Rotary weekly news - July 14, 2025 (Jul. 14, 2025)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

President Milan started the meeting stating we had a busy agenda with a Classification presentation form Mihaela Craciun followed by a presentation on Logistics support to Ukraine by Alain Guerard.

Guests were introduce. Anne introduced Yuliia Demkowych from Ukraine who moved to Medicine Hat two and half years ago. Mike Christie introduced Gina Rawson, who has recently moved from Grand Prairie and has been a long time Rotarian in that City.

Rotary Club "What-z New":

President Milan shared news of the new board and new appointees:

Club Services - Stan Sakamoto
Projects and Programs - Terry Cooper
Youth and Vocation - Anne Carrier
Membership & Recruitment - Mike Christie
RI Foundation and Fundraising - Gail Halderman
Promotion and Marketing - Bruce Sheppard
Directors at large Brent Secondiak and Nadia Deenen

President Milan was also pleased to advise that Odessa would lead social programs for our club

Rotary Club Information:

Housekeeping:
- We are looking for volunteers for desk reception at our Monday meetings.
- Anne Carrier is looking for Rose Runner volunteers.

Rotary District 5360 and Rotary International News

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.

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 Program Committee handed out a one-pager at the meeting, requesting members to share their ideas for future guest speakers, events, and activities. Members are asked please to scan in their completed page and to email it to: margiebooyens@gmail.com. Alternatively, please bring it to the first meeting in July, Monday 7.
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).

Vive la France

Our club on this day of celebration in France had a busy and interesting meeting.

Mihaela Craciun made her classification presentation and delivered a most interesting story. She was 18 years old when she left Romania to visit her Grandmother in Flin Flon in Northern Manitoba. She said she was in awe of the landscape and the people in this new world for her and with the help of her grandmother, she was granted a visa to study at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science.

There she met her husband to be and was very proud to say that he worked hard to help her through her study by working three jobs to afford completion of her degree. They moved back to Flin Flon where she worked as a Chemistry professor for nearly 18 years. By then her husband convinced her that it was time for a new experience and sold the house to move to Medicine Hat where she is now Manager of Programs at SAAMIS Immigration.

Mihaela loves to give back to the community. Like many young Romanian girls, she became an accomplished competitive gymnast and did not hesitate to form a new club in Flin Flon and has been a strong supporter of gymnastics in Medicine Hat. Moreover, in her role at Saamis, she is proud to show new Canadians that they are welcomed in a 'safe place to be' for their family to grow and prosper.

At the end of this vey interesting presentation, Sandy MacKay presented her with a Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. She feels this is a great start for her to continue to give to her community.

The second presentation by Alain Guerard was a summary of medical equipment supply activities in Ukraine as well as presenting a picture of the scope of efforts needed to assist people experiencing war conditions.

As there are many initiatives by Rotarians world wide, Alain will continue to work with others and provide as much support as possible where required.

Meeting News

GUESTS:

Gina Rawson, formerly with RC of Grand Prairie, now a Medicine Hat resident.
Yuliia Demkovych who came from Ukraine two and half years ago .

ATTENDANCE:

Two on Zoom and approximately 25 in room.

Kitt and Dieter in Ontario taking a break from the beach in Georgian Bay!

Please note that Dave Stalwick working feverishly on our finances of the day.

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:

Jillian Koch July 19
Marg Mazerolle July 24

Rotary Anniversaries:

Sandy MacKay 48 years July 01 1977
Jim White 46 years July 01 1979
Kitt Brand 16 years July 29 2009
Glen Presley 10 years July 27 2015
Margie Booyens 9 years July 04 2016
Lionel Brideson 1 year July 08 2024
Kevin Walcer 1 year July 08 2024
Mihaela Craciun 1 year July 08 2024
Odessa Vermee 1 year July 08 2024
Sharon Hayward 1 year July 29 2024

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR JULY 2025

Anne Carrier

Minutes

BINGO UPDATES

Monday evening July 7th had 48 players. Gross pot was won by Terry Cooper. Our next bingo is Sunday evening July 27th.

STORAGE ROOM CLEANING

Many thanks to Anne C. Dave S. Terry B. and Doug F. for helping in cleaning out the storage room at the Medicine Hat Lodge. All equipment is our seacan and will be reorganized to meet the needs of our new venue at CORE.

MEETING FRONT DESK INVITATION TO SHARE IDEAS FOR OUR CLUB

Dave Stalwyck is looking to build a team roster for the front desk duties so expertly carried out previously by John John. It would be nice to have at least four members who would become familiar with the process.

INVITATION TO SAHRE IDEAS FOR OUR CLUB PROGRAM

Margie and Sharon have developed a form for submission of new ideas themes, topics and ways to engage members at our weekly meetings. this form was emailed to all by Margie.

EMPRESS ART AT SAGEBRUSH STUDIOS

On 16 August, the Sagebrush Studios is welcoming our club to visit and appreciate the arts exhibits. Members can car pool. More information will be provided at next meetings

UPDATED CLUB BYLAWS

Mike Christie and Doug Fleming, by notice of motion, advised the club that an updated set of bylaws. The bylaws were emailed to all in preparation for the vote at the July 28 meeting. Members are asked to read and be ready for any discussion and vote.

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 club sends its best wishes to John John as he moves into Masterpiece. We hope the move this week goes well.