Bulletin - November 17, 2011

CHAIRPERSON

Darren chaired today’s meeting, opening our regular session with a moments silence for Allan Sears, Rotarian Mary’s husband and community leader.  Following this Darren’s positive thought for the day was, “Waste your money and you're only out of money, but waste your time and you've lost a part of your life.” By Michael Leboeuf.

VISITORS

George’s sister, June, was with us today from Timmons, Ontario.  Welcome June!

GUESTS

On behalf of Pat, Ove introduced Marita Webb.  Andy brought Josh Cormier who lives in Dorchester but works as a lawyer in Amherst.  Today’s littlest guest was Mariah, Louise’s daughter in her polka-dotted outfit.

MAKE-UPS

• Pam H. attended the District Zone Success Seminar where she learned of Truro’s “Facebook Auction” and the $35,000 profit!!
• The folks organizing our Christmas party also met this week.
• Please ensure that names are submitted to Barb J.

BIRTHDAYS

John celebrates on November 23^rd.  Have fun!!

ANNIVERSARIES

None.

PIN PAL

 Louise was in Vancouver when she met up with a former RYE student.  Karen, in the meantime, met a Rotarian’s grand-son (Sue P) who knew all about Rotary!

50/50 DRAW

Guest Josh drew Sue P’s number for a win of $14.00!

HAPPY DOLLARS

Sue P is happy to have won 50/50 but not so happy to wake up with no walls.  Next week she’ll be happier…

Ove and Pat attended a wedding in Switzerland of a former RYE student.  Awesome!

Dale was happy to inform us that Breakfast ticket sales are going well.

Karen paid a penance for not having done last week’s bulletin on time.  To follow soon.

Guest Marita is happy that her wood arrived in time for winter!

Louise was happy to spend some time with long-time friend in Vancouver.  She also realized that he daughter is a great traveller.  That will make things easier.

NEXT

 COMMITTEE REPORTS

Foundation – Sandy – Thanked members for their contributions at last week’s auction.  We raised over $2,000!

 Breakfast – Cathy – Beans were given out for next Saturday’s breakfast.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Club Administration to meet Thursday, Nov. 24 at Wayne’s @ 7:15pm.

Our Christmas party has been scheduled for December 8^th at 6pm (Meet and Greet) at Laing’s house.  This will replace our regular Thursday morning meeting and costs $10 per person.  Please pay in advance.  Monies are being collected by Barb J.

Membership Committee will meet on Monday, November 21^st, at noon at the Chamber of Commerce.

Breakfast Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 22^nd at 9:45am at Bridge Street Café.

PRESIDENT’S TIME

President Ken needed to leave early today and forwarded a “no report” via George.

GUEST SPEAKER

Sandy introduced today’s guest speaker, Charlotte Purdy-Weir, daughter of Rotarian Sue P, Vice Principal of Marshview Middle School, and Coordinator of Marshview’s Breakfast Program.  Charlotte has lived in Sackville since she was eight years old.  She is currently on a leave-of-absence, working towards her Masters.  She is married to David and together they have one son.  Charlotte is here to talk about the breakfast program at Marshview.

The Breakfast Program is held in the school lunchroom which can seat 150 students at one time.  Charlotte thanked Rotarians for their time this morning to learn about the program of which we are a contributor.  Statistics prove that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  It helps with weight control and overall improved performance.  Sixty-two percent of Canadians don’t eat breakfast.

In the early 90s, Steve Trevor (former MMS Principal) saw the need for a breakfast program.  He did some research, applied and received grant monies..  The program is open from 8:00 – 8:25 am, and provides healthy food choices. It is open to all students.

There are several reasons why students don’t eat breakfast at home: poverty (ratio of 1:9), both parents working, busy mornings, long bus rides, and the fact that some people just can’t eat when they first get up.

There is one rule: manners.

The healthy food choices are selected by following the Canadian Food Guide.  The cost can add up.  The support shown by the community has been excellent!  Sackville Rotary is their top contributor.  Several grants are sought after, but they do give some stipulation on how to run the program.

Unfortunately, the costs exceed the needs.  Overall national support only covers 27%.  Marshview’s program currently runs on $4,000 per year (that does not include all of the volunteers and shopping time).

Charlotte believes that strong minds come from healthy bodies.

Currently, 25-35 students use the program on a regular basis and students are not reluctant.  There are five volunteers who help out one day per week.  These have been the same individuals for the past three years.  There are also two student helpers per day.

Charlotte ended by, again, thanking Sackville Rotary for their support.

Barb C thanked Charlotte for informing us more about Marshview’s Breakfast Program and explained our book donation program on her behalf.

President Ken adjourned with the stating of the 4-Way Test.

Special Insert:

PURPLE PINKY

November 20^th celebrates the Universal Day of the Child.  Pictured here are a few students who took part in the Purple Pinky Project last year.  This was so much fun!  Pam H. prepared a wonderful presentation for the elementary students in River Hebert.  Last year’s RYE students, Pauliina and Katrine were Pam’s helpers.