Acting President Glen Brown officiated the meeting – at least some of it.
Notable Guests: PDG Denis Boyd Coquitlam selling tickets for Caledonia Night on January 31st and Greg Garrison – Coquitlam Sunrise – selling tickets for the club’s Quiz Night later in February.
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Michael Berrisford announced there was new “tech” for the cashier’s – Tap n Pay feature now available at the cash.
Al Stjernegaard reported on the plan to visit Belize and conduct training sessions for inmates they have raised, including matching funds, $90 K US raised. The trip will be just after Easter and be planned for 8 or 9 days. The plan is to work for 3 to 4 days and play for the rest of the time. So far 10 members have volunteered for the trip. Please contact Al or Glen for more information.
Peter Cuthbert reported that the Rotary Store was open, but failed to update us on the Hockey Pool!
Steve reported on Interact. He’s set up guest speakers once a month beginning Feb 5th . He’s looking for club volunteers to either help with programs or just to attend with the Interactors.
Coreen reported that the Club meeting will focus on Community Services on Feb 5th .
Mike P reported on the Legacy projects. Club members can view the presentations on line and he’s looking for the vote on the favourites to be completed by Feb 1st
The Jan 29th meeting will focus on RIBFEST
Paul was Sgt. At Arms today and collected happy and sad dollars from the club members. Gayle reported on the health challenges that our beloved Charter President, Linda Balzer is facing.
Our guest speaker today was Dr. Julian Somers a research psychologist with Simon Fraser University. Dr. Somers spoke on the ample research on the appropriate response to homelessness, particularly to those with mental illness and/or addictions.
15 year old research indicated it cost society $55,000 per year for someone who is homeless – looking at all costs – health, social services, corrections, etc. At that time it cost $37,000 a year to provide the appropriate support for homeless individuals. Future research, including the National At Home/Chez Soi study which was the largest in the world, supported the economics of intervention with appropriate housing and support in order to help people transition effectively from the streets. He also spoke of the approach to addiction treatment indicating that one should expect sobriety and that often homeless people have less “recovery equity” to help them turn the corner. Very interesting talk.