President Annette Eby hosted the meeting with Shelley Allaire being Sarge for the first time. (Great job today Shelley!)
Shelley shared that today is Agricultural Societies Day. Many were surprised to learn that the Westerner was not one of the 4 agricultural societies in our area. They consist of 4H, Benalto Ag Society, Spruce View Ag Society, Crossroads Ag Society and the Cottonwood-Gordon Ag Society. They support local community events, rodeos and recreational facilities. She also shared that canola provides the highest gross sales and dairy cattle having the highest profit margin.
Guests of Rotary:
Douglas Marki: guest of Shelley Allaire
Jared Uffelman, Quentin Greenwood: guests of Chris Warren
Kush Pasricha: guest of Donna Purcell
We Have a New Banner
Assistant Governor Ray Rogers presented President Annette Eby with the 2026-27 RI banner. The international theme and presidential message for this year is : Create Lasting Impact. It reminds us to move beyond short-term projects to build sustainable, enduring results in communities, organizations and in our personal lives.
Gerry Winia, club Foundation Chair, provided background information about the Rotary International Foundation and its impact. He also shared information about our club's contributions to the Foundation. Contributions to the Foundation are used to fund service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Projects help to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Since it was founded in 1917, the Foundation has spent more than $6 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. It has achieved a 4/4 star rating with Charity Navigator. All donations to the Foundation provide significant impact: $3 protects a child against polio, $50 maintains water filters to help fight waterborne illness, and $200 can help to develop work opportunities by replacing livestock for people impacted by disasters.
Nick Welsch: Announced that he is proud to share that Shelley Allaire will need a new nametag as they were married on the weekend! Congratulations to both. Nick also shared that two handcrafted knives will be part of the items available at the Black Tie Bingo
Tony Judd: Very pleased to have been to Grand Prairie and got his tag. Great hunting.
Jill Manning: Recently visited a former Rotary Club of Camrose Interact member while in Ontario. Jill was very heavily involved with this 15 years ago and very pleased to have maintained contact. Managed to attend the Chris Stapleton concert the night before the devastating windstorm.
Iain MacDougall: Had a summer of sad and happy events. Ian shared the loss of his mother, the marriages of 2 nephews, and the marriage of his daughter. We offer our condolences on the loss of your mother. Iain also shared information about the upcoming A Conversation about Aging and Care to be held on Oct 7. Please contact him directly as the deadline for registration is approaching.
Lisa Mackey: Thanked Zainab for covering her 50/50 shift as she was on a trip promoting the World Junior Hockey Championship- only 100 more days!
Erin Peden: Contributed apology dollars for missing her turn as Sarge last week but she was away in Winnipeg.
Dagmar Knutson: Had an informative time promoting 10 Peaks at the recent Girls in Aviation event at the airport. Enjoyed being part of the 50 50 fun on Saturday. Loving that her son continues to score goals and enjoy hockey in Langley.
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Sent information regarding Joe Roberts: From Skid Row to CEO. This October 2/26 event is sponsored by the Red Deer Homeless Foundation, in partnership with Dress For Success and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre. This luncheon will explore how communities create possibility and how collective action can help individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen our community for generations to come. More info is in the emails that Darcy has recently sent. Here is a link to purchase tickets/table: From Skid Row to Possibility
Robert Lampard: In conversation with Marty Helman re the possibility of renaming of the Big Jim Davidson Builder Award to a more suitable title. It is named after James Davidson Wheeler, who was instrumental in the chartering of many Rotary clubs, has a peak named him, and is closely connected to District 5360. Robert also shared that he will be off cruising until December - he is trying hard to match Steve Chow's cruising statistics
Victor and Thelma Maris: Sent an email about their visit to a Rotary park in Shediac NB.and their plans to consume a lobster at a feed in PEI
Adele Poratto: Sent in information regarding the upcoming Fundraiser BBQ for Cycling Without Age on October 3.
Judith McIntyre shared a clip from a recent Basic Education and Literacy webinar discussing successful and impactful projects. It was wonderful to see that our project was highlighted as one that creates sustainable change through service. Particular mention was made of the success of partnering with the Belize government and Ministry of Education and how the Belize teachers play a major role in the success. Click here to watch the clip.
Black Tie Bingo
Mark Thursday Oct. 29 on your calendar. Ticket sales are now live.
Dean Williams updated the club of our goal of having over 400 attendees at our major fundraising event. So far we have under 100 purchased. Please share the information about the event, use your networks to invite sponsors and obtain donations for the Silent and Live Auctions, and Bingo prizes.
Social Event- AutoCross Racing
September 21/26
*** Remember to register that you plan to attend the meeting in order to ensure that a meal is ordered for you.
Assistant Governor Ray Rogers presented President Annette Eby with the 2026-27 RI banner. The international theme and presidential message for this year is : Create Lasting Impact. It reminds us to move beyond short-term projects to build sustainable, enduring results in communities, organizations and in our personal lives.
Gerry Winia, club Foundation Chair, provided background information about the Rotary International Foundation and its impact. He also shared information about our club's contributions to the Foundation. Contributions to the Foundation are used to fund service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Projects help to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Since it was founded in 1917, the Foundation has spent more than $6 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. It has achieved a 4/4 star rating with Charity Navigator. All donations to the Foundation provide significant impact: $3 protects a child against polio, $50 maintains water filters to help fight waterborne illness, and $200 can help to develop work opportunities by replacing livestock for people impacted by disasters. 
