Members’ Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 5, 2025,
12:00 P.M.
Location: A&W
 
President: Don McKay (Kent Whaley Chair for August 5)         President Elect: Don McKay
Secretary: Monica Cook                                                               Sargent at Arms: Doug Long
 
Call to Order
CTBO – Round 9 will start on September 9, 2025.
 
1. Land Acknowledgement
2. Guests: None.
3. Visiting Rotarians: Helen Itohan Igudia
4. Birthdays & Anniversaries :
5. Minutes: Approval of July 22, 2025 minutes.
6. Presentations: None.
7. Correspondence: None.
8. Committee Reports: a. Catch The Big One
                                              i. Round 9 – First draw will be September 9, 2025.
                                             ii. CTBO Rules: Don Dunnigan was not available, so any updates will be provided at a later meeting. Monica put forward an idea to do a draw for CTBO at the Fish Fry on September 20 – which may build more anticipation for that draw in the hope of selling more tickets both before and at the Fish Fry. We will still do the first draw on September 9 and check into whether there is approval required to do the next draw on September 20. Doug Long mentioned that it is just a form which will be required to be filled out to request to do a draw that evening. Kent reminded the Club that we have agreed to the $5,000 starting pot for the next draw as well.
                                         b. Budget. Doug indicated that the budget had been reviewed previously and we have an approved budget for 2025-26.
                                         c. Clearwater Lake Marathon. Doug shared that the company which does the collections for the Marathon collected about $3,700 which is more than we have done in the past – for the Critically Ill Children’s Fund. The money stays in the Fund and interest is collected. Robin asked if there were ongoing requests for this fund, and Doug mentioned there have not been new requests, but there is a contact at the hospital who can refer people to us if the provincial funds are not sufficient. Monica mentioned it would be a good idea for those who are doing the Members’ Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 12:00 P.M. Location: A&W Rotary radio spots to share info about the fund. Raising the awareness about the fund will likely generate more requests.
9. Board of Directors Report: None.
10. Unfinished Business:
                       a. UCN Rotaract club – Further discussion is needed in relation to approaching UCN regarding the establishment of a Rotaract Club, as we will need to ensure that the necessary support is in place if this is to go ahead.
                       b. Getting to know one another – Members are asked to submit information about themselves for our Rotary Club as a “getting to know you” exercise. Four people have submitted something to date. Don McKay has generated a list of questions for those who have not submitted something, and at a later date (when we are back to the Wescana), if Members have not submitted their own “biography” with the information they wish to share, they will be asked to respond to a selected question(s) to share information with the Club. d
                      c. Social Meeting – We will restart this discussion in the Fall e. Name Tags – Monica had picked up the name tags from Stitchworx, but unfortunately Peter Totte’s name was misspelled. A new tag will be ordered.
                      d. Fish Fry:
                          i. The Fish Fry is on September 20, and Peter mentioned we need to get the poster and the tickets out soon. Monica will contact Crystal for the draft poster and for the tickets. Peter reminded the Club that the poster should show only one fillet so we do not have to put the note about “not exactly as shown” on the tickets this year – and a note that Great North GM cannot be included on the tickets as they are still not operational due to a fire at their location. A reminder was also noted, and others who are interested in taking it to be available to serve at Club functions like the fish fry, the Club will cover the cost. The training is on-line, cost is $25 and it takes about 3-4 hours to complete – Kristi has this, and Monica and Val will get this prior to the Fish Fry as well. Monica will also check with Crystal if she and her husband have this. Peter mentioned that if we don’t have enough of our own bartenders, we could check with the Legion and perhaps hire some of their bartenders. Rick indicated the potential concern about the way the fish is prepared, and Doug will check with the food/safety inspector about the rules for cooking outside and ensure that we are operating with the rules. Monica is beginning the prize gathering, and will let Members know if additional help is needed. Rick mentioned that maybe Labbatt’s would donate some project (beer/coolers) as well – but is this allowed to then be sold at the bar? Rick will check with the liquor store as to their knowledge of this and what is allowed. Gerry had indicated that he would take care of the liquor permit.
                        ii. Calm Air Flight Pass (from last year’s Fish Fry). Valid until September 30. Rick mentioned that it is not always used because people have to pay the taxes and fees, and most prefer to drive so they have their vehicle there as well. Monica will check with Calm Air for the same donation for the September 2025 fish fry.
                   e. Financial Contribution Requests (and use of charity number):
                        i. Ag Society: It was agreed to donate $2,600 to the Rodeo this year. Val B. indicated the goal is to break even. It is expensive to run the event and although they do apply for grants, they are difficult to get. The Ag Society appreciates the contribution from Rotary.
                       ii. Opasquia School and Kelsey School – The Club approved $4,000 each, with the question as to whether the parents contribute any amount to the swimming programs.
                      iii. MBCI Stage Lighting – this was put aside as we understand that this funding may have already been provided by other sources.
                   f. “O’Toole” Mural: Robin shared that a number of things had been tried to remove the graffiti from the mural, and so far no luck. He will continue to try options which have been presented. Peter also noted that if there is nothing that can remove the graffiti, perhaps we find an artist to paint over top.
11. New Business : None.
13. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award): No report.
14. Installation of New Members: It has been some time since we focussed on recruitment of new members. This will be discussed further in terms of generating ideas (eg. “prospect letter”).
15. Club 100th Anniversary (2029) PERMANENT AGENDA ITEM: Kent, Don 2, Don 3, Val U, Monica, Kristi. Robin Reader apologized that he had not yet drawn the drawing necessary, but will get this done as time permits.
16. & $$$ Sargent at Arms Next Week: Peter Totte
18. 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?