Membership News
Rotarian of the Month: Jim McPherson
We are excited to acknowledge the contributions of Jim McPherson, a Rotarian of 38 years. Jim was born and raised in Red Deer and was a financial planner and insurance company executive. He served as Club President twice, 1993-94 and 2013-14. As a Rotarian, he has been a valuable and knowledgeable member of numerous committee, most recently on the Succession and the Legacy Committee. His knowledge and insight of the community is the result of serving as a Board of Director for numerous public companies, Campaign Chair for United Way, Board member of Red Deer College, and many other community organizations. Jim was served as a MLA in 1982-86 (defeating Bob Mills- a worthy opponent! lol) Jim was named the 2012 Red Deer Citizen of the Year and was applauded for his ability to engage others, his enthusiasm for helping those in need and his dedication to giving back to his community. He is truly deserving of the honor of Rotarian of the Month as he continues to share his knowledge, expertise, and wisdom with members. Congratulations Jim.
Member Spotlight
Bob Mills arrived from Saskatchewan and taught for 15 years before opening a successful travel business. Bob eventually entered federal politics and served as an MP from 1993-2008, running under the banners of the Reform Party, Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservatives. Notable events in his tenure included meeting Putin (a rather scary encounter) visiting many war zones, involvement in foreign affairs and the environment in shadow cabinets. Bob was named the "2004 Environmentalist of the Year", reflecting his ongoing keen interest in climate change and environmental concerns. Bob has travelled extensively and has visited China on numerous occasions, treked to locate gorillas in Rwanda and to Everest Base Camp. He has explored most of Africa and "cruised" down the Amazon. Bob has enjoyed every job and experience he has had over the years, displaying a positive outlook on life. We are enriched as a club by his experiences and expertise.
Community & Project Updates
Rotary After 5: Thursday May 8/25. 5-8 p.m.
We're heading out of town for this one. Join us at
Snake Lake Brewing Company, located in Sylvan Lake at 26 Industrial Drive. They have have a great selection of beverages on offer. The food selection there is also wonderful so come for supper. We are hoping it will be great weather so we can sit out on the patio! Bring your spouse, friend, or someone interested in Rotary for this great evening. Snake Lake is a great supporter of all community events and has supported our Beers for Belize project since the beginning.
Rotary Branches Out
Are you looking to get outside for a couple of hours? Come join us at the fifth annual Rotary Branches Out! Tree Planting Day
When: Saturday, May 31 at 10.00 am -12.00 pm
Where: McKenzie Trails main parking lot (look for the Rotary Banner)
What: Planting 16" white spruce saplings (last year we planted 1400)
Everyone is welcome - youth groups, families, fellow Rotarians, students, and youth needing volunteer hours
The City is bringing 100 spades for us to use.
Weyerhaeuser will give a 10 minute eco talk on how to plant them at 10.00 and then we go into the marked area at McKenzie Trails to plant up to 1600 saplings. The City's urban forester will also give a safety talk.
At 12.00 pm we will hand out pizza and pop to all youth.
Please share with family, friends, colleagues- this is a great community building event!
Join the Blood Donor Challenge
Each month, Rotarians are invited to join together for fellowship in support of the Red Cross blood donor drive. The Sunrise club organizes this event, taking place on the first Wednesday of each month, and welcomes all clubs to join them. They gather at a different place each month for supper/appies/drinks and conversation. If you have donated blood within the last month and have your "Giver Sticker", the participating restaurant often rewards you with a free appetizer or dessert (it varies from place to place). It is a great way to meet other Rotarians and make new connections. The next one takes place on Wednesday May 7 at 53rd on Ross. You never know who you will meet there! Watch for the email with the sign up link from Eric Madsen.
Supporting Our Community
Several club members were found celebrating at Taco de Mayo, a fundraiser by the Rotary Club of Red Deer East, in support of the Red Deer Food Bank. They ate, they danced, they visited, they were put in jail to raise money, and most importantly members helped the Red Deer Food Bank to ensure that the food shelves will remain full. A great evening to support a need in our community.
