Submitted by Will Arscott 17^th January 2017

 

January 16th MEETING RECAP - Meeting at Bessborough

Presentation on possible 50/50 ‘Chase the Ace’ Fundraiser

 

On arrival members were greeted by a display set out by club historian Al Morton. We thank Al for his attention to this duty which helps us be mindful of the past service our club has provided.

 

President Jack is on a three week vacation to warmer climes but his position was well filled by incoming President Mark Gryba.

Greeter - Peter Zakreski

Cashier - Dave Sundby

Set-up - Al Morton

Visitors and Guests - Peter Zakreski

 

O Canada - a fine job was done by all in attendance.

 

Grace - Al Morton reminded us of the Rotary commitment to service.

 

Visitors and Guests - Peter Zakreski

 

There were no visitors or guests present at the meeting so Graham Pearson was introduced as a guest. It would appear that Graham’s barber has been away longer than he has. Graham announced the four stages of life: First, you believe in Santa Claus. Second, you do not believe in Santa Claus. Third, you are Santa Claus. And finally, you look like Santa Claus!

Graham went on to explain that he and Darcelle have been growing out their hair as a fundraiser for cancer. It would be cut after the next meeting and maybe we could have an auction next Monday to raise some money from the club. Watch for Graham to be shorn next Monday.

 

 

Grocery Cards are available. Please see Gary Rusu and participate in this easy and effective fundraiser.

 

Centennial of Rotary Committee will meet on Wednesday at 4:00pm at the boardroom of the Saskatoon Media Group. All members please attend. Others are welcome to come and find out all that is being planned. Indications of interest from other clubs has been good. Meewasin Rotary is definitely planning to participate. Dave Sundby spoke of the possibility of a brown bag lunch/bus tour to visit and familiarize ourselves with the projects Rotary has undertaken in the past.

 

 

Friendship Inn Our club is to provide labour to prepare and serve on March 20^th. As usual there will be shifts. Sign-up sheets will be available soon.

 

There is a walkathon planned for February 25^th and our club has been approached about participating. Susan Blum and her daughter are the first to have signed-up. Please think about participating as a walker or a sponsor.

 

 

President-Elect Mark read the statement of Rotary principals and welcomed Susan as our newest member. The club then read the Four Way Test. Susan was presented with her certificate of membership and Rotary pin. Welcome Susan! Susan thanked all present and is already scheduled to speak about herself at an upcoming meeting. It is always great to get new members.

 

Sergeant at Arms: Scott Byers

 

Scott pointed out that today was ‘Blue Monday’ which is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. However with the change in the weather it will not live up to its reputation this year. It is also likely less blue because most people’s New Year’s resolutions have already fallen through.

 

Raptor and Packer fans were fined for being just too giddy about their recent successes. Members not familiar with MMA star B.J. Penn were fined. This editor was all to glad to get to pay that fine.

 

Scott asked a question about the Shackleton expedition and several members were familiar with his disastrous Antarctic adventure. He also pointed out that the meeting date fell on the anniversary of the Iraq invasion.

 

Scott also talked about the most recent Rotary magazine. He had been unfamiliar with the Rotary Peace Scholarships and felt we should be doing more to promote this program. There are one hundred such scholarships given each year. Several international universities participate and a candidate can earn a masters degree in world peace.

 

 

H Mark Gryba for the NFL results. He claims to have called all the play-off games correctly so far this year. Mark if you already know what is going to happen why even watch the game?

 

H Steve Wilson for a nephew chosen for an advanced football camp in Texas. His game will be broadcast on the internet.

 

H Scott Byers for his son’s ninth birthday.

H&S Dave Sundby for something and something but we are recognizing you and all you do thanks Dave!

 

S Will Arscott for the Americans inaugurating a president who would not likely qualify as a Rotarian based on the first Four Way Test.

 

H Wayne McGillivray for his Australian grand kids taking to Canadian winter.

 

S Gary Emde for the end of his time serving as President on the Saskatoon Real Estate Board.

 

 

Presented by Dave Sundby and Peter Zakreski

 

A one page handout on this proposal was distributed. Because this project is under active consideration and the Rotateller appears on a public site it is likely not appropriate to publish the full details of the proposal. If a member would like to see the proposal please email either Dave or Peter and they will send you the one page summary.

 

Some points of the discussion:

 

- Significant ongoing commitment would be required. It is likely too much for our club alone so would likely proceed as a five club project.

 

- There are significant regulatory requirements under SLGA regulations. The most onerous one is that the weekly winner must be present to cut the deck. This means it will have to be a weekly event taking place in a public location that can hold a significant number of people.

 

- Has been successful in other jurisdictions particularly the east coast. 50/50 draws seem to be popular in Saskatchewan.

 

In the end Peter and Dave asked us whether we wanted to explore further. The project would need leadership and Dave has definitely said he is not in a position to lead. Gary Kerr wondered whether there was any way it could be done online. However the format is designed to create excitement.

 

 

 

Next Meeting:

 

Monday January 23rd at the Bessborough

Speakers: Colin Taylor and Brenda Branbury

RIPPLE EFFECT in GUATEMALA