The Rotary Club of Calgary comprises professional and community leaders brought together in fellowship to make a better future.
Birthdays:
David Hood
December 27
Lori Forand
January 1
Bruce Graham
January 3
Jill Conroy
January 4
Sonny Belenkie
January 5
Message from President Madeleine
Wow it’s cold out there! Do hope you’re able to enjoy this festive season! One hundred twenty-one Rotarians and guests enjoyed a great evening of fellowship December 13 – with a wonderful invocation by Bob Ermter, musical entertainment by Michael Pierson, Manon Mitchell, William Friedson and others, a fabulous Christmas reading by Rick Castiglione, hampers’ news and singing from George Brookman, registration by Steacy Pinney, Ryan Klink and Dennis Tran, fun door prizes and surprises – and all organized by our newest Paul Harris Fellow Ken Moraes, ably assisted by his wife Judy.
And now we’ll end our year together with a social noon-hour at the Palliser December 20. In the New Year they’ll be renovating for about three months – so we’ll move to the Ranchmen’s Club on 13th Ave SW (unless otherwise stated).
Despite continuing health challenges across the country, our club members are super busy at present – showing just how vibrant a club we really are!
With thanks for all that you do, and best wishes for the year ahead.
Happy Holidays and NEW Meeting Location!
By Manon Mitchell
We are now on holidays and hope everyone has a restful break; we will resume club meetings in January on Tuesday January 10th. As the Palliser is undergoing renovations our in person will be held at the Ranchmen’s Club 710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0K9. There is street parking (ParkPlus rates apply) and underground FREE parking.
January 10th we will our first annual Marmie Hess commemorative lunch celebrating Marmie’s legacy in education. Jon Cornish, chancellor of the University of Calgary will be the guest speaker. Click here to purchase your tickets.
See you in January in person at the Ranchman’s on January 10th, 2023.
The BEST INSPIRATIONAL Video You Will Watch This Christmas
By Manon Mitchell
Enjoy this new video where Rotarians do their part as they open the doors of business to employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Our Partnership with Inclusion Alberta has been life changing for many in our community.
After watching this video you may be inspired to take action. Contact any of the members below to find out how you can help.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Rotary Employment Partnership Steering Committee
- Mike Colborne
- Ryan Tizzard
- Al McMillan
Seasons Greetings from Everyone at Youth Centres of Calgary
Our Major Donations Committee has recently approved funding for this amazing organization.
We’re now gearing up for the last few weeks of after-school meals and activities at the Ogden House and we are preparing for a “doors wide open" holiday period when our kitchen, music room, computer room, reading room and sports shack will be operating every day for all kids who need a place to be.
Next week, we’ll be packing and distributing 175 holiday meal boxes to families who we know are struggling to make ends meet this year. We are also planning a highly anticipated holiday party for the kids, with games, special snacks, and gifts.
Before all of this begins, we want to take this time to wish you all a joyful holiday season, and to thank each one of you for the kindness and help you’ve provided in 2022. You’ve all been so very generous, each in your own way.
Below are some photos of YCC kids enjoying the winter weather. The smiles tell it all.
December Update: The Task Force has been meeting regularly every 2 weeks to gain a further understanding of past Legacy Projects and funding processes within the Club.
Search continued for a facilitator to support the Task Force in achieving the objectives in the TOR. We went to two organizations to find a facilitator who has experience working in our sector. Proposals were received from two groups. A proposal was received from Rhonda Roth, CIO and Geoff Couldrey of the United Way Social Impact Lab. We also reached out to Eva Friesen and the Calgary Foundation (RCCD Corporate Member) to discuss having the Calgary Foundation facilitate our sessions. As a Corporate Member the Club was graciously offered some financial assistance towards our project.
Subsequently it was agreed that a collaboration with Calgary Foundation’s Anna Johnson and Allison Schultz, VP Capacity Building, and Lena Soots, Director Trico Changemakers Studio at MRU would be the best for our project. After meetings with both groups it was decided to engage Calgary Foundation/Trico Changemakers Studio to facilitate our project.
The Task Force has also been busy working on further document review and homework requested by the Facilitator in preparation for Workshop Sessions in the latter part of January and early February.
Steacy Pinney's Update on Calgary Reads
Dear Rotarians,
As we reflect on our last year of Calgary Reads as we know it, we have much to be grateful for: Together, we've helped hundreds of children fall in love with reading.
For some, that spark was the steady voice of a caring adult reading aloud with them. For others, it was getting just the right book at just the right time and being able to scrawl their name (Julie!) on the very first page. For many, it was stepping into our magical Little Red Reading House or the cosy and special reading places we've created within local agencies.
It takes a community to raise a reader, and you have helped us do just that.
With so much help needed and so much to gain, we hope you'll continue to support our partners in raising the next generation of readers. You can learn all about them here. Of course, we're sure to see you again soon—at the Big Book Sale, at Little Red Reading House or just reading by the river (like me!).
On behalf of all the children and families whose lives you've touched by spreading the joy of reading—please accept our most heartfelt thanks. At this very special time of year, we wish for you the joy of many moments in the company of good books and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Steacy Pinney and team
SIS Christmas Party on December 9, 2022
Announcing our Newest Corporate Member
On December 15 at the Rotary Club of Calgary Board Meeting, the motion to approve our new corporate member was unanimously approved. We welcome back the Calgary Public Library Foundation. You will receive the white slip for their three representatives in the new future.
Welcome Calgary Public Library Foundation!
Proudly Presenting Our Corporate Members
COG Staff - December 20, 2022
Editor:
Andrea Serink & Diane Macdonald
Contributors:
Manon Mitchell, Madeleine King and Bill Kaufmann.
Rotary Club of Calgary - Chartered April 1914 as Club #949
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