Happenings in Rotary
Presentation about AA
Presentation about AA
The club was delighted to welcome Dustin and Stewart, who spoke about Alcoholics Anonymous.  Both gentleman gave a personal and heartfelt presentation about their stories and the incredible work that AA has done for them and for their loved ones.  It was quite an emotional talk.
AA began in 1935  - with one alcoholic Bill W talking to another alcoholic Dr Bob S,  The spirit at that meeting is the same spirit that still holds A.A. meeting together today in approximately 180 countries. 
The A.A. Program of Action is;
  1. A way to stop drinking and stay stopped.
  2. AA's suggested Twelve Steps are the program to recovery.
  3. The steps are based on the experience of early AA members.
AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
 
The AA model has been used across a vast number of organizations, well over 200 at this point.
 
A meaningful and impactful presentation.
Getting to know you talks
Getting to know you talks
Our club has been privileged to inducted several new members over the past few months, and we were delighted to hear their "Getting to know you" chats at today's meeting.  Rotary used to call this classification talks, but the old classification system has pretty well gone the way of the dinosaur, so these introductory chats allow us to learn more about our new member.
 
First, Manali Shabhag was introduced by Margie Booyens.  Manali took the floor and spoke about her upbringing in Mumbai India.  She spoke about her parents and grandparents in that busy, noisy City and the birth of her "baby" brother when she was 10 years old.   Manali spoke about moving to California in 2014, to take her higher education, and then moving to Dallas, Tx when she met her husband.  They now have a 2 1/2 year old son, and have happily relocated to Canada.
Manali spoke about her specialization in women's health and how that has steered her practice.  She loves the idea of connection and community, and sees her involvement in Rotary as helping her build both of these aspects of a successful life.  She was thanked and welcomed again to our Rotary family by President Mike
 
Next, Odessa Vermee was introduced by her neighbour Bruce Shepard.  Odessa described her family history, starting with her Great Grandfather's arrival in Medicine Hat in 1908.  She is part of 6 generations of borne and raised Medicine Hatters, which is a pretty rare thing.  She owns the Quilt Shop, and Rotarian Dawn Barr (who was her sponsor) is teaching her to quilt.  Her quilt shop is moving on June 18th, so this is a busy time for her.
A question was asked about her first name, and she advised that she's either named after the City in Crimea or a song by the Bee Gee's, the family stories are not entirely clear.
 
Odessa was thanked by President Mike, and referred to as the best kind of recruitment, as she had worked a Rotary bingo before she was even inducted.  She also participated in the Rotary-at-bingo event this winter, and won the bonanza game, so Rotary has been a money maker as well.
 
Thank you to both of Rotarians for great stories and we look forward to all you will accomplish in our club and for our community.
RYPEN - A great Youth Program
RYPEN - A great Youth Program
The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat welcomed Kerstan Price, the District 5360 Co-ordinator of the RYPEN program.  RYPEN is the acronym for Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment.  Kerstan was introduced by Margie Booyen, who spoke about Kerstan's background and advised that she is now "baking" at the Pool House Coffeeshop on 3rd St SE.
Keratin was a participant in this program, now 19 years ago and is just entering her second year as the District 5360 chair for this event.  RYPEN is designed for teens, ages 13 - 17 to "Learn by Doing" in an environment that is supportive and encouraging.  It is particularly designed to help youth who have overcome adversity and who may need a "helping hand" to give them confidence and encouragement.  This year's program will run at the Lomand Bible Camp, May 2 - 5, 2025.  The program is entirely sponsored by Rotary Clubs, at a cost of $600 per participant.  Our club has traditionally reserved 2 spots for local youth, and similar commitments are made by the other local clubs.
Kerstan spoke about their amazing leadership team, as well as a number of opportunities for Rotarians to act as councillors and provide transportation help.
 
The camp information is embedded in the Rotary District website and can be found at https://rotary5360.ca/page/rypen . Kerstan also advised that she is reachable at the RYPEN email address:
RYPEN@Rotary5360.ca in the event that anyone knows someone who would like to register.  Time is of the essence, as registration much be completed by April 12th.
A great presentation about perhaps one of the most valuable programs that Rotary provides...many thanks and best wishes to Kerstan and her team.
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Medicine Hat

We meet In Person & Online
Mondays at 11:45 a.m.
Medicine Hat Lodge
1051 Ross Glen Dr SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8
Canada
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.
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Rotary Club of Medicine Hat
PO Box 1058
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 7H1
 
mhrotary@gmail.com
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