"Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves!"
The Rotary Club of Calgary comprises professional and community leaders brought together in fellowship to make a better future.
Birthdays
Forry Angus May 13
Bob Ermter May 16
Greg Stevenson May 17
Bill Walsh May 18
Anniversaries
Steve Allan 45 years
Sandra Elliott 30 years
Michael Pierson 15 years
President Joe’s Inspirational Quote
"Remember, the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more"
- H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Club Meeting May 6
Madeleine King
President Joe called the meeting to order promptly at noon, followed by William Friedson giving us a rousing version of O Canada which was sung with passion by all. District Governor Elect Manon Mitchell gave the invocation based on the roles played by food and nutrition programs of Rotary internationally and how they can have significant advantages for the challenge of climate change.
After time for fellowship, it was the President’s Minute: • Joe thanked Steacy Pinney and Bill Redmond for manning the sign-in table and Dorothy Loucks for being our official greeter. • Joe mentioned that Don Ross is recovering from serious back surgery and would welcome anyone reaching out to him. • The club’s new Program Coordinator, Iman Saad, was introduced. She joined us May 1 and said a few words of greeting (see next article). • Joe spoke about a flag exchange with the President of a small Rotary club in Ecuador who was visiting his daughter doing a PhD in Calgary and how their club got a global grant for an excellent water project.
Steacy Pinney reported on Early Childhood Literacy and the Big Book Sale, while referencing the literature on each table that will subsequently be sent to each club member. Michael Colbourne, Dorothy Loucks and Steve Allan were recognized for their work on the committee. More than $500,000 has been distributed from sale proceeds of last year’s Big Book Sale to help more children experience the life-changing magic of reading. Questions were answered by Steacy about the new Kids Literacy Collective which is a significant recipient and a major new initiative.
Sean Baylis gave us an update on the exciting Youth Programs the club is doing or supporting. • Deb Hymers and Interact President Lucy spoke about their involvement with Nstep teaching youth about nutrition • Two speakers from USAY (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth) spoke about the organization’s involvement with the future of our Indigenous education/stay in school programming. Eva Friesen mentioned that the USAY virtual demonstration for her board was so impressive that it should be arranged for our club (with assistance from the Calgary Foundation) • Jane Wachowich, founding CEO of YCC (Youth Centres Calgary), spoke about the excellent work being done at Marmie’s House which benefitted from Marmie Hess’ bequest to our club as well as the generosity of Helen Graham. In answer to a question, Jane said if anyone has golf clubs they no longer need they have youth who can benefit from such donations. • Sean mentioned Iman’s role for our Stay-in-School program. There were about 9 students graduating this year and we’ll be taking in about 10 for next year – and more mentors are needed. Sean requested anyone interested to please contact Iman through Jo-Ann. • The annual Golf Tournament which plays a large part in paying for these students is scheduled for September 8 at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club. Anyone able to sponsor or to play should contact co-chairs, Brian Guichon or Tyson Schmidt.
Joe spoke of the next meeting, May 13, with guest speaker Joel Cowley, CEO Calgary Stampede. Please wear white hats!
His quote for this meeting:
“Remember, the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.
President Joe exchanging flags with President Alfonso of the Rotary Club of Guaranda, Ecuador
President Joe introduces new Program Coordinator Iman Saad Stacy Pinney on the Big Book Sale and Childhood Literacy
Youth Director Sean Baylis with USAY Indigenous youth Jay & Jared Deb Hymers and InterAct Pres Lucy reporting on NStep
Jane Wachowich, Founding CEO of YCC and Marmie's House
We Have a New Staff Member - Iman Saad
Diane Macdonald
At the meeting on May 6th, Iman Saad was introduced to those present. Iman has joined us to take over the role that Alana Sergeant –who has moved to BC – played for our Club. For the moment, her focus is on learning the ropes pertaining to the Stay in School program. She will gradually also move into the realm of the Communications Committee and will also be involved with our social media outreach.
We asked Iman to tell us a little about herself:
I’m Iman—pronounced E- man. I’m a proud Eritrean-Canadian with a deep-rooted passion for community development and women’s empowerment. With a background in social services, I’ve dedicated much of my career to supporting women and advocating for equity and inclusion.
My academic journey began with a degree in journalism and a diploma in television production which sparked my love for storytelling. I believe in the power of stories to strengthen communities and elevate voices that are often overlooked.
Fluent in English, Tigrayit , and Arabic, I’ve been fortunate to build meaningful connections across diverse communities which has shaped both my work and worldview. For me, community service isn’t just a profession; it’s a core part of who I am.
When I’m not working, I love disconnecting from city life. You’ll often find me out in nature hiking, camping, road-tripping with my partner, our friends, and our cat Shir0 , or heading out on a solo adventure.
Mini-Auctions at our May Meetings
Laurene Wilson
Short auctions will be held at each of our May lunch meetings May 13th and May 27th.
May 13th Auction: Funds raised will go to Alpha House – Among the items to be auctioned:
Four tickets to the Stampede Rodeo, value $800.00
Three nights at Sean Baylis’ Canmore condo, value $900.00
One night with breakfast and parking at the Banff Springs Hotel, value $650.00
A painting donated by a client of Frank Hall
May 27th Auction: Funds raised for our Club – growing new member events and recruitment; fellowship events; programs that support monthly meetings; technology to run organization more efficiently. Among the items to be auctioned:
Two tickets to a Flames game next season
Gift certificate for $1250.00 from a plant nursery, donated by Michael Colborne
If you have a donation for this event, please email Laurene Wilson, Club Secretary.
Having Fun at FranknStein May 6
Madeleine King
Dinner is Served – at Murdoch Manor
Diane Macdonald
Steve Stein pulled the Rotary trailer into the parking lot of Murdoch Manor, a low income senior’s apartment near Fort Calgary. Greg Stevenson arrived with the food supplies and Dave Macdonald with a big roast. They off-loaded the big barbeque, fired it up and got a total of three roasts of beef (one was 22 pounds) on to cook. They babysat the roasts through the afternoon and got the little potatoes on to cook.
Randy Borisenko, Doug McMillan, Sid Mark, Kurt Kowalchuk, and Julie Visser arrived. The serving tables were set up. While Dave Richardson sliced the beef, Julie mixed the coleslaw and dinner was served. We didn’t forget dessert – several tubs of ice cream were emptied!
122 seniors were delighted – there were many, many “Thank You” comments.
Our Club has been organizing dinners at Murdoch Manor for many years. Special thanks go out to Steve Stein who has been the driving force behind these evenings. He does the planning with the folks at Murdoch and looks after either purchasing the food or doing the cooking (or both!). It is one of the very gratifying community service projects that our club undertakes.
The story behind the start of these dinner is a fun one. As most of you know, the Club used to do huge BBQs, with live music, at Fort Calgary during Stampede. The music was loud and the folks living at Murdoch Manor and other apartments nearby were very tolerant of the noise (truth be told, many of them loved it!), so the Club started doing the dinners as a way to say “Thank You” for their tolerance.
Big Book Sale in News
Steacy Pinney
Thank you to local media for shining a light on the books and volunteers that make this sale posisble, and its impact!
🗞️ Big Books, Bigger Hearts: How Calgary's Largest Book Sale is Fueling a Literacy Revolution, via Digitalnews.News
🗞️ The Calgary Reads Big Book Sale is hitting shelves this week, via Calgary Citizen
🗞️ 20 Best Things to Do in Calgary This May, via Avenue Calgary
🗞️ Things to do in Calgary in May, via Calgary Herald
🗞️Rotary Club of Calgary hosting 10-day book sale to support children, via Calgary Herald
🗞️A Giant Second-hand book sale is coming to Calgary, via Curiocity
🗞️How Reading for Fun Boosts a Child's Wellbeing, via Calgary's Child
📺 It's time to donate your books for the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, via Global Calgary
📺 All About Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, via CTV Calgary Morning Live
If you'd like to have us publish an article or have an idea about what we should be publishing, please forward your ideas to Madeleine by the FRIDAY before the Tuesday publication date.
You are also welcome to contact either Madeleine, Doug or Diane to discuss any idea you may have.
Here are the remaining publication dates for the first half on 2025:
May 20
June 3, June 17
If you enjoy reading the COG, let us know because your comments are the only way we know we are hitting the mark and this is our reward!
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