Our club has been privileged to inducted several new members over the past few months, and we were delighted to hear their "Getting to know you" chats at today's meeting. Rotary used to call this classification talks, but the old classification system has pretty well gone the way of the dinosaur, so these introductory chats allow us to learn more about our new member.
First, Manali Shabhag was introduced by Margie Booyens. Manali took the floor and spoke about her upbringing in Mumbai India. She spoke about her parents and grandparents in that busy, noisy City and the birth of her "baby" brother when she was 10 years old. Manali spoke about moving to California in 2014, to take her higher education, and then moving to Dallas, Tx when she met her husband. They now have a 2 1/2 year old son, and have happily relocated to Canada.
Manali spoke about her specialization in women's health and how that has steered her practice. She loves the idea of connection and community, and sees her involvement in Rotary as helping her build both of these aspects of a successful life. She was thanked and welcomed again to our Rotary family by President Mike
Next, Odessa Vermee was introduced by her neighbour Bruce Shepard. Odessa described her family history, starting with her Great Grandfather's arrival in Medicine Hat in 1908. She is part of 6 generations of borne and raised Medicine Hatters, which is a pretty rare thing. She owns the Quilt Shop, and Rotarian Dawn Barr (who was her sponsor) is teaching her to quilt. Her quilt shop is moving on June 18th, so this is a busy time for her.
A question was asked about her first name, and she advised that she's either named after the City in Crimea or a song by the Bee Gee's, the family stories are not entirely clear.
Odessa was thanked by President Mike, and referred to as the best kind of recruitment, as she had worked a Rotary bingo before she was even inducted. She also participated in the Rotary-at-bingo event this winter, and won the bonanza game, so Rotary has been a money maker as well.
Thank you to both of Rotarians for great stories and we look forward to all you will accomplish in our club and for our community.