(Updated July 15, 2008)
20 Great Reasons To Join Rotary
On a June 23rd, 2008 Rotary Monday, a group of Sussex Rotarians went to Rotary Camp to do some needed work on Sussex Station. Pictured above is Past President Murray McGibbon and his grandson Connor. In the background is PP Bob Kimball.
On March 17, 2008, Richard Smith of the Sussex and Area Community Foundation spoke to the Club about the activities of the Foundation over the last year. He was accompanied by Neville Gossman.
On April 21, 2008, Sussex Rotarian Haley Bettle spoke to the Club and gave an informative update on the Sussex Real Estate market, and the changes over the years since she entered the profession in 2002. Haley was introduced by Rotarian Peter Haines and thanked by Kim Pearson.
While visitng the club on April 7, 2008, District Governor Nominee Gordon Dempsey inducted Sussex Rotary's newest member Kevin Simpson in the Club. Pictured above watching as Kevin receives his Rotary pin is PP Kim Pearson, chair of the Membership Development Committee.
On April 7, 2008 ADG Kevin Tupper of the Rothesay-Kings Rotary Club and District Governor Nominee Gordon Demspey visited the Club as guest speakers and talked about membership development and retention. Pictures above from right to left are Kevin, Gordon, and Rotarian Haley Bettle.
Sussex Rotary's speakers on March 10, 2008 were Saint John Rotarians Jay Kimball, and David Merrithew. Jay and David spoke about Rotary International's Rotary Friendship Exchange program. Both had participated in an exchange to Kansis City a few years ago, and had hosted the same Kansis City Rotarians in Saint John. From this exchange, they have gained life long friends who have met since then to attend a football game.
On Feb. 18, 2008, Joan McDonnell of the Heart & Stoke Foundation gave a most interesting talk on the risk factors associated with having a heart attack or stroke. Joan and her husband both have heart attacks, so could relate personal experiences to the membership.
Past President Robert Kimball congratulates Laura Stairs on being chosen as Sussex Rotary's representative to attend the Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa, and presents her with the necessary final forms for making the trip. Laura is a Sussex High School student, and will be in Ottawa April 27th to 30th. The costs of the trip and program are paid for by the Rotary Club of Sussex as part of its vocational and youth programs.
On Jan. 15, 2008, Cindy Macaulay, owner of Crafters Vineyard, gave a talk about making wine, either from a kit or from fresh fruits. Cindy told the Club she also makes the wine at her store for customers if they prefer this approach. She brought three types of wine with her, and as seen in the bottom photos, everyone had a sample of each. She also brought four one litre bottles to be used as a door prize. These were won by Harley Geldart, Robert Kimball, Robert Black and Murray McGibbon.
Rotarian Harley also presented a toast with the wine to the newly married "Mrs. Keri Marr".
On Jan. 7, Rotary's first speaker for 2008 was Robyn Doull, Administrator of the Sussex Health Center. Robyn was introduced by Rotarian Bob Black and member of the Sussex Health Center Foundation's Board of Directors. Robyn spoke to the Club on both the role of the Sussex Health Center's Foundation which is currently fund raising for a new PET Scan machine, and the challenges facing the Health Center.
Each Christmas, the Club packs for sale Christmas boxes comprised of product from local merchants. Pictured helping with the packing are Rotarians (L-R) Chairman Bob Black, Honorary Rotarian and Mayor Ralph Carr, Peter Haines, Frank Darrah, and Don Dobbin. Over 240 boxes were packed and sold.
On Dec. 8, 2007, the Sussex Rotary Club participated in the Town of Sussex Christmas parade. The Club purchased a new banner and passed out candy canes with Rotary information literature attached.
Representing Rotary in the parade were (L-R) Secretry Frank Darrah, PP Peter Haines, President Donna Gilchrist, PP Kim Pearson, and friends of Rotary Susan and Taylor Pearson .
By Charlene MacKenzie
Published Tuesday December 4th, 2007
Appeared on page B2, Kings County Record
Rotary District Governor Terry Lenihan spoke
at the Sussex Rotary Club's 30th anniversary dinner Nov. 16, 2007
Having both genders and a range of age groups in its membership continually brings vitality and new ideas to the Sussex Rotary Club as it celebrates its 30th year.
Rotary District Governor Terry Lenihan, guest speaker at the Rotary's charter night Nov. 16, commended the service club on its progressive practices and its willingness to serve not just in the community but in the world beyond.
Rotary member Bob Kimball was master of ceremonies, welcoming guests including Kings East MLA Bruce Northrup, Sussex Mayor Ralph Carr, Rotary district officials and representatives of other local service clubs to the charter night dinner at the Sussex Golf and Curling Club.
Kimball noted that reaching the 30th anniversary was "quite an accomplishment" for the Sussex Rotary Club, which started out under the sponsorship of the Saint John Rotary and went on to itself sponsor the start-up of the Hampton Rotary Club.
Members range in age from their 30s and up, with the oldest member being 90, he said. It currently has 21 members about one third of them female with Donna Gilchrist as president and Kim Pearson as past president.
Northrup congratulated the club on reaching the 30-year landmark. He said it was great to be back in Rotary company he had been a Rotarian about a decade ago.
"The Rotary works as a team for the community it's men and women working together," he said, praising the crucial role volunteers play in communities as organizations and as individuals.
"It's exciting to go around and meet new people and see old friends at the clubs," Lenihan said of his role as district governor.
The district includes all New Brunswick clubs and two areas in Maine.
He encouraged Sussex members who have served executive roles in the past to consider serving on the district level, and spoke about the upcoming district conference in his home community of Bathurst in June 2008.
"One of the key, essential things in Rotary is making new friends, learning about what other people are involved in and helping communities. The local Rotary has made a huge difference in this community and Rotary has made a huge difference throughout New Brunswick and Maine."
Among the local efforts the Sussex Rotary Club has supported is the Portage program in Cassidy Lake for youth with addiction problems. The Sussex Rotary bought vans for the residential treatment facility and helped repair existing vans.
Lenihan said he was impressed with the Rotary Youth Merit Award applicants from the Sussex area.
"These kids are all winners and should be congratulated," he said, urging members to introduce these youth to Rotary activities and encourage them to become future Rotarians.
He also praised the Sussex Rotary for its focus on people with mental and physical disabilities, especially through Camp Rotary, a summer camp for youth with disabilities which also provides university student camp counsellors with valuable work experience.
Referring to an upcoming Rotary exchange in which a group of Rotarians from South Africa will be visiting New Brunswick, he urged the Sussex club to consider inviting the visitors to Sussex.
"The Sussex region and the valley are gorgeous. It's well-known that the farms down here are the best farms in the whole province," he said. "It's a great place to bring a group study exchange."
Rotary is increasingly getting involved in developing microcredit programs for countries such as South Africa, to give people in struggling communities small loans to start up community businesses and help them learn to run their businesses.
The goal is for the communities to "rise up and become economically self-sufficient," he said.
Getting involved in international projects "opens your eyes to the world of Rotary," he said, calling Rotary the world's biggest ambassador foundation.
"Do what needs to be done in your community, but don't forget the wider world of Rotary," he urged.
Referring to long-time Rotary member Harley Geldart, who was attending the event, Lenihan said, "I still see that sparkle in your eyes after all these years you still enjoy Rotary."
Pictured above (left picture) are Past President Keri Walker and Past President and Charter member Harley Geldart sharing a few stories from the past. In the right picture are D.G. Terry with his wife Margaret, and Assistant District Govenor Kevin Tupper.
On Aug. 27, 2007, the Suusex Rotarians helped Honorary Rotarian, Past President, and Charter member Harley Geldart's 90th birthday. Rotarian Bruce Northrup, on behalf of the Club, presented Harley with a gift.
Each June for the past two years, the Rotary Club of Sussex has prepared and served the dinner for the PALS graduation luncheon preceding the official graduation ceremonies.
Helping prepare and serve the the dinner are (L-R) Rotarians Frank Derrah, President Kim Pearson, President Elect Donna Gilchrist, friends of Rotary Susan Pearson and Cathy Currin, Rotarians Roger Albert, PP Bob Kimball, and Rotarian and MLA Bruce Northrup.
On May 12, 1007, Tracy Friars who is on loan to School District 6 spoke to the Club about a program entitled "CELEBRATE, What's Right with the World" TM with DeWitt Jones.
CELEBRATE is a philosophy that encourages positive thinking. 7 Key Concepts of CELEBRATE are described in a DVD hosted by renowned photographer and motivational speaker Dewitt Jones which Tracy shared with the Club.
School District 6 has developed an in-depth program that supports the CELEBRATE philosophy in:
Tracy's challenge to the Club was to consider how CELEBRATE can play a role in:
At the close of the meeting, Tracy presented President Kim with the new CELEBRATE lapel pin.
On March 19, 2007, President Elect Donna Gilchrist (R-L) and President Kim Pearson presented a cheque for $1000.00 to Wanda Steeves of Crosswinds for their CASP program. Wanda Steeves and Wanda Green were Rotary's guest speaker to talk about Crosswinds projects and their operation. The donation is given to support Crosswind's Community Academic Service Project.
They gave our Club an excellent presentation about Crosswinds and its role in the community. Crosswinds works to develop community connections and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Crosswinds was established in 1978 and began operations at the Lions Den. In 2002 the organization moved to its present location at 100 Leonard Drive. Crosswinds receives approximately 80% of its funding from the provincial Department of Family and Community Services however there is a significant amount of fundraising required for the organization. Crosswinds operates CASP (Community Academic Services Program) and provides employment services for all underemployed members of our community (not just those with disabilities). Crosswinds is constantly looking for new business opportunities and can provide workers for a variety of tasks.
Each year, the Rotary Club of Sussex Inc. contributes 5% of its total fund raising dollars to the Rotary Foundation Annual Giving Program. On Feb. 26, 2007, the Club unanimously agreed to again do the same. Shown above is a check presentation of $1212.00 to Gordon Dempsey, Assistant District Governor, by President Kim Pearson, President Elect Donna Gilchrist, and Vice-president Haley Bettle.
On Feb. 19, 2007, the trip draw special bonus draw for those having purchased tickets by Feb. 15 was held at CJCW Radio Station. Members of the Rotary Club of Sussex (L-R) Past President and charter member Harley Geldart, Bob Black, Lou McNamara, and PP Keri Walker gathered at the station to stuff 494 names in capsules, and then into the draw barrels. The lucky winner, Dr. Warren Tomkins, was drawn by long time Rotarian and top ticket seller Harley Geldart.
The monthly winners are drawn and announced the first of each month at the radio station, and the winners names are publicized monthly in the Kings County Record and on the Sussex Rotary Club web site for viewing.
On Jan. 20, 2007 Sussex Rotarians attended a Rotary District Seminar hosted by the Rotary Club of Moncton West & Riverview, and had the opportunity to personally meet and hear Rotary International incoming President Wilf Wilkinson. Wilf is a Canadian which is an additional source of pride for us, and will lead Rotary International world wide commencing in July.
Pictured above are (L-R) Sussex Rotarians President Kim Pearson, Roger Albert, Past Presidents Bob Kimball and Peter Haines, President Elect Wilf, and Rotarian Robert Lockhart.
On Aug. 28, 2006, District Governor Harold Moore visited the Sussex Rotary Club. Pictured above during his visit are (L-R) DG Harold, Club President Kim, Secretary Donna Gilchrist, and Assistant DG Gordon Dempsey from Hampton.
Dear Presidents of the Hampton, Rothesay-Kings, Saint John and Sussex Rotary Clubs:
Gordon Dempsey has just informed me that your members have agreed to support the World Community Service project jointly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fredericton Sunrise and Brits (D9250) to supply hearing aids, school supplies and teachers aids for handicapped children at the Genesis Centre near Brits. In this you will join the Rotary Clubs of Fredericton, Fredericton Sunrise and Sackville to provide the financing for this project which will, after addition of DDF from our district and matching funds from the Rotary Foundation, be a total of US$27,700.
Please pass on to your members my very, and those of the Rotary Club of Brits, grateful thanks for their support of this project and the children in the schools for handicapped children. I have had the pleasure of visiting the Genesis Centre and I can assure you that were it not for the school these children would have very little contact with anyone outside their families. With the gift of hearing they will now be able to experience a much greater world and, hopefully, learn to communicate with their parents, siblings, teachers and other children. The additional teaching materials and teachers aids will increase their abilities and quality of life.
We will now start the process to put together the matching grant application.
As I have indicated, your contribution will be credited to your club for Foundation Recognition points which can be used for Paul Harris Recognition if you so wish.
Mike Ross of the Fredericton Sunrise Club will be the International Contact for this project and will keep you informed at every step as to progress on the project so that you can communicate with your members.
I am attaching a photo of some of the children at the Genesis Centre who, already, want to say “Thank You” for your love and support.
In Rotary,
Rotarian Mike Street
On Oct. 14, 2006, the Sussex Rotarians and their friends gathered at Tim Horton's to undertake the fall clean up of their designated piece of highway between Sussex and Norton.
In the picture are Frank Skaling, Harley Geldart, Cindy Coates, Keri Walker, Frank Derrah and Kim Pearson. Missing from the picture were Andrew Palmer, Audrey Skaling, Donna Gilchrist, Mark Pearson, Robert Lockhart and Sharon and Byron Armstrong.
On Oct. 4, 2006, Rotarian Harley Geldart was honored in Saint John by Saint John Mayor Norman McFarlane on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross with a certificate of Appreciation of Valuable Volunteer Service to the Canadian Red Cross Society. Harley was also presented with his 10 year service pin.
Under the leadership of Rotarian Harley Geldart, the Sussex Club collected contributions for the Easter Seal Campaign from various business locations around town. Pictured (L-R) are Rotarians Dana Black, Harley, Frank Skaling, President Kim Pearson, Sharon Armstrong, Tom McGibbon, and Tom Snowden.
Our Club was very fortunate to host Jetta ?? from Germany for three weeks in June 2005. Pictured here is President Kim Pearson (left) accepting a Club Banner from Jetta's host club. Emily Cormier (right) will be returning to Germany with Jetta for a similar exchange n July. The picture was taken at Rotarian Bob Kimball's home on July 11, 2005 when he and Theresa hosted the Club for a barbecue.
