Kentville Rotary: Meeting in-person at Paddy’s, via Zoom and Live on Facebook

 

We are back to blended meetings. Until the next phase of our province’s reopening, we have limited in person capacity – please contact Rick G to reserve your spot. You can join us via Zoom or watch the Facebook Live feed in our Private Group. If you missed this meeting continue reading below for highlights or catch our live feed on FB.

 

 

O Canada led by Sue all the way from our Country’s capital: Ottawa

 

Heather welcomed everyone to the meeting including guest Rotarian Rod McMahon (Calgary West) and guest Guy Breton (guest of Matt)

 

 

Bill: Happy to have booked flights to Toronto to see family including the Grandkids.

 

Matt: Happy to have his Christmas wish come early “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”. Happy Christmas in July… enjoying being able to chew food!!!

 

Al: Happy to donate his Chase the Ace tickets … if they win could be a big contribution to the Fred W Happy Dollars fund.

 

Rod: Happy to book tickets to fly back to Nova Scotia in October (6-16^th). Looking forward to seeing everyone in-person

 

 

Bill welcomed the 18 Rotarians at Paddy’s and the 4 Zoomers. Welcome also to guests Rotarian Rod and Guy.

 

Secretary Report: Nothing new to report

 

Illnesses: Rick reported that Randy Crossman has been diagnosed with ALS. On his bucket list is a drive in a convertible. If anyone can make that happen, please contact Rick.

 

John reported that he has Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He starts chemo treatment tomorrow (Tuesday) and is optimistic about a positive outcome. He says his form is very common and treatable. He plans to continue to work and very much appreciates all the well wishes he has been receiving.

 

 

Heather introduced the classification talk and expressed how much we were all looking forward to hearing from Matt today.

 

 

It took a while, with Covid, but Matt is happy to be part of the Rotary group. He is from Newfoundland. His father was an entrepreneur of Irish/Indian descent. His mother Sylvia was of French/Indian descent. Matt said that led to many interesting debates at his home. He grew up with a mixed heritage which has help to shape the person he is. Matt did well in school, despite the fact he was treated differently because he was an aboriginal. He graduated high school and had every intention of becoming a priest. Those plans changed and he joined the military instead.

 

He travelled the world and did quite well. He started his own business in the safety industry, which he eventually sold to one of his vendors before finally settling back in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia feels like home to Matt and is a natural place to “retire”.

 

He first came back to Nova Scotia in 1993, where he met his current wife Dixie-Lee. They’ve been married for 28 years so he thinks she’s ‘The One’! His previous marriage did not work out, but he has two children from the first marriage, daughters April and Crystal. He also has a son who is in his early 40s and working in South America. He has a wonderful Mother-in-law from Annapolis Royal. She makes superior bread. She now lives near he and his wife … so they enjoy awesome bread regularly. (It was one of the motivations to live in this area). At 92, his mother-in-law is still going strong, independent and continues to drive. Pictured below are 1) Matt and his wife Dixie-Lee and 2) his Mother-in-Law

 

 

Matt is proud of his work with kids. He continues to do super hero characters for kids with autism here in NS. These kids need their super hero to help them get through whatever it is that is troubling them. It is Matt’s privilege to help them by showing up as one of their super heros.

 

Matt shared his aboriginal name Kelusit Paqtism which in English it means Speaking Wolf .

 

John thanked Matt for sharing his life experiences with us. He also revealed that Matt is an excellent singer. Definitely a man of many talents. We are happy he chose to join the Rotary Club of Kentville.

 

 

Tulip Ambassador (Phil): Thanks to our club for all the support... with special kudos to Shelley for taking us to first in sales in the district.

 

Valley Faces (Phil): The goal is $140,000 in sales to reach maintain our current projects budget. Please get out and finalize your contracts. We had a sneak peek of the cover draft … it’s going to be another fantastic publication.

 

Special Events (Sue): The Polio Fund Raiser is still going forward Aug 21. Save the date!!!

 

 

NS Invasive Species Council (Pierre) Volunteers needed for a WEED PULL, yes that's right an INVASIVE WEED PULL right here in Kentville. RI's newest area of focus is the ENVIRONMENT, this can be our first of many good causes to have a healthier planet and Annapolis Valley. See poster attached - Families with children welcome, there will be information booths, equipment supplied and refreshments.  Show up anytime between 10am and 5pm on August 7th. to lend a helping hand!!

 

Would appreciate a RSVP if you are planning on helping. More questions email me or call me at 902 681 7004. Opportunity to showcase Rotary support in the community as well, so wear something with a ROTARY LOGO!!

 

 

 

The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International. It is a non-profit that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who share its vision of a better world. Its sole mission is to support the efforts of Rotarians through Rotary’s mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national and international humanitarian and educational programs in your back yard and around the globe.

 

 

Chase the Ace – Only 6 cards left. President Bill drew the lucky ticket which belonged to Rick Ramsey. He also drew the card (in Rick’s absence). Sorry Rick – not the ace – it’s a roll over.

 

The Four Way Test was led by Heather followed by the meeting adjournment.