May 14, 2018 Bulletin (May 14, 2018)

May 14, 2018 Bulletin

Opening/Chair: Jim Goit was the chair for this evening's meeting. He asked Laurie to lead the group in the singing of O Canada followed by reciting the 4 Way Test.

Visitors/Guests: Terry Pook, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, joined us this evening. Terry moved to Truro about a week ago.

Also in attendance was Carol McNutt and our guest speaker Dr. Karen Ewing.

Speaker: Jim introduced our speaker. Family physician, environmentalist, gardener, humanitarian, Peace activist, author, Proud Newfoundlander - all words that can be used to describe our speaker, Dr. Karen Ewing.

After a trip to the WW1 western front, tracing the steps of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Dr. Ewing returned with a greater appreciation of the sacrifices that had been made during war. The Veterans Memorial Park in Bass River was designed and created by Dr. Ewing as a living memorial to those sacrifices.

The Park has become an important gathering place for Veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families. In 2013 it was voted the best memorial park in Canada by Communities in Bloom.

For her efforts in this area, Dr. Ewing has received a Veterans Affairs Commendation; the outstanding service award from the Retired United Nations Veterans Association; the YMCA Peace Medal and most recently, the Shirley Farlinger Award for Peace Writing from The Canadian Voice of Women.

Dr. Ewing gave a impassioned presentation on Peace. She stated that in 1918, the end of the Great War, 5% of the victims of war were civilians. Today it is 95%. Over 8 Trillion dollars have been spent on Nuclear weapons since 1985 and the world is still preparing for more war.

People need to stand up and demand Peace. The majority don't want war but we find ourselves as sheep, being led.

Despite this there is still a path to Peace. It is not only well known, but possible. Equity, justice and sustainability bring a new definition of Peace. It will require compassion for life and men and women will need to plan for Peace.

Ted Jordan thanked the speaker for her inspiring presentation.

On Sunday, May 27, the Veterans Memorial Park in Bass River will host The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Please consider attending. All are welcome.

Member Health: No report.

Announcements and Reports: AG Jim Gould brought a report from District 7820 Rotary.

He reminded the club about this year's theme, "Making a Difference". Our club certainly was doing that.
May 24-27 is the District Conference in St. John's. There was still time to register for Rotarians. The Youth program is full.
The Rotary International Convention is in Toronto June 23-27. Over 120 Rotarians from 7820, including several from Truro, are going.
The Truro Club has completed all of DG Don Sword's Pipe Dreams.
The DG Change over event will be June 17th at the home of DGE Rob Christie at 110 Water Street, downtown Pictou. Everyone invited.
The Rotary Club of Amherst was having a Wine, Beer and Spirits Tasting event on June 1st. Check out their website for details.

President's Report: President Alana reported on several items:

the Peter Gzowski Golf Tournament was happening at Fox Harbour on June 18th. Rod Jones was putting together a team. Contact him if you are interested.
The relay for Live was happening June 9th in Victoria Park. The club was looking at putting a team in. Contact Alana if you are interested.
The annual Highway Cleanup is happening this Saturday. Meet at the Canadian Tire Parking lot at 9:00 am.
There is now meeting next week due to the Holiday.
The next regular meeting is May 28th. Carol and Greg Jones will be in to speak about the Canadian Grainsbank.
Remember the next vocational/Social evening at the NSCC on May 31 at 5:30. Refreshments at the Glengarry following.

Happy Mug: Jim Goit seemed to be only happy Rotarian this evening. He was almost done staining the house.

50/50: Wayne Gillis had the lucky ticket but missed the joker (again) so the $98.50 pot continues to build.

Closing: 6:30 pm. It is a good day to be a Rotarian.