Rotary Club of Sackville Bulletin November 17, 2016

 

Joyce chaired the meeting and for her two minutes’ worth recalled Alex Fancy’s recent production - 1916 : Keep the Faith, Keep in Touch, Keep the Home Fires Burning – readings from the Sackville Tribune, Sackville Post, and the Argosy from 100 years ago in the midst of World War I.  One student participant had a German accent.  It turned out that he was from Germany, had volunteered to take part and had asked to read his favourite poem – “In Flanders Fields.”

 

 

Eric Estabrooks was on hand to accept his winnings from this week’s Gold Mine draw – the tidy sum of $3,496 ! 

 

Pin-Pal Story:  While shopping in Costco Edna met Ken Draper.  Ken – we miss you !

 

Birthday:  John was a year older and was suitably serenaded.

 

 

50-50 Draw:  Ove’s number was drawn but he failed to pick the Nine of Clubs.  The pot now stands at $177.

 

Happy Dollars:  Susan F had Rotaract meet at her house: they are preparing to sell hot chocolate and cookies at the forthcoming Midnight Madness, proceeds in aid of the Food Bank.   John enjoyed helping out at the Marshview Middle School breakfast along with a Rotaract student who had problems with John’s age.   Louise learned the hard way to teach children not only how to use can openers but also that they are sharp.  A nasty cut needed four stitches at the hospital but did provide a great subject for Show and Tell.   Trish was happy to be back after a fall of travelling.   Edna thanked Mary and Bill for their help while she was away; she had an awesome three weeks in Sicily.

 

Next Week:   Chair: Louise;   Introducer: Susan F;   Greeter, Thanker (and Bulletin): Charlie;   Speaker:  Adam Niles, RYE student in Brazil.

 

Pam reminded members of the invitation from the Woodstock Club to attend their celebration of the Rotary Foundation’s 100^th Anniversary on 1 December, 6 p.m., at the Best Western, Woodstock, N.B.

 

Club Admin:  John was beaming when he announced that in response to his appeal last week Pam and Dianne have agreed to take over responsibility for Speakers, and Charlie has agreed to be Bulletin Editor.  However, we still need a Secretary for next year.

 

Projects:  Trish gave a last call for anyone who would like to be part of the review of the application process for Gold Mine grants.  Recipients will be invited to give a talk on how they used the grant money.

 

President’s Time:  Josh extended his thanks to volunteers Pam, Dianne and Charlie.  He is a Movember participant again this year; check the web site for details.  He also reminded members of the Donor Appreciation Reception at noon at Sackville Memorial Hospital.  [Editor’s note: Rotary was well represented at the reception. Via Josh the club was warmly thanked for its support of the Hospital Foundation through Gold Mine donations.  Also, speaking from personal experience, Ove paid a moving tribute to the importance and excellence of our local hospital].

 

 

Speaker:  Pam introducer guest speaker Dr. Diana Hamilton, Associate Prof. of Biology at Mount A, whose research over the past 17 years has focused on the use of the Bay of Fundy by migrating Semi-Palmated Sandpipers.  Her work is done in partnership with colleagues and students :

 

 

These amazing birds spend summer in the Arctic and winter in South America, with the Bay of Fundy providing them with a “Big Stop” and the way south.  While here they eat enough to double their weight to keep them going on the long journey south. 

 

The birds’ patterns of behaviour have changed over the years.  One factor is the increasing number of Peregrine Falcons who prey on the sandpipers.  Studies show that the sandpipers develop more flexible foraging patterns.  They also eat a broader diet than previously realized.

 

 

In addition to tagging birds it is now possible to affix to them a tiny radio transmitter and follow their movements using the Motus Wildlife Tracking System.  The birds now stay longer than they did a decade or two ago; the first arrivals tend to stay longer.  The timing of their departure seems to correlate with atmospheric pressure and wind direction (these birds are smart).  Protection of the feeding areas is essential.

 

 

Bill thanked Dr. Hamilton for a fascinating address and the meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.