Marie Tounissoux, Manager of Medicine Hat Support Services at SafeLink Alberta speaks at a recent Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting

Sunrise Rotary supporting SOC Summer Games in Medicine Hat - August 2026

It was terrific to hear about the good work being done by local Rotarians and Friends to refurbish, repair and reuse bikes from the community for those in need and newcomers to Medicine Hat. 

RC of Medicine Hat Rotarian Terry Cooper stopped by to give a glimpse into what Team FreeWheel has accomplished (nearly 800 bikes given out to date!) and what they hope to have happen in the future. Very impressive Terry, thanks so much for the update!  

Wrapping up our Rotary Year at the College and “Passing the Gavel” 

New Member Brian Main shares a bit about himself and his journey leading up to joining Rotary - - Well Done - - Welcome to the Club Brian!!

President Keith commenced the meeting at 7:17am by welcoming all guests and fellow Rotarians.

The Program began with the induction of our newest Rotarian Courteney De Roo by Petra our Membership Director.

The induction was followed by President Keith's introduction our guest speaker Denise Henning President Medicine Hat College

Speaker – Wendy Bodners – Schizophrenia Society of Alberta Medicine Hat Branch spoke to the Club about the role the Society plays in the community. Their Mission is "We're working towards improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research".

The World Famous (and now priceless) Ceramic Elephant Tea Pot made it's annual appearance at the Sunrise Rotary Eco Friendly Gift Exchange - it's origin remains a mystery but it has found it's home for another year - Congrats Jada!

Additional photos from the Event held December 16 are located in the Photo Album Section of our Site.

District Governor Garth and his Wife Ann Toombs along with Assistant Governor Val Buchanan pay a visit to Sunrise Rotary to bring greetings and updates from the District - A copy of the Summary of Key Points has been added to our site in the Downloads section. 

Sharon McDonnell, President of the Saamis Rotary Club presents President Keith Walker with the Donation announced at the most recent Mexican Fiesta in support of the Mexican Schools Project - AWESOME!

A full house today at Chinook Village hosted by Community Futures - Entre Corp and supported by McDonald's to hear His Worship Mayor Ted Clugston present his annual address during Small Business Week.  Berms, Whitman along with an A - made this another Event not to miss.  Pictured is Mayor Ted flanked by Keith Walker, President Sunrise Rotary Club (L) and Sean Blewett, General Manager Community Futures - Entre Corp (R).

Learning about new Members is always an excellent Meeting - President Keith Walker opened the session with the introduction of the two new members - Petra Mauerhoff and Wayne Smith. They each did their Classification Talk.

On November 7th our community will be celebrating the 2nd Annual Random Act of Kindness Day presented by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and it aims to recognize kindness and humanity throughout Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.  The City has declared the first Friday of November to be Annual Random Act of Kindness Day in our community.

Membership Committee Chair Kambi Heywood Inducts the newest Sunrise Rotary Club Member Jon Sookocheff while Sponsor Sarah McNally and Acting Chair Sean Blewett look on.

Club President Keith Walker addresses those gathered for the Ribbon Cutting and official opening of the Sunrise Rotary Trail at Medicine Hat College.  Along with others, this Project will remain a Legacy of the Club for many years.  Additional photos of the Presentation held September 4 can be found under the Photo Album section of this site.

Presenter Jon Sookocheff spoke about his 27 year mission to do 108 sun salutes, 108 times, to help families affected by addiction and violence.  So far we’ve raised $1,970 plus assorted supplies, food and other donations for various charities in Medicine Hat and beyond.

TUESDAY August 5, 2014

The regular weekly meeting of the Sunrise Rotary Club was called to order by Past President Craig Elder at preciously 7:18 AM in the Board Room at Chinook Village.

After a rousing rendition of the National Anthem Sergeant-at-Arms Claire lead the group in a time of reflection and introductions were made.

Guest speaker was Aaron Nelson the Artistic Director from Medalta who shared an interesting overview and fast facts regarding the Artists in Residence Program.  Aaron’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the art of ceramics as well as the many projects at Medalta were appreciated by all those in attendance. 

Joined by Guests Assistant District Governor Val Buchanan (Kindersley Club), Dave Panabaker (MH Club) and Jose (Saamis Club) President Keith Walker called the meeting to order at 7:15. 

After a delicious breakfast we enjoyed the induction of three new Rotary members:  Petra Mauerhoff, Karoline Fox and Josh Wintoniak were welcomed to the Club by all Members.    Wayne Smith (CCDA) was also announced as a potential new member.  If you have any concerns over the next 2 weeks, please advise Kambi or Keith.

RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang chose Light Up Rotary as his theme for 2014-15. Huang was inspired by the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius who said: "It is better to light a single candle, than to sit and curse the darkness."

CORE is a non-profit business that has been in existence for 60 years.  It was started by four parents who had children with disabilities and had to fight for the rights of their children to receive an education

Milan Vujovic from the Medicine Hat Club gave an overview of the Student Exchange Program and asked our club to look for students that would be interested in doing an exchange abroad – contact Milan from the noon club for further information.

Southern Alberta Rotary clubs are hosting 18 students in the upcoming year, and are looking of host families to assist in helping out, and giving the students an experience of a life time.

Past President Jace that is...standing in for President Craig for a Meeting where the Program was unexpectedly unavailable and handling everything wonderfully as usual (well possibly with the exception of the AV equipment!)

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.  

President Craig called the meeting to order precisely on schedule at 7:15.  A total of 16 members and one guest were in attendance.

The Program for the meeting was the Classification talk from one of the two founding members still active, Mr. Ted Rodych.

Ted hails from Saskatchewan and began his working career in Saskatoon in 1974. Ted met and married his wife Donna in 1981 and they have lived in a variety of locations including Calgary from 1986 to 1989.

Jace Anderson has started a fundraising effort to help children who have been exploited into the sex trade: a "hero t-shirt" subscription for shirts that are comfortable and made in North America. One-third of the cost is for the shirt, one-third will help the kids, and one-third is for the business. Jace hopes to be able to go to Napal in April to help kids there and in the future to help in Canada. Cost is $140 and the Twitter tag is #first140heros - sign up to be one of the first 140 heroes to help Jace help these kids!

Bob McCulloch interim president of Medicine Hat College and Guests Tracy Stroud, MHC development officer Andrea Aarden (nee Seiler) MHC student recruiter (and potential new member).

Bob spoke about the Medicine Hat College.  Bob wants Rotary Members to keep engaged with the Medicine Hat College.

New President Dr. Denise Henning, beginning May 15.

Dan Kammerer, Executive Director, Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation receiving the Telethon Donation from Club President Craig Elder.  Club Secretary Les Scholly and Community Committee Chair Sarah McNally look on.

"Helping to take local healthcare - Beyond the Basics!"

Meeting called to order by President Sharla Butler at 7:15 with stories of new pet ownership.  Good luck with that.  Singing also required some form of outside intervention but nothing was forthcoming.

Enactus, a worldwide organization committed to improving lives through entrepreneurship, action and the power of us. Enactus is considered to be one of the best leadership development programs in the world and tackles projects that have a triple bottom line – social, environmental and economic

Speaker – Amy Cran – Student at Connaught School

• Spoke on the Me to We organization and how it has affected her and other students
• Roots of organization the free the children movement preventing child slave like labour globally 
• Was the creation of Craig Keilburger and focuses on students in grade 6 – 12 about making a difference in the world
• About 20 kids at Connaught that are involved in various fundraising activities to make a difference in our community and beyond

World's Biggest Commercial - http://thisclose.endpolio.org/en

No Speaker today but President Sharla did a wonderful job filling in - - the LINK to the Commercial is included in case you want to take a look...

Rotary is 108 years old on February 23rd!  What an accomplishment.

A major effort in Rotary over the last 30 years has been the work on the Polio Plus program.  And what a success it has been.  To date, polio is 99% eradicated.  The remaining countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan carry the only reported cases of polio to date.  India has been polio-free for 2 years.  Amazing.  "We are this close" to ending polio.

You can learn more anytime at http://amaroksociety.org/wordpress/

Bonnie RW introduced our guest Naida Hyde.  Naida gave a slide presentation of her trip to Lesotho, Africa. Give the Children a Chance was the message.  For more information you can call Naida at 250-658-4474 or email her at ravenspirit@shaw.ca

Sunrise Rotary Club President Sharla Butler and Raffle Co Chair Dan Kammerer present the 2012 Raffle Winner Adam Zinger with a cheque for $15,000.  Raffle Co Chair Keith Walker not shown.

Congratulations Adam!

Happy New Year to All Rotarians!

With special thanks to the Charlton's and the Medicine Hat Lawn Bowling Club

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship and personal growth for youth.  Participants can be ages 14 to 30 years of age.  Our district has traditionally recruited youth between 16 and 18 years of age.  Team building, guest speakers, breakout session and group presentations.  The message being to make a difference in the world.  Guest Christy Pick, a RYLA senior Camp Counselor presented to the Club.

President Jace called our meeting to order and our guests were introduced.  Constable John Kennedy (Nova Scotia) and Petra Mauerhoff (Shortgrass Library CEO) were in attendance.

Constable Kennedy spoke to us about his Adopt a Library Literacy Program.  He described his work with inmates in Eastern Canada, the high illiteracy rate in that population and Canada in general.

• Clare reported that the scholarship for MHC has been approved and will be given in the fall.
• The Outdoor Classroom project had a fundraising meeting last week.
• The Dictionary project is looking good: all 3 school districts (PRRD, MHCBE and SD76) are on board.
  

The meeting started slightly late with slightly more people in attendance than was expected at the meeting during Easter week.

Guest speaker, Deanna Haysom, who is the Development Officer at Medicine Hat College, was welcomed and spoke to us on one of the Community Committee's suggested projects, the "Trail and Trees" initiative at the college.

No guests were in attendance today, but a special presentation by one of our members, Kambi Heywood was given.  She spoke with obvious passion about a country that is very near and dear to her heart.

The focus of today's meeting was to review the strategic planning session held in November and facilitated by Karen Blewett (see details on ClubRunner).  The Agenda/activity consisted of:

• Overview of strategic plan
• Identify local initiatives
• Prioritize the local initiatives
• Decision making – who will do this and how?
• Wrap up and next steps

Karen Blewett was scheduled to speak to us regarding the recent strategic planning meeting, but has unfortunately been ill.  We will, reschedule her for (hopefully) the business meeting in February.

President Jace call the meeting to order at or near the regular 7:15 AM start time.  Following a “Michael Buble” version of O’Canada and grace the breakfast order was determined by the Sargent-at-Arms, Bill Cooper.

Presentation from Parkinson Alberta Society – Beth Metcalf.  Parkinson Alberta Society is the voice of Albertans and their families living with Parkinson disease. Their core services include supportive counseling, support groups for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers, learning resources, referrals, peer program, in-service community awareness programs and speech therapy.

Jace called the meeting to order promptly at 7:15am.  Guests today included our speaker, Mike Christie from the Community Foundation and Fred Clark. 

Mike spoke to us regarding the roles of The Community Foundation of Medicine Hat & Southeastern Alberta (CF) as having 3 main branches:  First to raise endowment funds, second to use those endowment funds in an investment pool and use the interest gained to make grants available, and third to develop community leadership.

Jace Anderson started the meeting promptly, maybe even early, saving a couple of souls from paying late fines.  Our guest today was Melissa Wannamaker from the Santa Claus Fund.

Melissa thanked us for our support and involvement over the past years with the Santa Claus Fund.  The organization has been around since 1982, and in those 29 years, has supported over 15 thousand families.  Last year alone, approximately 650 children were helped to have a more enjoyable Christmas. 

Sean and the entire Entre-Corp Team along with their Sponsors did another awesome job of Hosting the Mayor's Breakfast for 2011 at Chinook Village in the Terrace Room on Tuesday, October 18.  Additional Event Photos can be located in the Photo Album/Journal section of our site.

President Jace called the meeting to order and introduced our guest speakers, Laurel Wood and Alynne Cruickshank from the Medicine Hat Youth Action Society.

Our Guest Speaker was Lisa James from the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta. Lisa gave a very informative talk on the programs of the society. The Unsung hero Program, The family Support Program and The Partnership Program.

Miss A Day/Meeting - Miss A Lot!

President Jace introduced Deborah Peters, Guest Speaker, who spoke to the club about Leadership. Deborah is the founder of Neuro Engineering Institute, an Institute for Change.  Deborah has a rich and varied background which includes consultations and customized programs for governments and large major corporations.    

REACH WITHIN TO EMBRACE HUMANITY

Medicine Hat & District Food Bank Executive Director Connie Matson joined our Meeting June 28 to tell us a little about what they accomplish on a regular basis.  The Food Bank has been in operation since 1992 and was started by the 5^th Avenue United Church.  All individuals have an initial meeting with the food bank to assess their needs and also receive referrals to other support organizations in the community.

Thanks to a hint from Kambi, we now know that the ClubRunner Mobile App is available for download! It is your key to connect to your ClubRunner website on the go! Completely free, this app will let you do what you need to run your club effectively while you're on the go.

A Star is Born!

Thanks to the efforts and support of many (including Jace's calves), more than $6,500 was raised in Medicine Hat alone for this very worthy cause!  Way to go President Elect Jace, you make us proud! 

RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee will ask Rotarians to Reach Within to Embrace Humanity during the 2011-12 Rotary year. Banerjee unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2011 International Assembly, a training event for incoming district governors.

"To Do Good in the World"

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

Karen Sudom spoke to our club about Autism Spectrum Disorder.  She herself sufers from the disability along with two of her children. It was an enlightening and informative presentation regarding the various aspects they expierience.

President Gordon Wallsmith welcomed Christina Johnson, Regional Coordinator with the Sexual Assault Response Committee to our meeting.  Christina spoke about the upcoming “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” Event.  This is an International Men’s Walk and she challenged our incoming president, Jace Anderson, to join the walk, wearing appropriately fitted, but nonetheless, stylish red high-heeled shoes.

EPIC (Encouraging Positive Informed Choices) is a new program designed by the Medicine Hat Police Service which builds on the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program that was previously delivered in the schools. 

Aahhh - The luck of the Irish...

Yes, it was a St. Patty's Day theme this past Tuesday, and the little leprechauns showed up to make sure everyone steered clear of the pot of gold...

While our President frolics in warmer climes, the meeting was chaired by vice-president Jace.  We have many good news items to share!

Jace is going on a Mission to Malawi Africa on March 20.  He plans to visit 3 Orphanages in this very poor land locked African Country and find out what these organizations need most to sustain their work - we can't think of a more humanitarian gesture!

Happy New Year All!

January 4th & January 11th Meetings were an excellent opportunity to learn a bit more about a couple of our newest Members.

Zakk Morrison currently coordinates the Be Fit for Life Centre and Alberta Sport Development Centre – Southeast Alberta.  Zakk spoke to our group about the Alberta Sport Development Centre.

The goal of the Centre is to assist emerging athletes within Medicine Hat and S.E. Alberta reach the next level of competition by providing sports science including nutrition and positive self imagery.

Rotary International District #5360 Governor Al Bergsma and his Wife Shirley along with Assistant Governor Sharon Price and Club President Gord Wallsmith are shown here during the DG's visit to our Club November 16, 2010

President Gordon called the meeting to order and introduced our guest speaker Mary DeWolfe, Resource Development Coordinator, Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter.  Mary provided an overview of the services provided by the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter including the Phoenix Safe House, Musasa House, and the Christmas Wish Book. Approximately 83% of the operating budget comes from the provincial government with the rest from grants. The 10 units are always full. There is a need to expand programs especially for Youth at Risk (those exposed to violence in the home, those trying to find their identity in the community).

CASINO by Vanshaw

Medicine Hat  Lodge

Ocotober 14th & 15th

See You There! 

Gem and Dr. Tanyss Munro presented today about their experiences teaching in Bangladesh.  Gem is a writer and artist who has also spent many decades working to improve opportunities for disadvantaged people across Canada and abroad.  Together with Dr. Tanyss Munro, they are devoted themselves to improving educational opportunities for marginalized communities and people across Canada and abroad.

Our guest speaker today was Debbie Dollimont of the Canadian Mental Health Association - a national not for profit agency. She spoke on what the local office does - covers SE region of Alberta. 
They have many services available. Some of which include:

• Education through schools promoting Mental Health including Suicide prevention
• Presentations to businesses
• Sexual assault program - have a local coordinator
• Grief counseling · Road to WOW - new, relapse cases, etc - 12 week program, runs continuous throughout year.  
• Acts as an advocacy on social issues
• They receive a lot of their funding from proceeds of "The Post" – used mainly for the schools programs.

We were fortunate to be joined by Shelley Acheson who told us a little about their upcoming Event in support of The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  Shelley let us know that the Race to End Breast Cancer is a 3km, 5km, 10km, run or walk taking place this year on October 3, 2010 at Strathcona Park.  The Race starts at 11:00am.  Register for the event on line at www.bustinloose.ca/index.html  or call Shelly at 403-527-5899 for more info. Register now and start collecting your pledges.

Sharla's program was on office ergonomics and back care for backpack carriers.  She began the program by letting us know that although improper use of backpack's is resulting in many problems for youngsters, it does keep her and April in business!

CONGRATULATIONS 

Karen and Sean Blewett!!

CONGRATULATIONS

Renee and Jace Anderson!!

Caleb Joel Anderson was born July 21, 2010

The World Health Organization and UNICEF cohosted a meeting with Rotary International and other stakeholders in Geneva on 18 June to launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategic Plan 2010-12.  President Gord arranged for the showing of the Oscar Nominated video http://www.thefinalinch.org/ during the Meeting.

Our first meeting under new President Gord Wallsmith started with work!  No guests were present.  Cashier was Terry Cooper, and Greeter/Newsletter was Sharla Butler.

Business Meeting - July 6, 2010 - The Meeting Recap has been posted under the Club Documents Section of our site.

At a first of it's kind celebration of Rotary held June 28, 2010, All four Medicine Hat Rotary Clubs joined together in fellowship and to induct a new slate of Club Officers and Directors.  Here, incoming President Gordon Wallsmith receives his President's Pin from outgoing President Sean Blewett.  Thanks for a great year Sean, you did your Club Proud!                                         

Shirley Jago from the Canadian Paraplegic Association provided the club with a power point presentation about accessibility for the disabled in our community.  Her presentation was based on a universal design concept that suggests all people including the disabled should be "welcome to the space".

We were very fortunate to be joined by members of the Praxis Science Network Team namely Past President Gary McFarlane, Interim Regional Executive Director Patty Rooks & new Regional Executive Director Alannah Maurer.

President Andrea Seiler of the PACE Rotray Club visited today to let us know how things are going with their Club and about their upcoming CHARTER NIGHT.

Bonnie Rude-Weisman introduced our Guest Speaker Loretta Brost who gave us a Classification Talk.  Personal info – from Prince Albert originally, went to MH College, married for six years, has four boys, became new grandparents last year.

Sean posed a number of questions to the Club to generate discussion.

• Do we want to look at more fundraising initiatives to support a legacy project?  
• How might we improve our current fundraising efforts - (mentioned that other clubs do year round fund raising such as bingo, $100 raffle tickets, motorcycle raffle, recycle drive etc.)
• What might we consider to raise more funds?

Sean posed a number of questions to the Club to generate discussion.

• Do we want to look at more fundraising initiatives to support a legacy project?  
• How might we improve our current fundraising efforts - (mentioned that other clubs do year round fund raising such as bingo, $100 raffle tickets, motorcycle raffle, recycle drive etc.)
• What might we consider to raise more funds?

We had a special visitor (Bill Wilson) who gave us an entertaining presentation on Christmas perspectives from many other cultures.

Julia is the CEO of the Shortgrass Library System.  She is also busy with many boards, including Treasurer of the Library Assoc. of Alberta, Chairperson with Redi Enterprises, and a member of the Riverside Book club and Monday at the Movies Committee.

Ticket sales are coming along, but slowly.  Members are reminded that the volunteer sheet is on ClubRunner, and is updated in real time.  You are encouraged to please sign up for a volunteer position as this is a labor intensive fund raising project.

President Sean called the meeting to order and introduced his wife and presenter, Karen, to speak on World Community Service.  Karen is a member of the Medicine Hat Club and sits on the District WCS Committee.  (and don't tell anyone but October 13th is her Birthday!)

You can follow the enclosed LINK to the Event Poster -

http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/5360/969/HTML/70689/Mayor'sBreakfastPoster_final.pdf

...Making A Difference One Child At a Time... 

We were very fortunate to be joined by Bob Davisson, President of Lifeline Haiti - a non profit group passionate about helping children in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Dan reviewed the Sunrise website, outlining the specific links to officers, speakers, programs, news and upcoming events.  All information on the site is public, except for personal information and the email message centre, etc.  It outlines Rotary links, Club links, & Site pages.  

Date:            Aug 4/09

Cashier:      Bill Lloyd

Greeter:      Kambi Heywood

Program:    Business Meeting

Guests:        None

After receiving a multi year offer from Bill at a salary I simply couldn't refuse, I have agreed to take over updating our Club's website.  You will notice that the format & look has changed a bit and hopefully that new content is added from time to time.  You should look forward to receiving the Club eBulletin approximately monthly updating all members on the happenings with the Sunrise Rotary Club.