It is an annual tradition, that the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat meets in Rotary Park on Maple Ave, at noon on the Monday of Stampede Week. Monday 22 July 2024 was no exception.
As always, this was a relaxed meeting of fellowship, fun and brown bag lunches on garden chairs in the shade in the park. However, on John John’s initiative, there was a hint of formality, with our Club banner hanging on a tree trunk and a table with the usual bell for the announcement of the start and the close of the meeting! (Thank you, John!)
President Mike kept the mood light. He said a few words of welcome, introduced new members Kevin Walcer and Sharon Hayward (Sharon’s induction will be on Monday 29 July), and gave a special welcome to past member Nadia Deener and to Johan Booyens.
The lunches of some were more exciting than others!
Dave Stalwick submitted this image of the Rotary Arch on North Railway side of the park (thank you, Dave!).
I am taking the liberty of sharing with you, a quote from our Club's "100 years of Rotary. Making a Difference in Medicine Hat & Beyond" publication.
"Rotary Park is a landmark in Medicine Hat, known as a place to bring people together ... whether it is for a leisurely walk, picnic in the park, community event, wedding, or graduation photos. The Park has, and continues to be, a well-loved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Did you know that Rotary Park was once the home to an outdoor heated pool that remained an integral part of the community for 40 years?
In 1930, the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat constructed a pool in the Flats in what was officially declared 'Rotary Park' by City Council in 1935. With no community center in the area at that time, the Flats pool in Rotary Park served as an important community and social hub from 1930 to 1973".
It remains a park of beauty, wonderfully maintained by the City Parks Department, and enjoyed by many.
Members will have the pleasure of a presentation by member Alain Guerard at our noon meeting, at the Lodge, on Monday 29 July. Please bring partners and guests to hear about the amazing initiative of Alain, Kitt Brand, Gerry Darichuk and other Rotarians in our district, finding and shipping, in containers, medical equipment of all sorts, for use in hospitals in the Ukraine. The title of Alain's is ‘Global Logistics for Peace’.
Our hour together was wrapped with a surprise cold treat handed out by Terry Brekko – Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen! Thank you, Terry! Just what we needed to cool down!
