Here it is the first of September, and all I can remember of the summer is either being on the phone, the internet or running back and forth between my home and the Best Western Richmond Inn putting the final touches to our Conference. I missed a lot of golfing and tennis, but when all is said and done, it was well worth the effort.
For those of you who were able to attend the 4th Annual UOAC Conference at the Richmond Inn, I think you'll probably agree with me when I say "IT WAS A REAL BLAST". I met a lot of nice people from all over North America, both young and old, and everyone seemed to relax and just have a good time. I think that most of it was due to the relaxed and friendly attitude of all the volunteers who were such an important part of the overall operation. One incident that really brought this home to me, was when a lady who had been suffering from Ulcerative Colitis showed up at our Exhibit Hall on the Friday looking for some help. It turned out that her daughter was our bartender at a function on the Thursday night and told her about us. She was given as much literature as we could find on IBD and whatever else we thought was pertinent. On Saturday night, the same girl was bartending again, and she told me that because of our helpfulness, our totally relaxed attitude and also that her mother said that she didn't think it was possible for people who had suffered as she was now suffering, to smile so much and have such a good time, that her mother had decided to talk to her doctor about having surgery and to get on with life. As far as I'm concerned, that one incident made the whole thing worth while.
It also looks as if our 20/40 group will hopefully become a reality this year. I have commitments from 4 or 5 young members who are interested in getting involved in helping to start a group. We also had two young ladies, both the same age, both attending SFU, who connected at our conference. It seems that they will be attending the International 20/40 conference being held in Hamilton Ont. In October, and have promised to bring home buckets of information for us. So those of you who are in the vicinity of 20/40 (and after all, age is only a state of mind) and who would like to see a group formed in this area, stand by, as good things are happening
Much to the dismay of my wife, I have tentatively agreed to take on the job of District Support Services for the BC / Yukon Region. As well, Ken will be getting heavily involved in Future Conference Planning at the National level. As result, we are looking for six (6) volunteers, 3 from north of the Fraser and 3 from south of the Fraser, who would be willing to look after our regular meetings. If we can get the number we need, you will only have to organise one meeting each. That's really not a big job when you come to think about it, and it would sure help lighten our load. With everything else that's going on, and all the planning for the White Rock Satellite, the 20/40 group etc., we're just not going to have time to plan all the meetings for our Chapter. I'm sure there are a number of people out there who are more than willing to give up a few hours of their time in order to keep our Chapter alive and well.
As per usual, our first meeting of the year will be the Wine and Cheese Social at my residence, 1252 Benneck Way, Port Coquitlam. For those of you who are new to the Chapter, that�s in Citadel Heights. Go north on Shaughnessy off Mary Hill By-pass, right on Eastern, Right on Fletcher and left on Benneck Way. Time is 1:30 pm and the date is Sunday, September 30th. Hope to see a good turnout.
CHEERS ALL
JIM |
