Jack ably chaired this meeting just like the old Pro that we all know him to be.

 

 

Al M. delivered a well prepared and researched Blessing asking the God of our choice for compassion to the human family and encouragement to our front line workers. He also quoted a touching passage from Tolstoy that “this too shall pass and that the Human spirit will survive.”

 

 

VISITORS AND GUESTS

 

Our guests today were Dale Worrall and Leanne Kessler who were also our guest speakers, and Adriana Van Duyvendyk. Welcome back Adriana. Good to see you again.

 

 

 

HAPPY DOLLARS

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

President Paul reported on the progress of our new Membership model, having recently pitched the concept to the District Governors. They are thoughtfully considering our model and thanked Paul, empathizing his creativity and transparency. Some of the DG’s say they may consider this model for their own clubs. Thank you Paul for you and your committee’s tireless efforts on this front.

 

 

Mark G. spoke to the new Victoria Park Community Center project and his and his committee’s recent pitch to the City to advance the project’s progress.  

 

While a Non-Profit organization is being incorporated to operate the facility and Bylaws are being collectively drafted with the City’s guidance, the City does have some concerns about certain gaps in the business plan as presented. It is important to note that our Club’s financial liability is limited to a specific dollar amount. Governance will be conducted in compliance with a Collective Lease agreement with the City.

 

It is hoped that the site will be prepared in the fall. One possible option would be constructing the building units modularly during the winter for moving onto the site in the spring.

 

On behalf of the Club, thank you Mark and your team for the many hours you have invested in this worthy project.

 

 

Paul and Mark also updated the Club on the President’s Dinner coming up this summer. The Saskatoon Club can accommodate 6 to a table for a maximum of 36 people. 19 folks ordered the $60 tickets right then and there.

 

While your humble Editor will not be back to Saskatoon by then due to second shot scheduling, he donated $120 anyway to make up for his non-attendance and to honour Paul of course.

 

By the by, if someone in the Club, and I'm not mentioning any names here, intends to use cardboard cutouts of Darcelle and me seated at a table, kindly refrain from using the photo of me in my Halloween Doe Costume while I was hand feeding our daily visitor "Boss Moma" deer and her off spring, mistakenly during Rutting season. Bad memories.

 

 

Donna G. reminded folks that she now has more Sobeys grocery cards for sale and there followed a rapid uptake of these by several members. Well done Donna! You are a super sales talent.

 

 

ROTARY MOMENT

 

President Paul was honored to induct our newest member Jennifer Lawrence. Member Tammy Pshebylo who was the one to scout Jennifer delivered a very thorough Bio about her.

 

Jennifer is amazing! A Mother, Wife and Entrepreneur, she was born in Johannesburg, then moved to Saskatchewan eventually landing in Humboldt and finally Saskatoon. She operates a successful Food Catering service but also holds an intense passion for helping young people, especially young girls and women as they mature.

 

She has a great sense of humour but also an intense work ethic shown in her establishment of “Lawrence Love”, a non- profit organization aimed at developing young people.  

 

Paul gave a warm welcome to our Rotary family membership, highlighting high ethical standards, advancement of International understanding and to always judge oneself via the 4 way test, which we all repeated in unison.

 

He stressed that members represent their vocations as Ambassadors to Rotary with an obligation to carry out Rotarian duties and take on Rotarian tasks when asked, with the aim towards “Service Above Self”, our Rotarian Motto.

 

 

Jack concluded by thanking Tammy for being Jennifer’s Mentor, and welcoming Jennifer to the club.

 

Jennifer offered thanks to President Paul and Tammy, indicating that everyone in the Cub has been very friendly to her and pledging to be a mentor to others and to follow the Rotarian lifestyle.

 

 

 

TODAY’S PROGRAM – ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE (“RYE”)

 

Gary R. introduced Dale Worrall a member of the Riverside Club and who is married to Angela, and his colleague Leanne Kessler from the Saskatoon Meewasin Club.

 

Leanne is a retired financial planner and is now a full time Mom at home. She was also a Rotary Exchange student to Japan so became very involved in the program. She lives in Warman.

 

Dale retired from the CIBC in Kindersley after 40 years as a Financial Planner. He serves as Treasurer for the RYE Committee and also Chair of the Shelterbox Program for Saskatchewan.

 

He has sent us the following Video You Tube Link https://rotary5550.org/sitepage/youth-exchange featuring the RYE Program and its benefits.

 

Dale reported that a former young RYE participant Braydon is now part of the District Board for Youth Exchange, paying forward his experience. The RYE program is always looking for young people to become involved.

 

Over its 75 year history the RYE has placed over 8,000 students in 80 different countries! What a remarkable achievement and such a positive life enhancing experience for these young people.

 

Academic merit not a requirement to participate and in some cases academic credits are possible to achieve with some countries.

 

13 countries are presently in play for long term school year exchanges, but short terms are also possible from 60 to 90 days during the summer. Presently there is a pause on the exchanges due to Covid, but travel should re-activate next year.

 

Your humble Editor shared his and Darcelle’s experience hosting young Bjarne from Denmark several years ago, whom with we still stay connected. It was tremendous fun and our own kids took him under their wing. At the end of his stay his parents came for a visit and we had a delightful dinner out with them.

 

Only after he returned did I learn that I probably broke a few RYE rules as regards things such as dirt biking, wake boarding, speed boat piloting etc., all of which Bjarne was crazy about. Oops.

 

Dale reported that there is a flat cost for all students and it is very reasonable. As well Melfort member Mike Maud is the new incoming chair of the RYE program.

 

Good communication is very important to getting the RYE information out, so of course social media plays a big part in this, as does the Website, which is being updated currently.

 

An invitation is being sent out shortly to all Rotarians for a Zoom RYE information meeting for this coming weekend.

 

The RYE program cost is $7,000 per student for the long term stay, and $2,000 for the shorter term stay. These costs are borne by the student and their families. The Rotary Clubs are responsible for the costs associated with incoming students including attendance at programs and mandatory events. However sometimes finding Host families can be a bit of an issue so all Rotarians are asked to help out if possible.

 

Dale shared a story of one student going to Finland and liking it so much he decided to stay, finish his education and establish a career there. While his parents were a bit shocked, they have adjusted and now have an excuse for frequent travel and visits.

 

Dale also explained “Rotex” that is an organizing group formed by returning RYE students to stay connected.

 

Chairman Jack thanked Dale and Leanne, indicating a contribution would made by our Club on their  behalf to the Salvation Army Bethany Homes program for women in need.

 

In conclusion he also thanked President Paul, Gary R., Al M., Wayne P. and Graham for their service duties today. Great job Jack!

 

Editor - Graham Pearson  PHF