The first meeting of this Rotary year kicked off with a bang, as our partners meeting, the visit of the new District Governor and the induction of new members converged into a great event. President Mike Christie started off the meeting with a resounding whack of the gavel, to begin his year as leader of the club.
President Mike hoped that everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal, and as we had quite a few things to accomplish at this event, we got started right away.
At the end of the meeting, Mike reminded everyone that next week's meeting was the ZOOM business meeting, so we'll see you online at noon, and the following week we meet in Rotary Park, to celebrate the start of stampede and the beautiful park. We will see you all at the NW corner of the park at noon, bring a hat and a lawn chair.
Thank you for attending this special event. AG Sharon, Hyder and DG Christina Hassan.
Without a doubt, the "Highlight of the Night" was the magic performance by Magician Harris and Magician Briana. With a little Rotarian assistance, they each performed a wonderful trick. Definitely a great time!
Rotary Club "What-z New":
A few more meeting helpers are required to run cameras and sound during our hybrid meetings. Anyone wishing to help should contact Mike Christie 403 878 3311.
Rotary Club Committee Membership Update:
Please continue to assist your 'team captains' (committee leads) and please also work in other areas of club activity, as you are able.
Please have a look on ClubRunner in the Committee section. You should find your name on one of the committee member lists, as per your choice(s). If not, please contact President Mike.
Rotary Club Information:
Housekeeping:
If you have a Meeting Minute, please phone, text or email the President and it will be included in the next Newsletter.
Board minutes can be found on ClubRunner, under Club Documents.
Rotary District 5360 and Rotary International News
RI CONVENTION 2025 IN CALGARY
The RI Convention was last held in Calgary in 1996. It’s going to be back in Calgary again June 21 - 25, 2025.
DG Kurt Kowalchuk (email dated June 19) is calling for committee members, in particular but not exclusively, for the Sponsorship & Revenue committee, and the House of Friendship committee
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Host Organizing Committee secretary, Luanne Whitmarsh (l.whitmarsh@shaw.ca)
PDG Sandy McKay has volunteered to be the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat's representative on the RI Host Committee. Many more volunteers are needed and will be welcomed.
Rotarians in the District received a request from Marlene Doherty to keep Polio Plus in mind for donations to Rotary International. The eradication of polio is a long term promise of Rotarians worldwide, and you can donate at http://rotary.org
Ideas for Future Programs
The Rotary Club's Program Committee members are Jillian Koch (jkoch@jmhca.com), Margie Booyens (margiebooyens@gmail.com).
If you have ideas for future programs, please contact them.
One of the most significant and important events at any Rotary Club is the induction of new members of the Rotary family. This week we were pleased to welcome four new Rotarians to our club, and having the District Governor do the induction was a special bonus.
Welcome to Rotary Michaela Craciun and Kevin Walker, sponsored by Margie Booyens; Odessa Vermee sponsored by Bruce Shepard; and Lionel Brideson sponsored by Anne Carrier. We look forward to getting to know you over the next few months, and eagerly anticipate your contributions to the club and our community.
The annual meeting of the Club with our new District Governor is always a fun event, and this year was no different. Our new DG is Christina Hassan, of the Rotary Club of Fish Creek. She began her talk with thanks for everyone who has made this week in SE Alberta so enjoyable. Their whole family has been camping at Gas City Campground, and has really enjoy the "holiday".
Christina began her talk with her experience in Rotary Youth Exchange. She applied too young, and had to wait until she was eligible for the year long, overseas experience. She spent her year in Germany, and learned a great deal about Rotary culture, the power of a group of engaged individuals and knew she had found a group she belonged in.
She then told a story about her personal learning, when she journeyed to Uganda to "solve" the problem of maternal health in that country. She rapidly realized she had a lot to learn, and that determination, conviction and passion were truly needed in any of these situation. It was an amazing story, and through some personal health challenges she learned about the power you have within yourself, to make a significant and lasting contribution.
Christina spoke about some of the challenges facing Rotary, including membership (which our District is apparently doing well at). She introduced us to the Rotary International President who will preside over this year, and over the RI Convention in Calgary in June of 2025.
She also spoke about a few things we won't see this year, mostly because of the focus on the RI convention. But, beyond just the RI convention she spoke about two specific projects that she would like to see get more energy and uptake. First is a new polio initiative, known at the Polio Plus Society for contributions of more than $100 US/year to the eradication of polio. This program will replace the "move for polio" work, to help get us to the finish line of that endeavour. Second, she mentioned the wide variety of Youth Programs that are invaluable in engage youth and getting the Rotary brand out there.
Christina thanked everyone for the wonderful event, and presented President Mike Christie with this theme banner, "The Magic of Rotary". Christina mentioned that this may be the last year of a new "theme" for Rotary, so when the pins were handed out, it was suggested that you hang onto them!
Thanks for the visit, and the inspirational talk. We look forward to a very exciting year.
Brian Robinson and Pat Knight from the Saamis Rotary Club.
New members for induction; Lionel Brideson, Kevin Walcer, Odessa Vermee, Mihaela Cracium (WELCOME TO ROTARY!)
Many partners and friends.
CLUB DRAW: John John won some BC smoked salmon, donated by Anne Carrier
Please remember to contribute gifts for the weekly draw. The stock cupboard is looking a tad bare!
Makeups: None were mentioned.
Birthdays:
Jillian Koch July 19th.
Marg Mazerolle. July 24th.
Rotary Anniversaries:
Dave Maclean 47 years July 1, 1977.
Sandy Mackay 47 years July 1, 1977.
Jim White 45 years. July 1, 1979.
Margie Booyens 8 years July 4, 2016.
Glen Presley 9 years July 27, 2015.
Kitt Brand 15 years July 29, 2009.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR JULY 2024
Terry Cooper
Minute Reminders:
FUNDRAISING: BINGO:
Dave Panabaker was happy to advised that our last bingo onSaturday July 6, produced a pool profit of $1,261.75. We served 90 patrons, and Dave Stalwick won the guess pot. The next bingo is Monday evening, July 22nd. Dave also shared a funny photo of Bingo Chairperson, Gregg Martin, taking Rotary "Service" to new heights, helping to clean up a mess at the bingo hall.
Definitely NOT his usual work attire!!
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Dave Panabaker also provided a photo for those who haven't seen it yet of the Monarch Theatre, well on the way to restoration. It hasn't looked this good in decades and we all complement Brian Robinson on all the hard work, for which he should be very proud.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE
New Generations Service Exchange Host Families required:
Margie Booyens advised that the District has an NGSE participant coming to Medicine Hat. It will either be a young lady from Italy or one of two from Brazil. Interviews are to be conducted and a selection made. Our local Public School district, as well as Prairie Rose School District, have agreed to allow the selected participant into schools, to learn about the Alberta education system, from the middle of September to the end of November. If you are interested in having the participant in your home, please contact Margie. Many thanks to those who have already come forward: the McLaughlans, the Carriers, Peter Mueller & Gwen Dirk, and Dan Kammerer & Cheryl Shabatura. Just one more host family is needed to host for two weeks, on dates that suit, somewhere between mid-September and 30 November!
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.
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat has returned to meeting in person. Our first meeting of every month is a ZOOM business meeting. Check the club calendar, which is usually up to date for our meeting locations and program.
