Our Sarge at Arms was Glen LaBuc, who tried his best at 'economist' jokes.

 

There were too many guests and visiting Rotarians to list, and Rotarians at each table introduced their guests individually.  It took quite a while because there were so many.  A good welcome to all!

 

The Sarge then fined anyone who didn't bring a guest, and tried a few more 'economist' jokes.

 

Happy/Sad Bucks  Gerry Winia had sad bucks for the passing of his mother-in-law, Chuck Robertson had happy bucks for his son winning against the Blackfalds Wranglers, Bre Fitzpatrick had five proud bucks for the Rotoracter's successful Mix and Mingle, Dawna Allard had money for all the medals so far won by Canadians at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Janet Wilson also celebrated the Canadian Women's Hockey Team's Olympic successes so far.  Elizabeth George brought greetings from Lacombe, Glenn Moore celebrated his aunt's 100th birthday, Shelley Gagnon had proud dollars for touring the 2019 Canada Winter Games Technical group through Red Deer.  Robert Mast had happy bucks for the great job Central Alberta athletes did last weekend at the Alberta Winter Games.

 

There was no 50-50 draw today.

 

Joel Ward introduced our guest speaker, Scotiabank Vice President and Chief Economist Dr. Warren Jestin.  Dr. Jestin gave an informative address about economic issues happening globally and closer to home here in Alberta.  He says "Growth is Best in the West" and spoke of a positive economy for Alberta in the long-term.  Thank you, Dr. Jestin.

 

Our President offered thanks to Brian Jannet of Scotiabank, his colleagues at RDC and the members of the Rotary Club board for helping make today's special day possible.

Our meeting was opened by President Darcy Mykytyshyn

 

Inbound student Victoria Debonnet gave us an update of her activities which included a trip to Calgary with other exchange students to see a hockey game.  She also saw the Calgary Tower.  Victoria will be leaving her current host family (Ian Warwick) and moving to her new host family (Shelley Ralston)

 

Shelley Ralston was our Sarge for the day and she was quite lenient on fines. - whew!

 

Guests of Rotary were Victoria Debonnet and Misook Yoo.

 

Visiting Rotarians:  Brian Walton from Calgary South. 

 

Happy/Sad Bucks included:  Lyn Paradis had some announcement bucks for the upcoming Women in Rotary event happening Saturday March 1st.  Lyn also left Literacy Alive information pamphlets on every table. Graham Schofield had reminder bucks of the upcoming Citizen of the Year event on Friday May 9th.  Dan Hachey had announcement dollars to say next year he intends to spend two months outside the polar vortex and in warmer climes.  There were happy acknowledgement bucks from Bill Hull for the substantial help given by Stantec and Russ Vlad to the CNIB in Red Deer.  Over the past five years they have raised over $350,000 and created a lot of awareness.  Dianne McDonell had happy bucks for last week's collaboration to present Dr. Warren Jestin at RDC.  Craig Mackenzie had happy bucks for all of Canada's Olympic medals.  Shelley Ralston had a buck to say we need a Sarge or a "Sarge in Training" for next week's meeting. 

 

The Sarge reminded everyone that March 8th is International Women's Day and had some stats on the role of women in the Olympics over the year.  She also highlighted current highschool and post-secondary graduation rates in Alberta.

 

Victoria had the lucky 50-50, and with some prodding from the Sarge, picked the lucky joker!

 

We sang Happy Birthday to Rotarians with February birthdays, and also to the forgotton December Birthday people. 

 

Our guest speaker was Robert Mitchell, CEO of the United Way of Central Alberta, and fellow Rotarian.  Robert gave us an update on how the United Way is changing to meet the needs of Central Alberta, and how they now consider funding partnerships and collaborations.  He also spoke of the need to bring 211 service to Red Deer and area.  An online service is expected in May, and if funding becomes available, full 211 service could happen with the year. 

 

He ended with the great news that with some recent donations, the United Way of Central Alberta was able to reach its 2013 goal of $2.25 million dollars!   Thanks Robert for a great presentation.

 

Next Rotary Club Meeting:  March 3rd, 12 PM Quality Inn North Hill.