Pictures
2010
Elaine Ingalls Hogg
On Feb. 15, 2010, Elaine Ingalls Hogg spoke to the Club about her background, having come from Grand Manan as a child to Cape Breton for 32 years and then moving to Sussex, and how she got into writing. She writes an inspirational column for the Kings County Record and has stories included in more than a dozen anthologies, as well as various magazines and newspapers.
Her first book was a short kids book about dealing with loss called Remembering Honey, inspired by her volunteer work in the palliative care unit. She is the author of Historic Grand Manan, When Canada Joined Cape Breton, and was the editir of Christmas in the Maritimes..
Her most recent book is a historical about the Town of Sussex which will be released for publication in May 2010. In Historic Sussex, Elaine has collected over 150 historical mages from Sussex's beginnings up to the Second World War.
Elaine was a very interesting speaker for sure.
Picture (L-R): Rotary Past Presidents Bob Kimball, Kim Pearson, Donna Gilchrist, Elaine, and Rotarian Rhoda Wilson, chair of the weekly speakers bureau..
Citizens on Patrol
On Jan. 18, 2010, our guest speakers were Tanya Warren (right), a civilian member of RCMP and Sarah Smith of the Citizens on Patrol program.
Both Tanya and Sarah told us a bit about the program and how it got started in Sussex & Sussex Corner. It started locally in October 2009 due to a reported increase in vandalism and reports by some citizens of feeling less than safe in our community. This program has been going on successfully in St. Stephen for over 15 years.
It is a volunteer project not funded by tax payers. The members are trained and are organized volunteers who enjoy making a difference in their communities. They are not police officers. They are a valued resource to the local police agency patrolling the community ensuring safe homes and a safe community
They are looking for more members to help with the growth and sustainability of this worthy cause.
2009
Christmas Luncheon 2009
On Dec. 21, 2009, twelve of the members of the Sussex Rotary Club and their guests met at the All Season's Inn & Restaurant to enjoy a Christmas lunch, share some stories, and wish each other a joyous festive season.
During the meeting, the Rotarians collected money ($200.00) to be donated to the Salvation Army for their Christmas lunch program. Members also collected and made a donation to the All Season staff who serve their lunches all year.
Left Photo: Special guest Katelyn Lockhart, grand daughter of Robert Lockhart, Rotarians Robert lockhart, Bob Black, April Caissie, Rhoda Wilson, Donna Gilchrist, Harley Geldart, Cindy Coates, guest of Harley, and President Frank Derrah.
Right Photo: Rotarians Barb Crowe, Robert Kimball jr., Bob Kimball, Victoria Craig, Pat McGibbon, wife of Murray, Murray McGibbon, and Bruce Northrup, Rotarian & MLA.
On Nov. 30, 2009, President Frank inducted April Caissie as our newest Rotarian.
April is from and currently resides in Salisbury NB. She is currently the Sussex Manager for the Scotiabank, and has her Personal Financial Planner and Associate of Canadian Bankers and Specialist in Financial Counseling.
April's career with Scotiabank has spanned for 23 1/2 years and in her current position as Manager Scotiabank Sussex for 6 months. She has held numerous positions within Scotiabank with her last position as Investment Sales Coach with East NB and PEI.
She loves to read, run and travel. She is married with 2 children ages 18 and 15.
Other community involvement includes sitting on the board of the Salisbury Boys and Girls Club, and was also previously involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association as a Director on the board and was involved with Southeast United Way.
Rotary Foundation
On Nov. 23, 2009, Rick Rogers, Past District #7810 Governor spoke on the Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus program to our Club.
Rick joined Rotary for the same reason many of us did and that was to give something back to our community .
The foundation provides funding to do worthwhile projects all over the world where Rotary is represented (33,000 clubs in over 200 countries). One of the main sources of funding for the foundation is "the every year every Rotarian" $100.00 US donation program and we all should be doing this as this is our charity and it is truly amazing what Rotary is accomplishing worldwide.
He also spoke about the challenge the Gates Foundation has given Rotary in coming up with another 100 million dollars to complete polio eradication. We have met the challenge before and he asked that our club consider donating to this project.
There were only 1500 cases of polio last year and it is now limited to 4 countries (Nigeria, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan).
Work Room School District 6
Derek Jones, Work Room coordinator for school district #6 was guest speaker on Nov. 9, 2009.
This is a resource center for children and adults alike in the Sussex, Hampton and Belleisle area. It works out an office in each of the area high schools. Derek works 2 days in Belleisle and 3 days weekly in Sussex.
The project is funded jointly by school district #6 and post secondary education department. It has been running now for 1 year in Sussex. They also cover PALS in Sussex and Hampton.
Derek gave us a power point presentation on how the process works in finding out what peoples interests are and trying to match them to careers they are suited to based on a detailed questionnaire. The process seems to make a lot of sense and while it is voluntary on the part of students, it would likely benefit all who take it. A good presentation Derek!
Fundy Civic Center Presentation
A special presentation was made on Nov. 1, 2009 by the Sussex Rotary Club to the Fundy Civic Center. President Frank Derrah, Honorary member Harley Geldart presented John Robinson of the FCC the Club's donation of $76, 751.38. Rotarian & MLA Bruce Northrup joined in for the happy occassion.
PALS Presentation
Rotary has supported the local PALS class for some years in one manner or another. This year, the Club presented PALS with $500 for their Thanksgiving Dinner at Kings Landing.
Pictured are Rotarians Rhoda Wilson and Wendy Osborne presenting the check, and student Natasha Dalton and teacher Harold Dalling accepting the check.
Sussex Rotary ShelterBox Project
Top photo- Rotarian Wendy Osborne selling tickets on a GPS to raise the funds to purchase a ShelterBox.
Left Photo- 23 Atlantic Canada Rotary Club representatives who presented Tom Henderson (standing on far left) with ShelterBox funding.
Right Photo- Sussex Rotarian Roger Albert presenting Sussex's $1200.00 contribution for a ShelterBox.
That's what ShelterBox Charity, a Rotary Club International project and brainchild of a real live hero, have accomplished in nine short years.
That's the life-and-death story Rotary Club of Moncton West and Riverview members heard the night Oct. 16th, 2009 at a fund-raising dinner to buy more shelter boxes for disaster relief worldwide. The real live hero, Tom Henderson of Helston, U.K., was the star of the dinner held at Moncton's Crowne Plaza Hotel. Henderson, who has won international recognition for his humanitarian work, recalled how the idea first began and the road traveled to help millions in need each time there is a major landslide, flood, earthquake, tsunami or tornado across the globe.
The shelter boxes which contain a tent for 10 people, stove and cooking implements, water purification, blankets and other necessities offer "shelter, comfort and dignity" to the people homeless in a disaster, he told the 100-plus Rotarians from Greater Moncton and other clubs in the Atlantic Region.
With shelter boxes used in 63 countries, "it's the best aid package in the world," he said with pride.
Henderson was in Moncton at the invitation of Moncton West and Riverview club president Mike Walsh who met the founder of ShelterBox Charity in England and was immediately sold. Moncton is one of 10 stops Henderson made while crossing Canada to promote the project and raise money.
During the evening, 23 boxes each costing about $1,200 were pledged from different Rotary clubs in the region (bottom left photo). At the event representing the Sussex Rotary Club was Rotarian Roger Albert (bottom right photo), who presented our Club's check from funds raised during the 2009 Balloon Festival (top photo) where tickets were sold on a GPS unit supplied by the PotashCorp New Brunswick. Pictured selling tickets is Rotarian Wendy Oborne with the ShelterBox tent directly behind her and the PotashCorp Fossil tent to the left.
Henderson, a longtime Rotarian in England, said the idea of distributing these packages to disaster victims came to him one night when watching a television account showing a relief effort where workers tossed bread onto the ground for disaster victims to scoop up. He said he was upset at the indignity and vowed to do something about it.
What he saw was tens of thousands of these boxes distributed the world around and immediately set to work making it happen beginning with his "1.2 million (Rotarian) friends."
Other organizations, schools, groups and individuals have since come on board to help, raising $50 million to date. But more needs to be done, he said.
A total of 122 boxes were purchased in Canada three years ago. Last year, there were 736 and the push is on for more clubs getting involved buying more boxes. Three boxes previously purchased by the Moncton West and Riverview club ended up in Africa to help people there.
Walsh pointed to the account of Bangladesh woman giving birth shortly after receiving one of the tents. She would have been forced to give birth in an open field devoid of shelter and dignity, said Walsh. "That's payback" for the rotary club effort, he added.
Relay of Life
On Oct. 19, 2009, Sherry Dumont from Canadian Cancer Society was guest speaker. Sheri has been with the organization for 14 years. She lives in Hampton with her family and has been involved with the 12 hour Relay For Life event since it's inception in NB 9 years ago.
She has attended a good many of the 31 Relays in NB. The Relay is now the single biggest fund raising event for the Cancer society. All the relays while different have similarities including the survivors victory lap and the luminaries event. The Sussex relay is set for June 11, 2010 and she is looking for volunteers for various committees. The average team raises $2,300.
Sheri also spoke about the various support and prevention programs that Canadian Cancer Society provides and was informative in this regard. She would like to see the Rotary Club put in a team in 2010. She provided information and hand outs including team logs for fund raising should we put a team in.
Sherri was introduced by Roger Albert and thanked by Bob Black.
RI Convention 2010
Greg Russell from Rothesay-Kings Rotary Club visted our Club on Oct. 5, 2009 Greg gave us a presentation on the upcoming Rotary International Convention in Montreal June 20-23rd, 2010. This is probably the closest an RI convention will ever get to us, so the push is on to get as many from District #7810 to the convention as possible. This is also the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Canada. Last time it was in Canada was 1996 in Calgary. This is a great chance for some of us to get a much broader perspective of Rotary and what it does worldwide. 20,000 participants are expected.
The District has already secured some special pricing on Via Rail, West Jet, and an Optimum charter bus coach out of Suusex. Convention information is available at the following websites: https://rotary2010.com www.rotary.org/convention and https://resweb.passkey.com/go/ri2010 (official housing link) .
Rainbow Printing
Grant Obermier, part owner Rainbow Printing of Sussex was Rotary's guest speaker on Sept. 21, 2009. Grant was a former auditor with the Irving group for 11 years prior to joining the family business. Rainbow Printing was started by his father in 1985 in Fredericton and moved to the family home location of Midland in 1988 and eventually to the more central Sussex location approximately 15 years ago. It gradually expanded from a mom and pop business to employ 12-15 people as it is now. It is one of a very few of family owned full color printing press businesses today.
Their business has grown significantly outside of Sussex and N.B. and they presently do considerable volumes in the eastern and southern USA. A lot of this growth is attributed to the security paper products such as cheque printing, secure prescription pads, bus passes etc.
The company is focusing on becoming Greener with new processes such as chemistry free process. An interesting presentation with a good question and answer period. Bob Kimball thanked Grant on club's behalf.
District Governor Visit 2009
On Aug. 27, 2009, District Governor Gordon Dempsey visited our Club to meet with the executive and to deliver his annual message for his year as our Governor.
DG Gord said "he would like to enlist our help in my top three priorities this year. The first is to grow our membership by a net of 10% per club. This is necessary if we are to continue to provide and increase our district support to the clubs. I would like to suggest that growth in membership will also solve many of the challenges in our clubs. The second is to encourage an increase in donations to your charity, The Rotary Foundation, through EREY and club donations. The third is to take every opportunity to promote your club and the work you do in your communities.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone for giving me the honor of representing you as District Governor. Like each of you, I am looking forward to a rewarding year and making a difference in our community and in the world."
Pictured above is DG Gord presenting President Frank with this years RI banner.
Rotary Flower Wheel 2009
Pictured above is PP Kim Pearson giving some loving care to our flower wheel in McConnell Park on a beautiful day in August.
Changeover Meeting
On June 29, 2009, the Sussex Rotary Club had the change over of Executive for the new Rotary year commencing on July 1. Pictured above is President Donna performing her last task as President presenting incoming President Frank Darrah with his President's pin.
President Donna thanked the Club and members for their support and hard working during her two years as President. She said she approached the job with apprehension, but as she looks back, it was a very rewarding experience and one she was very pleased she accepted.
During the change-ever meeting, President Donna inducted Rotary's newest member, Victoria Craig, the General Manager of the Kings County Record.
Victoria was raised in St. Andrews where her parents still reside and she loves to get back to visit. She went to university and took psychology first and then moved onto business and marketing. She has been with Brunswick News (owners of the KCR) for about 2.5 years in various roles of increasing responsibility, and before that she worked in various other forms of media (radio, outdoor advertising) and was the Executive Director for the SPCA.
For hobbies, she has no time for anything else than her work and her involvement in dog agility- she is completely addicted. She competes nearly every weekend from March until November all over the Maritimes and trains during the winter months. She and her dogs came to Sussex last year for the Nationals in dog agility and had a great time. Sussex did a great job as the host venue, she says.
Victoria looks forward to being in Sussex and getting to know more people and becoming a part of the community. We are pleased she chose to join our Rotary Club.
True You
Mark Witt, owner of True You was Rotary's guest speaker on June 15, 2009.
Mark started this new business November 2008 after training courses in Arizona. Its main areas are hair removal and skin pigmentation therapy through laser treatment. He set up business in Hair Solutions building on Main Street, Sussex. This is Mark's second business venture after a convenience store in Sussex Corner. His main source of business comes from word of mouth and his customers who refer him business receive discount coupons.
Mark was thanked by Barbara Crowe (right) pictured with President Donna (left).
Corridor Resources
GUEST SPEAKER June 8- Doug Bailey, Operations Manager for Corridor Resources was introduced by Bob Black. Doug has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Alberta and has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of design, construction and operation of oil and gas facilities and pipelines. He has worked for Gulf Canada, Niven Seville Engineering and the ATCO group before joining Corridor Resources.
They presently have 26 wells producing at 11 pads and a gas processing plant, having started production in June 2007. They have a staff of 9 currently, mostly all returning from western Canada. He gave us an interesting overview of the process. The cost of the project to date is $300 million. 75% of the $7.5 million annual operating budget is spent in N.B. of which 50% is spent in Sussex area. $75,000 in annual gifts and donations to the local area. They have added 3 new wells in 2009 (cost $500,000 a well) However the capital expenditure budget has been reduced because of the low gas prices.
Rotary says Farewell to Dr. Meddars
On June 1st, 2009, Dr. Meddars, a Paul Harris Fellow, was the guest of Sussex Rotary when the Club said thanks to him for all he has contributed to the community, the Bible College, and the Fundy Civic Center during his time in Sussex
Dr. Meddars gave a farewell speech to Rotary as he would be leaving his role as President of Bethany Bible College this month and moving to Orlando, Florida to work for the organization that looks after the accreditation of Bible colleges. Although primarily a Wesleyan college, Dr. Medders explained that the College draws from many denominations from both Canada and United States. Bethany Bible College has an economic impact on the community of Sussex, both in providing employment and by bringing in students who become a part of the community. Bethany's main role is to provide men and women for ministry and graduates are now serving all over the world.
Dr. Meddars was thanked by Wendy Osborne (right), and wished him well on his new endeavours on behalf of the Club.
Kings County Solid Waste Commission
On April 20th, 2009 Rotary heard from Mark Thorne, Chairman of the Board of the Kings County Solid Waste Commission, a postion he has held since May.. Mark is also Deputy Mayor of the Town of Sussex and has been a councillor for eleven years.
The Kings County Solid Waste Commission is associated with the Westmoreland/Albert Solid Waste Commission which is considered a leader in recycling. Mark was rightfully so very proud of the fact this area is achieving almost 90% compliance with the green/blue bag content policy.
Two free nights per year will continue where you can dispose of a half ton load of garbage free. The next one will be this fall. Because of our good recycling efforts our tipping fees are only $ 87.89 per tone which is considerably lower than other areas.
Household battery collection with sponsorship by local schools and Canadian Tire has also been successful.
Mark was introduced by Rhoda Wilson, pictured seated to Mark's left, and thanked by Robert Lockhart.
Kim Keith
Optimum Ride
Kim Keith, co-owner of Optimum Ride was Rotary's guest speaker on April 6th, 2009. Kim and her husband Jonathan started the bus company in April 2000 with the belief that group travel should be an affordable option for teams and groups. With the rising fuel costs and the need to safeguard our environment it is simply more practical to travel by bus. They are dedicated to providing personalized service.
Their goal is to make your charter experience hassle free, while maximizing the value of your time and money. and have had steady growth every year. They started with one bus, and now have six touring motorcoaches. Four are 47 passenger motorcoaches and also have two 55 passenger motorcoaches.
Kim looks after the bookings and runs the office while her husband often acts as the bus tour driver and looks after the fleet.
http://www.optimumride.com/
New Rotarians
During the month of March, four new Rotarians were inducted into the Club. Pictured above are PP & membership chair person Kim Pearson, President Donna Gilchrist, and newly inducted Rotarians Barbara Crowe of RBC Bank, Robert Kimball of Pearsons Insurance, and Rhoda Wilson of the local school district. Missing from the photo is new inductee Wendy Osborne of Trainor Surveys.
School District 6, Discusses "CELEBRATE"
On Feb. 9, 2009 Kim Houlahan, Celebrate Co-ordinator for School District #6 talked to our Club to bring it up todate on the success of the "Celebrate" program implemented a few years earlier. The program has now been implemented into our local School District # 8 and is proving to be effective in improving students emotional and social health.
Key Concepts include:
-Believe it and you will see it.
-Recognize abundance.
-Look for possibilities.
-Unleash your energy to fix what is wrong.
-Ride the changes.
-Take yourself to the edge.
-Be your best for the world.
Joining Kim from our local Middle School were Pam Drury, Celebrate champion Sussex middle school, Barb Crowe, and Wendy Osborne.
Kim does this on a part time basis for the school district and the rest of her work week is dedicated to her job as a marketing communications consultant.
She presented 10 minutes of a video done by a national geographic photographer.
All can view the entire video at www.celebratetraining.com.
On Feb. 2, 2009, Sussex Rotary was invited to visit the Kiwanis Nursing home by Keri Walker, Home Administrator and fellow Rotary. Lunch was served, and Keri gave an excellent history of the home, the changes for the residents over the last few years both within the home and from a government funding stand point.
The Home was built by the Kiwanis Club in 1979, and since then has had a couple of expansions . It has over a $4.0 million dollar annual budget, and employs over 100 full & part time and casual emplyees.
Pictured left to right are Roger Albert, Andrew Palmer, Harley Geldart, Keri Walker, Kim Pearson, Frank Derrah, Bruce Northrup, MLA, and Rhoda Wilson. Missing from the photo is Robert Lockhart who was behind the camera.
On Jan. 26, 2008, Mitchell Long (standing) of Sussex Select Funeral Home was Sussex Rotary's guest speaker. Mitchell was introduced by Rotarian Lou McNamara (sitting).
"When we launched the Sussex Select™ Community Funeral Home in January of 1999 we set out to build a family business on a foundation of quality compassionate service to our friends and neighbours in the Sussex area", Mitchell said.
In the fall of 1998 Mitchell Long was just completing his funeral service training and apprenticeship at about the same time that Jim Makepeace made a decision to move on and was seeking a new funeral director to take on the family-owned funeral home that he had opened three years earlier in Sussex.
Mitchell's dad George Long had recently retired and sold his busy service station / restaurant operation. It had been about thirty years since he had arrived in Sussex as a young funeral director himself. George was ready for a break but the opportunity to watch Mitchell launch his career was tempting. A partnership with Brenan's Funeral Homes of Saint John and the growing Select™ Network of Independent Community Funeral Homes made the package complete.
So it was that the Long's launched the Sussex Select™ Community Funeral Home in January of 1999.
As George and Mitchell settled into their new environment each had his own reasons to be happy with their situation. "I'm pleased to have an opportunity to work here at home and, of course, to work with my dad," noted Mitchell. His father, looking back over his career in the Sussex area was happy to return to Funeral Service. I always found it very satisfying to help people who were going through a difficult time. I'm grateful for the chance to do so once again, particularly in a family business."
The Sussex Select™ Community Funeral Home has quickly established itself in the community drawing on the deep roots and long standing tradition of service that the Longs are known for. Sussex Select™ Community Funeral Home offers a full range of services from traditional at-need to preplanning, cremation and grief support from their modern dignified facility which includes three comfortable parlors and a 160 seat on-site chapel.
www.SussexFH.com
Jonah Place
On Jan. 12, 2009, Phil Sellars, owner of Jonah Place, was the Club's guest speaker. Phil took ownership of Jonah Place bed and breakfast in April 2008, having moved here with his wife from Calgary where he lived for 25 years.Orginally from Ontario, they decided they wanted the slower, friendly pace of the Maritimes and eventually settled on the Sussex business.
Both he and his wife worked in the financial industry previously. Jonah Place was originally built in 1884 by the Stockton's. It opened as a B & B in 1997. It was recently designated as a historical property. They have some plans for modest expansion and renovating the old carriage house.
Jonah Place has beautiful Victorian splender and is located on two acres of quiet, secluded grounds which make your stay unforgettable.
Phil has quickly become involved in the community as a director for the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and the Kings County Tourism Association as well as coaching a local hockey team.
www.jonahplace.com
2008
VIC PROGRESSIVE DRILLING
On Dec. 15, 2008, our guest speaker was project manager Gerald Pearson of Vic Progressive Drilling. Victor Fournier started working in Sussex area some 25 years ago and formed this company in 1987 starting off very small with 1 old drilling machine. In the 1990's they started manufacturing there own drills and high pressure grout pumps. In 1998 the company got involved with PCS.
They build there own drilling rigs and pumps right here in Sussex at their plant. In 2007 they constructed an above ground grout plant on PCS site.
They continued to expand, operating in B.C., Ont., and PQ in addition to NB and also became international in scope working in projects in USA, Ireland and Chile. They now operate 14 drilling rigs, have multi- million dollar annual sales with employees reaching as high as 150. They are good corporate citizens supporting our local schools and sporting teams in numerous events.
A very interesting presentation about a local success.
Charter Night 2008
On Nov. 7, 2008 over fifty Rotarians and their guests gathered at the Timberland Hotel to recognize 31 years of community service of the Rotary Club of Sussex at the Clubs annual Charter Night, and to recognize three individuals with Paul Harris Fellowships, Rotary's highest award.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was Rotarian Bob Kimball, and the guest speaker was District Governor Rick Rogers of St. Stephen who brought greetings from Rotary International.
The highlight for the evening was when Chairman Bob and President Donna Gilchrist bestowed Paul Harris Fellowships to (pictured L-R) Rotarian JC Robert Lockhart, Past President Kim Pearson, and Dr. David Medders for their outstanding service to the community and furthering the ideals of Rotary.
Dr. David Meddars, the Club's first recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship was ordained into the Gospel Ministry in 1980. He pastured in local churches in his native state of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana for the first 11 years. He has served as President of Bethany Bible College since 1990. Since 1997 Dr. Meddars has served as chairman of the Fundy Civic Center Board of Directors and has lead this group in receiving needed Government funding for the center.
JC Robert Lockhart, the second recipient, was born in Kentville NS, and joined Aliant / NBTel in 1969 from where he retired in Dec., 2000. Mr. Lockhart comes from a Rotary family and was so impressed from a Father and child night at the Kentville Rotary Club that he immediately knew he wanted to be part of Rotary. Robert has served Rotary as a member of the Newcastle Club from 1970-73. Returning to Saint John in 1974, he was chair of the Rotary Easter Seals Campaign from 1974-84. In 1984 he became President of the Rotary Club of Saint John. In Sussex, Robert has created and maintains the Sussex Rotary web site www.SussexRotary.org and is always there for Rotary.
Kim Pearson, the third award recipient, sought out information on the Sussex Rotary Club and "volunteered" to join. She took the initiative to publish an "amazing letter to the Editor" to describe her first year in Rotary. Kim has been a member of the Executive for many years, and served as Club President for 2 years. Kim is dedicated to the Rotary Foundation and is a regular contributor to the Rotary Annual Giving program. She is involved on a Rotary District level including most recently the Youth Merit Award program and the Rotary Leadership Institute. Professionally, Kim is an independent Financial Planner with Investors Group, having started her career in the financial industry in 1991.
At the beginning of the evening, PP & PHF Harley Geldart (left) took advantage of the evening to announce to those in attendance about the Club's new fund raising project to collect coins in water bottles within the community for the Fundy Community Center, and he passed the bottle around from table to table. Pictured at right is chairman Bob Kimball, while Rotarian Kevin Simpson and his wife look on.
During the evening, presentations were made by DG Rick, and to him. DG Rick ( left picture) presented Secretary Bob Black and President Donna with a district citation banner and pin. In the right picture, President Donna presented DG Rick with a check for $1207.00 as the Club's annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation.
At the end of the evening, those PHF's present were gathered for a group photo.
Standing: Bob Black, Founding President Hazen Hogg, Bob Kimball, Robert Lockhart, Dr. David Medders
Seated: Kim Pearson, Charter member Harley Geldart, Keri Walker
Fundy Civic Center
In the spirit of this years International motto Make Dreams Real, The Rotary Club of Sussex Inc. is raising funds to benefit the Fundy Civic Centre.
Throughout various businesses in Sussex and surrounding area, water Bottles have been displayed and filled with your change to help the community meet the funds needed to build our Fundy Civic Centre.
Bud Pearson was the first resident to contribute to the fund raiser. Bud has been collecting pennies and loose change into bottles for years at home and donated them to our cause. Bud, a former Rotarian himself, believes that this is a great way to get everyone to dig deep and make a difference. The Rotary Club wants the community to help. If you have change to donate, drop it into the water bottles as you are shopping. Have a casual day at work and donate the collection. If your piggy bank is too heavy to bring in, we will pick it up from your home! The fund raiser will run until until early 2009 and all proceeds will go to the FCC.
We will be updating the progress in the Kings County Record weekly. Look for the Water Bottle!
On Nov. 3, 2008 Ted Sparkes, President of the Atlantic Transport Training Academy in Apohaqui, spoke to the club about the history of his company. This is the twentieth year for his company which he started in Sussex, and moved to Apohaqui a year or so later. He joked that his banker- Bob Black, lawyer- Andrew Palmer, MLA- Bruce Northrupt, insurance agent- Bob Kimball, truck salesman- Kevin Simpson were all Rotarians present at the meeting.
Ted announced that had just sold his business to the company that bears the name he wanted to incorporate himself 20 years earlier- Atlantic Training Academy. Ted will be staying on until Sept. of 2009 when he will then fulfill a life long dream- to take forestry at UNB and become a forest ranger.
Ted was thanked by Rotarian Bob Black who said it was interesting to here a true success story on the part of a local entrepreneur. We wish Ted well in his new studies and career.
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.
Membership Development
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.
Rotary Friendship Exchange
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 Exhange 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.
Heart & Stoke Foundation
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 hadheart attacks, so could relate personal experiences to the membership.
Adventures in Citizenship 2008
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.
Wine Tasting
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".
Guest Speaker Robyn Doull
On Jan. 7, Rotary's first speaker for 2008 was Robyn Doull, Administrator of the Sussex Health Center. Robyn was introduced by RotarianBob 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.
2007
Christmas Boxes 2007
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.
Christmas Parade 2007
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 .
Sussex Rotary Club Celebrates 30 years
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.
Rotary Celebrates with Harley
On Aug. 27, 2007, the Sussex 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.
PALS Gradualtion- 2007
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.
Tracy Friars, School District 6, Discusses "CELEBRATE"
Believe it! See it! CELEBRATE it!
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:
- Addressing Emotional & Social health as part of the “Healthy Living” agenda
- A means of addressing the outcomes from the 40 Developmental Assets study
- Initiating a comprehensive
program that will engage:
- Teachers
- Students
- Parents
