Photographer: Pam Harrison
Darrell chaired the meeting, standing in for Susan P. According to a CBC (early morning) report Walmart is installing a new video system to see whether customers are happy or frustrated. They will then send an associate to check out the customer – if they can find an associate.
50-50 Draw: Trish’s number was drawn but she failed to pick the right card. The pot of $44 carries forward to next week. Here is what she was looking for :
Guest: Pat Estabrooks who came to hear the speaker – and managed to collect a cheque as well.
PinPal Stories: Bill was in a local store and saw an unattended stroller with twins in it: turns out it belong to Becky Stewart (an ex-Rotarian). Susan F has heard from Louis who is still as addicted as ever to chicken pot pie.
Birthdays: Susan P has a birthday on 13 August, and was congratulated in absentia.
Happy Dollars: Bill apologized for not sending out the usual weekly email reminder; he remembered at 11 p.m. last night but decided that was a bit late. Wayne and Sandy were at the Farmer’s Market and met 2008-09 RYE student Mona Nilsson from Mariestad, Sweden, who is going to Winnipeg to work for 6 months. George had dinner with Leslie Van Patter; his sister June is coming for a visit. Dale is happy to have his son and daughter-in-law here for a visit. Dianne did remember to email the visiting speaker.
Next Week: 17 August 2017. Chair: Susan F; Greeter: Mary; Introducer: Charlie; Thanker: George; Speaker: Laura Morrell “Elementary Literacy.”
Gold Mine Cheque: Pat Estabrooks accepted from Bill a cheque for $569 on behalf of the Sackville Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Lobster Party: To be held at Susan P’s cottage on Sunday 20 August at 2 p.m. (eat at 5 p.m.). A sign-up sheet was circulated. Lobster or steak ($15). BYOB. Bring lobster utensils. A map with directions will be emailed to members.
Canada 150 Polio Plus Appeal: Pam reported that Port Elgin contributed $150 bringing the total to about $750 so far (we are still short of our $150). Shop NB shopping bags from Grand Manan were handed out.
President’s Time: No President. No Vice-President. Message form PP Josh: “Keep up the good work !”
Speaker: Bill introduced Kelly Taylor, manager of “Rural Rides.”
This organization aims to help people in rural areas e.g. seniors, disabled (but not wheel chair), non-drivers, low/fixed income residents who need to visit a hospital/bank/store. The service helps to reduce isolation and to increase independence for those who do not have other access to transportation.
Since June a pilot program has been operating in the Tantramar area – see map. Drivers are all volunteers (have to be 21, with valid drivers licence, RCMP background check, supplemental liability insurance). They use their own vehicles. Charge is 70 cents per km for those who can afford it, though most clients are charged 35 cents per km. Parking fees are paid by the client.
Rural Rides is careful not to compete with local cab companies.
How can we help ? 1. Refer clients. 2. Volunteer as a driver. 3. Support financially (RR is a registered charity and issues income tax receipts for donations).
An information brochure was distributed. After questions Gayle thanked the speaker for an interesting presentation.
The meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.
