This was a live meeting only, with 20 members  in attendance, plus Peter Harding from Heritage Park, and Marlys Jordan, our guest speaker.

 

President Rob called the meeting to order and delivered fascinating facts about one of our historical local indigenous personages, Deerfoot Bad Meat (1864 – 1897). A member of the Blackfoot Nation, he was known as an exceptional long-distance runner,  running messages within the Blackfoot Confederacy throughout the Northwest and The Montana Territories. He competed in, and won, many foot races gaining an international reputation before his passing in Calgary.

 

Our guest speaker, Marlys Jordan, CPM, CRP, ARM, MNPL Candidate and CEO of Calgary Heritage Housing (CHH) and Calgary Heritage  Housing Foundation (CHHF), was introduced by Saadat. Over 30 years, Marlys has worked in accounting, real estate, commercial transport, and seniors housing. Her presentation today focussed on this latter area.

CHH focusses on providing housing and life supports for functionally independent seniors (>65) with incomes less than $49K. With 9 properties and 480 “doors” (bachelor and 1-bedroom suites), 500 seniors call CHH home. With 169,500K seniors in Calgary, CHH has a goal of operating 1000 units. Tenants are engaged in social, physical, developmental (e.g. technology) and community resources, building a sense of confidence and community.

With much of these support initiatives not government funded, the CHHF was created to grow the funds necessary for tenant support and life enrichment.

Bill Quinney thanked Marlys for her educational talk and provided her with a certificate acknowledging a donation in her name to Shelter Box.

 

Saadat announced that the January safari goers are gathering (at maybe 6:00pm) on March 15 at the Joyce Pub to share stories and photos with all interested members.

 

Marlene thanked Raju and Sue for hosting a brunch on Sunday. They, together with Bill F, Martin, Orlin and Dan, attempted to solve world’s problems (but their conversation was at least lively).

A Thai dinner is scheduled for March 16 for a table of 8. Contact Sue.

Marlene has ordered magnetic-back Rotary pins. Contact Marlene to purchase ($8.50 +/_).

Peter Harding (Heritage Park) announced this year’s second chance art sale will be held on April 19 and 20 in the Acadia Rec Complex. Donate your “no longer want to display it) art at any of several donation boxes at Co-Op stores. Then attend the sale to acquire something fresh.

President Rob reminded members to expect a phone survey, the results of which will be available for discussion at our Spring Assembly, April 15 at The Pannenkoeken Huis.

He wrapped the meeting with the story of a creative young firefighter pulling her little red wagon.