Rotary Clubs of: Bridgewater and District & Lunenburg - Press Release December 12, 2014. Local Rotarians Buoyed by Visit of Rotary Official Rotarians are smiling in the two clubs of Lunenburg County following a December 9 visit by one of their top officials. The two clubs - Bridgewater and District, and Lunenburg - hosted District Governor Stella Roy at a joint meeting. Roy’s duties, since she assumed the District Governorship in July, take her throughout the District, which includes Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, part of France. “A visit by the District Governor is more than just a check-up to see how clubs are faring,” said Roy. “These visits also enable me to see firsthand the successes the Rotarians have achieved on their own turf.” Roy was particularly appreciative of the work the two Clubs are doing in Lunenburg County. Although both clubs are relatively small, Roy was impressed by the members’ dedication and commitment to their communities. For Karsa Melnick, president of the 18-year old Bridgewater club, that commitment is illustrated by the fact this is the second time she has served as president. Her first priority on stepping up to the job in July was to assess the needs in the local area and to develop a plan of action. The Rotarians came to the help of the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank. Each year, the Food Bank aids some 600 people, but a lot of its resources were going into heat for the aging building. That money could be better spent helping their clients. “That’s where we came in, said Melnick. “From the funds we raised at our annual golf tournament, we purchased new insulation for the attic of the building. To save on the installation costs, we did the work ourselves with the help of two local building supply companies, Buck’s Home Building Centre, who supplied the insulation at a discount, and Kent Home Improvement Warehouse which loaned us the installation equipment at no charge. “It was great - not just helping the Food Bank, of course, but also for the Rotarians themselves.” She pointed out that the fellowship and the satisfaction that comes from working together is its own reward, and one of the reasons she and the other club members cheerfully give up their Saturday for a project like this. As she noted, “We are living Rotary’s motto -- Service above Self. ” The Rotarians of Lunenburg are no different in commitment to their town. Club President Donald Gray briefed the District Governor on their recent work including a painting project at Harbour View Haven, improvements to seniors’ homes, funding for park benches and flower baskets in the town, financial support for the VON van service, and donations of discretionary funds for local schools. Gray agreed with Melnick that much joy comes in working together for the good of the community. “It might be work, said Gray, “but it’s work filled with fun and meaningful fellowship.” Lunenburg County Rotarians also extend the hand to worthy projects overseas. The Bridgewater club participates in joint projects in Nepal, South Africa and in Lesotho, where the need is for clean drinking water. Lunenburg Rotarians are doing the same with Rotary Clubs in Mexico. Rotary International encourages a Student Exchange program, giving foreign students the opportunity to live and study for a year in another country. This time, it is the turn of the Lunenburg club to host a student. More about Rotary in Lunenburg County: The Rotary Club of Bridgewater & District meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. upstairs in the River Pub, King Street, Bridgewater. To learn more about the club and its activities, visit the Club’s web page at: clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=1257. Meetings of the Rotary Club of Lunenburg are held each Wednesday (except the last Wednesday of the month) from 12:00 - 1:00 at the New Voice Language Academy, 22 King St. Lunenburg. Information about the Club is available on its webpage: rotarylunenburg. Membership in Rotary is open to service-oriented residents who want to make a difference in Lunenburg County and around the world. Guests are welcome to attend meetings in either Bridgewater or Lunenburg. Please contact the club of your choice for current information on meetings and programs. Karsa Melnick President, Rotary Club of Bridgewater & District 902-212-0058 info@karsamelnick clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=1257 Donald Gray President, Rotary Club of Lunenburg 902-543-8827 [email protected] rotarylunenburg
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:33:56 +0000