Newsletter December 18, 2017 (Dec 18, 2017)

President's Remarks:

President elect Chris Perret is filling in for Karen Blewett as she is on vacation. He welcomed everyone to the last club meeting of 2017.

Rotary Fun Fact:

Sorry, no fun fact today, but President Karen will be back in January to continue this Centennial year tradition.

Membership Update:

There are four new member proposals this week. This is the first (of two) Newsletters that they must appear in before they are considered approved. Please direct any comments or questions to Bruce Shepard, Membership Director or President Karen Blewett.

Peiter Allen, Supervisor, Swaglok Valve and Fitting, proposed by Chris Perret.
Krista Lawson, Classic Valuations, proposed by Chris Perret
Matthew May, Partner - MNP LLP, proposed by Chris Perret
Whitney Ogle, Indigenous Specialist - Medicine Hat College, proposed by Sandy Mackay.

Rotary Information:

On Jan 8th Jace Anderson will make a presentation about the preliminary findings of the Rotary Impact assessment.
Next board meeting is on Jan 23rd and anyone is welcome to attend.

Rotary Presentations:

President-elect Chris reminded the members present that a notice of motion, related to both a budget amendemnd and the purchase of a new sound system for our meetings is currently before the club. The intention is to vote on the motion either at the Jan 8 or Jan 15 meetings. The notice of motion is to increase the budget for a new sound system of $2,500.00 to $4,364.00 and purchase the new system. The motion was seconded by Terry C and Denise H.

Upcoming Club Events:

2018 District Conference will be May 4 - 6, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Calgary.
DATE FOR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018, at the Medicine Hat Lodge
RI Convention - Toronto, June 23 - 27, 2018. The Club has agreed to provide an incentive of $500 for new members and $200 for existing members to attend the RI Conference.
For more Club activities, to keep up with events and stay in touch, check the Club website at: www.medicinehatrotary.com

Future Programs:

If you have any future program ideas, please e-mail Heather at heather.bach@ahs.ca.

Christmas visit to Cypress View Foundation

Posted by Dave Panabaker on Dec 18, 2017

A number of Rotarians missed our last meeting of 2017 for the very best reason, they were out "doing good in the world". Specifically they were delivering the Christmas stockings that the club members prepared two weeks ago, to the residents of the Cypress View Foundation (Teeoda Lodge).

Almost 200 stockings were delivered at noon on Monday, and it looks like it was a wonderful time. Thanks to Heather Bach, Adolf Seiler, Joan Sauve and Terry Cooper for spending their lunch hour spreading some Christmas cheer.

Santa Claus Fund presentation

Posted by Dave Panabaker on Dec 18, 2017

The Rotary Club was delighted to welcome Ms Theresa Hardiker, President of the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund Board of Directors as our guest speaker today.

Theresa described this year as their most needy year to date. This is the 31^st year of the Santa Claus fund, and their client families increased by almost 25% this year, to a total of 498 families assisted by this organization alone. Theresa estimated that between the Salvation Army, the Phoenix Safe House, and their fund, almost 100 families received assistance in the community this year.

Theresa reviewed the assessment and qualification process, and spoke about the attempts to avoid duplication in the process. The Santa Claus fund provided over $46,000 in food vouchers and the families could shop in the warehouse, to tailor the gifts to the age, sex and interest of the children. Most of the local grocery stores honor the vouchers.

Theresa also shared a testimonial from one of their clients, which reinforced the need and appreciation of the service. She also spoke in general terms to the future, with the new THRIVE program and how these individual funds will work in the future.

Great work by Theresa and her volunteers and as a group we are grateful for their efforts.

Club Meeting News

Posted by Dave Panabaker on Dec 18, 2017

Introduction of Guests

Theresa Hardiker, MH News Santa Claus fund, a guest of Dave Stalwick.
Bill Cooper, a member of Medicine Hat Sunrise Rotary who was visiting.

Birthdays:

Ken Zollner December 18
John John December 19
Linda Rossler December 23
Brian Rothwell December 26
Kitt Brand December 28
Sieg Kappler January 1

Club Anniversaries:

Chris Perret December 22, 2008 9 years

Weekly Draws:

Sarah Bowman was the winner of the weekly draw. Sarah took home a pair of coffee mugs.
Mike Christie was NOT in attendance and therefore did NOT win a free lunch.

Club 500:

$500.00 draw won by NIck Diamont sold by Glen Presley.

Make Ups:

None announced.

Family of Rotary:

No report today.

Minute People:

Chris Perret reminded everyone to please work hard and sell the remaining Club 500 tickets. The new draw starts early in the New Year. Not including the tickets turned in at the meeting approx 65% of the tickets are sold and handed in.
Bill Cooper introduce all of us to the Sunrise Rotary Club's latest fundraiser, a simple but effective solar light. A great stocking stuffer this Christmas.
Dick Bide reminded all the members of the club about their perpetual invitation to the Bides annual Boxing Day "come and go". Please stop by between 2pm and 5pm and enjoy this holiday tradition.
Terry Brekko announced that the Music Festival advertising packages are now available, he went through several of this years changes (particularly necessary due to the change in printer) and encouraged Rotarians to get out and sell their patron and sponsorship ads early. Ideally he would like the packages returned by the end of January.
Bruce Shepard announced that the membership committee has circulated in this edition of the Newsletter four possible candidates for membership. Please note them in the Bulletin.