This was our annual “Meeting in Rotary Park” on Maple Ave, at the start of Stampede Week in Medicine Hat.
Despite the temperature being in the upper 30Cs, with quite a high level of humidity, there was a good turnout for this relaxed social hour, in chairs, in the shade in the park, over a brown bag lunch.
President Bruce Shepard welcomed all and dealt with a number of club matters:
Wedding Anniversary Rose: A motion, proposed by Dawn Barr, was passed, to continue the Wedding Anniversary Rose giving project in the new Rotary year. Treasurer Gail Halderman confirmed that the Board has budgeted for this expense. Delivery of the anniversary roses can take place any day of the month concerned.
Just one month is still to be filled: March 2024. Anyone willing to do the delivery is asked to contact Dawn Barr or Anne Carrier.
Dave Panabaker was given a chocolate alligator (from Florida!) by Dawn, for being the first member to volunteer as a Rose Runner! (Word has it that it was delicious!).
Directors of Committees: President Bruce reminded all to sign up to serve on at least one of the committees created through the strategic planning exercise – to let the Board know on which committee you would like to serve . He said that the allocation of a Director to chair each, is progressing. Bruce assured members of long standing, that their membership of a committee was critical as they could offer history, perspective, ideas, and wisdom, if not physical activity.
Membership fees: Members are requested to pay their 2023-2024 membership fee of $300 as soon as possible. Electronic payment is possible by clicking on the link in the emailed invoice sent out by Treasurer Gail a few weeks ago.
Meeting next Monday: On 31 July, the noon meeting will be held at The MH Lodge, with Delynne Lorentzen, Executive Director of the Rotary Festival, as guest speaker.
Rotary Club "What-z New":
A few more meeting helpers are required to run cameras and sound during our hybrid meetings. Anyone wishing to help should contact Mike Christie 403 878 3311.
Rotary Club Membership Update:
Please consider joining the membership team. Check out a meeting of this team and see how exciting it is! The committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00 pm. Contact Mike Christie to join in.
Rotary Club Information:
Housekeeping:
If you have a Meeting Minute, please phone, text or email the President and it will be included in the next Newsletter.
Board minutes can be found on ClubRunner, under Club Documents.
Rotary District 5360 and Rotary International News
RI CONVENTION 2025 IN CALGARY
The RI Convention was held in Calgary in 1996. It’s going to be in Calgary again in 2025
DG Kurt Kowalchuk (email dated June 19) is calling for committee members, in particular but not exclusively, for the Sponsorship & Revenue committee, and the House of Friendship committee
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Host Organizing Committee secretary, Luanne Whitmarsh (l.whitmarsh@shaw.ca)
DG Kurt writes that this convention is going to be done in a way that will be transformational for Rotary in our District and he sets out many ways in which this may be achieved.
WATERTON GLACIER PEACE PARK
The annual celebration of the Waterton-Glacier Peace Park, a project of Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Idaho and Montana Rotary Districts in 1931. This year’s celebration will take place from September 21-24. It is a great opportunity to hear about the Park, its successes and challenges, and to celebrate cross-border Rotary efforts.
Home page for history and information: Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Association/commitment to building peace (watertonglacierpeacepark.org).
The Rotary Club's Program Committee members are Jillian Koch (jkoch@jmhca.com), Dave Panabaker (d.panabaker@hotmail.com) and Margie Booyens (margiebooyens@gmail.com).
If you have ideas for future programs, please contact them.
Nineteen members and one guest enjoyed the relaxed Stampede Week meeting in the shade in Rotary Park on Maple Ave on Monday 24 July.
GUESTS: Johan Booyens
Club Draw:
The next club draw will be at the in-person meeting at The Lodge on Monday July 31st.
Please remember to contribute items for the weekly draw as the stock cupboard is running VERY low!
Makeups:
None mentioned
Birthdays:
Jillian Koch...............July 19
Marg Mazerolle.........July 24
Rotary Anniversaries:
Sandy MacKay Jul 01 1977 46 years
David MacLean Jul 01 1977 46 years
Jim White Jul 1 1979 44 years
Margie Booyens Jul 4 2016 7 years
Glen Presley Jul 27 2015 8 years
Kitt Brand Jul 29 2009 14 years
Wedding Anniversary Rose Runner for July 2023:
Anne Carrier
Minutes: a few reminders
NEW GENERATIONS SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAM (NGSE)
Alain Guerard, member of our Club and member of the District NGSE program committee, intimated that a NGSE participant from Brazil, Victoria, will be spending a month in Calgary (15 Jan – 15 Feb 2024) and a month in Medicine Hat (15 Feb – 15 March 2024), centering her vocational exposure at and through the YMCA in both cities. Her career interest is physical education.
Alain said the NGSE is looking for host families in both cities. Victoria could have more than one host family in each city, if that facilitates matters for Rotarians who are willing to take her into their homes. Alain mentioned that planning is also underway for another young participant from Brazil, Victor, a qualified civil engineer, to spend time with WTS Logistics in Calgary, for the vocational pillar of his NGSE experience.
NEXT BINGO: The next Bingo session will take place on Saturday August 5, in the afternoon. At least two more volunteers are needed.
CLUB MEETING ON 31 JULY
Back at The Medicine Hat Lodge on 31 July, Delynne Lorentzen (Executive Director of the Rotary Music Festival Society) will address us on the Rotary Music Festival.
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TERRY FOX RUN: Sunday 17 September: 10:30am
The Sunrise and Ignite Clubs are organizing the annual Terry Fox Run/Walk for this year, taking over from the Kinette Club which ran it for almost 40 years.
The Run takes place every year in over 10,000 locations in Canada (communities and schools) and in 33 countries around the world. It is the largest event that supports cancer research.
All Rotarians are encouraged to take part in the event on Sunday September 17 at the Medicine Hat College, walking, running, or biking, starting at 10:30am.
It is a non-competitive event for families on the 3k Sunrise Rotary Trail.
Register at http://terryfox.org and help fundraise for cancer research in the name of one of Canada's great heroes, Terry Fox.
SAAMIS ROTARY CLUB: 21st ANNUAL RAFFLE
Tickets can be purchased on the Saamis Club website:http://www.winningticketlottery.ca The 50/50 pot is now in excess of $22,300 and the winner gets half!
Family of Rotary
Club secretary Doug Fleming is due to have a knee replacement op on Tuesday 25 July. All the best, Doug!
Past President Terry Partis is back in Ontario
Past Rotarian Ray Kemp is back in our Regional Hospital, but due to be discharged and to head home at the end of the week. Our thoughts are with you, Ray.
Please keep a Board Member informed about members health changes, so that information can be provided to the club through the Weekly News.
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat has returned to meeting in person, face-to-face meetings as of Monday March 21. A ZOOM link will still be available for those who are cautious, ill or are away on vacation.
