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Were You There? Doug McMillan President Joe Fras opened the April 22, 2025 club meeting followed by Michael Pierson leading a rousing “O Canada” with the approximately 65 people present (including 7 guests). The invocation by Tom Loucks reminded us of the importance of what we leave behind. President Joe thanked the front of house volunteers (Bill Redmond, Ron Hymers, Chris Ward) and announced Gord Graham is back at work from home. Michael Broadhurst introduced members with birthdays (see above in COG). Rotary Exchange student Trinidad (Trini) Araneda from Santo Domingo, Chile thanked Rotarians for making her stay in Canada both educational and enjoyable. She leaves for home July 12, 2025 with very good memories (school, food including maple syrup, Canadian lifestyle) and especially new friends. Madeleine King reminded those present (and all club members) of the great opportunity provided by the Rotary convention in Calgary. If one cannot attend the full conference, there is opportunity to register for the House of Friendship only on Saturday June 21, 2025. It is believed that registration from our club may be less than from other Calgary clubs- and we should lead the way. Could we ever get 100% registration? As a related item, some members may not yet be registered on the Rotary website www.rotary.org. Please join to access a wealth of learning materials, including sections of the Learning Centre which may provide assistance with your life outside of Rotary. Brian Guichon showed a picture of the new Rotary shirts (two styles- $73 and $81) which will be available for order on the club website with availability by June 15th. There are still a few of the present style shirts available. Regardless of the style you choose, a Rotary shirt should be a MUST for all club members (editorial comment). Angelina Hayes was welcomed as a new club member (see other article in this COG) Steacy Pinney announced the Big Book Sale volunteer shifts had been all filled. Barb Young showed pictures of Ferdinand the Fire Truck after successful delivery in Guatemala. Guest Speaker Trevor Tombe, a Professor from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy, was introduced by Terry McMahon. Trevor spoke about the current tariff situation indicating that those who were not confused were not paying attention! He showed graphs indicating that Canada’s GDP per population has shown little increase in the past decade and that this limited growth was less than almost all (except Luxemburg) industrialized nations. Canada’s response to US tariffs (including Canadian tariffs, limited buying of US products and decreased US travel) will have only a small effect; our productivity needs to increase to provide some protection during turbulent economic times. May 6, 2025 is the Club Assembly. This is an opportunity for all club members to listen and contribute to club activities. Please plan to be present. Joe closed the meeting with the Stephen Leacock quote above in this COG. Stay tuned for continuing words of wisdom. Photos: - Craig Henderson introduces new member Angeline Hayes, with President Joe
- Youth Exchange Student Trini with President Joe
- President Joe thanks our speaker, Trevor Tombe
- Stacey Pinney on the book sale
- Barb Young reports on the fire engine trip
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