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.

 

 

O Canada led by Sue

 

Bill welcomed everyone to the meeting including guest Brian and guest Rotarian Rod (Calgary West).

 

 

Sue is happy Joe doing extremely well. He is getting close to a full recovery. She was also happy to have the visit of her son (from Halifax) on the weekend.

 

Rod said his Mom sees Nat and is happy to report that Nat continues to be well (apart from some trouble from his leg).

 

Shelley is happy her commercial building sold! Papers were signed Monday morning.

 

Jessica is happy that her oldest son has moved out. She had a full house during COVID and is happy to have a little more space.

 

 

Bill is working on a “fill in the blanks” template to help with committee reporting. It will be circulated to directors and committee chairs in time for the February business meeting on the 22^nd.

 

Secretary’s Report:  Nothing new to report.

 

Illnesses: Joe is on the mend. Heather will be laid up for about 6-8 weeks and is adjusting to getting around with a fiberglass cast and walker. Not one to sit still, she has turned her attention to water colours.

 

Strategy Plan (Heather) Rick Ramsey is leading the process. A committee has been struck: (Rick R, Heather, Andrea, Pierre, Gerry). We will be hearing more in the coming weeks.

 

Valley Faces of Business (Phil) Phil has taken over as the Chair of the Valley Faces of Business committee. His first order of business was to present a cheque for $20,000 to President Bill. This is the second installment of the 2020-21 book profits and will go towards our club projects.

Rick G. came forward and presented the results of the 17^th edition of the book. Despite COVID, we were able to net $68,500 which will be used to fund our service. All in all it was a great year. Phil thanked Rick and Karen for chairing the committee.

Today was also the launch of the 18^th edition (to be published in November 2021) to fund our service projects in 2021-22. Valley Faces is starting the year in good shape. Rod’s roll has been reviewed and enhanced to provide extra support. Our target for the 2021-22 book is to meet and exceed last year’s contribution. As a thank you to our long-time supporters and to encourage new supporters, we will be rolling our ad prices back to pre-COVID prices (2019). Over the next month it is our hope to re-sign our current sponsors. As you are out dealing with businesses, take the opportunity to invite them to be part of this book. If they are already a supporter, thank them for being part. At this time, we are only looking for commitments (sign contracts). Invoices will follow sometime after July (once ads are prepared and approved by the sponsor).

 

 

Fundraising: Craig suggested we consider a plan B for fundraising. The board will be looking at other ideas and means of fundraising. If you have any ideas to bring forward for major fundraising projects – please bring them forward to any board member. The more money we raise, the better we can serve our community, our district and our world!

 

Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation (RCKCCF): Rod is on the disbursement committee of the RCKCCF. Applications are open for 2021. Both MudCreek and Kentville have updated their websites to include the most current information about the Foundation. It is here you can download the application. The ask is for us to ensure any potential recipients are aware of the Foundation grants. Note: that recipients must have charitable status to apply. Further details can be found on the websites.

 

 

Rotary Friendship Exchange: Rod announced that a friendship exchange between the Rotary Clubs of Calgary West (District 5360) and Kentville (District 7820) is in the works with a planned date of Spring/Summer 2022. Elva will be the lead from the Kentville club. There is a Facebook page set up open to members of both clubs. The current plan is for a five-day weekend. It is hoped, in addition to the regulars, this exchange will serve as a great introduction to Rotarians who have not yet participated in an exchange. The current thought is to have Calgary come to Kentville for Apple Blossom and Kentville go to Calgary for Stampede. Stay tuned!!!

 

 

Special Events: Phyllis reminded the club of our upcoming “Wine Survivor COVID Style” event happening on Feb 13^th. Please register online ASAP. The event is open to Rotarians and friends. The cost to enter is a bottle of wine and $20. Remember to indicate if you would like to host (8-10 max). You can contact a member of the committee directly or indicate in the comments section when you sign up for the event.

 

Rotary Foundation Minute: (Phil) WHAT IS A ROTARY FOUNDATION GLOBAL GRANT SCHOLARSHIP?

Established in 1947, the original Ambassadorial Scholarship program was designed to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. With the launch of the Rotary Grants model, scholarships are now used to fund study by graduate students whose career goals support an area of focus. The funding is the same as a humanitarian global grant with a minimum scholarship amount of US$30,000. Upon returning home, Rotary Scholars share with Rotarians and others their experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country, and what career they will go into in order to meet the six areas of focus and spread good will and understanding.

Do you know any students that you would like to nominate for a scholarship?

 

Chase the Ace: Lucky ticket 750 belonged to Rick G. With only 18 cards left, Rick picked the 4 diamonds. Another Roll over.

 

The meeting adjourned following the Four Way Test led by Bill