Jessie Smith, CEO Tourism Red Deer, was welcomed to the meeting to share the importance of tourism to the region and remind all of all the destinations and events that are in our area.  2023 saw  $1.4 billion spent in our region as a result of domestic tourism.  The benefits to the community and businesses were immense.  9.6 million visitors to Alberta spent $12 billion in 2022-23.  A video clip showcasing the recreational highlights of Red Deer were viewed.  This clip was also shown on TSN.  Major events during that were held in the city in 2024 created a $20 million impact in the region. Jessie encouraged all to promote all that Central Alberta has to offer.  We also learned that new promotions will be released in the Spring. We look forward to them.  
Check out the updated news re the 2025 Rotary International Convention
 
Exciting news for all Rotarians!
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
 

Meeting Update

Our St. Patrick's meeting was chaired by our lively host, Darcy Mykytyshyn. A warm welcome was extended to all spouses and friends attending the meeting.
Scott Robinson was the Sarge and quickly levied a surcharge on all who neglected wear the color of the day, green.  Scott also gave us a history lesson about St Patrick's Day and the customs and events that have developed over the years.  
 
Friend of Rotary:  Gina Belich
 
Guests of Rotary:
Jessie Smith: Tourism Red Deer, Guest of Lisa MacKey
Amy Siefert: 
Jamie M 
Derrel Mullen: guest of Adele Poratto
Janice Gertz: guest of Robert Mast
Carol Edmonds: guest of Grant Edmonds
 
Koldo, our international exchange student was also in attendance for the festivities.
 
Janice Gertz held the lucky number for the 50/50 draw but was not successful in selecting the lucky card.
 
Succession Committee Update: Dean Williams
Congratulations to Brett Mauthe who is willing to let his name stand for President.  Election for the new board will take place at the April business meeting.  
 
St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans
Members participated in a quick round of St. Patrick's Day facts.  Winners went home with assorted items  including Lucky Charm cereal and what now appears to be worth more than a pot of gold, a basket of green fruits and vegetables!
 
Leann, Erin, Sheryl, and Jen wearing the green!

Happy/Sad and other Fun Things

Dean Williams: Heading off to Ireland in May for 3 weeks to capture his own leprechaun and do some Guiness testing.
Angela McKenna: Marking the 1st anniversary of her father's passing with her family by dedicating a bench along the trails in his honor.
Grant Edmonds: Pleased that his 20 year old grandson, attending the U of A and member of the Golden Bears Basketball team was recently named the conference Rookie of the Year.
Diane McDonnell:  Shared a picture of a former exchange student from Turkey.  Enjoyed the Rotary After 5 at Zainub's Coffee Shop and hoping to more at next month's event. She also shared that she has been to Ireland 5 times.  Perhaps she is our local expert?
Adele Poratto: Recently celebrated the birthday of her 17 granddaughter who is a experienced entrepreneur.

Community & Project Updates

Rotary Employment Partnership
Gina Belich shared updates.  Thank you to Donna Purcell and Debbie Valyear for their years of service on this committee.  Welcome to Ray Rogers and Dylan ?? as they come aboard to share their gifts of service.  Gina shared that there are currently 22 job seekers in the Red Deer area looking for employment.  Please contact her if you know of a possible placement that may be suitable. Positions sought can be casual, part time, seasonal or full time.  
 
All Club Soup and Social- March 22
The 2nd annual gathering of the 3 local clubs takes place on Saturday, March 22 at the Eastview Community Centre from 5-9 p.m.  All are welcome to vie for the coveted title of "Best Soup Maker Extraordinaire" or be a taster at the event.  Please contact Aliesha Shuparsky (email: social@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca) if you are going to bring your award-winning soup to be judged or are planning on attending.  This will help us with numbers for planning.  Payment is $20 at the door.
 
Please invite your spouse, friend, or future Rotarian to join you.  It will be a great event!
 
Rotary After 5
 
Those that were able to brave the snowy weather of March 13 enjoyed the offerings of Zainab's Coffee House. Coffee, samosas, wine, and decadent desserts were sampled and enjoyed. Great conversation was enjoyed by all.  Definitely a place to return to for an evening of socializing! 

March 17/25

Please send all items to be published to theflash@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca

Reminder to check our Facebook and Web page!

 

From the Executive

Road Trips
In our Centennial year we started a new practice of taking our club meetings on the road a few times a year.  The idea of doing this came from the origins of Rotary when Paul Harris and his colleagues would move their meetings around Chicago so they could learn about each other's businesses and see what was happening in the broader business community. The response to Road Shows has been waning over the last few times where attendance has hovered between 20/25 Rotarians at the Red Deer Regional Hospital and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and so we would like your feedback on the future of these meetings.
Please take 5 minutes (or less) to complete our survey at https://forms.office.com/r/DGPfReizKB.  Thanks for your help.
The survey will remain active until Mar 28, 2025.  Your feedback is important and we look forward to your response.
 
Darcy Mykytyshyn
International Service Director
 

Mark Your Social Calendar

Saturday March 22: Soup Cookoff at Eastview Estates Community Hall
Thursday April 13: Rotary After 5 
Thursday May 8: Rotary After 5
Thursday June 5: Rotary After 5
 
Are you on the 50/50 schedule for the Rebels game on Saturday March 22?  Please check your schedules and let your captain know your replacement if unable to attend.   
 
 
Upcoming Events
Oct 20th Club Meeting (Red Deer Parking)
Pidherney Centre
Oct. 20, 2025
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
 
Oct 27th Club Meeting (Rotary Foundation Month / Business Meeting)
Pidherney Centre
Oct. 27, 2025
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
 
Black Tie Bingo: Dress to Dazzle!
Red Deer Resort and Casino
Oct. 30, 2025
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Shelley Dalueg
October 4
 
Christopher Warren
October 12
 
Cheryl Gascoyne
October 15
 
Bruce Buruma
October 18
 
Debbie Valyear
October 22
 
Terry Balgobin
October 22
 
Ron Moisey
October 26
 
Dagmar Knutson
October 27
 
Erin Peden
October 27
 
Robert Lampard
October 27
 
Join Date
Harold Barnes
October 17, 2012
13 years
 
Cheryl Gascoyne
October 18, 2022
3 years
 
Holly Glassford
October 18, 2022
3 years
 
Judith McIntyre
October 18, 2022
3 years
 
Scott Robinson
October 30, 2023
2 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