The meeting began with a much better version of O'Canada, and Milan welcomed everyone to our exciting annual budget meeting. He spoke briefly about a few of the social things he would like to include in this years events, specifically "Cake Cutting on Canada Day", a Christmas Party and participation in the Color Run organized by Real Humanitarian.
President Milan then turned the floor over to Club Treasurer Gail Halderman, who reviewed the budget document that was printed out on the tables. Gail reviewed the year over year changes, and emphasized that this is just a budget, and can be altered and amended as the year moves forward.
He indicated that we have sufficient funds for our two major community programs (Music Festival and Team Freewheel) and there are certainly funds available for other projects if they appear. We also have healthy reserves, so in general we are in excellent financial shape. Gail also advised that we are noticing a significant difference in food costs with our new location, and although it is still early days, that seems to be a success.
A number of questions were asked and answered, and the club voted unanimously to proceed with the budget as presented. A copy of the complete document can be found under "Club Documents" in the members area of Clubrunner.
Rotary Club Information:
Housekeeping:
We continue looking for volunteers for desk reception at our Monday meetings.
Rotary District 5360 and Rotary International News
MONARCH 1911 SOCIETY
As many Rotarians will know, our club, in cooperation with the Saamis Rotary Club and the Friends of the Monarch Society, has been working on restoring both the structure and the programming at the historic Monarch movie theatre on 2nd St S.E, Medicine Hat.
Our club will try to keep track of events on at the Monarch, to give members a heads-up that the opportunity to serve exists. If you are interested, please let Rotarian Janessa Anderson (403-952-1907) know and she can provide details of available shifts and responsibilities.
Volunteering at a show is a great way to connect with the community and support the historic local landmark.
Ideas for Future Programs
The Rotary Club's Program Committee members are Jillian Koch (jkoch@jmhca.com), Margie Booyens (margiebooyens@gmail.com), Alain Guerard (aguerard@telus.net), Sharon Hayward (sharon.hayward@medicinehatymca.ca).
Members of the Rotary Club spent Saturday on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, taking in a few of the cultural and unique physical features of that part of our country.
The group visited Sagebrush Studios, a series of art galleries in old churches, as well as the Great Sandhills Museum in Sceptre, Saskatchewan. They also visited the Prairie Elevator Tea House & Museum in Acadia Valley. It turned out to be a full day of visiting and adventure, and everyone had a great time. Thanks to Margie and Gail for organizing the day.
The only guest was former member Ian MacLaughlin, whom it was great to see
ATTENDANCE:
18 members attended in person, 3 on Zoom and 1 guest.
MEETING DRAW:
Bruce Shepard was the lucky draw winner of a crisper tray.
Please remember to contribute gifts for the weekly draw. If you are somewhere interesting, a small gift to the club for the draw is much appreciated!
Makeups: None were mentioned.
Birthdays:
Susan Withers August 7
Lesley Tuchscherer August 22
Gregg Martin August 25
Rotary Anniversaries:
Ken Zollner 42 years August 1, 1983
Jillian Koch 9 years August 8, 2016
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR AUGUST 2025
Nadia Deenen
Minutes
Service Director Terry Cooper had a couple of minutes to update the club on some projects.
Terry wanted to advise that our spot on the agenda for the Pecha Kutcha evening of September 20th is NOT confirmed. Apparently we are on the waiting list, and Terry will keep us up to date on whether we make the program. If he is presenting he will be outlining our successful Team Freewheel project, and looking for more volunteers to help keep the program going.
Terry also updated the club on a project from 2000-2001, where we participated in a Global Grant project in Sri Lanka. After a number of issues have been resolved or worked through, the remaining funds have been used to produce traditional prosthetic limbs. Not as high tech as was originally hope, but the funds are going to do good work.
Dave Panabaker updated the club on the most recent bingo. On Wednesday evening, August 13th we served 55 players and earned a pool profit of $201.75. Gail Halderman won the guess pot. As well, we received our July bingo checks and each of the two events we held in July earned a profit of $2,420.00. A nice return of the time invested by Rotarians.
The Terry Fox run organized by the Sunrise Rotary Club will be held on September 14th at Kin Coulee park. President Milan advised he would be working on a getting a team together.
On September 6th, Saamis Electronics project round up for disposal and recycling of used electronics.
On October 1st, The Sunrise Rotary club will have "Mothers Apron" presentations at the MH Library.
On August 21st, the Saamis Rotary Club is hosting a BBQ at Kin Coulee Park. They are using the North side kitchen area, please bring your own beverage and chair. Burgers will be supplied, and bringing a desert or salad would be appreciated. Please advise Sharon McDonnell if you will be attending so they have a headcount for burgers.
ROTARY WATERTON GLACIER PEACE PARK
There has been a change of date for the Peace Park weekend. It is now Sept 12 - 13, 2025 in Waterton. Registration can be done on their website https://www.watertonglacierpeacepark.org
Family of Rotary
The Rotary Club sends its get well soon wishes to Ric Carrier, spouse of Rotarian Anne. Ric took a tumble off his bicycle and has returned to the hospital for further treatment.
Please keep a Board Member informed about members health and/or any other changes, so that information can be provided to the club through the Weekly News.
Our first meeting of every month is a business meeting, but all meetings are both in person and available on ZOOM. Check the club calendar, which is usually up to date for our meeting locations and program.
