President Jack launched our meeting with Al M. delivering a most professional blessing that thoughtfully invoked the Four Way test. As our introducer of visitors was regrettably MIA, Jack did double duty and welcomed our guest Charlie Clark, who was also today's speaker as a Mayoralty candidate.

 

Wayne M. led our troops with a stellar National Anthem, then valiantly tried to keep the room on key with the Hello Song (ouch - not pretty).

 

Jack announced that Thursday, October 20th is the date for the strategic planning session for RAP to be held at the Travelodge. All five clubs are participating. Our regular meeting will be cancelled that week to allow our attendance.

 

Joanne F. reported that the Board has developed an initiative for greater Rotary visibility in the community when we are volunteering. Rotary tee shirts and golf shirts are now available for purchase, and can be worn while participating in many of our projects. The golf shirts can be purchased for $45 each. Please see Joanne for details.

 

She also also discussed the King George school project. The Christmas Market will take place again this year and is considered a highlight of the year. Volunteers are needed. Wednesday, December 21st is the tentative date.

 

Mike G. announced that the Foundation Dinner will be held November 14th, 6pm at the Bessbourough, honouring Paul Harris recipients.

 

Dave S. spoke to the Meewasin dinner October 6th at the WDM for $65. Please see Dave for tickets.

 

Jack gave a quick reminder about the upcoming RI Institute training courses taking place Saturdays, October  3rd in Saskatoon and November 3rd in Prince Albert. Bev and Dave will be presenters. 

 

He also reminded us that Adriana is being award a "Golden Heart" award to be held September 28th at the WDM in support of the McClure Foundation. Congratulations Adriana!!

 

And we are again urged to purchase Grocery Cards via Gary R.

 

Bill J. acted as our Sergeant, fevorishly finessing fines and fees from his frenetic fans for:
-Mark knowing that A. S. Wright was our first honorary Club member,
-Those knowing that the Presidential debate is to be held in New York and will draw 100 million viewers,
-Mike G. and Wayne S. dressing as scary clowns (veddy scarrrry!!) and selling apples (Mike raised over $400!!)
-Mark for the Rider's win,
-Wayne M. for a Huskies' loss but a Blue Jays win,
-Graham for attending the Gordie Howe commemorative program at the Blades home opener,
-Peter Z. for the Malawi news article in the Express and for Elaine's photo as an art student,
-Paul for the Corporate Challenge success,
-Vic for the upcoming mayoralty debate on Wednesday,
-Gary K. for his son serving on the security detail for the Royal Family,
-Mike L. for arranging a visit with the Duke and Duchess for Zowie Roy as an ambassador for RAP.

 

 

 

President Jack introduced Charlie Clark, a long term City Councillor, and now a Mayoralty Candidate.

Mr. Clark praised Rotary for its motto of "service above self". He is very supportive of the RAP program and reminded us of the City's early funding for RAP, spearheaded by Paul G. before he retired from the City.

 

Charlie spoke about the 50,000 new residents in the City, growth that largely took place after 2008. He reminded us that as recently as 2006 young people were leaving Saskatoon due to the lack of jobs. But thankfully subsequent growth in the City's economy has given Saskatoon new standing on a National basis.

 

Growth and transportation are now seen as key issues by Charlie who argued that "we don't want to get this wrong" when each overpass costs $50 million! He would like to see about 50% suburban growth and 50% urban growth, a pattern he says could "save millions" in transportation costs.

 

He sees crumbling sidewalks and other aging infrastructure as key areas for reinvestment and that growth management will be very important if taxes are to be kept in check.

 

Charlie believes that Saskatoon is the "engine of the economy" in Saskatchewan. He cites the need for streamlining of business applications to help in boosting this economy, as new jobs will be critical in keeping young people in the City. He sees an opportunity to better use the City's IT assets to assist in this aim.

 

He also sees that collaboration with community groups such as Rotary as being critical in achieving positive growth in the City.

 

The Q and A that followed mostly focussed on the bike lane topic. Charlie indicated that bike lanes are a pilot project, put in place as a result of several bike accidents on sidewalks. He also  mentioned about their high cost on maintenance.

 

Jack thanked Charlie Clark for his comments and also thanked those who contributed to organizing today's meeting.