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APRIL 3rd, 2017 - ROTARY CENTENNIAL PROJECT - AT THE HOTEL BESSBOROUGH President Jack brought the meeting to order, asking John D. to deliver the blessing, which he did with insightful aplomb, offering an Ode to Spring.
Gary K. then introduced our sole guest, the inimitable Ed Peck.
Dave S. reported on the Masters Golf Tournament draw that is selling well and is expected to raise significant funds for our Club. Thank you Dave for all the hours you devote to this.
Jack reminded all of the upcoming Rotary training to be offered at the Saskatoon Club and can be contacted for further details. Jack also advised of a lunch cost increase for the new pst provisions in the Provincial budget. The amount will be set at the next Board meeting.
He also urged all to buy their Badge Shield and Star dinner tickets on Pic-A-Tic, very professionally coordinated by Joanne, as the event is only 10 days away. The regular meeting will go ahead that week. The Prairieland venue needs a head count by weeks end.
Dave S. briefly reported on the Adventures in Technology program being organized by Steve W. Volunteer billets and drivers are needed.
Gary R. reminded all to buy Grocery cards as an easy fundraiser for us, and reported brisk sales at the start of the meeting.
The World Community service committee will meet April 5, at 7:30 AM at the Saskatoon Club.
Sergeant Adriana then took the podium, quizzing the members on Rotary history including;
- Rotarian John Bracken who became Premier of Manitoba for 20 years,
- That 1924 was the first year our Rotary Wheel was used by the Saskatoon Rotary Club,
- That Paul Harris was a guest at an early Rotary meeting in Saskatoon.
Fines were levied for no badges (or as they said to the late H. Bogart; "Batchis, batchis!! We no need no steenkeen batchis!!") wherein Peter, Paul, Joanne, Tim, Ed, Mark and Scott all felt the pain.
H & S dollars were harvested for: - Heather for a very well organized sports tournament for her daughter
- A happy $20 from Graham for the Club's support of the "Darcelle and Graham Hirsute Pursuit" and reporting that the Sask Cancer website for the cause is still open, with $850 + raised to date! The great lop-off and wig donation takes place at the end of May,
- Gary R. for a trip to Salt Spring Island, (and spotting Graham look alikes)
- $5 each from Mark and Dave for challenging Graham to "bun up", to which he enthusiastically complied
- $10 from Scott for his Hawaiian trip, Graham's man bun and the fierce competitiveness shown by Mike G. at a Ruckers' throw-down,
- Ed for the Saskatchewan Rush success
Today's Program
Our speaker today was President Elect Mark speaking on the upcoming 100th Birthday Celebration of Rotary in Saskatoon. He also presented the Club with a banner from RI President Ian Riseley received by Mark at his PETS training in Manitoba. Mark spoke to the theme of this event being "100 years of Rotary making a difference".
All the Saskatoon Clubs are coming together to collaborate in making this a success. Vic D. has prepared a very professional PR poster to help promote the festivities.
Tuesday, August 15th will be the Dinner Gala at Prairieland Park at which RI President Ian Riseley of Australia will address the combined Clubs. The dinner will be prime rib, with a cash bar to help contain costs, and as always ticket sales are critical. Sponsors are needed with Sarah King of the North Club, Gary R. and Bev D. leading the charge in pursuit of these.
A private reception will be held at 5 pm for VIP's, politicians, sponsors and other Club presidents. After dinner the event will kick off at 8 pm with greetings from the Province and the City.
Ticket prices are $125 per person available on Pic-A-Tic, coordinated by Joanne F. The site is "SaskatoonCentennial2017picatic.com". The dinner budget is projected to net $45 per ticket as profit, i.e. Approximately $13,000 from say, 450 tickets.
In addition to the Dinner Gala a special Centennial project is planned. This will be a large Picnic Gazebo to be built at Rotary Park. Architect Ken Wilson of the Meewasin Club has graciously volunteered his time to design the Gazebo, having recently completed something similar for his church.
The drawings presented by Mark were stunning, showing a 6 sided, 40 feet in diameter structure that several families can use at once. Plaques for contributors will be displayed, with contributions in kind for things like steel and other materials, greatly helping.
The location will be near the washrooms but won't interfere with access to the playing fields. Rotarian J. Shaw PEng has volunteered to help with the various construction and Municipal sign offs. The build schedule is approximately two months, subject to the timing of City approval. If there are delays for some reason, a sod turning celebration will be used instead of a building dedication.
The budgeted cost of the Gazebo is approximately $90,000 with $25,000 coming from our Club, $10,000 to $15,000 from the Dinner Galla profit, $10,000 to $15,000 from other Clubs, plus donations in kind. Please notify Mark of any suppliers you might know that could have an interest in contributing.
A Park picnic event is planned for the Gazebo dedication, and Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Aboriginal Leaders will be invited to offer congratulations.
The District website will promote the Centennial Celebrations as well, and all members are asked to search out alumni for an invitation.
The five Club collaboration has been essential to the planning and future success of this event, and is a critical model being adopted by RI Worldwide for big projects.
Thank you Mark for an excellent presentation and for the most dedicated efforts by you and your team.
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