Opening/Chair: Ken Banks was chair today. Laurie lead the group in the singing of O Canada. This was followed by a moment of personal reflection.
Visitors/Guests: In addition to our speak, Ralph and Donna Hopkins were with us again.
Speaker: Wendy Robinson has served on town council for Stewiacke since 2008. She was a councillor for the first term and is finishing up her second term as Mayor. Wendy has worked in many sectors including retail, manufacturing and the funeral insurance industry. She resides in Stewiacke where she grew up. She lived in Halifax for a few years and returned 23 years ago.
Mayor Wendy gave an excellent presentation on the happenings in the town of Stewiacke.
Since she had spoken to us last year, the community has grown, buildings have gone up and Infrastructure been enhanced. Thanks to a tax incentive program new commercial properties were being developed and a reduction in the required lot size has meant new housing starts.
With the LCBO moving to new facilities up near the highway, there is an opportunity for space for a new municipal center and library space, something that has been needed for a while. The commercial and tourist area around Mastadon Ridge has been getting a make over and a new mini golf course is in the works.
The town has been able to maintain the same tax rate however the need for a new water system with drilled wells means that the water rate has had to go up. The community is stable financially and while there are talks about amalgamation with Colchester the current mode is to work cooperatively with surrounding communities to be more efficient.
Stewiacke is launching a new Happy Communities initiative in the spring that will work on the engagement of citizens in community life. Sounds interesting.
There were several questions for the Mayor and Wendy was thanked by Town of Truro CAO and Rotarian Mike Dolter (right) and chair for the day, Ken Banks.
Member Health: No report.
Announcements and Reports:
- Brian reported that he had one of the club jackets, size Large, without the logo, for sale.
- Kevin reported for Mark that the index toys had all been moved successfully with the help of Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors.
- Jim Goit asked for assistance in doing the bulletin while he and Barbara were away in late Feb and March. Several indicated they could help.
- Barbara mentioned that the spring session of RLI was being held April 4th in Dieppe, NB. The club would support at least two people to go. Let President Lech know if you are interested.
President's Report: None.
New Member Proposal: The Board has approved the recommendation of the Membership committee for the nomination of Ralph and Donna Hopkins for membership. Ralph and Donna have recently moved to our community from BC and have already been active in club meetings and events. Jim Goit is their Club sponsor.
Happy Mug: There were a number of Happy Rotarians:
- Kirk who has a new puppy. It's very smart and so cute. Check out his Facebook page for pictures.
- Lydia who was just back from a month in Milton with family. Cute grandchildren stories.
- Jim Gould who is expecting his 7th grandchild!
- Kevin who mentioned an insightful editorial today on CBC about the plane crash is Iran.
50/50: Tom Savary had the right ticket but missed the joker so the $53 pot is left to build for another week.
Closing: 1:10 pm
.png)
