Highlights of the March 8 ZOOM MeetingPosted by Secretary Ruth Konzelman Welcome by President Jean Oliver: President Jean opened the meeting and turned it over to Past President Sharon who spoke about Land Treaty Acknowledgement and why the recognition of territory at the beginning of the meeting is important. The purpose of land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Introduction of visiting Rotarians, Visitors and Guests: Rotary Guests: Pat Bird, a presenter this evening on Reconciliation Joan Hardy, a presenter this evening on Women in Industry Other guests: Caroline Bidal, Shauna Curtain and Olaf Hardy(Joan’s mother) Sergeant at Arms Rhonda had only one question this week. “What year did women join Rotary?” She then told us the first International Women’s Day was held in 1909 and in 1975 the UN made it an official day. Rhonda reminded us of some important women in history and their achievements. Rotarian Elaine introduced Pat Bird by telling us that Pat has worked in the community as a lab tech since 1976. She became interested in Reconciliation and closely followed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This led to participation in Circles for Reconciliation, which was followed by training as a facilitator of Circles for Reconciliation.  | | Pat Bird |
Pat started by saying the “aim for Circles for Reconciliation is to establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples as a part of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission”. They were established in 2016 by Raymond Currie who had adopted three Indigenous children and only much later realized they were a part of the 1960’s scoop. Each circle consists of a small gathering of 10 people with equal representation of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. The group meets in a circle for 75 minutes every week for 10 weeks. In a circle there is greater opportunity for conciliation. Guided discussion with a facilitator takes place around themes like intergenerational trauma and the Indian Act. There is no emphasis on right or wrong but more about understanding the feelings resulting from the events and decisions. Since February 2020 and the start of the pandemic the Circles have been held by Zoom. Pat concluded by saying “Reconciliation begins with each and every one of us”. For further information she urged us to check out the site www.circlesforreconciliation.ca Director Michele thanked Pat for her presentation. President Elect David then introduced Joan Hardy who is VP of Sales and Marketing for CP Rail. Joan has had a 35 year career as a railroader. Joan was born and raised in Selkirk and is a graduate of the LSRC High School. After graduating from university with a degree in mechanical engineering, at a time when more women were being hired for gender equality, Joan immediately got a job in a male dominated area at CN. Over 21 years Joan gained the respect of her peers as she did everything from designing freight cars to operations, marketing, and customer service. Her next 11+ years were with CN as the Assisted Vice-President and then Vice-President of Transportation.  | | Joan Hardy |
Today, at CP Rail, Joan is now Vice President Sales and Marketing of Grains and Fertilizers. CP Rail's grain transportation area includes fertilizer, potash and sulfur and is a 3.5 billion dollar portion of an 8 billion dollar portfolio. Grain is a very politically charged area with lots of opportunity for conflict between big companies and the farmers. | Map of the CPR GRAIN NETWORK |
In preparing for tonight’s presentation Joan asked herself what have I learned?
Well, she knows railroading and grain. She has learned the importance of respecting people for their strengths and likes to build a team with a cross section of thinkers, and analysts. A leader must have an innate leadership skill, give good feedback whether it is positive or negative and allow people to shine by giving them the spotlight. CP Rail has a gender diversity council, a racial diversity council and an indigenous council. Joan is leading the gender council. In addition, she is extremely interested in mentoring young women in male dominated career areas particularly engineering. In conclusion, Joan said on personal level she has learned “that women don’t need to make a choice between a career and a family it is possible with a good partner to have it all”. Director Michele thanked Joan for her presentation. President’s Report & Announcements: President Jean announced that Caroline Bidal has submitted a completed membership application to join our Rotary Club. An Induction Ceremony will be held at an upcoming meeting. Jean reported our club will be receiving $4,000 from the St. Andrews Christmas Hamper Fund to be applied to the NOW program. There will be a photo opportunity with the $500 Cheque being given to Adult Literacy. Jean reminded the executive of the upcoming meeting with Brady Clarke of the City of Selkirk at 3:30pm on Monday 15th followed by the monthly executive meeting at 5pm. Directors Reports & Announcements: As follows President-elect and Media: David has posted a Facebook page related to International Women’s Day. 1000 Lobster on the Run tickets have been ordered and will be available shortly to Rotarians to sell. Past President Sharon reported she and Jean are taking apart the large Rotary scrapbooks and need some assistance. If you can help, please give her a phone call. Treasurer’s Report: Rotarian Lesli had no Treasurer’s report. But she and Rotarian Rhonda met with Lee at Gordon Howard to check out the facility in advance of Lobster on the Run. Traffic control was discussed, and things are looking good. 1st Avenue or Club Service: Director Brian Surridge reported on upcoming meetings. March 22 will be Assembly with the Induction of a new member and April 12 will be new member Trish Goosen presentation. 4th Avenue or International Service: Director Elaine Elliott says there is still time to donate to the Rotary Foundation 5th Avenue or Youth: Director Michele announced that there will be a Virtual MUNA this year and registration will be $25 per team. There is already one team from the high school that will be participating and perhaps an additional team. What is MUNA? Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is a Rotary District project designed to create an awareness of the role of the United Nations in mediating international issues. ... MUNA is actually a United Nations initiative and there are a variety of MUNA events held throughout the world. Meeting adjourned: 7:10pm
From the BoardItem 1: The Board participated in a Zoom meeting with the City of Selkirk’s Brady Clark (Director of Culture, Recreation and Green Transportation and Travis Vandenbrand (Manager of Parks and Recreation). Discussion was held concerning the Rotary Shelter upkeep, installation of a Rotary Peace Pole and whether there is a place for us to assist the city in cleanup. We need to have a clear idea of our expectations and they stated they were just starting to put together their summer job list. Item 2: Jean has received 2 completed Rotary membership applications from Shauna Curtin and Caroline Bidal. Induction of these new members will take place March 22, 2021 at or Assembly meeting. . Item 3: Look for Marcia’s picture on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as she hands out a cheque for $500 to Adult Literacy for learning software and a new printer  | | Adele Plett Bartel receiving a $500 donation to Adult Literacy from Selkirk Rotary from Rotarian Marcia Bilkoski (left) | | | | Click here for page 12 of the |  |
Item 4: Rotarians Lesli and Rhonda gave us a Lobster on the Run update. Traffic patterns, precooked potatoes, carrot cake for dessert, three choices of Grand Prizes, Grad committee and Grad student helpers, staggered pick up and the number of tickets ( 850 lobster and 150 steak) printed were all discussed. Item 5: Secretary Ruth will be cancelling the Rec Centre booking for May 29, 2021. |
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