THE REGINA FLORAL CONSERVATORY WITH PRESIDENT, RON SHARPE, AND VICE PRESIDENT MARIANA HINOJOSA CENTELLA
President Jayna welcomed everyone to the meeting and following the Land Acknowledgement introduced Ron and Marinana, both volunteers with the Conservatory. They both spoke about the beauty of the Conservatory and what it is all about. Mariana, speaking from Mexico, talked about the beauty of the place and especially in winter. The colour, the peacefulness, the friendly people, the calming influence especially on one's mental health. This floral space offers one a chance to connect with nature.
Ron was born in Moose Jaw, and has been in Regina since 1970. Following training in electronics and computer courses, time with SaskTel and 30 years as a Civilian member with the RCMP, in 2023 he became a member of the Regina Garden Associates/Regina Floral Conservatory and President in 2025.
Ron told us about the work entailed in operating this space. The building is owned by the City of Regina but everything inside is managed by the Regina Garden Associates, all volunteers. Membership has risen from 300 in December to 600. Membership is $25/year. There are 100 active volunteers who carry out all the tasks. Many school age children visit every morning to learn about plants and and prepare one to take home. Ron provides IT service and maintenance. The Conservatory operates on donations.
Ron spoke about plans for the development of a new Floral Conservatory in Wascana Park facing the water on Lakeshore Drive. The City has shown interest. A new facility would require paid employees to look after various areas. An estimated cost is $25-50 million. Ron urged everyone to write their MLAs, City Councillors, and federal representatives. It would be a dream come true and a legacy for all.
Thank you Ron and Mariana for sharing information about the Conservatory and plans for development. Anyone can go for a visit with a friend, take a treat with you and enjoy a cup of tea in this floral oasis. We wish you well in your plans and thank you for all of your efforts for this little centre of beauty in our city.
Ron and Mariana at the Floral Conservatory
The motto of the Conservatory is Growing Wellness. With the enthusiasm and passion Ron and Mariana have for the Conservatory, their dream of a new beginning will come true.
Rotary Action Groups
Rotary Action Groups of Rotarians and non Rotarians are independent entities affiliated with Rotary that each have a specific humanitarian focus, such as economic development, peacebuilding, addiction prevention, ending modern slavery, or environmental sustainability.
The 2025 annual report on Action Groups indicates the following:
There are 26-RI recognized Action Groups with just under 35,000 members in over 150 countries.
There are just under an average of 1050 members in a group.
They have supported just under 2200 projects and 14 of the 26 groups supported at least 1 Rotary Foundation funded project and have raised $542,000 solely for supporting projects
As you know 2 of our Eastview members belong to a Rotary Action Group—Peter Peters to the WASH Rotary Action Group and Peter Neufeldt to the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
To get involved, go to myrotary.org Rotary Action Groups. You’ll need to create a My Rotary account to access the directory.
FAMILY OF ROTARY
President Jayna thanked Rotarians for their attendance at the Memorial service for Glen Tressel, husband of Eastview's Pat Dell. We remembered Glen with a moment of silence. We will keep Pat and family in our thoughts and wish them courage as they move forward in a new journey.
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
President Jayna called for happy bucks.
Vic was happy the meeting was on zoom today so he did not have to venture out in the spring storm.
Peter and Margaret attended their grandson's wedding which happened to be on their 62 wedding anniversary. What a celebration that must have been. Congratulations to all.
Jayna was happy to report that her and Eghosa's 18 wedding anniversary was on Sunday. Jayna celebrated in quiet reflection on her way back from Neepawa. Congratulations to Jayna and Eghosa.
Deidre Powell is happy with her new hobby of writing poems and stories which have been published. Check out her website at deidrepowell.com. Congratulations Deidre
"SPRING IS NATURE'S WAY OF SAYING LET'S PARTY" ROBIN WILLIAMS
HAVE A GOOD WEEK
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