Bulletin - August 18, 2011

CHAIRMAN

  Wayne chaired our meeting by opening with the singing of O'Canada followed by a blessing.

After breakfast Wayne started our regular business with a moment of silence for long-time member (60 years), Maurice "Jake" Fisher.

A Positive Thought followed this.  Wayne chose a quote by Marilyn vos Savant

"Being defeated  is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”

Visitors

Although not introduced, Dave McKellar and Susan Fisher joined us from Ottawa this morning.

Guests

Here to make her Rotary Exchange presentation, Sharoni Mitra invited her parents, and friends, Adelia Rodger and Chloe McIsaac.  Adelia is also a former exchange student while Chloe will be heading out to Belgium in a few short days to do hers. 

 Make-ups

~ Wynn attended the Amherst club on Monday where they are, "sucking me dry of money" he says with a smile on his face.

~ Sandy and Wayne both  attended a club in Simcoe while in Ontario.  This club meets at the Golf Club.  Nice :)

Birthdays

Nada.

Anniversaries

Sandy and Wayne celebrated their 43rd on the 17th.  Geez, this date seems to come around fast! Congratulations!!!!!!

Pin Pal

Not sure how I came up with this in my notes but... Gilbert and Ann (who are they?) met Rotarian in Summerside...Dianne Oulton!

Pam H. got to sit with a Rotarian when she attended a dinner theatre.  He couldn't have been to memorable as she couldn't remember his/her name :(

50/50 Draw

Guest Chloe drew Louise's number for a win of $11.50.  Cha-ching!!

 Happy Dollars

~ Louise is happy to have won 50/50 but also contributed a sad dollar for the lost of her husband's colleague.

~ Sue P. was in Victoria and saw Paul and Nancy Gilbert.  Also a 60th was celebrated (with many people) at Sappy Fest.

~ Andy is happily going on holidays with his family in Fundy.

~ Gayle brought to our attention that today is Molly's (our server) last day.  Good luck in Hamilton, Molly!

~ John was happy to fill in for Elizabeth as "collector" (?).

~ Sandy was happy to have had a great holiday with great weather. Obviously she was not in Sackville (re weather!).

~ Darrell is happy to be off on his annual "hunting/fishing" trip to Newfoundland.

Next Week

Wynn = Chair; Leslie = Introducer;  Peter = Thanker;  Beth = Greeter

Charlie mentioned that a new schedule would soon be emailed to those helping out with that.  (Put me back on that list, Charlie).

Committee Reports

Fundraising - Gayle reported that tickets have been distributed for the Ball Drop.  Sell, sell, sell.

Foundation -  Sandy announced that last year's 50/50 totalled $421.50.  Also, donations in memory of Jake may be made via the website.  Contact Sandy if you need assistance.

President's Time

Ken commenced by sharing his deepest sympathies to Jake's family.

He welcomed back last year's exchange students Sharoni and Adelia and wished this year's student, Chloe, good luck.

A reminder was given about the upcoming Rotary Learning Institute (RLI) in October in Truro.  Trainer and Facilitator training will also be available.

The DG left some pins.  Five are remaining. First come, first served.

President Ken gave Rotary flags to Chloe for her trip.

Guest Speaker 

 Leslie introduced today's guest speaker, last year's Rotary Exchange Student, Sharoni Mitra.  Sharoni opened with "Good morning!  I'm delighted to be here."  She quickly got on her way to sharing her exchange experience with us.

She stayed 10 months in Mende, France - a South Central location which was 1 1/2 hour away from the Mediterrainian Sea.  Mende is considered a small town of 13,000 people.  The town itself was built around the cathedral.  There she got to visit the Notre Dame Bridge.  Estetics are very important in France so there were beautiful fountains and cobblestone streets.

The climate is similar to ours and Sharoni swam alot.

She found the diversity interesting... from bison to wolves to dairy farms.  There were both modern and old housing but no vinyl.

Sharoni's visit consisted of three hosts families who are "all great!".  She found the first family sympathetic and understanding.  The second political, environmentally aware and cultural.  They also had a pet pig.  Her third family was very kindhearted and she felt she was more independant by this time.

School was a big part of her exchange.  It was very strict with no extra-curricular activities.  There also happened to be many strikes during her year.

Sharoni met a great group of friends and feels that most will be lifelong friendships.  She felt this was a great way to learn about the culture (through her friends).

She travelled to Tuscany in February where there is no English spoken.

Although French Cuisine consists mainly of bread, wine, and cheese...it was complicated.  The desserts were excessive (they were given two every lunch).

Sharoni attended regular Rotary meetings which were held every other week.  The club hosted two other students.  She was able to attend a Ski Weekend in England with 400 other exchange students.

She also did two bus trips: one to Paris and one to Barcelona.  She mainly visited the popular tourist sites.

Some of her favorite things included engaging with others, seeing things you've only ever heard about, free time to explore, and biking around Palais de Versailles.

On a personal level Sharoni felt that the exchange had a profound affect.  She learned the importance of saying, "thank you".  Struggling for the right words, Sharoni simply stated that she felt more self-confident.  She was happy with her accomplishments academically and maintained an open-mind.  She now finds herself turning from the sciences to international studies.  She really wants to travel the world...now.

Sharoni gave President Ken the Rotary of Mende, France banner. 

Leslie with 2010/11 Exchange Students Adelia Rodger (Switzerland) and Sharoni Mitra (France)

Our meeting adjourned with the stating of the 4-Way Test.