Pledge, Prayer, Song: Pres. Bill O'Shaughnessy
Brents Card Game Winner: Bob Antoniac
Sergeants Report: Joan Michaud
Raffle Winners: Sandy, Bill O, Kirby
Happy Bucks: Glen for having enjoying breakfast with the ladies, guests, Charlie Renshaw was happy to be back from vacation in Utah, bucks for Bob Antoniac back and doing well, Bob was happy to be back and doing well, Andy going to the Big E today, Marty for a great 4 days in Charleston, SC visiting daughter Heather and 33rd anniversary.
Announcements:
Last Thursday, there was a meeting in New Haven to provide instruction on procedures for applying for RI Foundation matching grants. Charlie R, Kathy and Gerri attended. Much money is available but you need to write grant proposals and the seminar dealt with that.
A Westbrook student asked if our club could participate in the student exchange program. This involves not only sending a student but hosting a foreign student as well. Anyone who is able to host a student, please speak to Bill.
On Sat. Nov. 1, Rotary Appreciation Day happens in New York at the UN. Register at least 4 weeks in advance to give time to process your security information. register at www.rotary.org.
Glen: RYLA for fall is at the end of October. Amber Scherber, Interact Adviser and club member, has asked if the club would be willing to sponsor 3 students per school instead of 2. This is a bi-annual program so that would mean an additional 6 students at a cost of $250 per student. We sponsor students from Westbrook, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook. The request will have to be considered by the Foundation Board.
Program: Dr. Alicia Farrell, Clearview Consulting
Dr. Farrell has a private practice in Old Saybrook. Her talk today dealt with the effect of technology, marijuana and alcohol on the developing brain. There is definitely an effect but there is a lot we don't know yet. We set the example for our young people, hopefully avoiding mistakes as parents. One statistic she mentioned, 30% of kids 1 year or younger has a TV in their bedroom. Parents are buying I-Pads for potty chairs. Technology has infiltrated our daily lives in ways that we couldn't have fathomed years ago.
Marijuana is the subject of much news today and there is a lot of misinformation. The marijuana of today is much different from the marijuana of the previous generation. It is much more potent often containing 90% THC the major active ingredient. There are forms of marijuana that are in a semi- liquid state and must be liquefied in order to smoke it.
There is no doubt that marijuana is addictive and a gateway drug. Due to the cost, some users move to heroin because it is cheap and available. Heroin is extremely addictive and dangerous.
Alcoholism often starts at a young age - 50% of all alcoholics are addicted by age 21. England and France are now dealing with this serious health care problem.
Changes to the brain easily happens in the developing brain even casual use (1-2 times/week). Over time you can lose 6 points off your IQ which for the average person is significant.
Excessive use of technology (video games, computer/smart phone use) leads to sleep disorders, weight problems, can shorten attention spans, cause behavior problems, decrease in self control and decreased memory. Kids don't know how to play anymore and have difficulty solving problems (50% kids feel this way about themselves). There can be a compassion deficit as they are unable to put themselves in someone else's shoes.
Here is Dr. Farrell's contact information:
Email: Alicia@clearview-consulting.com
Phone: 860-575-9076
Website: www.clearview-consulting.com
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