Today's business meeting was chaired by President Margie Booyens. The meeting was our monthly business meeting, and tables were set up for various areas of service both within the club and the community. Each table was asked to talk about suggestions and ideas for that particular area, and those idea's will be going back to the Board.
A lot of ideas and discussion was enjoyed and then the meeting was concluded with a quick summary of some of the discussion items from each table. A great way to learn and get engagement from our various areas of service. Our new Closed Facebook page can also be used to have these kind of "in the club" discussion, for those with an online presence.
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 . President Margie has been in touch with the other two local Rotary clubs and there will be an attempt to encourage a joint contribution from all three local clubs. How that will manifest iteself is still under discussion. Sean Blewett (Sunrise) and Karen Blewett (MH) have been asked to speak about their recent experience in Australia.
On this years theme of "Rotary Connects the World", Dave Panabaker passed on a photo of Rotarian Roger Roy, working hard in Mexico pouring a new wheelchair assessable ramp for a local school.
As well, some fun was had with three local Rotarians, who were busy on Sunday doing Music Festival advertising "in church" before the recital at St Barnabas Church. Great multitasking by these three.
President Margie also reminded the club that Thursday Feb 20th our club is scheduled to visit the Saamis Rotary club. Our club will not meet due to the Family Day holiday and it seemed like a great opportunity to visit our sister club. It is hoped that club co-President Jim Marshall will do a presentation on the recent Steam Engine donation to the Friends of Medalta.
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 some of the options and a opinion questionnaire has been sent out to all Rotarians. Heather Bach advised that the Board is considering alternatives and options, and for the month of February the lunch meal will be a simple soup and sandwich. A long term decision will be made next month.
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:
Membership Chair, Mike Christie advised the club last week that a new format, simpler and faster, will be used to bring on new members.
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:
Adolf Seiler announced several Rotarians and their families, that we will all keep in our thoughts and prayers in upcoming months.
Gregg Martin has advised Adolf that he is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, and is scheduled for surgery in mid February.
Gerry Nadeau will be undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer soon in Calgary.
POST MEETING NOTE: Glen Presley has been diagnosed with multiple melanoma, a blood cancer and his treatment plan is yet to be determined.
The whole club wishes these Rotarians the very best as they face these health challenges.
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.
John John reminded everyone to sign up for the volunteer spots at the Rotary Music Festival. Its coming up fast, starting on March 1.
Karen Blewett passed along an invitation for Rotarians to volunteer as judges at the CAPE School science fair, on Saturday Feb 29. Please get in touch with Karen if you are interested.
Heather Bach advised that our opportunity to view the Interact Room, on the pediatric ward at the hospital, is Friday Jan 31st at 4:00 pm. Following that there will be a social hour at the Garage Pub after our MH Hospital visit.
Heather also advised that she is tabulating the results of the survey on our meal options, and will let everyone know this week on a go forward plan for club meetings.
Glen Presley mentioned he is looking at a cutoff for Club 1000 tickets at about Monday February 24th. Approximately 1/4 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 Brad 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.
We would like to promote this great opportunity to join Susan Sakamoto, at her public reception for her new exhibit at the Esplanade Art Gallery on Friday January 31st, starting at 7 pm. The exhibit is entitled "Boro". A great opportunity to support and socialize with the Rotary family.
