President Margie welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2020, and hoped everyone had enjoyed a very Happy New Year.
Margie reminded everyone about a famous Paul Harris quotation; "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves". In looking forward to new achievements, the end of January business meeting will be looking to tie our club goals to results, and to future projects in our various activity areas.
Margie also reminded those present that the club is open to speaker suggestions, there are blank index cards on the tables to provide an opportunity to suggest someone to Margie and program coordinator Jillian Koch. Margie also reminded everyone who has a Facebook presence, that our new Closed Facebook page is an opportunity for dialogue and debate, so please take advantage of it.
Rotary Club "What-z New":
Birthdays and anniversaries of joining Rotary: From 30 December 2019, the celebratory dates for the whole of the following month (in this instance, January 2020) will be acknowledged during the Business Meeting. Why? To streamline the other meetings of the month.
Club meetings away from The Lodge: We will continue holding meetings in venues other than The Lodge, as appropriate. Please make a note of two that will be held in The Courtyard at the Medicine Hat College on 13 January and 15 March, when different academic staff members will be addressing the Club. Rationale: to make it less time consuming for the guest speakers and to give members a ‘change of scenery’!
No free meals: In line with the proverbial saying, from 1 January 2020, there will be no weekly draw for a free meal. Why? Again, the intention is to streamline meetings by eliminating the ‘bits and pieces’. This is an old practice that seems to have lost its significance.
Rotary Club Membership Update:
NEW MEMBERS: Igor Grujic on Monday 20 January 2020.
It was a pleasure to witness the induction of Elaine Behiel as a member of the Rotary Club today. Her sponsor LIsa DesRoches stood with her and President Margie Booyens and Past President Marg Mazerolle performed the induction ceremony. WELCOME Elaine!
Rotary Club Information:
Upcoming meetings:
See the club calendar adjacent or the club website.
Housekeeping:
Please bring club draw items. It is an important part of our meeting and funds to run the club.
If you have a Meeting Minute, please send President Margie a note (email, phone, in-person)
Board minutes can be found on ClubRunner, under Club Documents.
Upcoming Rotary Club. District and International Events:
Our Club Treasurer, Gail Halderman kicked off what is hoped to be a series of "reclassification talks", to provide long service Rotarians with a chance to introduce themselves to younger club members and to tell everyone a little bit about how their experience in Rotary has affected their life.
Gail is the 15th Rotarian in our club to hold the role of Treasurer. He also holds the distinction of being the second longest serving Treasurer. He has now held that role for 22 years, beginning in 1998.
Gail spoke about his childhood in rural Saskatchewan, and how at 27 he began his "education" by purchasing a farm implement dealership. That began a career lasting 36 years, of which the last 20 were in Medicine Hat. He and his wife Diane have been blessed with 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
He spoke about the "giving back" spirit, in many aspects of the dealership and rural life, and found himself at a Rotary meeting courtesy of Jim White.
A wonderful talk, thanks for your contribution to the club and that great presentation.
Elaine Behiel, a guest for the last time and our newest Rotarian.
Birthdays: The month of January
Sieg Kappler Jan 1.
Krista Lawson Jan 8.
Jan Stalwick Jan 9.
Dick Northcott Jan 13.
Rod Dal Collo Jan 18.
Roger Roy Jan 19.
Mark Sorenson Jan 23.
Melanie Harty Jan 25.
Teresa Schile Jan 25.
Jim White Jan 31.
Club Anniversaries: January
Gail Halderman 24 years Jan 22, 1996.
Shann Snedden 3 years Jan 23, 2017.
Herman Wahl 58 years Jan 29, 1962.
Club Draw:
Terry Brekko won Indian coffee donated by John John.
Makeups:
None mentioned this week
Family of Rotary:
Dieter Brand reported that Adolf Seiler had a bad fall before New Years, and has had surgery to repair a damaged shoulder. He is currently staying with his daughter recovering. The club sends its best wishes along!
Minute People:
Remember to get out and sell Club 1000 tickets, the draw date is coming up in just over 2 months.
John John mentioned to all that volunteer sign up sheets are available at the back of the room, for the door monitor and reception desk positions at the Music Festival. They will be available at each meeting, but please fill up the list as soon as possible,
Mike Christie reminded the club that the Membership Committee have a meeting on Thursday, January 9, at the Cypress Club starting at 5:00 pm. All are invited.
Theresa Eisenbarth announced that the Rotary opportunity to view the Interact room at the MH Hospital will be Friday January 31, at 4 pm...a social event is planned for after the visit.
Terry Brekko reminded everyone to get out and get your patron and music festival advertising done, the deadline is pretty firm as January 27.
Dave also reminded everyone that the annual Rotary District conference is May 1 - 3, in Calgary and will feature curler Rick Gushue as a Saturday noon hour speaker. Sign up for the conference is done through the conference website at:http://discon5360.ca
