Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin December 1, 2016

 

Josh arrived in time to chair the meeting and give an update on the renovations of his house, built in 1848 plus later additions.  The back part of the house was at one time a Post Office with the only phone in the area.  The old insulation could be birchbark, wood shavings or old newspapers, the latter providing interesting historical information.  One article concerned MP Henry Emmerson whose efforts to increase the size of the CN workshops in Moncton did not go down well locally.  The central square in Dorchester housed the Court House, eleven lawyers’ offices and almost as many taverns which led to its being known as “The Devil’s Half Acre.”  Another newspaper article listed the courthouse docket with a list of appearances for a variety of offences.

 

 

Josh reported that on 26 November he, Jamie, Gayle and Pam were barkeeps at a fund-raiser at Tantramar Regional High School.  Their labours earned $400 for club funds.

 

 

Pin-Pal Story:  At the TRHS event Jamie and Josh met a Rotarian from the Rothesay club (who remains anonymous).

 

50-50 Draw:  Sandy and/or Wayne’s number was drawn but Wayne failed to draw the Nine of Clubs.  The pot now stands at $194.

 

Happy Dollars:  Ove missed last week’s meeting as he was having a pacemaker installed.  The choice was - wait 4 months to have it done in Moncton or have it done within a week in New Glasgow; he opted for Nova Scotia.  The operation took 45 minutes during which time he was conscious. Now he feels 20 years younger !   Louise gave a reminder of the “Nutcracker” performances on 10 and 11 December; contact her for tickets.  She also regaled everyone with an account of what happens when you have an Elf on the Shelf in the house.  Given the weather (and the weather forecast) Josh was happy to see everyone here.

 

 

John reminded everyone that next week’s meeting is the Christmas Party (no morning meeting).  Please let him know if you plan to attend and what you will contribute to the potluck supper.

 

 

Election:  John submitted the following slate of office-bearers for 2016-2017:  President: John;  Past-President: Josh;  Vice-President and President-Elect: Louise;  Secretary: TBA;  Treasurer: Darrell.   The list was approved by acclamation.  Committee chairs will be announced later.

 

 

Movember:  A mustachioed Josh expressed thanks for the support he has received.  Of the $130 that has been donated so far, $80 has come from Rotarians.  To donate go to https://ca.movember.com.  “You simply need to click on the donate button, search Josh Cormier and my profile will come up. You can then make a donation. Thanks!”

 

 

Financial Report:  Darrell presented the financial statements for 2015-2016.  The “Club” part of the statement deals with club operations, the “Trust” part with givings to charities (we are a registered charity which means we can give tax receipts for charitable donations).  Both accounts are in good shape.  Darrell pointed out that the sale of grocery cards brought in $2000 (up from $500 the previous year); can we make it $3000 next year ?  The other big source of income in the Gold Mine Draw.  Moved by Josh, seconded by Bill that the financial report be approved; agreed unanimously. Josh expressed the thanks of the club to Darrell for the great work he does as treasurer: he was sure missed when he was away !

 

Legacy Committee:  Although the committee was not able to meet yesterday because of the storm Josh outlined some of the major legacy projects that are under consideration including:  a Dementia Village (on the Dutch model), an assisted living community, a downtown electronic billboard, a landscaped park at the quarry site, a campground at Beech Hill Park, a water refill centre, a walking/cycling trail (jointly with the Amherst Club), a pedway across the Tans-Canada Highway.  The committee will look further at the various options and there will be a strategic planning session at the next Club Assembly prior to making the final decision. 

 

The meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.