The COG Volume 41 Number 22 (May 28, 2024)

May 28, 2024

Volume 41 - Issue 22

"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

Bruce Millar	May 28
Bob Taylor	June 1
Diane Macdonald	June 2
Jayme Williams	June 3
Eric Bennett	June 3
Ron Hymers	June 4
Colin Furness	June 5

Rotary Anniversaries

Bob Holland -- 35 years

Inspirational Quote

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

Sneak-a-Peak

Dennis Tran

Let's mark our calendars for Thursday, July 4th, 2024, and make it a date to remember. It's time to celebrate the triumphs of the past Rotary year and launch into the excitement of the new one at the Sneak-a-Peek event during the Calgary Stampede.

Don't forget to grab your tickets for an evening filled with fellowship, cocktails, dinner, the thrilling Granstand Show, and a mesmerizing fireworks display.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS!

Please note that the Stampede has changed our notification terms for numbers this year. We need an estimated count 30 days before the event and final numbers 2 weeks prior. So please don't wait until the last minute to purchase your tickets!

SIS Golf Tournament Next Month

Peter Harrison

We are getting excited for our annual Stay-in-School Golf Charity Tournament next month! Now is the time to register! Please grab your team of 4 and sign up for a great day of golf, food, prizes and a silent auction.

Click here to Register to Play

Sponsors: We are still looking for sponsors- please spread the word about this great program. Opportunities available from $1,000 to $15,000.

Volunteers: We need your help! June 24^th morning and afternoon shifts available

Silent Auction: We will be running a silent auction and are in need of any valuable donations- including items, experiences etc.

See you on June 24^th at the Glencoe Golf & Country Club!

Contact Alana Sargent for more information.

Investing and Partnering with Our Community

Franco Savoia

Our Rotary Club has been providing support through its Major Donations Committee (MDC) to the Calgary Distress Centre over the past few years. The charity submitted a request for support for its IT updating. The Major Donations Committee reviewed the application and sought the expertise of fellow club member Gerard d’Mello. Two consultations were held with agency staff. The conclusion was that the Distress Centre needed an overall IT strategic plan. Read more to see what has happened with this situation and to learn more about how our club members engage to have an impact through the Major Donations Committee.

The Red Dot

Barb Young and Diane Macdonald

Over the years our club has endeavoured to find ways to integrate new members effectively. The most recent approach has been attaching a red dot to their name tag to identify them in the early stages of their membership. The intent was to help members know who was new so they could welcome and encourage them in finding a role for themselves in the club.

Unfortunately, that was not how it worked out. A number of new members, both on the President's Advisory Group and elsewhere, have indicated that the red dots made them feel like they were second class. They had to remove the bad symbol to be part of the club. We have therefore abolished the red dot!

We have not, however, eliminated the activities that we are asking new members to complete when they join the club. In the early stages of their membership they are asked to:

Complete their police check
Complete their Profile on our ClubRunner, with District 5360 and on the Rotary International website
Attend a fellowship event
Perform a front of house duty at a noon meeting: Registration Desk, Greeter, Invocation, Introduce and/or Thank the Speaker
Make a minimum donation of $50.00 to TRF or CRCF
Volunteer at an event such as a BBQ or the Big Book Sale
Commit to participate or assist on a committee or other engagement activity

These are still either required or important in getting to know the club and being able to choose to participate in club activities. All new members are assigned a mentor. The mentor and members of the Membership Committee will work with new members to help them complete these items.

If you have any questions in this regard please contact either Diane Macdonald or Barb Young – and if you see a new member at a meeting, introduce yourself and make them feel welcome!.

Hello from Singapore

Manon Mitchell

We made it! The long journey from Calgary to Singapore is behind us now and what lays ahead is an amazing convention filled with connections, learnings, and inspiration. On Thursday evening, we met up with President Craig and his lovely wife Michelle. Here a picture of Past President Madeleine with Bob Taylor at the Host Organizing Committee booth chatting with prospective attendees We received our convention pass and were absolutely astounded at the size and architecture of the Marina Sands Hotel and convention centre. Here we are with 2 other Rotarians from our District- Linda Morris (RC Fish Creek and Youth Exchange District representative) and Bob Wolfson (RC Chinook District Learning Chair). There is something really cool about meeting friends on the other side of the planet. Don't forget to register for the 2025 Convention in Calgary starting this Saturday May 25. This will be the cheapest rate available for 5 days only. Then the price starts climbing! It also sends a message to RI (who organize the actual convention speakers etc....) that Rotary in our city is "IN" and is ready to greet the world!

Discover the Magic All Around in 2025

Tracey Vavrek (RC Heritage Park)

Join Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends from across the world in Calgary, 21-25 June 2025.

Get ready, early-bird tickets available from 25 May. https://convention.rotary.org/

AND check out how we are inviting the world to the greatest Rotary party of the year!