Opening/Chair: Anna chaired today's meeting. She asked Alana to lead in the singing of O'Canada and that was followed by a moment of personal reflection.
Visitors/Guests: Cari Burke from East Coast Dental joined us as well as Nick Sharpe, who was our Guest Speaker for today's meeting.
Speaker: Nick is the Proud Executive Director of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). He first got involved over six years ago as a Big Brother to an awesome child named Ethan that Nick considered just as much of a mentor to him. From that relationship, Nick was hooked on mentorship programming and joined the Board of Directors for several years. Now as the Executive Director, he looks forward to working each day with a dedicated, passionate group of colleagues and Board members.
Outside of the Organization, Nick’s a new Dad to a little guy named Dylan. Nick has a passion for community development and volunteerism, having led the charge with several large-scale community-driven events like the Grand Slam of Curling, Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships, World Junior A Challenge, various concerts and more in his former position as Director of Events & Partnerships at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.
Nick Sharpe gave an update on Big Brothers Big Sisters. He touched on the different programs, volunteer needs, and of course the big move out to North River.
The agency roughly serves 300 children and a year. With the success of the Big Bucks Fundraiser, and the growth of the agency, a new home was required. BBBS purchased Molly's Dairy Bar and will continue operating the Dairy Bar seasonally. A new mentoring program has been created called "Learn to Lead" for students hired to run the Dairy Bar.
Students who are hired seasonally for the Dairy Bar will have the opportunity to be mentored by all the staff here at the agency, during their summer employment. They will learn the different facets of non-profit management and leadership including program development and administration, fundraising, marketing and PR, financial management and more. All the money raised from the Dairy Bar operations will go back into programs for children and youth.
Those interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities through the agency can talk to Anna.
Nick was thanked by Barbara Goit.
Member Health: No updates on member health.
Announcements and Reports: Ken gave an update on the Adventure in Citizen Program. The deadline for applications is quickly approaching - Feb 14th. The information has been shared on the Clubs Facebook page as well as being relayed to all local schools.
Barb requested feedback on the Music Park as she is submitting a report. If any Rotarians would like to share their experience or know of someone who has benefited from the newly installed Music Park, please get in touch with Barb. One or two lines is all she needs.
Lech gave a yearbook update. Please try and make it over to his office by Wednesday to pick up packages. If you can't make it, Matt will be bringing them to next week's meeting as Lech is off to Australia. Safe travels Lech!
President's Report: No presidents report.
Happy Mug: We have many happy Rotarians today.
- Kevin is happy to have completed 21 days of aggressive scalp treatment.
- Terry was happy to spend time with her four grandkids (all boys!) in Ontario...and is also happy to be home.
- Jim Harman is happy to have power back after dealing with some electric issues at his home and is hoping he'll have power tonight! Good Luck Jim!
- Jim Gould shared that three of his family members have had health scares recently and is happy to say that they are all ok.
- Jane was happy to share that her family did a presentation for the Children's Wish Foundation. She was also happy to share that Adam's MRI was clean!
- Garth was excited to share that we have a star in the Club! He recently watched a play at Dal AC, which Audrie-Jo played three different roles. Garth was impressed!
50/50: Tom Savery had the winning number, but couldn't seem to pull the Joker to take home the nine dollar pot!
Closing: 1:04 p.m.
The 2019 edition of the Rotary Club of Truro's Community Yearbook has been distributed by the Truro News in the flyers package.
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