Volume 34 Number 3 (Jul 22, 2016)

Volume 34: Number 3

July 22, 2016

The Rotary Club of Calgary is comprised of professional and community leaders who come together through a shared commitment and fellowship to create a better future for the generations that are to follow.

Attendance at July 19 Meeting:

73 for lunch and 11 for coffee

This Week's Birthdays

Paul Bates	Jul 17
Allan McMillian	Jul 17
Michael Pierson	Jul 18
Michelle DeCecco	Jul 21
David Woodward	Jul 21

Apologies for the lateness of this COG.

The Meeting July 19, 2016

By Barbara Burggraf

The Rotarians of the Downtown club were excited and eager for the meeting ahead. Sid Mark and the head table marched into the Alberta room. Michael Pierson and his piano led the way with the singing of Oh Canada. Charles Pratt gave us the gift of a heartfelt invocation. Sid thanked the volunteers. Carmen Goss introduced special guests including 30 U of C Continuing Education Students from China. Cys, a visiting Rotarian from Los Angeles exchanged flags with our Club.

Our Speaker, Wendy Lees

By Barb Burggraf

Ron Esch introduced a very special speaker—Wendy Lees who leads an engaging program for seniors in the East Village. Wendy developed “Create” in 2013 which is a free drop in art program for low income seniors. Wendy noted that 11,000 new affluent residents are moving into the East Village over the next few years. Wendy was concerned about the lack of services for low income seniors especially when the Golden Age Club closed its door in 2014 and is in receivership. Wendy offers creative art programs three days a week in the East Village for 125 seniors many of whom have no prior exposure to fine arts such as painting. Her aim is to improve lives through creative expression and community building in the East Village. There is always coffee and donated baking from cafes in East Village during each art session.