MEETING RECAP - 1st May 2023
Submitted by Will Arscott
Video Presentation: The Rotary Four Way Test
The meeting was held in the Main Dining Room at the Saskatoon Club. Our MC for the meeting was Gary Rusu. Graham Pearson was greeter. Cashier was Wayne Palmer.
This meeting relied on much technology which was ably handled by Meg Schmieder. We had several members join us by Zoom and the entire program required internet access. Thanks Meg.
The meeting began members singing ‘O’ Canada. Because our theme for the meeting was the Rotary Four Way Test. Gary had us recite the Test immediately following the anthem. Elaine Zakreski asked the ‘blessing.’ Elaine read a short poem about acceptance and recognition that nothing is perfect. She reminded us that, through Rotary, we can be the ‘light of the world.’
Visitors and Guests
There were no visitors or guests present.
Health of the Club
No report.
Celebration of life of Don Somers
This will be held at McClure United Church on May 25 (Thursday). No time was given but you can confirm with the church office.
Announcements
We need a volunteer from the club to be our Public Image Volunteer. This position requires creativity and perseverance. Please talk to President Steve if you are interested.
Donna Gauthier has grocery cards. This is an important club fundraiser so please order your cards from Donna. She will bring them to the meeting for pick-up. It would be great to turn our card inventory into cash before the Rotary year end. Donna is holding about $1,400 in Scobey’s cards. As BBQ season gets under way, please try to buy out the rest of the cards. Additional Co-Op cards will not be available until the fall.
- Will Arscott put in $11H for the recent birthday of Harold Chapman. Harold is Saskatoon’s oldest Rotarian at age 106. The eleven happy dollars are because he has been reported to be the eleventh oldest person in Canada.
- Paul Gauthier put in $20H for the Badge Shield and Star dinner. It was a great success despite not having as many attendees as in the past. Good sponsorship response saved the day.
- Jack Brodsky put in $200H as well for the BSS. Jack wanted to thank the sponsors who stood up and the members who worked on sponsorship. Asking is a difficult task.
- Mark Gryba put in $20H for finally being off on a long-awaited trip to Greece. Let’s hope the flights are not too difficult.
- Graham Pearson matched Jack’s $200 and listed several things he was happy about including a week at the lake and a new motorcycle carrier for his prized bike.
- Drew Byers, joining the meeting by Zoom, put in ten happy dollars for seeing Vic Dubois back at the meeting who was also attending by Zoom.
- Elaine Zakreski put in $50H for the club support for the Malawi appeal and for the affirmation she feels from the club.
- President Steve put in some happy dollars for a recent visit with John Davies. John is a lifetime member of our club.
- John Davies sent $100H with Steve for RAP and in memory of the late Don Somers.
- Gary Rusu contributed $25H for the BSS and the committee that made it a success. He also put in an addition $25H for getting back onto the driving range. He told a golf story about a pastor that while family rated will not be reproduced here.
Rotary Moment:
Gary spoke briefly about the ‘Humboldt Strong’ scholarships sponsored by Rotary District 5550. These are awarded each year to a Humboldt hockey player who, while contributing to the team, also undertakes significant community service and illustrates the concept of ‘Service Above Self.’ Gary thought that the recipient for this year was fully deserving.
Program: The Rotary Four Way Test
The program was in two parts. Both parts used materials available on the internet and YouTube in particular. The first part was presented by Gary Rusu and featured the country singer Lacey Dalton singing a song about the Four Way Test. The song is worthwhile and is available here:
The second part of the program was a video about the history and use of the Four Way Test. The video is available here:
I think the club was quite taken with the presentation. Afterwards Paul Gauthier gave an example of the use of the Four Way Test: When our club ceded the BSS Dinner to the RAP committee, we agreed upon a revenue sharing agreement as to how the funds would be used. The agreement seemed reasonable and fair to all concerned at the time. Over time the revenue from the dinner has become harder to generate and the RAP people took on all the organization. The original agreement no longer seemed fair to all concerned. Our club could have taken the position that a deal is a deal but instead we chose to re-visit the situation in and agreed to reduce our take from the dinner. This was done because it was fair to all concerned. It will not be good for our club budget in the immediate term.
Gary ended the meeting by reminding us it is not what we say or do but how we make people feel that really matters.
Adjournment
Next Meeting is May 15. Don Lepp will be inducted as our newest member. A few members will report on the District Conference by members.
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