This Rotor can also be found on the FRONT PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE,
on the right side (where it used to be).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
May is Rotary Youth Service Month - see below;
May 29 – Fellowship evening in the Hoeft’s backyard – a fine evening of togetherness – depending on what is brought to the venue there could be chips, peanuts, and other treats, coffee and tea will be available, other drinks are on the attendee;
Jun 2 – In-person meeting at the Delta hosted by the RC of Regina;
Jun 3 - 7:00 P.M. - International Service Projects Committee meets via ZOOM;
Jun 12 – Regina Eastview meets via ZOOM;
Jun 19 - In-person meeting at the Delta hosted by Regina Eastview, when we will hear from 2 young people whose lives were impacted by a Rotary created opportunity in Rotary's Youth Service Month;
June 21-25 – Rotary International Convention in Calgary;
July 4 – 17th Annual Lyle Piett Memorial Golf Tournament at Tor Hill – invite your family and friends.
PHOENIX RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WITH SHEILA WIGNES-PATON
Regina Eastview In-Person meetings unfold as they do with out a hitch, is because there is stuff going on that most of us do not see. We arrive and are greeted by smiling faces - today it was Doreen Pankewich and Al Hillsden. The audio / visiual requirements have been considered and looked after, and today as on most Delta Thursday's that is, Peter Neufeldt, and President Al or his replacement is prepared to carry the noon luncheon. Today President Al looked bright and ready. Thank you Doreen, Allen, Peter N. and President Al, for your attention as the preparedness crew.
President Al Hoeft set the stage for efficiency, led us in our Land Acknowledgement, Allen Hillsden took us through our National Anthem, the President provided appropriate thanks for the banquet table and we entered the quiet time as munching became the focus. Post-meal Ann Grahame reminded us of the commonness of courage and stupidity, which left us remembering those times in our lives - for me the learning came more from the latter than the former. New member induction was a highlight in two instances, 1st when President Al presented Deidre with her Rotary pin, which he found on the floor, and 2nd when Deidre won the 50/50 by finding the white marble in the box. Regina Eastview rarely treats new inductee's so well.
President Al introduced Guest Speaker Sheila Wignes-Paton, Executive Director of Phoenix Residential Services and invited her to share the Services story. From Sheila we learned Phoenix Residential Services was incorporated in 1977, with its stated VISION of Strengthening Community by Supporting Recovery, based on a MISSION 'To provide recovery oriented services that foster empowerment, promote hope, and build connectedness in the community'; and, guided by stated VALUES, 'Safety; Trauma and Culturally Informed; Integrity; Connections; Person-Centered'. they currently serve over 220 residents in their 8 programs. Their programs are for persons with mental health diagnosis, brain injuries and persons experiencing homelessness in programs ranging from 24/7 staffed facilities to supporting persons living throughout the community. Their supportive services range from accessing life skills and wellness classes to advocacy and assistance with attendance at appointments with doctors, probation and crisis intervention.
Partnerships are key and they connect with over 50 agencies and individuals such as the Salvation Army, Regina Food Bank, Ranch Ehrlo and Carmichael Outreach. They have 75 fulltime employees and 155 part time and casual staff and extremely important Peer Support Specialists. They are big supporters of and believers in Truth and Reconciliation.
HOMES housing First Program - they have 40 residents supported in the community which are staffed 14 hours per day/7 days a week funded by Saskatchewan Health Authority. Also the Lovering Program which assists 36 individuals living in a 24/7 staffed facility funded by the Provincial Approach to Homelessness.
The Program has completed a 4 year study which has demonstrated that housing first for 49 clients estimated the overall cost savings during that 4 year period was $2,267,759.oo. Sheila shared quotes from residents of their programs which remind the community of the personal values experienced by their clients. Their programs demonstrated that individuals need support and services to maintain housing. All of their residents are at risk of becoming homeless if they weren't receiving services. There are cost savings and positive impacts on the community when vulnerable people have a good place to live and are supported. Funding for their program comes from various sources including Saskatchewan Health Authority, Ministry of Social Services and SGI and they receive funding for specific initiatives, such as supporting the Truth and Reconciliation initiatives.
Thank you, Sheila Wignes-Paton, for providing us with a glimpse of the Phoenix Residential Services Story which is making a difference to so many vulnerable people in Regina.
Every month is a time to support and encourage the youth in our family's and communities. Every year more than 350,000 young people develop leadership skills and a desire for community service through Rotary youth programs. During Rotary Youth Service Month in May, Rotary members celebrate these future leaders' impact on the world. Find ways to highlight youth programs and read this blog post from Ivan Vianna, who has more than 50 years experience in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Ivan took part in his exchange from Brazil to the United States in 1968. That exchange set the stage for his son and granddaughter to follow his Rotary experience footsteps. It is the Magic of Rotary!
FAMILY OF ROTARY
President Al, invited Regina Eastview's Doreen Pankewich to the Podium, and on behalf of the Chair of The Rotary Foundation (TRF), presented Doreen with a pin to recognize Doreen in achieving Paul Harris Fellow +6 (PHF+6) Status.
To become a Paul Harris Fellow a person must contribute (or on whose behalf is contributed) $1,000.00 (US$) to TRF;
Doreen was also called on to present the Club's proposed 2025-2026 budget, which projects an increase in our membership and an increase in the annual membership fee;
In the absence of a quorum an e-mail vote will be conducted in the coming days - watch for it and please participate.
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
There were a number of highlights today, but none greater than the induction of a new member;
President Al invited Deidre Powell, to the podium and led in Deidre’s induction into the family of Rotary;
While the Induction is specific to a person, in this case Deidre, it also serves to remind all Rotarians of the importance of our service to the Club, Community and Internationally (around the world). Because 'Service Above Self', is undertaken, in Regina Eastview's instance, in partnership with 40 plus Club members, working together to enhance the lives of less fortunate people;
Welcome to Rotary, Deidre S. Powell;
PDG Doug Mortin shared the Ripple Effect Program story which is a Rotary District 5550 Partnership with RI District 4350 in Guatemala which is a Literacy & Basic Education Program impacting for good the quality of education of children in Guatemala;
In 2009 Doug and PDG Peter Neufeldt participated in a Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser in Saskatoon sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee. It seemed a light went on in these two minds which concluded that a project like this could provide funds for our Club's participation in the Ripple Effect Program;
This led to these two Bikers carrying out an annual Ripple Effect Ride which has raised just under $150,000.00 for Regina Eastview's participation in the Ripple Effect Program in the 14 previous rides;
Best wishes, Peter & Doug, on a safe ride on July 12, 2025. May the wind be at your back for a portion, and the road clearly visible regardless of direction;
Hope to see you in the Hoeft's back yard next Thursday evening.
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“Courage is knowing it might hurt and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. That’s why life is so hard”.Jeremy Goldberg
Today's guests
It was a fine day for Guests, as we welcomed Guest Speaker Sheila Wignes-Paton, prospective member Deidre S. Powell, and the always appreciated Visiting Rotarian from the RC of Regina, Doug Keam. A 'Tip of the Hat' to the 3 of you for having a positive impact on our Rotary day experience.
Next Meeting Responsibilities
Doreen Pankewich Congratulated by President Al Hoeft for Achieving PHF +6
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