President Milan Vujovic began the meeting with a solid strike of the bell at 12:10 pm, and after O'Canada we began our December 8th meeting.
Milan welcomed everyone, and mentioned that we had both a busy meeting and lots of minutes to get through. He wanted everyone to know that Rotary's monthly theme was "Disease Prevention & Treatment month".
Three important pieces of Rotary business were done today.
First, and both most important and great fun was the welcoming of Neil Ratal to our Rotary family. Neil was sponsored by President Milan and the charge to a new Rotarian was read by Past President Mike Christie.
Second, Projects and Programs Director Terry Cooper spoke to the club about a project proposal that has been approved by the committee but needs to come to the club for approval. He advised as a Notice of Motion that;
The Projects and Programs committee formally approved the request for the community screening of the documentary "M Factor" and followup community discussion with a panel for $1985 CAN. The screening and discussion will be at the Monarch Theatre on March 26, 2026. This is therefore a Notice of Motion that the request for $1985 will be asked for at the Dec 22, 2025 club meeting.
Thirdly, Terry Brekko received an End Polio Society certificate for his contributions to the End Polio program. Club members were encouraged to contribute by President Milan, our funds are matched by large donors and the project is "this close" to finished.
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).
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat welcomed Jeff Hodgson, Director of Restore operations and Melina Kane, a volunteer at the MH Restore operation to our meeting today. Both guests were introduced by Margie Booyens, who spoke about their background and that Habitat for Humanity was one of the most requested presentations in our recent survey of members interests.
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is an organization that helps families build strength, stability and independence through the ownership of a home. Jeff and Melina spoke about the critical role that home ownership creates in providing a new foundation for a stronger future. Key to that is allowing families to foster the skills and confidence they need to invest in themselves and their community's. The benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls. The families enjoy better health, education and employment prospects and less reliance on social services.
Jeff spoke about the value of the Habitat model, and how their process is almost entirely self contained within their organization. Melina spoke about the value of the "social enterprise", H4H Restore and how it supports the administrative side of their organization. She has been a volunteer at the local store for over 5 years.
The team spoke about the qualification process and about several success's in local communities. A major project is just starting in Strathmore, and they have just completed a project in Brooks.
How can you help?
Become a monthly donor.
Support Habitat through team building
Volunteer at events.
Volunteer at the local ReStore.
Donate new and gently used household items at the local ReStore.
The presentation was well received and both Jeff and Melina were thanked by President Milan.
ATTENDANCE: It was a full house today, with 22 Rotarians, one "Rotarian in waiting" and 2 guests at the meeting, as well as 6 Rotarians on ZOOM. Note: Someone was on ZOOM and we didn't get a chance to ask them who they were, if they'd like to get attendance credit just let Alain Guerard know...."iPhone" just wasn't specific enough.
GUESTS:
Jeff Hodgson, Director Restore Operations
Melina Kane, MH Restore volunteer.
Neil Ratal, Rotary member in waiting
MEETING DRAW:
Glen Presley was the winner of a bottle of wine and some Polymath Park coasters.
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:
Dieter Brand December 10
Dale Stein December 12
Gail Halderman December 16
Ken Zollner December 18
John John December 19
Kitt Brand December 28
Rotary Anniversaries:
Nadia Deenen 24 years Dec 03, 2001
Terry Cooper 18 years Dec 04, 2007
Brent Secondiak 5 years Dec 14, 2020
Linnsie Clark 4 years Dec 13, 2021
Brenda Mercer 1 year Dec 16, 2024
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR DECEMBER 2025:
The December Rose Runner is Tarek Williams.
MINUTE REMINDERS
.2 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:
LAST BINGO: Our November 26th bingo was a big success, as the 8 workers served 88 players in the hall and earned a bingo pool profit of $1775.25. Great work everyone! Anne Carrier was the pool profit guess pot winner and the club also received our checks for the bingo that we worked in October. Bingo profits were down a bit (blame that on the Blue Jays playoff run) but the bingo we worked still earned the club around $1,600.
NEXT BINGO: Our next bingo, the last one for 2025 will be Monday evening, December 15th at 5:00 pm. A couple of floor worker are still needed to complete the team, so please check your calendars and see if you can help out. We will receive our 2025 Bingo dates that evening, and those dates will be sent out as soon as we receive them. Many thanks to everyone who has helped out by volunteering at a bingo this year!!
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 and will be having Boylan Imaging printing the tickets this week. Hopefully they will 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.
RECENT CLUB CHRISTMAS GATHERING: Gwen Dirk and Margie Booyens were grateful that everyone enjoyed the Christmas event last Monday evening and they would love to hear feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism. Please feel free to approach either of them in person, by text or email with likes/dislikes and suggestions.
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 meeting will be scheduled in the New Year, once the transition is complete.
TEAM FREEWHEEL WORKING SESSIONS: Terry Cooper reminded everyone that the bike group refurbishing will now be on Saturdays so as to accommodate as many volunteers as possible. One does not need bike mechanical experience since we need help in organizing our part bins, taking wheels, handle bar grips, petals, etc. off bikes we are stripping for parts. Doug, Ken and Peter will be the contact people over the winter.
The All Club Christmas Party:will be held at the CYPRESS CLUB, $50 per ticket paid at the door. Doors will open at 4:30 pm, there will be a Happy Hour and dinner will start at approximately 6:00 pm. Dave P has sent out an invite as a head count needed. We have 17 people signed up to attend at this point.
Ukraine Support- An 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.
Family of Rotary:
A short update on Sandy and Jane MacKay: Jane is presently in a community bed (No. 311) in St Josephs Home. She would appreciate a text or perhaps a visit in the future. Sandy is currently in the MH Hospital (2 North - Room 100) after a fall at home. He will remain in hospital for assessment but he would enjoy a visit.
Former Rotarian Ray Kemp and Georgia Jean send their best regards to members of the club, and Ray sent along some Happy Bucks to celebrate the season.
Rotarian Marg Mazerolle, now relocated to Strathmore ( Sagewood Seniors Community, Room 3133), was mentioned at the meeting and will be visited by President Milan on Friday.
The club took a group photo, just for fun!
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.
