President Annette Eby hosted the annual General Meeting with Ken Johnston keeping all up to date in his role as Sarge.
Guests of Rotary:
Kush Pasricha guest of Donna Purcell
Jaclyn
Gina Belich: Rotary Employment Partnership
Amanda Derby: guest of Ron Moisey
Ken reminded us of how fashionable attire was in 1997- at least in the eyes of the wearer. He pointed out that Erin Peden is dressing appropriately in her fall colors and was fined $2. It was also National Beer Drinking Day so Ken felt all should know some basic beer facts including:
1st archeological evidence of beer dates back to 11 000 BC
Quebec City had the first brewery in 1668
Newfoundland consumes the most beer of any province- approx. 90.6 l/year/person
Stubby bottle first used in 1961
Black Tie Bingo- Get Your Tickets Soon!
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 around 170 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.
Dean Williams will be at the meetings with his laptop and will be able to register/sell tickets to the event. You can also access bingo@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca for payment information.
Annual General Meeting
Quorum was reached. Agenda and minutes from 2025 meeting were adopted.
Gerry Winia, audit committee chair, reported that books were in order and commended the treasurer and Amanda Derby, accountant, for their diligence in maintaining the financial records.
Ron Moisey, treasurer, shared details of the financial report. He pointed out the recent purchase of a GIC and the growing reserve account which was created as a buffer in case of unforeseen expenses. As is the practice of this club, no fundraising dollars were used for operating costs. Our membership fluctuates during the year but we currently have 82 members. Operational costs remain consistent over the years. We continue to be in a positive financial condition. Actions to be considered in upcoming years include continuing to streamline accounts and the purchase of updated accounting system. Detailed copies of the financial statements were circulated before the meeting and copies made available at the meeting. Please direct any further questions to Ron.
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Shared 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. In his role as DG, has seen 15/46 clubs and is looking forward to sharing his vision for the club later in the fall.
Ron Moisey : Recently went down Memory Lane at his 50th reunion of his 1976 engineering class.
Phil Hyde: Shared that Ray McBeth, the founding father of Black Tie Bingo, has developed Alzheimer and now requires additional supports. Our thoughts are with him.
Adele Poratto: Sent in information regarding the upcoming Fundraiser BBQ for Cycling Without Age on October 3.
Gerry Winia: Just celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.
Duane Evans: Encouraged all to attend the Aspire Gala on Friday- great desserts and a wonderful way to support children experiencing challenges.
Adele Poratto: Reminded all of the Cycling Without Age BBQ on Saturday Oct 3 at Troubled Monk. The Senior's Christmas Concert is on Wednesday Dec 3. Had a MRI and requires a new hip- now!
Donna Purcell: Was reading information about the Calgary Foundation where an article described how youth are very worried about the future and their place in it.
Orlyn Kostenuk: Get your honey here! Contact him for more of the sweet stuff. He shared samples of the flavor enhanced honey on tables.
Dick McDonnell: Reminisced about a time when advertising a business was subject to a $20 fee- Sarge Ken Johnston ruled that this did not apply to samples! Thanked the person who paid for his lunch today!
Garth Olson: Returned from a trip to Gimli Manitoba and all places between. Lots of family visiting.
The Rotary Club Polio Eradication Time capsule was buried in 2005 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Alberta and 75th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Red Deer. It contained momentos of events and people that played an integral role in our history. Former Club President Dick McDonnell was on hand for its burial in 2005 and again in 2026. What a tale this capsule will tell when it is opened in 2055!
Today we heard the vocational talks of our two newest members: Shelley Allaire and Nick Welsch. We are very pleased to have them as part of our Rotary family.
Shelley shared the plethora of skills that she has acquired over the years due to her work history and her personal experiences. They include: riding a sow, driving haying equipment, building computers, streamlining office processes, gardening, hunting, and fishing. A woman of many talents! Shelley shared that the variety in her experiences and activities has provided her with valuable skills that have stood her in good stead with the business that she shares with Nick, Twisted Steel Blacksmithing. The importance of developing a relationship with customers and finding common ground is not to be underestimated. She was searching for a way to support her community and give back, using her talents. Shelley is an active supporter in many community organizations.
Nick's path to his current business has taken him from exploring broadcast journalism, going on an agricultural exchange in Austraila, driving trucks, seling cars, and working in the oil patch. He now has turned one of his hobbies into a successful business, offering top tier knife, axe, and blacksmith classes. Nick shared that his business often empowers others- they accomplish something that they never though they could do. He is committed to ensuring that his actions assist others to develop skills and attitudes that will in turn better the community.
Community & Project Updates
Rotary Employment Partnership: Gina Belich.
The Alberta government made funding changes in May which put funding at risk. Funding was restored for District 5360 but not for District 5370, resulting in changes and reductions to program delivery for many. A fundraiser for District 5370 is being held Click here for tickets for the 50/50. A Pub Night is also being held.
The Rotary Employment Partnership has recently placed an individual at Micheals in Red Deer with the task of restocking and unloading stock during the night shift. The Innisfail Legion added to their special event staff. Election Alberta committed to hiring individuals for positions at the upcoming referendum.
Social Event- AutoCross Racing- Sunday October 4/26 at the Westerner Grounds. Bring a lawnchair, bring some snacks, bring your sense of adventure!
Update your Rotary Wear- Look smart at our events
Garth Olson has extended the timeline to October 9 to purchase items from Legacy Branding that are branded for Rotary Club of Red Deer. Items include shirts, polo shirts, dress shirts, and caps. Delivery time is 4 weeks.
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Shared 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 
Adele Poratto: Reminded all of the Cycling Without Age BBQ on Saturday Oct 3 at Troubled Monk. The Senior's Christmas Concert is on Wednesday Dec 3. Had a MRI and requires a new hip- now!
