Mar 11, 2019 Bulletin (Mar 07, 2019)

March 11, 2019 Bulletin

Opening/Chair: Dave Mills was the chair today. He asked Laurie to lead the group in the singing of O Canada. This was followed by a moment of personal reflection.

Visitors/Guests: Our guest speaker was accompanied by her friend and driver on this occasion, Laura Chan.

Speaker: Debbie Adams was the speaker today. Two words that Debbie Adams uses to describe herself is “workaholic and reluctant entrepreneur”. Losing her career as a solider because of vision loss was devastating and in spite of graduating from university with distinction at age 46, employers were still not willing to hire her. So, she did the one thing she had control over – she hired herself.

Debbie is not only the owner of PeopleCan Training in Lower Sackville, she also teaches other entrepreneurs to learn the lessons that she had to learn the hard way. She helps small businesses become profitable sooner and profitable again with her practical lessons that she earned at the school of hard knocks. She loves to talk about the elephant in the room – unconscious bias against making money.

Debbie may live with disabilities but she doesn’t let that slow her down. In 2016, she was chosen as Entrepreneur of the Year. She is also a 3 time published author. Debbie travels the country speaking to people about tough topics like money, change and entrepreneurship.

When she isn’t working, Debbie enjoys connecting with her roots in the great outdoors. She is a Newfoundlander at heart but lives in Nova Scotia with her daughter Alyssa.

Debbie's passionate presentation was of interest to every member of the club. She outlined how all the various chapters of her life had lead her to this point where she is able to help others move forward with their lives and businesses.

Debbie was thanked by Rotarian Laurie Sandeson.

Member Health: Kevin was asked about his foot and he said he would have to have the cast on for another 6 weeks.

Announcements and Reports:

Barbara reported that tickets for Charter Night were now available. People can and should register and pay on-line and pick up the tickets from her. We are looking forward to a great event.
Brian reported on an innovative Fundraising initiative he had read about in the District Newsletter. The Big Fab Rotary Dinner to End Polio was a great way to generate funds to for the Foundation. He was planning a dinner at his house and suggested others do the same.
Jim Goit gave a report on the Fun Ski Day. It was a great event with many positive comments. With all funds collected the event was breakeven for the club. He thanked all those who had attended and those who had helped with planning. He especially thanked Barbara, laurie and Kevin for helping with registration, Audrie-Jo and Adam Wyllie for organization of the scavenger hunt and Wayne Gillis and Mike Haines for agreeing to be the "Ski with a Rotarian" leaders. He reported that Adam Harris had been successful in finding all the signs for the scavenger hunt and would be the recipient of the $150 donation in his name to the Rotary Foundation.

President's Report: There was no President's report.

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

Terry had recently joined the refugee settlement committee for Colchester. She was excited to report that a family group of 10 would be coming to Truro from a camp in Jordan. The committee was looking for lodging in the town for them in addition to other items. There were immediate offers of help from the group. Terry will act as a contact for the club if there are questions or items members are willing to contribute.
Kevin is happy to soon be heading to the DR. He expressed thanks to the organizers of the Ski Fun day at Wentworth.
Richard was happy to be home for a visit stating he was proud of the club and all its many activities.
Laurie was happy for a great time at the Ski Fun day. She had had a close encounter with an Eagle while cross country skiing at Wentworth.
Lech was happy that he and his oldest daughter Olivia would soon be heading to Guatemala to build stoves with a group from Truro. The club has supported the project financially. They would present a report when they got back.
Jim Harman also had a great time skiing at Wentworth. He was happy to hear he was not the only one who had had problems getting off the lift.

50/50: Audrie-Jo again had traded for the winning ticket with Wayne but this time she found the Joker and went away with $28.

New Member Proposal: The board of Directors has approved the recommendation of the Membership Committee for the membership of Esther Bejanano, Immigrant Settlement Staff of the YMCA. A resident of Truro, Esther has spoken to the club in the past about the YReach program. It is intended that Esther will be formally inducted at the soonest opportunity. Her club sponsor is Barbara Goit.

Closing: 1:15pm.