President Karen welcomed everyone to the meeting, and noted that attendance was down due to the Music Festival, that began week 2 today. Karen mentioned that March is water and sanitation month for Rotary International and March 12 - 18 is World Rotaract week.
Karen mentioned that the Board Leadership seminar has been rescheduled for Saturday April 14, 2018, with more details to come.
Karen also mentioned that invitation (not tickets) for our Centennial Celebration on June 8th were on the table. Online registration is now available, with cash payments being accepted beginning in April.
Rotary Fun Fact:
During the first week of the Festival (Sunday to Saturday) 29 Rotarians & 1 Friend of Rotary filled 77 positions (38 Door monitors, 24 Information desks and 15 Drivers) which equates to about 195 hours. This does not include the time for the Festival committee, and there were also 76 positions as Adjudicator and Performers secretaries, filled by our "Ladies of the Festival".
Membership Update:
No new membership applications at this time.
Rotary Club Information:
Housekeeping:
Please bring auction items. It is an important part of our meeting.
If you have a Meeting Minute, please send Pres Karen a note (email, phone, in-person)
Board minutes can be found on Clubrunner, under Club Documents.
Club Centennial Photograph: Monday, May 7, 2018 at the Medicine Hat Lodge
Centennial Celebration: Friday, June 8, 2018, at the Medicine Hat Lodge.
Music Festival Information:
Rotary Music Festival: March 4-18. There will be lots of opportunities for volunteer work over those two weeks.
Rosebowl Competition, Friday March 16, 2018: Medicine Hat College Theatre, 7:00 pm - competitive performances and reception to follow.
Stars of the Festival,Sunday March 18, 2018: Medicine Hat College Theatre, 7:00 pm - presentation of awards and special performances
Club Evening Meeting - Rosebowl Winner April 16, 2018: An evening of celebration of the Rosebowl winner and the end of this year's festival. At the Medicine Hat College Cafeteria.
Rotary Presentations:
None this week.
Upcoming Rotary District Events:
District Global Grant Workshop - March 24, 2018 – District is hosting a Global Grants workshop in Calgary.
District 5360 Convention: May 4 – 6, 2018: Register on District website. Early bird registration has been extended to February 15th. The Club will provide support to Rotarians interested in attending the District Convention.
Rotary International Convention – June 23-27, 2018 in Toronto: This is a great opportunity for new and seasoned Rotarians to become immersed in the world of Rotary. The Club has agreed to provide an incentive of $500 for new members and $200 for existing members to attend the RI Conference.
Future Programs:
For more Club activities, to keep up with events and stay in touch, check the Club website at: www.medicinehatrotary.com
If you have any future program ideas, please e-mail Heather at heather.bach@ahs.ca.
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat was very happy to welcome Richard (Dick) Northcott, who spoke about Canadian Humanitarian, a charitable organization run by himself and his spouse Deborah. It is an education support program, working in Ethiopia and Malawi. They operate what was described as a "child centered network", everything done surrounds the child with opportunities.
They currently have 10 ongoing projects, with approximately 50 - 70 children in each project.
In closing, Dick mentioned that "in one generation - everything changes", and that change for the better should happen in this country driven by it's young people.
Matthew May, partner in MNP LLP, a guest of Chris Perret.
Krista Lawson, Classic Valuations, a guest of Chris Perret.
Birthdays:
Shann Snedden March 17.
Club Anniversaries:
None this week
Weekly Draws:
Bruce Shepard was the lucky winner of the weekly draw, collecting a package of dark roasted, Ethiopian coffee donated by Dick Northcott.
Ray Kemp was in attendance, and won a free meal.
Club 500:
No draw today, both March draws will be done next week.
Make Ups:
None announced.
Family of Rotary:
No report today.
Minute People:
Dave Panabaker asked for volunteers for the next Rotary bingo, Wednesday evening March 21st. Two additional floor workers are still required, so it's not too late to join in.
Don Davis, Chair of the Music Festival read a short letter to Rotary Club Members from our Music Festival Executive Director, Delynne Lorentzen. Lets support the hard work of Delynne and the Music Festival team and show up for the Rosebowl and Stars of the Festival.
