Take a nostalgic walk down "memory block" with us as we share two wonderful glimpses into the history of the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial.
Both of these cherished snapshots were taken at our former long-time meeting venue: the stately Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Looking back, they serve as powerful reminders of the dedication and strong fellowship that have built our club over the decades. Do you recognize any familiar faces?
This picture below was taken back in 1995. This image beautifully preserves a key moment in our history, complete with a key to identify the pillars of the club from that era. Look at those classic suits!
Fast-forward exactly ten years to 2003 as shown below. This more candid snapshot captures a joyful moment from a meeting, highlighting a slightly different generation of leaders and a warmer yet energetic vibe.
It is images like these that connect us to our rich legacy. Let us know who you recognize and share your memories. We'd also love to receive more pictures to highlight RCCC.
A Journey Back in Time: Our Calgary Chamber of Commerce Days
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Breakfast Sponsor Program!
This vital initiative helps us secure funding to maintain our weekly breakfast service and meeting space. We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiastic support from our inaugural sponsors who have already stepped up to make a difference.
Their generous sponsorship will be celebrated with their logos proudly displayed on the back of our weekly agenda for all members and guests to see!
We are still looking for four more partners to join this fantastic group and help us meet our goal. By participating, you not only support the Club's essential services but also enhance the visibility of your company or individual classification. If you are interested in having your logo featured, please contact Gary Williamson (gary@myteamblue.com) for details on how to become a Breakfast Sponsor today!
At our February 11 Rotary Centennial meeting, we were honored to host Michael Chiasson from Access52, a public speaker, musician, and missionary dedicated to empowerment. Michael’s inspiring presentation focused on the message that everyone contributes and the power we have to shape our future and those around us. He encouraged members to reflect on their younger selves and acknowledge the time and effort put in by ourselves and others.
We thank Michael for his generous presentation and for gifting club members with copies of his newly published book, Things We Wish Our Parents Knew (Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2025). Many of our members were also fortunate to receive an autographed copy!
As a show of thanks for his presentation, the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial will be donating to inoculate 80 individuals against polio, a commitment shared by Rotary clubs globally.
About Access52 Access52 is a Canadian charity on a mission to inspire the world one student at a time. They work to bridge the gap between students, their parents, and teachers by helping people see the significance of who they are through live and virtual speaking events.
To learn more about Michael’s work and Access52, visit:
On January 28, the RCCC was pleased to welcome Courtney Kachur (Team Lead) and Ladan Barre (Coordinator) from Inclusion Alberta.
Courtney and Ladan delivered an informative presentation detailing the work of Inclusion Alberta and the success of the Rotary Employment Partnership. They highlighted their collaboration with Calgary Rotary clubs, including the RCCC, and outlined actionable ways for our members to participate in the program.
Learn More For full details on the partnership and how you can get involved, click this posting's headline to review the presentation.
Contact Information For questions or further inquiries, please contact:
The photos are in! We had an incredible time on November 26th at the Rotary Centennial Christmas Dinner.
The evening kicked off at Willow Park Golf Course with lively cocktails and a wholesome turkey dinner, but the night really came alive during the entertainment.
Highlights of the night included:
The "Miriam" Impersonation: Dan donning a brunette wig to read Miriam's messages—a performance for the history books!
Heartfelt Moments: Gary W sharing warm messages that brought a special touch to the evening.
The Grinch: Who stopped by to deliver his very own manifesto speech.
Storytime: Dave treating us to his signature collection of funny stories.
We want to extend a huge thank you to Mel for organizing this wonderful event and bringing us all together.
Turkey, Manifestos, and... Miriam? A Night to Remember! - Rotary Centennial X-Mas Dinner
Carya provides programs for seniors and lower income families out of 2 locations, Bowmont and Village Commons. The Bowmont building is nearly 100 years old and has served in a number of capacities, Montgomery Town Hall, Police station and bank. The building has 2 conference rows, 1 on the main level and 1 in the basement. In order to make the basement conference room more accessible to seniors Carya applied to Rotary through Rotary Helps YYC to fund the purchase and installation of a Chairlift in late 2023. Rotary Clubs of Calgary Centennial, Calgary North and Calgary Downtown funded the Chairlift. The official opening was held October 17, 2025 at 1 pm, the opening was facilitated by Janice Nelson and Jocelyn, and attended by Richard Heslop and Irene Osteneck. Centennial member Irene took a test ride on the lift.
Terry, a born and raised Calgarian passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2025. Terry's early work career started in Banff at CIBC, he then attended night school at the University of Calgary while working at Decca Resources. Having founded multiple oil and gas companies both local and international throughout his career, he was the epitome of a hard-working entrepreneur. In addition to his career, Terry dedicated much of his time to volunteering. He was a member of the Rotary Club Centennial, Kinsmen Club Stampede City, and Kananaskis Alpine Ski Club. He also served as Chairman of the Canadian Juvenile Ski Championships 1990 and Chairman of a number of NorAm Cup Speed events at Lake Louise, among many other roles where he donated his time to support his daughters. Terry was passionate about flying his Cessna, skiing, cycling, sailing, traveling, motorcycle adventures and spending time with friends in Invermere. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patty; his children, Tammy and Sherry (David Anderson); his grandchildren, Sophie, Gavin, Cadence, and Eden; his sister Sue (Ron). Come and raise a pint at Terry's wake, at Limericks Traditional Public House (7304 Macleod Trail) on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
Calgary Centennial Mourns Loss of Long Time Member Terry Lawrence
For this year's hampers and gifts, we gathered strong support from 41 individuals & families, the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial and two knitting groups. On December 22nd, 6 two person teams were mobilized to deliver 10 hampers (5 Turkey & 5 Ham), 15 ladies' and 2 men's gift bags, 13 children's gifts and 3 pet treats to Elements CMHC client's homes throughout the city. Three large boxes of surplus items from our gift bags and hampers were delivered to Elements CMHC office on December 15th along with 37 ladies, 50 men's gift bags and 46 Christmas cards containing grocery certificates (15 - $100 & 31 - $50 certificates) . In the days before and after Christmas , Social Workers at Elements CMHC passed out the greeting cards with the enclosed gift certificates and a wrapped box of chocolates; the gift bags; and our projects other surplus items to clients dearly in need of these gifts.
All delivery teams reported success and recipients expressed deep appreciation, sincere gratitude and some tears for the gifts they received and the effort involved in delivering their homes.
The Calgary, Centennial, Chinook, East, North, Sarcee, West and Fish Creek Rotary Clubs have initiated a "one door" application for Rotary support in time, talent and treasure. By applying once, your request for support will be shared with all five participating clubs. Please clink on this LINK to submit an application.
Santa Ball Thursday, November 28th, 2019 6:30 to 9:30 pm | Willow Park Golf & Country Club | 639 Willow Park Drive SE Entertainment | Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres | Cash Bar | Silent Auction
Mike Smith joined the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial in 1990. He was Rotarian of the Year in 1995/96, served as club president in 1998/99 and served as District Governor in 2003/04. With Mike himself as the first recipient, the Mike Smith Rotarian of the Year Award commemorates his passing on May 8th, 2012. He was a great Rotarian.
Rotarian of the YearMike Smith Rotarian of the Year
1988/89
Jerry van der Linden
2011/12
Mike Smith
1989/90
John White
2012/13
Robin Elford
1990/91
Roger Borque
2013/14
Gary Webster
1991/92
Roger Borque
2014/15
Miriam Mitchell-Banks
1992/93
Kathleen Radford
2015/16
Laura Patko
1993/94
Reed Markle
2016/17
Russell Kane
1994/95
Jim Davis
2017/18
Gary Webster
1995/96
Mike Smith
2018/19
1996/97
Lyla Szabo
2019/20
1997/98
Al Hardstaff
2020/21
1998/99
Larry Ryder
2021/22
1999/00
Ursula da Rugna
2022/23
2000/01
John Canniff
2023/24
2001/02
Joyce Morrison
2024/25
2002/03
Mark Doucet
2025/26
2003/04
Roger Hough
2026/27
2004/05
Jeff Dworkin
2027/28
2005/06
Pierre Hoebers
2028/29
2006/07
Don Bell
2029/30
2007/08
Mike Dickson
2030/31
2008/09
Jon Fisher
2031/32
2009/10
Roger Frayne
2032/33
2010/11
Peter McKenzie-Brown
2033/34
Source: Fictitious data, for illustration purposes only 😊
Step By Step Early Intervention Society is a non-profit society formed to support, educate and empower parents of children with developmental delays by creating a service model tailored specifically to the needs of their family, while creating an environment where parents support each other and children are active in life. Helen Enns, Physiotherapist will be sharing how Step by Step is helping families in our community.
The Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial is proud to participate with the University of Calgary Nursing Program by providing funding for a student bursary. This strategic initiative is in memory of a cherished past member of Rotary Centennial with the purpose of advancing academic excellence in the field of nursing in perpetuity.
We are pleased that Noor Bhatti was able to use the financial support of the Bursary in 2016-2017 year to help her focus on her academics, and be a constructive volunteer in the community.
We wish her the best in her future endeavours in nursing.
