Karen Blewett was in charge of the meeting and had a few announcements before our speaker was called to the podium. First, she wanted to thank all those involved in the hospital tour, especially Heather Bach and the social that followed, especially Dawn Barr.
Karen reminded everyone that our meal choices at the MH Lodge are changing and Club Service Director Heather Bach has sent out a questionnaire recently to gauge club interest in the options and the resulting costs. Please answer the survey, if you need a paper copy or a "resend" of the digital version please let Heather know. We want everyone's voice to be heard, before a decision on a go-forward position is made at the February business meeting. For the remaining meetings this month, the cost will be the same ($20) and the meal will be a soup and sandwich.
Karen also reminded everyone about the request from CAPE school for judges in their science fair on Feb 29, please contact her if you are interested. AS well, Bowl for Kids has invited Rotary to put in a team....the date is April 3.
All of us will know someone who is affected by the terrible wildfires in Australia. Rotary International has set up a donation location so that Rotarians can help through the Rotary Foundation. The link to the site is https://donations.rawcs.com.au/68-2019-20 . President Margie has been in touch with the other two local Rotary clubs and there will be an attempt to encourage a joint contribution from all three local clubs. How that will manifest iteself is still under discussion. Sean Blewett (Sunrise) and Karen Blewett (MH) have been asked to speak about their recent experience in Australia.
President Margie also reminded the club that Thursday Feb 20th our club is scheduled to visit the Saamis Rotary club. Our club will not meet due to the Family Day holiday and it seemed like a great opportunity to visit our sister club. It is hoped that club co-President Jim Marshall will do a presentation on the recent Steam Engine donation to the Friends of Medalta.
Rotary Club "What-z New":
The catering options at the Medicine Hat Lodge are changing, and will affect our lunch time meal. An explanation of some of the options and a opinion questionnaire has been sent out to all Rotarians. Heather Bach advised that the Board is considering alternatives and options, and for the month of February the lunch meal will be a simple soup and sandwich. A long term decision will be made at the business meeting of late February.
Promotion of the Rotary Club will be the focus of a new committee that Heather Bach is working on. Everything from Social Media, the Club Newsletter, and other in the community appearances, will help lift the profile of the club in the community.
Rotary Club Membership Update:
Membership Chair, Mike Christie advised the club last week that a new format, simpler and faster, will be used to bring on new members.
Watch this space in the future for more membership information.
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:
Jace Anderson (a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club) and the Manager of the Destination Marketing Office spoke about the impact the community has on visitors and some of the "hidden gems" that locals take for granted but are so important to visitors. He spoke first about promotions, through the magazine "Experience Medicine Hat". It helps build awareness of the activities and benefits in the community.
He spoke about various outdoor activities, like our trails system and some of the mountain biking area's. He used examples like the Rotary Music Festival, the MH Jazzfest. the Tongue on the Post Folk Festival, and other cultural attractions which are emerging as power ways to get visitors to come and stay.
He spoke about the capital investment in the Tourist Center which is going on, to deal with the 23,000 - 25,000 annual visitors they serve every year. He spoke about the new Sunshine Trolley as a way to get visitors around town and how both the Historic Downtown and Historic Clay District are big draws for out of town visitors.
He spoke about "the passion for the community" which is found in service club and elsewhere and helps provide the opportunity to engage the tourists, currently tourism is the 4th largest industry in Alberta. He answered a number of questions and was thanked by Karen Blewett.
Adolf Seiler attended the Saamis Club meeting on Thursday
Family of Rotary:
Dave Panabaker was happy to provide a short update on Brenda Bauman, former member of the club. Brenda reports she is doing much better and has reduced the number of hours she spends in dialysis every week. She was even able to escape the cold for a short holiday to Mexico, and hopes to be down to observe the music festival and stop by the club.
For those other members of the club who are facing health challenges, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers and also wish you well.
Minute People:
Wayne Chesley gave an update on upcoming ownership changes at Park City Toyota, and we wish both he and Jay good luck as that transfer goes forward.
Dave Panabaker left sign up sheets at the club meeting for selling tickets at the Medicine Hat Mall, on Sat Feb 8 and Sat Feb 22. Dave will be handling the Feb 8 event and Mike Christie will look after Feb 22..
Mike Christie advised that the next New Member Orientation will take place on Feb 21, at the Brand residence beginning at 5:00 pm.
John John reminded everyone to sign up for the volunteer spots at the Rotary Music Festival. Its coming up fast, starting on March 1.
Margie Booyens reminded everyone that Sunrise Rotary still has their coffee blend for sale as a fundraiser, please contact Les Scholly if you want some.
Lisa DesRoches is looking for one more volunteer for the Hot Meal program on Wed evening from 5 - 7.
Heather Bach is working on a Promotions committee, incorporating our social media, newsletter and other forms of communication, with the idea that it can help raise our community profile. Please see Heather if you can help.
Milan Vujovic spoke about the new Community Playspace at the MH Public Library and also red out a thank you note from Rosebowl winner Soren Lorentzen, for the support and attendance at the recent recital.
Ken Zollner mentioned that while Glen Presley is laid up, he will be helping gather tickets and cash from Club 1000 ticket sellers.
