The Fraternal Order of Eagles hosts their first Annual Member Appreciation Night since COVID on Friday, Sept. 30. The focus is on recognizing the hard work members contribute both in time, labour, and resources to make communities stronger.
“It’s about giving out service awards and pins and honouring people who contributed to the community,” said president Mike Howes.
By adhering to the Eagles’ motto, “people helping people,” the club has given away $1 million since 1984. And often without little public fanfare. Although Eagles fly under the radar, they make huge impacts. The service club has fundraised for Lois Hole’s statue at St. Albert Place, secured $125,000 for the skatepark, and joined the Rock’n August steering committee.
They’ve also hosted raffles and functions with proceeds going to charities close to members’ hearts. They include Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, St. Albert Housing Society, Ride for Dads, St. Albert Food Bank, Special Olympics, and Veterans Food Bank.
The Member Appreciation Night prime rib banquet is only $20 per plate. A DJ will provide a mix of music suitable for anyone 18 to 90 years. Tickets are available at the Eagles’ clubhouse, 23 Rowland Cres., from 3 p.m. to closing.
Human Library
If the phrase “human library” leaves you scratching your head, you wouldn’t be the first. They’re not widely known in these parts, but St. Albert’s STAR Literacy aims to change that.
Human Libraries were first started in 2003 in Denmark. It was an opportunity where people could talk face-to-face with a specialist on a particular topic, ask questions, and learn about new ideas.
More than 45 countries worldwide are promoting this concept and STAR Literacy is joining the trend. As executive director Susanne Urbina explains, literacy takes on many forms from health, media, civic, and digital literacy to multicultural, energy, policing, and more.
“A human library is like going to a public library and borrowing a book except you’re borrowing a human book,” said Urbina. The information gleaned from a meeting is both educational and experiential.
Star Literacy hosts its first one-on-one sessions at St. Albert Public Library in Forsythe Hall on Saturday, Oct. 1. Individuals can book 15-minute sessions to discuss any one of 14 topics of interest. Call 780-459-5864 to book a session. Below is a list of guests and their specialties.
• Civic literacy: MLA Marie Renaud
• Bias and racism literacy: Chevi Rabbit, human rights advocate
• Parenting literacy: Family Resource Centre
• Media literacy: Willy Grant, Great West Media
• Library literacy: Stephanie Foremsky, St. Albert Public Library
• Mental health literacy: Geordy Murphy, iMentalHealth
• Computer Literacy: Connie Clark, Mission Computers
• Sports literacy: Ken Lakusta, professional boxer
• Employment literacy: Claudette Harley, Centre for Career Advancement
• Financial literacy: Cheryl Dumont, Further Education
• Gender literacy: Outloud St. Albert
• Archival literacy: Brett Lamoureaux, Arts and Heritage Foundation
• Health literacy: Lona Montgomery, Manitou Fitness
• Plant-based eating literacy: Yvonne Smith, Journey to Health
