What a year it has been!

 

On behalf of the Centennial Committee, Shelley Ralston made a passionate, articulate presentation on our Club's  100th anniversary celebration. It was a very busy year!

 

We began with our launch at the Rebels game and a luncheon.  The Red Deer Advocate contained inserts celebrating Rotary in Red Deer over the years and highlighted major events.  Members proudly wore 100th Anniversary shirts at functions to increase the profile of Rotary.  We marched proudly in the Westerner Parade and treated the city to a hot dog picnic at Rotary Park. The club had a monthly recognition program where we celebrated our involvement in service.  Rex Murphy helped us remember Rotarians who helped to build the club and serve as models of "Service Above Self".  The 21st annual Seniors Christmas Concert provided an evening of song for the community ( you had to love the bus escorts in their Santa hats!)  Black Tie Bingo returned in November after a 3 year absence and was a resounding success.   "Beers for Belize" were found under many Christmas trees.  We sold 50/50 tickets at the Rebels games and bid a fond goodbye to the CFR 50/50 events. 

 

 

 

Our club grew from 62-98 members and doubled the number of members who now hold Paul Harris Fellowships. The club received the District Peacock Award as the most outstanding mid-size club in the district along with an award  celebrating our large increase in club membership.  We honored those Rotarians who built the club and celebrated those who are the future. 

During the year we moved forward on the Slack Slough Legacy Project (the sign is just the first step!  Now on to Phase 2), continued to impact the Red Deer community through our community service projects, expanded the breadth of the Belize Literacy Project, supported youth programs and saw the return of the club involvement in the youth exchange program.  We celebrated Rotary as we joined together with the other Red Deer clubs for social events- challenging each other for best chili recipes and supporting local charities such as the Mustard Seed and Food Bank.  Club members gathered together for fellowship at Fireside chats, Rotary After 4 events, and the ever popular Christmas event at Parkland Gardens.  The Flash returned to document our journey.

One of the major projects of the committee was the production of  seven video clips summarizing the work of the Club this year and in the past, with interview comments from a number of members.  These videos can be used in social media posts, thank you to sponsors to show the impact of Rotary, and also to demonstrate how support of Rotary can support the community. The videos will be put on YouTube with a link that will be shared with the club.  These will allow easy access to share with potential members, sponsors, etc.  

 

Shelley  thanked the  members of the Anniversary Committee:
Liz Audenart (Red Deer East), Bill Hull, Bob Lampard, Harvey Maskowitz, Diane McDonell, Jim McPherson, Ron Moisey, Daria Zmiyiwsky, with help from Don Odell and Aliesha Shuparsky

 

Thanks to all who participated in our celebrations.  We had a great year and are looking forward to what the next 100 will hold.  

 

President Phil Hyde shared a thank you email from Darcy M regarding the 100th year.  Darcy was also thanked for his leadership throughout the Centennial year. Gloria Beck and her team were thanked for their tireless work in ensuring that the Slack Slough project reached the end of Phase 1 - our Legacy Project.      

President Phil Hyde opened the meeting by calling on Holly Glassford to lead us in O Canada.
We were then asked for all to stand for a moment of silence in memory of our late member Ed  Hegge. Phil also announced that due to the anticipated length of the formal program there would be no sergeant at arms report or happy/sad bucks.

Lucky door ticket was held by Diane McDonell. The fourth time in five meetings that a McDonell has had the winner! (Nothing to see here folks. Nothing at all. Everyone move along.) In any case, as with the previous three, there was no money to be won.
 

First reading for a potential new member.  Harvey Maskowitz introduced Rod Boshnick.  Rod volunteers with the Parkland Air Management Zone and is looking for opportunities 

Shelley Ralston (presented by Garth Olsen) was recognized for her work as the Chair of the Centennial Committee over the past year.  She has tremendous energy and always makes sure that things get done.

 

Garth Olsen (presented by Dick McDonnell) was celebrated as a member of 39 years.  He is a reliable and under-recognized Rotarian.  Garth brought the famous "Heads and Tails" game to the Black Tie Bingo, led the climb up Mount Davidson and ensured that all participants were recognized with suitable hats and medals.  Garth spearheaded the initiative to make 100 year Centennial shirts and Rotary wear available for us to celebrate as Rotarians.