The westerner

The final Calgary West Rotary meeting of 2025 was an informal and festive gathering focused on fellowship and holiday celebrations. Led by Don Edie and Bob Pearson, the members participated in a sing-along of various carols, including "Jingle Bells," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas".

Tim Anderson next provided some trivia - While the carol "Good King Wenceslas" referenced “King” he was actually Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century and was later canonized as a saint.

Upcoming Events – Barbie Hames

· New Year's Day: A tobogganing party is scheduled at Sandy Beach on January 1st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, provided the temperature is not below -15°C.

· Robbie Burns Day: The Okotoks Rotary Club is hosting a fundraiser for the Rowan House Society on January 23rd, featuring a live band and Celtic music. Members may have an email from Jeffery Foss on December 14^th with details.

· February Sleigh Ride: A social event involving a heavy hitch sleigh ride, pond hockey, and a fire pit is being planned for February, with an estimated cost of $60 – contingent on participation numbers.

Don Edie was congratulated on his third anniversary with Susan.

Marie Rickard presented our exchange student, Flavio, a Christmas gift, he was thankful and commented on the fact that they don’t really celebrate Christmas in his homeland like we do here with exchange of presents.

Saadat next came to the podium and gave a brief history on some of the Calgary West Christmas traditions – most recently by the late David Williams who would read the ‘Twas the Night before Christmas to the club. Saadat next read his new version:

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the club, not a
member was stirring, they were all in the pub.
The stockings were hung by Don Cox with care, in hopes that St.
Christopher Ritter soon would be there.
The members were nestled all snug in their chairs, while visions of
sugarplums danced in their heads.
And Marie in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our
brains for a long meeting ahead, when out on the lawn there arose
such a clatter, I sprang from my chair to see what the matter was.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and
threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
gave a lustre of midday to objects below, when what to my
wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny
reindeer, with a grand old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a
moment he must be St. Christopher Ritter.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled,
and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Malcolm! now,
Garfield! now Orlin and David! On, Donald, on, Cox, Linda and
Barbie!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash
away! dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to RI.
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew with the sleigh full of
toys, and St. Christopher too-And then, in a twinkling, I heard on
the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, down the chimney St.
Christopher came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his
head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and
soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a
peddler just opening his pack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his
dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little
mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as
white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it
encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little
round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I
saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word,
but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned
with a jerk, and laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod,
up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all
flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove
out of sight
Merry Christmas to all- and to all a good year.

Farid announced that the Indigenous Committee will reconvene in 2026. Interested members can attend the meeting on January 5^th @ 10:30 am prior to the club meeting.

Chris Davis expressed that he was happy being back in Calgary and being able to participate in the club again. He remarked on the inclusiveness of our club.             

Several Happy Buck announcements and then two bad Dad jokes from President Chris:

Why was the math book sad at Christmas? - It had too many problems!

What is Santa’s favourite type of music? – Rap!

President Chris acknowledged the Grey Eagle staff with a card and cash collected from the members in recognition of the service they provide to us.

The meeting concluded with the singing of the Four Way Test.

Additional Notes

· Bingo Fundraising: The final bingo at the Grey Eagle resulted in a payout of $9,200, bringing the yearly total to roughly $37,000. Future volunteer shifts will take place at the Five Star bingo hall starting January 2nd.

· Tax Receipts: Receipts for donations to Kindred or RAYAC were sent out immediately after deposits; members missing them should email David Wartman for a resend.

· Next Meeting: There is no meeting next week; the next regular meeting is January 5th.

Drew Turnbull

Reporter