Highlights September 15, 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 Crystal Ballroom of the friendly and fashionable Palliser Hotel came to life with the patriotic strains of “The Maple Leaf Forever” passionately underscoring the entrance of the Head Table played to perfection by Manon Mitchell.
 
 Charles Pratt on this year's 
Big International Event
Tex and Val Tychon, visiting
Rotarians from Uganda
      
Ron Esch announces a new 
seniors program
 
 
Bill Andrew welcomes our speaker, Sarah Walker to the head table
 
The head table consisted of Sergeant at Arms (and birthday boy and notorious Chippendale) Paul Gagnon – followed by the man with the connections to heavens above Brent Alexander our greeter and invocator,  the worlds best thanker Carmen Goss was next in line followed by Club Secretary &/or (take your pick) Director of Programs the extremely well turned out Eric Bennett who with his Van Gogh beard looks more and more like a sommelier at “21” in New York,  then came our president Rob Brookwell the President and “Interlocutor Supreme” of our club, President Rob was followed by our guest speaker Sarah Walker of Hospice Calgary – and the whole parade was concluded with the Man from Maui – Bill Andrew.
 
After our national anthem and grace – luncheon was served.
 
 
BULLETIN: After an appropriate pause for fellowship, President Rob rose to call the meeting to order – the first order of business was to issue an unqualified expression of our deep Rotary gratitude to the “front end” volunteers who unselfishly make sure that a majority of the funds collected end up in the club’s coffers.
 
THE COG CONTINUES:  With thanks to the Calgary Foundation – Primary Member, Eva Friesen) the COG was sponsored for this week.
 
FLASH - WELCOME TO THE WORLD:  Eric  Bennett extended the Club’s warmest welcome to our guests and Rotarians – some from as far away as South Africa  - although his home did not explain that his name was “Tex”.  Eric continued on to salute the birthdays of our loyal Club members: Tom Howard, Helen Graham, Randy Borisenko, Paul Gagnon, Ken Moraes, and Gord Walker.  Birthdays are good for you, Statistics show that the  people who have the most live the longest.
 
LATE BREAKING NEWS:  Rotarian Charles Pratt invited the Club to an International Event Fundraiser at the Telus Science Centre on November 24.  The cost is $50.00 and will feature live interviews, guest speakers, food and free parking.  Eric Bennett has sent an email with particulars – tickets are on sale now.  More information can be obtained from Charles or Eric.
 
Carol Rostabutco spoke about the effort required for the “small” BBQ’s next week the final event of the season will be held at the Valley View School.  Volunteers are welcome.  Check with Carol for information.
 
Barbara Burggraf tells us On Nov 5 – the Calgary Public Library will hold it’s annual “Bob Edwards Award” function.  Brett Wilson is this year’s recipient, all are welcome – check with Barb or the library’s website for further information.
 
Ron Esch announced the institution of a Social for Seniors held in the East Village Neighbourhood Association beginning Oct 1st from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at the Murdoch Manor at 808 – 5 St SE.  The dinner will be catered and a bar will be run by the Murdoch Social Club.  Our involvement is greeting the guests as they arrive, take the entrance tickets, help them get seated, clean up and socialize through out the evening.  Music from the 50’s and 60’s music will be played.We expect around 100 -200 residents to participate. Ron would love to hear from any member as 10 volunteers are needed to help out!
 
PRESIDENT ROB TO ROTARY
The proceedings were concluded by President Rob who announced that we will next convene in the Alberta Room for a Club Meeting.  Attendance is important in that the agenda includes:
  • Update on Ignite
  • Vote on funding for Rotary Challenger Park
  • Update on the MacEachern Foundation funds
  • Discussion on member engagement
IN CONCLUSION – we leave you with the words of Oscar Wilde "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."