President Milan began our meeting promptly at 12:15 pm, with O'Canada and the recital of the Rotary 4 Way Test. Guests were introduced and then the program began, which is detailed in the story section below.
Another important item was the "Notice of Motion", which President Milan advised he would be making in two weeks, which was "That the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat support the Birthday Cake cutting activity on Canada Day to a maximum of $2,000."
Due to the timing of Canada Day, Mike Christie, seconded by Bruce Shepard that the time period for financial motions be waived in this case, and that was unanimously approved. With that out of the way, the motion was called and also unanimously supported.
ROTARIANS at RI CONVENTION.
The club was delighted to see a photo of Gail and Diane Halderman, Margie Booyens and Terry Brekko who are all in Taipi, Taiwan at the Rotary International Convention. Safe travels to all of you.
ROTARY AT MEDICINE HAT LEVEL: MONARCH 1911 SOCIETY
The Monarch is having a promotion on a "book" of tickets. Check it out - it is a great deal!
The Monarch is hosting several exciting music events over the next week, so check out the program.
Our club will try to keep track of events on at the Monarch, and will give members a heads-up about opportunities to serve. If you are interested in volunteering at the Monarch, please let Rotarian Janessa Anderson know (403-952-1907) and she will provide details of available shifts and responsibilities.
Volunteering at a show is a great way to connect with the community and support our historic local landmark. Assistant Governor Sharon McDonnell thanked members who helped to BBQ and sell hamburgers at the Monarch during the screening of the Tiger matches.
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).
PLEASE NOTE: The Club Program Committee will be asking you to evaluate the 2025-2026 club program... and to make suggestions for future programs. This will likely be done at the end of June.
The Rotary Club was delighted to welcome local realtor Jen Boyle, from Grassroots Realty who spoke about the most common question she is asked in her business and that is “How is the Market??” Jen was introduced by Sharon Hayward and gave us a talk on some of the changes and issues in the housing market today.
Jen spoke about the life events that trigger moves, that moving homes is not so much a real estate transaction as monumental life issues. She spoke about the emotional math that both sellers and buyers need to deal with and how it's not just a price tag, but security and reasonableness.
She spoke about the relocation of some local buyers, from major municipalities to our community where they find a more affordable housing structure and an increase in their quality of life.
She also spoke about the “value” proposition, and that people will always need to move for a variety of reasons. She talked about the variety of roles that she will end up playing for different clients; Strategist, Translator and Problem-solver.
Jen answered a number of questions and was thanked by President Milan for her informative presentation.
ATTENDANCE: Our meeting was attended by our two guests and 17 Rotarians. (Editors Note: We are having trouble with the ZOOM program, in relation to using a version of the District 5360 ZOOM subscription. Mike Christie will try to find out what is “wrong” and whether we may need to consider investing in either our own subscription or in a club version of Microsoft, which includes a similar product known as “Microsoft Teams”).
GUESTS:
Jen Boyle, Grassroots Realty (our guest speaker)
Kenya Awudi, a guest of President Milan
MEETING DRAW:
A pair of Toronto Blue Jay's socks were won by Peter Mueller.
BIRTHDAYS:
Mike Christie - June 7
Alain Guerard - June 8
Terry Brekko - June 9
Sandy MacKay - June 15
Tarek Williams - June 19
Lionel Brideson - June 21
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
Mark Sorenson - 28 years - June 1, 1988
Melanie Harty - 16 years - June 30, 2010
Gwen Dirk - 5 years - June 28, 2021
Tarek Williams - 1 year - June 16, 2025
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR MAY 2026:
The Rose Runner for June is BRUCE SHEPARD.
NEW MINUTES AND REMINDERS:
BINGO ON WEDNESDAY: Dave Panabaker was happy to report that he has a full team for the bingo on Wednesday evening, June 17th. That will be the last bingo of this Rotary year, and an email to all club members has gone out with the dates and times of the bingos for the second half of 2026.
ROTARY CLUB OF MEDICINE HAT DINNER CLUB: Odessa Vermee has taken over responsibility for organizing our Dinner Club. Thank you, Odessa! Please sign up with Odessa if you are interested in hosting a dinner in your home!
GOLF AFTER ROTARY: Rotary golfers began regular golf after the noon meeting on Monday May 25th. Those involved normally golf at the Connaught Golf Club and begin around 1:45 or 2:00 pm. It's a lot of fun. If your name is not on the weekly signup list, please contact either Dale Stein or Dave Panabaker.
ROTARY BOARD PARTICIPATION: Past President Mike Christie advised that the club is still short two Board Members for the 2026 - 2027 year, where Doug Fleming will be President. If you have time and an interest in the operation of the club please contact Mike so he can get your name registered.
THE 2026 TERRY FOX RUN: SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER: 46 years ago, Terry Fox crossed Canada, running on an artificial leg, to raise money for cancer. The annual runs organized by Keith Walker nd the Sunrise Rotary Club have, over the years, have raised $70,000. So this year, the Terry Fox run is once again around the Rotary Sunrise Trail (Medicine Hat College campus), 3km, no hills, starting at 10:30. Do join in! You don't have to run, you can walk! Form a team to participate and have fun! Please register: terryfox.org. You can donate on this website or at the start of the race.
DOOR GREETERS NEEDED FOR MONDAY NOON MEETINGS: Please talk to Dave Stalwick. Consider getting your name on the roster. Being a ‘meeting greeter’ is a great way to welcome and to get to know fellow members.
NOMINATE A SENIOR FOR THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TOP 7 OVER 70 AWARD: Eligible nominees are seniors aged 70+ who live in Medicine Hat, Redcliff, or surrounding counties and special areas. Nominees should be recognized for new achievements started after age 70, rather than lifetime accomplishments. The award honours individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity, innovation, or collaboration in areas such as agriculture, health and recreation, arts and culture, science, business, volunteerism, the environment, overcoming adversity, or making a difference. For nomination forms and details, visit https://cfsea.ca/top-7-70. You can also talk to Margie Booyens, who is one of the ambassadors of this 2026 award.Deadline for submission of nominations: June 30, 2026.
CANADA DAY CAKE CUTTING: Sharon Hayward confirmed that our club will be participating in the Canada Day festivities, by cutting birthday cake in the park. The approximate times are 1 - 3pm, although a few folks will be need for setup and cleanup. A volunteer list will come out in the next week or so, so check your schedule for this fun event to begin the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
Family of Rotary:
There were no updates on Rotarians at today's meeting..
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.
