Chair – President Russell Hart opened the meeting by acknowledging that we are on Treaty 4 land. We recognize our rights and obligations under Treaty 4. As Rotarians, we seek to strengthen relationships between nations and to improve understanding of local Metis and First Nations. In doing so, we rely on our 4 Way Test as our guide in what we think, what we say and what we do.
Today’s program: Adewale Adeyemo – update on The Prairie AI Summit 2026.
Adewale announced that in collaboration with Rotary Club of Regina Eastview, we are hosting a dinner on June 11, 2026 at the Delta Hotel to hear about Artificial Intelligence. He asked what do we feel about AI? Some are scared. Some don’t know what it is. AI presents opportunities in daily life – planning a holiday, budgeting, forecasting, business efficiencies. The Summit will try to answer our questions by presenting 5 top notch speakers. The Summit will be advertised on the CTV Morning show and other appearances. We have a partnership with Bell Media to use their network.
The committee consists of Adewale, Joanna Alexander and Deepak Gupta from the Regina Club and Jayna Amadasun, Doreen Pankewich and Jeanne Alexander from the Eastview Club. Volunteers will be needed on the day of the event. We are looking for sponsors, so if anyone has contacts in the business community please approach them.
The goal is 200-250 attendees. The cost is $155 if registered before May 1, $175 thereafter. A table of 8 is $150 per person. Each Rotarian and partner is offered a preferred price of $100. Treasurer Doreen Pankewich will handle registrations and has a discount code for Rotarians.
Adewale finished by encouraging every Rotarian to come, bring their friends, buy a table.
Birthday and Anniversary Announcements
Birthdays in April – Mitch Zaba, Tim Fraser and Alison Green
Anniversaries – Allen Goudie 36 years and Moses Nkachukwu 7 years
Reports and Announcements
President Russell presented a Membership Moment. Increasing membership continues to be a priority. Two years ago Rotary International set 1200 as the required number of members for each district otherwise a failing district would be folded into adjoining districts. In 2024 our district 5550 received notice that it was in default. The good news for 2026 is that our District membership has increased to 1149 as at February 6. Congratulations to the Eastview club with a net increase of 2. In our club we are happy to have just welcomed 3 new members. But we need to do more. Each of us should consider bringing in a new member. Many of us may tend to compartmentalize our relationships with people. We have family, close friends, acquaintances, the golf club or other recreations, church, business. As you move through those relationships keep Rotary in mind. You might be surprised identifying someone who would appreciate being asked about Rotary. Inviting a friend or family member to the Prairie AI Summit 2026 might be a good first step.
Announcements:
Community Service at Souls Harbour. Sign up sheets for April 16 and May 21 are on the table.
2026 District Conference – Neepawa May 8 and 9. Registration has been extended to April 17.
The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie is hosting its 75th Anniversary Gala May 8, 2026.
Rotary International Convention – Taipei, Taiwan – June 13-17, 2026.
Eastview Spring Fling Fundraising Supper – Thursday April 30, Salvation Army Community Church,2240 13th Ave. Speaker Roughrider Alum Steve Mazurak, silent and live auction. $60 per person. Contact Eastview treasurer Doreen Pankewich.
The 50/50 pot of $47.00 was not won.
Attendance:12 members, 10 Eastview Rotarians.
Meeting Participants:
Chair – Russell Hart; Greeter – Mark Stefan; Attendance – Carole Bryant; 50/50 – Art Wakabayashi; Blessing – Ian Toms; Sound System and set up – Ian Toms/Ian Yeates; 4 Way Test – George Carson; Reporter – Al Goudie. Thanks to Carol Bryant for organizing.
Upcoming Meetings and Speakers
April 23 – Joint meeting with Eastview Club hosting at the Delta
May 4 – joint meeting with Regina Club hosting at the Delta – speaker Srivathsan (Sri) Raghavan of RBC Dominion Securities (associate of Mark Stefan) The State of World Markets.
