In November 2021, Rick was suddenly thrust into the Presidency from the Vice-President’s position after the difficult Zoom era of Covid. As the President, he lowered the temperature and had us take a moment to breathe.

On the advice of Don Wales, Rick introduced the Consent Agenda approach to meetings, with committee reports being submitted one week prior to the board meeting for review. This approach reduced the length of our board meetings and AGM. Rick did a lot of preparation for these consent meetings, including an incremental review of the Policy and Standard Operating Procedures manuals. He would select small chunks and then assign the Board their homework to review and make changes, walking us through this process. Some of the policies dated back to the 90’s, others to the early 2000’s.

Rick purchased a new computer for the RDRN and up-graded Microsoft Office 365. His proficiency with the Access database streamlined the management of our membership database. He also worked with Peggy Birse, who RDRN hired for one year as our Recording Secretary, with the successful CIP application to help support Nature Central (NC) and the Habitat Steward program. During the summers when we had NC staff, Rick attended meetings and events and provided support as required.

In May 2022, Rick had a serious health episode while riding his bike near Lacombe. He was treated in Red Deer and quickly rushed by ambulance to Edmonton where from May 1 – 25, following heart surgery, he was nearly lost to his family and friends. Fortunately, he then quickly recovered was back to chair a special RDRN meeting on June 5. He continues to chair all our regular meetings and works diligently behind the scenes to ensure that our organization runs smoothly.

He also put together a list of passwords for Board members to access the board portal on the RDRN website as well as the RDRN information on the Community Foundation’s site. He also worked diligently to organize meeting minutes, agendas and reports for the years 2021 to 2023. He sorted them into sleeves in three binders, where they will be housed in the Red Deer and District Archives.

Together with our Treasurer, Bob Krutchen, Rick was able to obtain a RDRN Mastercard and set the accounts up to accept e-transfers, thus making it easier to accept membership renewals and donations.

Rick worked with the Communications Committee on rebranding the RDRN “look” that had been in use since 1976. RDRN hired Doug Pedersen to design a new RDRN logo and letterhead, as well as logos for Nature Central, Habitat Steward and Adopt-a-Stream. Rick also worked with the committee to develop a new brochure as well as a pop-up banner. He also took the initiative to order RDRN pins, t shirts and vests for board members and summer staff as well as to sell at monthly meetings.

Rick’s liaison work in the community on behalf of RDRN—including with the Community Foundation of Central Alberta and Warren Sinclair—has been pivotal to the current success of RDRN. Rick is passionate about environmental issues like the loss of natural habitat and is pragmatic in his response on behalf of RDRN. He has written letters to the powers that be on issues ranging from development proposals in Red Deer to the “problem” grizzly bear hunt.

Thank you for all you do Rick.