We welcomed Claude laPalme and Matthew Whitfield from the Red Deer Symphony.
A native of Quebec, Claude grew up in a musical family that was very focused on culture and politics. Claude has been the musical director since 1990 and has received numerous international awards and conducted across numerous continents. He was also the recipient of a 2023 Juno with Rosa Barocca, for classical Album of the Year. Claude was honored with a Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal.
The Red Deer Symphony is Central Alberta's only professional symphony. The 6 Main Series Concerts are well subscribed by the local community. Seats for Students and Musical for Mental Health initiatives help to provide free tickets to many who would not be able to attend. Open rehearsals are held 2-3 times a year which provide the opportunity to observe the concert preparations. Free concerts are also held at the Red Deer Public Library during the year. Free community concerts are also held at venues such as Skywings, Heritage Ranch, and Bo's Bar and Grill allowing classical music to be enjoyed in a less formal setting. Choir Kids, a program running since 1998, sees school choirs and the symphony collaborate and offer a concert for family and friends.
The financial future of the Red Deer Symphony looks brighter due to the formation of an endowment fund that, as it grows, will produce additional revenue that will allow the current programming to continue and perhaps expand. Due to an active media presence and frequent opportunities to experience the symphony at a lower cost and numerous community events there has been a growth in awareness of the Symphony in Red Deer. It was interesting to learn that currently 10% of current musicians are from the Red Deer area. It is hoped the number will grow in the future. Questions were plentiful and it was clear that many members are long time supporters of the Symphony.
Check out the Red Deer Symphony website for more information. http://rdso.ca
Meeting Update
Dean Williams hosted the meeting. Patricia Arango filled the duties of Sarge.
Guests of Rotary
Gina Belich
Oly Afrouowe
Ify Egeibe
Somehow the 50/50 draw was omitted- perhaps in the excitement of learning more about the Symphony! Next week it will be back.
Don't forget to sign up to attend the RI Convention in June. Great sessions are happening that you do not want to miss. We already have a contingent going from Red Deer- it would be great to have even more be part of this opportunity that is right on our doorstep. The Calgary Hosting Organizing Committee for the 2025 Rotary International Convention has unveiled the updated website at www.rotarycalgary2025.org.
Sign up to be a Host at our Red Deer Rotary sponsored Dinner event June 23rd from 4-10pm. This is a great western themed casual event - even a bus to take you to and from the Stampede grounds to the event! As a club, we will be allowed to have 16 people act as "hosts" and attend our event from our club. As this event is being supported by All three of the Rotary clubs in Red Deer. What a cool experience to HOST such an event and showcase our beautiful county and surroundings. We have picked a very breathtaking venue for this event that you will not want to miss out on. Cost of this Event is $50.00 per person and you can register for it online, but only if you are registered already for the RI Conference. If you have not registered yet, don't worry we can still put you down for a spot on the list while you finalize your registration plans. Aliesha Shuparksky has sent an email today to each member with a link to the sign up sheet- it is first come first serve for the 16 SPOTS available for our club to be hosts so don't delay! Contact Aliesha to get help with signing up. Sign up sheet:
Chris Warren: Glad to be back after spending 3 months in Hawaii. Played a plethora of golf games.
Leigh Sands: Now has 4 cats in her home as she has begun to foster a toothless cat in need of love. She reassured us that feeding does not require any disgusting routines.
Dagmar Knutson: Encouraging all to attend Lacombe Rotary's East Coast Kitchen Party on June 6. Reminded all of the annual tree planting event at McKenzie Trails on Saturday May 31.
Ron Moisey: Enjoyed his 2 months in Palm Desert and was able to surprise his grandchildren in Vegas for a Warrior Game.
Merv Thurmeier: Spent 3 months in Florida but returned early to attend funeral of Barkley White, a community member known to many club members.
Diane McDonnell: Excited to have Juno winner speaking today. Hoping that Dick McDonell's spill doesn't result in too many cracked or broken ribs. Dick is at the hospital getting things checked out instead of attending the meeting!
Robert Lampard: Enjoyed his 3 months in warmer climes despite wife Sharon continuing to have difficulties at the border.
Dawna Allard: Spent weekend at WinSport watching great nephew compete in the Western Canada Sledge competition. Admired that dedication and great attitude of the competitors.
Patricia Arango: While Sendero has had cuts to funding recently they will still strive to provide excellent service to all.
Dagmar wants to remind everyone with kids in their lives the TenPeaks summer camps are back this year - reserve the kids a spot now!
This unique opportunity allows Alberta's youth to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the energy, environment, and climate sectors. Through various engaging and dynamic activities, participants will learn to program their robot and channel their ideas and creativity into solutions for the future. Steve Schultz, an award-winning science and robotics teacher, will lead the robotic camps.
Students ages 12-15 years old will have fun in five, full-day robotics camp. Through the robot's SMART world add-on, the campers will learn about sustainable technologies and possible solutions for a real-world problem: food scarcity and insecurity.
Guest speakers from organizations that use SMART farming concepts and ag-tech will inspire and engage campers. With a focus on inspiring the future innovators of our province, our summer camps provide an unparalleled opportunity for young people to get their "tech on".
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and be a part of the solution to our planet's most pressing challenges. Join the movement towards a more sustainable future.
Community & Project Updates
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. It's 2 for 1 Appies day too! Sawbacks is a great supporter of community events and have been part of the Beers For Belize Gift Package program since the beginning!
East Coast Kitchen Party in Lacombe
Like lobster? This event is back. Lacombe Rotary would love to see us join them at this event! What a great way to meet some fellow Rotarians.
Taco de Mayo May 2, 2025
Red Deer East Rotary is hosting Taco de Mayo again this year on May 2, 2025- tickets are complimentary by request. Reach out to Sharon Moffat if you would like some - a great event with lots of fun!
April 7/25
Please send all information to be included to: TheFlash@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
Mark Your Calendar
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
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