We welcomed Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health, to share updates. Minister LaGrange updates the status of the hospital construction and other local projects. 
The upgrades will be completed before 2030.  Construction is progressing on the parkade and the expansion to 500 beds and 6 additional operating rooms. The next stage will involve the construction of an Ambulatory Care Building. An interim solution is being sought regarding the need for a cardiac catheterization lab. 
The Red Deer Recovery Community located in north Red Deer has served 160 clients this year. It can house 75 residents at a time. Reports indicate many success stories.
Details were provided regarding the construction of a private chartered surgical facility. This facility would be publicly funded, privately run, and available to all. 
Construction is TBA.  Minister LaGrange also provided updates to changes in how Nurse Practitioners will be able to operate. 
Discussions focused on concerns with staffing, 
maintaining new graduates, lengthy emergency room times, and the need for more primary care providers. Minister LaGrange was thanked for her updates and service.

Meeting Update

Phil H chaired the meeting with Thelma as Sarge.  Thelma reminded all that September is Basic Education and Literacy Month.
 
A moment of silence was held in recognition of the recent passing of long time Rotarian Bill McTaggart.  Bill joined Rotary in March 1986 and was president in 1998.  He will be missed.  A celebration of his life will be held on Friday Sept 14 in Stettler at 2 p.m. Details found online.  Those wishing to carpool can leave their cars at Parkland Garden Centre. 
 
Guests of Rotary
John Binder: guest of Chris Warren
Matthew Whitfield: guest of Daria
Burton Bailey: guest of Adriana
 
Bill Hull won the opportunity to draw for the lucky 5050 card but was not successful.

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

Diane M: Looking to switch with someone as unable to be banker on Sept 13.  Please contact her if you can help.
Bruce B: Community Service applications are now being accepted.  The links to the application forms are found on the website.  Please share this information with any organization that may benefit from extra support. 
Stuart C: Registration is up 10% at Red Deer Polytechnic. There is a large increase in the number of students who are pursuing careers in the trades.  All are encouraged to attend the upcoming Perspectives Series.   Being a true leader requires the courage to think, act, and be different. Join The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould as she offers invaluable insights for creating meaningful change and fostering ethical, inclusive environments on October 23 at 7 pm at the Marquis Room at Westerner Park. 
Robert M: Celebrating the success of the Harvest Run where registration increased from 250-365 this year.  A great day for a run that is family focused.
Gloria: At long last, the permit for Slack Slough is here!  As Phase 1 is complete, Annette E will be assuming the role as chair of the committee.  Gloria will be remaining on the committee during Phase 2. 
Dagmar: Looking for volunteers to assist at the upcoming Oct 17  10 Peaks Innovation Conference. Please watch for further info on speakers and opportunities.  Dagmar has also resigned from her position on RAYEC and encourages those interested in encouraging entrepreneurial skills in youth to consider becoming involved. 
Bill H: Visited Bill O and reports that he will be home soon.  Bill O is grateful for the supports available from the Lending Cupboard.  Bill reminds all of the support that this club has provided to the Lending Cupboard in the past. 
Gerry W: Reminding all of the upcoming Terry Fox Run.  Gerry is seeking support in raising funds for this charity.
Angela G: Seeking replacement for Sept 13 Rebels 5050 spot.  Please contact her if you are able to help.
Adriana L: Recently celebrated her 40th Anniversary.  She was fortunate to recently attend an international conference focused on Catholic legislators in Rome.  Highlight was receiving a blessing from the Pope.
Daria: Introduced Matthew Whitfield, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Red Deer Symphony.  Reminded all of the upcoming 60th anniversary of RDP.
Garth: Spoke on behalf of Adele to encourage attendance at the upcoming Sept 25 fundraiser for Cycling Without Age at the Pidherney Centre.  John Oldring is the featured speaker, sharing tales of his summit of Mt Everest.
 
Robert L: Still seeking items for the time capsule.  Submission deadline is next meeting!!

Membership News

Leann shared the 2nd reading for John Binder.  Please share any concerns with her.
 

Cozy Up at a Fireside

Join fellow members at a Fireside Meeting on Thurs. Sept 19 upstairs in the Pidherney Lounge (it even has a fireplace!).  Firesides are a wonderful opportunity to gather together and learn about Rotary in a more casual, relaxed setting while sharing some laughs and refreshments.  
 

Please feel free to invite your friends, family and colleagues. Many people have heard about Rotary yet they don't know what we're all about.  This event will be valuable to all Rotarians (especially the ones who haven't been to a fireside yet). There's lots to learn. 

We will be providing light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Doors open at 6:30 and the presentation will start promptly at 7pm . There will be time at the end of the presentation for mingling and conversation.

 

Community & Project Updates

Community Services Committee

Bruce B shared that Community Service applications are now being accepted.  The links to the application forms are found on our website.  Please share this information with any organization that may benefit from extra support. 
 

International Services Committee

Lynne P shared the progress of the Literacy Alive Belize project.  This project focuses on addressing one of Rotary International's key avenues of service , that of international service.  Over the last 15 years this project has evolved and is now being recognized by Rotary International because of its success in engaging government support and cooperation in both Canada and Belize.  Thanks was extended to MLA Adriana LaGrange, while in the role as Minister of Education, in helping to provide access to a key literacy resource for use in  Belize. All Gd 2 Belizean educators were provided with professional development to enable them to use the resource in their classrooms.  Belizean Ministry of Education recognized its importance in literacy education and has made its' use mandatory in classrooms. It was very exciting in August for Canadian educators as Belizean counterparts took the lead in the delivery of the targeted professional development activities. 
Plans are being made to enable 8 Belizean educators to attend the upcoming RI conference in June and share the story of this projects success.  Please contact Darcy M or Judith if you are willing to part of a committee to make that possible.  
 
Black Tie Bingo
 
The thermometer is back!  Watch and see the progress as we ramp up ticket sales. Who will you invite to attend the event?
Please follow the link here.
 
The More We Get Together!
Join us for the family friendly social to welcome our exchange student!

September 9/24

Please send submissions to TheFlash@rotaryclub ofreddeer.ca
 

From the Executive

Please respond by 3:45 p.m. of the Thursday before the meeting if you are planning to attend and partake of the meal.  This is crucial for the caterer's planning. 
 

Mark Your Calendar

Thurs Sept 13: Rotary After 5 at Mr. Mikes Steakhouse
Thurs. Sept 19: Fireside at Pidherney Centre
Sun. Sept 22: Bowling at The Gutter
Mon. Dec 2: Christmas Party at Parkland Garden Centre
 
 
Upcoming Events
Collaboration Week
Sep. 09, 2024 – Sep. 14, 2024
 
Rotary After 5
Mr. Mike's
Sep. 13, 2024
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 
Sept 16th Club Meeting - Gerry Winia
Pidherney Centre
Sep. 16, 2024
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Bill McTaggart
September 1
 
Dan Murdock
September 3
 
Jean Stinson
September 6
 
Lisa Mackey
September 14
 
Rodney Perigny
September 22
 
Join Date
Donna Purcell
September 3, 2021
3 years
 
Rodney Perigny
September 3, 2021
3 years
 
Dan Murdock
September 7, 2016
8 years
 
Adriana LaGrange
September 11, 2018
6 years
 
Rob Stryker
September 11, 2006
18 years
 
Thelma Maris
September 15, 1997
27 years
 
Annette Eby
September 19, 2023
1 year
 
Brett Mauthe
September 21, 2021
3 years
 
Vangi Willington
September 21, 2021
3 years
 
Robert Mast
September 24, 2001
23 years
 
Executives & Directors
Interim President
 
Interim President
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Past President
 
Chair, Membership
 
Chair, Public Relations
 
Chair, Fellowship
 
Director
 
Chair, Community Service
 
Chair, Fundraising
 
Chair, AGLC Fundraising
 
Chair, International Service
 
Chair, Rotary Foundation
 
Club Historian
 
Chair, Risk Management
 
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