Jill Manning, City of Red Deer Parking and Licensing Supervisor, took on the task of enlightening members about parking in Red Deer. The parking system was revised due to aging equipment that only accepted coins and no longer met the needs of residents. The provincially funded upgrade saw new meters and pay stations arrive in 2023 along with changes in how people paid for parking. Since then, the City has responded and adapted procedures based on user feedback. We currently can pay for parking in the downtown area using the HotSpot mobile app, Hotspot website, and physical pay stations in the downtown and hospital zones. While challenging at times, the implementation and management of the parking program has experienced many successes such as increasing payment options, ease of monthly parking options, innovative app features, and responding to the needs of those requiring accessible parking. Beginning in August 2025 free accessible parking is available in all on street stalls with a handicap license sticker or placard. Wayfinding signage is being installed to help residents locate key parking areas around buildings.
Jill shared that from Jan 1/25 to July 31/25, there were approx 30 000 transactions at Pay stations, 84 000 transaction using HotSpot, and 93 000 transactions were done using a QR code. The revenue from the transactions was over $440 000. A surplus in parking revenue is expected in 2025. The parkade at Sorenson Station has only a 38% utilization rate as it is restricted to monthly parking only.
Jill was thanked for sharing information about the evolution of parking in Red Deer. It is an often discussed topic!
It was also noted that Jill is a former Rotarian, belonging to Districts 5360 and 5370. She was very active with her support of Rotaract and international projects and will be welcomed at upcoming meetings.
Meeting Update
Host today was Leigh Sands. Sarge duties were filled by Maureen Bakken. Maureen reminded us that this year is a mathematically perfect year because it is 45 squared.. The last mathematically perfect year was 1936 (44 squared) and the next will be 2116 (46 squared). She also shared events that happened during previous mathematically perfect years, proving food for thought.
Leigh reassured all that missed out on buying Hudson's Bay blankets in the past that Canadian Tire will now be selling them, funds going to support an Indigenous-led initiative that supports truth and reconciliation
Grant Edmonds had the lucky ticket but did not draw the lucky number.
Happy/Sad and other News
Maureen Baaken: Thankful that the farmers have basically all of their harvest done.
Zainab Mohamoud: Reminding all to vote today.
Bruce Buruma: Owes a large thanks to Darcy as he forgot to get coverage for his Rebels shift on Saturday. Was very impressed with the collegiality of all the candidates during 1the election. It was great to get to know the 64 candidates and see that all had much to offer in this positive process.
Ross Fletcher: Grandson Nathan can be seen on a Youtube video visiting with Wayne Johnson, one of his heroes.
Adele Poratto: Spent the Thanksgiving weekend getting settled in their new place and discovering that the dining room table was too big (great excuse to go shopping!). Reminded all of the Nov 4 AGM for Cycling Without Age at the hospice when the new board will be elected. Announced the Seniors Christmas concert will be Dec 3- look for the call for volunteers. Watch out for info re her Christmas decor sale in November- too many pretty things that don't fit in the new space!
Gerry Winia: Encouraging all to buy raffle ticket for Sunnybrook Farm (best little museum around!) tickets are $10 and available from Gerry and also at AgriTrade.
Jill Manning: Former Rotarian happy to be back at a Rotary meeting.
Victor Maris: Reminding all that 1955 was the year that the polio vaccine was discovered. Encouraged all to attend the Nov 1 Polio event in Calgary- he is also looking for a ride there.
Dick McDonnell: Enjoyed the first symphony of the season on Saturday. Glad to see a larger number of musicians again.
Harvey Maskowitz: Shared news of Carol's father's sudden passing. Our sympathies to all.
Membership News
2nd and final reading for David Harrop. We are pleased to have David rejoining our club.
New Member Spotlight: Anthony Judd
We learn more today about Anthony, better known as Tony. One of our newest Rotarians, Tony is focused on two goals- being a dedicated husband and father and giving back to his community. He is currently president of 100 Men Who Care, member of a peer-peer support group for business leaders, and a busy father of 3 children with his wife Colleen. He has had a varied work history, being a Red Seal mechanic for many years and then studying to acquire a Finance degree during Covid. He now works together with his wife as a Financial Planner. Tony is committed to his community, sharing that he was often the recipient of support from organizations as he was growing p and wants to 'pass it on". He became a Rotarian out of a desire to serve others and develop more philanthropic practices. Tony has already become an active volunteer, mastering the art of 50/50 ticket selling and is looking forward to his chance to wrestle with chair covers at the upcoming Black Tie Bingo! We are excited to have you join us as a Rotarian.
Community & Project Updates
Black Tie Bingo is nearly here!
We have sold just over 300 tickets and we want to hit 400! Have you purchased yours yet? Have you invited your besties to come along with you for this evening of fun, games, and giving? Check out these attendees from a few years ago- were they the security detail and dancers?
Black Tie Bingo is Thursday, Oct 30 at the event centre at the Red Deer Resort and Casino. Cocktails at 5, followed by dinner, and merriment. Tickets available by contacting Dean at meetings, or click on this link.
Volunteers are sought to help with setting up (Wed Oct 29 1-3 p.m. and Thurs. Oct 30 9-12 and 1-3) and tidying up (Fri Oct 31 9-12). Please see the email sent on Monday from Judith (judithmci27@gmail.com) and let her know how you can help. Many hands make light work!
Polio Night :Become a member of the Polio Plus Society and Meet Fellow Rotarians.
Rotary District 5360 is sponsoring Polio Night on Saturday, Nov 1 at Alexander Centre Society Dance Hall (922 9 Ave SE). District Governor 5370 & Polio Survivor Remesh Ferris is the Keynote Speaker and they will be a Polio Update from Mike McGovern, RI Polio Plus Chair. Iron Lung Ale is being served and there will be music from William Friedson and his jazz band.
Tickets are $19.55 (1955 is the year the Polio vaccine was released)
Find out more about Rotary- For new members and those not so new!
Join us for an inspiring session covering Rotary’s story, values, and impact — including the Avenues of Service, Areas of Focus, and the Four-Way Test.
Discover what it means to belong and explore ways to get involved. This special program is open to all Rotary and Rotaract members — whether you're new or just want a refresher.
Choose your session and mark your calendar:
🗓️ Wednesday, January 21st — 7:30 PM EST
🗓️ Thursday, April 23rd — 7:30 PM EST
The 50/50 machines are charged and we are ready as AgriTrade comes to Red Deer on Nov 5-7 at the Westerner. Check your emails for available shift times to sell 50/50 tickets(email was from Brett Mauthe) AgriTrade draws an enormous crowd from across Western Canada who want to view the newest and biggest in the world of agriculture.
Rotary Foundation Month is November
Donating to The Rotary Foundation enables the Foundation to support, through Rotary clubs, bigger and more impactful projects around the world and at home. More lives are changed and society gains.
October 20/25:
Please send all articles to TheFlash@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
Mark Your Calendar
Thursday, October 30: Black Tie Bingo at Red Deer Resort and Casino. 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m
Saturday November 1:Polio Night with Remesh Ferrris in Calgary
Wednesday-Friday: Agri Trade at Westerner Park- Selling 50/50 tickets
Wednesday, Nov. 5 Blood Challenge Social at Leto's in Lacombe. 5-8 p.m.
Monday, December 1: Rotary Christmas Party at Parkland Garden Centre
Wednesday, December 3: Rotary Seniors Christmas Concert at RDP
Wednesday Dec 3: Blood Services Drive.
Wednesday January 21, 2026. Learn more about Rotary Zoom meeting.7:30 EST
Jill Manning, City of Red Deer Parking and Licensing Supervisor, took on the task of enlightening members about parking in Red Deer. The parking system was revised due to aging equipment that only accepted coins and no longer met the needs of residents. The provincially funded upgrade saw new meters and pay stations arrive in 2023 along with changes in how people paid for parking. Since then, the City has responded and adapted procedures based on user feedback. We currently can pay for parking in the downtown area using the HotSpot mobile app, Hotspot website, and physical pay stations in the downtown and hospital zones. While challenging at times, the implementation and management of the parking program has experienced many successes such as increasing payment options, ease of monthly parking options, innovative app features, and responding to the needs of those requiring accessible parking. Beginning in August 2025 free accessible parking is available in all on street stalls with a handicap license sticker or placard. Wayfinding signage is being installed to help residents locate key parking areas around buildings. 
We learn more today about Anthony, better known as Tony. One of our newest Rotarians, Tony is focused on two goals- being a dedicated husband and father and giving back to his community. He is currently president of 100 Men Who Care, member of a peer-peer support group for business leaders, and a busy father of 3 children with his wife Colleen. He has had a varied work history, being a Red Seal mechanic for many years and then studying to acquire a Finance degree during Covid. He now works together with his wife as a Financial Planner. Tony is committed to his community, sharing that he was often the recipient of support from organizations as he was growing p and wants to 'pass it on". He became a Rotarian out of a desire to serve others and develop more philanthropic practices. Tony has already become an active volunteer, mastering the art of 50/50 ticket selling and is looking forward to his chance to wrestle with chair covers at the upcoming Black Tie Bingo! We are excited to have you join us as a Rotarian. 
Rotary District 5360 is sponsoring Polio Night on Saturday, Nov 1 at Alexander Centre Society Dance Hall (922 9 Ave SE). District Governor 5370 & Polio Survivor Remesh Ferris is the Keynote Speaker and they will be a Polio Update from Mike McGovern, RI Polio Plus Chair. Iron Lung Ale is being served and there will be music from William Friedson and his jazz band.