While an executive meeting was scheduled for this evening, it had to be postponed as many members could not be in attendance. Wayne, Leon, John and Nora were joined by guest speaker Patrick Matiowski and next week’s speaker, Wayne King and Nancy R. Regrets were sent by Stephen and Anthony, while Rudy was busy at PETS. With no wifi at RIC, neither Bob nor Lana could log on.
After waiting patiently for more members to show up, PP Wayne rang the imaginary bell with the imaginary gavel and called the meeting to order. The group sang O Canada very well.
We all introduced ourselves and gave a brief description for others to enjoy. Wayne announced that the school counsellors have been sent copies of the 2023 application form for scholarships, and that applications will be accepted from Feb. 20 to the end of March. He also shared the evaluation sheet, and Leon asked if he could have both forms for possible use with another organization he’s involved with. Information about YAIL was also sent to the schools, but no replies/applications have been received yet and the registration deadline is February 28. Wayne will send a follow-up email directly to the counsellors.
Discussions involved waiting for visits to doctors and learning that the recent increases in doctors’ pay don’t affect practices such as John’s. He says under the new program if a patient has two issues to discuss, he can tell one doctor about one, then travel to find another doctor to discuss the second issue. With John, you can discuss multiple issues (within reason) on one visit. He says he used to see fifty people with fifty different problems, and now sees twenty-five people with one hundred problems. He doesn’t understand why this method isn’t more common, as it produces the better care of individuals. On another topic, the ABSL will be doing a presentation to Township Council and will request that wifi be installed in the Rotary Interpretive Centre. Many groups would benefit. The budget for the arboretum has not yet been set by the council for this year.
Guest Speaker: Patrick Matiowski
Wayne then welcomed Patrick Matiowski to share his presentation. Pat, a member of the Rotary Club of Langley Sunrise, serves as the Fundraising Director for Langley Lodge. Pat mentioned Rotarians Roy Brown, Dale Ball, and Eric Bysouth as playing key roles in getting Langley Lodge started and then supporting it. The building went up in 1974, and a recent addition to the six storey building means they now have 139 beds, nearly all in single rooms. The two towers are connected, serving elderly residents having cognitive and physical issues. The more frail residents are more dependent upon the services of staff, many of whom have been with Langley Lodge for twenty to thirty years. Langley Lodge tries to promote a home culture, trying to have the atmosphere of a home for the residents. They try to have an activity on every floor every day. Music is popular, and pastor care is provided. Pat estimates there are possibly 1000 people living alone in Langley, and LL tries to reach out to them as well.
Fundraising is needed to add to or improve the furnishings, and especially for programming and activities. Pat is able to apply for some grants, but also reaches out to private organizations to find needed funds. Right now a priority is replacing their main, 21 year-old commercial dishwasher, as it has become obsolete and parts are tough to find ($25 000). They have commercial grade dishwashers on every floor, and these are nearing their best before date as well ($10 000 each). Pat has completed the club form requesting $10 000 from our club towards the $85 000 project, and this will be discussed at a future executive meeting.
Rotary Moment with Wayne
WHAT IS OUR GRANT MODEL DESIGNED TO DO?
Our grant model is designed to produce sustainable results that align with The Rotary Foundation’s priorities and the areas of focus, engage members, and deepen their connection to Rotary. This means we:
Focus our service efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact by addressing genuine needs that are relevant to communities
Offer program options to help people achieve both local and global goals
Simplify Foundation processes to help more people take part
Give people more decision-making power at the club and district levels to increase their commitment
Communicate clearly about our work to enhance Rotary’s public image
The Rotary Foundation is continuing to make a difference in our world!
Light Touch
The Light Touch featured just one joke this week. An Englishman, an Irishman, a Scotsman and a duck walk into a bar. The barman asks, “Is this some kind of joke?”
Other updates
Happy and sad dollars were pledged for: few members in attendance; skiing last Friday, good despite the traffic jam leading to the mountain; waiting for 1.5 years for new vehicle and it finally arrived yesterday; the opportunity to present; and the great efforts made by Langley Rotarians in building the Rotary Interpretive Centre.
We toasted Canada and ended the meeting earlier than usual. Next week we’re back at Timms and Wayne King will be our guest speaker
.png)
