Today was a special day at Regina Eastview, as we welcomed 12 grade 11 and 12 students to Regina's Adventure in Agriculture Program. Held in concert with the Canadian Western Agribition, described as, 'Canada's largest livestock show and a major agriculture event held annually', Rotary's structure has change as the event is managed by the coordinated efforts of the Rotary Clubs of Regina and Regina Eastview.
President Jayna welcomed the guests, visitors and members to our gathering and called on Allen Hillsden to lead us in the singing of our National Anthem and Peter Peters shared an invocation/blessing. The President then reminded us that we are all Treaty People and shared a Club Land Acknowledgement statement. In directing traffic to the buffet table is was soon learned there was a delay in getting prepared food to the room so the President reshuffled the agenda until the buffet light turned green.
The meeting had a two stage program. The first aspect was an introduction of our special guests, the Adventure in Agriculture students
Peter Peters was invited to introduce the students which he did by sharing information provided by the students in their initial A in A participation application. Nine students are from Alberta, two students are from Saskatchewan and one student is from Manitoba. The foundation of the program is centered on the local school communities and local Rotary club connection with the business of agriculture. Certainly, future involvement by both these communities depends on the stories enthusiastic students bring back to the sending community. This enthusiasm is sparked by the A in A planning committee in Regina who create the program.
Tip of the Hat to Co-chairs Al Hoeft and Katherine Bergman
and their Committee for setting the stage for success.
Adventure in Agriculture Students 2025 flanked by Katherine Bergman & Al Hoeft
The second a component of our noon luncheon was provided by the gifted communicator and interactive discussion leader, Bernice Richard, co-founder of Custom Agriculture Intelligence Inc. On their Website the business is defined as, a Saskatchewan biotech corporation that specializes in agriculture innovations and solutions for sustainable environment.
Bernice has a connection with Rotary as her father was a Rotarian in Nigeria - the Family of Rotary is a heart-warming international relationship, and immediately sets the stage for a membership opportunity.
Health challenges during her childhood created an appreciation of the connection between well-being and the food one consumes. As an adult, and now with children, she became even more focused in what is put in children's mouths and has become career focus looking at food production. Bernice posed the question, "If you knew in advance something was going to fail, would you do it any-way?"
Bernice ventured a response, suggesting failure should not be the focus, rather the focus should be on the journey. It is important to focus on the learning created on the road to an unsuccessful outcome.
Bernice Richard
(Photo courtesy Ann Grahame)
Innovation is key as any great idea was born and through stages is refined and expanded. In her case she wanted to be healthy and she wanted her child to be healthy and the quality of the food is critical to achieving that outcome. Bernice referenced Singapore with its very limited land space has demonstrated how space has led the country to amazing food production initiatives. Built on the Singapore example, Canada with its 'space", is in a position to enhance our food production process and outcomes. Our Guest concluded that failure has taught her to continue on the journey, for the outcome may be different if the opportunities open a new door.
Bernice Richard, you are an inspiration.
THANK YOU!
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Twelve Adventure in Agriculture attendees at today's meeting was an enriching experience for the meeting and particularly for the host parents;
A big shout-out to the Rotary Club of Selkirk in Manitoba; Prince Albert and Assiniboia in Saskatchewan; and, Innisfail, Vegreville, Edmonton Whyte Ave, Brooks, Lethbridge East, and Olds in Alberta;
Thank you for collectively selecting student who make Rotary proud;
President Jayne courageously put out a call for Happy Dollars, and there was immediate response;
Peter White shared a triple sized windfall, 1st the White House in New Brunswick sold, which meant his wife could relocate to Regina. Great news, Peter - my note taking lacked swiftness so I missed the third component - so an up-date or correction can get you back onto these pages;
Katherine Bergman was almost as excited as Peter, as she told us that her daughter has been called to the Bar in Alberta;
The land loving Hoeft's jumped ship and went cruising on the Danube, a few weeks ago and they are still on a high from this enriching experience
I thought about mentioning that Margaret and I attended our granddaughter Emma's birthday party in Imperial, Saskatchewan a few weeks ago, but - whoops, looks like I mentioned it;
Have a wonderful week.
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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matterscomparede to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today's guests
Today guests included Guest Speaker Bernice Richard, appreciated members of the Regina Club, plus 12 Grade 11 and 12 students from Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan participating in 2025 Adventures in Agriculture Program hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Regina and Regina Eastview.
Next Meeting Responsibilities
Our next gathering is the Regina Eastview Christmas Dinner on December 4th at the Italian Club. Hope to see you there.
