to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning December 15, 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 December 15, 2025
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
The Rotary theme for 2025-26 -
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Greeter this week
Rotarian Angel
Inspirational moment
...contributed by Rotarian Vicki
A young inventor from Ukraine, Valentyn Frechka, found a way to turn fallen leaves into eco-friendly paper bags. His company, Releaf Paper, collects dry leaves from city streets and processes them into natural fibers that replace wood pulp.
This method reduces deforestation and carbon emissions while creating 100 percent biodegradable packaging. The paper fully decomposes within 30 days, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic.
European cities now partner with his startup to recycle their autumn waste into shopping bags and packaging products. His invention won international recognition for combining science, sustainability, and circular economy principles.
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Canadiana
Salt Spring Island – British Columbia
Home of Gillian and Chris – who recently joined our
E-Club of Canada One
Salt Spring Island is a Great Canadiana Story
Salt Spring Island sits in the Salish Sea between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. It’s the largest and most visited of the Southern Gulf Islands. Source 1
The island captures many themes of Canadian history: Indigenous habitation, colonial settlement, agricultural pioneer life, multicultural migration, and artistic/creative community growth.
It’s small enough to give a personal-story feel, but rich enough to hit big national threads: settlement, diversity, land use, local culture.
Key Historical Highlights - Indigenous and Early Use
The land that is now Salt Spring Island has been part of the traditional territory of the Saanich, Cowichan & Chemainus First Nations for thousands of years. Source 2
Aboriginal use of the Gulf Islands (including Salt Spring) dates back at least to about 3,200 BC. Source 2
The island’s name reflects natural features: “Salt Spring” refers to salt-springs found in the northern part of the island. Source 1
The land that is now Salt Spring Island has been part of the traditional territory of the Saanich, Cowichan & Chemainus First Nations for thousands of years. Source 2
Aboriginal use of the Gulf Islands (including Salt Spring) dates back at least to about 3,200 BC. Source 2
The island’s name reflects natural features: “Salt Spring” refers to salt-springs found in the northern part of the island. Source 1
Settlement and Agricultural Beginnings
In 1859 settlers began arriving and the island became the first agricultural settlement in the Colony of Vancouver Island & among the first in what is now British Columbia. Source 1
A key land policy: settlers could pre-empt land (occupy/improve it then buy it cheaply) which helped shape the farming settlement character. Source 1
Settlement was diverse: early settlers included African-Americans, Hawaiians (Kanakas), Europeans and others. Source 3
In 1859 settlers began arriving and the island became the first agricultural settlement in the Colony of Vancouver Island & among the first in what is now British Columbia. Source 1
A key land policy: settlers could pre-empt land (occupy/improve it then buy it cheaply) which helped shape the farming settlement character. Source 1
Settlement was diverse: early settlers included African-Americans, Hawaiians (Kanakas), Europeans and others. Source 3
Race, Migration and Community
Among the less-well-known parts of Canadian history: Salt Spring was seen mid-19th century as a place of opportunity for Black settlers from the USA. For example, blacks from California were invited by Governor James Douglas to take up land in the colony. Source 4
At the same time Indigenous communities continued their use of the island, but faced epidemics and population shifts. Source 5
The history includes complex stories of land, settlement, integration and conflict — for instance, violence in Vesuvius Bay in 1867-68. Source 6
Among the less-well-known parts of Canadian history: Salt Spring was seen mid-19th century as a place of opportunity for Black settlers from the USA. For example, blacks from California were invited by Governor James Douglas to take up land in the colony. Source 4
At the same time Indigenous communities continued their use of the island, but faced epidemics and population shifts. Source 5
The history includes complex stories of land, settlement, integration and conflict — for instance, violence in Vesuvius Bay in 1867-68. Source 6
Modern Character & Culture
Today the island blends its farming/agricultural roots (there are over 200 farms) with a strong artisan/creative economy and tourism. Source 7
The village of Ganges is the commercial and cultural hub. Source 1
A unique feature: the island issues its own local currency, the “Salt Spring Dollar”, which circulates one-to-one with Canadian dollars and features local artists’ work. Source 7
Today the island blends its farming/agricultural roots (there are over 200 farms) with a strong artisan/creative economy and tourism. Source 7
The village of Ganges is the commercial and cultural hub. Source 1
A unique feature: the island issues its own local currency, the “Salt Spring Dollar”, which circulates one-to-one with Canadian dollars and features local artists’ work. Source 7
Interesting Facts
• Salt Spring Island was the first agricultural settlement on the Gulf Islands and one of the first on Vancouver Island. Source 1
• Settlement included freed or escaping African-Americans who came to the island in the 1850s. Source 4
• The pre-emption land policy allowed settlers to live on and improve land before buying — a fresh frontier model of settlement. Source 1
• Local currency: the Salt Spring Dollar, with artwork by island artists, used to keep money in the local economy. Source 7
• From farming and fishing roots to becoming an artistic hub and wellness destination – the island shows a dynamic community evolution. Source 8
• Salt Spring Island was the first agricultural settlement on the Gulf Islands and one of the first on Vancouver Island. Source 1
• Settlement included freed or escaping African-Americans who came to the island in the 1850s. Source 4
• The pre-emption land policy allowed settlers to live on and improve land before buying — a fresh frontier model of settlement. Source 1
• Local currency: the Salt Spring Dollar, with artwork by island artists, used to keep money in the local economy. Source 7
• From farming and fishing roots to becoming an artistic hub and wellness destination – the island shows a dynamic community evolution. Source 8
The next time we meet Gill and Chris, let's ask them about
Salt Spring Island!
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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
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Four of Lepe Sanchez siblings, Laura, Raul, Graciela, Brenda. All completed secondary and college education in CHLA.
“My story in Casa Hogar Los Angelitos began in 2003. I don’t remember my exact age, (perhaps 8 years old) but if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I felt at home. My frustration was great because of the responsibility I felt taking care of my four siblings, but over time they explained to me that I didn’t have to carry that responsibility; I was just a little girl.
I’m proud of my roots, and CHLA will always be my home. I had constant support through my university studies, always with the support of my sponsors and Mrs. Nancy. I’m now a mother of three children; my youngest son is Derek. I try to support them every day and encourage them to be happy.
Casa Hogar Los Angelitos was and always will be my home. I am grateful to each and every one of you for giving me that hug and love that every year volunteer groups brought smiles to our faces and made us know we weren’t alone - that people cared.
Manzanillo and Casa Hogar are my home, and Mrs. Nancy became like a mother to me, whom I admire and respect as a woman for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.”
Dra. Brenda Lepe Sanchez,
Graduate of Universidad Latina de América
Specialist in orthodontics
“My story in Casa Hogar Los Angelitos began in 2003. I don’t remember my exact age, (perhaps 8 years old) but if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I felt at home. My frustration was great because of the responsibility I felt taking care of my four siblings, but over time they explained to me that I didn’t have to carry that responsibility; I was just a little girl.
I’m proud of my roots, and CHLA will always be my home. I had constant support through my university studies, always with the support of my sponsors and Mrs. Nancy. I’m now a mother of three children; my youngest son is Derek. I try to support them every day and encourage them to be happy.
Casa Hogar Los Angelitos was and always will be my home. I am grateful to each and every one of you for giving me that hug and love that every year volunteer groups brought smiles to our faces and made us know we weren’t alone - that people cared.
Manzanillo and Casa Hogar are my home, and Mrs. Nancy became like a mother to me, whom I admire and respect as a woman for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.”
Dra. Brenda Lepe Sanchez,
Graduate of Universidad Latina de América
Specialist in orthodontics
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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:
Click the links below to find out more about each project!
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
14008 101 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5N 0K3
(780) 267 4547
Environment
🌿 The Skunk: Nature’s Little Alarm System
When we think of the environment, we picture forests, lakes, and birdsong — not the unmistakable eau de skunk that can clear a street in seconds.
Yet the skunk plays an important role in our ecosystem, quietly munching on insects, grubs, and rodents that would otherwise cause trouble.
Its powerful perfume?
Its powerful perfume?
That’s a sulfur-based chemical defense — one drop detectable from nearly a kilometre away! Fortunately, the skunk is a peace-loving creature, using its spray only as a last resort.
So next time you catch a whiff of that “natural warning system,” remember: it’s just nature keeping balance in her own aromatic way.
So next time you catch a whiff of that “natural warning system,” remember: it’s just nature keeping balance in her own aromatic way.
There’s a simple antidote involving hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap — and you can find it below.
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🧪 Rotary’s Stink-Free Science Tip
(or, if you prefer, For Those Who Got Too Close to Nature)
Skunk Smell Remover Formula:
• 1 quart (4 cups) hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon dish soap (like Dawn)
Mix in an open container, apply immediately, and rinse after five minutes. Don’t store the mixture — it loses its power and might explode.
(And this article is sent to you with Sunshine and stink-free greetings!)
And a further note –
Dawn (or any similar high-quality dish soap) is famous for cutting through grease and oily residues, and that’s precisely why it’s part of the skunk antidote.
Here’s why it works so well:
🧴 1. The Science Behind It
Skunk spray is an oily, sulfur-based compound — specifically, a group of chemicals called thiols and thioacetates. They cling stubbornly to skin, fur, and fabrics because oil and water don’t mix.
Dawn contains surfactants, which are molecules with one end that bonds to oil and another that bonds to water. These surfactants lift and break apart the oily skunk spray, allowing the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to do their job of oxidizing (chemically neutralizing) the sulfur compounds.
So in the formula:
• Hydrogen peroxide breaks down and neutralizes the thiols.
• Baking soda enhances that reaction and helps deodorize.
• Dawn dish soap dissolves the oil so the other two can actually reach and destroy the smelly compounds.
🐾 2. Why Dawn in Particular
Dawn has an unusually gentle yet powerful formulation. It’s:
• Excellent at emulsifying oils and animal fats (that’s why it’s used in wildlife rescue operations after oil spills).
• Mild enough for skin and fur when diluted.
• Highly effective even in small amounts.
That combination of strength and gentleness makes it ideal for neutralizing skunk spray — strong enough to clean, but safe enough to use on pets or people when mixed properly.
Humour
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Rotary members' corner
Let us be grateful for the Four-Way Test — a timeless guide that helps us all become a little better.
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Rotary minute
When Rotarians embrace the Object of Rotary, we are reminded of our purpose — to foster fellowship, uphold integrity, and advance understanding, goodwill, and peace through service.
By living these values each day, we strengthen our communities and honour the true spirit of Rotary — helping make the world a little better for all.
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Food for thought
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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 - A Holiday Selection
And another selection from Rotarian Doug
"Another Passing - Raul Malo of the the Mavericks"
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The Four-way Test
To close the meeting, Rotarian Gill 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.
Confirmation of your attendance will be sent to your e-mail address promptly.
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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