Lynne Paradis,project lead for the Belize Literacy Alive Reading Intervention project, provided an update from the recent team trip to Belize. The team of 11 spent a week in Belize and focused on three areas.
6 members visited over 40 classrooms and 17 schools to provide support to teachers delivering the program. It was gratifying to see the progress that has been made and the ways that teachers have developed routines with their students. Observations will be used to guide further visits and professional development activities.
Another team focused on connecting with leads from the tertiary institutions. Over 45 leads from post secondary institutions participated in a reading intervention symposium to gain more understanding of the importance of key literacy practices. It is hoped that future plans involve the inclusion of intervention training for pre service teachers. The enthusiasm was great and exceeded expectations.
Two Rotarians, Liz Audenart (Red Deer East) and Jackie Hobal participated in the symposium, accompanied teachers on school visits, and started connections with Belize Rotary clubs. It is hoped that this will expand as clubs play an important role in advocacy efforts. Liz attended the Rotary meeting in Red Deer and commented on the dedication of the Belize teachers and the impact of the program.
As this program approach becomes more widely used, the need for creation of more permanent manipulatives has become evident. The creation of craft foam or manilla tag kits is time consuming and requires teachers to spend a great deal of time renewing materials. A prototype of wooden “Scrabble” tiles with the letter combinations has been created. More information will be coming soon.
It was a very busy week for all on the team but they returned home pleased with the progress and connections made in Belize. Tentative plans are to return in October to provide targeted professional development activities.
Meeting Update
Scott Robinson hosted the meeting with Robert Mast being the Sarge. Robert reminded us of the principles of Rotary and the importance of the 4 Way test. He also shared information about the variety of avenues of service that are available to Rotarians.
Visiting Rotarians:
Liz Audenart: Rotary East
Jim McSween: Sylvan Lake
Guests:
Purnima Lindsay: guest of Lynne Paradis
Katrina: guest of Donna Purcell
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Leann Scarlett: Bags are packed for Scotland! Activities to be experienced are visiting Rotary clubs, family, and playing her ukulele. Return date- maybe April!
Lynne Paradis: Excited about the Suzuki Charter School new school being built in Edmonton. When completed it will serve 1000 students and be 2 ½ sized bigger! Lynne also shared the story of her daughter's friend who was picked up by ICE and has been detained for over 3 months despite being a US citizen.
Dagmar Knutson: Hockey season has come to an end for her son but he finished by scoring 7 goals in his last 10 games. Well done! Celebrated her mother's 80th birthday with family.
Tony Judd: Took the opportunity to connect with 3 Rotarians on the weekend. Encouraged men to join 100 Men Who Care- they meet on the first Monday of the month.
Dan Neilsen: Enjoyed a great week with his father and family.
Adele Poratto: Celebrated the success of the Afro Caribbean Society on the weekend. Reminded all of the event for International Women's Day being held at Blue Grass Garden Centre on March 6. See Adele for details.
Donna Purcell: Shared information about the Women's Appreciation Project in support of Dress For Success and Mia's Closet.
Dawna Allard: Returning the 50/50 apron she was wearing when enjoying a hot dog with mustard at the recent game.
Robert Lampard: Just returned from extensive trip to Buenos Aires and other intriguing locations. He reports that cruising is the way to travel and that shoveling snow is not a favorite activity.
Membership News
Member Spotlight
We celebrated Steve Chow, a Rotarian of 25 years. Steve was born in China and became a civil engineer. One of his early projects was working on the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Stadium. He moved to Red Deer in 1978 and joined forces with Terry Bearden. Together they were involved with over 600 projects across Canada. A challenge was issued in 1989 by Jack Donald- the building of the Centrium. It was to be completed in 2 years, using local contractors when possible, and not overrun the budget. This was accomplished due to the management of Steve and his team. Steve retired in 2012 and began his second career- a traveller and cruiser. He has been on over 50 cruises to a multitude of exotic locations. Steve is always eager to share tales of his latest exploration. He has also been a very involved Rotarian- playing major roles in Black Tie Bingo, Mac n Cheese dinners, fundraising,development of the Wetland project and most recently- a favorite Bus Buddy for the Seniors Christmas Concert. We are pleased to have your skills, talent, and expertise in the club. Steve and his wife have a daughter and 2 grand daughters.
New Member Webinar
These fast-paced, informative sessions are ideal not only for new members but for any Rotarian who wants to learn more about our amazing organization. These sessions are intended to augment club-level orientation sessions and provide a broader Rotary perspective.
Congratulations to Tony Judd, Robert Mast, Victor Maris, Judith McIntyre Ray Rogers, and Purnima Lindsay who braved the snowy trails to support the Mustard Seed and the Red Deer Community Food Bank. Thanks to all those who supported these causes with their donations. The total raised in Red Deer was over $142 000.
Red Deer Rotary Blood
The first Wednesday of the month is your opportunity to join together with fellow Rotarians and support the Canadian Blood Services and connect with fellow Rotarians. Those who donated in the last month receive a special treat from the restaurant! The rest of us enjoy the fellowship of others! Talk to Eric Madsen for more details.
Rotary After 5
We are headed to Red Hart on Thursday, March 12 from 5-8 p.m. Red Hart has been a faithful supporter of our Beers For Belize fundraiser so it is time to “show them a little love!” Come and enjoy their great selection of craft beer, wine, non-alcoholic choices, and appies.
Who has a Sweet Tooth?
Join us at the 3rd annual All Club Social on Sunday, March 15 from 5-8 p.m. at the Eastview Community Hall. Bring your favorite dessert and compete in the quest to be named one of the sweetest!
Monday March 2/2026
Sick and Visiting:
Grant reports that former member Frank Cooney passed away. Frank was a former owner of Sisson Furs.
