Highlights of the March 22, ZOOM Meeting

Posted by Secretary Ruth Konzelman

Welcome by President Jean Oliver:

Jean opened the meeting and turned it over to Past President Sharon who gave the Acknowledgment of Treaty Territory.

Introduction of visiting Rotarians, Visitors and Guests:

Rotary Guests: Rob Tisdale Assistant District Governor

President Jean’s dip into the archives reminded us that 84 years ago today in 1937 the Selkirk Rotary Club held its first meeting at the Merchant’s Hotel. April 19/37 was Charter Night for the club with the first Club President being Ken Cowles.

Also, in 1937 the club gave $25 worth of vegetables to Saskatchewan and built an outdoor skating rink at the end of Manitoba Ave. by Booth Fisheries. 84 years later the Club raised nearly $162,000 for Project Echo.

Please read “From the Archives” sidebar another first, for the club, that Jean reported.

Sergeant at Arms: Hurrah for Rhonda she finally hit the level where the quiz questions begin to make sense. Some of the Rotarians on Zoom actually got 8/10 correct!

Induction of New Member: The Rotary Executive participated in the Induction Ceremony for Caroline Bidal. Afterwards all the Rotarians present raised a glass in a toast to our newest member Caroline Bidal. We look forward to meeting Caroline in person and getting to know her better as we work on Rotary projects.

Welcome Aboard, Caroline Bidal!

Assembly

President-elect: Rotarian David Thorne

Reporting as media director David said the video released 3 days prior to this meeting had 7,290 visits. Announcing “Lobster on the Run” on Facebook has already given us 36 sold tickets to individuals that have never attended Lobsterfest before. David then reported that he has done a media interview with the Selkirk Record. Watch for it in an upcoming edition! David has phoned Rob Belanger about Rotary Participation in Red River Clean Up. Rob is to call back. David is also working with Brady Clark from the City of Selkirk on putting a Peace Pole in Selkirk. Talks are underway.

In the meantime, Rhonda has contacted Chris at Selkirk Machine works who is interested in providing a galvanized steel pole and Precision Laser will look at making plaques saying” May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages. David reports there is a need to convince the City of Selkirk that Queen’s Park is the place to put the Peace Pole.

At this point discussion segwayed into “Lobster on the Run” with Rotarians Lesli and Rhonda reporting. Sheldon at Upper Crust Bakery will provide the buns and cook the baked potatoes. Dessert is still undecided but there are ideas to be considered. Rhonda suggested listing all our business supporters on the back of the lobster cooking instructions and this was met with approval. There is a choice of 3 prizes available for the Grand prize winner. We will have the Rotary Pamphlets updated to include in the dinner boxes. In the past we have had someone take photographs at Lobsterfest. Rhonda will contact her to see about doing some sort of set up/picture frame while drivers are waiting to pick up dinners. The Committee for Safe Grad has been contacted about providing runners for the pickup of dinners. Rotary will donate to Safe Grad.

Past President: Sharon reported that we have finished the $5000 grant money for NOW. We are packing about 100 bags per week and it is a challenge to shop for items that will stay fresh in a back pack for 1/2 day before the student takes them home. We must look at the amount budgeted for this project for next year and consider applying for additional grants. Jean and Sharon have just about finished with archiving.

Treasurer’s Report: Lesli reported that the NOW program is costing the Club about $1,000 per month. Lesli listed off some payables and gave bank balances.

1^st Avenue or Club Service: Director Brian Surridge went over the upcoming schedule of meetings and Jean thanked Brian for all the work he has done to make these Zoom meetings interesting with great speakers.

2^nd Avenue or Vocational Service: Director Ron Knight reminded everyone that October is Vocational service month and to start looking for a candidate for the club’s Vocational Service Award. Once COVID restrictions have ended Ron hopes to reschedule the cancelled vocational tour.

3^rd Avenue or Community Service: Director Ruth Konzelman reported that before we can start supporting the community, we need to raise the funds. After cancelling last year’s Lobsterfest due to COVID the Club is adapting and thinking outside the box. Wine and Roses became a highly successful wine draw. Lobsterfest is now a takeout lobster dinner. The club recently gave a $500 cheque in support of adult literacy. You may have seen Marcia’s picture in the Record presenting the cheque.

4^th Avenue or International Service: Director Elaine Elliott thanked the members who donated to the Rotary Foundation. Our club hit the magic number and is now eligible to put in grant applications.

5^th Avenue or Youth: Director Michele Polinuk was not able to attend the meeting and President Jean read Michele’s report. One team from the high school will be attending a virtual MUNA. The grade 9 Citizenship Awards and the grade 12 awards will continue as usual but will most likely not be an in-person event.

ADG Rob Tisdale added that World Peace Partners have just indicated that Rotary Adventures in Human Rights will be a 3-day virtual event scheduled in August. He also said the PET (Incoming President’s training Session) held a few weeks ago was a successful virtual learning session.

President Jean concluded the meeting by adding she had a reply from the Selkirk Fire Department about the club’s donation to purchase a new “Sparky”. The purchase occurred at the beginning of COVID and with health restrictions there have been few occasions for the fire department to even meet as a group and no access to schools. Sparky is currently resting up for the big debut.

Meeting adjourned: 7:05 pm