Guest Speaker:  Mayor Ken Johnson

 
Ken Johnson, Rotarian and Mayor of Red Deer spoke of the challenges and celebrations of the last 18 months.  He places a high priority on celebrating the people of Red Deer and the diversity that is contains. 
 
A key focus for council is on economic development. An emphasis has been placed on maintaining assets already in place. House sales are rising. Capstone is slowly developing and the G.H. Dawe Recreational Facility expansion has created an excellent facility for residents and visitors. Red Deer Tourism has developed a major event strategy to celebrate Red Deer and all that it offers. The development of the downtown entertainment district along with the opening of 50 new businesses is exciting news. Over 400 000 km were travelled as part of the successful 2022 scooter pilot project. 
 
Mayor Johnson also spoke of the challenges that are faced with the delays in establishing a site for a permanent shelter.  Council continues to work with the Alberta government to find a solution.  He is optomistic due to the  opening of the Dream Centre, potential of the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, and the updated crime and safety statistics that show that Red Deer is seeing success with iniatives that focus on social issues. 
 
Council looks forward to the expansion of the airport, annexation of commercial land, progress in planning for a new hospital and the October opening of the Justice Centre. 
 
Mayor Johnson encouraged all to keep a positive mindset- "It is going to be a great day!!!" He reminded all that as Rotarians we are key ambassadors for our city. 
 

Weekly Meeting Update
 

Robert M was in charge and Sheryl K was the Sarge of the Day
 
The place was full, over 70 in attendance!!!
 
Guests (my apologies for misspelled names and any omissions- there was a lot going on!)
  • John Koelman: guest of Eric Madsen
  • Tom:  guest of Shelley R
  • Scott Robinson, CEO of Chamber of Commerce: guest of Darcy M
  • Dharmesh Crystal, engineer at Nova: guest of Donna P
  • John Benson, soon to be a Rotarian!: guest of Duane Holland
  • Tanza Hovelkamp, development coordinator from Aspire: guest of Brent M
  • Lyle Treiber
  • Michelle Baer: guest of Donna A
  • Shaun McIntyre, Sarah Tittemore :guest of Mayor Ken Johnson
  • Tracy Gardner: Guest of Bruce Buruma
Visiting Rotarian
Thelma Maris, Sylvan Lake
 
Partner of Rotary
Gina Belich
 

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

The pot for 50/50 is growing but Dick M was not able to pull the lucky card and live fancy free.
 
As usual there was an abundance of things to give thanks for in the last week.
Diane M: Great article in the Advocate insert re Youth programs but she can't claim credit for writing it but wishes she could!
Harvey: Was thanked when selling 50/50 tickets for the work Rotary does. Commended Mayor Johnson for his recent comments on CHED radio re why Red Deer is the place to be.
Donna A: Great to be back and happy to report that brother and sister are doing well.
Dagmar: Lots of opportunities to be involved with youth- tree planting (volunteers needed), RAYEA, ????
Phil P: Sorry to report that he broke 2 ribs as his hockey team attempted a major win at the recent Alberta Senior Games.  He is happy to report that they did beat Edmonton!!!
Adele P:  Cycling Without Age is back!! Former chair Rick Johnson is moving away so Adele has assumed that responsibility. Connect with her for ways to be involved. Kick off is June .  Reminder that there are still tickets for Cowboy Kicks on May 18.
Dagmar: Bot Basics & Beyond is a five day camp that will take place in Red Deer in July. The camps are designed for students aged 12-15 years.  Please visit 10peaks.ca/camps for more information and to register. 
 

Membership News

We look forward to next week when 2 new Rotarians will be inducted.  Congratulations to Jodi Jamieson and John Benson.
 
Dustin Snider shared his vocational talk.  He voiced his appreciation for the importance that Rotary places on personal connections to initiatives of service.  Dustin attended LTHS in Red Deer and U of A.  He dabbled in acting, a field unrelated to his degree, until he returned to Red Deer to further his education at RDC.  Fate had him accept a job at Earls to subsidize his income and he found his calling in the hospitality industry.  Dustin is an active member of the community and is a past president of the Chamber of Commerce and sits on the board for the AMA.  He is excited for the next chapter in his life to unfold as he and his wife are expecting their first child in August.  Welcome to Rotary Dustin!!!
 

Community & Project Updates

Looking for an opportunity to become involved in international service work?  Consider volunteering for the Belize Ambassador Program that will hopefully take place in August 6-11 2023.  Details were sent via ClubRunner last week.  Please indicate your interest as soon as possible to Vangi or Judith.  More information will be shared after the team returns next week from a very busy week.  They were a HOT commodity as temperatures were close to 100 degrees some days (don't worry- it won't be that hot in August!!!!)
 

Centennial Update

Shelley R:
  • Copies of the insert in the Advocate available for a toonie from Shelley
  • Special thanks for work done on insert by Darcy, Daria, Harvey, Robert L. Stay tuned for further articles about Rotary in the coming months.
  • Shirts will be arriving next week.  Garth O will be arranging for distribution.  Won't we all look smart at our next volunteer event!!!!
Don O:
  • Over 419 tickets sold and the number is rising!!!! BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE YOU MISS OUT ON THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE MONTH.
  • Sponsorship opportunities still exist for the Hall of Service About Self honorees: Les Peddle, Bud Lund, Arnold Ritchie, Ivan Kristianson, Hazel Carson, Doug Lindsay. Contact Don for info.

April 24, 2023

From the Executive


Have you updated your picture yet on your member profile?  Does your picture represent the new and improved you or the old you? Move into the new Rotary year in July with a new photo that shows what you really look like during Monday meetings.
 

Wear your new Rotary shirt !!!!

Mark your social calendar now for these upcoming events. Shelley R will keep us advised of where we need to be.
Monthly days of service are a big part of celebrating Rotary this year and we join with the other clubs to do so. 
May 28: Park Clean up as part of Green Deer. Sunrise Club is leading the way.
June 3: Tree Planting at Kerry Wood Nature Centre.  See Dagmar.
June 15? :  Pancake Breakfast as part of Westerner Days
June 19: Everyone loves the Westerner Parade!!! We will even have a float.
 

Get Your Tickets Here for Rex Murphy

Tickets can be purchased by:
 1)filling out the PDF order form and emailing it to rex@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca (you are then sent an invoice to pay by email, with the ability to pay by cheque or online)
 
 2) using the online link here
 
 3) emailing rex@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca to advise you want tickets 
   

Opportunities for Youth

 
Rotary Branches Out! - Tree Planting Day - Call for Volunteers
When:  Saturday, June 3 at 10.00 am
Where:  Mackenzie Trails main parking lot (look for the Rotary 100 Year Banner)
 
Needed:
10 volunteers to hand out saplings at 10.00 am and pizza at 12.00 pm
One Volunteer to order pizza and pick it up that morning and be at the event for 11.50 am.
People to plant saplings!  Contact Dagmar for more information.
 
 
Upcoming Events
CORRECTION: Your Rotary Meeting - Gavel Transition
Pidherney Centre
Jun 26, 2023
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Leigh Sands
June 1
 
Dick McDonell
June 5
 
Deena Kordt
June 10
 
Shelley Ralston
June 12
 
Peter Doug Hamilton
June 17
 
Join Date
Don Odell
June 1, 1994
29 years
 
Jack Donald
June 1, 1975
48 years
 
Merv Thurmeier
June 1, 1995
28 years
 
Ross Fletcher
June 1, 1994
29 years
 
Shelley Ralston
June 7, 2001
22 years
 
Grace Zhang
June 18, 2013
10 years
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
Past President, Risk Management
 
President Elect
 
Vice President
 
Club Executive Secretary/Director
 
Treasurer
 
Chair, Social Activities
 
Club Service Projects Chair
 
Secretary
 
Past President, Legacy Liaison
 
Chair, Communications
 
Chair, Community Service
 
Chair, AGLC Fundraising
 
Chair, Non-AGLC Fundraising
 
Chair, Rotary Foundation
 
Chair, Membership
 
Chair, World Community Service
 
Club Historian
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
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