Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin December 15, 2016

 

Dianne chaired the meeting (in place of Mary) and after the singing of “O Canada” called for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the late Sheelagh Callaghan.  Sheelagh and Peter were wonderful host parents to many RYE students.

 

 

According to Dianne all Oultons are related. Dougie (not Douglas) Oulton was on hand to accept a Gold Mine cheque for $1,170.

 

Pin-Pal Story:  Following Frank’s retirement he and Dianne met with Investor Group’s rep Kevin – who has just joined the Moncton club.

 

50-50 Draw:  Dianne was in the spotlight again; though her number was drawn she failed to pick the 9 of Clubs.  The pot now stands at $202.

 

 

Happy Dollars:   Sandy is glad the Christmas craft sales are over.  George expressed thanks for all the golf balls he received on his birthday; he is also glad to have an automatic car starter so he can go into a warm car.   Susan F is heading to Toronto for Christmas, but not staying with the twins.  Ove is heading for the Laurentians and meeting up there with family from Edmonton.   Gayle is heading for Toronto and will be staying with intelligent tri-lingual twins.   Sue P is glad her greenhouse is finally finished; but sorry to pass on news that Lorne is in hospital in Moncton following a slight heart attack and is waiting to go to Saint John.   Josh now has the use of a snow-blower (fixed up for $5); he thanks all who donated to the Movember campaign.  Talking of grandchildren Dianne is looking forward to a new one in May.   Pam will be at the Port Elgin club Christmas Party tonight when three new members will be inducted.

 

Next week: Thursday 22 December:   Chair: Marita,  Greeter: David (or stand-in),  Introducer: Trish,  Thanker: Darrell,  Speaker:  Jean-Francois LeBlanc.

 

A reminder from Pam – buy grocery cards !

 

President’s Time:  Josh (picture above) reported that the Projects Committee had received 26 applications from groups for Gold Mine grants.  Under Dale’s leadership a careful evaluation process resulted in a recommended list of 13 beneficiaries for 2017.  The list was approved by the meeting.  Some concerns were raised regarding the amount of financial information requested in the applications.  The process may still need to be fine-tuned.  Grateful thanks were expressed to Dale for his work on this file. Thanks were also expressed to Joyce for hosting the Christmas party and to Bill for providing the entertainment.

 

 

Speaker:  Tim introduced guest speaker Jeff Ollerhead of the Mount A Geography and Environment department whose presentation was entitled “Drones for Research: Endless Possibilities.” 

 

 

In the 1800s people used kites or balloons; World War I saw the start of aerial photography; now for as little as $1,500 one can buy a drone which can be preprogrammed to take pictures with a 12 MP camera.  By taking a series of pictures from slightly different perspectives one can construct a 3D model of a site.  Drones are ideal for coastal research – no need to venture out on dangerous mud flats.  Other uses range from examining the side of buildings to providing thermal imaging of hot spots in a grass fire.

 

 

Jeff responded to a series of questions especially on the regulations covering the use of drones.  A typical drone can fly for 20 minutes before having its battery pack replaced.

 

Dale expressed thanks to the speaker and the meeting concluded with the Four-Way test.

 

Gold Mine Beneficiaries:  Cheques were presented to Marshview Middle School ($585):

 

 

and to Sackville Swim Club ($577).

 

 

P.S.   ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Rotary is a great international movement. 

 

 

Here is Pam on a recent visit to Boston.  The ladies on each side are members of Boston clubs and next to Pam is the PDG Stella Roy of District 7820.  Boston Rotarians have been invited to Halifax in 2017 to commemorate the centennial of the Halifax explosion.

 

 

Here is David on a recent visit to San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico where the local Rotary Club goes out of its way to welcome visitors.