Firstly, we have purchased a new sound system which George has set up for this meeting. As well, we've ordered a new projector. It uses laser technology and provides updated systems which will improve our ability to make presentations. Secondly, we announced that our recent casino event has resulted in revenue to our club of somewhere north of $80,000, perhaps as much as $85,000. Thanks to everyone who has helped make this event a success. Other funds that we have raised this year include $10,000 per parking at the Rotary Book Sale and a smaller amount for parking at Millarville. In addition, we cannot forget the funds raised each week through our Chase the Ace program. Wayne advised that he will be submitting a full report on his year as President which will be appearing in ClubRunner shortly. He closed his remarks by thanking all our members for trusting him to lead during this past Rotary year and noted that it has been an honor that he will remember fondly. As he passes the gavel to Keith, he knows that our Club‘s legacy of Service above Self will be in excellent hands. He knows that as a Club we will offer the support that he has enjoyed so that we will continue to do good in the community and in the world. He thanked every member for their help and encouragement and their commitment to Rotary. Wayne then invited all of his Executive and Directors to come to the front of the room where they could be properly thanked. He noted that they have worked tirelessly during the past year to stand with him. The Board members in attendance today included outgoing President Wayne Wiebe, Treasurer Vlad Sasserman, Peter Bickham, Neil Beatty, Ted Wada, President Elect Sharon Fraiman, incoming President Keith Wellon, Past President Rob Wolfson, and Secretary Dale Perret. Directors Bev Tonkinson and Brennen Pell were absent. As his final duty, he demoted himself to past president and passed the invisible gavel to President Keith.
Board 2025 / 2026
Incoming President Keith - message & priorities
First, thank you again Wayne. A year ago you stepped into the breech at the last minute. You put in a lot of work and have guided us well for the past year.
It’s a great honour to receive the gavel as our Chinook club enters its 50th year. I will take a few minutes to shares my thoughts about the upcoming year.
I have just three priorities.
- First is a focus on our 50th anniversary. As Rotary changes to meet the challenges of the present and future, it’s a major milestone which allows us to connect with our history, and to be proud of what we have accomplished over the years. A 50th Anniversary standing committee led by Peter Bickham was formed six months ago. It has evolved to focus on three main activities - (1) an anniversary dinner on March 15, 2027 (50 years and one day after our Charter was presented), (2) a publication outlining our history and (3) try to have a “History moment” at each of our meetings throughout the year.
- Secondly, I want to have a much stronger Sunshine committee to keep in touch with and occasionally visit, those not able to attend meetings, particularly for long or short term health reasons. Several have already agreed to be on it, including a couple who can’t make meetings, but can make phone calls.
- Thirdly, based on what I’ve heard at the international and district conferences and at several district President-Elect sessions, I want to modify the role of our Membership committee. Rather than trying to get new members, I have asked that it focus on retaining and engaging members (both new and old). Rotary membership is declining world-wide, and on average, new members leave within two years. While the committee focuses on that, I ask that members bring potential members when they see an interesting program, or better yet, invite them to help on a charity volunteer event. Connected with this, Bart is lining up very interesting guests for our meetings.
A couple of other things - Community Service Director, Ted Wada, will look to increase the number of hands-on charitable volunteer opportunities such as serving Ronald McDonald House lunches. Also under him, we will be reviewing our community donations (and donations under the Youth Director Rob Dempsey), to see if there are opportunities to do things with greater impact and reach.
- Financial Director Al Holt will be asking his fund raising committee to improve upon our annual Summer Roundup event. However, with the Board’s agreement, we will not be looking to start any new fundraisers this year. Of course, happy to hear any new ideas.
An email will be sent to everyone showing your Board for this year, and noting what responsibilities fall under each Director.
A couple of things I’d like to try this year, which I’m told have been done before. One is to rotate the luncheon meeting leader among members. This will be especially helpful at the beginning of meetings to allow me to greet guests, and our speaker, and members who need to speak with me. The other is to use a system, such as table numbers when you arrive, mixing up seating arrangements to make it easier for our newer members to get to know everyone.
Finally, a few words on the Rotary Action Plan which you will see a lot in Rotary International and district publications and messages. A copy is on each table, and will be sent out with the minutes. Its four pillars are being heavily promoted as the path to increase the relevance and growth of Rotary. Those pillars are - Increase our Impact - Expand our Reach - Enhance member Engagement - Increase our ability to change and Adapt
In line with the Action plan and our intention to review our community donations, we will be looking at a few new projects to possibly replace some of ours for greater impact, reach and member engagement. Brian Gentles from Heritage Club is here to give us a 2 minute overview of such a project for us to consider.
The New Board of directors for 2026/2027 was announced as follows: Wayne Wiebe – Past President Keith Wellon – President Sharon Fraiman – President elect Paul Gaudet Secretary Directors – Al Holt, George Van Schaick, Brennan Pell, Ted Wada, Rob Dempsey, Neil Beatty.
Board 2026 / 2027
Bart Dailley joined Rotary in 1992
President Keith then announced that for Chinook’s 50th anniversary, past presidents will be asked to comment on their year as president. First up was Bart Dailley, president 2003/03, who joined in 1992, Highlights include the R.I. Convention in Barcelona; purchase of van for Calgary Unban Projects Society coordinated by Chinook ; a heart attack which incapacitated him for last 5 months of term, which was covered by Ron may, who then served as president for the following Rotary year. Bart emphasized how important Rotary has been in his life and the many life-long friends he gained as a result.
Brian Gentles – Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park
Brian introduced a $250,000 project which is associated with Alberta Lung’s $15 million “Breathing Space” building which is being built adjacent to University of Edmonton.
There are only four specialty lung transplant hospitals across Canada and one happens to be at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. This means that most patients have to travel far distances in order to relocate for medical treatment at one of these hospitals. It is a very expensive and time-consuming process, which has led Alberta Lung to plan construction of a building (somewhat similar to Ronald McDonald House in Calgary) which will provide a residence for lung transplant patients and their families to live while in recovery.
The Rotary Club Of Calgary Heritage Park is in the process of planning to participate in this new residence at a cost of approximately $250,000 which they hope to raise with the assistance of approximately 50 other Rotary Clubs across three Districts. The project includes one of three options: an Outdoor Healing Garden, an exercise and wellness area or providing a Suite. They hope that our Club will consider joining their effort.
Greeters
Nick Crowston & Rob Dempsey
Following our National Anthem. Rob introduced visiting Rotarians and guests: Brian Gentles – Heritage
ParkPat and Sally Wierzba – England – guests of popoffs
Lois Beatty – (Neil)
Janet Popoff – (Hank)
Patricia Tucker – (Sandy Swan)
Mason Kienitz – (Bart’s grandson)
Indigenous Moment
President Keith's next order of business was the “Indigenous Moment”
July 3, 2026 was an unprecedented historic day for Rotary. I attended the Charter celebration for the new Mohkinstsis Urban Indigenous Rotary Club. Our Zone’s Rotary International Board Representative, Marty Helman, came to Calgary to personally present the Charter to their President, Megan Sinclair. She said it is the first Indigenous club in the world. And that it serves as a shining example of all four pillars of the Rotary Action Plan - increase impact, expand our reach, enhance engagement and increase our ability to adapt.
It has 25 members, mostly Metis and First Nations people, but also including some non indigenous members such as co-founder Dan Doherty, who is leaving his West Calgary Club after 43 years to be a charter member. It is sponsored by the West Club. Several other clubs, including Chinook, have contributed funds to help them start up. Its regular meeting place will be our Horton Road Legion, so a very close neighbour of our club, which may help us doing some things together.
The pictures show Marty Helman presenting the Charter to President Megan Sinclair, Dan Doherty, and the full new club.
Classified “We need you!”
We still need someone to take on doing the club newsletter. This is the current version using a standard template on Rotary Club Runner site, so reasonably straightforward.
Announcements
Paul G reminded us of the Okotoks dawgs baseball game on Thursday, July 30. We will be situated on a private patio on the 1St base line. Cost $50, including burger/dog, chips, pop. (Steak sandwich is extra).
July 1 Fund Raiser – Parking at Millerville by volunteers: Rob Dempsey, Wayne Wiebe, Dale Perret, Keith Wellon, Stephen and Anne Pick, Gordon Juricic, Allan Nelsen and partner Maggie, Nick Crowston, Ted Wada.
