The Rotary Club of Kentville - Charter Night – May 2nd, 2022

Again, this year we had the wonderful relaxing surroundings of the Ken-Wo golf club for our event with a scrumptious 3 course dinner with wine and Rotary friends.

Our Emcee for the evening was Peter Clarke who was very efficient in moving the program along and at a nice pace.

Peter recognized visiting Rotarians Pete Smith, Heather Hennigar and Roger & Suzanne Sevigny.

President Bill did the official Welcome and opening remarks, followed by O’Canada and the blessing.

Our program included a welcome on behalf of the district by ADG Heather Hennigar.  Past presidents of the club were acknowledged along with Rotarians that have been members for 25 years and 50 years. Greg Trefry made a special mention of members that recently passed – Nat James and Fred Falconer.

Several members of the Club shared reports for the following: Community Service, Persons with Disabilities, International Committee, Program/Speakers, Youth Services, RI Foundation, and Special Events.

Doug Hill shared information on the special recognitions that exist within Rotary and recognized those individuals that were present.

The final presentation and the primary reason why our club has this special evening once a year is the Introduction of New Paul Harris Fellows.

Shelley Fleckenstein introduced Dr Howard Wightman with the Valley Cardiac Rehabilitation Society.  In 1992, Cardiologist, Dr. Howard Wightman, launched a program at the Evangeline Middle School for patients with heart disease. Initially a ten-week program, it ran two or three times per year. 

Over the years, this morphed into the cleverly-named “Extended Warranty Program”. Now under the umbrella of the Valley Cardiac Rehabilitation Society, it is a not-for-profit organization which helps patients with a variety of conditions including Heart Disease, Stroke , Diabetes, and COPD. More than one thousand patients have benefitted from these programs which runs in partnership with Annapolis Valley health and the Acadia University Department of Kinesiology. 

By teaching people about their conditions, and how to use medications properly, to eat healthily, and to exercise daily, patients learn to take ownership of their health. Participants learn to adopt good living habits, they take control of their health and they reduce the risk for more problems☺ 

Pierre Hoebers introduced Susan Smith -  Fundy Interfaith Food Bank

Sue is the Operations Manager and oversees all aspects of this vital community service.  Duties include building maintenance, securing volunteers, liaise with community partners, sits on the board, represents Orchard Valley United Church, training volunteers, coordinating donations, contact person for Feed Nova Scotia and there is more!!   Sue’s volunteer hour easily adds up to 20-25 hours per week and sometimes more.

Prior to her food bank position Sue was a high school physical education teacher and a Coach for over 35years.  Sue knows about putting in extra hours because of her coaching sports for children and youth.  Sue has been recognized in the NS Sport Hall of Fame, the Lunenburg Sport “Wall of Fame” and received the “Dorothy G Walker” Distinguished Service Award for contribution to Inter Scholastic Athletics.

Paul Harris special recognition to our President Bill Denyar 

Bill has provided Club Leadership with enthusiasm and passion for what we all have experienced in the last two years.   His patience through all the changes, dealing with Covid protocols, striving to complete our new Strategic Plan, and communicating with all members took a great effort.  We also remembered the leadership role Bill took on when the Khatib family arrived from Syria and if you did not know it, the Khatib children call him Uncle Bill!!  First President to serve a consecutive 2-year term in our Club!!

CONGRATULATIONS to our 3 worthy PHF Nominees for the Rotary year 2021-2022!