Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin December 10, 2015

Darrell was in the Chair today.  A native of Edmunston, he moved to Nova Scotia at an early age.  After spending 5 years training to be an accountant, he went into the corporate world.  Not liking the "bean-counter" role, he switched to a computer specialty when they were a novelty.   After a career at National Sea Products, he moved to Sackville (Loblaw's Atlantic Wholesalers) to be Vice President of Information Services.  When his role went to Toronto, he didn't, becoming a contract specialist with Connor's Bros. and McCain Foods.  After several years he moved back to Sackville to start yet another career - Fine Furniture and home renovations.  He is currently the Treasurer of the Club

 

We had a number of guests today - namely Aaron Lloyd (Jean Coutu), Jeanne-Mance Larocque (wife of the speaker) and Masimo, a RYE student residing in Dieppe plus others who were there to receive money and will be highlighted below.   In the makeup category, members of the Club Admin Committee met last night, Pam took Louie to a hockey game and Trish prepared toast for the Marshview Breakfast Club.

 

There were no Birthdays in the coming week, BUT George missed his birthday last week.  A rousing round of Happy Birthday emanated from the dulcet tones of the members.

 

With last week's Christmas party replacing the regular meeting, there were no Gold Mine presentations.  They were put forth this week.

     

 

Pictured left was our winner from two weeks ago, Philip Sears. He was presented with his cheque for $961 by Rotarian Dale Creelman.  On the right, Rotarian Sandy Harper is shown presenting this weeks big winner, Frank Chisholm, with a cheque for $926.

 

    

 

As we continued to give away money (this week $2,750), Rotarian Sue Fisher is happy to present $463 to the Minor Hockey representative, Erin Lloyd.  Lastly, on the right, Rotarian and mother Susan Purdy presents a cheque for $400 to daughter Charlotte Purdy-Weir, representing Marshview middle school.  Both of these were the weekly charities in the Gold Mine Draw.

 

   Determined to give away even more money, the 50/50 draw ticket belonged to Trish who was attempting to pull the elusive Jack of Clubs.  Alas it was for naught as she drew the Ace of Clubs missing out on a whopping $28 and pocketing the consolation prize of $5.

 

Happy Dollars were slight this week with only 4 Rotarians either sad or happy.  First up, Trish was happy that she won the 50/50 but had to contribute all as that was all she had.............Sue F. eluded the fact that her son Colin is well known by name at McDonalds.  She was sad however, when she found out that Colin had registered her as an Uber driver.  Sue's popularity soared as some of Colin's fellow student thought they had a personal chauffeur.  Needless-to-say, Sue was real happy when Colin un-registered her.............Gayle was happy, or soon will be, as she and Doug are headed for an ocean cruise concluding in Wales for Christmas.  Could it be that they are really headed for one of Charlie's quaint castles?............Louise was happy this week as all the rehearsals that daughter Mariah has been attending lately will culminate in 3 performances this weekend of the Nutcracker.

 

The Duty Roster for next week indicates the following:

Chairperson is David               Introducer is John

Thanker is Marita                    Greeter is George

The Speaker is Garry Donaldson on the topic of Student on Ice:  Expedition to Polar Regions.

 

Three committees reported results from their meetings this past week.  Darrell reported that the Admin Committee is looking to get more members to advertise their companies on our web site.  The nominal cost ($60 per year) helps to offset the licensing fee to operate the Club runner system.........Pam was promoting the Grocery Card program again.  While she is away this winter, Dale will take over the role.  As Pam says, everyone has to eat - why not help the Club by buying grocery cards for all the main Grocers in the area.............Sue F. reported that the Rotaract club made $200 from their recent cookie sale and are donating it Jeff Schnurr and his tree planting organization.

 

Next Tuesday or Wednesday evening the Projects committee will meet at Trish's house around 5:30 ish.  Committee members will receive an e-mail pinpointing the exact date.

 

    Prez Dianne indicated that the Club is proceeding with a food safety course in the New Year.  She asked for 4-5 volunteers, getting Gayle, Edna, Sue, Dale and John to agree......  She announced that Past President Ken Draper has resigned for the club.  Juggling living in Moncton and a part time job was just too much to continue with.  He will be sorely missed.......  Dianne gave notice to all members that there will be a strategic planning session for the Club on January 30th at 9 am at Wayne & Sandy's house.  This planning session is meant to set the direction that the Club wants to take for the next five years.  Rotarian Mel Kennah from Moncton will facilitate.  All members are urged to attend.

 

Wayne had the pleasure of introducing this morning's speaker, Philip MacNeil.  Phil is a former Rotarian and past President of the Club.  He and Jean Mance attended today to take us through their recent journey to Tuscany

​

    

 

Tuscany is an area of Italy with a population of around 23,000 and is usually thought of as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance period.  It is also a great wine producing area (Brunella Wines being the most famous)  and it contains seven (7) World Heritage Sites.    Florence is the capital of the region that feature many hill-top towns.  Phil's many photographs paint a picture of an area rich in history, a Mecca for tourists and an architectural wonderland.  The Pont Veccehio bridge pictured below doesn't even look or feel like a bridge until one gets to the center.  This 14th century bridge is lined with shops leading to the center.

 

 

Phil Was thanked By Tim.