Rob Rakochey called the meeting to order. The indigenous fact for today came via Farid Bedwany.
Indigenous Facts: Pemmican – Traditionally pemmican was prepared from the lean meat of large game animals such as buffalo, elk or deer. The meat was cut in thin slices and dried over a slow fire, or in the hot sun until it was hard and brittle. Then it was pounded into very small meat pieces almost powder-like inconsistency, using stones. The meat was mixed with melted fat with a ratio of approximately 50% pounded meat & 50% pounded fat. In some cases dried fruits such as Saskatoon berries, Cranberries, or Choke Cherries were pounded and added to the meat/fat mixture. The resulting mixture was then packed into green rawhide pouches for storage.
All stood for the singing of O’Canada.
Visitors & guests were introduced by Judy Cochran. Krista Poole CEO of CanLearn and PDG Martin Parnell and his wife.
As is customary we had 10-15 minutes of fellowship at our tables.
While there was no formal speaker, Chris Ritter stepped up and provided a slide presentation on his recent visit to Cuba.
Recall, Chris & his wife went to Cuba on a Vision Trip with World Serve, an organization that does, among other things, humanitarian work and micro business in Cuba. Chris thanked everyone who contributed to th gifts including 2 computers, clothes, medicine, sporting equipment, etc.
His slides included pictures of an old 55 Chev, kids programs at a local church and a feeding program once a week for seniors. Micro business included a small hog operation next to a church which helps funds the local pastors needs. As well a 3 wheel peddle bike constructed & used as a local taxi.
Well done Chris!
Bill Quinney introduced Krista Poole, CEO of CanLearn.
For the past 45 years, CanLearn has been changing the lives of children, youth & adults with literacy, learning difficulties, and related mental health challenges across Calgary & area.
Krista thanked our club for our gift of $10,000 which will be used for their “Word Play” program. This program is designed to help Grade 1 or 2 children become a confident and engaged reader. Success in reading is critical for children. Grades 1 and 2 are an important window of opportunity for learning to read. Children who successfully learn to read in the early primary years of school are well prepared to read in the years to come.
Announcements:
Rob Rakochey was pleased to announce that Rod McMahon will be our upcoming President commencing July 1, 2024. Also, Chris Ritter has agreed to lead the club in 2025-26. We are still in need of a President Elect Nominee for 26/27 and 3 Directors for next year – Club Admin, Fundraising & Secretary positions.
Also, the board will be doing a telephone survey to each member to talk about the Club and your thoughts/engagement.
Marlene Doherty had several announcements;
- The club is again, sponsoring our “Citizenship Awards” to recognize members in our community who have displayed exemplary local or international service & who embodies “service above self”. Nominations should be submitted by March 30th and forms are available from the committee; Marlene, Garfield, Saadat, Joe, Rod & Mike.
- Coldest Night of the Year 2024 (CNOY). The Andersons & Doherty’s together with 3 Interactors walked the Inglewood route and raised $2,600 for the Woods Home – a non-profit organization that offers treatment & support for children, young people, adults and families with mental health challenges.
- Guess Who’s Gathering – Your invited to 2 members homes as follows
- March 3rd 11am to 2 pm – 6 guests for brunch – RSVP Marlene
- March 16th 6pm – 5 guests for a Thai dinner – RSVP Judy
- Polio update – only 2 remaining countries left to conquer Polio; Afghanistan and Pakistan. So far this year there are NO CASES to report. This is great news, but donations are down so you’re encouraged to continue to support this cause so we can finally eradicate this disease.
Barbie Hames & Debbie McMillan announced the Fellowship committee is proposing 2 events;
- March 15th a tour of a Hydropark Farm in Calgary
- April 13th Century Downs – Horse racing (place your bets!)
Rob Rakochey: As there was no main speaker, Rob announced we have 10 minutes of social time at each table with the oldest 2 persons moving to another table.
Rob then closed the meeting with an infamous joke that left all of us with huge smiles on our face! You had to be there!
The meeting was concluded with our 4Way Test song!
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