We welcomed Manon Mitchell, District Governor 5360, for the 2025-26 year. Manon has been a Rotarian since 2011 and belongs to Calgary Downtown. She shared that she is fluent in French, English and Music, plays in the Calgary Civic Symphony, loves to ski and is passionate about Rotary and serving communities, both local and internationally. She encouraged all to say " Yes"- yes to serving others, yes to challenges, yes to trying new ways or activities. Manon shared how Rotary's Action Plan's 4 priorities can form the framework to ensure that clubs remain vibrant :
Increase our impact.
Expand our reach
Enhance participant engagement
Increase our ability to adapt
She encouraged all to look at how they can become more engaged with their club and district by sharing time, treasure or talent by setting a personal goal for the year. The call to action could involve inviting a colleague to Rotary, involvement in a committee, joining the Polio Plus Society, attending a fellowship event, or doing something as simple as sitting with someone new at a meeting.
We look forward to seeing more of Manon at events during the upcoming year and are eager for all that it offers.
Meeting Update
President Brett Mauthe hosted the meeting with Robert Mast stepping in to act as Sarge.
50/50
Gloria Beck did her best to select the lucky card but was unsuccessful.
Guests of Rotary:
Jason Taylor: Community Development and Sponsorship Coordinator, Red Deer Curling Club Club
Anthony
Kabolobari Bornu, guest of Zainab Mohamoud
Friend of Rotary
Gina Belich: Inclusion Alberta
Visiting Rotarian
Duane Evans: Sylvan Lake
Manon Mitchell: District Governor 5360.Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown
Kurt Kowalchuk: Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown
Ray Miller
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Duane Evans: Invitation to all Rotarians to annual social event he holds at his place.Looks like fun and a great opportunity to meet some new people.
Jerry Pasman: Looking forward to leaving on Wednesday for annual car trip- Destination: A surprise! Angry and disillusioned by those who have chosen to vandalize vehicles at his business 6 times this week.
Adele Poratto: Kudos to Parkland Garden Centre and Zainab on the fundraiser for the Afro Caribbean Festival in August. Looking forward to moving to Red Deer in the fall as house sold in 30 days.
Zainab: Thanks to Gloria and Adele for the support for the fundraiser this weekend.
Jason Taylor: Shared information of the wide variety of functions that happen at the Red Deer Curling Club during the year.
Judith McIntyre: Had the time of her life as part of the Country Pride Dance Club as they participated as one of the challenges for the Amazing Race Canada. The line dancing was fun and it was great to be spotted during the episode.
Membership News
Member Spotlight
Merv Thurmeier, a Rotarian of 30 years, began his lengthy career in the banking field at the age of 18. After a few years of work he was fortunate to obtain a scholarship to the University of Regina. As an account manager, he worked in Toronto for a time and then back to Saskatchewan where he managed high profile large accounts. He moved to Red Deer in 1994, deciding that the windy city of Lethbridge would not suit him. He retired from his banking career in 2003 and then worked for 5 years with Collins Barrow. Merv and his wife Anne have enjoyed the recent years, spending a portion of the winter in warmer climates. He has been an active volunteer with the Westerner Board, Chamber of Commerce, Red Deer Golf and Country Club, and St Mary's Church. Merv is committed to giving back to his community. He has served on numerous Rotary boards and committees, was President and is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. Merv and his wife Anne have been married for 55 years and have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. We thank Merv for his continued dedication to Rotary and serving his community.
Community & Project Updates
Inclusion Alberta
Gina Belich reports that 2 clients have obtained employment. Canyon Ski Hill has employed 1 client for summer work and the other client will be working in Olds as a mechanic.
Belize Literacy Project
Please see attached for the monthly newsletter detailing updates. Click here
July 14/25
Please send all articles for inclusion to: theflash@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
Mark Your Calendar
Thurs. Oct 30: Black Tie Bingo
May 1-3, 2026: District Conference 2026 in Red Deer
