Chair: Pierre Hoebers

Guests/Visiting Rotarians including Rotarians visiting other places:  Pete Smith joined us from Baddeck, Susan and Joe Ueffing joined from Barbados, Peter Clarke joined from Florida and our guest speaker Russ Sanche joined us from Rotary Club of Wolfville Mud Creek

Happy $$:

Sue Ueffing was happy that she a Joe made it to Barbados after being in transit 2 days and getting deported from Antigua.

Pete Smith was happy he lives in Cape Breton and commented on the state of repair of roads in Kings County.

John Lohr was happy that Heather was able to help out Aaron and Julie as the emergency babysitter for their granddaughter.  And John is very happy that he is feeling much better.

Ellen is happy her nurse practitioner daughter has secured a position in Kingston Nova Scotia and will be moving closer to home.

President’s Report:

Bill welcomed Pete Smith and Russ Sanche to the meeting.  He noted this is Peace and Conflict Resolution month on the Rotary calendar and announced Jillian Gibson, chair of the Rotary Peace Fellowship scholarship committee will be joining our meeting March 14th.  At that time, Jillian will speak to the application process for those interested in learning more about applying for a Rotary Peace Fellowship.

Illness Report: Members participating in the meeting took a few minutes to remember Rotarian Fred Falconer and his contributions to Rotary,  Fred passed away last week.  Bill commented on Fred’s long and productive live.  Fred served in the RCMP for 25 years, followed by a 30 year career with Tim Hortons Restaurants.  Phyllis mentioned that Fred was on the Kentville Board of Trade when she was president and recalled how Fred was always a valuable contributor to any organization he was involved.  If any Rotarian would like to make a donation to the RCKCCF in Fred’s memory, please advise Phyllis, Greg Trefry or Rob Porter.

Guest Speaker:

Ellen Crowley introduced Russ Sanche, Executive Director for the Portal Youth Centre.  Russ has over 35 years of experience working in youth advocacy and leadership.

Presentation Notes:

Russ started by sharing the three areas of focus:  housing, community capacity and prevention/early intervention as key areas in supporting youth.  He also introduced the newly founded Valley Roots Housing Association represented by 5 key community organizations who will work together to meet the challenge of affordable and available housing in the Annapolis Valley.

Russ engaged the membership by sharing real life examples of scenarios challenging youth and asking Rotarians for input.  There was a lot of discussion and many good ideas.  The bottom line, creating connections between people struggling and those who can help is key.  Youth in transition who feel deeply connected and supported by others are more apt to overcome their challenges.

The goal is to create peaceful places in the community where all age groups can come together and create relationships.

There was much discussion and input from Rotarians.

Rick Graham thanked Russ Sanche for his thought provoking presentation.

Committee Reports:

Pierre commented on the Environmental process.  

• Our club has agreed to participate in the June 4,5 Rotary Day of Service weekend with a focus on the environment.  
• Pierre reached out to the town of Kentville to discuss potential projects involving youth and the community. 
• There is also an opportunity to continue working with the Nova Scotia invasive council on the Dog Vine weed pull taking place August 13.
• The Nova Scotia Nature Trust offers another opportunity for involvement to become guardians of the land.
• According to the club’s strategic plan, every committee is asked to be environmentally aware as it relates to their area of service.
• Shelly Fleckenstein suggested we revisit our commitment to have every Rotarian plant a tree.

Words from a Vocational Training Team Chair:

Dan Smith, Rotary District 7090 Vocational Training Team Chair, stated, “We are pleased with the successful Vocational Training Team experience in Brazil, Rotary District 4480, who hosted our team. Our team members were given opportunities to experience the expertise of the Brazilian world-renowned medical facilities and personnel in the areas of cancer, ophthalmology, and coronary procedures. Achieved goals included sharing best practices, research, helping others, and improving the quality of life. This team is currently sharing their many experiences of their Brazil experience with Rotary clubs in our area.”

Reach out to your District Grants Chair for more information on Vocational Training Team opportunities.

Pierre and the club read the 4-Way Test and adjourned. 

See you next week!