Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin November 5, 2015

 

Charlie chaired the first meeting in the new location at Joey’s and, as the oldest member of the club, claimed 5 minutes to outline some of the highlights of his bio. He can’t remember what he had for lunch yesterday but he does remember the outbreak of World War II on Sunday 3 September 1939 (his birthday). After studies at Glasgow University (founded 1451) and a spare-time career as an archeologist, he came to Montreal in 1965 where he taught at McGill, then to Sackville in 1972 to teach at Mount A. for 27 years.  He first became a Rotarian in 1959 in Scotland and has been a member of the Sackville Club for 42 years.

 

Gold Mine Draw Presentation: Elaine Smith accepted a cheque for $434 on behalf of the Sackville Memorial Hospital Foundation, and thanked the club for their support.  She is happy that the Foundation reached its goal this year.

 

                          

Gold Mine Draw Monday night working group: for the period 9 to 30 November the team consists of Gayle, Ken, Ove, and Tim.

 

The 50/50 Draw started over again with a pot of $10.  Wynn’s number was drawn but - to his disgust - he failed to pick the Jack of Clubs.

 

 

Happy Dollars:  Wynn was happy his cousin drew his number in the draw; on Monday he departs for a warmer location; and don’t forget the big auction coming up on 7 November (full details in local press).  Wayne passed on an invite from the Port Elgin Club to attend a Music Night in the Baie Verte Hall Saturday evening in aid of international disaster relief.  Sue F gave an update on Rotaract: the bad news - the president has resigned (Colin is interim president); the good news - they have 3 VPs. Josh had no money but cadged a loonie off one of his more prosperous legal colleagues so he could report the successful running of 10K in 51 minutes (it was 3 days later before he could walk normally).  Louise reported on their time in Toronto including visits to the zoo and the very popular aquarium; she also drew attention to the large current Gold Mine pot (approx $2500).  Bill was back from Ireland, the Emerald Isle, where it only rains at night; he did have some difficulty driving on Irish roads (over there the left side’s the right side, and the right side’s the wrong side).  Dianne expressed thanks for the delicious breakfast; she also gave notice that the club is looking for a VP/President Elect for next year.  John was happy that Bill came back.

 

Next Week:  12 November will be Rotary Foundation Day.  The Greeter will be David.

 

Grocery Cards:  Pam thanked all those who continue to support the sale of grocery cards; the aim is to sell $1000 worth per week.  She also distributed to members a Remembrance bracelet which includes a copy of John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.”

 

President’s Time: Dianne circulated a number of thank you letters from local organizations which we have supported.  

 

Christmas Party:  John announced that the party will be held on 3 December (no breakfast meeting that day) at the home of Dianne and Frank.  Pot luck, though a ham will be supplied.  BYOB.

 

Speaker:  George introduced TRHS teacher John Fougere

 

 

who gave a very appropriate and informative address on “The History of the National War Memorial” in Ottawa.

 

 

It is technically a “cenotaph”, i.e. an empty tomb to honour those buried elsewhere.  The design was by an English sculptor, Vernon March. The figures on the top of the monument represent Peace and Liberty and the highest point is the torch which refers to John McCrae’s words: “To you from failing hands we throw/The torch; be yours to hold it high.” The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in 2000 and in 2007 an honour guard was established to ensure “the sanctity of the site.”

There were a number of questions and comments with several members sharing their Remembrance Day memories.

 

John was thanked by Bill and the meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.