President Marlene Doherty called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon.

She started off in the “spirit of reconciliation” an acknowledgement that we live, work and play on territorial lands inhabited by the Blackfoot confederacy; the Siksika, the Kainai the Piikani, the Stoney Nakoda and the Tsuut’ina nations, followed by our national anthem sung by Lana Fleon – The Traveling Mabels.

Attendance: Zoom – 26; In house – 18.

Introduction of our visitors and guests:

Zoom Greeter – Bill Fitzsimmons introduced Stephanie Rodrigo from Sri Lanka and new member Mona Wasfy.

In House Greeter – Tim Anderson introduced Courtney Wilson from Inclusion Alberta.

Guest Speaker: Steacy Pinney (Collyer)

Steacy was introduced by Gail Williams

Steacy’s career began in the Grade 1 classroom, where she became passionate about helping children develop a love of reading. Later, as a literacy consultant, Steacy became inspired by a movement to ensure every child could read by the end of third grade, setting them up for success in school and in life. It became her mission to help all children read with confidence and joy, and this was the driving vision of Calgary Reads.

What began as a volunteer reading tutor program in just two schools is now a vibrant reading movement that reaches children, families and educators in so many ways. As a reading champion possibilitarian, and placemaker, one of Steacy’s proudest achievements is The Little Red Reading House, a magical home that lets children experience the joy of family reading time and the power of book ownership.

Calgary Reads is an early literacy organization changing the lives of children and their families. By bringing children the essentials they need to become thriving readers—their very own books, strong reading role models, and safe, fun places to read—we help put them on the path to success in school and in life.

Steacy first became involved in 1998 as a member of the Junior League of Calgary along with our very own Marlene Doherty who is a past president of the organization.

We are not born to be able to read. It’s a skill that has to be developed and children need caring adults in their lives to help them learn how to read. If children cannot read at grade level by grade 3, it’s unlikely they’ll ever catch up. We also know that 25 percent of Canadian children grow up in a home without books and that there can be a word gap of thousands of words between children living in economically disadvantaged homes and those that are advantaged.

The danger is that, without this fundamental skill which makes all learning possible, without the chance to develop a love of reading, and without that special bonding time with a caring adult, children are at risk of struggling in school, mental health challenges, and increased risk of poverty as an adult.

Calgary Reads focuses on supporting families in so many ways, and we’re also able to do that through our Little Red Reading House in Inglewood, where we inspire a love of reading in the home and special reading places at home. It’s also where our book bank is located so we can ensure all children have access to their own books as book ownership is critical to experiencing the confidence and joy of reading. Each child who visits the house takes home a free book.

Because there is danger in falling behind, we open the door to a lifetime of opportunity. Calgary Reads is an early literacy organization. We believe all children should have the opportunity to experience the life-changing magic of reading. By providing children with all the essentials to become enthusiastic readers, we are building a thriving community and setting up children for success in school and in life. By age three, children from the wealthiest and poorest homes are separated by a gap of thousands of words. Children without access to books and family reading time are at risk of entering kindergarten without school readiness. Worse yet, if a child doesn’t achieve grade-level reading by the end of grade 3, it’s unlikely they’ll ever catch up to their peers.

Falling behind reading doesn’t just happen. It is not like learning to talk or walk - we are not born to read. Children need to hear words and stories early and often.25% of children grow up in a home without books

27% start school with literacy and developmental vulnerabilities
40% lack the literacy needed by age 15 to enjoy lifelong benefits. We open the door to a lifetime of opportunity

For further information visit www.littleredreading.house

Steacy closed with “Be purposeful with reading with your kids – practice – use it or lose it”

Chris Davis expressed the thanks of the club in his usual eloquent manner.

President Marlene also expressed her appreciation and announced a donation to Shelter Box would be made in Steacy’s name.

Announcements

President Marlene gave a shout out to Garfield and Cheryl Ganong whose son was married on the weekend. Also, a big thank you to all those who came out to celebrated Dan’s 65th birthday.

Tazim Asaria brought us an update on our vocational services program. One of our scholarships was set up in 1978 in memory of one of our members, Reverend Swanny Swanson.

A testimonial dinner was held and the proceeds of which were deposited in the Calgary Rotary Club's foundation with the interest from which were to be used for scholarships.

The Colonel McLeod scholarship was originally in the amount of $500, but subsequently increased to $1,000 and is awarded each year to a 3^rd year student enrolled in SAIT.

Gord Cox announced, with background music, a dinner meeting will be held September 9^th at the Ranchman’s Club to educate all members in the use of Club Runner and our website, with bonus tips like how to book mark our website. Please register by September 1^st using the “Upcoming Events” on our web site. Cost $35

David Wartman announced that after a one-year hiatus, the Calgary Civic Symphony is back in operation at the Jack Singer with their 1^st concert being October 31^st – “Trick, Treat and Triumph” and we welcome everyone to attend.

He also announced on behalf of the Indigenous Relations Committee that he was trying to organize a field trip to the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Siksika Nation. Date and time to be announced.

Don Edie announced the “Move for Polio 2021 Campaign” (refer to our website) Our District goal is to raise $100,000 between now and October 24^th - World Polio Day. We are at the half way point and the District has raised $21,265. Our club is #3 in the District and we have $2,925 in cash and pledges with seven members registered, which means we have lots of room for additional support.

Les Morgan, membership director, announced we have 79 members; 72 active and 7 honorary.

Honorary members include Clarence and Evelyn Buckley, Gordon Rodrigues, Ron Staughton, Tony Knight, Bill Tapuska and Mike French.

Members who have left for various reasons include Claude Massé, Maggie Julian, Arien Knight, Will Mitchell, Paul Graham, Don Vokey and Cha Cha Chansiri.

President Marlene announced our “Club Fall Forum” will be held the evening of September 27^th at the Calgary Golf and Country Club – cash bar 6:00, with buffet at 6:30 Business to review our strategic plan as well as financials. A survey will be sent out requesting our suggestions/questions. Reply by September 13^th.

Marlene also acknowledged Kurt Schurer with the “building community” recognition for his involvement as chairman of the local community services (LCS)

With thanks to team 2 for their assistance in today’s meeting.

President Marlene adjourned the meeting at 1.00 pm with the 4 Way Test.

(The musical version by Keith and Lana Floen - The Traveling Mabels)