Speakers

Brian Gentles joined the Rotary Club of Calgary North in June 2007 after North helped with funds and manpower building a new dock at Glenmore Reservoir for the Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta in 2005.  We were hosting the national Mobility Cup sailing regatta in 2005.

He moved to Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park Dec 2016 as Monday lunches were difficult to attend regularly.  No client has ever wanted to see me at 7:00 a.m. on a Friday morning.

He has a long background in Scouting.  In at age 8, out at age 48.

Has been involved with Disabled Sailing 1998 to present.

Attended RAYEC (Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp) as a business team leader in 2019.  Chaired the District RAYEC Steering Committee 2020-2023.  Attended camp twice more.

He began promoting Rotary support for Breathing Space at DisCon 2024.

Career wise . . .

Mortgage brokering and business financing – 2001 to present.

Ambulance and paramedic services as a business owner 1991-1996 – Kananaskis Country and Siberia.  Sold ambulances in Western Canada and brokered a deal for 50 ambulances overseas.  No one let me near patients – that would have been dangerous.  I washed ambulances and carried bags.

Started in Information Technology in 1972.  Partially responsible for the Y2K issue.

Married to Elaine Duncan – blended family with 5 “adult children” and 5 grandchildren.  Elaine volunteers with me on many things; including casinos and bagging at Community Kitchen.

About Brenda Walton

Internationally recognized as a stakeholder and Indigenous engagement expert, Brenda Walton owns Kairos Creative Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in the delivery of engagement programs for corporate clients and three levels of government.  Through her second company, Brenda Walton Inspires, she uses these same strategies of engagement to motivate an international community of women who are eager to transform their lives. Her transformational W.O.R.T.H.Y Program guides women through a 6-step process to help them recognize that they are completely worthy to experience unlimited levels of success and happiness.

Happy Labour Day!

Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers across Alberta and Canada who help build strong communities every day.

Labour Day is also a wonderful opportunity to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the final long weekend of summer. Whether you're relaxing at home, exploring the outdoors, or gathering for a barbecue, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

From all of us at the Rotary Club of Calgary West, thank you to everyone who works, volunteers, and gives back to make our community a better place.

Wishing you a wonderful!

Connie Jakab is the founder and CEO of Bravely Connected Communities, a non-profit solving the problem of disconnection in community. Connie has been working in mental health and resilience for over 25 years, focusing her efforts on how belonging creates resilience. She has worked in community, in schools, in homes, and in workplaces. She believes that the opposite of isolation is belonging, the opposite of poverty is community, and the opposite of addiction is connection. Communities that are connected are communities where their youth and families will thrive.

She is also a podcaster, a Certified Coach, and
Her motto is: 
I am brave
I show up when it’s hard
I love without walls
I forgive when it hurts
I rise through the storm

In a time when loneliness, burnout, and disconnection are deeply impacting our communities, this talk explores the powerful link between social engagement and mental health. Through a practical and hope-filled lens, Connie Jakab—founder of Bravely Connected Communities—will share how belonging, local connection, and community participation are not just “nice to have,” but essential for emotional wellness and resilience. Drawing from her work in community development, recovery, and grassroots leadership, Connie will unpack how simple acts of connection can reduce isolation, strengthen mental health, and help rebuild the kind of villages people are longing for. This session will leave attendees with both fresh perspective and practical tools for creating healthier, more connected communities.

You can connect with Connie everywhere, but most notably on the following platforms:

Website:  http://conniejakab.com

Brave Podcast

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-brave-podcast/id1541917217

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1JnM4Srsy10dzEGyqFZ7Hv

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_RF3t6bjWRSxHmkpEfFdg

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-jakab-b-r-ed-6627b65a/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/conniejakab/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/richardleethai2/

Want to contact Connie by email?

Connie@conniejakab.com

 

Updates from Club President Don Edie and the Club's Board Members.

Details To Follow

This week's meeting will provide Club Committee reports and the Story of one of our Club Members.

Levi First Charger is Blackfoot from the Blood Tribe First Nation in southern Alberta. He has been the Operations Director at the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) since 2012 and his primary responsibilities are connecting with Indigenous youth, Elders, and community members. As my primary goal, Levi ensures that the more than 40 projects USAY operates are meeting the direct needs of the community. 

I’ve always been interested in the justice system. I always thought I’d be a police officer one day and join the SWAT team. I always knew that Indigenous youth and adults were highly represented in the justice and welfare systems, but to actually see that number in my textbooks and the PowerPoints at school, that changed me, something inside of me. I knew that I couldn’t help my Indigenous community the way I wanted to if I became a police officer so I changed my career goal from a police officer to a youth worker because I thought that would be the best way to help my Indigenous community is through working with indigenous youth.

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Rotary Club of Calgary West! 🦃

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to pause and appreciate the people, places, and little moments that make our lives special.

We’re grateful for our members, volunteers, friends, and community partners who continue to make a difference through service, fellowship, and giving back.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, relaxing, and delicious Thanksgiving filled with good food, good company, and plenty to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving Day from all of us at the Rotary Club of Calgary West!

Deputy Chief Asif Rashid, M.O.M. has served with the Calgary Police Service since 2001 and currently leads the Bureau of Investigative Support. Throughout his policing career, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including District Commander, Duty Officer in the Real Time Operations Centre, and Superintendent of Strategic Planning and Partnerships. He has been instrumental in advancing community-centred policing, anti-racism initiatives, and innovative crisis response programs that connect individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges with the most appropriate community supports.

Born in the United Kingdom to refugee parents before immigrating to Canada, Deputy Chief Rashid holds an Honours degree in Sociology and Criminology and a Certificate in Professional Management from the University of Calgary. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and remains actively involved in community service through several not-for-profit boards and advisory committees. In recognition of his leadership and service, he has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.