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Prince Albert Rotarians are still having regular meetings from a distance. Bailey Fischl, the CEO of Pure Roots Urban Farms presented about her business, which focuses on food that is nutrient-dense and hyper-local. The idea behind hyper-local is that food is grown within communities to reduce the carbon footprint from transportation, by selling directly from grower to end consumer.

The process of Pure Roots Urban Farms is a vertical method and uses 95% less water, 85% less fertilizer, and 95% less space than traditional farming methods. The farms are placed as units, and work diligently to provide the highest quality produce.

Wildfire Containment

Prince Albert Rotarians were given a great presentation about fire fighting in Northern Saskatchewan from Dean Johnson of Northern Perspective Photo. The fire season in Saskatchewan is from April to September, and Dean is stationed out of the Narrow Hills Fire base. Mr. Johnson expressed that he finds the location amazing for socializing because there is no cell service; everyone is present and spend time together on the beach and around the fire pit. Rotarians were shown incredible photos from summers spent fighting fires, which can be found on Facebook at @northernperspectivephoto, or on his website. The photo below is only one of many of his incredible photos.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Monday, March 30th Prince Albert Rotarians gathered on Zoom to meet from a distance. Natasha Thomson from Big Brothers Big Sisters presented on the Prince Albert chapter and how the organization is helping youth in the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs youth from ages six to sixteen with a mentor to assist them with social awareness, relationship skills, decision making, self management, and self awareness. Although the match between youth and mentor typically only lasts until age sixteen, many of the relationships made last a lifetime. Prince Albert currently has thirty-five matches, but are always looking for more volunteers to mentor youth. Anyone who wishes to volunteer a few hours a week can enroll on the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.

Wheels of Hope

Last Monday, Prince Albert Rotarians received a virtual presentation from the Canadian Cancer Society in Edmonton. The presentation discussed their program "Wheels of Hope", which offers transportation to hospitals for cancer treatments. Regina and Saskatoon already have such programs, and the program is starting in Prince Albert as well. The program would involve one van and volunteer drivers to get patients to Saskatoon for their appointments. This program helps individuals who may not have gone to their appointments due to lack of transportation, and increases their chance of survival. More information is available by calling 1-888-939-3333 or by visiting cancer.ca. The Canadian Cancer Society also has a website that connects individuals with cancer to someone else who has been in the same scenario. This service can be found at cancerconnections.ca.

Weekly Rotary meetings temporarily cancelled

As per email message from President Joe, currently scheduled Rotary meetings have been temporarily cancelled. All March meetings are expected to be cancelled and the situation evaluated for April later this month. Please refer to the email from President Joe for the full details. If you are a Rotarian member and did not receive the email, please contact President Joe or President-elect Keith.

Thanks and stay safe.

We encourage everyone to keep updated by following the Saskatchewan Health Authority link below.

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus

Rotary Centennial Celebration

We'd like to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, February 29th to celebrate one hundred years of Rotary in Prince Albert. Everyone had a lovely time, and food, drink, and fellowship were enjoyed by all! We had speeches from Club President Joe Weinrich, District Governor Fred Wright, Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, and the Honourable Joe Hargrave. Near the end of the program, President Elect Keith Fonstad announced the Rotary Centennial Project, a project in partnership with the City of Prince Albert to reinvigorate parts of Little Red River Park. The project will involve adding a variety of active adventure equipment for all ages, adding accessible paths, and re-grading some of the landscape. Currently the Rotary Club has raised over $100,000 in donations to supplement its contributions toward the completion of the project.

In the photo below are District Governor Fred Wright, Club President Joe Weinrich, Fran Hargrave, Honourable Joe Hargrave, and Mayor of Prince Albert Greg Dionne.

Learning About Human Rights

Last week, Prince Albert Rotarians had a visit from the Director of Resolution at the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, Jocelyn Putland Wiebe. Jocelyn's presentation touched on a variety of topics, but began with explaining that the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is meant to protect the rights of Saskatchewanians and deal with complaints of human rights violations. The SHRC is moving away from using litigation to resolve claims, and instead is using mediation, which has seen a high rate of success. Most issues can be solved with mediation, and eighty percent are solved in less than a year, while half are resolved in less than ninety days.

In the image below from the left are Neil Raas, Director of Resolution Jocelyn Putland Weibe, and President Elect Keith Fonstad.

YWCA Homeward Bound

On Monday, January 27th, Prince Albert Rotarians received a visit from staff members from YWCA Prince Albert's Homeward Bound program. Manager Dave Hobden, and supervisors Rob Dunlop and Kandace Korycki presented on the development of the program over the past several years. The Homeward Bound program is a housing first initiative that helps individuals who are homeless by putting them directly into housing. The Homeward Bound team then helps to develop plans to deal with addictions, mental health, and develop life skills. Cost analysis has revealed that for every dollar spent on the program, eight dollars are saved in costs for policing, ambulance rides, and emergency room visits. The goal of the program is to help clients overcome their challenges and transition into independent living. In the photo below are Supervisor Rob Dunlop, Supervisor Kandace Korycki, Club President Joe Weinrich, and Manager Dave Hobden.

Salvation Army Presentation

The first meeting of 2020 for Prince Albert Rotarians consisted of a lovely presentation from one of the newest members of the Prince Albert Rotary Club, Matthew Reid. Matthew spoke about his position at the Salvation Army and how he hopes to improve the Prince Albert chapter to better serve the community by forming a Community Council and Church Leadership Program to assist with decision-making.

This holiday season, the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle program in Prince Albert raised $75,000 that will go toward programs that take place year-round. Some of these programs are the Christmas Program, shelter assistance, clothing, food, and sending children to camp. Seen in the photo below are Prince Albert Rotary Club President Joe Weinrich on the left, and Matthew Reid on the right.

Welcome New Rotarians

Yesterday, Prince Albert Rotarians welcomed two new members to the club: Matthew Reed from the Salvation Army, and Elise Hildebrandt from the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce. Welcome new Rotarians!

Ken Trofimuk presented to the club about the importance of the Saskatchewan Weightlifting Program for the youth of the province.

Seen below from left to right are Elise Hildebrandt, Matthew Reed, and Club President Joe Weinrich.

The presenter for luncheon was Ken Trofimuk, seen in the picture below with Brian Martin.

A Presentation on Medical Cannabis

Posted by Jesse Kendall on Nov 25, 2019

On Monday, November eighteenth, Rotary Club of Prince Albert members were given a presentation by Nuvo Pharms founder Jamie Novotny. Mr. Novotny is a medical advocate for the use of medicinal marijuana, and speaks from experience as someone who deals with Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's Disease. Medical Cannabis helped Mr. Novotny to go from being unable to walk at all and not speak properly, to being able to walk and speak again, evident by his ability to present at Rotary Club luncheon. In his presentation, he detailed that there are several problems with Medical Cannabis, including that patients often have to go to the illicit market to get what they need, as many of the Cannabis producers who farmed medicinal marijuana prior to legalization turned to recreational production after legalization. Mr. Novotny is currently working on starting his company Nuvo Pharms, which will produce high quality medical Cannabis and provide patients with a safe, consistent product. Seen below are Mr. Novotny (left), and Rotary Club President Joe Weinrich.

Wine Premier Donation

Posted by Jesse Kendall on Nov 12, 2019

On Thursday, November seventh, members of the Rotary Club of Prince Albert visited Mont St. Joseph Home to present a donation from the proceeds of the 2019 Wine Premier. This year the Wine Premier raised a total of $22,000 to be donated, half of which was designated for Mont St. Joseph Home, and the other half designated for the Rotary Centennial Project, which will be announced at a later date. Rotary members presented Mont St. Joseph Home with a cheque for $11,000, seen in the photo below. Thank you for all of the support we received to make the Wine Premier a success!

Wine Premier 2019

Posted by Jesse Kendall on Nov 01, 2019

Saturday the twenty-sixth of October was the twelfth annual Rotary Wine Premier, sponsored by B&B Construction and many other generous sponsors. The evening was a great success, boasting a full house, live entertainment, and the presence of the makers of the evening's wines from Italy and Australia.

Rotary Club of Prince Albert would like to thank all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors. We'd also like to thank Doug Reichel Wine Marketing for working with us to provide high-quality wines for the evening.

Diamond Sponsor:

B&B Construction Group

Emerald Sponsors:

Meyers Norris Penny (MNP)

Lake Country Co-op

Scotiabank

Platinum Sponsors:

FYI Doctors: Doctors Diakow, Malec, Haugen, and Lacey

CBI Health Centre

Novus Law Group

Riverside Dodge

PA Insurance

Gold Sponsors:

Carlton Honda

Thierman Financial

PA Fastprint

Prince Albert Daily Herald

Silver Sponsors:

Century 21

Feher Financial

Chamber Plan Suchorab and Morash

Bronze Sponsors:

PA Autobody

Scotia Wealth Management, Terry Lysyk

PA Photocopier

Coronet

Friend Sponsors:

Coldwell Banker, Doucette Realty

Beau "Lac" Funeral Home

A Visit from the District Governor

Posted by Jesse Kendall on Oct 24, 2019

Rotary Club of Prince Albert had an important visitor on Monday: District Governor Fred Wright. The District Governor gave a presentation on the importance of fellowship, understanding others, and being positive. Mr. Wright discussed the need to tackle child poverty, as 26.7% of children in Saskatchewan currently live in poverty. Many children also live in toxic environments, whether it is toxic from abuse, violence, or homelessness. District Governor Wright highlighted that these situations can also be turned in a positive direction, as community service organizations like the Rotary Club can help to improve their communities. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of children, and that connecting and engaging with the community is important. Seen in the image below are District Governor Fred Wright (left) and Rotary Club of Prince Albert President Joe Weinrich (right).

President Weinrich took a moment at the beginning of Monday's meeting to appreciate his predecessor John Morash for his diligent work as President by presenting him with a lovely plaque and recognizing his accomplishments. In the photo below, Rotary Club of Prince Albert President Joe Weinrich (left), and past Rotary Club of Prince Albert President John Morash.

Completion of the Rotary Trail

Posted by Jesse Kendall on Oct 10, 2019

What began as a dream nineteen years ago came to fruition today with the completion of the final section of the Rotary Trail. Spanning twenty-two kilometers, this trail is meant to not only be multi-use, but meant to be accessible to people of all walks of life. Today, Rotarians, sponsors, and community members gathered for the completion of this nearly two-decade-long project. Although at first a project of this size seemed like an impossible task, today proved that dedication and persistence can make dreams happen.

Rotary Club of Prince Albert would like to thank the incredible sponsors of the trail for both monetary and in-kind donations, as well as the community for donating time and support. Thanks also goes out to everyone who attended the completion ceremony today to celebrate!

A Visit from Lieutenant Governor Russell Mirasty

Posted by Jesse Kendall on Oct 04, 2019

On Monday, September 30th, Rotary Club of Prince Albert was visited by His Honour Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russell Mirasty and his wife, Her Honour Donna Mirasty . The Lieutenant Governor presented to the Rotary Club of Prince Albert, speaking on his role as Lieutenant Governor, and on the importance of reconciliation. His Honour is the first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. Seen in the photo are His Honour Lieutenant Governor Russell Mirasty, Her Honour Donna Mirasty, Rotary Club of Prince Albert President Joe Weinrich, and Rotarian Matthew Mirasty.

New member and talk from Prince Albert Chamber

Posted by Sean McCall on Sep 10, 2019

Monday September 9th was a big day for the Rotary Club of Prince Albert. The club was very happy to induct our newest member, Jesse Kendall, seen in photo with club President, Joe Weinrich, and Director of PR, Sean McCall. Welcome Jesse, our club is excited to have you as a member! And we also had a wonderful talk given by Elise Hildebrandt from the Prince Albert Chamber. Seen in the photo with Rotarian Harold Guy and President Joe Weinrich.

Reconciliation as a Relationship - Kevin Lamoureaux

Posted by Sean McCall on Jul 31, 2019

Reconciliation as a Relationship. The Rotary Club of Prince Albert is pleased to present Kevin Lamoureaux on August 30th. Please share our poster to help make more people aware of this important event. Tickets still available.