Newsletter October 16, 2017 (Oct 16, 2017)

President's Remarks

President Karen Blewett opened the meeting by welcoming all present and encouraging anyone who hadn't yet voted to make sure they stop by their local polling station and vote today. Karen reminded everyone that Random Acts of Kindness will occur on Nov 3rd, and if someone is interested in organizing an event for that day, please contact her.

President Karen's "Fun Facts" for our Centennial centered on the Local Community contributions going on in the 1980's. She spoke about donations to Youth Programs, the Library and other downtown projects. As well, our contribution to the Music Festival was $32,000 in that time.

Membership Notice

No new member proposals this week.

Rotary Information:

Next week's meeting is simply a lunch, followed by the AGM for Rotary Music Festival Society.
Also a reminder that Monday November 13 there will be a meeting of the club.

Rotary Presentations:

None this week

Upcoming Club Events:

District Grants Qualification Seminar – Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
District Governor Rick Istead will be visiting the club on Monday Nov 6, 2017, a meeting with the board at 10:00 am is scheduled.
District Membership Seminar, Saturday November 18, being scheduled for the AMA boardroom.
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.
NEW DATE FOR CENTENNIAL Celebration: FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018, at the Medicine Hat Lodge
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.

Community Foundation Presentation - Chris Christie

Posted by Dave Panabaker on Oct 16, 2017

The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat welcomed Chris Christie to the meeting today, to provide an update on the activities of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. Chris began by congratulating the club on our Centennial, this year is the 25^th anniversary of the Community Foundation. Chris started in February of this year, and made a point to mention that the previous ED Mike is no relation, but she now has him on speed dial to try to catch up to all the intricacy's of the job. It has been a long process.

Chris mentioned that over the course of those 25 years, over $5 million has been given out to deserving projects and charities. The CFSEA now has over $12M under management in the endowment, and employs a professional manager for the funds. She was very happy to report that they achieve an administrative cost of 1.5%, which is superior to many charitable organizations.

She spoke about the rebuilding of the office staff over the summer and the work that has gone on to put out Vital Signs 2017. She believes, given the work involved that it will not be an annual publication in the future. She advised that they are working on giving advisory groups in both Brooks and Oyen, to help direct local funds in the best way. She also spoke about making grants both responsive and impactful.

A good crowd was on hand to ask a few questions, and Chris was thanked for her work by President Karen.

Club Meeting News

Posted by Dave Panabaker on Oct 16, 2017

Introduction of Guests

Chris Christie, ED of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, our guest speaker.
Mark Bolander, an approved member waiting for induction.

Birthdays:

Joe Chacko October 20.
Uwe Krickhahn October 24.
Jack Snedden October 26.

Club Anniversaries:

Dale Stein - October 22 2007 - 10 years.

Weekly Draws:

Mark Bolander won a set of merlot wine glasses in the club draw.
Roger Roy WAS in attendance and won a free lunch in the attendance draw.

Club 500:

The $1,500 winner was Kristal Lawson, on a ticket sold by Chris Perret.
The $500 winner was Mike Collinge, on a ticket sold by Adolf Seiler.

There were two draws this week, because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Make Ups:

None announced.

Family of Rotary:

Other than a story of Ron Learmonts adventures, Adolf Seiler had nothing to report.

Minute People:

Dave Panabaker did a minute on an upcoming bingo, on the posters and promotion of World Polio Day, Oct 24 and on please responding to the event emails either in the positive or negative.
Heather Bach, Program Chairperson, announced that Oct 30 will be both a business meeting and Halloween....please come to the meeting in costume to win a prize.
Margie Booyens is recruiting helpers for "Raising the Curtain" on Diversity, a City of Medicine Hat limitative. If you are interested in providing some assistance please see her.
Anne Carrier had an update on the Medicine Hat high school Interact club. They have two upcoming fundraisers, a bake sale to coincide with the parent teacher interviews (Wednesday Oct 18 from 6 - 8 pm and Thursday Oct 19 from 3:45 to 6:15 pm) As well they will be marking "purple pinkies for polio" on Oct 24, World Polio Day. They will also be helping with the CORE hot meal program over the school year.
Bruce Shepard, Membership Director reminded the Membership Committee that a meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at 4:30 at the MH Chamber of Commerce boardroom. He also plugged his presentation at the MH College on Wed evening, which focuses on the demise of the native Bison.
Chris Perret announced that Club 500 tickets were now available and could be picked up after the meeting. This is a principal fundraiser for the Music Festival, so please get yours soon.