President Milan began the meeting by leading the group in the singing of O'Canada. He also mentioned the upcoming new member orientation which are available through Rotary International, and also indicated that our club would be organizing some "Fireside Chats" in the spring.
Milan also mentioned that new members, as well as "early birds" can take advantage of special rates and discounts for the annual District Conference, being held in Red Deer on May 1 - 3, 2026. Registration information has been emailed out and is also included in the "meeting minutes" below.
Milan also mentioned that we had a pretty full agenda at today's meeting and that he better get started or we might run out of time.
We were delighted to hear from Major Corey Vincent, the leader of the Medicine Hat chapter of the Salvation Army, regarding the success of their Christmas appeal. Corey advised that Medicine Hatters were extremely generous, and that the SA exceeded it's overall and kettle goals by a sizeable margin.
Overall a total of approximately $287,000 was raised, almost $56,000 more than last year. That money "stays in the Hat", and will bring security, service and aid to the vulnerable population. Corey was very grateful for all the volunteers and for the generous nature of our citizens.
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. Construction is currently ongoing on an expansion of the stage, to allow larger music events to occur and the old marquee sign will be updated over the coming months.
Here's a recent photo of the stage area.
As well, our club Community Service committee is considering a request from Saamis Rotary to do another combined District Grant for the spring of 2026, to assist in the fundraising for the replacement of the roof. The Monarch Theatre has been the recipient of a CFEP grant for $125,000 towards that roof replacement, so the project will likely proceed in the summer of this year.
This month at the Monarch
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 Club welcomed Cori Fischer, Executive Director of the Veiner Center to our meeting today to speak about the history of the facility, how it went through several tough years both post flood and then COVID, and how it has been reborn as a valuable service agency for our senior population.
Cori mentioned that the Center had just celebrated it's 50th anniversary, and was operated until 2021 by the City of Medicine Hat. It was “contracted” to Kirby Center in Sept 2021 and is now being run by Unisom.
Cori reviewed the vast array of food (the Bistro is extremely popular), activities including fitness, estate planning, CRA, Fraud and Safety Services, just to name a few of the 46 different ones.
The Center also runs support groups for a wide variety of organizations and illnesses. They also have fun event evenings, bus trips and of course the widely recognized “Meals on Wheels” program.
Cori mentioned that they now have about 365 clients on the “Meals of Wheels” list, and delivered over 38,000 melas last year. That service is made possible by the group of 70 volunteer drivers, and has recently expanded to the Town of Redcliff.
Cori also mentioned that there are a host of opportunities to volunteer at the Veiner Center, and that anyone interested should stop by the building and the reception folks can direct them.
It's a marvellous place, performing great work in the senior community and we are lucky to have it as part of our social network.
ATTENDANCE: A total of 19 Rotarians attended in person, we welcomed 4 online participants and had two guests.
GUESTS:
Cori Fischer, Executive Director of the Veiner Center (our guest speaker)
Major Corey Vincent, Salvation Army (a prospective member)
MEETING DRAW:
Anne Carrier won some carmel popcorn.
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:
Sieg Kappler January 1
Dick Northcott January 13.
Mark Sorenson January 23.
Melanie Harty January 25.
Jim White January 31.
Rotary Anniversaries:
Gail Halderman 30 years Jan 01, 1996
Debra Best 30 years Jan 08, 1996
Peter Mueller 6 years Jan 20, 2020.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR January 2025:
The January Rose Runner is Odessa Vermee.
MINUTE REMINDERS:
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:
BINGO UPDATE: The next Rotary bingo is Thursday January 29th, an email invitation has gone out.
2026 Rotary CLUB 1000 Raffle, in support of the Music Festival: Anne Carrier and Tarek Williams advised that the 2026 Club 1000 tickets were available for sale, and that packages were being given out this week. Our commitment to the Rotary Music Festival for 2026 is $32,000 and this raffle contributes most of those funds. Tarek Williams also mentioned that our email address for the raffle has been set up for e-transfer, however please follow the rules for such a transaction, as it may be difficult to tell where the money is coming from. As well, a list of sales by previous Rotarians is being circulated for others to pick up.
MONARCH THEATRE AGM: The AGM for the Monarch Theatre Society will be Thursday January 22, at 7:00 pm at the theatre. All Rotarians are welcome.
MH HIGH INTERACT CLUB: Alain Guerard mentioned that he and Lionel Brideson will be meeting with the Interact
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION: For those who like to venture a little further, the Rotary International Convention is in Taipai, Taiwan
Family of Rotary:
Sandy Mackay has moved on Monday to his permanent room in Masterpiece Long Term Care wing (Room 222). He would love visitors. Jane is in a community bed (No. 311) in St Josephs Home. She would appreciate a text or a visit anytime.
Former Rotarian John John is also at Masterpiece.
We wish Kitt Brand a hearty “get well soon” after tumbling down the stairs. She is slowly recovering from symptoms of a concussion.
The Rotary Club also wishes former member Ray Kemp well, as he is back in hospital (5 West, Room 40).
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.
