Mayor Ken Johnston joined the meeting to share updates from the City of Red Deer.
Mayor Ken discussed the importance of continuing to establish connections with the community and building relationships. He acknowledged that over the past year the council has encountered some obstacles in achieving its goals but that the overall picture is positive. Competitive business tax rates along with a sustainable municipal tax rate has resulted in an increase in building permit values over the previous year. The e scooter program is now permanent and has had a positive economic impact. Members were challenged to take them for a spin this summer. The mayor highlighted the beginning of 2 residential projects in the Capstone area along with recent updates to the land use bylaws. The beginning of construction on the hospital expansion was welcomed. It is anticipated that the Justice Centre will open in the summer.
A close connection has been maintained with the County of Red Deer as work continues on the regional airport expansion and annexation of land north of Hwy 11A.
Mayor Ken was pleased to report an overall reduction in crime statistics, with the exception of personal crimes. He continued to encourage members to be patient regarding the location of a permanent homeless shelter and promised news to come.
As we enter the summer season Mayor Ken encouraged all to be responsible water users and enjoy the multitude of green spaces within the city. We thank the Mayor and his council for attending the meeting as we know that they have busy schedules, having attended over 582 partner meetings during the last year. We look forward to an update next year.
Weekly Meeting Update
President Phil H chaired the meeting with Judith filling in with Sarge duties.
Ray McBeth had his ticket drawn but he did not select the winning card for the 50/50 draw.
Guests of Rotary
Jesse Snider (our youngest potential Rotarian at 8 mo.): guest of Dustin Snider
Tara Lodewyk, Cindy Jeffries, Carolyn Johnston, Lawrence Lee, Sean McIntyre, Diane Wyntjes, Cramer Barnstable: City of Red Deer
Visiting Rotarians
Bryan Wilson: Rotary East
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Richard Longtin: Leaving R.D Polytechnic June 14, and starting a new job June 17
doing fundraising and public relations. Responsibilities will be across the country, but he'll be able work from Red Deer.
Corinna Bruin Tewson: Adventure bucks for trip with Phil Hyde to District Conference at
Drumheller. Phil was navigating and they got lost. Knew they were in trouble when the sign said "gravel road ends"; Mud all over the car when they backed out of a slough somewhere this side of Moose Jaw. Finally made it to District Conf - better late than never. Dawna Allard: $10 happy bucks. She and Gilles have a basement suite they have
rented to a tenant originally from Indonesia who has just become a Canadian citizen.
They also have a rental property in Coldstream B.C. where their tenant of six years, a person from China, has also become a Canadian citizen. Welcome! Jerry Pasman: $20 happy bucks for a trip to Boston, a town he had never before been
to. Jerry found there to be a bit of a language barrier. Hotel staff asked if he had his khakis. Dumb question, he thought, but after some discussion it was determined that the person was asking about his car keys. Robert Mast: Happy bucks for a good time at District Conference. Judith McIntyre: Happy bucks for selling a Beers for Belize collection and the great work done by all members promoting the club at the District Conference. Kudos to Cheryl G. for the AV presentation. Bob Lampard: Sold some books at District Conference. Disappointed that the visiting
R.I. rep had never heard of James Wheeler Davidson, who founded Rotary clubs in
Alberta and Asia. Harvey Maskowitz: Happy bucks for being the driver assigned to take guest speaker
Brian Rusch from the airport to District Conference in Drumheller.
Community & Project Updates
Rotary Branches Out
You are invited to the fourth annual Rotary Branches Out! Tree Planting Day
When: Sat. June 1. 10.00 am -12.00 pm
Where: Mackenzie Trails main parking lot (look for the Rotary Banner)
What: Planting 16" white spruce saplings (last year we planted 1200)
Bring your own spade, but if you don’t have one, the City has 100 spades for us to use. Weyerhaeuser gives a 10 min eco talk so we know how and why we are planting saplings. Pizza and pop are available at noon for all youth.
Everyone is welcome - youth groups, families, fellow Rotarians, students, and youth needing volunteer hours.
Dagmar is also looking for a few more volunteers for that day. Please contact her.
Save the Date for the Legacy Project
Rotary Was in Drumheller
A record number of Rotarians headed to Drumheller for the District Conference. The weekend was full of opportunities to network, socialize, share information and to look at ways in which we can share hope with others. Our display sharing our club activities and projects was very well received and it was clear to all those who stopped by to chat that we are a very busy club!
May 4/24
Please send articles/information to be included in the weekly Flash by Tues. afternoon. Send to: TheFlash @rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
We are happy to include any information for the good of Rotary.
Dates to Remember
Thurs. May 9: Rotary After 5- Belly Hop Brewing.
Sat. June 1: Rotary Branches Out at Mackenzie Trails
Thurs. June 13: Rotary After 5, Patio Edition. Toad and Turtle
Mon. June 17: Official celebration for our Legacy Project
Wed. July 17: Westerner Parade
Sun. July 28: Sendoff BBQ for Charlotte, our outward bound exchange student. More details to come.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join the SQUARE team and help check in members as they arrive. Ingrid and her team are always looking for people to join, especially as summer is a busy time.
Cycling Without Age
Please check out their Facebook page. They are also seeking volunteers to bring a smile to many seniors by giving them a chance to explore the trails of Red Deer in the tri shaws. Talk to Ingrid if interested.
Not able to pedal the bike? Opportunities exist to sponsor rides. Check the Facebook page.
Club Shirts
Several new Rotarians have inquired about ordering Rotary shirts. Garth O has arranged with Legacy Branding Company to open our portal so that you can now go ahead and make an order. Please see below link . They will be ready for you to sport at the summer events such as the Westerner Parade and the Community BBQ.
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