Paul Harris Community Event a Success

Master of Ceremonies Dave welcomed a packed gathering of Rotarians and friends in St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall.  Trish led a spirited rendering of “O Canada.” 

 

A welcome was extended to special guests DG Michael Walsh and Francine, and PDG Gordon Hankin and Dale from Pictou, Nova Scotia (guests of Pam and both Major Donors).

 

DG Michael brought greetings from the District and passed on the latest encouraging news from Polio Plus (number of new cases in the world this year down to 23).  Councillor Bill Evans brought greetings from the Town of Sackville.

 

Pam said grace and everyone tucked in to a delicious Roast Beef dinner.  Following the meal Laurie Ann Wesselby and her “Sandpiper Catering” team received an enthusiastic round of applause.

 

Dave ably carried out the induction of new member Kevin Anderson, who was introduced by Ove. Dave outlined the obligations of each Rotarian as well as the satisfaction to be derived from membership.  President John presented Kevin with his Rotary pin, telling him to “wear it proudly and wear it daily.”

 

   New member Kevin Anderson           Guest speaker Jeff Schnurr

 

Rotarian Pam was next on deck with DG Michael, PDG Gordon and their wives all participating in the recognition of Pam as a “Major Donor” (10 Paul Harris Fellows).  Pam received a special pin and a crystal in recognition of her outstanding support of the Rotary Foundation.

 

 

A presentation on Paul Harris and “Paul Harris Fellows” by Charlie introduced the recognition of six persons from Sackville each of whom have “shared their generous spirit with our community, and abroad, and affected the lives of many people” in the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self.”  Details of their many accomplishments and contributions were detailed in the program.  DG Michael, President John and Foundation chair Ken took part in the ceremonies.  The recipients were as follows:

 

Lesley Read presented by Joyce.

 

 

John Read presented by Joyce.

 

Susan Bour presented by Gayle.

 

Sheila Parker presented by Sandy.

 

Audrey Hicks presented by Sandy.

 

Wayne Hicks presented by Sandy.

 

Next, President John announced the surprise recognition of one more Paul Harris Fellow made possible by funds raised by the club:  Rotarian Trish was recognized for her many contributions to Rotary at both the club and district level.

 

 

Charlie introduced guest speaker Jeff Schnurr, founder and Executive Director of Community Forests International highlighting the exceptional job CFI have done in restoring the heritage Middle Sackville Superior School (1908) building for use as CFI’s headquarters.  Backed up with PowerPoint illustrations Jeff outlined some of the organization’s amazing recent accomplishments and some of its plans for the future. Last week saw the planting of the 1.5 millionth tree; the goal is to plant another million by 2020.  On Pemba the equivalent of 100 football fields have been planted with crops and food is now being exported.  CFI is also active here in New Brunswick:  110,000 trees have been planted on the Upper Aboujagane Road.  The recent Cabin Design contest brought in 57 submissions from 11 countries around the world.  The next project is to plant a fruit orchard at CFI’s farm near Sussex.

 

Wayne thanked Jeff for a great presentation remarking that many people three times Jeff’s age have not accomplished a third of what he has.

The proceedings closed with the Four-Way Test.  Photos were then taken of the seven new Paul Harris Fellows,

 

and of the 36 Fellows present.  This night’s additions brings the total of Paul Harris fellows recognized by the Rotary Club of Sackville to 101 !