Museum, which features a detailed article on the incident. Additionally, the story has been referenced in publications like Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul, further attesting to its authenticity.
Sources - https://www.mastermariners.au/stories-from-the-past/4478-against-all-odds?utm - https://www.historynet.com/how-one-mother-managed-to-save-her-son-at-guadalcanal/?utm
Their story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of war, the bonds of family and the work of those at home can reach across oceans to bring hope and save lives.
The story reminds us that every visible triumph is often supported by unseen hands. In our own lives, how many successes, moments of safety, or strokes of good fortune are built on the work of those whose names we may never know? The teachers who inspire, the nurses who comfort, the engineers who design the bridges we cross every day—the list goes on.
Let us remember that every star performer stands on a stage built by others, and that gratitude is owed not just to those in the spotlight but to all who make their work possible. Let’s lift our eyes beyond the bright lights and see the unsung heroes who shape our world. May we always honour and remember the quiet heroes behind the scenes, whose efforts and love carry us through even the most harrowing storms.
Their story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of war, the bonds of family and the work of those at home can reach across oceans to bring hope and save lives.
The story reminds us that every visible triumph is often supported by unseen hands. In our own lives, how many successes, moments of safety, or strokes of good fortune are built on the work of those whose names we may never know? The teachers who inspire, the nurses who comfort, the engineers who design the bridges we cross every day—the list goes on.
Let us remember that every star performer stands on a stage built by others, and that gratitude is owed not just to those in the spotlight but to all who make their work possible. Let’s lift our eyes beyond the bright lights and see the unsung heroes who shape our world. May we always honour and remember the quiet heroes behind the scenes, whose efforts and love carry us through even the most harrowing storms.
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Canadiana
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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?
May 19.
Awesome content as always.
-- Patrick Gibson, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
May 22.
A great meeting — thoughtful content and some fresh perspectives. The speaker on super-communication was excellent, and I loved the story about Abby the calf. Thanks for putting together such a meaningful experience!
-- James Ellery, Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise, New Zealand, District 9930
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Archived Meetings
- All meetings are archived. Click here to see a list and choose what you wish to view.
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Announcements
This month, Rotary shines a spotlight on Maternal and Child Health—a cornerstone of building stronger, healthier communities. Rotary supports programs that ensure mothers and children everywhere can access essential medical services and support to thrive.
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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
And contributed by Rotarian Vicki -
Marketing Growmatics
This Bamboo Tower Pulls 100 Liters of Water from Thin Air – Every Day!
In water-scarce villages, the Warka Water Tower is a game-changer. Made from bamboo and natural fibers, it captures moisture from the air—like dew and fog—and provides up to 100 liters of clean water daily without using electricity.
✅ Low cost
✅ Eco-friendly
✅ No power needed
✅ Built and maintained by locals
Invented by architect Arturo Vittori, these towers are now helping communities across Africa, India, and beyond.
Humour
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New members' corner
As we welcome July, let's all of us, as members, embrace the new Rotary year with enthusiasm and purpose.
This is the perfect time to renew our commitment to service, strengthen connections with fellow Rotarians, and make an even greater impact in our communities and around the world.
Here’s to another year of making a difference—together!
This is the perfect time to renew our commitment to service, strengthen connections with fellow Rotarians, and make an even greater impact in our communities and around the world.
Here’s to another year of making a difference—together!
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Rotary minute
⏱️ Rotary Minute – July ⏱️
Did you know that every year, Rotarians contribute more than 47 million volunteer hours worldwide?
July is the perfect month to set your intentions for service—whether it’s mentoring youth, supporting local clinics, or promoting maternal and child health.
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Food for thought
INTRODUCTION TO THE TRUST TECHNIQUE
Click here to view the longer video lesson. Well worth the time!
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!
The Four-way Test
To close the meeting, Rotarian Angel 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.
- CLICK HERE to return to our ClubRunner Home Page.
- Visiting Rotarians and guests - Click HERE.
- Members of Rotary E-Club of Canada One - Click HERE.
- e-Satellite Attendance - Click HERE.
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