Bill was in the chair and read from an interesting article by travel expert Rick Steves . See “Travel as a Force for Peace,” in the September 2018 Rotarian, pp.41-45.
Gold Mine Winner: No winner this week, but last week Heather Bulmer hit the jackpot with a win of $6,332.00. Here she is accepting her cheque from George.
Gold Mine Presentations: Barb Kaye was present to accept from Tammy a cheque for $689 on behalf of Dorchester Consolidated School.
For the record, since last meeting Ryan Suter accepted from Stacey a cheque for $615 on behalf of Struts Gallery.
Visiting Rotarians: Bill McLeish from Ottawa. Also on hand was Rhodes Rotaracter Colin.
PinPal Stories: Wayne had an email from Bill Edwards who sends thanks for the bulletin which he enjoys reading. Bill claimed a real PP story having met a Rotarian from Opportunities New Brunswick.
Birthdays: Charlie was acknowledged on birthday #68 (though he may have got he numbers the wrong way round).
50-50 Draw: Bill McLeish’s number was drawn; he failed to pick the Queen of Spades, so the pot of $188 carries forward to next week.
Happy Dollars: Susan F called on all wearing yellow shirts with Swim-Bike-Run to stand, and thanked all who volunteered to help with the Triathlon event (see pictures below). Charlie was happy to have eldest daughter Jean and son-in-law Don here for a visit; but with news that middle daughter Mary and son-in-law Paul Boughen will shortly retire, plus a birthday, he was beginning to feel his age. Bill McLeish was happy to have rented his Sackville house before returning to Ottawa. Stacey was happy to have helped with the Triathlon which was a lot of fun and good PR for Rotary.
Father Josh was happy to announce the birth on 18th August of their son Dylan Raymond who weighed in at 7lbs 15 ozs.
Next Week: 6 September 2018: Club Assembly. Greeter: Lesley.
Pam gave a reminder of the corn-shucking session on Friday at 7 p.m., and the corn boil on Saturday morning. She announced that the DG will visit on 13 September and proposed a group photo around the George Stanley statue after the meeting.
Susan F reported for Youth Services. Dictionaries will be presented next month at Dorchester and Salem Schools; Rotarians are needed to help with the presentations.
Pam introduced the speaker, Mario Levesque, Associate Professor, Politics and International Relations, Mount Allison, who brought with him 4th year Honours student Matthew Klohn to share the presentation on “Connection the Streams: The Politics of Lyme Disease.”
Matthew gave an overview of the disease and how it is acquired from ticks which are now found in about 80% of eastern Canada. In New Brunswick they are especially prevalent in coastal areas. Mario gave details of a survey undertaken this summer of doctors, health care administrators and politicians. Unfortunately, the response was generally poor. Respondents were asked where they get their knowledge from: doctors mainly from the medical literature, politicians from the media. There are serious questions about the effectiveness of both testing and treatment. Many people affected by the disease go to the U.S. for treatment.
Matthew presented a “Multiple Streams Theory” in which Problem, Policy and Politics streams need to come together to create a Policy Window. The current clinical practice guidelines come from the U.S.; these need to be reviewed to ensure a specifically Canadian approach. The situation may get worse before it gets better.
A good discussion ensued during which Bill McLeish emphasized the importance of prevention: when outside, cover with clothing as much as possible and use liberal doses of insect repellent.
Josh expressed thanks to the speakers, noting the advantages of a social sciences approach to the problem.
The meeting closed with the Four Way Test.
Saturday 25 August: Sackville Triathlon with the help of Rotary and Rotaract volunteers.
Rotary Triathlon Volunteers.
Volunteers Stacey and Patricia in action.
Rotaract helpers at the Triathlon.
