Views from the Charter President...
President Craig call the meeting to order fashionably late at 7:20. Guests (John and Nancy) were introduced and after yet another roaring rendition of O’Canada and Grace it was off to the standard breakfast fare.
Sunrise Rotarians and Guests were treated to a most interesting Classification Talk from none other than one of the Club’s Founding members and Charter President, Mr. Larry Johnson. Larry gave an insightful view of the humble beginnings to our Sunrise Rotary club including the many meeting places from the past. His favorite was MH Golf and Country Club where the members could actually watch the lovely sunrises.
Larry was born in Timmons Ontario famous for…..not just Shania Twain but also being the largest City geographically?!! In his youth, Larry moved to Elliot Lake (retirement community or uranium) and on to Selkirk Manitoba. Larry’s family tree includes a long line of “dirt poor” immigrants.
His academic life included the University of Manitoba where he actually took Zoology. After obtaining his accounting designation (not many jobs with zoology?) he was hired by Irving, Sydney and Mervin where he literally “ran into” Noreen who soon became a life partner. The couple then went to New Zealand where Larry worked for KPMG and their daughter was born.
A long way from home and support systems and a new baby to boot landed them back in Winnipeg in 1984. Larry was a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board where he first encounter our very own Caroline Vandean! A small world for sure…
His next stop was of course Medicine Hat where Larry continues to work for MNP. Larry explained that MNP has doubled its size every 5 years! Criteria to join the MNP team includes working hard, playing hard (something about gravel pit parties??)
Larry has an impressive list of community connections including being instrumental in the large curling events hosted in the City and will once again be the Chair of the curling for the upcoming 2016 Winter Games. Larry has also been active in the McMann organization including being a member of the regional board.
Larry shared this version of himself and apparently if you buy him a refreshment (or two) you are likely to get another version.
IMPORTANT HOUSEKEEPING ANNOUNCEMENTS followed:
1. As incoming President Keith attended the PETS training in Calgary. Now he is REALLY SMART!2. Eat Around Med. Hat is at Moxie’s Friday March 14th from 4:30 to 7:00 (Be there or be square!)
3. Daffodil pin boxes will be available the end of March for distribution APRIL 1ST.
4. Lots of VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ahead including Stampede (60% spots have been filled), Daffodil pin box distribution, Casino help needed for July 2/3, and of course the Mexican Fiesta volunteer list will be out shortly. HELP WANTED PLEASE.
5. The dedication of the Sunrise Trail at the college will be postponed until later in the spring when the weather MAY cooperate and the new College President will be on campus.
6. Don’t forget to sign up for the Induction dinner at the Cypress Club on June 24th.
7. Any opposition to new member (John) must be registered before the next meeting.
Happy dollars followed and thanks to Syl for paying a dollar because my jacket matched the blue paper I was taking the minutes on….(WOW…..matchy, matchy!!)
See you all EVERY TUESDAY…