We were joined by Rob Saik who shared insights regarding GMO, demands on agriculture, demands on our population to be responsible citizens of our environment as we produce food. He challenged all to check labels to determine whether things are actually GMO (eg. how do you genetically modify Himalyan Rock salt? !) The concept of altering plant genetics to produce gmo organisms has been widely successful with canola. The modification has createwd a way to make crops herbicide resistant and the manipulation of proteins ensures the weeds are killed not the plant. Crops can be grown with less tillage and less chemicals. We are also now producing some crops that are insect resistant without the use of chemical spraying. Rod also questioned why we are not using the same technology (MRNA) that was used to produce vaccines against COVID to support the requirements in the agriculture industry. Rod challenged all to examine our assumptions and practices as we move into a world of sophisticated schience.
Weekly Meeting Update
President Phil chaired the meeting with Sarge Daria. Members were asked to share stories of how they celebrated Mother's Day. We heard tales of restaurant and breakfast recommendations, the significance of red and white carnations, celebrating with young family members, carrying on family traditions across generations. All activities celebrated women, past and present, for their contributions.
Guests of Rotary
Adi: guest of Ray Rogers
Daryl Knutson: guest of Dagmar K
Dharmesh: guest of Donna P and Daria
Tanya Wolf: guest of Darcy M
Partner of Rotary
Gina Belich
Gerry W tried to win the 50/50 draw but was unsuccessful.
Happy/Sad and other Fun Things
Don O: Mourning the loss of Rex Murphy- the Champion of Canada. We were fortunate to have had him for our celebration last year. He also showed us bronze plaques to be installed on park benches at our Legacy site June 17. These
plaques are in memory of our late, great Rotarians Ray Dunham, Mel Hough, and Ken Ing.
Donna P: Encouraging all to attend the Smart Manufacturing Tech Expo next Wednesday and Thursday
Darcy: Enjoyed the visit from Australian visitors met 25 years ago on a Contiki tour.
Jerry : Car racing season began and was able to race well. However car no longer works. Needs a good mechanic?
Ray: Enjoyed and Rotary East Taco de Mayo event last Saturday along with at least 6 other club members. Great fundraiser for the Food Bank
Diane M: Lending Cupboard Ladies luncheon was enjoyed by over 380 women recently. Shared her travel exploits in 1982 included a camel and elephant ride.
Daria: Excited about upcoming 10 day fishing trip with her husband.
Community Service
Rotary Branches Out
You are invited to the fourth annual Rotary Branches Out! Tree Planting Day
When: Sat. June 1. 10.00 am -12.00 pm
Where: Mackenzie Trails main parking lot (look for the Rotary Banner)
What: Planting 16" white spruce saplings (last year we planted 1200)
Bring your own spade, but if you don’t have one, the City has 100 spades for us to use. Weyerhaeuser gives a 10 min eco talk so we know how and why we are planting saplings. Pizza and pop are available at noon for all youth.
Everyone is welcome - youth groups, families, fellow Rotarians, students, and youth needing volunteer hours.
Dagmar is also looking for a few more volunteers for that day. Please contact her.
Save the Date for the Legacy Project
Community Partners
One of our Community Service Grants this year was providing $2,000 in funds for First Aid Training to members of the Army Cadets program. This grant aligns with our funding priority this year for YOUTH, as suggested by our members.
Not only are we helping provide first aid, the Cadet Program provides opportunities for youth to gain valuable knowledge and skills that build confidence and help pave the way in a transition to adulthood. Cadets engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness."
Cheque Presentation to Red Deer Special Olympics Alberta
The Club also had the cheque presentation for our donation to support Red Deer Special Olympics Alberta. We supported the cost of sending 60 athletes and 16 coaches to the qualifying competitions for the 2025 Special Olympics Provincial Games. The funds provided enable athletes to attend the competitions at minimal cost to themselves with the possibility of advancing to the National Games.
Support from the Rotary Club of Red Deer helps give our organization the ability to pay the majority of the costs for these competitions meaning the athletes, most of whom are receiving some form of provincial financial support, are able to attend without worrying about financial constraints.
The Rotary Club of Red Deer will receive recognition in the Special Olympics newsletter, as well as on their social media platforms. A representative will also be invited to attend our annual Christmas party and awards/recognition evening in December.
May 13/24
Please send articles/information to be included in the weekly Flash by Tues. afternoon. Send to: TheFlash @rotaryclubofreddeer.ca
We are happy to include any information for the good of Rotary.
Dates to Remember
Sat. June 1: Rotary Branches Out at Mackenzie Trails
Thurs. June 13: Rotary After 5, Patio Edition. Toad and Turtle
Mon. June 17: Official celebration for our Legacy Project
Wed. July 17: Westerner Parade
Sun. July 28: Sendoff BBQ for Charlotte, our outward bound exchange student. More details to come.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join the SQUARE team and help check in members as they arrive. Ingrid and her team are always looking for people to join, especially as summer is a busy time.
Cycling Without Age
Please check out their Facebook page. They are also seeking volunteers to bring a smile to many seniors by giving them a chance to explore the trails of Red Deer in the tri shaws. Talk to Ingrid if interested.
Not able to pedal the bike? Opportunities exist to sponsor rides. Check the Facebook page.
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