Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin April 27, 2017

 

Chairperson George (standing in for Dianne) called upon himself to lead in “O Canada” which he did to great effect.  George was brought up in downtown Toronto where they had tennis courts, but no nets.  Moving to the suburbs he graduated to tennis courts with nets and went on to play a lot of tennis.  After his knees gave out no more tennis but he claims he is still good for a round of golf.

 

 

50-50 Draw:  Susan P’s number was drawn, but she failed to pick the 9 of Clubs.  So the pot of $360 carries forward to next week.

 

Guests:  Prospective member Stacey Merrigan, and Gold Mine winner Jeff Long.

 

Visiting Rotarian:  Sharon from the South Lake County Club, Florida.

 

PinPal Stories:  Dale, while visiting a graveyard on Vancouver Island met a Rotarian, the manager, Ken Grey, from the Ladysmith club where he is the pig roaster.  He also met three Rotarians in Chemainus.  Louise reported that Mariah brought back a book from her school library – one that had been presented by Rotary.

 

Birthdays:   Joyce was suitably serenaded, and Tim received greetings in absentia.

 

Happy Dollars:  Sharon was thankful that when she got up this morning it was not freezing.   Josh thanked Gayle for standing in for Edna at the desk.  Louise wonders how many 8-year olds know what “the tax season” is.   Wynn was sad at the reminder that he still has to complete his taxes.  Susan P was glad to report that Lorne is improving a lot, and George seconded the motion.

 

Next Week, 4 May 2017:   Chair: Josh ;   Greeter: Wynn;   Introducer: Louise;   Thanker:  Sue F;  Program: the Hospital Foundation.

 

Rotary Foundation:  A reminder from David that our Paul Harris Evening will be held on Thursday 18 May at 6:30 p.m. at Cranewood on Main (113 Main Street).  Tickets @ $15 per person are now available; please get yours if you have not already done so. 

 

Administration:  John passed on an invitation from the Legion to attend a VE Day Commemoration ceremony on 8 May at 18.45 hours.  He also reported on the PETS & SETS meetings he attended with Josh and Pam; he came back with a new banner (“Rotary – Making A Difference”), and a new button (one).

 

Spring Bash:  Jamie is looking for coolers.  Bring them to the meeting next week, or on the night.

 

President’s Time:  Josh reported his impressions of the PETS & SETS meetings and in the interests of full disclosure revealed that he had left early.

 

 

Josh introduced Joey’s owner Anna Zappia who enjoyed having breakfast with us, and thanked Rotary for making Joey’s their home.  She revealed that she has sold a good portion of the restaurant to one of the staff members so that she can go into semi-retirement after 30 years in the business. She will still be on hand to give guidance to the new owner.  The current staff will stay, and Rotary will still be welcome.

 

 

Gold Mine Draw:  Jeff Long, this week’s winner, was present to collect a cheque for $1,140.00 from Gayle.

 

 

Brian Neilson was on hand to accept from Sandy a cheque for $570.00 on behalf of the Tantramar Family Resource Centre.

 

 

Speaker:   Joyce introduced Dr. Joshua Kurek, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment who gave a presentation on “Legacy Effects of DDT on New Brunswick Lake Ecosystems.”   He will be giving a paper at an international conference later this year, so remember – YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST !

 

 

In the 1950s and 1960s huge amounts of DDT were sprayed on New Brunswick forests to counter the effects of spruce budworm.  It was only in 1970 that use of DDT was finally banned when its adverse effects became known.  Human activity has so impacted the environment that scientists are now speaking of a new “Anthropocene Era” beginning around 1950 which saw radical new human impact on the earth’s ecosystems.

 

Dr. Kurek’s research involves studying the sediments that have accumulated at the bottom of lakes in New Brunswick.  DDT is found in these sediments.  In 15 to 20 years it breaks down into other products which are equally toxic. These are absorbed by tiny organisms called cladocera and from there work their way up the food chain to fish which can then be eaten by humans.  While the amounts of DDT have decreased they are still many times the accepted level, and an ongoing cause for concern.

 

 

After questions, Susan P expressed thanks to the speaker for a fascinating lecture.  The book which will go to a local school library was suitably entitled “Some Monsters Are Different.”

 

The meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.