President Margie Booyens chaired today's meeting and commented about the global spread of the Coronavirus and the impact on the economic and social life of countries, as well as the shocks to global stock markets and trade. The Club is waiting for the Rotary International response, and some direction from District 5360 Executive as to how our club should proceed and perhaps offer support.
POST MEETING NOTE: As of Sunday March 15th, ALL ROTARY ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELLED. More information will be forthcoming, as the plans evolve and as the extent of the government restrictions on activity become clearer. Please watch for abbreviated Newsletters every Monday and updates on our Facebook page and by email for new information.
Both Medicine Hat Sunrise and Medicine Hat Saamis Rotary Clubs have also stopped meeting, for at least the immediate future.
PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FELLOW ROTARIANS, ESPECIALLY IF SOMEONE NEEDS ASSISTANCE. ALSO, IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH THE CLUB, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH PRESIDENT MARGIE B., CLUB SERVICE DIRECTOR HEATHER B. OR NEWSLETTER EDITOR DAVE P. AND WE'LL MAKE SURE IT GETS COMMUNICATED.
Rotary Club - "What we can do"
Everyone should have received an email from Heather Bach, with a number of web links to information on Virus protection, self isolation and social distancing. All great information, and vital to help contain the spread of the CV-19 virus.
One of the programs that our club has faithfully supported over the past few years is the Salvation Army Hot Meal program, and we have been informed it won't be running in its past form during the emergency. The club received the following information, so if anyone can assist, I know it would be greatly appreciated.
Donna at the Salvation Army advised they are not allowing clients to bring their own dishes at this time, because the volunteers then handle them. So they must be received ahead of time to be sanitized. She said they are so busy and swamped right now that they don't have much time for shopping. They would greatly appreciate if we could bring them any containers (with lids) directly. They have purchased some from Brewmaster but they could certainly use more, so if you have some around the house, they'd really appreciate any we could spare. They are also in desperate need of sanitizer for volunteers and clients.
Rotary Club "What-z New":
Just a reminder that "when" meetings start up again, they will take place in the Crowfoot Room, Medicine Hat College.
Rotary Club Membership Update:
It was PDG Sandy Mackay's pleasure to present Paul Harris Fellowship certificates and pins to our two newest members, Shalla Shaharyar and Peter Mueller. We look forward to the contributions of both of you to our work in the community both locally and internationally.
Rotary Club Information:
Housekeeping:
Please collect club draw items. It is an important part of our meeting and the funds generated help 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 Club Program, Activities, and Meetings
NO MEETINGS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
The Rotary Club Board will be continuing to discuss the situation as it unfolds, and is meeting this month using the "Zoom" webinar program, This technique may be used on the upcoming third Wednesday of each month, if the crisis and restrictions continue.
Upcoming Rotary Club, District and International Events:
CANCELLED - Tri-Club Social with District Trainers.
POSTPONED and CONVERTED TO A WEBINAR - Club Leadership Training
POSTPONED until FALL 2020 - District 5360 convention May 1 - 3, 2020 in Calgary.
AS OF MARCH 19 CANCELLED - Rotary International Convention, June 6 - 10, 2020 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Future Programs:
The Rotary Club's Program Coordinator is Jillian Koch. For future program ideas, please email Jillian at jkoch@jmhca.com
The Rotary Club welcomed new member Shalla Shaharyar to the podium to give her Classification Talk. Shalla was introduced by Mike Christie.
Shalla began her talk by expressing her appreciation for the warm welcome extended to her by the members of the club, right from the first time she was present as a guest. She was born in Islamabad, Pakistan and spent eight years and completed high school in Washington, DC where her father worked in the foreign office.
When she returned to Pakistan, she studied for a Masters in International Relations, then worked for the British Council and married Shaharyar, who is a chemical engineer. The couple spent time in Copenhagen, Denmark where Shaharyar continued his studies. The couple emigrated to Canada 18 years ago, first settling in Brandon, Manitoba and then moving west to Medicine Hat. The couple have two sons, one studying at Queens University and the other at Medicine Hat High School.
Shalla works at the MH College, as the English as a Second Language Administrator, as well as doing diversity training.
Shalla described some of the positives and negatives of their immigration experience, primarily being so far from family. Shalla joined Rotary to enable further involvement in the community, locally and internationally and because the Rotary Motto of "Service above Self" resonates with her. The club welcomes her and thanks her for a great presentation.
Glen Presley encouraged everyone who has any remaining Club 1000 tickets to return the stubs and money, as well as the unsold tickets The draw for the three prizes will be during the Rosebowl on Friday March 13th.
POST MEETING NOTE: The draw was done, as part of the abbreviated Rosebowl performances on Friday the 13th...it was "lucky" for:
First Place - $10,000 Prize to Della Lovig.
Second Place - $3,000 Prize to Dave Panabaker.
Third Place - $2,000 Prize to Jack Snedden.
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT AND SOLD TICKETS!!
Uwe Krickhahn has been in touch and is looking for donations of used denim, for a grocery bag project he is working on. If you have used denim, please drop it off at Uwe's place.
I believe the Interact club garage sale has also been postponed due to the "social distancing".
Most of the other minutes related to events that have been postponed or canceled.
Birthdays: The month of March
Dan Kammerer: March 4
Dave Panabaker: March 7
Shann Snedden: March 17
Terry Cooper: March 25
Club Anniversaries: The month of March.
Stan Sakamoto: 36 Years
Jack Snedden: 31 Years
Mike Christie: 18 Years
Dave Stalwick: 18 Years
John John: 17 Years
Teresa Schile: 6 Years
Bruce Shepard: 6 Years
Dominique Hirsch: 3 Years
Dawn Barr: 16 Years
Makeups:
Doug Fleming mentioned the number of members who have spent time volunteering at the Rotary Music Festival in the past week.
Family of Rotary: (DURING THIS MEETING HIATUS, PLEASE KEEP ADOLF INFORMED ABOUT MEMBERS SO THAT INFORMATION CAN BE PASSED ON TO ALL)
Adolf Seiler reported that Gerry Nadeau has returned home after his operation, is on the mend and reported doing very well.
Gregg Martin has come through his surgery very well, and has returned to his home, where he will be recuperating for the next few weeks.
Glen Presley continues to undergo cancer treatment, and other than some fatigue is doing really well.
For those other members of the club who are facing health challenges, we wish you well and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
