Bulletin - February 3, 2011

Posted by Karen Noiles 
on Feb 03, 2011
 
- Frank admirably chaired the meeting breaking with the normal flow of events, as the
Sergeant-at-Arms note to me, by introducing the too numerous to mention - well,
remember - every guest and visiting Rotarian before they lead the way to breakfast.
Notably present were former exchange student Mary Gilbert and Sackville Rotarian
Nancy Gilbert. Nancy has now moved to Victoria, British Columbia with her husband
Paul but while in Sackville was a highly visible and active Rotarian the details of which
were outlined by Frank in a heart-felt tribute.
- There were several make-ups noted notably through the Wine Tasting, Projects and
Legacy Committees all of whom met during the previous week as well as a report from
Peter who on behalf of the Rotary is working to develop a business plan for a new
home for Bob Edgettʼs boxing club.
- There were no Birthdays.
- There were no Anniversaries.
- There were no Pen Pal stories
- The 50/50 Draw accounted for $14.00 which was handily won by Katrine evidently with
help from Charlie.
- The Chair was able to encourage the gathering to contribute more Happy Dollars than
were raised with the 50/50 Draw. Again, so numerous that as an untested recorded
keeper I lost track. There did seem to be more than the usual amount of happiness.
- Presidentʼs Report: Ken reiterated the warm welcome to our guests. He reported
further on the Legacy Committeeʼs meeting with Sackville Mayor Pat Estabrooks
where the committee sought to find out more about the Townʼs priorities with regard to
the boxing club and the farmersʼ market. He reported that our major fundraising event,
the wine tasting evening is moving smartly ahead and is scheduled for Friday April 29.
Tickets are $35.00. Ken urged participation by all and especially asked for someone to
volunteer to be the Ticket Master.
- By way of introducing our Guest Speakers, Wayne suggested that Sackville Rotarians
Pam and Leslie “epitomize all that is best in Rotarians.” They spoke today about their
recent volunteer work in the Dominican Republic where they were for a week
distributing and overseeing the installation of BioSand Water Filtration systems - an
relatively inexpensive, efficient and easy to maintain single family water purification
process which can work for up to seven years before it needs to be replaced.
- Leslie and Pam worked in communities of illegal Haitian immigrant workers who
harvest the rich cane sugar crops. Whole families live in single room cabins, eat one
meal a day usually comprised of rice and beans, have few if any rights nor do they
regular access to safe drinking water. The introduction of the $115.00 water filtration
systems into the living quarters has had the effect of a 40% reduction in the death
rates - especially children - simply caused by bad drinking water.
- Pam and Leslie each presented a series of images to locate the Dominican Republic
and its relation to Haiti and to introduce the social environment of the “batey” - the
sugar workersʼ town.
- Leslie also gave a quick glimpse of the fun side of volunteering to entice all of us.
- Pam noted that she was able to fly from Bangor, Maine for as little as $280.00 plus
$1,200.00 for the week: that is, making a difference is affordable.
- Pam also reminded us that every Rotarian should undertake a hands-on project like
this at least once in our Rotarian lives.
- Bruno thanked Pam and Leslie by echoing Wayneʼs observation that individuals like
Pam and like Leslie epitomize what is the very best in Rotarians.
- The meeting adjourned with the sharing of the four-way test.
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