A) Highlights of the May 10, 2021 ZOOM Meeting 

Posted by Secretary Ruth Konzelman

Welcome by President Jean Oliver:

President Jean opened the meeting using the District’s Treaty Acknowledgement and then provided some interesting Selkirk Rotary trivia:

In 1975 Selkirk General Hospital shared that in a 1-year period 986 people were sent from our area to Wpg. for diagnostic tests such as gastroscopes and colonoscopies. Forty years ago, our club raised and donated $17,000 to the hospital for an imaging intensifier for those scopes.

In 1985 the club donated $3200 towards water pumps in Africa and sponsored their second foster child.

In May/83 All Rotarians worldwide began to call their fellow Rotarians by their first name as opposed to Mr. President or Rotarian John. It was felt that this was a means of displaying close fellowship.

Members then watched a short video “Rotary’s Inspire Health” about combating polio. Last week was World Immunization Week.

Duane Nicol, CAO City of Selkirk

Brian introduced this evening’s speaker, Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol. As the City’s senior bureaucrat he is responsible for leading the senior management team, and guiding policy and procedures. Duane was a city councillor from 2002-2014 prior to becoming the CAO in 2014.

Duane started his presentation with the following statement:

“ Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves”.

Lasting change and sustainability resulted in a long-range Strategic Plan adopted by the City of Selkirk in 2014. The plan was developed in consultation with stakeholders, community workshops and council strategy sessions. It has 20 goals grouped under 5 strategic priorities. They are:

1. Vibrant, safe & healthy community

2. Strong, stable local economy

3. Safe & sustainable infrastructure

4. Maximum value for community resources

5. Environmental stewardship

Duane said a 2011 review of finances and infrastructure showed that Selkirk’s capital infrastructure was at the lowest levels. “What would it cost to replace the city’s infrastructure?” A city through the responsible management of its infrastructure meets the needs of its citizens today without compromising its ability to meet the needs of its future citizens. This has resulted in an asset management system that addresses replacement in a systematic fashion.

Working within the strategic plan’s framework has resulted in a climate change adaptation strategy which prompted an audit of trees in Selkirk. Park assets are now included in the City’s asset management program and endowments funds have been created in several areas to create an opportunity for citizens to support something they are passionate about.

The presentation was lengthy and interesting. It provided Rotarians with insight into why sudden proposals for community projects take so long for approval. If it is not in the strategic plan or slated as a priority for the year then it becomes shelved for future consideration. The strategic plan can be viewed in its entirety on the City of Selkirk website. “Selkirk- Where it all Comes Together”.

In closing Duane provided a bit of 1958 trivia for the club.

Families enjoying Rotary Lake

On July14/58 Rotary Lake was officially opened at a cost of $24,000 with a replacement cost today of $3.5 million. It may not be sustainable for much longer as it only has a 500 person capacity.  More information on Rotary Lake and Selkirk Park.

Lee thanked Duane for his presentation

Sergeant at Arms: Rhonda took the evening off and Michele filled in with some appropriate Rotary Youth trivia. May is Rotary Youth Month. Elaine has occupied many positions within the Rotary Club so she won this contest easily.

Director’s Reports:

Secretary’s Report: Ruth requested Rotarians update any address changes for the club roster

Treasurer’s Report: Lesli reminded members that statements for annual dues will be coming out shortly.

Co-Chairs of Lobster on the Run: Lesli requested that all tickets and stubs be delivered to David Thorne by Friday. An email will be sent out to Friends of Rotary looking for a few more volunteers. No public will be allowed access to Gordon Howard or will they be leaving their vehicles. Their dinners will be delivered to them as well as an opportunity to purchase 50/50 tickets while socially distanced. Lobster will be available for purchase by Rotarians the cost is yet to be determined. It is generally about $15 per lb.

Meeting adjourned: 7:25pm

We had great signage at our Lobster On The Run fundraising event!

 B) Highlights of the May 17, 2021 Zoom Meeting 

Posted by Secretary Ruth Konzelman

Program: “Lobster on the Run ”

Mary Thorne (left) and Caroline Bidal (right)

Click on photo to see more Lobster On The Run photos

President Jean opened the meeting with a 4Way Test video put together by the Dar es Salaam Rotary Club. The YouTube video had a few technical problems that do not exist if it is watched directly on YouTube. It has an engaging rhythm and is well done. Look for Four-Way Test Song YouTube Dar es Salaam Rotary Club Oyster Bay

Several of the club’s directors participated in the May 28-29^th District 5550 virtual conference that was held in Melfort Sask. President Jean asked them to report on their favorite part of the conference.

Incoming President David Thorne enjoyed the presentation by Chris Beaudry the assistant head coach of the Humboldt Broncos. He told of the journey back from the bus crash, focusing on the ups and downs of mental wellbeing and overcoming adversity.

Past President Sharon found the panel discussion on” Indigenous Relationship Building” to be valuable contribution to the conference. She learned that it takes time and patience to develop the trust necessary to build bridges. The main component is a genuine & authentic interest in the relationship.

Director Elaine spoke about the inspiring presentation by Jess Tutu. She is a young woman who overcame a difficult upbringing to become an spa entrepreneur through hard work and determination. Jess Tutu was named a Saskatchewan Woman of the Year because of philanthropic support of women’s shelters and addiction centres.

5^th Avenue Director Michele enjoyed Sara Harper-Johnston’s presentation which focused on youth. Sara is a Master of Philosophy, Race, Ethnicity and Conflict candidate, a Rotary Global Grant Scholar and a returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She told how a Rotary Youth Exchange was the springboard to her life and also spoke about mental health. It is ok to save only one person if the one person is you.

Sergeant at Arms Rhonda was back with another particularly challenging quiz about 80’s music. Once again David Thorne was the winner with a score of 8/14.

Director’s Reports:

Treasurer’s Report: Lesli reported receiving a refund for the cancelled Adv.in Citizenship registration.

Co-Chairs of Lobster on the Run: Lesli and Rhonda briefly covered the final plan and answered some questions. David Thorne, in charge of ticket sales said the breakdown is: 514 dinners sold with 484 Lobster, 30 Steak and 61 Rotarian lobster. All signs for the venue have ben ordered, the permit drafted for closure of the Waterfront loop and a ‘safety meeting” is scheduled for traffic volunteers. Trish Goosen oversees the 50/50 tickets. She has her volunteers, 2000 tickets have printed and to date 220 tickets have been sold.

Discussion took place on remuneration for the Grad Committee and Gordon Howard Centre. The following motions were proposed:

To give a $2000 cheque to the Gordon Howard Centre for use of the facilities for Lobster on the Run. Motion: Elaine Second: Ruth

CARRIED

To give a $750 cheque to the Grad Commitee for the 9 student volunteers that helped with Lobster on the Run

Motion: Lesli Second: Elaine

CARRIED

President Jean then thanked all the Rotarians that are volunteering for Lobster On the Run and requested club directors to remain on Zoom after this meeting adjourned to attend a brief director’s meeting.

Meeting Adjourned: 6:55pm