It was President Doug Fleming's first day "at the mic" for the start of his Rotary year. He said this is a team effort and he thanked Gail Halderman for filling in for him when he was sick last week.
Doug also mentioned that he was happy to see such a large turnout for the celebration of life for Jane Mackay last Friday. It was a very nice event and although it was sad to share such a loss with the boys and Rotarian Sandy, it was a comfort to know there were so many friends and family around.
Doug began the meeting somewhat differently this week, we recited the Rotary 4 Way Test. He believes we should keep things mixed up a bit, so we'll all have to be on our toes at the beginning of every meeting.
Doug also reminded us that each month the Rotary Foundation has a theme, for the work of Rotary is varied across the glove but there are 12 specific area's of focus. This month is "Maternal and Child Health."
For our first business meeting of the year, Doug led a discussion about membership, both how our club's has changed over the past year and how we can encourage and engage our members in activities and fellowship.
A number of views were presented, Doug spoke about the club strategic plan, which has been a guide for the last few presidents and although projects and programs are important, so is "fun". With fun in mind a number of suggestions for fellowship gatherings and events were proposed.
We can look forward to a very busy and exciting year.
Doug reminded everyone that yearly invoices are out, and hopefully will be paid promptly. These bills have already been paid to Rotary International, Rotary District 5360 and Clubrunner on your behalf, so the club funds get a little depleted at this time of year.
Doug also reminded everyone that next week is Medicine Hat Stampede, and to celebrate the Rotary Club is meeting in Rotary Park on Maple Ave. Bring a lawn chair, your lunch and sunshine...we meeting in the northwest corner of the Park, closest to the Rotary Arch entry.
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 currently closed for more renovations and will be re-opening near the end of July.
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.
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: During the noon meeting on Monday 29 June, the Club Program Committee handed out a summary of the 2025-2026 club program, as well as a five question survey. The committee is counting on receiving your responses to the five questions, to feed into the planning of the 2026-2027 program - many thanks! We will email these two documents to all members, so as to ensure we have feedback from all.
Milan Vujovic, our lucky Past President won a birdhouse kit and a jar of jam!
BIRTHDAYS:
Nadia Deenen - July 10
Debra Best - July 15
Jillian Koch - July 19
Marg Mazerolle - July 24
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
Sandy MacKay - 49 years - July 01, 1977
Jim White - 47 years - July 01, 1979
Kitt Brand - 17 years - July 29, 2009
Glen Presley - 11 years - July 27, 2015
Margie Booyens - 10 years - July 04, 2016
Lionel Brideson - 2 years - July 08, 2024
Kevin Walcer - 2 years - July 08, 2024
Mihaela Craciun - 2 years - July 08, 2024
Odessa Vermee - 2 years - July 09, 2024
Sharon Hayward - 2 years - July 29, 2024
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR JULY 2026:
The Rose Runner for July is ANNE CARRIER.
NEW MINUTES AND REMINDERS:
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.
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.
Program Committee Survey - Margie encourage those who have a survey to return the document with feedback on last year's program and ideas for this upcoming year. If you did not receive the survey, contact Margie and she will be sure to get you one!
Exchange Student - an exchange student from Brazil is coming in December-January. A third host family is needed for a 2 week period. Contact Margie for details.
BINGO: Dave Panabaker shared the results of the Bingo last Monday evening, and although they were particularly encouraging, we received checks for 2 events in June, which averaged $1,700/event. Anne Carrier won the guess pot and was promptly fined for a negative guess. This is still our largest fundraiser through the year, and everyone is encouraged to help out at a few. The next bingo is Wednesday evening, July 29th, from 5pm - 10pm.
E-RAFFLE: Alain Guerard intimated that he is looking into the possibility of an electronic raffle as a fund-raiser for our club. He will have more information by September.
TEAM FREEWHEEL: Terry Cooper advised that he will be speaking to the Medicine Hat Sunrise Rotary Club on Tuesday morning, July 21st about the bike program and will be encouraging participation in the repair process from members of other clubs.
Family of Rotary:
Nothing this week.
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.
