"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.
Rotary International's theme for the 2026-2027 year
Birthdays
David Mears August 3
Donald Ross August 4
Randy Topolnitsky August 4
Bill Hamilton August 12
Rotary Anniversaries
John Fisher 40 Years
Stuart Libin 30 Years
Highlights from the Telus Spark Centre meeting July 28, 2026
Doug McMillan
The venue was great for the 60 members and guests who also enjoyed a “fart fire” demonstration. One group of guests was a family visiting from Italy! While another guest was former club member, board member and retired CEO of Calgary YMCA, Helene Weir.
Our singing O Canada is better (or hoped to be) when we have piano accompaniment. Front of House volunteers: Deb Hymers, Penny Buck and Anne Logan were thanked.
Bob Taylor’s invocation reflected the importance of science in our world and was a tribute to those who desire to know more
“Happy Bucks” brought forth contributions ranging from activities of a 3 year old to a 55th wedding anniversary - and included Catherine Scheers' introduction of her fiance Greg Bosley with whom she will be married this fall.
Penny Buck and Todd William were introduced as new members (see pictures and story following).
Victoria Trofimova (National General Secretary of YMCA Ukraine) spoke about Ukrainians choosing hope over despair in stressful times and thanked Rotary for their assistance.
In his recognition of Club history, President Doug reminded us that Rotary helped start Community Chest (now United Way) in 1935.
Guy Labine (CEO Telus Spark Centre) spoke about the Science Centre (and Calgary as a leader in innovation) with 407,000 visitors last year. Future plans will be more inclusive of adults, our heritage, nature and innovation while becoming increasingly recognized globally.
Ten club members who had been nominated by colleagues for their contributions were recognized by President Doug and those present received a “Certificate of Recognition”
Our speaker Aug 11, 2026 will be Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Mark Berry. Attendance will also allow participation in “Fun and Fellowship with President Doug”
Following the meeting (L to R below): President Doug Webb, Angeline Hayes, Tom Loucks, Bridget Fox-Luzny, Dorothy Loucks, Telus Spark Guide, Cher Shikaze, Penny Buck, Craig Henderson and Howie Shikaze took a tour of the Telus Spark facility.
Our Two New Members
Diane Macdonald
Jenny Buck with Craig Henderson & President Doug Webb Todd Williams with David Hood and President Doug Webb
Jennifer Buck
Jennifer Buck is a business and operations professional with over 15 years of experience across nonprofit, entrepreneurial and service-based industries. Her background includes sales and marketing, operations, community engagement and business development.
Recently, Jennifer has been involved in volunteering within the veteran community where she developed a strong passion for mental wellness, food security and creating safe, supportive environments for those facing isolation and trauma. She helped support veteran meal programs, fundraising events, outreach initiatives and communications support.
Jennifer is also the founder of Sunshine Business Solutions where she works with businesses in areas such as website design, branding, marketing, process improvement and business support services. She has a strong creative background in portrait photography and she enjoys helping people build confidence and self-image.
Jennifer enjoys hiking, travelling, photography, wellness practices and community involvement. She is especially excited to become involved with Rotary’s Mental Wellness initiatives and community events.
Jennifer, welcome to the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown!
Todd Williams
Todd has been a professional sales person since he was 23 years old, in a variety of commercial and industrial areas. He is currently considering which direction to take next.
He is a third generation Calgarian who has had substantial involvement in volunteering and charity work. He is Past President of the Calgary Canucks Jr. A Hockey Team Alumni Association and he hosted the KidSport Calgary 1st Friday Stampede Party Fundraiser for 15 years.
Todd has played hockey in three countries on two continents. He likes to travel: he has hiked the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, has spent New Years’s Eve in New Orleans, was in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival and has ridden the World’s Fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi.
Please welcome Todd Williams into Rotary!
Fundraising Event for Adopt A Village - September 23, 2026
Barb Young, Doug McMillan and the WCS Team
Tickets are now available for the fundraiser to be held at the Ranchmen's Club on September 23.
Club members, guests and members of other clubs are encouraged to attend and learn more about what we are doing to build sustainable communities in other countries.
Perhaps buy a pig or goat as a gift for a family member or decide to become involved, but at the least enjoy companionship and a light meal in relaxing surroundings with great people who are making a difference in the world.
For several decades the major fund raiser for the Club was Bar B Qs where we served beef on a bun, beans, coleslaw, Danish and refreshments. From small beginnings we grew the events to the point where, with hundreds of volunteers, we fed and watered as many as 18,000 guests. For a number of reasons these fund raisers ended in 2017. As a result of the Club no longer holding major events, the Bar B Q Committee was tasked with the disposal of much of the equipment purchased over the years. Among other items, there were massive ovens (one is 18 feet long, 8 feet wide and 5 feet high) which had been purpose-built (one oven could hold up to 90 roasts, 22 to 25 pounds each), multiple electric meat slicers, portable hand-wash stations, and many, many garbage and recycling cans. Thanks to Club member Bill Redmond, all of this was stored at Bucars RV in Balzac.
The Committee decided to maintain enough equipment to undertake events with a maximum size of 1,500 guests. Menus would range from beef on a bun, to burgers (veggie, chicken & beef), to hot dogs, possibly pancakes and sausages and chicken kabobs. For the last several months the Committee has been sorting, trashing, keeping and sending to auction the bar b q inventory.
Since 2017, we have continued to hold events for schools that are primarily associated with the Stay In School program. These Bar-B-Qs are used as community builders for the schools, their students and families (numbering from 350 – 900 guests). In addition, we recently started to provide a “volunteer thank you bar-b-q” for the Big Book Sale volunteers.
All of these events require volunteers. We would really encourage members to take part – Rotary is a service organization and providing a meal to a grateful family is a wonderful, hands-on way to experience the real meaning of that phrase. It is also very much a fellowship event and a great way to get to know your fellow Club members.
Below, see photos of one of numerous disposal work bees…
BBQ oven BBQ ovens on top of sea-cans BBQ Committee strategizing
Welcome to new Rotary Baby!
Peter Harrison
My wife Elizabeth Nguyen and I had our baby on July 24 at the Foothills Hospital. His name is Ambrose Harrison. Here's some great pictures for the COG.
We are both at home, happy and healthy following a couple nights at the hospital.
Lou MacEachern Rotary Scholarships Help Students Reach Their Goals
Al McMillan
Each year, the Lou MacEachern Rotary Scholarships are awarded to outstanding Grade 12 students participating in the YMCA Achievement Program. This free, weekly program supports newcomers to Canada as they build essential life skills, form meaningful connections, and navigate a positive, healthy integration into their new home.
This year, Michael Pierson presented Lou MacEachern Rotary Scholarships to eight exceptional students selected from more than 400 participants in the program. These young people represent the hope, resilience, and determination that define the newcomer journey.
CLICK HERE to meet these inspiring scholarship recipients and learn about their dreams for the future.
YOUR VOICE!
Click here to tell us your ideas, feedback, bouquets and complaints!
Club Meeting Dates
President Doug Webb and Program Director Terry McMahon
Summer lunch meeting dates: August 11 and 25
September 9- Mayor Jeromy Farkas guest speaker (note corrected date)
