We celebrated Valentine's Day by focusing on the wonderful connections with each other that Rotary provides.  Whether we are at a meeting, selling at 50/50, supporting a project, or at a social we have great opportunities for fellowship.
Judith McIntyre led us in an activity where she shared about our "passions" or areas of interest.  A lively exchange of information resulted.  A quick round of Rotary Jeopardy followed with skill testing questions about Rotary and Valentine's customs.  The three contestants all went home with red prizes!  
 

Meeting Update

 
President Brett Mauthe hosted the meeting with Thelma Maris as Sarge.
 
 
We celebrate Valentine's Day a bit early.  It was great to see so many members bring someone special to the meeting.  We welcomed Jerry and Anita Passman, Nick Welsch and Shelley Allaire, Merv and Ann Thurmeier, Jim and Marlis McPherson, Adele Poratto  and Derrel ???Mullen, Phil and Brenda Patterson, Tony Judd and Colleen Gilliam-Judd, Dan and Suzanne Nielson.  
 
Thelma shared that February is a month that focuses on peace- World Understanding, and Rotary's focus,  Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution.  It is also the time when over 145 valentines are sent to express love, friendship, and connections.  
 
Brett reminded all that the Spring Community Grant portal is now open and has been shared widely. Please share the information with any interested organizations.  The portal for this initial round closes March 15.   Contact Vangi Willington for more information.  
 
 
Will We See You at District Conference May 1-3/2026?
 
District Conference 2026 is being held in Red Deer  May 1-3, 2026.  
 
District Conference Early Bird rate deadline is Feb 14/26.  Save 15% on your conference registration fee by using the code EB15
 
First time coming to District Conference?  Save 30% by using the code FIRSTTIME
 
Link to register for the conference: Click here
https://www.rotary5360.ca/Events/dis-con-26 
 
Click here to learn more about one of the featured speakers, Chris Koch.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1418098809690307
 
Have an extra room?  Annette Eby is collecting names of those who are willing to open their homes up for conference attendees.  Please contact her for more details.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the District Conference.  Contact Adele Poratto if you or your business may be interested.  There are a variety of levels of sponsorship available. 

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

Erin Peden: Happy that her husband is home after 5 days in the hospital, receiving great care and attention.
Dan Nielsen: Celebrating the Sea Hawk's win at the Super Bowl as a result of them being more adept at passing the ball!  Harold will get a new hat to replace the one Dan shared over 11 years ago when the Sea Hawks were last successful.
Leigh Sands:  Reported that she, for the 2nd time in a row, forgot her wedding anniversary.  Hoping for better results next year.
Adele Poratto:  Now driving a nice new car!
Tony Judd:  Had a great January in his business. Celebrating that his son's U10 soccer league is at the top of the standings.
Iain McDougall:  Excited and eagerly awaiting the arrival of his niece's twins any day.
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Reports that Sam is recovering nicely from his broken tibia.  Sam has been focused on developing his upper body during his enforced hiatus from skiing but has perhaps overdone it at bit and is now a bit sore.  The trials of having a 15 year old teenager!
Robert Mast:  Reminded all to sign up for Woody's RV Marathon being held the May long weekend.  You can enter to run 10K, a half marathon or the full marathon. Robert reports that training is going well despite the recent icy roads. He hopes to maintain his fitness while on an upcoming cruise- lots of laps of the deck is in his future!
 

Membership News

Aliesha Shuparsky did the first reading for the membership of Shelley Allaire and Nick Welsch.  They are owners of Twisted Steel Blacksmithing  and community minded members of Red Deer. 
If there are any concerns, please address the membership chair, Dwayne Holland.
 

Community & Project Updates

 
 Rotary After 5 – Bowling Night! 
 
 

Join us at The Gutter, Red Deer for a fun-filled evening of bowling, pizza, pop, and beer!

Come out, connect, and show off your best game with fellow Rotarians and friends. Whether you’re a pro or just in it for laughs, it’s going to be a great night! See the registration link in your email!

 

WHERE:  The Gutter, Red Deer
DATE & TIME:  February 12    5pm-8pm


 Fun • Fellowship • Friendly Competition Let’s roll! 💙💛

 

Coldest Night of the Year

It's not too late to donate or join us for the Coldest Night of the Year walk on Saturday Feb 28.  We are falling a bit behind the other 2 Rotary clubs but am sure we will rebound soon!

 
Register or donate here     https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1040779
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

February 9, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Thurs. Feb 12: Rotary After 5 at The Gutter

Sat. Feb 28: Coldest Night of the Year- Central Middle School

March 4 - Blood Donor SOCIAL at It's All Greek to Me

 
Upcoming Events
June 22nd Club Meeting (Year End: Brett Mauthe)
Jun. 22, 2026
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
July 2nd Clubs Meeting (Impact Tour: Marty Helman)
Jul. 02, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Leigh Sands
June 1
 
Dan Nielsen
June 4
 
Dick McDonell
June 5
 
Cindy Jefferies
June 6
 
Deena Kordt
June 10
 
Shelley Ralston
June 12
 
Doug Hamilton
June 17
 
John Binder
June 17
 
Join Date
Merv Thurmeier
June 1, 1995
31 years
 
Ross Fletcher
June 1, 1994
32 years
 
Shelley Ralston
June 7, 2001
25 years
 
Grace Zhang
June 18, 2013
13 years
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary
 
Community Engagement
 
Member Experience
 
Fundraising
 
Public Relations