The focus of the meeting was examining proposed changes to existing bylaws. Copies of revisions had been circulated and members were encouraged to provide feedback. Michael Keyes, lawyer from Warren Sinclair, was in attendance to answer questions and provide clarification. Angela McKenna, board secretary, and Darcy Mykytyshyn, interim co president, moderated the conversations. Topics that were discussed included corporate memberships, fee structure, and creating an opportunity for members to initiate discussions on special business. Also discussed were honorary memberships, and how bylaws will reflect the new board structure. It is important to note that the purpose of these bylaws is to offer guidance to the board when creating policy procedures that will guide committee work. All bylaws and the resulting policies will ensure that the values and objectives of Rotary are reflected.
Feedback from the meeting was collected and changes will be made. These changes will be circulated to all members before April 7/25. The goal is to approve the bylaws at the April 28 business meeting. As April 28th is Election Day and many members are committed to election responsibilities, a way in which those not present at the meeting to vote on the bylaws will be investigated. Thanks to the Board and in particular Angela McKenna and Darcy Mykytyshyn for their work with Michael Keyes on the bylaw revisions.
Meeting Update
Darcy Mykytyshyn was the host for the monthly Business Meeting. Daria Zmiyiwsky kept all on their toes as Sarge. Fines were levied on all tables that did not have a good distribution of males and females- a reminder to spice up your Rotary lunchtime by sitting with a mix of people!
Those with March birthdays were serenaded with the singing of the traditional birthday song. In case anyone noticed- we were treated to birthday cake last week and those present quite enjoyed it!
50/50 draw saw Victor Maris hold the winning ticket and lead all in the 4 Way test. However, he was not able to select the lucky card to be the winner of the pot.
Visiting Rotarians
Bryan Wilson: Rotary East
Guests of Rotary
Burton Bailey: guest of Ray McBeth
Michael Keyes (Warren Sinclair law firm): guest of Angela McKenna
Jason Markle: guest of Leann Scarlett and potential member
Mefibe Soulemamou: guest of Zainab Mohamoud
Rotary Convention News: Jack Panteluk
Hurry and get your registration in before the prices rise! Beginning April 1 registration fees will be $695 US.
Looking for accommodation? Hotel blocks are opening up so check it out.
It would be great to have a large group of members attending this opportunity to learn more about Rotary and how we are working together to make the world a better place. Attending a conference is truly an awe inspiring event!
The Calgary Hosting Organizing Committee for the 2025 Rotary International Convention has unveiled the updated website at www.rotarycalgary2025.org.
Get ready to join us in Calgary to honor the diversity, unity, and influence of Rotary's worldwide community!
And guess what? We're gonna blow your socks off!
The countdown to the convention kickoff is at 95 days! Visit the website today and begin mapping out your journey to experience the enchantment of "Magic All Around."
If you have not already done so, please register for the conference before the fees go up. On April 1/25 they will rise from $625 US to $695 US. (If only I was young again- rates for those age 19-30 are $225 US !) The main website page for the convention is http://convention.rotary.org
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Dawna Allard: On the mend after 8 weeks of a fibula fracture. Expressed sadness at the closing of the well used overdose prevention site and concern for the future for those that used it.
Darcy Mykytyshyn: Proud of son Sam's achievements at a recent Jasper ski event. Sam placed 5th in Gran Slalom, 2nd in Slalom, and 3rd overall in his age group. Sam achieved his goal of making the podium this year.
Adele Poratto: Will be gone for the next 2 weeks as she will be attending a funeral in Ontario and then off to celebrate a birthday with family and friends in Kelowna.
Victor Maris: Very happy to be back after their stay in Palm Desert. Victor and Thelma's stay had a few more adventures than they had planned on and he returned with an arm in a sling due to a biking accident.
Robert & Judith
Membership News
Established, long term members will be provided with an opportunity to give a 5 minute "elevator speech" to share their Rotary story with others. What a great way for members to learn more about each other.
Rotarian of the Month
This month we recognize Robert Mast, a Rotarian since 2001. Robert has served in many capacities including co-president and on many committees. He is always ready to lend a hand to whatever is required, be that fund raising, loading chairs, garbage pickup, Christmas concert entertainer, Sarge, and any projects that need support. Robert is a source of knowledge for new Rotarians, always being ready to answer questions or explain procedures. He reached Mt. Everest base camp as part of the 2012 Rotary Everest Trek raising money for the Sir Edmund Hilary foundation which supported building schools for Nepali children. Robert also shares his passion for a healthy life style by volunteering on dental missions to locations that are lacking regular dental care. He is involved in the running community as a keen volunteer and participant. Robert demonstrates his commitment to the 4 Way test in all ways and is a truly worthy recipient for this award.
Community & Project Update
Rotary After 5
Join us at Sawback Brewing on Thursday, April 10 from 5-8 p.m. for a time of fellowship and conversation. Please bring your spouse, friend, or a future Rotarian! Sawback's offers a wide variety of beverages, including non-alcoholic choices. They also have a great selection of appies. Sawbacks is a great supporter of community events and have been part of the Beers For Belize Gift Package program since the beginning!
Blood Donor Challenge- Eric Madsen
Each month Rotary Sunrise organizes a blood donor clinic and social on the 1st Wednesday of each month. It is a great way to meet members from other clubs and support the ongoing need for blood. The Rotary Blood Challenge, Wednesday, April 2nd is coming up. They are back to a favourite spot, Cilantro and Chive, Red Deer, after a really great time at Tollers in Lacombe. Around 20 people from 3 different clubs attended and kicked off the spring weather with great food and great support for blood donations.
Please sign up if you are able to attend, either for donating blood or coming for the social. This allows the restaurant to plan for our arrival. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/GiveBlood2#/
When: Wednesday, April 2nd, 5 pm – 8:30 pm closing
Where:Cilantro and Chive, 1927 50 Ave, Red Deer
Why: To support those who can and are donating blood this month… and to hang out!
What:Complementary Crème Brule for those who donated blood within the last month and have a GIVER STICKER to show!
If you are donating blood, please make sure they know that you are donating on behalf of Rotary. ttps://www.blood.ca/en ... This gets you to the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) website
2025 Rotary Blood Challenge Restaurant Line-up – so far:
April 2nd Cilantro and Chive, Red Deer
May 7th 53 on Ross, Red Deer
June 4th Taco Loft, Red Deer
July 2nd Zainab’s Coffee House, Red Deer
March 31/25
Please send all information to be included in The Flash to : theflash@rotary clubofreddeer.ca
From the Executive
An email will be sent to all members by April 7 that will provide updated bylaws that reflect the feedback received today at the meeting. Please read carefully and be prepared to vote on them at the April 28 Business Meeting.
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday April 2: Blood Donor Challenge/ Social with local clubs. Cilantro and Chive
Thursday April 10: Rotary After 5: Sawback Brewery
Wed. May 7: Blood Donor Challenge. 53rd on Ross
Thursday May 8: Rotary After 5
Saturday May 31. Rotary Branches Out- Tree Planting.
Wed June 4: Blood Donor Challenge. Taco Loft
Thursday, June 12: Rotary After 5
Wed July 2: Blood Donor Challenge Zainab's Coffee House
the meeting was examining proposed changes to existing bylaws. Copies of revisions had been circulated and members were encouraged to provide feedback. Michael Keyes, lawyer from Warren Sinclair, was in attendance to answer questions and provide clarification. Angela McKenna, board secretary, and Darcy Mykytyshyn, interim co president, moderated the conversations. Topics that were discussed included corporate memberships, fee structure, and creating an opportunity for members to initiate discussions on special business. Also discussed were honorary memberships, and how bylaws will reflect the new board structure. It is important to note that the purpose of these bylaws is to offer guidance to the board when creating policy procedures that will guide committee work. All bylaws and the resulting policies will ensure that the values and objectives of Rotary are reflected. 
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