Photographer: Pam Harrison
Charlie chaired the meeting. He declined to give an update on the twin grandsons, but did give an account of 25 year-old Sean’s one year’s travels round the world.
50-50 Draw: Stacey’s number was drawn, but she failed to pick the 8 of Hearts. The pot of $119 carries forward to next week.
Guests: A special welcome was extended to Scotiabank staff members Susan Tower, Dan Jardine, Marlene Read, Christine Read, and Tracy Baker.
Visiting Rotarian: Sharon, South Lake County Rotary Club, Florida.
Makeups: Pam attended the anniversary dinner in Charlottetown at which R.I. President Ian Riseley was present.
Susan F and other Rotarians had a makeup for the very successful apple-picking expedition with Rotaract members on Sunday 1 October.
Marshview Middle School Breakfast Program: Pam introduced a double cheque presentation. Our club raised $5,000 (fall breakfast, plus donations) for the Breakfast program; Scotiabank agreed to double our donation.
On behalf of Scotiabank, Dan Jardine presented the “real” cheque to Heather Dixon, Principal of Marshview. The symbolic presentation of both cheques was made outside at the end of the meeting. Heather expressed thanks on behalf of the school for the most generous donation and assured everyone that it would be put to good use.
[Pin]Pal Stories: Sandy was in the Howard Johnston at Fredericton for a craft show when whom did she meet but Stacey.
Happy Dollars: Charlie sent thanks from Jean who is out of hospital and feeling better. Susan and David are off to visit David’s bouncing grandson. Wynn contributed $5, one for each of the Scotiabank guests. Susan F is glad that the Marshview breakfast program will now be able to afford bagels. Stacey has been called to the New Brunswick bar – CONGRATULATIONS ! Sharon has started to pack for going to Florida. Gayle is glad to be back; there are Rotary clubs in France but they all speak French.
Next Week: 12 October 2017. Chair: Dale; Greeter: Wayne; Introducer: Jamie; Thanker: Marita. Speaker: Karen Vallane, Tantramar Heritage Trust.
It’s hard to keep track of Pam’s gentlemen friends: one week it’s Chris Hadfield, the next it’s Ian Riseley. Pam told the President of R.I. about our Vimy Oak project and received this email:
October 2, 2017. Hi Pam, Thanks very much for the information about what the Rotary Club of Sackville is doing regarding the planting of trees. I am delighted at the response my challenge to plant one tree for each Rotarian has received. It is most uplifting. Kind regards, Ian Riseley, President, Rotary International, 2017/18.
The Vimy Oak planting is next week, Wednesday 11 October, 5:00 p.m. at the Memorial Park. Note the date and plan to attend.
A Plastic Ocean: Pam showed a short video on the damage done to our planet by plastic waste. Only a fraction of plastic is recycled. She encouraged members to sign a petition asking the government to do more to eliminate single use plastic.
Thank you: Susan F read a letter of thanks from the two students, Kenny and Jenna, whom we supported in their Hike for Cancer.
Rotary Foundation Auction is scheduled for 2 November. Trish called on members to contribute items for sale; this can include, for example, doing garden work (hint, hint). Please send a note of your contributions to the auction to Sandy (with a photo if possible).
Hot Potato: According to David we still have the Polio Plus hot potato (we pay a dollar a day as long as we have it). However, he plans to hand it on to a club in Ottawa in the near future.
Project Committee: Stacey announced that applications for Gold Mine grants are available. If anyone would like to serve on the committee please speak to Dale. The new observation tower in the Waterfowl Park has been completed. Moved by Stacey, seconded by Bill that we contribute $2,000 to this project (in partnership with the Town). Carried.
Speaker: George introduced Zach Melanson, a founding member of Community Forests International, who showed a video on the development of CFI work on Pemba and the neighbouring small island of Kokota. Positive ways to counter climate change have helped transform the islands which were devastated by deforestation, water shortage and a declining fishery.
Trish thanked the speaker for an interesting and informative presentation.
Everyone adjourned outside so that Zach could take a photo of the double cheque presentation.
Gold Mine Presentation: On behalf of the Sackville Food Bank Gayle accepted from Charlie a cheque for $633.50.
The meeting closed with the Four-Way Test.
