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Vaccines Provide Hope
Hope in the fight against COVID-19
 
2021 brings the hope of vaccines to help in the fight of COVID 19 and end to the deadly pandemic. Rotary is no stranger to vaccines. The eradication of Polio campaign is proof vaccines work as we approach the last mile in the eradication of Wild Polio Virus worldwide.
 
 
The first COVID vaccines were administered in the Province in December. The first Valley clinics begin the week of January 11. For more information the NS Department of Health is a great resource. Below is an excerpt and link to the most current information on NS's COVID vaccine program.
 
 

Vaccine

Vaccines are products that help protect you from viruses that cause illnesses like COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine will be free for everyone in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 immunization plan includes a 3-phase approach. As more vaccine is received, more groups will become eligible to get the vaccine.

Each vaccine has different rules on how you can move and store the vaccine. Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 immunization plan looks at:

  • how and when the vaccine supply is delivered
  • how, when and where the vaccine can be moved around the province
  • what kind of specialized equipment is needed to move and store the vaccine
  • who will get the vaccine and when based on guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization

Two vaccines,  Pfizer BioNtech and Moderna, are approved for use in Nova Scotia. The province may receive other brands of COVID-19 vaccine as they’re approved for use by Health Canada.

Nova Scotia expects to receive 150,000 vaccines from 16 December 2020 to 31 March 2021.

Russell Hampton
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Stories
What did you miss January 11 2021
Kentville Rotary: Paddy’s and Zoom meeting
 
Rotarians continue to have three ways to join our meetings: In person at Paddy’s, On Screen via Zoom or Watching on Facebook Live. Note the new Zoom sign in credentials for 2021. If you don’t receive our weekly meeting reminders, contact Ellen to receive ZOOM access.
 
Chairperson:   Karen Corey 
 
O Canada led by Sue 
(Flag Bearer: Craig) 
 
Karen welcomed everyone to the meeting including guests: Brian and Peter L and guest rotarians:  Rod (Calgary). Russ (MudCreek) and Pete S (Port Hawkesbury).
 
Happy $$:
 
Sue is happy Joe is recovering well from his knee surgery. He had his stiches out and things are looking good. Sue is hopeful Joe will be back to sharing his load of chores around the home!
 
Peter S. is happy that his chocolate "bribe" seemingly worked miracles. He was surprised that he was able to get a doctor appointment within minutes of his call! Was it perfect timing or did the chocolates work wonders? We'll never know.
 
 
President's Report:    
 
Bill welcomed Peter L, Brian, Russ, Martin, Peter S and Rod to the meeting. He attended the SW Nova Scotia Rotary Presidents council. Reminder to consider the District’s call for a help. They are looking for volunteers to step up to assist with Youth Services, Public Image and Training.
 
From the District Governor’s message: “Currently we are asking any Rotarians who might be interested to contact myself or DGN Roger Sevigny if you would like to serve on a Youth Services Committee. This group will be working towards forming a joint Youth Services Committee that would involve our neighbouring District 7810 and in 2022 eventually become the Youth Services Committee for our combined Districts (7815).”
 
From Kevin Armstrong’s email: “Call for Rotarians interested in helping our District Trainer, Alana Hirtle over the next 6-18 months. Alana has done a tremendous job over the last 18 months but she now is now also dealing with the amalgamation of Training program with 7810 and eventually a 7815 Training Committee starting July 1, 2022.  Help from any Rotarian with training experience would be greatly appreciated. Please contact myself, Kevin or Alana if you would like to help out.”
 
Reminder there is a link on our website to the District site for more information.
 
Secretary’s Report:  Nothing new to report.
 
Illnesses: Joe continues heeling from his knee surgery. No further news to report
 
Speaker: Russ Sanche – The Portal update
 
Karen introduced Russ. He has been involved in leadership training and education with young people for over 30 years.  Russell has worked in various cultures, creating the space to help young people to face adversity, take responsibility, and give back to their community.  In Nova Scotia, through the Portal Youth Centre, Russ reaches out to young people and families that are stressed and challenged. He helps them to navigate through the system, getting the support they need, and rise up to a better life. Building partnerships and working to see a community care about all members, young and old is Russ’s passion. He and his wife, Cynthia have chosen to live out this next chapter of their lives in the trenches of a forgotten community (youth at risk) in the Annapolis Valley. 
 
Russ: Happy to be able to provide a progress report since the last time he spoke with our club. Things are moving forward well. Because of the initial investments from the Rotary Clubs of Kentville and MudCreek, they have been able to leverage this to kick start The Portal.
 
The Portal has been approached to broaden their demographics to include all ages. They are strategic partners to homelessness no more across all ages. Kelly MacGregor has been hired to coordinate housing and community engagement.
 
It has become apparent that homelessness strikes a chord with many. “It is not okay, How can we help?” More and more small groups are looking for ways to contribute to the cause. It is clear a team of community supports working together have propelled the success of the Portal. They are being seen as a model for other parts of the Province. Task of child welfare is a difficult one. The portal helps bring the right people together asking the right questions to make things happen.
 
Recent research in the province indicates 247 people at homeless or at risk here in the Annapolis Valley now. Further 61% of all youth say they are struggling with mental health. The Portal has relationships with Engage NS and Acadia U to monitor homelessness. The hope is that they will be able to monitor progress with regular ongoing data.
 
The Portal is part of a strategic group looking into affordable housing options. For more information about the portal, visit their website http://www.portalyouth.ca/ Check out their monthly videos and YouTube channel.
 
 
Karen thanked Russ for his presentation, Walley, Heather and Greg thanked Russ for the great work of the Portal and the good they are doing in our community. Karen noted the need for bringing the “silos” together and the Portal is doing a great job with that as well. Thank you.
 
Committee Reports:
 
Social Committee (Karen): The committee will be meeting later today and are looking to find a COVID friendly solution to the wine survivor based on the positive response from members.
 
Other Notices:
(Phil) WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL GLOBAL GRANT APPLICATION?
Consult with local experts early in the planning process to build a strong project plan and global grant application. The district resource network (see below) can help.
To be approved, your application must clearly describe how your project, scholarship, or vocational training team:
  • Is sustainable — include plans for long-term success after the global grant funds have been spent
  • Includes measurable goals
  • Aligns with one of Rotary's areas of focus
  • Responds to real community needs
  • Actively involves Rotarians and community members
  • Meets the eligibility requirements in the grants terms and conditions
The Rotary Foundation’s grant model empowers Rotarians to continue advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the implement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty!
 
Chase the Ace – Lucky ticket “709” belonged to Ellan. She drew the five of hearts and won a consolation prize was a bottle of wine! The pot rolls over for another week.
 
Shelley led the club in the four-way test.
 
Join us 12 noon on Monday, January 18th at Paddy’s (or via Zoom or Facebook Live) for news from Brigadoon. Dave Graham and Michele Bohaychuk will be our guest speakers.