A Standing Ovation for President Bill
Diane Macdonald
At President Bill’s final meeting on June 30th, a good crowd gave him a standing ovation. Following the singing of “O Canada”, a meaningful invocation by Manon Mitchell began a meeting of fellowship, year-end information and many a “Thank You”. The first of the Thank Yous were for William Friedson and Michael Pierson for manning the piano for “O Canada” and “Happy Birthday” at all our meetings. Thanks also to our front of house volunteers today – Ann Haessel, new member John Wilson and Dorothy Loucks. There were a few Happy Bucks announcements and some information about the up-coming Stay in School Golf Tournament. Peter Harrison mentioned that the tourney can use some more sponsors and golfers. Donations for prizes and the silent auction are also being gratefully accepted.
The Legacy Project Committee was next on the agenda. Vern Kimball reminded us that this committee deals with grants over $100,000, with an annual budget of $500,000. The focus is on supporting groups which deal with Early Childhood Literacy, Education, Mental Wellness and Food Security. This year, they emphasized mental wellness and youth, favoring projects with an indigenous component and those aligning with existing initiatives like Stay in School. Please note --If anyone is interested in joining the Legacy Projects group, they are looking for four new members.
Vern then introduced Krista Poole from the Can Learn Society, one of the Legacy Projects initiatives that was funded this year. Can Learn serves 2,000 individuals annually, supporting children’s literacy and mental well-being. They help children, youth, adults and families with literacy challenges, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism and related mental health concerns. Our funds went towards completing a new, thoughtfully designed space for the program.
The second recipient of a Legacy Project Grant is Youth Singers of Calgary. Ingrid, the Director of Development for the organization, told us that our funds will replace the roof of their home- the ATCO Performing Arts Centre. She read us the testimonial sent by the mother of one young boy who was born with a rare chromosome abnormality. He had no club or support group for his type of abnormality but who found the Youth Singers of Calgary where he was was welcomed with open arms. She said that this group helps the kids to find joy in music and dance and supports the adults they’re growing up to be.
Moving on to Club business, Rick Erven reported on the Rotary Foundation (TRF) and the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation (CRCF). He announced that 50% of the revenue generated by the Mayhood fund is given to The Rotary Foundation each year – this year that amounts to $1,028,470.94. From the CRCF is a cheque for our Club which will fund our activities for the 2026-2027 year, in the amount of $1,360,878.03.
Joel Snodgrass, our Treasurer, presented the highlights of the financial situation as of May 31 of this year, with an estimate for June 30. CLICK HERE for his report.
President Bill told us his objectives for his year and how he planned to address them. One thing he wanted to do was inject some fun in to our meetings, so he introduced the Happy Bucks. Well done, Bill! We had many reasons to smile and we learned new things about our fellow members along the way! We also had the 50/50 draws which provided a little anticipation towards the end of each meeting.
After ringing the bell for the last time, President Bill then turned the gavel and the meeting over to our incoming President, Doug Webb.
Doug recognized the efforts of the outgoing President and Board members and highlighted the success of some of the projects over the last year. He outlined plans for the upcoming year, mentioning continuity with past initiatives and introducing new traditions like “Did You Know”. You will have to attend the meetings to find out what that’s about!
New President Doug introduced the new Board members pictured below.
Doug once again thanked Bill Hamilton for his leadership and dedication.
