Today's meeting was chaired by Club Secretary Doug Fleming, and was a busy event. We were delighted to have several important events to complete over this lunch hour.
All of us will know someone who is affected by the terrible wildfires in Australia. Rotary International has set up a donation location so that Rotarians can help through the Rotary Foundation. The link to the site is https://donations.rawcs.com.au/68-2019-20 .
Past District Governor Sandy Mackay was very pleased to present recognition to Sig Kappler and Gail Halderman, for their continued support of the Rotary Foundation. Projects like the one that Wayne Chesley is speaking about today are only possible with the contributions of Rotarians around the world to keep the Foundation active. Thanks!
Rotary Club "What-z New":
The catering options at the Medicine Hat Lodge are changing, and will affect our lunch time meal. An explanation of the options and a opinion questionnaire has been sent out to all Rotarians.
Promotion of the Rotary Club will be the focus of a new committee that Heather Bach is working on. Everything from Social Media, the Club Newsletter, and other in the community appearances, will help lift the profile of the club in the community.
Rotary Club Membership Update:
Induction of New members was a one of the highlights of this meeting. Today Igor Grujic, accompanied by his sponsor Milan Vujovic and Peter Mueller accompanied by his sponsor Margie Booyens, were inducted into the Rotary family. The induction was done by Past President Terry Brekko. Welcome Igor and Peter and we look forward to getting to know them and to their contributions to our club and the community in the future.
Watch this space in the future for more membership information.
Rotary Club Information:
Upcoming meetings:
See the club calendar adjacent or the club website.
Housekeeping:
Please bring club draw items. It is an important part of our meeting and funds to run the club.
If you have a Meeting Minute, please send President Margie a note (email, phone, in-person)
Board minutes can be found on ClubRunner, under Club Documents.
Upcoming Rotary Club. District and International Events:
Wayne Chesley took the podium today and presented a slide show on a trip to Calcutta India in 2008. Sandy & Jane Mackay, Joe & Vicki Hrankowski and Wayne & Bernice Chesley travelled to Calcutta India to review the scope and impact of the 3H project organized by our club and the Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan.
Our club raised approximately $6,000 and with the matching of funds through the process were able to give $48,000 to the project. Rotary International contributed $300,000. Wayne reviewed the devastating conditions in the villages prior to the start of the project and talked about the impact of the trip on the villagers and on the Medicine Hat Rotarians. A copy of the presentation is stored in the Club Documents section of our website.
Rotary was able to provide;
An eye clinic
Vaccinations
Specialized health clinics
A school
Microcredit for over 500 people
A number of fresh water wells for village health
450 toilet installations.
11,000 fruit bearing trees, for food and sale.
And a road to connect the villages in all weather conditions, named "The Paul Harris Road"
The Calcutta newspaper printed a big article about the project once it was complete and the best quote from the write was "Rotarians won the hearts of 50,000 villagers.
A wonderful presentation with great pictures and a reminder to us that Rotary IS International and "doing good in the world"....thanks Wayne!
Rotarians who attended the Saturday evening bingo were credited.
Family of Rotary:
Welcome back to Adolf Seiler, who is healing up from his "busted wing".
Minute People:
Dave Panabaker left sign up sheets at the club meeting for selling tickets at the Medicine Hat Mall, on Sat Feb 8 and Sat Feb 22. An updated list of available spaces will be provided this week.
Mike Christie advised that the next New Member Orientation will take place on Feb 21, at the Brand residence beginning at 5:00 pm.
Milan Vujovic mentioned that registration for the music festival is now closed and they are hoping for a great turnout.
Dawn Barr mentioned that the Rotary Social Club sign up sheet was circulating at this meeting again, if you are interested in being contacted about fun events, please sign up. The first get together is Friday Jan 31, at the Garage Pub after our MH Hospital visit.
Glen Pressley mentioned he has a new solicitation letter for tickets if anyone needs it. As well, they are looking at a cutoff for Club 1000 tickets at about Monday February 24th. Approximately 1/5 of the tickets have been sold and returned so far, keep up the good work.
Heather Bach is working on a Promotions committee, incorporating our social media, newsletter and other forms of communication, with the idea that it can help raise our community profile. Please see Heather if you can help.
President Margie also reminded everyone that the annual Rotary District conference is May 1 - 3, in Calgary and will feature curler Rick Gushue as a Saturday noon hour speaker. Sign up for the conference is done through the conference website at:http://discon5360.ca .
President Margie also mentioned that the Centennial celebration of the Swift Current Rotary Club is Saturday May 23, more info to come soon. As well, our annual visit to Athletic Park, to take in a Medicine Hat Mavericks game will be Friday June 19th, we have reserved the "dugout deck" for that evening.
Margie also reminded everyone that next week's meeting is a business meeting, with tables themed for our area's of service (club, community, promotions, youth, etc ). Please sit with the Director at any table that interests you and contribute to the discussion.
We wanted to advertise a couple of great opportunities to support and socialize within the Rotary Family.
The last winner of the Rosebowl, Soren Lorentzen is having a recital on Sunday, January 26....definitely a chance to enjoy some great music.
As well, Susan Sakamoto is having a public reception for her new exhibit at the Esplanade Art Gallery on Friday January 31st, starting at 7 pm. The exhibit is entitled "Boro", please take the opportunity to enjoy this as well.
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