President Milan welcomed everyone and led us in a rendition of O' Canada.
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. Some of the upcoming events are highlighted below.
To stay completely up to date, consult The Monarch website at
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).
Instead of a scheduled speaker, the main meeting activity today was a group activity to promote fellowship and friendship. Past President Mike Christie facilitated the activity that saw all of the members in attendance share a favorite Christmas memory or tradition in their family. A few of the memories shared were...
"As a child, in our home only one gift was opened on Christmas eve....it was always pajamas that surprisingly always fit!" - Terry B.
"In Quebec, meat pies and caroling were always favorite activities....the meat pies were thick and full of different meats!" - Alain G.
"One Christmas eve when I was a child, I awoke to a racket. I went downstairs to find my relatives playing with a table top hockey set....one that mysteriously wound up under the tree for me in the morning!" - Lionel B.
"Christmas was not openly celebrated in the communist country I grew up in. But when able, I loved going to Midnight Mass with my mom...." - Milan V.
"One year, my brother and I got a little too curious for our own good and when mom and dad were out of the house, we went searching for our Christmas gifts. We weren't as clever as we thought when we put them back and Santa truly does see everything, for when we opened the gifts on Christmas day, to our shock and horror we found not the gifts we so craftily sought out, but rocks! Nothing good comes from playing with rocks!" - Kevin W.
All of the members shared warm memories and family traditions. Some traditions have carried on through generations and some have changed over the years....it matters not if we have people we love to share them with. May the blessings of the season be upon you and your families be safe. Not everyone celebrates Christmas or even celebrates it for the same reasons, but regardless this time of year is known for its compassion and generosity. AS we move into 2026, please keep the spirit of community and generosity glowing within and shared with those around you!
There was not a formal agenda today. After a quick review of the usual minute items, a group activity was shared.
Minute items reviewed:
Message from Lobster Mobster….the total order is coming today. Will be available at the Cypress Club for pick up or ? delivery. Call Cypress Club Mgr – Brad Shave at the Cypress Club for pick up.
Bingo 2 events in November – 2 x 1480 checks to us
Next bingo evening Jan 4
Margie is reminding everyone in the kindest possible way to submit feedback re Christmas party.
Raffle tickets for the Rotary Festival are available. Nadia will deliver ticket packages that weren’t picked up at today’s meeting.
Milan is looking for someone to take over the Dinner Club in January. Please reach out if willing!
Donations are still being accepted through Calgary Rotary North for generators in Ukraine.
Notice of Motion outstanding – Terry C motion to fund 1535 for a documentary presentation at the Monarch in support on Manali’s project. Vote carried in support.
No meeting next week – Jan 5 is next meeting
ATTENDANCE: 15 members in person + 3 on line
GUESTS:
No guests today
MEETING DRAW:
Dave P won chocolates and Glen P won a large bar of chocolate!!
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:
Kitt Brand December 28
Sieg Kappler January 1
Dick Northcott January 13.
Mark Sorenson January 23.
Melanie Harty January 25.
Jim White January 31.
Rotary Anniversaries:
Gail Halderman 30 years Jan 01, 1996
Debra Best 30 years Jan 08, 1996
Peter Mueller 6 years Jan 20, 2020.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR DECEMBER 2025:
The December Rose Runner is Tarek Williams.
MINUTE REMINDERS
02 JANUARY 2026
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. Coming up:
NEXT BINGO SESSIONS: Sunday January 4, 2026 evening; Thursday January 29, 2026 evening. Please see email sent out by Dave P, with bingo session dates up to the end of June 2026.:
2026 Rotary CLUB 1000 Raffle, in support of the Music Festival: Tarek Williams advised that he has received the AGLC licence for this years raffle. The tickets will hopefully be available for sale before Christmas.
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, the YMCA and Saamis Immigration Association are cooperating on a joint clothing project for winter wear.
Update from Y Treasure Thrift Store: Winter Clothing Support for Newcomers
We wanted to share the latest on our collaborative effort with Saamis Immigration and the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat to support newcomers in our community.
Thanks to Rotary’s help in promoting and sourcing donations, we’ve seen a steady flow of winter clothing coming into the Thrift Store. These contributions are making a real difference for families arriving in Medicine Hat during the coldest months. We have received plenty of winter coats, but still need boots, ski pants, mitts/gloves, toques, and scarves.
Y Treasure Thrift Store has provided Saamis Immigration with several gift cards to distribute to their participants. These cards give newcomers the flexibility to purchase winter clothing or other essential household items they need to settle comfortably.
Saamis Immigration is planning to distribute gift cards as they welcome new families this week, with more scheduled to arrive in the new year. This means the need for warm clothing and household essentials will continue to grow. Your ongoing support in securing donations is vital to ensuring these families feel welcomed and cared for.
Thank you, Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, for your commitment to this initiative and for helping us create a warm start for newcomers in our community.
RECENT CLUB CHRISTMAS GATHERING: Gwen Dirk and Margie Booyens would love to hear your feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism related to our Club Christmas Dinner Party held on 1 December. Gwen has sent out a short electronic survey. Please complete it at your earliest convenience. Hard copies of the questions were handed out during our meeting at the Veiner Centre today. Hard copies will be handed out again during our last meeting of the year - Monday 22 December - for the convenience of those who have not yet responded.
CLUBRUNNER NOVA TRAINING - Our club operating software will undergo a significant upgrade over the Christmas holidays. A webinar to help all members navigate this new environment was held on Tuesday Dec 2, 2025. It was attended by Dave Panabaker who will be taking the upgrading process forward, in consultation with President Milan. A presentation at a noon club meeting will be scheduled in the New Year, once the transition is complete.
TEAM FREEWHEEL WORKING SESSIONS: The group refurbishing bikes will now be meeting on Saturdays so as to accommodate as many volunteers as possible. One does not need bike mechanical experience since help is needed to organize part bins, and to take wheels, handle bar grips, petals, etc. off bikes being stripped for parts. Doug F, Ken Z and Peter M will be the contact people over the winter while Terry C is away.
Ukraine Support- There is a significant need right now for electrical generators for schools and shelters in the Ukraine, as Russia is targeting infrastructure in Ukraine. Opportunities to donate and financially support this need are now available. Please contact Kitt Brand in this regard.
Family of Rotary:
A significant update on Sandy and Jane MacKay. Jane is in a community bed (No. 311) in St Josephs Home. She would appreciate a text or a visit anytime. Sandy has moved on Monday to a transition bed in the Long Term Care wing of Masterpiece. He will be there over the holidays until he moves into his permanent room in that facility (Room 222). He would also love visitors.
Ian McLaughlin is now at home, after a little back and forth to the hospital. If you are in the neighbourhood, please stop by.
Rotarian Marg Mazerolle, now relocated to Strathmore, was visited by President Milan and Almira over this past weekend. She has settled in and is adjusting to her new lifestyle. She was delighted to receive Milan and Almira and asked all about our Club! Visits from members would be greatly appreciated! Her address is: AgeCare Sagewood, 140 Cambridge Glen Drive, Strathmore, T1P 0E6. Her room number is 3133. The phone number of AgeCare is 403-361-8252.
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.
There was not a formal agenda today. After a quick review of the usual minute items, a group activity was shared.
Minute items reviewed:
Message from Lobster Mobster….the total order is coming today. Will be available at the Cypress Club for pick up or ? delivery. Call Cypress Club Mgr – Brad Shave at the Cypress Club for pick up.
Bingo 2 events in November – 2 x 1480 checks to us
Next bingo evening Jan 4
Margie is reminding everyone in the kindest possible way to submit feedback re Christmas party.
Raffle tickets for the Rotary Festival are available. Nadia will deliver ticket packages that weren’t picked up at today’s meeting.
Milan is looking for someone to take over the Dinner Club in January. Please reach out if willing!
Donations are still being accepted through Calgary Rotary North for generators in Ukraine.
Notice of Motion outstanding – Terry C motion to fund 1535 for a documentary presentation at the Monarch in support on Manali’s project. Vote carried in support.
No meeting next week – Jan 5 is next meeting
ATTENDANCE: 15 members in person + 3 on line
GUESTS:
No guests today
MEETING DRAW:
Dave P won chocolates and Glen P won a large bar of chocolate!!
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:
Kitt Brand December 28
Sieg Kappler January 1
Dick Northcott January 13.
Mark Sorenson January 23.
Melanie Harty January 25.
Jim White January 31.
Rotary Anniversaries:
Gail Halderman 30 years Jan 01, 1996
Debra Best 30 years Jan 08, 1996
Peter Mueller 6 years Jan 20, 2020.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR DECEMBER 2025:
The December Rose Runner is Tarek Williams.
MINUTE REMINDERS
02 JANUARY 2026
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. Coming up:
NEXT BINGO SESSIONS: Sunday January 4, 2026 evening; Thursday January 29, 2026 evening. Please see email sent out by Dave P, with bingo session dates up to the end of June 2026.:
2026 Rotary CLUB 1000 Raffle, in support of the Music Festival: Tarek Williams advised that he has received the AGLC licence for this years raffle. The tickets will hopefully be available for sale before Christmas.
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, the YMCA and Saamis Immigration Association are cooperating on a joint clothing project for winter wear.
Update from Y Treasure Thrift Store: Winter Clothing Support for Newcomers
We wanted to share the latest on our collaborative effort with Saamis Immigration and the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat to support newcomers in our community.
Thanks to Rotary’s help in promoting and sourcing donations, we’ve seen a steady flow of winter clothing coming into the Thrift Store. These contributions are making a real difference for families arriving in Medicine Hat during the coldest months. We have received plenty of winter coats, but still need boots, ski pants, mitts/gloves, toques, and scarves.
Y Treasure Thrift Store has provided Saamis Immigration with several gift cards to distribute to their participants. These cards give newcomers the flexibility to purchase winter clothing or other essential household items they need to settle comfortably.
Saamis Immigration is planning to distribute gift cards as they welcome new families this week, with more scheduled to arrive in the new year. This means the need for warm clothing and household essentials will continue to grow. Your ongoing support in securing donations is vital to ensuring these families feel welcomed and cared for.
Thank you, Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, for your commitment to this initiative and for helping us create a warm start for newcomers in our community.
RECENT CLUB CHRISTMAS GATHERING: Gwen Dirk and Margie Booyens would love to hear your feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism related to our Club Christmas Dinner Party held on 1 December. Gwen has sent out a short electronic survey. Please complete it at your earliest convenience. Hard copies of the questions were handed out during our meeting at the Veiner Centre today. Hard copies will be handed out again during our last meeting of the year - Monday 22 December - for the convenience of those who have not yet responded.
CLUBRUNNER NOVA TRAINING - Our club operating software will undergo a significant upgrade over the Christmas holidays. A webinar to help all members navigate this new environment was held on Tuesday Dec 2, 2025. It was attended by Dave Panabaker who will be taking the upgrading process forward, in consultation with President Milan. A presentation at a noon club meeting will be scheduled in the New Year, once the transition is complete.
TEAM FREEWHEEL WORKING SESSIONS: The group refurbishing bikes will now be meeting on Saturdays so as to accommodate as many volunteers as possible. One does not need bike mechanical experience since help is needed to organize part bins, and to take wheels, handle bar grips, petals, etc. off bikes being stripped for parts. Doug F, Ken Z and Peter M will be the contact people over the winter while Terry C is away.
Ukraine Support- There is a significant need right now for electrical generators for schools and shelters in the Ukraine, as Russia is targeting infrastructure in Ukraine. Opportunities to donate and financially support this need are now available. Please contact Kitt Brand in this regard.
Family of Rotary:
A significant update on Sandy and Jane MacKay. Jane is in a community bed (No. 311) in St Josephs Home. She would appreciate a text or a visit anytime. Sandy has moved on Monday to a transition bed in the Long Term Care wing of Masterpiece. He will be there over the holidays until he moves into his permanent room in that facility (Room 222). He would also love visitors.
Ian McLaughlin is now at home, after a little back and forth to the hospital. If you are in the neighbourhood, please stop by.
Rotarian Marg Mazerolle, now relocated to Strathmore, was visited by President Milan and Almira over this past weekend. She has settled in and is adjusting to her new lifestyle. She was delighted to receive Milan and Almira and asked all about our Club! Visits from members would be greatly appreciated! Her address is: AgeCare Sagewood, 140 Cambridge Glen Drive, Strathmore, T1P 0E6. Her room number is 3133. The phone number of AgeCare is 403-361-8252.
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.
