Nov 25, 2019 Bulletin (Nov 25, 2019)

Nov 25, 2019 Bulletin

Opening/Chair: Barbara Goit was chair today and after a brief self introduction she asked Ed MacDonald to lead the group in the singing of O Canada. This was followed by a moment of personal reflection.

Visitors/Guests: Our guest speaker, Sam Eddy, joined us for lunch. Matthew Berrigan was the guest of Alana.

Speaker: Samantha (Sam) Eddy is the Family Liaison Worker with Canadian Families and Corrections Network at Nova Institution for Women. Samantha's education is in Human Services and some of Sam's focus work includes mental health and addictions, intellectual disabilities and other work with vulnerable persons.

The Canadian Families and Corrections Network (CFCN) focuses on families, children, and friends who have someone they care about in jail. Their mission is “to build stronger and safer communities by assisting families affected by criminal behavior, incarceration, and reintegration”. The CFCN is a national not for profit organization that does what the corrections system can not; support the family of inmates. The CFCN has a broad definition of family. It may be more that just blood relationships.

She stated that research has proven that if the family stays connected, it helps the family, and the reintegrating of the person who had been in jail. They tend to re-offend less often and have a greater chance at a successful life when released. The Canadian Families and Corrections Network works to keep those families strong, offering them resources, support, programming, and helping with reintegration and public safety for the entire community.

Sam described the various storybooks, information booklets, research, programs, and strong policy development the CFCN offers to strengthen the family unit. Of particular interest was a cooperative program with Sesame Street that has the TV characters help children of those in the institutions deal with the realities of having family members incarcerated. This is a new program that has not been to our area yet.

More information on the CFCN can be found on their website. https://www.cfcn-rcafd.org/

Sam was thanked by Brian Matthews who, along with fellow Rotarian Kevin Quinlan, is on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Nova Institution and had recommended Sam as a speaker for the club.

Member Health: No Report.

Announcements and Reports:

Alana reminded members about the annual Christmas brunch. It is happening on Saturday Dec 7th at the Glengarry. The cost is $17 for adults and $9 for those 5-12. Under 5 are free. Instead of gifts for the children, there will be singing and Santa will help children with cookie decoration. Alana needs to know number by next Tuesday (Dec 3rd). Register online or with her directly.
Terry announced the Rotary Panty Pail project. The Lotus Centre is a non-profit organization that provides resources and services for women free of charge. One of the items they are always in need of is underwear. She is proposing that Rotarians coming to the December 3rd Christmas party bringing a package of underwear to be put a pail (or box) and she will present it to the Lotus center before Christmas. Donations of money are also welcome if you don't want to visit the lady's section of the local box stores. The Club's Community committee will match donations up to $300. Terry will also take donations at other times if you are not coming to the social.
Speaking of the Christmas Director's meeting and Social on Dec 3rd, there is still time to register online or let Barbara and Jim know if you are coming or not. Always a good time. The party starts immediately after the 7:00 pm Director's meeting. There will be singing of course. Bring your favourite finger food.
Mark updated the group on the Christmas Index. Christmas is only a month away and Rotarians want to be sure that kids in need have a good one. He reported that approximately $4,500 had been received to date. The Index Office is running smoothly. Derrick is organizing the pick ups from the 5 drop off locations. All donations will go to the 80 Walker Street Distribution Centre. Donations will be received at the Index Office at 28 Esplanade (with the exception of the drop off locations) and then be transferred to the distribution centre. This will reduce the load on volunteers time.
Important dates:
- Friday November 29: Kinsmen Teddy Bear toss
- Saturday November 30: Paramedic toy drive: 10 am to 6 pm: Rotarian volunteers needed.
- Saturday November 30: Move boxes to 80 Walker St. Help needed.
- Sunday December 1: Ugly sweater run. Need Index Rep for 8 am registration
- Saturday December 14: Bowling (with CEC Interact): 2:30 to 4:30 pm
- Sunday December 15: Packing starts plus 3-4 weeknights. Help needed.
- Friday December 20: distribution: (Foodbank boxes out Dec. 15 to 20)
Mark will be sending out a notice and schedule for those who can help at these events. The new Rotaract Club has volunteered already for some of the events.
Anna thanked everyone who had came out to support the Christmas parade. It was a great success.
Jim Goit reminded everyone this was the last week of Rotary International Foundation month and our club as only 22% toward the goal of $100US per member to the annual fund. Donations to the Foundation power all the programs of Rotary. The annual fund returns to us for the district grants that our club has taken advantage of in the past. Online giving on the Rotary website (rotary.org/give) is the easiest and all donations to the annual fund go towards your Paul Harris recognition.

President's Report: President Lech thanked all those members who have been so active in the community. This was a very busy time of year and we can be proud of our work. He especially noted for leadership, Mark for the index, Alana who had taken on the Christmas Brunch on short notice, Anna for the Parade and Barbara and Jim for the upcoming social.

Lech also read a thank you note from the Colchester Community workshops for our contribution to the expansion project.

Happy Mug: There were a number of happy Rotarians today:

Jim Goit was happy to have marched in the parade. He said it was one of the best he had been in. The presence of the workshop clients made it especially fun. He expressed thanks to Anna for her organization and for the great banner.
Brian was happy to have been able to speak to the congregation of St. James church about the Christmas index. They are an annual contributor.
Jim Gould was also happy to have been in the parade and related a story about one the workshops participants wanting to go around a second time.
Darlene was happy to have represented the club at the DalAC awards night. An NSAC grad herself, she had never been to what was referred to by students as the "Smarty Party" when she was there... now she has. It was a great time.
Joanna was happy to have been able to hire some new staff which means her operation is now up to full strength.

50/50: Terry Pook had the right ticket and found the joker so she claimed the $9.00 pot. Members figured they knew where she was going to spend it.

Closing: 1:10 pm