Rotary Weekly News - Nov 17, 2025 (Nov. 17, 2025)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

President Milan returns! The club is happy to welcome him back from his convalescence and see him walking amongst us!

(Still looking dapper as ever!)

After leading us in O Canada, President Milan introduced today's guests:

Lisa Dressler - SE Alberta Chamber of Commerce

Brad Shave - Cypress Club

President Milan ended his welcoming remarks reading an award winning essay titled "Peace in an Interconnected World" by MaryJane Klunder of Georgian Bluffs, a Rotary Exchange student sponsored by Southampton Rotary Club.

Klunder won first place out of more than 450 entries from 41 countries for her essay on international peace. It is well worth the read and can be found at : https://saugeentimes.com/peace-in-an-interconnected-world-the-thoughts-of-a-young-award-winning-rotary-exchange-student/

"I choose to go about the world with open eyes: To travel, to read, to talk, to listen, to watch because I know if I do that, I will be less ignorant of the suffering of others, and in turn, contribute to peace." - MaryJane Klunder (2025)

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION

Our club had the privilege of welcoming two new members today!

Lisa Dressler was sponsored by President Milan and Brad Shave is sponsored by Past President Mike Christie.

Welcome to Rotary Lisa and Brad!

SPECIAL SAAMIS ROTARY MEETING

Members of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat are invited to a special meeting of the Saamis Rotary Club, taking place on Thursday November 20th, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Cypress Club. A special dinner is being prepared by the club at a cost of $25.00 and the sole purpose of the meeting is to discuss the future of the Monarch Theatre.

The building is slowly being repaired and progress is being made, but work must now shift to making the venue a profitable endeavour, and specifically filling the seats for two "in-person" events that are occurring later this month or early December.

If you can attend, please contact either Brian Robinson with Saamis Rotary or Brad Shave at the Cypress Club.

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).

SE Alberta Chamber of Commerce

SE Alberta Chamber of Commerce

Lisa Dressler shared an update on the Chamber with us in its 125^th year as an organization in Medicine Hat. The Chamber currently has 866 total members of which 157 are new members. The Chamber has member programs that offer member - member perks as well as direct member benefits.

The Chamber functions primarily as an advocate for area businesses at local, provincial and federal levels. Chamber staff and volunteers spent 1610 hours of advocacy work to produce 3 policy wins, attend 112 government meetings and 15 advocacy events. The Chamber supports industry, in part by bringing people together to share ideas, solve problems and build relationships through groups such as:

Energy Transition Working Group
Urban Development Industry
Agriculture Roundtables
Aerospace Roundtables
Large Industrial Manufacturers
Executive Director Network
Health & Wellness

The Chamber hosted 99 events with 1753 attendees and participated in 291 community calendar events. The Chamber organizes the annual trade shows in Medicine Hat and Brooks, which are a successful way for businesses to showcase their products and services.

The Chamber also publishes a regular newsletter called "The Voice" which is available for anyone to read. It can be viewed at https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/news/the-voice/

In its 125th year, the SE Alberta Chamber of Commerce has had some notable achievements, including:

Hosted the ACC AGM, with 201 attendees
Unveiled “Commerce Way”
Started the Legacy Fund
Top 10 Fastest Growing Chambers in Canada - Placing #5
2024 Chamber of the Year Award

Meeting Information

ATTENDANCE: 23 members attended in person and a total of 2 guests.

GUESTS:

Brad Shave, a "Rotarian in waiting"
Lisa Dressler - SE Alberta Chamber of Commerce

MEETING DRAW: We had one draw today. Dawn Barr won a bottle of authentic Italian Limoncello! Yummmm! (I hope - I've never tried it!)

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:

Dave Stalwick: November 8
Brent Secondiak: November 19

Rotary Anniversaries:

Doug Fleming 42 years Nov 07, 1983
Siegfried Kappler 39 years Nov 01, 1976
Milan Vujovic 18 years Nov 26, 2007

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR NOVEMBER 2025 IS:

The November Rose Runner is Gwen Dirk!

MINUTES

Terry reported on Freewheel open house on Saturday. Not as good as result in terms of moving bikes out but some bikes will be donated to Y Treasure and program will operate on Saturdays going forward to take advantage of interest from newer volunteers. Send recent FB reel about Project Freewheel to all of your FB friends….spread the word!

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:

Save the Dates (all at 7:30 pm EST):

Wednesday, January 21

Thursday, April 23

Click here to join the webinars

BINGO: Next bingo is on Wednesday evening, November 26th. Fully staffed!

THE LOBSTER MOBSTERS MINI MOBSTERS FUNDRAISER: Dawn Barr reminded everyone that they have until December 8th to order and take part in this fundraiser. Orders can be placed online at
- https://fundraising.thelobstermobsters.com/order/430
The Rotary Club and the YMCA, as well as Saamis Immigration are cooperating on a joint clothing project for winter wear.

The Club Christmas party will be held on Monday 1 December from 5:30pm in the Ballroom at the Stampede Grounds. Open to family, friends and prospective members. Cash bar and dinner served at 6 pm. Tickets are $35 each. Pay cash at a meeting or e-transfer to Odessa Vermee at DESSY10@Telus.net . Two members are needed to greet at the door and take tickets. Anyone interested in assisting in this regard are asked to contact Margie B. This group currently comprises: President Milan, Board member Stan Sakamoto, Gwen Dirk, Susan Sakamoto, Sharon Hayward and Margie Booyens. There will NOT be a moon meeting this day!

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING - Sign up sheets were available at the meeting and online registration has been sent out. We are doing both doors at Walmart, on two different days. Friday November 28 or Tuesday December 16th. If you need assistance contact Lionel Brideson who is organizing the support for the Salvation Army. Some help is still needed if you are able to assist!

MH SINGS, community choir will be performing on Sunday November 23rd at 5th Ave United Church, at 2 pm. Margie Booyens invited everyone to attend.

The All Club Christmas Party will be held at Desert Blume. $50 per ticket paid at the door. Dave will send out invite as head count needed.
Ukraine Support - update from Kitt B. A significant need right now is electrical generators for schools and shelters as Russia is targeting infrastructure in Ukraine. Opportunities to donate and financially support this need are now available.
Motion Committee - Motion Committee recently met online. Challenge ahead – raising Rotary profile and educating younger people around the idea of what Service Clubs mean.
New Board Member - Lionel will be in charge of youth and education services.

Family of Rotary:

John John is back home at the Masterpiece! Yay! Way to go John John!

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.

Milan ended the meeting by sharing an overview of Rotary activities in MH since 1930. Was an impressive recounting of the many contributions the Rotary Club has made to MH over the years and ended the meeting imparting feelings of pride for the legacy we are a part of and hope for what we may accomplish in the future! Stay safe friends!