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 This week's meeting wasn't supposed to be in the normal format, as originally we were going to have a Paul Harris evening event. This has now been changed to April 26th.  President John therefore chaired the meeting. John explained that the 2-minute bio has run its course. Instead, the Chairperson of the week can talk about any subject he/she wants. However at the 3-minute marks the Sergeant-at-Arms will vigorously begin to clap her hands, thus signaling the end of the presentation. Also new is an agenda change which allows the singing of the National Anthem and the Prayer to be an optional, at the discretion of the Chairperson. John has also met with Joey's staff to discuss some variations to the breakfast menu. This week, a trial menu of boiled eggs in shell, French toast, expanded fruit selection along with potatoes, bacon and sausage was available. Yum! Yum! Three guests this week visited he Club. Former Rotarian Pat Belliveau was there to check us out. Seems the time might be right for her return. Christine Steeves from the Dorchester area was there to collect Gold Mine money on behalf of Dorchester School and our mini-Rotarian, Mariah Inglis accompanied mom Louise to the meeting. There were no visiting Rotarians. A busy week for Club activities, members from the Board, the Gold Mine committee and the Marshview breakfast program claimed makeups.  There were three pin-pal stories this week, taking on an international flavour. As members know, Pam is vacationing in Portugal. She sent this pin pal story of Rotary Volunteers working with meals and medical support for the poor. While trying to have our computer fixed, Bill received a message from Pam, on her way to the Rotary Peace Conference in England (see the story on sackvillerotary.ca). Stacey had a true Pin Pal story as both she and fellow lawyer in Amherst both actually had their Rotary pins on.  The 50/50 draw this week was sitting at a paltry $62, but that didn't prevent Stacey's number from being drawn. The expression on her face is the first clue that the 2  was not the winner. The reduced attendance this week also reduced the number of people who were happy, or those who would pay to say they were happy. Louise started with news that her friend in New Zealand is taking a new drug for her battle against cancer and it appears to be working. Tumors are being reduced in size..........Patricia B. was happy to be home from Africa and next years plans to spend 6 months there............Josh was happy that Paticia is considering returning as a member.............John was happy about a picture. Damned if I know what picture and where it is. Next week there is no morning meeting, opting instead for a sleigh ride on Sunday, March 4th. The following week (March 8th), the duty roster looks like this: Chairperson Stacey Greeter Pat Perry Introducer Wayne Thanker Gayle   Last week I experienced another senior moment when I forgot to include the pictures with the reporting of the Gold Mine Draw. Pictured left was our big winner Kathy Cormier. She took home $6,214 for her troubles after 4 weeks of non-winners. Kathy is shown with her grandson Gauvin Estabrooks and Rotarian Jamie Smith. The Charity-of-the-Week was Sackville Minor Hockey with Matt Blair and his son Mathew, picking up a cheque for $703. Rotarian Sue Fisher is shown presenting the cheque.Christine Steeves is shown picking a cheque for $616 on behalf of Dorchester Consolidated School, this weeks charity-of-the-week. Rotarian Bill Evan does the honors.  The Club Administration Committee (John) announced that the annual BBQ will be held on June 21st at the Ponderosa (Josh's house) in Johnson Point. Foundation Chair Dave brought extra jars for the Foundation Pocket Change, targeting new members who perhaps didn't have a jar. John wanted this meeting to be one that members could get together to chat about the Club's future. By way of background, John pointed pointed out that the visioning process of 2009 indicated a goal of 41 - 45 members. At a similar exercise in 2013, members indicated an ideal size of 36 - 45 members. Currently the club is 29 members. The list of club supported projects over the years leans toward literacy and youth. Our fundraising used to be limited and resulted from many small projects. With the advent of the Gold Mine draw, we have more money to spend and in conjunction with our other fundraising event, we have become a fundraising club instead of a service club. Some members feel that this is not the direction we should be following. John broke those in attendance into small groups who were to discuss the future of the club and how we might get back to our roots of being a service club. More discussion will undoubtedly ensue. |
