What a beautiful day today. Before the official opening Linda thanked both Pat and Bill Fitzsimmons for organizing indoor bocce and dinner yesterday. There were 30 in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at noon sharp. Zoom attendance was 11 and in person attendance was a 34 for a total of 45. Today’s land acknowledgement suggests while acknowledging territory is very welcome, it only goes so far in cultivating strong relationships. One must forge real understanding and challenge the legacies of colonialism. The land acknowledgement needs to be understood as a vital part of our Club’s business.
O Canada was sung without the help of the video recording.
Pat Fitzsimmons announced there were no guests on Zoom. Mona Wasfy introduced guests in attendance including Past DG, Martin Parnell, and his wife, Sue, Renata Reid, to be inducted later today, Krista Poole, CEO from Can Learn, with Krista today is Deanna Yeo also from Can Learn and Elaine and Wayne Moses.
The Rotary International Moment gives a history lesson in our Rotary Wheel. Initially various clubs had a different version of the wheel. In 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the Rotary international Association. Some engineers brought to light the wheel needed to be tweaked by adding a keyway in the center of the gear, so it was mechanically sound. Today the wheel is recognized worldwide.
Although this announcement was not made at the meeting, Clarence wanted to be sure it was in the Bulletin and rightly so! On November 17, 2022 Evelyn Buckley, Honorary Member of our Club, was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for all her past contributions to our great province. Many congratulations from all the Club members, Evelyn, you are an inspiration to us all.
Garfield Ganong provided some background on the Citizenship Award. A Paul Harris Fellowship is the highest honor a Rotary Club can bestow on an individual for significant philanthropic service. The purpose of the Citizenship Award is three fold. First to recognize worthy individuals in our community who have provided selfless service. Secondly, to highlight charitable giving to our Foundations. Third, to increase Rotary awareness and all Rotary does.
Clarence Buckley introduced his Citizenship Award nominee and winner, Elaine Moses. For many of us Elaine is no stranger to our Club. We have seen Elaine countless times at countless fundraisers and service events. To name a few: Feed the Hungry, Strawberry Shortcakes, Xmas Greenery and Stampede Breakfast. Elaine is the Buckley’s neighbour for 35 years and is always lending her helping hands. She epitomizes Service above Self not just with Rotary and with her Church.
Elaine expressed her gratitude in receiving such a huge honor from Calgary West. She loves the Stampede Breakfast to share the hospitality of Calgary and Rotary. For her Service above Self means being there when someone needs you.
Gerry Meek introduced his Citizenship Award nominee and winner, Krista Poole. Gerry met Krista 10 years ago as a Board Member of Can Learn. Gerry admits he was bribed by the cookies. Krista has been CEO of Can Learn since 2012. She is an outstanding community advocate for literacy and learning. At Can Learn she re-invented what that meant for children, youth, and adults.
Krista is well-known in the non-profit sector as a big picture thinker, innovator, connector, and influencer. She has a deep interest in working with at-risk-populations and ensuring access to learning for people with learning challenges.
Krista has been a recipient of the United Way Spirit of Gold award for her work in diversity and was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award in 2010. Under Krista’s leadership, Calgary Learn was the recipient of an organizational leadership award from Literacy Alberta.
Krista said her jaw dropped when she heard the news of this award. She gave a thank you to this room full of givers – for all they do locally and internationally. She also thanked Gerry personally as Chair of Can Learn to create this lasting legacy. It is not about me but about this lasting gift of literacy where it is never too late to start.
Sa’adat provided some history on Foundation giving. Rotary International (RI) celebrates a 100 year old tradition of giving and now has a huge fund being one of the top ten charities in the world for its effectiveness and success. Rotarians raise funds to make the world a better place both locally and internationally.
There is also the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF). This Foundation was formed in 1972 by five leading clubs, West being one of those clubs. Today twelve Calgary Rotary Clubs participate with $60M in endowment funds. Calgary West has $800K and would like to see that go to $1M. Last year we received $40K from CRCF that will do good both locally and internationally. Currently Garfield Ganong and Joe Klassen sit on the Board of Directors.
Contributions can be made in various forms. They will accept donations of properties, and/or securities, bequests, donations of RRSP and/or Rif’s, and gifts of a life insurance policy. Consider giving to the CRCF online at Calgary Rotary Foundation.ca or give your cheque to a Foundation Committee Member: Garfield Ganong, Marlene Doherty, Joe Klassen, Mike Carlin, David Watson, Bill Tapuska, Sa’adat Keshavjee or Rod McMahon. Do not be shy – just give because we will accept.
The CRCF pins given out today were for donations made last year and this year. Last year the names were read and the photos were on the screen, however many members were not in attendance to receive their pins. Here are the recipients: Gerry Meek, Holland Berry, Joe Klassen, Gordon Rodrigues, Gail Williams, Steve Kuiack, Sa’adat Keshavjee, Kurt Schurer, Debbie McMillan, Steve Strang, Judy Cochran, Garfield Ganong, and David Watson.
Calgary West recently made an additional donation from our General account in the amount of $26K to CRCF. Every member is to receive a pin and a carry bag as a thank you – please see Marlene Doherty. Of note the Club will match our donations to CRCF up to $500 CDN and to RI up to $500 USD.
Les Morgan, Director of Membership, Marlene Doherty, Past President of Calgary West, and Renata Reid were called to the podium for Renata’s induction. Les tells us Renata was an enthusiastic candidate from the start. Her biggest question was when can I join? Renata is a Real Estate Advisor at Sotheby’s International Realty. She is a Director for the Marda Loop Community Association. She volunteers with Women in Need, Inn from the Cold, The Mustard Seed, and Women’s’ Emergency Center. She is a fundraiser “par excellence.” Loves interior design.
Renata said she has been wanting to join Rotary for 10 years and now the time is right. This is an exciting day for her. Youth is one aspect of her passion. She follows in her parents’ footsteps in been able to conduct fundraisers. Marlene gave the charge. She pointed out there is a two way obligation between Renata and all the Club members. To the best of her ability Renata should attend Club meetings, participate in fellowship opportunities, perform her share of Club service, and share her talents and knowledge with the Club. The Club members in return will make you feel welcome, engage you in activities that suit your passion and assist in growing your Rotary knowledge. Marlene encouraged Renata to live by the 4 Way Test. She then welcomed Renata as the world’s newest Rotary member.
Then came the Mad Minutes. Steve Strang announced all volunteer spots for Feed the Hungry Sunday, November 27 have been filled. If you are on the list Steve will send out an email directly to you with your shift time – morning shifts start at 11 am and afternoon starts at 1 pm. Turning to golf, Darren Grierson and Tim Anderson shared the low net trophy. Dan Doherty won gross.
Five presenters were next giving their pitch and vying for your support for the three Weeks of Giving in December. Bill Fitzsimmons pitched The Doorway, Judy Cochran favored The Children’s Cottage Society, Linda Anderson has chosen Alpha House, and Bill Quinney supports Can Learn. Kurt Schurer withdrew Bethany Care. In these Covid times art cannot be touched by multiple clients. Kurt is also looking for more LCS applications to come in so we can do good in the community. The three charities will be chosen via a Doodle Poll so watch your mailboxes for the poll. Results will be announced at next week’s meeting.
Tim Anderson pitched a really good deal in keeping with Black Friday sales. There are half price tickets available for a Boney M concert at the Grey Eagle on December 2 for only $30. Let Tim know if you are interested in attending – tickets are going fast.
Next Rotary meeting on November 28 is in person only. The guest speaker will be Shelley Dyson, a former Rotarian and employee of Grey Eagle. She will be speaking about her great aunt Viola Desmond. Viola was a Canadian civil and women’s rights activist.
Bill Lawless is looking for volunteers to help with the Habitat for Humanity Casino on January 27 and 28, 2023. He needs twenty-six volunteers and H4H will provide ten volunteers. Then stay tuned for the build day next spring or summer.
From Madame President, read the fifty 360 Events Bulletin to catch up on all the events in our District. Chris Ritter will be posting the signup sheet for the Xmas Brunch to be held at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club on December 11. This is sure to get even the Grinch in the holiday spirit. The cost is $60 pp. Pricing for children is still to be determined.
December 5 meeting will feature Dr. Tom Keenan addressing Technology in Society.
Two Thoughts:
Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. – Martin Luther King
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. – Muhammad Ali
The 4 Way Test jingle closed the meeting at 1 pm.
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