City of Red Deer mandates mask use only on City Transit for now

From the City of Red Deer

City Council passes bylaw for mandatory face coverings in City transit vehicles

Masks are required in City transit in Red Deer starting August 31, 2020, after City Council gave third reading to a Mandatory Mask Bylaw at today’s regular Council meeting.

The bylaw requires masks to be worn when riding City transit vehicles. The bylaw comes into effect on August 31, 2020, and at this time, extends until December 31, 2020.

City Council also considered mandatory masking in public spaces beyond City transit; however, this bylaw was not adopted at this time. City Council may consider it in the future, as a mechanism to be responsive should the situation change. This would be done with direction and guidance from Provincial Health Authorities.

“The topic of masking is a divisive issue in our community. Today’s decision by City Council acknowledges the need for continued diligence in protecting the health and wellbeing of all Red Deerians while respecting the ever changing realities of COVID-19 and its impact on our community,” said Mayor Tara Veer.

Under the bylaw, face coverings means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering to create a barrier that limits the transmission of respiratory droplets.

“Following City Council’s decision, masks are mandatory when people are riding City transit; however, for the time being, masks are not mandatory in other public spaces,” said Karen Mann, Emergency Management Coordinator. “We still encourage citizens to use masks voluntarily when needed, and when 2 metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained in public spaces.”

The fine for non-compliance is $50; however, The City’s preference is to educate prior to issuing tickets and fines.

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Former student lovingly remembered by classmates

Published on September 23, 2020

Todayville

From Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

A former Father Henri Voisin School student, Julie Burke, was lovingly remembered today through an outdoor blessing and dedication ceremony.

The Julie Burke Memorial Bench was unveiled to the Father Henri Voisin School community and blessed by Father Jan. Julie’s family, division senior administration and Grade 5 student leaders were in attendance in a socially distanced manner.

The memorial bench will be a friendship bench for students.

Julie’s former Grade 4 teacher, Jessica Maloughney, fondly remembers Julie as a girl who was full of kindness and bravery, despite her illness, and says that the bench will, “be a symbol of Julie’s love and bravery. Even though Julianna is no longer here with us, she lives on in all of our hearts. When a student is brave enough to sit on the bench, waiting for a friend – Julie will be there with them. When one of you sees someone sitting on this bench, and invites them to play – Julie will be with you too.”

Father Henri Voisin School Principal, Jeff Tuchscherer, added, “we feel extremely blessed and privileged to have been provided this bench by the Burke family. It will honour Julie’s memory and provide a powerful reminder of the value of friendship, as well as the importance of bravery. Present and future students will vastly benefit from this legacy of a child that lived her life with steadfast love in her heart for all.”

The Julie Burke Memorial Bench faces the school playground and will serve as a reminder to all the students at Father Henri Voisin School that nothing is more important than friendship and kindness, just like Julie believed.

Father Henri Voisin School serves over 385 Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 students in Red Deer. As a learning institution, Father Henri Voisin School is committed to serving students with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings.

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Great organization marking milestone anniversary

Published on September 19, 2020

Todayville

Story by Amelia Schofield

Photo by Yolanda Genu:

Richelle Belzerowski, Executive Director, Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Kim Storey, Senior Operating Officer at the hospital and Tracy Reberger, Acute Care Manager, stand next to one of the isolation carts purchased in 2018 by the Friends. The carts store the personal protective equipment staff require on their rounds.

Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre celebrate milestone

This month marks 40 years that the Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre (RDRHC) have supported the facility to the tune of around $10 million raised to date toward patient comfort and care.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our 40th anniversary. This is an important milestone, and speaks to the commitment and dedication of our staff, volunteers and board members,” says Richelle Belzerowski, executive director of the Friends.

Since 1980, the group has focused its efforts on fundraising for equipment, supplies and services to enhance care for patients and families.

Over the years, their contributions have ranged from purchasing televisions and tablets for patients to enjoy, comfort items for moms and dads suffering the loss of a child, and enhancements such as new hospital furniture, blanket warmers, blood pressure monitors and more.

“We’re so thankful to the Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre for their long-time support of our hospital,” says Kimberly Storey, Senior Operating Officer, RDRHC.

“Their contributions over the past four decades, along with those of the groups before them, have had a tremendous impact on the care we provide our patients. We couldn’t be more grateful for their support, and look forward to our continued partnership for years to come.”

Tracy Reberger, Acute Care Manager for the Palliative Care and Oncology unit at RDRHC, has worked at the hospital for more than 25 years and has witnessed first-hand the difference these contributions make for patients.

According to Reberger, the Friends have supported the purchase of several pieces of equipment for her unit over the years. More recently, their donations funded new over-bed tables for each patient, specially-designed mattresses to prevent pressure wounds as well as bedside baskets to provide nurses with easy access to pulse oximeters, thermometers and blood monitors.

“Our patients are some of the sickest in the hospital, and are often facing the scariest time of their lives,” says Reberger.

“The contributions from the Friends help us provide them with the most comfortable stay we can, and go a long way to lifting the spirits of our patients.”

The Friends currently has more than 120 active volunteers who raise funds predominately through a gift and flower shop, and two cafes on-site at the hospital. They also participate in charitable gaming and hosting events like their recent Friends of the RDRHC Charity Garage Sale.

“We also want to thank the community for their ongoing support of the Friends. Our heart and soul is invested in improving the experience of patients, and supporting our hospital’s staff. It’s with their contributions that we’re able to fulfill that mission each and every day,” says Belzerowski.

The Friends’ roots reach all the way back to 1904 at the Red Deer Memorial Hospital, where they were then known as the Hospital Women’s Aid, truly a visionary group for its time. Later, their name changed to the Women’s Auxiliary to the Red Deer General Hospital, before eventually becoming the Friends of the RDRHC.

For more information on the Friends of the RDRHC and how to get involved, visit friendsoftherdrh.com or call Richelle Belzerowski at 403-343-4520.