Giddy Up with Greg Shannon

DR. GREENING IS IN THE HOUSE

CFCW’S MULTI-FACETED Jackie Rae Greening is a woman of influence. Her achievements are vast and include multiple curling trophies and Canadian Country Music Association awards — including Humanitarian of the Year.

Jackie Rae Greening

“In 2005, I remember being asked to emcee at the legislature with Alberta’s 100th — that was a huge honour. But even bigger was the fact that that was the record-setting Brier I volunteered for; over 280,000 people came to watch Team Ferby win!”

The fun is never too far away when Jackie Rae is involved. But how does a country music-loving curler in her 60s become a doctor?

Her unwavering passion for curling and country music has led to opportunities to travel across Canada and around the world. She has been inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

“It all began with a membership to the St. Albert Curling Club at 12,” said Jackie. “I was told by Mom that I had to volunteer; I had to give back, and that was where that seed was first planted, and look where it brought me. Whenever you volunteer, it feels great that you’re giving back. I look at all the people I volunteered with and the close friends I’ve made out of it. I’ve built a heck of a village and a village where we have a lot of fun.”

In 2022, MacEwan University in Edmonton bestowed Jackie Rae Greening with the honourary title of Doctor. This title recognizes her extensive credentials as a community builder and driving force in the creation of the Distinguished Visiting Artists in Residence program, giving music students direct access to mentorship from professional musicians and producers.

She revealed her prescription for a successful and happy life in her acceptance address. “Work hard, play hard and be kind.”

‘JR’ as she’s known to her friends and fans, has played an integral role in many wildly successful country music and sporting events over the past four decades.

Dr. Greening is still making house calls at the St. Albert Curling rink every Monday night and talks to her patient listeners Monday to Friday on 840 CFCW’s midday show.

Greg Shannon, 840 CFCW Morning Co-Host