President Bev kicked off the meeting with a round of appreciation for our roster volunteers today including Jack as greeter, Dave for visitors and guests, Peter Z. for cashier duties, Avis for Grace and Al for setup and take down. Gary R. was also very effective in moving a goodly number of Gift Cards.
 
Dave introduced our guests today, Colin Taylor, our Assistant District Governor, and prospective member Wayne Palmer.
 

Announcements today included a reminder of the June 27 President's dinner, so there is no lunch that day. (see Jack for tickets)

 

Bev reminded all that "dues be due". Pay before June 15 and get a $25 discount.

Our next board meeting will be Tuesday, June 14 at 4 pm at the Saskatoon Media Center.
 
Peter Z. reiterated the we volunteer Monday, June 20 at the Friendship Inn so there will be no meeting that day.

 

Jim announced a Becas planning meeting for Wednesday night with more details to follow.
 
ADG Colin offered warm remarks, congratulating our Club for the many awards received at the Gimli District Conference. Elaine Thompson was nominated as the DG Elect, to serve after the next two District Governors. Colin described the RI President's presentation asking the core question "what's after Polio Plus?" Canora, Ontario will be the site for next years District Conference. Also August 22 will be the date for our District Governor's visit to our Club.

Colin is off to Guatemala in October to support the Ripple Effect program with its school rebuilding projects. The 5 Club dinner in the fall will raise funds to support this program. We can expect a presentation when he returns.
 
President Bev and ADG Colin then made a special award presentation to our own Jack Brodsky for his significant contribution in aid of the Million Dollar Dinner Bev is spearheading. The Million Dollar Dinner is a celebration event designed to recognize all Major Donors and Bequest Society Members whose outright gifts or commitments are $10,000 or greater. This can include members of the Paul Harris Society for a 10 year commitment.  The goal is to show that D5550 is committed to our Rotary Foundation by raising a minimum $1 Million USD. Congratulations Jack!

 

 
 
The bulk of our meeting was a discussion of the potential Cornfest project headed by Gary R. The Taber, Alberta club has run this event successfully for years and gave Gary valuable insights. Net to our club could be as much as $8,800 but it will depend on available volunteers who can work over the July 29 to August 1 long weekend. After much debate the Club is conditionally supporting this project which is sure to be a great fellowship event as well as a cash generator.
 

 

Sergeant Jim justifiably jimmied jangling jingles du jour from:
- The President for arguing with the Sergeant (always dangerous and expensive)
- Garth Brooks attendees
- Vic and Bev for sitting with Garth, who is a nice guy and very down to earth
- Scott for the Vegas trip (what stayed, we ask?)
- Bev for Vic winning a Hall of Fame award at the recent broadcaster conference!
- Late dues laggards
- Gary Rusu for the fishing trip, a family reunion, and the James Taylor concert in aid of Fort Mac

- Al for the Barber of Seville Opera

- Graham for a Solar Gardens course on succulents

- Jack for the "Mr. Hockey" memorial celebrations
- Wayne for the golf and football seasons and the fishing trip
- Pete Z. for Gordie Howe's memorial celebrations having spent a weekend with him once, and for he and Elaine's departure to Malawi in a week
- Bev for the Gordie Howe memories, for Garth Brooks donating flowers to the Howe statue and her families donations of both a Gordie Howe and a Rush jersey to Garth Brooks
 
The meeting was adjourned in high spirits!