Melinda Mills, the daughter to member Bob Mills, is a Graduate of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer, and has presented to our club on multiple occasions. Her presentations always provide great discussions and thought provoking reflections. Melinda is a leading researcher in demographic science  and has over 20 years of experience in research in the area of demography, fertility,  applied statistics, biosocial health, complex-trait genomics and public health policy. She spoke today on the implications of changing migration patters across the world.  Alberta is currently experiencing a significant increase in population due to interprovincial migration causing stress on many systems.
Data regarding world migration patterns can be collected through census data but more current information can be acquired by examining social media, satellite images, mobile phone data.  During the Feb 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, information collected from those sources was used to trace where humanitarian aid support was needed.  Information is also being used in Gaza and to track vaccination data in some African countries.  
Melinda spoke of the similarities between the UK and Canada, both experiencing strain in healthcare.  The voluntary collection of health data over time has resulted in early detection of heart disease ,depression, and added to knowledge of knowledge of some rare diseases. Challenges still exist as some may not wish to know if they are ill or genetically predisposed to an illness. The healthcare system can also become overwhelmed.  However, it is research that can have many positive results The use of AI has also played a role in early detection. One notable  use was to help decipher the often unreadable doctor scribbles for notes and prescriptions!  
We look forward to Melinda's next visit as she always provides us with much to think about
 
 

Meeting Update

President Brett hosted the meeting with Erin Peden keeping all in line as Sarge.
 
Members were taken down memory lane as Erin shared that on Aug 18/1965 the 40th Avenue Drive In opened with a capacity of 200 cars.  Kirk Douglas in the "For the Love of Money" was the featured movie.  I wonder who will confess to arriving at one time in a friend's trunk to avoid paying admission or to not seeing much of the movie past the opening credits?
 
Guests of Rotary
Guests of Bob Mills: Amanda Sugrue, Melinda Mills, Johan Weltjer 
Guest of Eric  Madsen: Anthony Judd
 
Visiting Rotarian
Bryan Wilson:  Red Deer East
 
The 50/50 ticket selected belonged to Merv Thurmeier who very confidently shared the 4 Way Test but did not draw the lucky winning card.
 
 

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

Judith McIntyre: Had a very productive 2 weeks in Belize with the Literacy Alive team.  Great workshops, great connections, and great opportunities to connect with other Rotarians. Loved the 15 minute flight from Belize City to one of the islands. Delighted to share a reel from the Rotary Club of San Ignacio celebrating the project and literacy.  How rewarding to see such community involvement.   https://www.facebook.com/reel/1463431778228344 to see the reel:   (PS.  it is also posted on the Rotary Club of Red Deer Facebook page- please like and share!)  More Belize updates to come in future weeks.
Dwayne Holland: Shared that his father who has frequently visited our club was in very  poor health but after a visit by Dwayne rallied and has now celebrated his 84th birthday in fine style.  Dwayne also is celebrating his 4 month old grandson and the 1 year anniversary of his new position with CrossRoads Church. 
Erin Peden: Reminder to check out Bo's Bar and Grill on August  22 for the Miles for Smiles fundraiser with the Smiles for Lindsey Foundation, in support of mental health. 
 

Membership News

Member Spotlight

Justice Jim Foster, a vocal supporter of Rotary for over 44 years shared his story.  He is Red Deer born and bred, married a Red Deer girl, attended LTHS and was one of the first to be initiated into the  LTHS Hall of Fame in 1992.  On completion of Gd 12, a family member provided him with a gift of $300 which enabled him to attend university,  begin on his successful legal and political career.  Many years later, that gesture eventually ended up with Jim proposing the Rotary Career and Opportunity Fund as a way to kickstart the learning of many central Alberta youth as they pursued post secondary learning.  
 
At the age of 31, Jim became the City of Red Deer MLA, the youngest one at the time, and a portfolio as Minister of Advanced Education.  Jim claims that this was the best job he has ever had.  Reelected at the age of 35, Jim became the Attorney General in the Lougheed government. He played an important role in many government projects during his years in politics but highlighted the building of the Dixon Dam on the Red Deer River as the lifeblood of communities is the access to a sustainable water source. 
 
In 1991, he was appointed to the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench based in Red Deer, serving until 2012. Jim was very active within the community and involved with Kinsmen, Red Deer Golf and Country Club, United Way, Law Institute, and other groups.  He was an avid sailor and golfer in between his community commitments.  
 
While choosing to not assume a Board position due to his commitments, Jim applauded the work of the board over the years.  He shared his talents as chair of the first Polio Plus campaign and the 75th anniversary committee and with numerous other projects.  His sharp wit and comments continue to keep members on their toes.   A proud 3 time winner of the Whiners and Snivellers award, Jim has committed himself to awarding the trophy this year to a deserving member!  
 
Jim, we applaud all that you have done for the community over the years and the dedication to the ideals of Rotary.  You have reminded us that our actions, however small or large, can have positive impact on the lives of many.  Thank you for your service!
 

New Member Readings

2nd reading was read for the membership of  Anthony Judd (sponsored by Eric Madsen) and Christian Comete (sponsored by Adele Poratto)
 
 

Get Ready for a Dazzling Social Event!

Tickets will be available beginning the 1st week of September.
 
 
 

Aug 18/25

Please send all material to be included to : theflash@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
 

Mark Your Calendar

Thurs. Oct 30: Black Tie Bingo at Red Deer Resort and Casino
Upcoming Events
March 9th Club Meeting (Mystery Presentation)
Pidherney Centre
Mar. 09, 2026
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
 
ROTARY AFTER 5
Local Brewery TBA
Mar. 12, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 
3rd Annual "ALL" Club Cook-Off
Eastview Community Hall
Mar. 15, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Phil Hyde
March 4
 
Gerry Winia
March 11
 
Steve Chow
March 15
 
Dean Williams
March 19
 
W. Grant Edmonds
March 26
 
Join Date
David Allin
March 1, 2023
3 years
 
Jack Panteluk
March 1, 2005
21 years
 
Jean Stinson
March 1, 2023
3 years
 
David Harrop
March 10, 2008
18 years
 
Jerry Pasman
March 20, 2022
4 years
 
Leann Scarlett
March 21, 2017
9 years
 
Rod Boshnick
March 25, 2024
2 years
 
Deena Kordt
March 27, 2023
3 years
 
Lisa Mackey
March 27, 2023
3 years
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Community Engagement
 
Member Experience
 
Fundraising
 
Public Relations