Rotary Bulletin - March 22, 2012

CHAIRMAN

Louise chaired this morning’s meeting.  This writer was late so I'm not sure what our positive thought was for the week.  In lieu of the information we received this week, I thought this quote may be appropriate: "There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go." ~ Author Unknown.

GUESTS

None.

VISITORS

Helen (nee) Linkletter joined us today.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

None.

MAKE-UPS

Josh attended the Amherst Rotary Club on Monday.

$$$ 50/50 $$$

Dianne wins a the big pot…and just in time for her trip to the Dominican.  Have fun, Dianne!!

HAPPY DOLLARS

Charlie (I believe) was happy to tune into CBC on Saturday where The Proclaimers were featured (Trish’s favorite group!).

Sue P was not so happy to have a cracked tooth after having it repaired the week before.  The good news, it was free-of-charge!

George was happy that 400-500 Sackville citizens came out to celebrate the opening of our new Town Hall and the receipt of $1,000,000 from the Federal government for our ‘green’ initiatives.  During the evening tour, the facility saw another 300+ residents.  The building is officially open for business today.

Visitor Helen informed us that Dorothy Linkletter has passed away…Condolences, Helen.

Marita was excited to tell us that her daughter Kalika is ‘off the bunny hill’ after much hard work.  This is an amazing feat.  Kalika was in a serious car accident, causing a brain injury, several years ago, and has overcome so many odds.

Josh is happy about the spectacular weather we are having…without thinking too much of the cause (e.g. global warming).

NEXT WEEK

Marita.............................................Chairperson
Lisa Smith (former Rotarian).........Introducer
Gayle.............................................Thanker
Wynn.............................................Greeter
(Wynn may need a replacement??)

Guest Speaker: Joanna Perkin – Homes in Kenya

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Pam H informed Rotarians that today was World Walker Day.  Laing wanted to know if it had anything to do with Johnny!

Breakfast – Dale

Duty schedules have been sent to Rotarians for Saturday’s breakfast which will be held at the Legion from 7am to 11:30am (main floor).  An envelope will be passed around for monetary donations towards the cost of breakfast.  Tickets should be turned in on Saturday (at the latest).  Set up will be Friday around 4pm.  Gayle mentioned that signage was rented on the Civic Center’s board.  Leslie stated that expenses for the breakfast should not come of out the proceeds.  All monies should be contributed to TRHS bursaries.

Projects – Dale

$1,800 has been given to the Marshview Middle School Breakfast Program.  He noted that Salem has 2 or 3 classrooms who still need Smartboards.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

RYE to meet tonight at 5pm at the Scotia Bank.

PRESIDENT’S TIME

President Ken informed us of the upcoming RYE meeting.

GUEST SPEAKER

Dale introduced a familiar face to Rotary this morning:  Tracey Wade.  Tracey is an import to Sackville from Woodstock.  She attended the University of Western Ontario and continued to Guelph where she received her Planning Degree.  Tracey currently works for the Tantramar Planning Commission where she has been for several years.  Tracey’s subject this morning: Habitat for Humanity.

  

2009-2010 brought forth concerns about the lack of affordable housing in Sackville.  The group wanted to bring balance towards social and economic conditions while also addressing environmental concerns in Sackville.  Mount Allison jumped on board and students paid $10 each toward ‘green’ initiatives.

A build team was established at the high school with priorities on energy efficiency which allowed for funding opportunities.  The idea was to build a small, affordable, bungalow.  When the National Code for building was looked at, their only criteria was that no frost be on the inside walls!  Could the team do more?  Of course.

The house will be used as a model.  The building of it has also supported the local economy with supplies being purchased (and donated).  It also showcases our youth’s contributions and allows them to gain skills.  Many people and organizations jumped on board, including Tantramar Regional High School, Mount Allison University ($20,000), the Town of Sackville (survey of lots), Ove Samuelsen (legalities), Sackville Tribune (advertisements), and local trades people offering their time and materials.  Other non –profit organizations also came onboard including the Planning Commission Coordinator.

One question that needed to be answered was: How do you determine the family to live there?  That’s when Habitat for Humanity was consulted.  The family who is selected will give 500 hours of their own sweat to help build the home.  They will also be responsible to pay a low mortgage (no interest) and regular household expenses.  The mortgage rate will be determined by the amount of their income – around 25-30% of their gross.  No profit will go to Habitat for Humanity.  If the owners sell the house, they will owe the full market value.   The family selected will need to have the ability to pay for a mortgage, a willingness to be part of the process, and participate in a mentoring program which will help with budgeting, etc.

Community benefits include economic development, improved housing, and organizations coming together.  The house will be located on 166 Charlotte Street.

The TEAM’s goal is to raise $80,000.  Mount Allison has already contributed $20,000 to the cause for ‘green’ initiatives.  Habitat will also offer some funding.  Donations have been made by several local merchants.

The project was launched in December with some media coverage.  The house was started at the high school and will be moved to the location for finishing.  There was some trouble securing the land but that has been taken care of and Bowser Construction will prepare the area.  Once the components have arrived on site, there will be weekend builds to complete the project.

Some fundraising initiatives have been: the Cake Sale at the Scotia Bank and a current raffle for a garden shed (also built by TRHS students) which can be purchased (tickets) at Payzant’s Home Hardware.  There will be other fundraising efforts/opportunities.

How can you help?  Cash donations are great.  Giving of your time to join in on weekend builds.  You could also organize a fundraiser for the project.