President Brett shared these words as he reflected upon the past year:
Big success in increased membership by 11 members this year ending at 94 achieving our target of 90, in fact, this net growth is 4th in the district of 48 clubs. Net fundraising of $219.6k, a record number since 2020, through Black tie Bingo, Rebels 5050, Agri trade, Casino. You put your time in through over 2100 volunteer hours through 50/50s, seniors concerts, tree planting, picnic in the park, casino and other events exemplifying service above self. We delivered on our promise to impact community delivering $100k back to the community in the form of many grants. And of course, one of my favourite highlights of the year is giving students the gift of post secondary school with $70k in scholarships awarded.
Those numbers matter.
But here's something a career built on numbers has taught me: numbers can sometime lose the context of people-centric action. So today I want to share a different message numbers don’t capture.
You are not only a Rotarian. You do Rotary.
You do Rotary when you show up to connect with the community at a Rebels 50/50. You do Rotary participating with youth at tree planting. You do Rotary waving at the parade, showing generosity to families through something as simple as a hot dog lunch. You do Rotary participating in governance at early morning board meetings or by reconciling the ever ongoing operations of the club. You do Rotary setting up silent auctions, and calling bingo numbers for 30 years. You do Rotary donating to Polio Plus and RI Foundation supporting club status of Every Rotarian Every Year. You do Rotary sharing our progress on social media such as Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook. You do Rotary through our blood drives or joining socials, building stronger relationships. You do Rotary internationally teaching literacy in Belize or locally preserving wetlands for generations to come. You do Rotary reviewing dozens of applications approving hundreds of thousands in community grants and scholarships. You do Rotary volunteering to be up at 2am for a casino. You do Rotary just by being here today— sharing a meal, mentoring and creating fellowship. We need more people in this world DOING Rotary. And there's no bar to clear to be proud of doing Rotary — so share it. Tell people. Bring them with you. YOU DO GOOD IMPACTFUL THINGS.
So in closing, a commitment. I've been thinking about what I take with me, what I keep doing, heading out as president — and one thing keeps coming into my thoughts and guess what, it’s not any form of numbers. Because here's what $219.6k fundraised and 2,100 volunteer hours and $100k back to the community will never show you: they won't show you Jim, sitting across from me at One Eleven, telling a guy he barely owed anything to that he believed in him. That's not in any spreadsheet. But it's the whole reason I'm standing here today. One day, maybe ten, twenty or thirty years down the road, I commit to being there as a Rotarian, as Jim, and I'll recognize that younger version of someone. And I'll do exactly what Jim and other Rotarians in this club did for me. I'll buy the lunch. I'll tell them I believe in them. That's my commitment to this club — to keep paying forward what was given to me.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity you gave me as a club. You trusted me to lead, and that trust is something I'll carry with me long after I hand over the gavel. As our Rotarian friends from Taiwan would say.. Shyeh shyeh. Thank you.
Annette Eby, incoming President, shared a brief overview of what is to come in the next year. The traditional "Passing of the Gavel' ceremony was held.
We thank Brett for his service this year and wish Annette success as she begins the new Rotary year.
Meeting Update
Brett Mauthe, President, hosted the last meeting of his Rotary year. Maureen Bakken was Sarge.
Birthday wishes were sung to all June “babies”.
Brett is back from the Rotary International Conference in Taipai. Darcy Mykytyshyn is not back yet. More details about the Rotary International Conference will be shared at an upcoming meeting.
Guests of Rotary:
Fatima and David: guest of Donna Purcell
Heather Mast: guest of Robert Mas
Come to the Picnic
Meet Marty Helman, RI Director
The Impact Tour is lead by Marty Helman, Rotary International Director 2026/28 and Red Deer is her very first stop! We are gathering at Mattie McCullough School from 11 a.m to 2 p.m on Thursday July 2. Join us for a picnic, fellowship, and learn more about the power of the Rotary Foundation. Cost for members is $20/burger and $5/burger for guests.
Rotarians in Red Deer are proud to host Marty on the site of the Access For All Playscape at Mattie McCullough School.. This project is the result of a great collaboration between Rotarians and community. We leveled the playing field so kids and supervisors of all abilities can come together for some healthy outdoor fun.
As a Rotary Foundation Trustee, Marty will explain how the Rotary Foundation is such an engine of global impact and how the Foundation helps to spur such projects as Access For All around the world.
We welcome all Rotarians, alumni, members of the Access For All coalition to join us for a burger and maybe a walk-about. A bit of celebration and some reminiscing might make you curious about what we are up to next. Bring a guest and let them see and experience the power of Rotary.
Duane Evans: Invited all to his annual Curry party on Saturday June 27 at his home at Gull Lake. This is a family friendly event and all are welcome. Send RSVP if you can come.
Phil Hyde: Overjoyed as his granddaughter , studying social sciences, had the highest marks at the University of Ottawa. She was awarded a gold medal and the Governor General medal for her achievement.
Scott Robinson: Went on hike with his two kids on Father's Day and was rewarded after the strenuous 2.4 km walk with ice cream.
Garth Olson on behalf of Ross Fletcher: Central Middle School is recognizing his grandson Nathan. This award will be presented annually to a kind, thoughtful, brave, and resilient student. A very appropriate award to remember him by.
Maureen Bakken: Has begun to wind down her medical practice after 50 years
Victor Maris: Was pleased to pilot Ron Whittemore on a Cycling Without Age excursion.
Membership News
Rotarian of the Month:
As Rotarians we are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources and advance ecological sustainability. Dagmar Knutson has been the leader in organizing the yearly Rotary Branches Out activity in which community members and Rotarians gather together to help reforest areas around Red Deer. Through Ten Peaks Innovation Alliance, a non-profit organization, Dagmar leads a 1 day conference for Gd 7-9 students from around the province connecting them with industry, academia, government, non government organizations and indigenous leaders along with the scientific community to expand their knowledge around energy, our environment and climate. Summer camps are available that focus on developing STEM skills such as coding, robotics, and design thinking.
As a club member, Dagmar has served at the district level with RAYEC, on the Board as Youth Director, member of the Square team, dedicated money raiser as a volunteer at 50/50 games, promotions for Black Tie Bingo and securer of many donors, and a volunteer for whatever else fits her busy schedule.
Dagmar is a wonderful example of our motto: Service Above Self. We congratulate her on her service to others.
Community & Project Updates
Helping the Lending Cupboard
The Lending Cupboard is a community organization with close ties to the Rotary Club of Red Deer. Jaqui Joys, a dedicated Rotarian and community organizer, worked alongside local health regions and service organizations to establish this needed community resource in 2006. She began with one hospital bed and it grew from there thanks to donations and the support of many volunteers.
The Rotary Club of Red Deer is pleased to be able to help support The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta in Red Deer. Funds will be used to maintain and purchase essential medical equipment that is available by loan to central Albertans. Each month approximately 1500 pieces of medical equipment is borrowed by people of all ages ensuring that they have access to what they need, when they need it. Maintaining such a well used inventory requires funds. The Rotary Club of Red Deer helps to meet some of these needs.
Westerner Parade
Everyone loves a parade- this is your chance to be in the parade! Contact Aliesha Shuparsky if you can help assemble the float, walk in the parade, and then take the float down. It is a fun event for all as we are joined by the other Rotary Clubs too. The more Rotarians, the more fun we will have!
4th Annual Community Picnic in the Park
This is a great event to promote Rotary and give back to the community. Last year we served around 900 hungry Red Deerarians (not sure if that is a word!) We need your help to make it a success.
Contact Annette Eby, committee lead if you can help. Some of the tasks involve set up the morning of the event, picking up supplies, servers at the event, and taking things down. Please see Annette's recent email for more details.
June 22/26
Sick and Visiting
Gloria Beck reports that Carmen Boake is home now but not yet ready for visitors. Harold Barnes is also back home again.
Jim McPherson has a new pacemaker and is feeling grand.
Ron Whittemore sends heartfelt greetings to Rotarians. While he is not able to attend meetings, he still continues to contribute financially and remains interested in club happenings.
President Brett shared these words as he reflected upon the past year:
nnette Eby, incoming President, shared a brief overview of what is to come in the next year. The traditional "Passing of the Gavel' ceremony was held. 
you can help assemble the float, walk in the parade, and then take the float down. It is a fun event for all as we are joined by the other Rotary Clubs too. The more Rotarians, the more fun we will have!
