Rotary Weekly News - July 21, 2025 (Jul. 21, 2025)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It wasn't really the kind of meeting for a "message" from the President, but although the weather was a little "iffy", Medicine Hat Rotarians celebrated the beginning of stampede week, as well as Rotary Park with a noon hour visit to the park.

President Milan Vujovic welcomed everyone and encouraged all members to get out and enjoy the Stampede events this week, including the parade on Thursday morning.

President Milan encouraged everyone to attend next week's meeting at CORE, where a former President of our Interact Club, and a Rosebowl winner, Anjali Mishra will be speaking about her work with refugees in Egypt and Jordan.

Rotary Club "What-z New":

At last weeks meeting, President Milan shared news of the new board and new appointees:

Club Services - Stan Sakamoto
Projects and Programs - Terry Cooper
Youth and Vocation - Anne Carrier
Membership & Recruitment - Mike Christie
RI Foundation and Fundraising - Gail Halderman
Promotion and Marketing - Bruce Sheppard
Directors at large Brent Secondiak and Nadia Deenen

President Milan was also pleased to announce that Odessa Vermee will be organizing some Rotary social events this year, and that Alain Guerard has agreed to take over from Doug Fleming as club secretary.

Rotary Club Information:

Housekeeping:
- We are looking for volunteers for desk reception at our Monday meetings.

Rotary District 5360 and Rotary International News

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.

Stan Sakamoto attended the July 15th meeting of the Friends of the Monarch, and advised that the Monarch is closed until October, for renovations to the stage, the marquee and replacement of the roof. The plan is to be back in operation in the fall, with both live music performances, movies and some other entertainment.

The stage will be significantly enlarged, and handicap accessible seating and other modifications will be completed.

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).

Rotary in Rotary Park

Every year, on the Monday of Medicine Hat Stampede week, the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat meets in Rotary Park.

We meet there to celebrate the Park, which is beautifully kept by the City Parks Department and also was the site of the Rotary Pool. The pool was a major project for the club in the 1930's and was the first concrete, in ground pool in Medicine Hat. It was a social hub for kids in the community for decades and taught many how to swim.

Meeting News

GUESTS:

No guests today, although Joan Fleming did drop by!

ATTENDANCE:

19 members attended in the park.

MEETING DRAW:

No draw today.

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:

Jillian Koch July 19
Marg Mazerolle July 24

Rotary Anniversaries:

Sandy MacKay 48 years July 01 1977
Jim White 46 years July 01 1979
Kitt Brand 16 years July 29 2009
Glen Presley 10 years July 27 2015
Margie Booyens 9 years July 04 2016
Lionel Brideson 1 year July 08 2024
Kevin Walcer 1 year July 08 2024
Mihaela Craciun 1 year July 08 2024
Odessa Vermee 1 year July 08 2024
Sharon Hayward 1 year July 29 2024

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR JULY 2025

Anne Carrier

Minutes

BINGO UPDATES:

Our next bingo is Sunday evening July 27th, and we are still looking for one volunteer.

ROSE RUNNERS FOR 25-26

Anne Carrier was happy to report that she has a complete year of Rose Runners filled. Many thanks to those who are sharing this Rotary fellowship.

MEETING FRONT DESK INVITATION TO SHARE IDEAS FOR OUR CLUB

Dave Stalwyck is looking to build a team roster for the front desk duties so expertly carried out previously by John John. It would be nice to have at least four members who would become familiar with the process.

EMPRESS ART AT SAGEBRUSH STUDIOS

On 16 August, the Sagebrush Studios is welcoming our club to visit and appreciate the arts exhibits. Members can car pool. Margie Booyens has sent out signup invitations, so have a look for this great social event.

UPDATED CLUB BYLAWS

Mike Christie and Doug Fleming, by notice of motion, advised the club that an updated set of bylaws. The bylaws were emailed to all in preparation for the vote at the July 28 meeting. Members are asked to read and be ready for any discussion and vote.

INVITATION FROM SAAMIS ROTARY:

Saamis Rotary has reserved one of the patio's at the Medicine Hat Mavericks game for Friday evening, July 25th. The Mav's are playing the Regina Red Sox and the first pitch is at 7:05 pm. The weather looks great and if you are looking for something to do that "isn't" at Stampede, check this out. Cost is $39.00 per person, for a ticket, a beverage and a burger. Please contact Sharon McDonnell with Saamis at 403.502.2383 or sharon51@telus.net

ROTARY WATERTON GLACIER PEACE PARK

There has been a change of date for the Peace Park weekend. It is now Sept 12 - 13, 2025 in Waterton.

Family of Rotary

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.