Photographer: Sandy Harper
 
Darrell chaired the meeting but declined to give any personal stories (too embarrassing, he said).
 
Guests:  Potential new member Stacey Merrigan introduced by Josh.
 
 
Visiting Rotarian:  Sharon Meldrum (former member of our club, Past-President 1998-99), now a member of the South Lake, Florida club, brought greetings and exchanged banners with Darrell.
 
Make-ups:  Wynn had 7 from the South Lake, Florida club.
 
 
50-50 Draw: Louise’s number was drawn, but she failed to pick the 9 of Clubs.  So the pot of $324 carries forward to next week.
 
Happy Dollars:   John was happy that Wynn is back; also because he saw 100s and 100s of robins.   Dianne was happy to hear birds singing (a sign of spring ?); this time next week she will be seeing her grandson in Brampton.   Bill’s daughter and her husband will be at the Vimy commemoration on 9 April.   Louise’ nephew and niece will also be at Vimy on a school trip; her brother faces hip surgery tomorrow.   Wynn accompanied granddaughter Karlee to the World Junior Curling Championship in South Korea; he found the people there congenial and respectful.  In a market he saw a Rotary sign and met a Rotary District Secretary. He was glad he declined to transfer his membership to the South Lake club.  Sad dollars: his associate is leaving and he will have to go back to work.  Extra sad dollar: the golf course is not open yet.   Sharon is glad to be back in Rotary, and is praying for warm weather.
 
                                                                                   
Charlie reminded members that Sunday 9 April -  Wednesday 12 April, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The Tantramar Heritage Trust is presenting a lecture by Sandy Fairbanks on "The Battle for Vimy Ridge," on Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Octagonal House Great Room located at the Boultenhouse Heritage Centre, 29 Queens Road in Sackville (between Joyce’s house and Marshview Middle School).
Sandy Fairbanks is a retired lawyer from Amherst NS who spent 33 years in the Reserve Forces with the Canadian Army. He has a passionate interest in history and will present an in-depth look at the battle tactics taken by the Canadian force that captured the strategic Vimy Ridge in France 100 years ago. It will be an informative and highly educational presentation on what is most certainly a defining point in Canadian history.
 
Next Week 13 April 2017:   Club Assembly.   Chair: Josh;   Greeter: Tim.
 
 
Gold Mine Draw:  On behalf of the Sackville Food Bank Gayle accepted a cheque for $584 from Bill.
 
Rotary Foundation:  A reminder from Charlie 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. 
 
Fundraising:  Jamie gave out tickets for the Spring Bash 2017 to be held on Saturday 6 May at the High School.  Sell your tickets or expect a visit from someone with a baseball bat.
 
President’s Time:  Josh thanked Wayne and all who contributed to the success of the breakfast; all went smoothly.  A de-briefing meeting will be held.  Thanks to Wayne and Darrell for making shelves for the new storage area; also to those who helped with the move to the Sackville Commons.  The District Governor’s official visit will be on 13 July.
 
 
Speaker:  John got to introduce himself as speaker.  His topic was the Sackville Arts Wall.  As a background he pointed out that Sackville was a flourishing cultural centre a century and more ago, well ahead of other places in the Maritimes.  The Owens Arts Gallery (1895) is the oldest university art gallery in Canada.  The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia dates from 1908, but only got its building in 1988; the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton dates from 1959.
 
The Sackville Arts Wall (across from Joey’s) currently has 13 plaques honouring 14 people (one is for Ivan and Vivian Hicks).  There are 9 men and 5 women.  Compare the Sackville Sports Wall of Fame which is 75% men. The oldest is Charles G.D. Roberts (born 1860); eight are still alive.  Why is it the “Sackville Arts Wall” and not “The Sackville Arts Wall of Fame” ?  With the inclusion of someone like Ian Hanomansing the definition of “arts” is being stretched.
 
There are pros and cons regarding the location of the wall on a downtown building.  Many people pass by it (but do they really see it ?)  It has to compete with other signage.  The signs deteriorate due to exposure to the elements.
 
 
In thanking the speaker Bill mentioned that the Town is considering another location; he also asked people to nominate new candidates for the wall (the committee only selects from nominees).
 
The meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.
 
 
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