Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin July 30, 2015

 

Marita chaired the meeting and for her two-minute bio told a dramatic story of how she, as a 7-year old, along with a friend rode their bikes and played in a gravel pit on the former “Siegfried Line” (between Germany and France) only to find themselves almost in the middle of a full-scale NATO exercise.

 

Guests:  Karsten and Katherina, both from Germany and both former RYE students were welcomed as guests of Dave and Sue F.

 

Birthday:  Ove was a year older this week.

50/50 Draw:  Marita had the right number but the wrong card and so missed the jackpot currently at $23 (and growing).

 

Happy Dollars:  Marita was glad to be going to the Miramichi.  Joyce is looking forward to a visit from son Andrew and family (two 12 year old girls) from Toronto.  Dave’s daughter is coming from Scotland.  Katherina was happy to be back in Canada and looks forward to showing her boyfriend the country.  Wynn is no longer among the ranks of the homeless.  George looks forward to a visit from his sister (even if it means meeting the plane at 1:30 a.m.);  he also looks forward to a one-week visit from Leslie Van Patter.   Dianne is happy to have a new computer and even happier that she has a son-in-law who will set it all up for her.  She also was glad to meet former Rotarian Jeff McKinnon and family in the Bill Johnstone Park: the kids will be on stage Friday at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Kids’ Corner Power Jam which is supported by our club.

 

 

Next Week:  Greeter will be Marita.  Not a Club Assembly but an intro to the new Rotary Year.

 

Committee Reports:   ADMIN: Josh (2016-17 President) is looking for people to chair the Projects and RYE committees, and for a club Secretary.   FUNDRAISING: Wayne is looking for help with the flapjacks/bacon on a bun stand at the Farmers’ Market.  The next Breakfast will be on 19 September. RYE: Sue F has heard from Adam who has arrived safely in Brazil and attended his first Rotary meeting.  GROCERY CARDS:  Pam reports that in the month of July card sales brought in $250 for the club !

 

Gold Mine Draw:  Josh accepted a cheque for $174.75 on behalf of the Dorchester Fire Department.

 

Speaker:  Wayne introduced Pierre Arsenault, Director of Mount A Athletics for the past 6 years.  Pierre reviewed Mount A athletics during that period. A four-point strategic plan was developed and followed :

 

 

Important also was “The Birth of Mountie Pride”, with Passion, Relentlessness, Intelligence, Discipline, and Execution spelling out PRIDE.   Mount A athletes have a strong academic record with 90% in good standing, and many are involved with the local community.

In response to questions, Pierre outlined the protocols in place to deal with the possibility of concussions; rules are changing to protect players.  The new artificial turf field will serve not only football but also soccer and lacrosse.   

 

Dianne thanked the speaker and the meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.

 

P.S. Check p.59 of the August Rotarian and you’ll find a list of Rotary International SERVICE ABOVE SELF Award Winners, R.I.’s “highest honor for individual Rotarians” which “recognizes Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, especially those who have helped others through personal volunteer work and active involvement in Rotary.”  The name for District 7810 is “Robert Chagrasulis,”

better known to us as “Dr.Bob,” leader of the water project in the Dominican Republic.

In this photo he is sitting next to Pam (centre front).  Also in the picture are the other members of the Sackville team Sue P, Lorne Booth, Carrie White and Marguerite Harvey.  Thanks to Pam for the photo.