Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, April 17, 2025
Vice-President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Reports were given on the health of Rotarians Gerry, Noreen and Jim who are
in the hospital. Everyone is thinking of them and wishing them well.
184th Curling Sea Cadet Corps Annual Ceremonial Review
Olaf had received an invitation for Rotarians to attend the 184th Curling Sea Cadet Corps Annual Ceremonial Review on Monday, May 5 at 6pm at the Gallipoli Armoury. The Rotary Club of Corner Brook is a sponsor of the 184th Curling Sea Cadet Corps Sea Cadets.
Guest Speaker
Prospective Rotarian Linda introduced the guest speaker Tammy Hicks Young, Manager for Training and Program with Corrections and Community Services. Tammy spoke about the Drug Treatment Court in Corner Brook. This was new information for most Rotarians and her talk was most informative and interesting.
This court began in St John’s in 2019 and was expanded to Corner Brook in 2023.
The Principles of the Drug Treatment Courts are based on therapeutic jurisprudence, attempt to transform the traditional adversarial criminal justice and courtroom approach into a more therapeutic and more rehabilitative environment. The courts address crime by addressing the root causes of crime and unifying treatment and court processes is more effective than having the two working independently. It is found that addictions treatment reduces problems associated with drug abuse and related criminal behaviour, and intensive frequent judicial supervision enhances adherence and participation in treatment.
To enter this program a person must firstly agree to plead guilty to the charges laid against that person. The team consisting of a dedicated judge, a provincial crown attorney, a federal crown attorney, a legal aid or defence attorney, an addictions treatment provider and a provincial drug treatment court coordinator. The team review the application and if agreed the person begins the program which involves weekly meetings with the team in court for 9 to 18 months. Each week there will be drug screening with the aim that the person will eventually be drug free for 3 months. Tammy explained how this supportive program has helped drug user participants, and the supports used to encourage those in the far-from-easy program.
Her talk was extremely interesting as she talked about the weekly meetings the checks and balances used to enter the program and the help and support given to those in the program.
Paula thanked Tammy before the Rotary meeting was adjourned