September 8 2026 Minutes

             

 

     President (Acting):  Kent Whaley       President Elect:

Secretary: Monica Cook                        Sargent at Arms: Kent Whaley

 

Call to Order

 

3. Visiting Rotarians: None.

 

4. Birthdays & Anniversaries : September 8-14

               

Margaret Ross Sept. 9 – Happy Birthday!      No anniversaries.

6. Presentations:Val Berschied shared that the Rodeo was very successful this year, and thanked the Club for their support of the Rodeo again this year.She confirmed that we can provide another flag for display on the grand-stand, in addition to the flag that the Truco Trick Riders will carry. Monica will order the new flag and provide to Val for the Rodeo grounds.

Val also shared that in her role as President of the Manitoba Ag Society, they are hosting a speaker, Ian Hill, who will be discussing service groups and the current situation of losing members and lacking “new” interest, and how to manage this into the future.Ian Hill is an award winning humanitarian, world record setting innovator, and professional development pioneer.Manitoba Agricultural Societies received a national grant to bring Ian to 10 communities across Manitoba, and we are fortunate enough to be one of them. This is a free event on Monday, October 5 beginning at 6 PM (to 8 PM) at the Kikiwak.Register on-line at https://youmakethedifference.com/manitoba/

 

Garry M. noted that we may lose a couple more members as people move away and it is important to think about how we can gain new members, so this session is important for all of the local clubs.Don D. agreed that promoting this event is crucial, and all Rotarians who have friends and family members in the “younger” groups should invite them out to hear this speaker and encourage them to bring a friend along.Crystal Morrish and others agreed with Don’s comments and suggested maybe door prizes would entice more people to attend – or invite friends for a visit and then to attend the event!We need to encourage younger folks to start getting involved.All Rotarians are encouraged to spread the word about the event.

 

7. Correspondence:None

 

8. Committee Reports:

   a. Catch The Big One  - Ticket sales are ongoing for the draw to be held on September 15.  Rotarians will be at The Grub Box and No Frills to sell tickets this week.  There are only a few cards left, let’s get out and encourage people to buy for a chance at the “big pot”!  Gerry asked about the poster being wrong (#10 was included) and how this will be best managed if a ticket with #10 happens to be drawn.  Don D. indicated the rules say that we would need to try the name 3 times and then can move on.  However, it was agreed that we will ensure that if a ticket with #10 is drawn, we will connect in whatever way possible with the winner and will not move on to draw another ticket.

 

b.  Clearwater Lake Marathon Report.  Michael shared that the event this year was a big success, with 179 runners registered (3 did not attend).  There was a record number of breakfasts served – thanks to the Rotarians for helping out with the cooking!  Unfortunately the timing system glitched again and so there was some frustration regarding that – for next year although Adam Noel will still assist, the Marathon will fund a system expert from Winnipeg to be involved to ensure these issues will not occur again.

 

As a thank you to all volunteers, there is a BBQ and get together on Wednesday, September 9 at 5 PM at Rudy and Heather Giesbrecht’s again – 190 Sunset at Clearwater Lake.

 

Clearwater Marathon Funds (Critically Ill Fund).  Blair Patience presented Rotary with a cheque from the Clearwater Lake Marathon for $2,981 toward the Critically Ill Fund.  Thank you to all who came out and volunteered and enjoyed the event.

 

 9. Board of Directors Report:  Doug Long shared that he has spoken to bursary recipient Jacob Bottcher, and it has been agreed that the bursary dollars will be placed in a UCN account in his name.  Under the circumstances, it was agreed that Jacob could use the funds for parking expenses and for meal expenses within UCN.  Doug indicated that the “rules” for scholarships/bursaries need to be amended for future years so that there is clarity around the funds and what they can be used for by the recipients.

 

10. Unfinished Business:

a. UCN Linkages:  Confirmation is needed that we will have enough “qualified” Rotarians available to assist with the bar for UCN Linkages on October 6.  Linda and Ken Kelly have confirmed – two more Rotarians with the Safe Serve Certificate are required. 

It was discussed that for the upstairs bar – 3 or 4 Rotarians would be great, and for the dinner, typically 2 or 3 will suffice, as the bar is not extremely busy during dinner and the keynote speaker.   Gerry indicated he can likely be available, and Crystal may be available for the earlier part of the evening, prior to the dinner.  Don McKay is “certified” with the course and may be available, and Kent also said that if we still need assistance, he will do the course and be available.  Monica will confirm with the organizer that our Club will assist on October 6.

 

11. New Business:

            a.  Christmas Seniors’ Tea.  Linda Northcott reminded the Club of the Seniors’ Tea for this year.  The Tea will be held on December 6.  There are typically only a couple of Rotarians needed, as the RYLA group assists with the Tea as well.  Kent was “nominated” to emcee the event and there will be enough folks to help out as needed for December 6.

 

            b.  Town Beautification -Trees.  Don D. brought forth that it has been a very long time since there were new trees planted in the community, and thanks to Carol Hamm we still have the town planters going, but we are losing trees.  He is going to go to Council and try to get something going there for further beautification, and our Club may wish to think about how we may be a part of this “project”.  Don Murphy recalled that Andre and Jomar mentioned they were thinking that new trees would be planted around the play area for shaded areas – with Andre gone now it is not clear whether this remains on the agenda.  Don D. will share back with our Club what he learns from Town Council. 

 

13. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award):  Julia will arrange for the junior and senior presentations for future meetings.

 

14. Installation of New Members:  None.

15. Club 100^th Anniversary (2029) PERMANENT AGENDA ITEM:  Kent, Don D, Don Mc, Val U, Monica, Kristi

 

16.  Sargent at Arms:   Kent Whaley

 

17. Four-Way Test:  

            Is it the TRUTH?         

            Is it FAIR to all concerned?

            Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?                           

            Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?