We were joined today by the Honorable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Services.  Adriana is also a member of this Rotary Club.  She commended the members for their continuing support for community initiatives, contributing  over $100 000 to projects and agencies. 
The topic was "The Future of Alberta Healthcare".  Adriana was pleased to share that the number of doctors registered to practice in Alberta has increased considerably over the last years.  The April 2025  Family Physician agreement is contributing to the increase.  There are also procedures in place to streamline the requirements for out of country to practice.  The number of registered nurses is currently higher than ever and increases are being shown across all medical disciplines.
She discussed doctors being able to practice both in the public and private sectors, emphasizing that this will allow more flexibility in choices.  Public funded services will still available.  Adriana noted that many people are choosing to travel to have surgeries such as hip or knee replacements more quickly than is currently available now.  The necessity for this should be lessened as more opportunities to use a private facility are made available in Alberta.  This should also lessen the wait time for publicly funded surgeries. 
The upgrades to the Red Deer Regional Hospital are reported to be on budget and on time. It is anticipated that the needs for the decades will be able to met after its completion.  The expansion will result in a need for over 3000 more health care  workers and staff to be hired for the facility.  
A great discussion was held regarding emergency wait times and the lack of available beds at facilities. Current backlogs are a result of delays in those no longer requiring active care not being able to move to an alternative facility such as supportive living.  There is also a effort to make efficient use of the surrounding hospitals for scheduled surgeries as a result of limited OR times being available.
The role of AI and its impact will be great. Alberta is already using advanced robotic technics, analysis of data, and encouraging innovation.
We thank Adriana for updating us and providing us with information regarding health care. 
 
 

Meeting Update

President Brett Mauthe hosted the meeting with Scott Robinson as Sarge.  Members were fined if they had not yet registered for the May 2026 District Conference being held here.  Fines were also levied for those who had not yet contributed to the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser.  Toonies were ringing in the buckets!!!!
 
Happy birthday to all January babies- only Garth Olson joyfully celebrated.  Cake was enjoyed by all- one of the best cakes ever
 
Scott shared what happened this week in history- Wayne Gretzky's birthday, Lone Ranger's  first radio episode in 1933, the start of The Phantom's run on Broadway (1988-2023). He also noted that Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany in 1933 during this week- a sobering reminder. 
 
Brett announced that applications for our round of spring grants opens on Feb. 2.  Please share this with organizations that wish to be considered.  Information and the application process will be posted on social media and on our webpage.
 
Guests of Rotary
Guest of Christian Comete: Jill Moore, Sherri MacLeod
Guest of Dick McDonnell: James Dixon
Guest of Dwayne Holland:  Jamie Neilsen
Guest of Adriana LaGrange: Darren LaGrange, Tyson Brown
Guest of Adele Poratto: Linda Yargeau
Guest of Rod Boshnick: Margo Schmitt-Boshnick
Guest of Jack Panteluk:  Caroline Panteluk
 
Register soon for District Conference 2026
Everyone will be heading to Red Deer on May1-3.  Enjoy a weekend of thought provoking speakers, fellowship opportunities (who doesn't like Dueling Pianos! or a gala dinner), and gathering together to celebrate all that Rotary does in our communities.  
Register by Feb 15 and get the Early Bird discount of 15%.   Save 30% if this is your first ever District Conference.  Register: https://www.rotary5360.ca/Events/dis-con-26.  There is also more information in your email messages.
 
Adele Poratto has assumed the position of Sponsorship lead for the Conference. Contact her if you are interested in assisting her in this role. Sponsors are also sought for the event.
 
 
 
 
ClubRunner updates
We are getting closer to switching over to Club Runner Nova- an updated and improved version to share Rotary information, communications and events.  As part of the switchover, the Communications committee and others will be offering some mini workshops to demonstrate and share information.  
 
Our first mini session is Monday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m.  Having difficulties downloading and accessing the ClubRunner app on your phone? Not sure how to use the app to find the contact information of a member? Not sure how to sign in to your account?  Join us before the meeting and we will get you started.   Check your email for registration details (just so we have an idea of how many are coming!)

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

 
Ken Johnston: Carolyn had a very successful hernia surgery and experienced great care.
Leann Scarlett:  Proposing that we celebrate Robby Burns Day next year at our  Jan 25 meeting.  Positive reaction from those present. (But do we have to eat haggis?) Looking and feeling great today! 
Adele Poratto: Organizing an event on March 6 to celebrate International Women's Day. Topic: How do you want to show up for the rest of the year?  Contact her for further details.
Zainab Mohamoud: Reminder that February is Black History Month.  Shared information about upcoming 2nd annual Afro Caribbean Gala being held on Feb 28/26
 

Community & Projects

Coldest Night of the Year
 
Join the team and walk on Sat. Feb 28 to raise money to support the Mustard Seed and the Red Deer Food Bank.  You will have a choice of walking 3 or 5 km on Red Deer's trails.  Gather after to celebrate with a snack. Event begins at 4 p.m. and finishes at 8 p.m.  All events take place at Central Middle School. This is a great event to participate in with family and friends!
 
You can also support the team with online donations.  All donations over $20 receive a tax receipt.  
 
 
Register or donate here   https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1040779

Jan. 26/26

 

Mark Your Calendar

Wed Feb 4 - Blood Donor SOCIAL at Tiffany's Steakhouse
 

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 15th Club Meeting (Aspire Special Needs: JoAnn Hayden)
Jun. 15, 2026
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
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
Brett Mauthe
 
President Elect
Annette Eby
 
Treasurer
Ron Moisey
 
Secretary
Angela McKenna
 
Community Engagement
Scott Robinson
 
Member Experience
Dean Williams
 
Fundraising
Leigh Sands
 
Public Relations
Judith McIntyre