Photographer: Dianne Oulton
 
Bill chaired the meeting until Josh arrived to take over.
 
 
Guests:  Gayle introduced Tony Carhart, the new Foodland manager and a prospective Rotarian.   Larry Estabrooks and his wife Helen attended the meeting.
 
Gold Mine Cheques:  Josh presented cheques to this week’s winners:
 
 
Larry Estabrooks was happy to receive the winner’s cheque for $2,338.
 
 
Barb Jardine accepted a cheque for $642 on behalf of the Tantramar Heritage Trust.
 
50-50 Draw:   Dianne’s number was drawn but she failed to pick the Nine of Clubs, hence the sad face.  The pot of $229 carries forward to next week.
 
 
Happy Dollars:   Susan F was happy to have gone skiing in Kouchibouguac Park, but was sorry to see a thaw.   Dianne is pleased to have a Rotary Gold Miners team ready for Curl for Cancer – the others are Dale, Jamie and Susan F.   Louise was happy to have survived a visit to Disney World (she even went on a rollercoaster).   John was sorry to see that the amount donated via Happy Dollars is down (due to Wynn’s absence ?)   Edna had no particular reason; she was just happy.
 
Next Week:   Chair: Sandy;   Greeter: George;   Introducer: Wynn (or substitute);   Thanker: Dianne.
 
Rotaract:  Susan F reported on last night’s meeting.  The Rotaract members are full of energy:  they run the breakfast program at Marshview, help out at and donate to the Food Bank, and are planning another chilli cook-out at the Winter Carnival.  And they are interested in another social evening with Rotary.
 
Projects:  Dale reported on a new project at the Drew Home - “Cycling Through the Ages” - which features a 2-person rickshaw-type cycle.  Total cost is $8,000 part of which will come from the Town.  Rotary has been asked for $1,500.  Moved by Dale, seconded by Dianne that we approve this donation.  Carried.
 
President’s Time:   Josh circulated a card received from 2009-10 RYE student from Sweden Johanna Brodin who was married this past summer.
 
 
Trish has been granted a leave of absence from February through June 2017 (she’s taking French classes).
 
Gold Mine Draw:  Josh presented a report (prepared by Jamie) on progress so far after just under two years in operation.  Total amount raised: $184,474, of which $91,983 went to winners, $45,480 to local charities, and $46,980 to Rotary charities.  $68,661 was raised in 2015, and $108,594 in 2016.  The number of participants continues to grow.  The week the Gold Mine began a total of $902 was received; last week it was $2,568. 
 
Legacy Project:  Josh reported on the deliberations of the Legacy Committee.  Projects considered but set aside as not possible at this time include a Dementia Village and a Park in the old quarry.  Consideration is being given to assisting with a new facility for Bob Edgett’s Club.  Other possibilities include a Dog Park (at Beech Hill ?), a Rotary Digital Sign (downtown ?), and repurposing the old Train Station.  A brainstorming session by tables produced further suggestions: an exercise station (for adults), a seniors and handicapped bus service, a water source for refillable bottles, a youth or travellers’ hostel, a Rotary rotary (traffic circle) with landscaping and a Rotary sign, enhancing the NB Trail, setting up an endowment fund e.g. for high school bursaries.  George reminded members that Rotary policy is to set up a project then turn it over to another agency to run.
 
Josh thanked members for all their suggestions.  He plans to have a strategic planning session on a Saturday with a view to making a final decision and getting a project under way before the end of this Rotary year.
 
The meeting concluded with the Four-Way Test.
 
 
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