President Linda Anderson called the Hybrid meeting to order at 12:00 noon acknowledging that the land in which we gather is the traditional territory of Tsuu T’ina Nation. Linda asked all members to stand while we sang our National Anthem.
Zoom Host, Bernie Ward introduced one Zoom guest Ellie, with all other participants being club members. New member Don Beavis, acting as greeter and taking attendance provided Linda with the list of members and guests attending in person. Linda welcomed Ross Mayer (an Airdrie member visiting our club) and Courtenay Wilson.
Linda started the meeting with a Rotary Fact question. What were the wives of Rotarians called prior to women being allowed to be Rotarians? Answer: Rotary Ann’s. Linda acknowledged that as unpopular as that may appear now, the term was coined when a wife named Ann was introduced as “Rotarian’s Ann.” Linda said now that spouses of female Rotarians are affectionately known as “Rotary Andy’s.”
Highlights of the 2022 Rotary International Convention
Linda introduced her husband Tim, with some humorous and teasing remarks, as did Tim as he introduced Linda, prior to the joint presentation of their experience in Houston this June attending Rotary International’s 2022 Convention.
With Bill Fitzsimmons assisting on their slide show, Tim and Linda shared highlights of the convention:
Rotary International Conventions host anywhere from 12,000 – 40,000 delegates from all over the world. Tim and Linda have had the opportunity to attend conventions in Toronto in 2018, Hamburg in 2019 and this year in Houston.
These Conventions showcase great presentations by leading speakers, passionate about their causes.
Linda shared photos of the colourful costumes members were wearing (not your usual suit & tie attire at these meetings).
Rotary International offers fellowships of all kinds, as well as Rotary Action Groups (RAG). And friendships made at these conferences grow into life-long relationships.
Some initiatives that Tim & Linda highlighted were a Recreated Reef in the Philippines to replace the deteriorated reef and loss of fishing.
A RAG initiative that targets Human Trafficking in the US, and in Canada, is a focus Linda wants to address this year. Tim referenced a book “Stolen” a True Trafficking Story. Human Trafficking is the 2nd largest illegal activity after drugs, and it is happening here too!
On a happier note, Rotary Conventions do offer outside events, where they saw the Houston Astros. Other members attended the Houston Space Center. And there was time for fellowship with other Rotarians every evening in the Pub. Both Tim and Linda highly recommend attending a Rotary Convention for some amazing fellowship and inspiration!
Debbie McMillan, thanked Tim and Linda for their Rotary Convention presentation, and for all they do for Rotary. Debbie reminded club members to check out Linda’s theme of “Care & Comfort”, as we get to know our members and why they joined Rotary, and what we can all do to realize Rotary’s dream of Service above Self.
Linda encouraged members to think about Committee involvement, determining which committee you would like to learn more about. Linda spoke about fellowship initiatives that could be implemented. She commented that Debbie McMillan will be setting up a list of members interested in participation in Dinner Club, with more details on this to follow. Linda said Malcolm Harrison has initiated the 18 hole golf again for Rotarian golfers. and Pat Fitzsimmons has started a 9-hole fun golf, (for less serious golfers, and spouses that might be interested).
Linda asked Don Edie to present a motion to the club for ratification:
Don Edie, moved, as a follow-up to the motion approved at the board meeting of Calgary West Directors, on July 18/22:
As a member of a Rotary Club in Zone 28, I support the submission of Dan Doherty to the Zone Nominating Committee. Dan will be suggested for selection as an RI Director from Zone 28 to serve during 2024-26.
The motion was seconded by Ron Brookes. Motion carried in house as well as on zoom.
HOT SEATS:
Don Edie, as the Chairperson for the Move for Polio Initiative encouraged members to sign up and start tracking their progress. Any activity can be charted – 15 minutes of exercise = equivalent of 1 km.
Terry Felton, congratulated volunteers for their help for the Stampede Breakfast. Almost $30,000 was raised with half of the volunteers needed at previous years breakfasts.
Now we’ve launched the Fruit Fundraiser, but orders are minimal, with less that 15% of our members participating. Terry explained that the fruit grower last year had donated $2000 to our club and Terry was hoping that we would realize 17,000 sales. He urged every member to do “something.” (Spread the word via email, or facebook.) This year there is no delivery – cherry and peach orders to be picked up only.
Bill Quinney, announced the importance of the talk we’re scheduled to hear on August 15th, by Art Froehlich, The Future of Agriculture and Food. With only 2-3% of Canadians involved in agriculture in Canada, there is no “mighty” voice to fight the government’s proposals that directly affect this industry. But as we are now seeing in Holland, government intervention directly affects the ability to produce food, and will have dire consequences for the world’s food supplies. Please invite as many people as possible to hear this talk!
Linda announced that there will be no meeting next Monday, August 1st. She also announced that she will be on holidays for our Aug 8th meeting. Marlene and Dan Doherty are leaving soon for their trip across Canada, checking in with Rotarians along the way.
Linda closed the meeting by reminding us that “happiness is a direction, not a place.” Linda declared the meeting adjourned
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