FeaturVol. 101 No. 08
Brian Street, President
Joan Posivy, Secretary
Next meeting: Tuesday August 28, 2018 Club Day!! featuring: Wolfgang Degemann - a colourful and wonderful human being
Wolfgang has lead a very interesting life. For over fifty years, this extraordinary businessman and visionary is the quintessential immigrant success story. From labourer to restaurateur to developer to business mentor, he continues to balance phenomenal success with commitment to culture and community.
Wolfgang has built a business legacy in large-scale construction and business/real estate development, consulting and liaising with top international financial and business institutions. He was instrumental in Whistler’s early development and in bringing Vancouver’s Expo 86 to fruition.
Surrey's City Centre has been his family home and business location for decades, with his 10,000 square foot Eurocan offices and residential complex providing a wealth of professional services for business owners. Now semi-retired from his family business, he is a major supporter of local business development through his world-wide contacts and is currently working on creating a European Cultural Centre in the Fraser Valley.
Join us to hear what will undoubtedly be an entertaining presentation from one of our iconic members.
Upcoming social:
Monday evening August 27, 2018 Club Visit to W&A Farms c/o Adriana Zylmans
Please note that the social at Adriana's family farm has been postponed due to so many people being away and unable to attend. Instead it will be scheduled for next June so that we can enjoy a strawberry tea in the heart of strawberry season.
Upcoming meeting: Tuesday September 4, 2018 Dr. Bruce McLellan, Wildlife Research Ecologist, BC Forest Service The Complex World of Grizzly Bear Conservation in Southwestern BC
For over 30 years, Bruce's work has focused on integrating the ecological requirements of grizzly bears and endangered mountain caribou with human developments. In doing so, he has conducted ecological studies of grizzly bears in several parts of the province and mountain caribou across most of their distribution. Bruce’s work has led him directly into the middle of the complex interface between people using the land and the conservation of two challenging species. Due to his knowledge of bears and caribou (plus the plants and animals that affect them), he has been involved with several, multi-stakeholder land use planning processes that covered large portions of the Province. Bruce was previously president of the International Association for Bear Research and Management and through this role became linked to many bear conservation issues world-wide. His interests remain the same – how to maintain challenging species in spite of expanding human demands on the land. (from https://www.bearbiology.org/bear-specialist-group/)
The Rotary Club of Vancouver's Community Service Committee will be meeting on Tuesday August 28th after the regular lunch meeting at the Terminal City Club. The purpose of this meeting is to set the objective for the 2018-19 year. The Co-Chairs of the committee, Gerry Glazier & Rene Abi-Rached, would very much like to see some new faces to join those already involved with the committee.Please consider attending the meeting to, if nothing else, check it out and determine if this committee is one that will be right for you. Your ideas and input for the 2018-19 committee objectives will be most appreciated.
The objective of the Community Service Committee is to help the poor, under privileged, disadvantaged and disabled children, seniors, minorities and new Canadians. Help is provided through financial and hands-on assistance in the greater Vancouver area with the emphasis on projects that assist people in improving their lives rather than simply dispensing assistance.
The committee's key strategies are:
projects that help people change the course of their lives for the better
focus on choosing projects with a hands-on component
build fellowship into project work
develop projects with a family participation component
be active in youth work
provide members with new and meaningful opportunities to become more active in the club
projects undertaken raise the profile of Rotary and specifically, our Club
undertake projects where our participation will have a significant impact on many people as opposed to just one or two
seek projects that have ongoing impact as opposed to one time donations
Here are just some of the projects the Community Service Committee has been involved with in the last year:
Decoda Literacy Solutions, a provincial organization that supports community-based literacy programs ($5,000)
CKNW Kid's Fund (formerly CKNW Orphan's Fund), dedicated to enhancing the lives of children living with a variety of challenges in BC ($5,000 + volunteers at the annual telethon)
Elizabeth Fry Society JustKids Program, a support program for children whose parents are incarcerated ($5,000)
Kalitha Koun Society, focusses on marginalized women providing them with programs and life skills training ($5,000)
Domestic Abuse Services, specifically Eva's House, a home for abused women and children ($5,000)
Journey Home Community, provides housing, counselling, and assistance to asylum seekers ($5,000)
The Door Is Open, provides a warm & safe environment in the heart of Vancouver's downtown east-side ($8,000)
Food on the Corner, provides a substantial lunch to the homeless every Saturday ($1,000 for a step on the rear of the vehicle previously purchased by Rotary)
The above list isn't exhaustive, there is more. If you have questions, please contact Gerry Glazier or Rene Abi-Rached.
Our own Katherine Copeland will be participating in this, the tenth annual NoPolio! Rally on September 8-9th. It is a motorcycle ride she is participating in through & with the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians.
Please consider sponsoring Katherine.
All of the proceeds from this event go to PolioPlus.
The event is a charity fund raiser to raise money and awareness for PolioPlus and for fighting polio worldwide. Since 2008, they have raised more than $110,000.00 towards this goal from the motorcycle community alone.
Gordon Thom passed away peacefully on May 17, 2018. He was an outstanding Rotarian in our Club who resigned approximately 10 years ago due to health issues. He was a real gentlemen and an excellent friend. CLICK HERE to read Gordon's full obituary.
Gordon's Celebration of Life will be September 6th, 1:30 pm at the Arbutus Club.
Upcoming Events please click on the titles for more info for specific events
If no written objection is filed with the Secretary within 7 days of Aug. 24, 2018 (by Aug 31, 2018), M Moser Associates and its individual representatives, Danielle Palumbo, Rhianon Chow & Nabil Sabet will, upon payment of the dues and assessments determined by the Board, be declared elected as a Corporate Members of the Rotary Club of Vancouver with M Moser Associates' representatives being individual members of the Club, recognized by Rotary International.
The classification that M Moser Associates will hold is "Architecture and Interior Design"
Proposed: Franz Gehriger
Seconded: Robert Costigan
Last Meeting August 21, 2018
President Brian Street chaired the meeting and gave the invocation.
Don Evans accompanied us on the piano for the singing of O Canada.
Joe Lopushinsky, Sergeant-at-Arms, introduced visitors and guests.
President's announcements:
Per last week's Rotor, John Richardson, unfortunately had a stroke earlier this month. He reports he is recovering well at home. We wish John a full recovery and hope to see him again soon.
I [Brian] attended a good meeting last week -- the Vancouver Clubs' Presidents meeting with Assistant District Governor John Bathurst. Thanks John.
All can expect to receive a note soon from me [Brian] regarding Red Carpet Ball sponsorships and experience items for the live auction. It will have content that can be forwarded on to your colleagues and friends in the hope that we can drum up a lot of support. Thank you in advance for your help.
There will be a short youth fundraising gala committee meeting after lunch today.
There will be a brief Board meeting after lunch to review and approve new member applications. (follow up: there was not enough in attendance for quorum, so voting will take place electronically.)
Katherine Copeland, filling in for Joan Posivy, provided the secretary's announcements:
reminders of upcoming events/meetings (see above); note that the Membership Committee meeting for August has been cancelled
birthdays:Henry Zhang Aug21, Charlene McDonald Aug23, Angus Campbell Aug24, Tremayne Perry celebrating his 90th birthday on Aug24 - CONGRATULATIONS TREMAYNE!
member anniversaries:Kendall Jessiman 8 years
wedding anniversaries:Wilf & Barbara Wassersleben 49 year Aug22
Special announcements and members' moments:
Katherine Copeland asked for support by way of sponsorship for her motorcycle ride to EndPolio on September 8-9. See above for more information. Please contact Katherine directly if you'd like to help or if you have any questions about the event.
Adriana Zylmans asked all if they would prefer to move the social at her family farm to next spring in light of so many people being on vacation. So be it! The social will be next June during strawberry season so we can all enjoy a lovely strawberry tea on the farm. See above for more information.
Franz Gehriger provided a brief update on the membership committee. He reminded all that membership is not just about giving, it is about networking and promoting our businesses. Though the objects of Rotary have evolved over time, they remain true to the originals set out by the founders in 1906: (1) promotion of business interests, (2) promotion of good fellowship, and (3) the advancement of the best interests of the community.
Franz drew attention to the 10 steps to get it right for membership:
1) create a list of all the great things about your club
2) make membership growth in the Club your priority
3) look to young Rotarians for fresh perspectives
4) talk about Rotary wherever you go
5) embrace diversity
6) be persistent and vibrant
7) make a list of Club members' responsibilities
8) keep a list of potential members
9) realize there is no finish line
10) celebrate new members
If you are interested in joining the Membership Committee please contact Franz Gehriger, Min Kuang, or Jason Boudreau.
Program:
Brian Street introduced speaker Gregg Taylor and his presentation, "Employee Mental Fitness: Protecting Mental Health and Optimizing Engagement".
Gregg is the President of the Fraser Services Employee Assistance Programs. He talked about the importance of how people can be supported in the workplace and other social groups to help with their well-being. Participating in social groups, such as Rotary, that are inter-generational, supportive, meaningful and give back to community are very important to mental well-being.
Some points of interest:
1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their life time – remaining 4 will have a friend, family member or colleague who will
Mental illness affects thinking, mood and behaviour and can be associated with distress and/or impairment of functioning – symptoms vary from mild to severe
20% of those with a mental illness will have a co-occuring substance abuse problem
70% of mental health problems and illness have an onset in childhood and adolescence
Mental illness is the leading cause of human disability
500,000 Canadians are absent from work every day due to psychiatric problems
Mental health is the #1 cause of disability in Canada
38% of Canadian marriages are predicted to end in divorce
1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18
$40,977 is the average consumer debt in BC
Employers can make a huge difference to the welfare of their employees. A recent study clearly identified that workplace stress is one of the leading causes of mental health problems (CLICK HERE to read the Globe & Mail article; CLICK HERE to read a CBC article). Employers can recognize the risk factors by asking questions such as:
what is the nature of the work?
what is the experience of doing the work?
Who do we deal with regularly?
What is the personal situation each employee is faced with?
What are the clients that employees interface with like to deal with?
Workplaces that have an open atmosphere where discussion is encouraged have a lower incidence of mental health issues, such as PTSD for 1st responders.
The more stress that is present in one's life, the more resources one needs to cope. An iceberg is a perfect analogy for how we present ourselves in our everyday lives. What all can see is only a tiny piece of what is actually going on both internally and privately. We, as fellow humans, need to be observant of our colleagues, friends and family. Note the following:
Overtired: Are they seeming tired, sluggish or disinterested in their work?
Showing signs of isolation: Are they engaged with the work process? Are they interacting well with their co-workers?
Showing a lack of focus: Do they seem to be struggling to complete or stay focused on work tasks? Forgetful?
Less responsible: Are they frequently late? Making uncharacteristic mistakes? Less productive?
Physical changes: Has the employee recently lost or gained a noticeable amount of weight? Complains of unexplained pain?
Showing signs of emotional distress: Are they suddenly on the verge of tears? Displays of anger or defensiveness?
Mental health still has a stigma surrounding it. Though a lot of work is being done to counteract it, much, much more needs to be done. If you observe some of the symptoms noted above be kind, take the time to ask "How are you? I noticed you're not quite yourself today, is there anything I can do to help?"
Gregg finished up by relating a story where a co-worker did just that to him many years ago. As it happened it was the pivotal action to help him find his way to recovery and overcoming his addictions. A poignant example of how reaching out with sincerity and kindness can make the difference of a lifetime.
January 5, 1932 - May 17, 2018