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Meeting Information
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
 
We found ourselves in a ground level venue in the Medicine Hat Lodge for our noon meeting on Monday 20 November 2023 – a pleasant change!
 
President Bruce Shepard warmly welcomed all, especially our guest speaker, Cathy Linowski.
 
The turnout was sadly low – possibly partly due to a technical hitch which prevented the usual meeting reminder being emailed to members the previous day.
 
However, the atmosphere was congenial and the meeting, after a soup and sandwiches lunch, was enjoyed by all - including those who joined the meeting via Zoom.
 
President Bruce kicked off by reminding members about the Rotary Joint Dinner on Sunday 3 December, to be held at the Desert Blume Golf Club. Cocktails and a time of socializing with Rotarians and friends from all four Clubs in Medicine Hat, from 4:30, followed by a turkey dinner at 6pm. Cost per person: $30.00. A show of hands indicated that the majority of members planned to attend the dinner, with their partners.
 
 
Dave Stalwick then thanked those who had assisted at the Bingo session on Friday November 17. There had been 88 players. It was, however, an evening of winners – seven in all – and an extra prize of $500. So the final outcome was sadly $155.75 in the red. Ken Zollner won the guess pot.
 
The date of the next Bingo session has yet to be finalized. It will not be on Sunday 3 December, clashing with the Rotary Joint Dinner.
 
Guest speaker Medicine Hatter Cathy Linowski was introduced by Margie Booyens.
 
Cathy studied Archaeology and Biology at Simon Fraser University, has worked for Alberta Agriculture, and taught on the Brooks campus of the Medicine Hat College. She is currently an active member of the Southeast Alberta Archaeology Society and works as a field botanist for Environment and Climate Change, monitoring rare and endangered plant species in the Dry Mixed grass prairie.
 
Cathy’s topic: “Archaeology and the Archaeological sites within Medicine Hat” (please see more in the STORY section of this newsletter).
 
After her presentation and fielding a few questions, Cathy was thanked and given a Rotary mug by President Bruce.
 
 
As Club members know, this is Rotary Foundation Month, and our charity (as Rotarians, the Rotary Foundation belongs to us) has once again gotten Charity Navigator's best rate, now in excess of 10 years in a row.  Something very much to be proud of.  If you are thinking about a 2023 contribution, now would be a good time.
 
 
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 Committee Membership Update:
  • Please continue to assist your 'team captains' and please also work in other areas of club activity, as you are able.
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.
2024 DISTRICT 5360 CONFERENCE
  • This Rotary Years conference will be held in Drumheller, on May 4th - 5th, 2024.
  • The conference website is not yet active, but will be added here once it is functioning for registration.

DISTRICT 5360 LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP                   

Tuesday 28 November, from 7-9pm via Zoom.
Sharpen up your thinking about leadership and meet Randy Smith, our District Governor Nominee.
 
 Ideas for Future Programs
  • 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.
Stories
A DIG INTO ARCHAEOLOGY
We had the pleasure of a presentation by Cathy Linowski during our noon meeting on Monday 20 November.
 
 
Cathy graduated from Simon Fraser University, majoring in botany and archaeology.
 
Over the years, she has worked for the Alberta Dept. of Agriculture and done teaching for the Medicine Hat College on the Brooks campus.
 
Cathy is currently an active member of the Southeast Alberta Archaeological Society (of which President Bruce is the chair) and she works as a field botanist for Environment and Climate Change, monitoring rare and endangered plant species in the Dry Mixed grass prairie.
 
What a pleasure to listen to, learn from, and ask questions of someone who is a passionate expert in her field!
 
"Archaeology is the study of past humans, and how they lived, by examining their material remains. Through excavation and analysis, these material remains can tell a story about how humans have tackled problems, survived, and thrived. Archaeologists can determine timelines, range of occupation, and learn aspects about diet, housing, social status, and lifestyle of the peoples that lived there".
 
Moving on from what archaeology is, Cathy took us on a trip to develop our understanding of why it is important and what archaeologists do. She then moved into:.
 
Archaeology in Alberta, in Medicine Hat, and specifically, the Saamis Archaeological site.
 
One of many snippets of interesting information from the southeast region of Alberta, is that the Majorville Medicine Wheel near Bassano dates back 4500 years - and is still used. The center is 9m across, with 28 spokes.
 
Cathy gave us clarity on what an archaeological site is, prehistoric archaeological sites, archaeological artifacts and features, and the interesting issue of reporting an archaeological find.
 
If you find an archaeological artifact, photograph it, write down the location of the find, your contact details, and email this information to: sheila.macdonald@gov.ab.ca.
 
Yes, you can keep your artifact, OR you can choose to donate it to the Royal Alberta Museum for curating and display. You may not sell it.
 
Over 80% of sites in Alberta predate the arrival of Europeans. Some sites are more than 13,000 years old, while some are just a few hundred years old.
 
Common types of prehistoric sites include: campsites, animal kill sites, rock art sites, and ceremonial sites.
 
It was interesting to hear that Alberta has over 40,000 recorded archaeological sites, managed by the Government of Alberta, with approximately 500 new records added each year. There are over 50 documented historic and prehistoric archaeological sites within Medicine Hat. Historic archaeology sites in Medicine Hat include Medalta and the IXL brink plant.
 
A final note on the Saamis Archaeological site: it was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1984. Fencing to limit riparian erosion and allow for natural regeneration along Seven Persons Creek was installed in 2019. Restricting off-leash dogs was also  imposed. Cathy was happy to report that recovery of the area has been excellent.
 
All in all, a very interesting and informative presentation, for which many thanks, Cathy Linowski!
News
Meeting News
Guests: Guest speaker Cathy Linowski and Johan Booyens.
 
The meeting was attended by five on Zoom, and 15 in person, including our two guests.
 
 
​​​
 
​​​​Club Draw:
  • Marg Mazerolle won the club draw and was presented with a gold coloured water bottle
  • Please remember to contribute items for the weekly draw as the stock cupboard is running VERY low!
 
Makeups:
  • None mentioned
Birthdays:
  • Dave Stalwick                Nov   8.
  • Brent Secondiak             Nov 19.
Rotary Anniversaries:
  • Sieg Kappler              37 years         Nov 1, 1986.
  • Doug Fleming            40 years         Nov 7, 1983.
  • Milan Vujovic              16 years        Nov 26, 2007.
 
Wedding Anniversary Rose Runner for November 2023:
  • Sandy Mackay
Minutes: new information and a few reminders
 
FUNDRAISING: NEXT BINGO IN DECEMBER: Date to be finalized.
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE: SAAMIS IMMIGRATION: President Bruce Shepard, Terry Cooper and Margie Booyens spent an hour or two at Saamis Immigration offices on Thursday 16 November from 10:00. Our Club was thanked by staff member Mihaela Craciun, after which President Bruce said a few words. The 35 ‘health bags’ packed by our club members were then handed out to Saamis clients – male immigrants who are taking English classes - in lieu of International Men’s Day, “Healthy Men, Healthy World”. A time of socializing over coffee and cake followed, before the men had to head back to their English classes.
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE: CHRISTMAS KETTLES FOR SALVATION ARMY: Anne Carrier intimated that the roster for kettle ringing at Walmart on Saturday 2 December has been filled. All is well. The Salvation Army will ensure that the collection point is set up and that the kettle of donations is collected at the end of each day. All that is required of us is to smile, receive donations with gratitude, and wish all a Merry Christmas!
 
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE: CHEQUES FOR YMCA AND REDCLIFF YOUTH CENTRE
President Bruce, Terry Cooper (chair, International and Community Service) and Margie Booyens will hand over cheques to the Downtown YMCA (for life jackets) and the Redcliff Youth Centre (for a freezer and dishwasher) on Wednesday 22 November at 11:00 and 15:30 respectively.
 
NEW GENERATIONS SERVICE EXCHANGE (NGSE): PARTICIPANT UPDATE
Kitt Brand was delighted to inform members that our Club's 2019 NGSE participant, Katharina Braess of Germany - who became Dieter and Kitt's 'daughter' - is preparing for the German State law exams in 2024. Katharina is also looking ahead, exploring options for her Master's degree in Law, possibly focusing on programs that specialize in arbitration and negotiation. While in District 5360, Katharina spent time in different law firms in Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge and having discussions with Rotarians in Calgary on Canadian law impacting international trade. On her return to Germany, she registered as a law student - and look where she is now!
 
 
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
President Bruce reported that he and Kitt Brand had finalized an article on the Cenotaph, due to be published in the Medicine Hat News during the week of 27 November. This will be the first of a series of monthly articles on Rotary. Congratulations to Bruce and Kitt for getting this ball rolling! It will be great exposure for Rotary - informative and hopefully serving to attract new members!
 
CLUB 1000 RAFFLE TICKETS: Members are reminded that our Club 1000 raffle is the principal activity to raise funds for the Rotary Music Festival. May we all get out and sell tickets!
 
 
 
TECH SUPPORT AND COVERAGE FOR SGT-AT-ARMS:  Mike Christie, the club's President-elect, is looking for additional folks to support our technical setup for in-person meetings.  The more people who know how to set up the equipment, the better off the club is.  Mike will also need someone to take over the leadership of the SGT-at-Arms program for each meeting.  The Presidents duty is to "pay fines", not hand them out!
 
Family of Rotary
 
Sadly, no updates available for this issue.
  • Please keep a Board Member informed about members health changes, so that information can be provided to the club through the Weekly News.
Read more...
Club Information
Medicine Hat
Mondays at 11:45 AM
Medicine Hat Lodge
1051 Ross Glen Dr SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8
Canada
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat has returned to meeting in person. Our first meeting of every month is a ZOOM business meeting. Check the club calendar, which is usually up to date for our meeting locations and program.
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Upcoming Events
Presentation on Saamis Immigration Society
Medicine Hat Lodge
Nov 27, 2023
 
Rotary Bingo - Evening
Top Hat Bingo
Dec 03, 2023
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
 
Business Meeting
ZOOM
Dec 04, 2023
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Cycling without Age
Medicine Hat Lodge
Dec 11, 2023
11:45 AM – 1:30 PM
 
Rotary Christmas Lunch
Medicine Hat Lodge
Dec 18, 2023
11:45 AM – 1:30 PM
 
Rotary Bingo - Evening
Top Hat Bingo
Dec 18, 2023
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
 
No Meeting - Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2023
 
No Meeting - New Years Day
Jan 01, 2024
 
Business Meeting - ZOOM
ZOOM
Jan 08, 2024
11:15 AM – 1:00 PM
 
View entire list
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Med Hat Rotary Music Festival
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District 5360 - People of Action