The Buzz - February 23, 2015

The Buzz - Feb. 23rd. 2015 

By Ray Hook

1. President David called the meeting to order at 11:45 am.

2. Our only guest today was Graham from Edmonton Strathcona, who was in town on business.

3. Health of the Club – No report.

4. Announcements:

a. Dawn reminded all those who have not yet had a chance to fill out the Club’s survey on meeting locations and friendship opportunities to please do so ASAP. In response to a question, we are going to be holding all March meetings in this location in order to properly and in good time, render a decision on meeting locations.

b. Dan spoke to the next Rotary Celebration Gala meeting on Thursday March 5th. Trying for a noon meeting, at Eats Restaurant at the Camrose Resort Casino, as many experienced difficulties with a 7:00 am start time. Tyler has Gala tickets – please see him for yours - please remember to record who you sell tickets to when returning tickets cash to Tyler. Tony has put out the Silent Auction item and sponsor list – please review and start collecting. Volunteers are still needed to replace those recent member departures, so have a look at the list and get back to him please on those businesses that you can canvass. Once you have secured any Silent Auction items, please send an electronic photo and details to Dan. Norm M has again kindly offered storage space in his building to collect the items.

d. Ray briefed the members on the status of the annual Youth Leadership Canoe trip, including the coming meeting on March 3rd. This year’s trip is tentatively scheduled for May 16 – May 22nd. And if any Rotarian is interested in going along on the trip as a mentor, please see Ray.

e. President Dave then invited Roy W and Ray up to the front so that Roy could present Ray with his Paul Harris 3 pin.

f. Members were reminded of the coming Executive meeting on Feb. 24th.

5. Greeter Kim invited Happy Bucks, with responses from Tyler, Dawn, Lou, Al, Tony, Ray and Roy W.

6. Further announcements – Lou mentioned how much Maciel enjoyed outdoor activities (especially an Oilers game), but that she and Morris weren’t as “outdoorsy” as Maciel, so she did ask for members to consider any activities that they undertake that could include Maciel.

7. President Dave reminded members that March is Literacy month for Rotary, and with that as a thought, her invited Dan to show a few short Rotary videos for members’ education.

8. Draws – the 50/50 draw was made and after Lou collected her “massive” winnings, President Dave advised members that we will see a change in the way that the 50/50 draw is conducted. Along with the necessary cost increase of lunch and the resulting hiving off the automatic 50/50 ticket in the past, the new system will see a more voluntary process for the draw, as well as a more cumulative growing of the pot, so that there are less odds of winning, but as the pot grows, an increased and more attractive pot. More details to follow…. Our Rotary Cares monthly $1000 draw went to a lucky individual in Edmonton.

9. Rotary Cares Draw - February's winner was Ken Rubuliak of Edmonton.

10. After Lou led the Club in the 4 Way Test, President Dave adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.