Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin November 19, 2015

 

Dale chaired the meeting and provided an impromptu bio.  Though originally from Truro, N.S. he worked for many years at Mount A and considers himself a Sackville native. Having retired 6 years ago he spends time with family and - with Linda - on truck/trailer trips (in 2011 they made it to B.C. and back).  Having joined the club 7 years ago Dale can claim to be a very active Rotarian.  He was recruited by George (who along with Ove holds the record for recruiting most members).

 

Gold Mine Cheque :  John Reid accepted a cheque for $523 on behalf of the Tantramar Adult Learning Centre.  The Centre operates in facilities at the back of the rink.  The program upgrades education for over 18 year olds to GED level and there are currently 24 students in the class. 

 

 

Guests:  A welcome was extended to Rotaract President Colin, and Vice-President Elise.

 

 

Make-Up : Pam claimed a make-up for attending the Area Training at Presque Isle.  A slew of committees also met; Gayle must surely have created a new record by attending three in one day.

 

Birthday:  John was the birthday boy and was suitably serenaded.

 

Pin-Pal Story:  Pam recalled that Jeff Schnurr’s presentation at our Paul Harris Night led to his being invited to speak at the District Conference.  His presentation there attracted more notice and last week he spoke at the Miramichi club where the members were so impressed they sent $1000 towards his latest project. Josh put in a word for Community Forests International; see their web site at  http://forestsinternational.org/. Colin noted that the Rotaract Club are raising money for Community Forests International; they are challenging Rotary to make at least as much as they do at the forthcoming Midnight Madness.

 

50/50 Draw: Mary’s number was drawn, but she failed to extract the Jack of Spades from the pack, hence the sad expression (below).  The pot stands at $18.

 

 

Happy Dollars:  Gayle and Louis have a date on Monday night at Goya’s.  Colin noted that as soon as his folks left for the Bahamas we got our first snow; only six months more of winter to come.  Also : please collect Turkey Bucks and give them to Sue F so they can be donated to the Food Bank.  Dale contributed $10 for what started out as a very unhappy story with a serious eye injury incurred by his grandson; the happy ending is that a rare new form of surgery at the IWK in Halifax has been very successful.  Joyce has visions of Haute Cuisine after learning that her RYE grandson in France is going to a cooking school.  Josh visited his new niece in Calgary; he reckons there are more people there from Sackville than in Sackville itself.  Louis was happy that the Gold Mine Draw took in over $2000 for the first time this week; there are now 2,046 people enrolled in the Draw.  Trish was looking for someone to bring Louis back from the Peace Week in Moncton on Sunday and was more than happy when Pam promptly volunteered.

 

Next Week :  Chair:  Darrell;   Thanker:  Mary;   Greeter:  Frank.

 

Motion:  Pam explained that $5,263.85 raised for water filters in the Dominican Republic can no longer be spent there.  She moved that this amount be forwarded to the District to help fund the Eden Children’s Village project.  Motion passed.  This money should be eligible for Rotary Foundation points; it is being suggested that these be distributed evenly among club members.

 

President’s Time:  Dianne reminded members that next week’s program includes the election of office-bearers; still needed is a nominee for 2017-2018 President. A food safety course is to be offered by Laurie Ann Wesselby; the cost is about $100.

 

 

Speakers:  Bill introduced both the topic - the Sackville Refugee Response Coalition (SRRC) - and the speakers, first year Mount A students Keith Nicholson (from Florida) and Kavana Wa Kilele (from Mozambique). SRRC is a local group of concerned people including representatives of the Mount A community, local churches and service organizations.  Their goal is to sponsor and welcome a refugee family or families to Sackville.  In order to apply, $30,000 needs to be raised (the $10,000 mark has been passed).  Donations can be channeled through local churches (United, Presbyterian, Anglican, Main Street and Middle Sackville Baptist) which can give tax receipts. 15 sub-committees have been set up and are looking for volunteers; for more info or to volunteer email chapel@mta.ca. See also the SRRC Facebook page. Donations will also be looked for - anything from beds to winter jackets.  The presentation included a compelling video on the Syrian refugee crisis.

 

 

Keith and Kavana were thanked by Louise and the meeting concluded with the Four-Way Test.