ROTARY CLUB OF SASKATOON
February 22, 2021
ZOOM MEETING
President Paul played the ‘O’ Canada tape. Graham Pearson stepped in to say the blessing.
Heather Clydesdale chaired the meeting.
One visiting Rotarian was Dale Worral of Riverside, who is also their Club’s Youth Director. Our guest was Jennifer Lawrence, a new member candidate who had the opportunity to introduce herself. She is originally from South Africa, has lived in Canada for 12 years and is a Canadian Citizen. She said the Rotary presence in Johannesburg, South Africa is weak as the clubs have not been that active. She considers herself to be a people person, a community person, and she likes to be active and involved. Tammy will be mentoring her. Welcome, Jenny (her preference).
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Paul conducted a quick survey about vaccinations. It appears that two have had their vaccinations and several have theirs booked. The younger group, alas, are still waiting for word.
Co-Op and Sobeys food cards are available. Some orders were taken during the meeting. Thanks to Donna for looking after this and for her and Paul personally delivering them.
Riverside is having a food drive and would welcome any donations.
Dave Sundby confirmed that he sent an e-mail about the Masters Golf Pool. The price has gone from 25 to 30 dollars. He would like someone to take over the Pool next year.
Dale Worral said International Youth Exchange is shut down until June of 2022.
HAPPY AND SAD DOLLARS
- Heather’s Dad had his first vaccination., He is 91 and is doing well.
- Pete Whitenect was vaccinated a week ago and is fine.
- Avis has also had her first vaccination. She had a bit of a sore arm but otherwise is fine.
- Paul is booked for this week.
- Mark is booked for Sunday, as is Jack.
- Linda is happy because she just booked her first trip at her agency in a year, a family of eleven going to Mexico.
- Gary Rusu has his first vaccination booked and Marjorie had hers this past Sunday. Gary was at the Golf Dome and the shaft on his new golf club separated from the driver and the club went sideways – thankfully, there were no injuries.
- Jim Weber will have his first vaccination this week and his mother-in-law had hers two weeks ago. Unfortunately, there was an outbreak at Primrose Chateau, where she will eventually be returning, because the patients crowded into a room rather than going one at a time when they had their own vaccinations.
- Drew will get his vaccination on Friday. He is excited about Major League baseball starting soon.
- Dale from Riverside is happy to be joining us.
- Graham and other property owners where he has have been feeding deer and the matriarch, they call the ‘boss mama’, has become quite bold, to the point where Graham has been able to tickle her behind the ears. He is also happy for InstaCard which handles their grocery deliveries.
SPEAKER - PAUL GAUTHIER
President Paul presented our new Membership Model, which has been discussed before but he wanted to give the members present the opportunity to hear it again and then make whatever comments or ask whatever questions come to mind.
We are reducing our fees from $315 to $300, while at the same time reducing our outlay by only purchasing twenty RI memberships rather than for everyone (which would be thirty-nine). This allows us to meet our goal of being financially self-sufficient. Our fees will cover our operating costs so that all funds realized through fund raisers will go to projects. In the past we were subsidizing our operating costs to the tune of about $2,200 from fund raising dollars.
It appears we have not invented the wheel as other clubs have designated RI membership separate from ‘local’ memberships. Our district leaders appear to approve us as being creative and being forward-thinking.
The RI Memberships will be designated in our club to all in leadership, which includes board members, important committee chairs, and the lead members of international projects. Our Trust guru, Allan Lebiszczak is also included.
It was pointed out that beyond the twenty dedicated RI memberships any other member can pay the additional fees to become an RI member.
There was universal praise given to Paul in his undertaking to get us to this point and full approval was given to continue with this model.
Next Meeting - April 12th – Speaker will be Rick Van Duyvendyk talking about ‘Planting Pollinators.’
