Today was a typical Regina Eastview day for President Jayna Amadasun, because the weather was once again a surprise. It is of course a conversation starter and we Saskatchewians wonder what people talk about where the weather never changes. Allen Hillsden led in the singing of O' Canada, Peter Peters offered thanks for the day's goodness, which was enhanced by our anticipated buffet adventure and the opportunity to spend this time together. And with that, the Guest Speaker's table was directed to the food. Attendees were just swallowing their dessert table when President Jayna was at the podium sharing the Club's Land Acknowledgement Statement. She followed this up with calling Sam Berg to introduce our Guest Speaker.
Sam told us that Dale Edward Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online, and has, to his name more than 2,000 articles and columns in Canada and the United States. Our Guest has experience in news, sports, current affairs and feature writing. He has worked at the local and network level and has been an anchor, disk jockey, editor, producer, reporter, researcher and writer. As a university instructor and corporate trainer, Dale has guided and mentored board members, CEOs, politicians, university professors, senior executives and communications professionals. As a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), Dale tests new cars and trucks and serves as a judge for the AJAC car of the year awards. Comfortable in front of cameras, and equally so in front of people, Dale has served as a host, MC and after-dinner speaker. Dale is the author of the book, The LAST BEST CAR – THE 67-X, the focus of his quality presentation to car buff's and those of us who caught a sense of what this was all about. .
Through the masterful use of slides, photos, music, song and well researched commentary our Guest introduced us to the 67 X. It is a story that involves the National Hockey League (NHL). It involves Esso, and its parent company, Imperial Oil sponsors of Hockey Night in Canada and the selection of each games 3 Stars. It involves George Barris, who designed the Bat Mobile used in the Batman TV series in the 1960s . The story connects Expo 1967, which was hosted in Montreal. It was also the 50th Anniversary of the National Hockey League and the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Maple Leafs who played in the finals.
Esso approached George Barris to design a special car for Expo 67 and it became 67x. Barris started with a 1967 Olsmoble Toronado because at the time it was the only car with front wheel drive so the car could be stretched and not be hindered by drive shaft challenges. Esso had four of these cars built and these would be given away to some lucky winners. All one had to do was fill up your tank at an Esso station and every time you did your name was entered for the next draw. Children encouraged gas consumption so the family could win one of those the cars. Esso stations across the nation happy for the opportunity to participate.
Dale Johnson, who has traced the ownership of these vehicles over the past 60 years and reminded us that the late Ray Korpus, former member of Regina Eastview purchased one of these four 67x cars and it is still in the Korpus family.
Thank you, Dale Edward Johnson, for sharing your enthusiasm for the Last Best Car and how it warms the hearts of Canadians for our loved Country.
Dale Edward Johnson
Author, Broadcaster and Journalist
WORLD IMMUNIZATION WEEK 24-30 APRIL 2026
"Vaccines have shaped healthier lives for gener-ations and remain among the most powerful and life-saving tools in public health. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives — not by chance, but because millions of people chose to protect themselves, their children, and their communities from diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus.
Today, vaccines continue to make a difference at every stage of life. Newer vaccines against malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola and mpox are saving lives and helping people everywhere live longer, healthier lives — thanks to scientific progress and global collaboration people of all ages can live longer, healthier lives than ever before.
During World Immunization Week, we celebrate a legacy worth passing on and a powerful truth – “For every generation, vaccines work”. Under this theme, we will highlight how vaccines have safely protected families and communities for decades — and how they continue to safeguard our shared future."
There is more to this story, and you can find much more of it at:
It was April birthday announcement time and those recognized included: Jayna Amadasun (5th), Pat Dell (10th) and Doug Mortin (23rd). Congratulations to this special group of 3 - thank you for being part of the Regina Eastview community.
President Jayna invited Doreen Pankewich to the podium and presented her with Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) +7 pin recognizing Doreen's support of The Rotary Foundation.
Today's Focus - "The last Best Car"
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ROTOR
Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.
"The best thing that history yields us is the enthusiasm it generates." Goethe
Today's guests
We were delighted to welcome our Guest Speaker Dale Edward Johnson and his wife Rita Schiller. In addition it was great to have visiting Rotarian Allen Goudie (Regina), Rick Putz and George Daoud in the room and Bob Durston via ZOOM. Thank you all for enriching our time together.
Next Meeting Responsibilities
Next Thursday, April 30th, is the Spring Fling - 5:30 p.m..
