Attendance: 38, Apologies: 7, LOA: 4, Silent: 71, Total: 75 Guests: Welcome to Bryce Simpson and Gary Benner. Notices: Treasured Art: Volunteers are needed to help with preparing stands - 9am Saturday (25 March) at Eric’s home. Next Saturday (1 April) MP’s and Mayor Greg will be creating artworks from 12-1.30pm, and volunteers are needed. Contact Kathy Webb. Neil asked for volunteers for Saturday's Blind Puppy collection. Wayne confirmed the Board meeting was to be at his home on Tuesday at 5.30pm. Aquinas College students are available for work experience from 10am-2pm on 27 May. Contact Paula Skelton. Wayne thanked those running Rypen last weekend and very positive letters had been received from Otumoetai and Aquinas colleges. A Special Meeting was called and nominations accepted for Treasurer to replace Wayne Koedyk. Moved Warwick and Seconded Dan. Julie Hignett was appointed. The Mount Challenge had gone very well with several members exceeding expectations. Speaker. Stephen King founder of The Support House in Hamilton gave the audience a hard-hitting insight into the world of rehabilitating alcohol and drug addicts. He had gone through the journey himself and now was the Trust Director. The Support House is a residential half-way house which prepares participants for rehabilitation and recovery. He covered the importance of developing a life plan, confidence rebuilding and family involvement. Drinking to excess meant exceeding 4-5 standard drinks 2-3 times a week. 700,000 New Zealanders drink to excess and 100,000 are dependent on alcohol. Only 30,000 are actually receiving treatment. Methamphetamine is an insidious drug and as a country we don’t know how to address it. Cannabis is a gateway drug in Stephen’s opinion, and should not be decriminalized. Sargent. Eric Happe was sardonic, bitter, cutting, poignant, intelligent, amusing, thoughtful, sour, wide-ranging, insightful, sarcastic and very entertaining. Parting thought. Money makes money, and the money money makes, makes more money.
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