Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin July 9, 2015

 

After a rather timid rendering of “O Canada” Kevin opened the meeting with a Buddhist prayer (a first for the club).  He welcomed outgoing RYE student Adam Niles who leaves in two weeks, and speaker Dakota MacLean who brought his Dad along with him.

 

Despite two recent introductions to the club Kevin did supply additional biographical details.  After studying Geology he spent 15 years in Sweden where he worked for the government before he fled back to Canada.  Woodpecker Treecare now has three apprentice tree-climbers, one being K’s daughter.  Among other things Kevin has performed as Dracula, is Maritime contact for Straight Spouses Network, is a Buddhist, and co-ordinates a non-religious meditation group.

 

PinPal Stories:   While buying a new (bright red) Corolla Charlie met Steve LeBlanc, PP of the Amherst Club, and Glen Roberts who helped with our refreshments stand at the Salem School Summer Sendoff.

50-50 Draw:  Ken’s number was drawn and he picked the Ten of Diamonds to win the $96 pot.

 

Trish passed on thanks from the New Brunswick Federation of Music Festivals for our support of their festival.

 

Happy Dollars:  Ken was happy to win the 50/50.  Gayle was happy to be at Rotary  after her surgery and thanked Dianne for her visit and others for emails, cards, flowers and food.  Dale flips flapjacks at the Market on Saturday mornings; he could use some help this Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.  Sue P announced a breakfast at Cape Jourimain 7:30 - 11 a.m., Saturday 18 July to raise funds to help save the lighthouse. Kevin is willing to serve on any committee.

 

Next Week:  Chair: Louise;   Intro: Tim;   Thanker: Darrell;   Greeter: Ken;   Setup:  Darrell and Guylaine.

 

Wayne presented Sue P with her Ten Year Service Award.

 

President’s Time:  John (apologies from Dianne) read a letter of thanks from Bursary recipient Patricia who is studying culinary arts.  He also presented Dale with a special pin for bringing in a new member.

 

Pam announced that Foodland now takes Sobey’s cards; also that cards can be used for the purchase of gas.

 

Rotary Foundation:  Ken announced that we raised $5,001 for the Foundation last year (our goal had been $4,000).  Under the “$100 per member” target we actually scored a $128.62 per member average.  Remember, says Ken, “no gift is too large !”

 

Speaker:  Dakota MacLean, last year’s outbound RYE student gave an illustrated account of his year in Sicily. 

 

 

He stayed in Trecastagni, a small town on the slopes of volcanic Mount Etna.  Photos showed the town with its central piazza (not to be confused with pizza, although he had that as well), a beautiful church, and vineyards on the slopes (he worked in one of them).  There were also pictures of his host families and of the many friends he made including other RYE students in the same district. 

 

 

He attended a culinary school and, along with 26 others learned to cook (taste and presentation are the keys).  The year was topped off with a 15-day European tour.

 

 

Dakota thanked Rotary for making possible the most wonderful year in his life.  Dale expressed thanks on behalf of the club and the meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.