Box 4572, Station C, Calgary, Alberta T2T 5N3
Grey Eagle Hotel, 3777 Grey Eagle Drive (Corner of 37 St SW and Glenmore Drive)
Mondays 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm
President: Marlene Doherty President-Elect: Linda Anderson
Past President: Bill Fitzsimmons
Secretary: Gail Williams Treasurer: Don Edie
Directors: Judy Cochran, Gord Cox, Terry Felton, Barb Hames,
Les Morgan, Drew Turnbull
Together We Are People of Action - Building Community
December 20, 2021 Edition: 55.20 Reporter: Gail Williams Editor: Marlene Doherty
RCCW Hybrid Meeting
For an hour on Monday December 20, 2021 the grey shadow of COVID was pushed aside as Calgary West Rotarians gathered virtually and in person at the Grey Eagle Hotel to celebrate the Holiday Season and enjoy the last meeting of 2021. Sharply at noon President Marlene Doherty called the meeting to order and welcomed the 17 members and guest Bobbi Turko (I Can for Kids) who were joining us on Zoom as well as the 20 Rotarians in the Grey Eagle meeting room along with guests Mirella Rullo and the 7 ladies in the Grace Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir who would be entertaining us later in the meeting. Bell ringers were Ruth, Frieda, Mary, Ann, Kim. Fran, Susan and our own President Marlene.
A candle was lit to pay honor to former member David Hamilton who peacefully passed on December 4, 2021. Kathi Hamilton has sent a letter to the club thanking the members for their kindness to David, especially his “angels” who would pick up David and bring him to the weekly Rotary meetings which he so much enjoyed. President Marlene read David’s obituary to the meeting’s attendees. If you wish a copy, please contact Club Secretary Gail Williams. The club will send a memoriam donation to the Alzheimer’s Society.
As is our club’s tradition, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ was delivered by Rtn. David Williams in the sharp, rich, Celtic tones of our former grammar teacher.
Next up were four members sharing traditions and memories which hold a special place in their hearts.
Rtn. Natalija Reljic shared memories of Orthodox Christian celebrations while a young girl in the former Yugoslavia. Many warm memories of the festivities, food, family and friends in her father’s fire house. And at school, receiving big bags of candy from Santa. The Orthodox faith celebrates Christmas on January 7th using the old Julian calendar.
Rtn. Mona Wasfy, a Muslim girl born in Egypt celebrates the holidays of all faiths and is looking forward to having the opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah one day. In the family home there was always a Christmas tree, presents on Christmas Eve, a wide variety of what we consider traditional food and the family gathered together. The siblings must now gather on Zoom but it is still time together. This is Mona’s first Canadian winter since moving here from Virginia this past July.
Rtn. Karl Herzog shared memories of times as a young boy just outside of Heidelberg, Germany where Christmas is celebrated on the eve of the 24th. Families would parade to the cemetery carrying lit candles for their deceased ancestors to pay respect for their contributions. Christmas trees are put up on Christmas Eve and children must sit in their rooms waiting for Santa to arrive. It is a practice that Karl carries on today with his children and grandchildren although Cindy, the Lady of the Manor, now determines when the tree will go up.
Rtn. Steve Kuiack told us of his family’s tradition which started decades ago. Before leaving the Christmas dinner table, everyone must sign, draw or leave a unique symbolic marking on the tablecloth that is significant to that particular person. Mama Koo would then embroider that marking onto the tablecloth while sitting beside the fireplace and the children were gathered around the table doing their homework or crafts. Steve recalled a very special December years later while in Calcutta, India and sharing a unique moment with Mother Teresa and a few days later attending sacred rituals for the deceased on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. Steve then showed us a special ornament on his own Christmas tree – a pearl-beaded Santa which was made by survivors of Agent Orange in Saigon, Vietnam.
It was a very intriguing and quick around the world with Tour Leader Rtn. Barbie Hames.
Those attending the meeting in-person then formed three teams and set to work assembling baskets and boxes for the Healthcare Workers of the Rockyview General Hospital Seniors Care Unit. Hundreds of specialty food items, treats, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, Christmas cards and huge group signed posters were packed into a half dozen large boxes and baskets for delivery that afternoon to the staff of The Rockyview General Hospital Seniors Health clinic and Acute Geriatric Units 57 and 58. The activity was performed under the accompaniment of the eight bell ringers of the Grace Presbyterian Church.
While the members at the Grey Eagle were busy with the baskets, Rtn. David Impey presented to those on Zoom an excellent collection of slides and photographs covering events, meetings and gatherings that had taken place during the last quarter.
Our own member, Dr Dilpriya Mangat, who specializes in geriatric care and works in the Seniors Health Clinic and Acute Geriatric Units 57 and 58 at the Rockyview gave a very heart felt thank you on behalf of all the healthcare workers for the gifts of dedication and appreciation about to be delivered to the workers.
Thanks were also extended to Project Champions President Marlene, PDG Dan Doherty, PP Bill Quinney, Fun and Fellowship Director Barbie Hames, Judy Cochran and all contributors, donors, and helpers.
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HOTSEATS
Huron Carole – Dan Doherty
Wednesday December 22nd at 7:00pm we have the Huron Carole virtual concert with Tom Jackson. Tickets are only $25.00 per household with all proceeds going to I Can for Kids. The concert fee has been sponsored by Curve Distribution. If you log in about 15 minutes early you can catch a one-on-one conversation with Tom Jackson.
Out of Gate #4 – Barbie Hames
January 2nd/22 – Celebrating the Scottish Tradition of Hogmanay (The first footer) at the Rose & Crown Pub from 3:00 PM – 5:00????? You definitely don’t want to miss the extravaganza. Pipers, kilts and a wee dram or a pitcher of beer.
Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, heck bring your spouse too.
The fun just doesn’t stop at Calgary Rotary West!!!!
4 Season of Reconciliation – Free seats December only – David Wartman
Online Truth and Reconciliation course from Reconciliation Education and First Nations University of Canada - Share with friends and family. Opportunity made free to Rotary by RBC
Enroll by clicking https://www.reconciliationeducation.ca/rbc
The Rotaract-Rotary Mentorship program – Marlene Doherty
DG Martin Parnell sent an email indicating that the Rotaract – Rotary Mentorship program is continuing and you are invited to participate. There is a google form to be completed by Friday Jan. 7/22. If you are interested, please apply or if you wish Marlene to send you the email, please let her know
Santa Suit – Marlene Doherty
Thanks to Linda , a neighbor of Garfield’s we are now the proud owner of a Santa Suit. If you wish to borrow it – please let Marlene know. As it turns out – Linda is having a knee replacement today (Dec 20th) so Marlene dropped off a thank you card and pot pie last Thursday on behalf of the Club.
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President Marlene Thanked :
- Team 4 for performing meeting duties today. Greeters Debbie M, David M, Bill Q & Don E. AV host Bill L and to Gord our meeting coordinator.
- The visiting bell ringers or as she calls them, her fellow “Ding-a-lings”.
The meeting was closed with our 4 way test and a Celtic Verse- May You be Blessed
May You Be Blessed
With the spirit of the season – which is peace
With the gladness of the season- which is hope
And the heart of the season – which is love
Next meeting: January 10/22, Hybrid with Guest speaker Adam Legge