The rains were just starting to fall on us as we came in. President Marlene had us started promptly at high noon. There were nineteen in person attendees and 10 on Zoom. Guests in attendance included Tara Quinney, Bill’s granddaughter, and on Zoom Jackline Nyamao, wife of Khor Top with the KomKan Institute.
Bob Pearson led us in O Canada. There will be different members presenting the Land Acknowledgement over the next few weeks to make it more personal. Today will be Dan’s turn. But first Nketti Johnson-Taylor was asked to introduce our guest speaker, our own Dan Doherty.
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| Nketti delivers an impressive summary of Dan’s accomplishments and contributions. Dan has been a member at Calgary West for close to 39 years. A Past President, a Past District Governor and now a Rotary Assistant Zone 28 Coordinator. He empowers youth working with youth at the Tsuut’ina High School and the Boys and Girls Club. He sits on various Boards including CRCF and Hall Family Homes. He has made sixteen trips to Mexico heading the Homes of Hope build. He has received Rotary’s distinguished Service above Self Award. |
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Dan tells us he grew up in Glenmorgan and in his youth played in fields where the Grey Eagle now stands and recognizes the Tsuu ‘tina lands. As the son of immigrant settler parents, and as one whom for my entire life has lived worked and played on the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina nation and in the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth I would like to honor and acknowledge the territory and oral practices of the Tsuut’ina, the Blackfoot Confederacy, Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Stony Nakoda. I would like to acknowledge all Nations and people, Indigenous and non, who help us steward this land and honor and celebrate this territory.
Dan’s first statement was fellowship is a contact sport. It is more encompassing than fellowship with just our CLUB. The incoming RI President, Jennifer Jones, will be the first woman and first Canadian to hold that esteemed position in 118 years. Her theme is Imagine Rotary – what do you want for our Club, our projects, and what do you want to experience.
The object of Rotary is to
- encourage and foster the development of relationships
- maintain high ethical standards and recognize the worthiness of all
- adopt the ideal of service in your personal, business and community life
- advance international goodwill, understanding and peace through world fellowship
The two top reasons people join Rotary is for fellowship and active community engagement. When you put the two together it is magical. Allow yourself to be engaged. There are over 80 Rotary Fellowships covering everything from recreation to sports to hobbies to vocational – even Rotary history. Go to www.rotary.org/fellowships. Attending the RI convention is another way as is the Rotary Friendship Exchange. Our last exchange was with Peru. Rod McMahon is hoping to organize one to his former Club in Nova Scotia next year to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Exchanges can highlight the culture, the service, and vocations. Given Covid times there have been virtual exchanges.
Rotary Action Groups are organized by Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Peace Fellows with professional experience and subject matter expertise in a specific concentration. This helps Clubs and Districts plan and implement large-scale projects in a particular area of service. There are 27 different action groups based on the 7 Areas of focus operating in 150 countries with 34,000 members.
Bottom line is to get yourself engaged! Tim Anderson commented we need this talk more than once a year. Chris Davis recognized family members also become involved with the services as well as the fun and fellowship events. He marvels at all the Doherty’s do. Dan simply remarks you block your time to make it happen. Martin Bunting remarked he has learned more in the brief time he has been a Calgary West member by attending our meetings and recently the RI Convention in Houston than he had in the previous 12 years as a Rotarian.
Nketti was the thanker and remarked on Dan’s encouraging words to participate and engage more. Do not ask what Rotary can do for you but what you can do for Rotary. A donation will be made to ShelterBox Canada.
Rod McMahon presented “My Story”. As Rod was coming into the meeting, he noticed a fellow taking a picture of our Calgary West Rotary banner. He enquired and learned the gentlemen was a Rotarian in Belgium. His comment,” You will find Rotary everywhere!”
Rod will weave his story around his family, his work and Rotary. Rod was born in 1969 in Nova Scotia where he spent his early elementary years up to two years ago. In grade 11 he obtained some DJ equipment from a buddy – the money he made kept him happy as he had girls and beer. A 16-year old’s dream!
He went to college and obtained a two-year diploma in urban planning. He kept his DJ gig on the side. In 1994 he moved to Toronto and found the wedding market was an industry. Within a year his DJ income surpassed his regular salary. So, he put all his apples in that basket which he says has given him and his family a comfortable life.
Christmas, 2000 he is back in NS with his wife and expecting the birth of his son. They spotted a dilapidated old farmhouse, found the key above the sill, and went in for a peak. They saw at once it needed some work but went ahead with an offer. He ran his business remotely and was doing about 750 events per year for clients in TO. This was before the internet offered all it offers today. He knew he needed to right size his business to make it manageable while still be profitable and having some fun. He is looking at 250 events this year. He likes his job – people are happy when celebrating milestone events. The hours allowed him to be a big part of his son’s and daughter lives as they were growing up.
Rod joined the Kentville Rotary Club in early 2000. It was a family affair and often brought the children with him to Rotary meetings. He was Club President in 2018-19. Kentville will be celebrating their 100-year anniversary next year. Stay tuned for some info on a friendship exchange!
In 2020, his daughter made a power point pitch to either move to Japan, Finland, or Calgary. Rod was brought up not exactly fond of us westerners. Two years ago, he and his daughter moved to Calgary. They are now in the “stink” (his words) of the city in Mount Royal. His daughter graduated Notre Dame High School this year. They have no urgent plans to head back to NS at this time.
Rod found Calgary West and along with many other Rotary friends he has met on Rotary trips such as a trip to Nigeria to provide much needed vaccinations and through his old club, Rod has many new friends here at RCCW. Rod has taken the initiative to get to know his fellow club members by inviting them to coffee or lunch. Next month Rod is off to Kenya, Tanzanian, and Uganda. His 25-year plan is to continue doing good in the world with Rotary.
Hot seats:
RYLA - Tara Quinney was one of the eight delegates we sent to RYLA in May. She learned about leadership but also about vulnerability, self acceptance and teamwork. She thought the program would offer sitting at your table listening to speakers all day – admits she had that wrong! RYLA teaches collaboration, finding your voice, discovering yourself, accepting and listening to those from diverse backgrounds, making new friends all this through speakers and activities. Two activities Tara highlighted were Whales and Penguins and Board Breaking. She thanked RCCW for the opportunity to attend.
RCCW Stampede Breakfast/Parade - RCCW NEEDS YOU! Gord Cox tells us, to date only ten people have signed up to volunteer for our Stampede Breakfast and Parade. As of Monday, 952 tickets have been sold out of the 1245 tickets available. A conservative net profit to the Club is $25,000, our largest fundraiser!
President Marlene advises our next meeting will be June 20 at Calgary Golf and Country Club. This is our turnover meeting. Cost of lunch will be $35. Please purchase your ticket through our website. At this meeting each member will receive a “yearbook” of our 2021-22 year.
June 27 is our Canada Day meeting, and a venue is being sought. Stay tuned.
Editor’s note – We have secured the Blackfoot Hotel- cost $31.00 – sign up details to follow
Thank you’s to Team 1 for today’s meeting duties as well as to Gord for AV host.
Shout out to:
Barb Hames for the Sock Hop last Friday. When was the last time we could dance?
Steve Kuiack for organizing our cultural potluck last Sunday. Amazing food and fellowship.
Please check the 5360 website or weekly digest to sign up for opportunities to interact with our incoming RI President, Jennifer Jones on her – Imagine Rotary Canada Tour.
4-way test & Adjourn
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