Sept 12, 2023 Minutes 

Rotary Club of The Pas
Meeting of Tuesday, September 12th, 12:00 P.M.
Wescana Rendezvous Room
Minutes
 
President:  Don McKay
President Elect:
Secretary:  Monica Cook
Sargent at Arms: Denis Watier
 
Call to Order:
  1. Land Acknowledgement
  2. Guests: Dylan Young, Lynn and Dave Twerdoclib
  3. Visitors:  None
  4. Visting Rotarians: None
  5. Birthdays and Anniversaries: None 6. Correspondence:
    1. Follow up letter to Roadrunner Swim Club Presentation.  Nick Popeil has sent a follow up letter in relation to Rotary support, and this will be discussed later in the meeting.
    2. Thank you from Mackenzie Baker – Scholarship recipient for tuition at UCN.
  1. Committee Reports
a. Catch the Big One:  Lynn drew the winning ticket – this week’s winner is Jody Prince who won the consolation of $843.  The Ace of Spades was not found, so the draw continues for another week.
Don D. reported that 843 tickets were sold this past week, and that Jenn Matthews (Roadrunners Swim Club) sold all 3 books she was provided, so it looks like this will be a successful “partnership”.
 
  1. Executive Report
  2. New Business
  3. Paul Harris award information.  Rick Hubbs suggested that Eva can provide this information/presentation when she attends  
  4. Eva Vida – World Community Chair & International Service Director. 
  5. Grant writer – We will have 3 people take the Rotary grant-writing course: Monica, Don 3 and Val confirmed they will take this course. d. Bar-tending course.  Gerry clarified that this is not required, but recommended to work the bar at events. Members will not be required to take the course, but may do so if they choose
  6. Club Banners: Tim Furniss
  7. Exchange Student and RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award):  Linda Northcott/Julia McKay.  Julia confirmed that the two senior RYLA attendees will attend our meeting next week to provide a presentation on their experience.
  8. Presentations : 
    1. Ripple Effect presentation:  Gord and Debra LeMaistre were introduced by Don McKay.  Both have been involved with the Ripple Effect Program for a number of years.  They provided information about the Program and the various activities they have been involved with over the years – many schools in Guatemala (the largest of which accommodates about 500 students).
    2. Dylan Young presentation on Canada Day:  Dylan shared information about Canada Day events, and in particular the fireworks display which Ed Demchinsky (he is qualified to manage the fireworks display) has done in the past.  Dylan is asking that The Rotary Club of The Pas accept charitable donations on behalf of the fireworks display (eg. to be the “banker”), and assist with writing/sign off on grant applications where applicable.  One of the requirements for the fireworks display is that the Devon Park location won’t be used any longer and the Ag Grounds will most likely be the location for future displays.  The total cost will be between $20,000 (10-15 minute show) to $40,000 (15 to 30 minute show). Fundraising would need to be complete by the end of March in any given year to confirm if there is enough funds, as well as to determine what the show will look like depending on the budget available. Dylan mentioned a number of activities which may take place for fundraising (eg. Business/individual donations, radio/social media pledge-athon).  We will need to discuss the details further, but one issue mentioned was that for this purpose, tax receipts would be issued for $100 or more.
Dylan will be meeting with Kinsmen to discuss support for the Canada Day parade and asked if Rotary would also be interested/willing in providing parade “prizes”.  Gerry M. mentioned that it would be helpful if Dylan would organize/chair a group which would include the various community/service groups he is requesting assistance from, and then informed decisions can be made.
Gary mentioned that although enjoyable, this is a very expensive event and wondered whether there are other things that funds could be used for, such as supporting less fortunate people in our communities.
           
  1. Unfinished Business:
    1. Fish Fry sign up & Is it a go?  It was confirmed that we have enough volunteers, and we will go ahead with ticket sales for the October 13/23 fish fry.  Julia noted that ticket sales need to begin as soon as possible, as there are a number of other events in the community that same week.  Peter noted that we can access the hall Thursday and Friday afternoon to set up.  It was agreed that if we sell less than 100 tickets by one week prior to the event date, we will need to cancel the event.  
    2. Road Runner Swim club support. Nick’s letter following up from their presentation at a previous meeting indicated that the best support for the Club at this time would be sponsorship of swim meets. 
                              Motion:      Julia McKay/Don Dunnigan That The Rotary Club of The Pas contribute funds to The Pas Roadrunners Swim Club for two swim meets - $1,500 each (total $3,000).  Carried.
  1. Installation of New Members: Jace Lloyd.  Jace was not available to attend the meeting today
  2. Club 100th Anniversary (2029) PERMANENT AGENDA ITEM:
  3. Information Item : Eva Vida – World Community Chair & International Service Director will be here on September 26th to  speak on the Rotary Foundation
  4. Sargent At Arms Next Week: Don Dunnigan
  5. Next Meeting: 12 noon, Tuesday, September 19th
19. Next Executive Meeting: Tuesday, September 26th, 11:00 A.M
20: Four-Way Test