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President's Message
President's Remarks
 
President Uwe welcomed everyone to the second meeting of the month of June. Uwe is now on the count down, after today he only has two meeting left before the changing of the guard and the beginning of a new Rotary year. Thank you for stepping up and taking on a big task Uwe.
 
Membership Notice
 
Please watch this space in the future, several new membership proposals are coming through the system.
 
Rotary Information:
  • Our Rotary Friendship Exchange visitors from Sri Lanka arrive on Sunday June 18 and will leave after breakfast on Wednesday June 21.
  • In case you want to note it on your calendar, the 2018 District Conference will be May 4 - 6, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Calgary.
 
Rotary Presentations:
  • None today
Upcoming Events:
  • Next Rotary bingo is Saturday June 17, 2017 in the evening, starting at 5:00 pm. Contact Dave Stalwick if you can helpout.
  • For more Club activities, to keep up with events and stay in touch, check the Club website at: www.medicinehatrotary.com
Future Programs:
Stories
Major Hugh Atwell
Monday's speaker was Major Hugh Atwell, Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces Base Suffield. Major Atwell started his speech by suggesting that although not specifically mention in the latest 2017 Defense Policy, the base is optimistic that improvements and increased spending will occur at Suffield.  Major Atwell reported the mission for CFB Suffield is to provide a world class facility to support:
  • DRES - Defense Research Establishment Suffield
  • Military Training - BATUS - British Army Training  Unit Suffield 
  • Oil & Gas Activities
  • Grazing 
  • Protect Environmental & Archeological sites.
 
Major Atwell explained the Suffield Range is the largest  Military Base in Canada covering an area of approximately 2,700 sq km.   In fact, the next 3 largest bases in Canada would all fit within the Suffield range.  He advised that the base has a positive economic impact on the region as it contributes close to $8.6 million per year. The Suffield Range provides opportunities for training that are not found in many locations. 
 
Major Atwell expanded on some of the roles the military plays at Suffield. First of all, they support DRES - Defense Research Establishment Suffield which undertake important research to mitigate risk to military and civilian personnel by conducting research into chemical & biological warfare and research into the use of unmanned vehicle. Research conducted at Suffield has played important roles throughout the world. 
 
The prime task for the military is to support the Suffield range. The British Government leases the range which is the largest military training facility in the Commonwealth to conduct military training exercises such as live firing exercises for up to 50 tanks and other military hardware. CFB Suffield is also used for joint training by NATO and other Foreign Allied  armies. The range allows the armies to test of new techniques and technologies.
 
Not all the Suffield range is used for military training. Portions of the range are set aside for grazing (3,500 cow/calf pairs); oil & gas facilities (12,00 wells) and the preservation of Ecological (River Valley) and Archeological sites (Medicine Wheels & Teepee Rings).  To protect the environment, maintain safety and prevent conflict, satellite images and ground crews are employed to review the range. There prime objective is to maintain the overall health of the range and minimize barren ground. 
 
As if that isn't enough, they are also involved in Elk Management. In 1997 - 221 elk were introduced to the range.  Over the years, the numbers has grown to around 5,300 animals. Major Atwell advised there are differing views on the impact of the elk on the range and surrounding area and also how  the herds should be culled. Major Atwell advised that these decisions are made by Environment & Parks Departments rather than the military.
 
Major Atwell answered a few questions and was thank by President Uwe who paraphrased Winston Churchill when he thank the Canadian Military by saying "never has so much been done with so little".  

 
 
News
Club Meeting News
Introduction of Guests
  • Richelle Wick, a guest of Sarah Bowman.
  • Major Hugh Atwell, our guest speaker. 
Attendance Draw
  • The winner of the Free Lunch was Karen Blewett who unfortunately was away at the Rotary International  Convention in Atlanta.
Birthdays: 
  • Jay Chesley                       June 14th
  • Sandy MacKay                  June 15th
Anniversaries:
  •  Kitt Brand            June 17, 2012     4 years                 
Weekly Draw:  
  • Kathy Walker won a case of golf balls donated by Dave Panabaker. Since Kathy isn't a golfer, she kindly donated them to some of the golfers.
Club 500:
  • $1500 draw was won by Eleanor Zeller on a ticket sold by Joe Chacko.
  • $500 draw was won by Barry Finkelman  on a ticket sold by Don Davis.
Make Ups:
  • Karen Blewett and Sandy MacKay are attending the RI Conference in Atlanta..
Family of Rotary:
  • Nothing new to report.
Minute People:
  • Teresa Schile reported that the Sri Lankan Friendship Exchange group will be arriving Sunday afternoon on June 18th. There will be a reception & dinner ($20 per person). Monday June 19th meeting will an evening meeting with our Sri Lankan guest.
  • Dave Panabaker announced the change over meeting would be held at noon on  JUne 26th. Spouse are invited.
  • Dave Panabaker also announced there will be a club social at the Medicine Hat Mavericks ball game on July 7th. The cost is $20 and will include a VIP Ticket, food and a drink.
  • Chris Perrett announced Jace Anderson (a Rotarian with the Sunrise Club) was selected to conduct our Rotary Impact Study.
  • Ken Zollner is still looking for a few more people to work the second shift (1:00 to 3:00 P.M.) for the Cake Cutting on Canada Day (July 1).
    Read more...
    Russell Hampton
    National Awards Services Inc.
    ClubRunner
    Upcoming Events
    Rotary Bingo
    Top Hat Bingo
    Jun 17, 2017
    5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
     
    Rotary Friendship exchange visitors
    Medicine Hat Lodge
    Jun 18, 2017 – Jun 21, 2017
     
    **Evening Meeting - Friendship Excahnge
    Medicine Hat Lodge
    Jun 19, 2017
    5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
     
    Executive Change Over & Business Meeting
    Medicine Hat Lodge
    Jun 26, 2017
    11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
     
    NO MEETING RE: CANADA DAY
    Jul 03, 2017
     
    ** Social - Mavericks Baseball
    Ball Diamond
    Jul 07, 2017
    6:45 PM – 9:02 PM
     
    Chamber of Commerace Lisa Kowalchuk
    Medicine Hat Lodge
    Jul 10, 2017
    11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
     
    Rotary Bingo
    Top Hat Bingo
    Jul 14, 2017
    5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
     
    Rotary Gala Vision Report
    Medicine Hat Lodge
    Jul 17, 2017
    11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
     
    Stampede Warm Up Rotary Park
    Rotary Park - Maple Avenue
    Jul 24, 2017
    11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
     
    Executives & Directors
    President
     
    President Elect
     
    Treasurer
     
    Past President
     
    Secretary
     
    Director
     
    Director
     
    Director
     
    Director
     
    Director
     
    Director
     
    Chair