Meeting Notes - May 6, 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013
Rotary Meeting Notes

This week's Rotating President was Dick McDonell and our "recycled Sarge" was Glen Lebuc.  Golf joke!

Among the Happy/Sad bucks were Ron Woodward (welcome back Ron after five months in Arizona), Ken Johnston with some happy bucks to celebrate the Marching Showband Classic where he said the Royals "competed nobly and well" and the event was well attended.  There was some discussion about food issues at the recent Citizen of the Year Gala, and apologies from the committee.  The food was out of the committees control, and it is likely the Sheraton will negotiate a settlement. However, the event was great, as was the guest speaker Terry Evanshan.  Bre Fitzpatrick had happy bucks to thank everyone for their support of recent MS Society activities.  Also, there was a reminder of next months "Mac and Cheese" Event with the highest ranking firefighter from 9-11 to speak.  Tables are 60 percent sold and if you would like tickets, speak to Brian Hamilton.  Proceeds go to help the Red Deer Royals get a "home".

Anni updated everyone with her latest trip to Pincher Creek.  She visited the museum, had a campfire, made smores at a BBQ, visited a Hutterite Colony, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, and then went to the district conference in Lethbridge, where she met Olympic Medalist Kyle Shewfelt.

Pat Romerman also attended the conference and a roundtable with former Prime Minister Paul Martin and entertainer/humanitarian Tom Jackson to discuss aboriginal initiatives within our district.  Our RI rep Paul Neville from California alluded that the next initiative Rotary may take on is Literacy.  Next year's conference is in Lethbridge once again from April 11-13 and Pat encourages any who can, to attend.

Our guest speaker was Monica Morrison, Executive Director of the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre.  She has been in Red Deer for two years, and hails from Ontario.  Monica updated Rotary on the Golden Circle's past, the work they do now, as well as the Golden Circle's new mission statement and strategic plan.  Monica says they revisited their mission statement and realised it needed changing because everyone in the community thinks it's about old people!  The Golden Circle currently haws 1461 members.  Rotary support over the years has included help with the initial build, the outreach Christmas party, and the yearly Seniors Christmas Party at Red Deer College.  Next steps for the Golden Circle include looking at secondary transportation in Red Deer, developing a marketing plan to make people aware of the Golden Circle -- and that you don't need to be old to come.  Community collaboration will also take place to bring programs from their physical site to the community.

Next meeting:  Monday May 13th, Executive Inn.  12 PM

Notes by Christine Curtis