Photographer: Pam Harrison
Pam reminded us that Monday was World Kindness Day, and presented everyone with a “Kindness” ruler.
George was in the chair and explained that he had been a member of three Rotary clubs – St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Burlington, Ontario, and Sackville, N.B. It took him three to get it right. Rotary is a great way to make friends, especially those like Darrell and Dale who can join you on the golf course (the local course was open up to last week).
50-50 Draw: Stacey’s number was drawn, but she failed to pick the 8 of Hearts. So the pot of $169 carries forward to next week.
Guest: Heather Patterson, who sustained a boxer’s fracture in her left hand (Bill pleads not guilty). The attendant physician was Josh’s sister.
Honorary Rotarian: A welcome was extended to Pat Estabrooks.
Gold Mine Presentation: This week’s winner Kyle Goodwin was on hand to accept his cheque for $3,704 from Bill.
Makeups: Wynn had two from the South Lake County Club, Florida; he also assisted with the presentation of dictionaries to local elementary schools.
Happy Dollars: Ove was happy that employee Kyle was the Gold Mine winner. Wynn was happy a) that he got back from Florida just in time to attend the opening of the new observation tower in the Waterfowl Park, b) that he is about to return to Florida, c) that his grand-daughter won the Ladies Division in an international curling championship. Pam was glad to see Josh sporting a moustache for Movember; on the appeal’s 10th anniversary she expects every member to donate $10. Sandy reported record sales in Fredericton last weekend; this weekend it’s Saint John. Susan P pointed out that the words of “O Canada” have not been officially changed; this means we are ahead of the rest of the country. Dianne is going with a cousin and a friend to the Pier 22 Craft Sale in Halifax. Edna thanked Bill for looking after the house, and Gayle for covering at Rotary while they were in England; they managed to drive, using the smallest car they could rent.
Bill showed a video of the new bike for seniors in action at the Drew Home. It is operating very successfully to the delight of residents. Rotary contributed to the cost, along with the Town and the Hospital Foundation.
Bill also reported on the official opening of the new Waterfowl Park Observation Tower on 15 November. Rotary was well represented with Wynn coming from Florida especially for the event and Dale cutting the ribbon. (Photo from Bill).
Next Week: 23 November 2017. Chair: Jamie; Greeter: David; Introducer: Mary; Thanker: Tim; Speaker: Heather Patterson, “Project Linus."
Susan F presented a multiple report. 1) Remember the Coat Drive and bring coats next week; 2) Rotaract are busy preparing for Moonlight Madness – get out and support them; 3) next Friday, dictionaries will be presented to Grade 4 students in Dorchester (82 are on order for Salem next year); 4) Rotaract will hold their own training session on 20 January; we are asked to help with the lunch.
Gold Mine: Dale reported that 31 applications have been received from local charities. The committee is reviewing these and will present recommendations by 30 November.
President’s Time: John reminded members of the Christmas Party at the Harpers’ on 7 December. Ham, punch, appetizers and plates will be provided; bring your own food drink (a list was circulated). Beginning in January the club will meet in the evening once a month, location TBA.
Speaker: Louise introduced two speakers from Autumn House, Amherst – Karen Gilbert who leads their New Directions program, and Alexa MacLeod who is a Women’s Counsellor.
With Alexa working the flip chart (low-tech for a change) and audience participation, Karen reviewed the purpose and programs of Autumn House. Their goal is to eliminate violence in intimate partner relationships and to promote peace in the homes of our community. They have been in operation for over 25 years.
Though located in Amherst, Autumn House serves a wider area including Cumberland County and South Eastern New Brunswick. They aim to work with the whole family – women, men, youth and children. Services include a 24 hour crisis line (667-1200), counselling, accompaniment to court or other bodies, referrals to other agencies, advocacy, and distribution of donated food. The New Directions program provides services for men who wish to change their abusive behaviour.
Autumn House operates a shelter with 13 beds where women can stay for up to 6 weeks. The total number using this facility is between 150 and 200 per year. When the shelter is full they may have to direct women to other transition houses.
Financial donations are welcome. It is possible to sponsor a family at Christmas time.
After a lively question period, Susan F thanked the speakers for a presentation which opened our eyes both to the needs which exist and the fine work Autumn House does.
The meeting concluded with the Four-way Test.
