Chairperson: Roger Sevigny
O'Canada led by Sue Words of Thanksgiving by Rev Randy Crozsman
Visiting Rotarians: Brian and Donna Smith, former club members now residing in Dartmouth. Louisa Horne - DG Elect, also our Guest Speaker
Guests: Katie McArthur - guest of Leah
Our Chair today made opening statements that St. Valentine does not really exist..Ooooh, and went on the give us some explanation how the date to share affection and love started in England. From time to time but not too often the Editor of this weekly bulletin must set straight those that lead us astray whether due to ignorance or on purpose. Thus this is the real story!
Saint Valentine, officially Saint Valentine of Rome, was a widely recognized 3rd-century Roman saint commemorated on February 14 and since the High Middle Ages is associated with a tradition of courtly love. Saint Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who ministered to Christians, who were persecuted there.
Happy $$$:
Sue for upcoming holiday to Aruba - leaving this Friday (with Joop) for warm warm sunshine!!
Wow - what a lack-luster day for happy $$, we have never ever only had one happy $ person - must be the winter blues!!
Special Happy $$$ from Wally and with Editors apology for omitting this one in last week's Bulletin. Invite to Pancake Breakfast event on February 17th - 9am to 12 noon. Adults $12, Youth 6-18 $8, and under 5 - free....Come and enjoy outdoor activities as well!!
Presidents Report:
Rod shared the news that Leah has officially launched the new INTERAC CLUB at NKEC - Great news!!!! Rod attended the new Program called EDGE, just launched, which will support youth and young adults in our community. We are sure that one of our future guest speakers will share more information on this subject. Reminder that tickets are available for BREATHLES AND BEFUDDLED - March 23rd. Contact Phil or Rod for your tickets!!
Rotary Training this weekend February 16th!!! Rod also displayed the new blank CHEQUE now available for any committee to use for presentation and social media.
Guest Speaker - Louisa Horne DG Elect and speaking to us on Rotary Membership
Louisa's presentation reviewed statistics that have been gathered through RI and our District. It had stats on international growth, district growth and club growth or lack there of and the reasons why and what should we be doing better. Here in an abbreviated version are some of the things Louisa shared with us: * Did you see the Rotarian Magazine first issue (July 2018) with President Barry Rassin on the cover - What is different about the Flamingo's in the picture?? * Try new stuff at your clubs * Membership worldwide is now highest in Asia at 33% * Generally we now have smaller clubs * New members wish to join to make a difference in their local community * Local projects along with Social Interation are most engaging * Largest Struggles are time commitment and cost * Surveys included open ended questions * Members with 5 years or less of service were highest precentage that left * See slides below
Phyllis presented two Paul Harris Fellows recognitions today for their personal contributions to the RI Roundation. They are Shelley Fleckenstein and Doug Hill - Congratulations!! (Apology to Shelley from the photo guy - we need to get a new one)
NO Chase the Ace today, instead a special Valentines Gift Basket - won by Phyllis!!!
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SOCIAL UPDATE: March 23rd - Breathless and Befuddled!! Rural/Urban Dinner - details soon!! May 6th Presidents and Paul Harris Fellow dinner!! April 6th Progressive dinner
REMINDER - FEB 18TH - HERITAGE/FAMILY DAY - NO MEETING!!