Annette Eby, 2026-27 club president, shared the vision for the club, a vision focused on service, growth, and impact in our community and beyond.Goals have been aligned with the 2026-27 theme- “Create Lasting Impact”.This theme is a call for action for Rotarians to move beyond short-term activities and build enduring, sustainable legacies in their communities.
These goals include
Enhance participant engagement: This includes ensuring that a wide variety of experiences are offered so club members can gather in fellowship together.Club members have many gifts and talents and will be encouraged to connect with committees and projects that build upon them. Mentorship and opportunities to build leadership skills will be a focus along with celebrating younger members who reflect Rotary’s future.
Increase our impact: As a club we are active in our community and look for hands-on projects that are tied to community needs.The role of youth is not to be underestimated as they are the future of Rotary.Members will be encouraged to participate more broadly in events and activities.Opportunities to develop partnerships with organizations, clubs, and the community will be examined.
Expand our reach: Communication is key to being part of the community.This involves connecting to local and social media, development of community partnerships, and sharing what makes Rotary a vital part of the community in which we live and play.
Increase or ability to adapt: Honoring traditions and practices while embracing new practices result in a stronger, more engaged club that is focused toward the future needs of communities, both locally and internationally.
Annette also shared the importance of weekly meetings.They provide with ways to unite in service, experience fellowship, and discuss our shared purpose. All members have a voice and are valued for their diverse contributions.
We were reminded of one of the key messages of Marty Helman. Successful clubs do not just talk about what they can do- they follow up with action.The upcoming year is one in which all are encouraged to be active, in whatever way you are able, in continuing the very successful work of this club.
We look forward to the upcoming year.
Meeting Update
President Annette Eby welcomed all to the first meeting of the new Rotary Year.Thanks were extended to all those involved in the recent BBQ picnic as part of RI Director Marty Helman’s Impact Tour.
Thelma Maris was Sarge and charged all members a Loonie who have accidently “borrowed’ cutlery or other items from a buffet or social event. Apparently, part of the Pidherney’s cutlery wandered to her house in the pocket of someone who was not her!
Thelma Maris also provided background information to Rotary’s focus of the month, maternal and child health. She also shared information about our new RI President.
Every July, Rotary turns its attention to one of the oldest and most personal measures of a community's wellbeing: the health of mothers and the health of children. Maternal and child health is not a headline area of focus. It rarely trends. But it may be the most human one. Every other cause Rotary works on, from clean water to education to peace, depends on a mother surviving childbirth and a child living long enough to grow up.The scale of the need is stark. According to Rotary International, an estimated 5 million children under the age of 5 died in 2020, mostly from preventable and treatable causes. Roughly half of those deaths, 2.4 million, occurred in the first 28 days of life. The leading causes are largely preventable or treatable with basic care.Rotary's response is community-led. Members provide education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. They train community health workers, distribute insecticide-treated bed nets, and help mothers learn how to breastfeed and protect their families from disease. Through The Rotary Foundation, global grants fund longer-term work, from maternal health centres to pediatric surgeries, in partnership with local ministries and health organizations.
We also learned more about 2026-27 RI President, Olayinka H. Babalola. Known also as Yinka, he is the 2nd African to lead Rotary International. His leadership focus is on strengthening Rotary’s contributions to peacebuilding and community impact. He calls on all members to Create Lasting Impact by making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects, and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally. “Rotary has changed us. It has shaped who we are and made us better people,” Babalola said at Rotary’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, on 12 January. “We often talk about changing the world. We talk about ending polio, about building peace. We do not think enough about how Rotary transforms us.” For more information please click: https://rotary7070.org/Stories/ri-president-elect-olayinka-yinka-h.-babalola-international-assembly-highlights-january-2026-and-the-2026-27-theme\
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Orlyn Kostenuk: Just returned from his annual ride. Vancouver Island was great and no rain for the 10 days.
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Thanks to all who organized or attended the Marty Helman Impact tour event last Thursday.The presence of 7 local Rotary presidents sharing about how their community needs are supported by Rotary was record setting. All clubs are great examples of collaboration and communication.Marty had a great time and shared that we have set the bar high for her future visits around the zones.Her trip down the Canyon Coaster was memorable- Darcy is hoping to locate a picture of her reaction!
Adele Poratto:Took 2 very active grandsons to the Stampede – survived the rain and the multitude of activities they participated in. Cycling Without Age is going to have a float along with 2 trishaws in the Westerner Parade.
Leigh Sands: Lana, the aging diabetic cat, had a bit of a health crisis but is currently living life to the fullest.
Zainab Mohamoud :Encouraged members to attend events connected to the Afro- Caribbean Festival .
Victor Maris: Thoroughly enjoyed the picnic with Marty. Thanked Debbie Valyear for locating his Arch Klump Society pin in the grass at the event.
Donna Purcell: Thanked Robert Mast for the Rotary socks and tennis ball signed by past RI President Jennifer Jones, RI 1st female RI president This resonated with Donna as she has an all female law practice. Donna also has met Ziggy Marley and his messages reflect Rotary's emphasis on Peace.
The Rotary Clubs of Red Deer and surrounding area were provided with a special opportunity to hear from Marty Helman, 2026-28 Rotary International Director for Zones 28 and 32.
During her visit, seven Rotary Clubs from Central Alberta united at the Mattie McCullough Elementary School Access For All Barrier-Free Playscape. The playscape, built in 2009 was the result of the collaborative efforts of parents & teachers of Maddie McCullough School . community organizations, and Rotarians. Financial support and sweat equity during the site assembly was provided by the AFA committee and all of the Red Deer Rotary Clubs, Rotary District, City of Red Deer, and others. This location was chosen as it is an excellent example of how amazing things happen when Rotary connects with the community to meet a need.
Rising Star is awarded to a Rotarian in their first 2 years. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary ethical standards, a strong commitment to Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self, and involvement in local programs.
Our recipient this year is one of our most dedicated volunteers, Debbie Valyear. If there is a job to be done, our honoree is there, ready to do whatever is needed. - Square, Black Tie Bingo, Sarge. A top seller at Rebels 50 50 as everyone seems to know her. Need help tying ribbons or making sure thatthere are 12 cans of beer in the Belize basket? Chairs that need to be loaded or unloaded? Show up early at Rotary Branches Out? Set up or clean up at events? Organizing the condiment line at the Community Picnic? Bus buddy at the Seniors Christmas Concert? I can’t be there at the event but what can I do before to help? Need a word of encouragement? That is our Rising Star.
Debbie is looking for new challenges and wants to further explore her commitment to Rotary. A Rising Star looks for additional ways in which to serve and use their talents and skills.
Quiet, unassuming, reassuring, dedicated, thoughtful, respected, all are very apt descriptions of our recipient. In all her interactions she lives the 4 Way Test
Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned?Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
The answer to all is a resounding success. Congratulations Debbie- our club is so grateful to have you.
Rotarian of the Year
Rotarian of the Year honors a Rotary member who exemplifies “Service Above Self” through outstanding contributions to their club, community, and Rotary International initiatives.
Our recipient this year is Judith McIntyre. A member of less than 4 years, she has become involved in many aspects of Rotary, at the locally and internationally. She currently serves on the board as Communications lead and, with her team, helped the club transition to ClubRunner Nova, offered mini sessions to assist members in the transition process, and increased the club social media presence. Judith also serves on a variety of club committees including Black Tie Bingo, Westerner Parade and BBQ, and club Socials.Christmas sees her making sure that volunteers are in place and that our guests arrive safely for the Seniors Concert.Each week we read THE FLASH, our club newsletter that keeps everyone up to date with club events and activities.
Judith is a key member of our international project, Literacy Alive!, having been involved for many years before becoming a Rotarian.She is passionate about literacy and sharing and learning alongside Belizean educators.In November, Literacy Alive! was recognized by the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group (BELRAG), with an award due to a submission by Judith on behalf of the club and project team.Judith also chaired the successful ”Beers for Belize” fundraising project.
At the recent District Conference, Judith was the chair of the House of Friendship committee.She enjoys connecting with our fellow Red Deer Rotary clubs while volunteering at the Food Bank and attending the Rotary Blood Drives.Judith is a supporter of the RI Foundation and a Polio Plus member.
Judith loves being a Rotarian. This is reflected in her friendly manner and her willingness to pitch in where needed.She is committed to serving others and using the gifts she has been provided.Congratulations on this honor.
Community & Project Updates
Westerner Parade
Angela McKenna is looking for 6-8 volunteers to help assembly the float on Tuesday July 14 at 6:30 p.m. Meet in the parking lot just north of the Pidherney Centre.
Come on Wednesday July 15 and be ready to hoot and holler as we let everyone on the parade route know that Rotary is ready to make a difference in Red Deer. Come in your western Rotary best. We meet at 8:45 a.m. Free pancake breakfast for parade participants from 7-8:30 a.m by the Skateboard park.
Community BBQ
Please contact Annette Eby or Debbie Valyear if you can help out with this great community event. We are expecting close to 900 community members to join us after the parade as Rotary gives back to the community. Check out our new Rotary tent!
Don't forget that we gather after the BBQ is over at Troubled Monk to celebrate another successful Parade Day ! All are welcome.
July 6/26
Sick and Visiting
Jim Foster reports that Carole, wife of Grant Edmonds is currently in palliative care. We send our thoughts and prayers to Grant and his family.
Zainab Mohamoud :
