Highlights October 20, 2015

 
Good Day Mr. Mrs., and Ms. Rotary and all the ships at sea!  LET’S GO TO PRESS!
By Bill Avery
 
DATELINE Calgary The Historic Alberta Room of the Friendly and Fashionable Palliser Hotel.  At precisely 12:05 John William’s “Star Wars Theme” resounded through the room – magnificently played by Michael Pierson and Mannon Mitchell.  The stirring triumphant sounds brought the room to its feat as the head table members made their entrance to the dias.
 
According to the agenda the Head Table consisted of Sargent-At-Arms Dave Hiller, Invocation Sean Baylis, Thanker Steve Allan, Co-Club Secretary Eric Bennett, President Rob Brookwell, Guest speaker astronaut Bob Thirsk, and the Introducer Bill Warren.
 
  
 Eric Bennett introduces guests, birthdays 
James Costello  “What year is this ?”
 
    
Steve Allan welcomes new members Mary Moran and Gillian McCormack
 
 
Steve Allan thanks our speaker
Bob Thirsk
 
 
 
 

President Rob called the meeting to order and the club sang O Canada with rousing and devoted energy, accompanied by Michael and Mannon.  A thoughtful invocation was offered by Sean Baylis and once again in the one hundred plus history of the Rotary Club of Calgary - luncheon was served.  The food was well prepared and served by the attentive staff of the Fairmont Palliser, and we thank then for their efforts on our behalf.
 
At 12:20 President Rob began the formal presentation of the meeting by thanking the front-end volunteers for not attacking the arriving members and their guests with silly string.  This has been happening far to often in the past and the COG applauds our president for putting his foot down and stopping this madness.
 
THE INVISIBLE MAN Once again President Rob thanked 1930’s movie star Claude Rains (aka the Invisible Man) for sponsoring the week’s edition of the COG – as, unfortunately, there was not a sponsorship forthcoming from the membership of the club.
 
President Rob then called on the ever-dapper Eric Bennett to the lectern to announce the visitors and the Club Birthdays.  Among the birthdays were: Jessica Chow realtor extraordinaire, Hank Poppoff  the ornery, honorary member-at-large, and the trapeze swinging, violin playing, Sophie Serafino.
 
At this juncture – James Costello was called upon to present his classification.  After three years of membership - James, our treasurer, is also a stay in school mentor, and the co chair of the stay-in school golf tournament.  James is a fine example of the quality of the “new” members of our club, and as a group we appreciate his service.

BULLETIN - ANNOUNCEMENTS: Have your mother pack your lunch as there will be no luncheon meeting at the Palliser November 24.  This is because on the 24th “The Big International Event” is being held at the Telus Spark Centre. “The Big International Event” will feature international cuisine – entertainment by Tim Heaton – MC, CTV’s Camilla Di Giuseppe – silent auction and a fabulous themed evening.  Tickets are $50.00 and will be available through the club.
 
STORK SIGHTING – Master Henry William Young was born on September 29 to David and Jessica Young son and daughter-in-law of Barb and Gerry Young.
 
ROTARY WELCOME to the renewed corporate membership of Calgary Economic Development.  Mary Moran and Jillian McCormack were on hand to mark the event.  Rotary Past President Steve Allan introduced Mary and Jillian to the club and sealed their membership with the presentation of the ceremonial certificates.  This outstanding Calgary institution works under the motto “Building on our Energy”.
 
Incoming Rotary President Sid Mark reminded us that nominations for the 2016 – 2017 directors is under way and will close in November.
 
I HEAR THOSE J-I-N-GLE BELLS!  Christmas is coming – and Past President George Brookman announced the Christmas Hamper Drive on behalf of Hamper Committee Chair – Mark Stiles.  This is one of the most important holiday efforts the Club makes, and requires preparation and organization.  The experience of Service above Self is most alive in this venture along with the excitement of the Christmas Season.  Please contact Chairman Mark and he will tell you how you can get involved.
 
President Rob adjourned the meeting – we will convene again on October 27 in the Palliser Alberta Room at High Noon.  Our guest speaker City Planner Rollin Stanley will be on hand to explain why a superhighway has to go through your back yard.
 
AND FINALLY:If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted and musicians denoted?  How about deranged cowboys, debarked tree surgeons, and depressed dry cleaners?