We welcomed Bill Skinner, President Rotary Club of Calgary, Heritage Park sharing Climate Change- A Rotarian's Viewpoint. A geologist with over 40 years in the field, Bill retired due to concerns regarding the environmental impact of practices in the foothills during gas and oil exploration and development projects.
He applied the 4 Way test to climate change. Is it the truth?: By 2020 scientific organizations had formally attributed climate change to humans. Is it fair to all concerned? The developed world has created most of the excess C02 while the underdeveloped world will experience most of the impact.
Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Without serious action there will be greater stress on livelihoods of many in underdeveloped countries leading to conflict and desire to migrate. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? It will affect population worldwide in a negative way.. Conclusion was that as Rotarians, we need take action for the benefit of all.
He encouraged all to consider the impact that our daily habits make and how we can examine possible changes to our habits and assumptions to change the current situation. He draws on the research of Katherine Hayhoe, Canadian author of Saving Us. As North Americans, we are responsible for a large percentage of the carbon emissions and are challenged to take personal responsibility for our actions and initiatives. A lively discussion resulted from Bill's presentation and we welcomed the opportunity to examine our current thoughts and actions.
Those attending the upcoming Rotary Convention may wish to attend the joint summit of ESRAG (Environmental Sustainabilty Rotary Action Group) and RAGCED (Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development) on Friday June 20 to further explore this topic.
Meeting Update
Darcy Mykytyshyn was the host and introduced a new procedure- we will be inviting any Rotary guests to join Robert Mast or his designate in the leading of the singing of our national anthem. The anthem will be sung out loudly and proudly! Kudos to Sharon Moffatt who joined with Robert today in this important practice.
Vince Morelli, as Sarge, shared some important events and happenings of note.
March 24,1975: The beaver was officially named the official symbol of Canada
March 22, 2025. Red Deer Rebels did not make the playoffs- next year!
March 22, 2025. Rebels 50/50 prize was over $40 000. Prize not claimed yet!
March 23/25: Federal election announced. Election Day is April 28.
The lucky ticket was held by Phil Pattison but he did not manage to pick the lucky card to win the 50/50.
Guest of Rotary
Jayson Markey
Linda McLevin: guest of Adele Poratto
Visiting Rotarian
Sharon Moffatt Rotary Club of Red Deer East
Bill Skinner:Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Adele Poratto: Happy to announce that the trishaw fleet will be expanding to 3 due to the successful grant application by Deer Park Village. Kudos to Shelley Dalueg for spearheading this.
Dean Williamson: Moment of silence for the end of the season for Red Deer Rebels. Their season ended much quicker this season than has been the norm.
Dagmar Knutson: Son is now finished with hockey and checking out opportunities in the US and Canada. 10 Peaks Innovation is offering summer camp robotics and entrepreneur opportunities for students in Grades 4-6 and middle school. Check out the 10 Peaks website or talk to Dagmar. 10 Peaks is on the shortlist for an Emerald Award, given for its efforts toward environmental excellence.
Rob Stryker: The dishwasher broke at the Pidherney Centre so we dined on paper plates (and I just thought we were having a picnic!) He is glad to be back at meetings after the completion of 34 treatments for cancer. (and we are very glad to have him back!)
Leigh Sands: Has officially adopted the diabetic foster cat, Lana. Husband Josh is back at Depot reliving his early days as an RCMP recruit.
Sharon Moffatt: Encouraging all to support Rotary Club of Red Deer's East's fundraiser, Taco de Mayo. This great Mexican themed event is in support of the Red Deer Food Bank. Please check out their website, Facebook page or members to obtain tickets for the May 2/25 event.
Rotary International Convention News
Darcy Mykytyshyn reminded all that Calgary2025 provides all with a great opportunity to attend an international convention in our "backyard". Attending a convention provides participants with a more global view of the impact that Rotary has around the world and how exciting it is to be part of that impact- truly life changing. There are still spots left at accommodation possibilities at Mt. Royal, SAIT, and local hotels. Please look at this opportunity to be part of the magic of Rotary!
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
Community & Project Updates
Soup Cookoff
Another great interclub event was held on Saturday March 22- the Soup Cookoff. Grand prize was awarded to Rotary East member, Neil Berg, for his salmon based offering. 2nd and 3rd prizes were awarded to Leann Scarlett (Dill Pickle Soup) and Linda, Aliesha Shuparsky's mother,(tortellini soup) ensuring our cub was well represented! Plans are underway for next year's event that will take place in March and will involve a dessert component. Thanks to all who attended and those who organized the event.
We Celebrate Our Community!
Since its inception, the Rotary Club of Red Deer has supported and invested more than $19 million into great causes and legacy projects, making Red Deer a
better community. Today, a substantial portion of their grant dollars comes from the sale of 50/50 tickets at Red Deer Rebels games. Rotary Club of Red Deer’s long-standing partnership with the Red
Deer Rebels has benefitted many organizations in Red Deer over the years.
At the March 22/25 Rebels game we presented cheques to some of the recipients of the Fall 2024 Community Grants. In attendance were the Red Deer Community Band Society (formerly the Red Deer Royals), the Sendero Centre (formerly the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre), Central Alberta Regional Science Fair and the Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter, all of whom will benefit from our support. As Co-President Phil Hyde said, " it is what we Rotarians do".
March 24/25
Please send all information to be included to: TheFlash@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
From the Executive
Road Show Survey
Last week a survey was sent out asking for input regarding our Road Show meetings which have seen declining attendance lately.
Thank you to everyone who has completed the Road Show Survey. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspectives on how our meetings are conducted.
For those who have not had a chance to respond, the survey will remain open until end of business on March 28th. We hope you can take the opportunity to share your feedback with us.
Our business meeting will provide an opportunity for club members to provide feedback regarding the substantial changes that are being proposed for the bylaws. A copy of the proposed changes was sent out last week to your email and members are advised to read it carefully and come prepared to ask for clarification.
Feedback provided will be used to do the final changes to the bylaws. Final approval will be sought at the April business meeting.
Sick and Visiting
Victor and Thelma Maris are returning soon from Palm Springs where Victor has undergone surgery after his bike accident. Grant Edmonds also reported that Victor will require more surgery when back in Canada. We wish him well.
Ron Whittemore is regaining strength and hopes to be back at meetings soon. Ross Fletcher's grandson is continuing to improve. Jim McPherson reports that Bill Olafson has been spotted out and about.
Mark Your Calendar
Thursday April 13: Rotary After 5: Sawback Brewery
Thursday May 8: Rotary After 5
Saturday May 31. Rotary Branches Out- Tree Planting.
