Brett Mauthe led the Business Meeting. The proposed budget for 2026-27 was presented by Rom Moisey.
Hi-lights included
no increase to lunch costs despite an increase in cost of lunch provided by the Pidherney Centre. Our meals are now costing us $25 which includes GST and gratuity. $5 will be charged to those who are not eating as this will cover room rental and other meeting costs.
small deficit that will be covered through the reserve fund. The club has a policy not to use fundraising dollars to cover operational costs.
no increase in dues this year ($425) although increase in RI dues by 4.3% and an expected increase in district dues (2.0%)
More information regarding the budget is contained in the email sent to members on May 25 from President Brett Mauthe. The email contains a link to the presentation. Please contact Brett (President), Annette Eby (incoming President) or Ron Moisey (Treasurer) for questions or clarifying details.
Meeting Update
Brett Mauthe hosted the monthly business meeting with Robert Mast as Sarge. Robert shared info re the importance of music in Red Deer as he recently participated in the 50th anniversay of the Red Deer Chamber Singers.
Guests of Rotary:
Rachelle Arcinas-Sauvageau; guest of Cindy Jefferies
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Duane Evans: Inviting all to his family's yearly Curry Party on Saturday June 27 at his place at Gull Lake. This is a family event and all are welcome. More details to come.
Phil Hyde: His oldest grandchild has just graduated forom the u of Ottaawa with a combined Masters and PhD. Well done!
Adele Porrato: Cycling Without Age has its official kickoff on June 1 at the Golden Circle. They also are at Crimson Villas this week- an earlier start to the season which i great
Ken Johnston: So great to see so many members at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Youth HQ. It was truly a delightful walk through time celebrating a very important community connection.
Gloria Beck: Shared that Carmen Boake is currently in the U of A hospital battling stage 4 cancer. Thoughts and prayers are with her.
Donna Purcell: Shared her connection to Youth HQ as her brother benefited from the support provided. Looking for feedback on a proposal she would like to make to DRIVE re the possibility of the establishment of a law campus in Red Deer. Give her a call/text and she will share more.
Leigh Sands: The ultimate family and Disney tour was a success. Disney World including a VIP tour, an airboat excursion, and a large extended family gathering in Florida was followed by a trip with a friend to Disney in Californis. Only 285 days until she can return to her happy place!
Leann Scarlett: Ready to build up her client base again as a stellar mortgage broker. Share the news widely.
Robert Lampard: Glad to be back from the heat in Mesa. Remarked on the 6 cases of Polio worldwide. Shared that the Rotary plaque is missing on the polio statue in front of the Don Moore Recreation Centre. Gave personal congratulations to Gloria Beck on being awarded the Christine Rendell Women in Leadership Award at the recent District Conference.
Judith McIntyre: Sending thoughts to Annette Eby as she is currently in Nfld for a family death.
Membership News
Welcome Jay Kern
It was great to learn more about Jay Kern and his family, his background, and his interest in Rotary Jay and his wife, who is a nurse in Innisfail, are a blended family with 4 girls. He is originally from Rosemary Alberta, a farming community. He learned at an early age the value of being a trusted neighbor, that integrity and a positive reputation is key to success. Jay worked 15 years as an oil well tester where teamwork, being adaptable, and developing resiliency was required. He currently is in real estate with CIR Realty. Jay's past experiences have shaped his view of citizenship, service, and community connections. He remarked that he chose Rotary as the 4 Way test closely reflects his personal beliefs and values. Welcome to Rotary. We are so glad you chose us!
We Induct 3 New Members
Duane Holland had the pleasure of inducting our 3 newest members. Congratulations to:
Cindy Jefferies (sponsored by Phil Hyde), Jill Manning (sponsored by Dean Williams) and Brian Blanchard (sponsored by Jerry Pasman).
Rotarians of the Month
We celebrate the indispensable volunteers, Thelma and Victor Maris.Both are not new to Rotary as evidenced by their “resume”.When we look at the 4 way test they most certainly are wonderful examples of“Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” and “Will it be beneficial to all concerned”.They have very quietly become an integral part of our club, doing what needs to be done in their own special way.
Members of Rotary since 1997.They were instrumental in the formation of the Rotary Club of Edson, assumed leadership positions in the club- Thelma as president in 97-98 and then again 2003-2004.Victor acted in this role in 2000-2001.Thelma also gave of her time and expertise on the board from 2010-13.They were also very active in the Sylvan Lake club.
Thelma just always appears when help is needed.Many have often been the recipient of a phone call asking if there were enough volunteers or if there is something else she can help with.Her quiet, unassuming, voice of experience is truly a gift to those around her.Formally, she is on the Square team, a Sarge, and has made valuable contributions to BTBingo, District Conference, Seniors Concert, Beers for Belize.
Victor is a bit more out there- his passion for cycling led him to lead a district initiative, to raise over $70 000 for Polio Plus- a project near and dear to his heart.Both Thelma and Victor are frequent participants in the monthly Blood Challenge.Tree planting sees him in his element.He volunteers in the community with groups such as Cycling Without Age .In 2005, Victor was part of the Edson club when they delivered a firetruck to Maztlan.Victor also is a volunteer at club events- loading chairs, unloading chairs, carrying and fetching, - just making himself useful.
Both Thelma and Victor and dedicated to the Rotary Foundation and have reached Arch Klump status and continue to support in so many ways.Victor shared that they do this because it enables others to use their gifts and talents in so many ways more to benefit others- more than they could ever accomplish on their own.They truly have made a positive impact during their Rotary journey.We are so grateful to honor them today.
Community & Project Updates
Community Grants
Vangi Willington, chair of the Community Grants committee provided an update regarding the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 grant recipients. During the 2025/26 year nearly $100 000 was awarded to 19 projects and non profits in the Red Deer area. These included Camp Alexo(BTBingo major award of $30 000) and the annual Christmas Giving (7 organizations each awarded $2500). Fall grants were presented to the Red DeerFestival of the Performing Arts and the Red Deer Action Group. In order to increase public awareness of the available grants, Erin Peden through the Red Deer and District Community Foundation provided more exposure. 37 applications were submitted and 9 organizations were provided with funds totaling $44 720. They include: Red Deer Arts Council 10 Peaks, Red Deer Symphony, Women's Emergency Shelter, Canadian Mental Health- Red Deer chapter, Notre Dame high School, Youth HQ, Lending Cupboard, and Dress For Success.
Youth HQ 50th Anniversary Celebration
Look who we found there! More pictures found on our website (Photo albums)
Rotary Clubs of Red Deer Blood Challenge
Rotary Clubs of Central Alberta has a team event planned for blood donors! Consider joining us by making a blood donation on June 3rd BOOK YOUR BLOOD DONATION APPOINTMENT HEREand then come and have a great time of food and fellowship at the Croffle House! If you cannot donate blood, come support the cause and join us at the restaurant.
Everyone welcome, bring a friend... challenge everyone around you to support the blood giving lifeline :)
We will be gathering from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Local Croffle House 7150 50 Ave Red Deer, AB T4N 6A5 Canada
Rotary Branches Out
Dagmar Knutson reminds all of the event on June 6. Volunteers and supporters always welcome. Thanks to Duane Holland for volunteering to pick up the pop and water at Co Op. We will meet at McKenzie Trails at 9 am. to set up.
May 25, 2026
Mark Your Calendar
July 2/26. 11:45 a.m-2:00 p.m. Join the Rotary Clubs of Red Deer at an impact Tour meeting with incoming Rotary International Director, Marty Helman We will gather at Mattie McCullough Elementary School.
