Messages this week from our Club President, Tracey Curtis
President Tracey began by acknowledging the anniversary of 9/11 and the lives lost and touched by that tragedy nineteen years ago. She noted that while there are a lot of things in life we cannot control, there are also a lot of things that we CAN control or influence, especially as Rotarians working together.
Lobsterfest 2020 is all systems go, thanks to our amazing committee! Meal orders need to be placed in advance (deadline is September 19) and the online auction is now live, too, from September 11-19. Pickup (or delivery upon special request) is on Saturday, September 26. All the details are on our website here.
The Rotary Digital Duck Race 2020 tickets are on sale. Remember to order yours soon. The digital duck race takes place on Thanksgiving, and there are great prizes. Proceeds of this fundraiser are being shared between the Rotary Club of Guelph Wellington and the Rotary Club of Guelph. Details are on our website here.
Our club website has been revamped with lots of new stories and features on the home page. Do take a look. In particular, read 20 reasons for joining Rotary by Tom Funk, and share this with people you think would make good Rotarians!
Club member celebrations this week
Nisha Chandran - September 11
Gisella Gazzola - September 12
Anne Pennock - September 13
Jim Anderson - September 14
Bonnie Evans - September 15
Andrew Johnson - September 16
Bob Ireland - September 17
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES
No anniversaries this week
Program this week
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
by Graham Taylor
In yet another "coup" by our Program Committee, we had the privilege of hearing a mind-boggling talk by Graham Taylor, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Machine Learning at the University of Guelph. (More of Graham's many roles listed here).
AI is being applied in almost every field these days, and Graham presented many interesting examples. He was careful to avoid too many techie terms while also explaining basic concepts such as algorithms which drive AI. He highlighted some of the stunning advances in just the past few years. Some are so powerful that the AI world's normal practice of sharing developments on an "open source" basis for the benefit of all is now running into ethical considerations for situations where AI could be used for harm and should perhaps NOT be readily shared. This dilemma in the computing world is actually creating new fields of study in Philosophy, with a focus on Ethics & Responsibility in Data Science. Wow. It really was mind-boggling for us to hear, but incredibly exciting for talented practitioners like Graham!
At Graham's young age, he already has over 25 years of experience because his love of computing began at age 6, using a Commodore home computer that he has recently hauled out of storage and is about to introduce to his own 6 year old son!
This was another GREAT presentation at our Rotary Club of Guelph.
Program next week
Up close and personal with our member, Sharon Ninaber, who will tell us more about her life.
Messages this week from our Club President, Tracey Curtis
Lobsterfest 2020
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