Rotary Weekly News - Feb 2, 2026 (Feb 02, 2026)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As usual, President Milan got our noon meeting off to a good, uniting start, by asking all to rise and to join in the singing of O Canada.

Introduction of guests: Isadora Brum Nesi, NGSE participant from Brazil, was introduced by Host Mom Nadia Deenen. Isa was our guest speaker today (see STORY section of this newsletter).

President Milan then focused on the Rotary International theme for February, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution.

He read excerpts from the article by Alison Sutherland, titled 'It's Foundational', in the February issue of ROTARY.

The article sets out eight Pillars of Positive Peace, developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The author writes: "it's not a stretch to think that these pillars could be incorporated not just into our peacebuilding efforts but into any of our service projects".

Just to whet your appetite, dear readers, these are the eight pillars, more of which you can read about in the article:

Free flow of communication; equitable distribution of resources; acceptance of the rights of others; good relations with neighbours; well-functioning government; high levels of human capital; and low levels of corruption.

[Note from the editor: Happy reading! This article is really helpful in getting our thinking and planning in alignment with the February theme of Peace Building and Conflict Resolution]

Next on the agenda of this February Business Meeting:

Members were delighted to witness President Milan presenting Rotarian Kitt Brand with a certificate of appreciation, from the Rotary Club of Kyiv-Capital (D2232) in the Ukraine, in recognition of her outstanding support of Ukrainians struggling in their fight for freedom of choice and human dignity.

Way to go, Kitt! Congratulations! - and thank you for your amazing ongoing and tireless involvement and support, together with other Rotarians in our District, of the Ukranian people. You make a significant difference.

Members then took in a February 2026 RI video recording, which shared information on a Peace Project. Have a look on YouTube, In the Zone, Rotary Zones 28 & 32, February 2026.

Gail Haldeman handed out business cards of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association, members of which are Districts 5080, 5360, 5360 (that's us!), and 5390. Become more familiar with this Association by tapping the following links: www.watertonglacierpeacepark.org. and http://www.facebook.com/WGIPPA.

The spotlight then fell on Isadora, our NGSE participant from Brazil. Please see in STORY section of this newsletter.

More Club business followed Isa's presentation:

Treasurer Gail Halderman announced that due to the increase in the cost of the food provided to members during the noon Monday meetings, by Core, that the meeting fee would be going up from $10 to $15 from Monday 16 February. It was noted that members could pay in cash (preferred!) or via Gail's card machine.

Members were delighted to be seated at round tables - this shape so much more conducive to eye contact and discussions than the old rectangular tables. The amount our Club contributed to the purchasing of these tables was mentioned.

Polio Plus Society Membership: the challenge from District 5360 to Clubs is that 20% of club members become members of this Society (USD100 membership fee). Fact is that over 50% members of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat have joined! This equates to another certificate for our Club. Well done, to those who have joined! We hope more will do likewise!

ROTARY AT DISTRICT LEVEL

Members were again encouraged to register for and attend the District 5360 conference, taking place in Red Deer from 1-3 May. Treasurer Gail suggested those attending book into the same hotel, so as to be able to socialize as a group. The Holiday Inn Express on 50th was proposed.

Kitt Brand mentioned that there would be a display of Rotary intervention (projects) connected to the Ukraine at DisCon.

President Milan highlighted the dueling piano performance on the first evening of DisCon and the House of Friendship.

See more in the MINUTES in the MEETING NEWS section of this newsletter.

ROTARY AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Gail reminded members that the next RI Convention will be in Taipei, from 13-17 June. He encourage those attending to let the Board know.

See more in the MINUTES in the MEETING NEWS section of this newsletter.

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. Construction is currently focusing on the expansion of the stage, to allow larger music events to occur. The old marquee sign will also be updated over the coming months.

Dave Panabaker included this photo of the stage area in our Weekly News a few weeks ago:

Our club's Projects & Programs Committee and Board has approved partnering with Saamis to do another combined District Grant for the spring of 2026, to assist in the fundraising for the replacement of the roof.

The Monarch Theatre is the recipient of a Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant for $125,000 towards the roof replacement, so the project will likely proceed in the summer of this year.

Subsequent images show the great progress being made with the expansion of the stage in the Monarch:

To stay up to date, consult The Monarch website at:

https://themonarchtheatre.ca

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).

ISADORA IN MEDICINE HAT

23 year old Isadora Brum Nesi is in Medicine Hat for 20 of her 40 day New Generations Service Exchange (NGSE) program in District 5360.

She has a degree in law and works in her father's law firm in Francisco Beltrao in the state of Parana, in Brazil.

Isa also has a degree in physical education, qualifying as a Personal Trainer.

This was her first long trip alone - but not her first to Canada. She spend a few weeks in Vancouver a year or two ago, doing a course in English.

Isa's presentation during our noon meeting on 2 February included interesting information and images of Brazil, including famous land sites, festivals and food.

Isa shared information and images of her family - parents and younger brother - and her pet dog! - as well as various projects in which she is involved.

While in Medicine Hat (and Redcliff), Isa has had exposure to the many services of the YMCA, including the Teen Drop-in on a Friday evening, two child care facilities, and the Y Treasure Thrift store on 3rd.

Isa is also spending time with ED Janae Ulrich and the staff, volunteers and young people of the Redcliff Youth Centre.

In all these settings, Isa is sharing her vocational knowledge (physical education), and is learning from the people with whom she is having contact.

Great cultural experiences are happening every day, including in the homes (and kitchens!) of her host families, the Cruciuns and the Deenens.

One example of the humanitarian service part of her NGSE program is the afternoon Isa spent at St Barnabus, helping with the Saturday Meal Program.

On Sunday, Isa says goodbye to Medicine Hat and heads to Canmore where she will likely be bowled over by the beauty of the Rockies in winter and a range of winter sports - not familiar to most Brazilians! We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Canmore, specifically Vi and to Gloria who are hosting Isa.

Her final week in our District will be with Rotarian Joanne Van Donzel of the Rotary Club of High River, in High River, where her exposure to physical education will be at schools and other locations.

After 40 days, Isa will head back to Brazil - with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained during her New Generations Service Exchange program, and (we have been told!) with the dream of one day emigrating to Canada!

The NGSE changes the lives of young adults! Please help us find local 18-30 year olds who are interested in spending between 3 weeks and 3 months in a country of their choice, being exposed to their career in their country of destination, getting involved in service projects through Rotary, and having lots of cultural fun! It's a great way of contributing to global peace and understanding. Email: newgenerations@rotary5360.ca

Meeting Information

ATTENDANCE: Today's meeting was attended by 25 members, one guest, and one online.

GUESTS:

Guest speaker Isadora Brum Nesi from District 4640 in Brazil

MEETING DRAW:

Brad Shave was the lucky winner of the weekly draw. His prize was a mug with pen.

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:

Robert Shepard - February 17
Margie Booyens - February 29

Rotary Anniversaries:

Martin, Gregg - 35 years - Feb. 01 1991
Mazerolle, Marg - 34 years - Feb. 01 1992
Shanbhag, Manali - 1 year - Feb. 10 2025

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR FEBRUARY 2025:

The February Rose Runner is Mihaela Cracium.

MINUTE REMINDERS:

A reminder that our District is invited to participate in Zone 28 new member orientation webinars:

New Member Orientation Webinars

We are excited to share the dates for this year’s New Member Orientation webinars. These fast-paced, informative sessions are ideal not only for new members but for any Rotarian who wants to learn more about our amazing organization. The first was held on October 21. Another on January 21. Coming up:

Save the Date (7:30 pm EST):

Thursday, April 23

Click here to join the webinars

WHY ROTARY The 2026 Why Rotary event will be held on April 29 in the Stampede Ballroom - and event for and with all local Rotary clubs. Tickets this year will be $20 and will include appetizers, not a full meal.
BINGO UPDATE: Anne Carrier was the winner of the guess pot during the bingo session on 29 January.
SATURDAY MEAL PROGRAM: A reminder that Lionel Brideson has invited members to offer hands-on help any Saturday afternoon during the Saturday Meal Program at St Barnabas Church on 4th Street SE. He said the number of homeless people or people just needing a meal, ranges from 80-170 each week.
2026 ROTARY CLUB 1000 RAFFLE IN SUPPORT OF THE ROTARY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Anne Carrier encouraged members to get their allocation of raffle tickets sold asap. Our commitment to the Rotary Music Festival for 2026 is $32,000 and this raffle contributes most of those funds. A reminder to sellers that our email address for the raffle has been set up for e-transfers, however please to follow the rules for such a transaction, otherwise it may be difficult to tell where the money is coming from.
ROTARY MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERING: A schedule has been emailed to members. A reminder to all, please to have a look and to pick opportunities to volunteer during the two week festival.
MONARCH THEATRE AGM: The AGM for the Monarch Theatre Society was held on Thursday January 22, at 7:00 pm, at the theatre. Lots of progress has and is being made on roof funding, stage, and front door. Janessa has written the AGM minutes which can be found on the Monarch website.
2026 ROTARY DISTRICT 5360 CONFERENCE: Registration for the District Conference, in Red Deer, AB is now available on the District website and there is an “early bird” discount. Check it out at: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50011/events/district-conference-2026
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION: For those who like to venture a little further, the Rotary International Convention is in Taipei, Taiwan.

Family of Rotary:

Members were happy to hear that Jane MacKay has moved into Masterpiece, same location as Sandy. Great that they are now in the same facility. Both would be happy to receive visitors.

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.