Meeting of August 27th and more.

What a lively group it was at Club in a Pub this past Thursday. Who knew that such intense emotions would surface over such topics as scooter licences, residential parking, and cyclists! You had to be there! The Rotaracters quickly discovered that we Rotarians can mix it up with the best of them.

Meeting of August 27: Report by David Westler (with a little help from Peter Sou) 

The August 27th meeting of the Oak Bay Rotary Club was called to order by President Peter Lawrie. Peter started the meeting by reminding us that we sometimes have to think or rethink of how to present and reinvent ourselves and presented a brief video that encapsulated the message. This amazing video showed how a Dutch museum of art organized a live show in a public place bringing the message of why the public should come and visit the museum. Tom Lidkea played the piano and Peter led the singing of O Canada. Peter reminded us that August is Rotary Membership and Extension Month in the Rotary calendar.

The Jaltemba Bay-OakBay Connection: John Edgell, Mary Alice Snyder, Linda Edgell and Ken Snyder

Pablo introduced the guests: Linda Edgell, Markus Ludwig, Mike Hodges, Sandy Currie and visiting Rotarian, Ken Snyder from Jaltemba Bay Rotary and his wife Mary Alice.  As well we had a whole contingent of Rotaracters: Rosie Mazzola, Emily MacLean, Connor Trelawney, Sarah Henry, Scott Higbie and Eric Young (pictured at right).

Announcements:  

•  Bob Schelle (left, with the "Object of Rotary" Banner) announced a social meeting to take place at his home on September 14 (a Saturday).
• Mary Canty, along with Joan Peggs and Eugen Bannerman, visited Ted Harrison who was pleased with the card signed by members last week. 
• Barry Mutter named three new candidates for membership, and that two members (Peter Playfair and September Smith) had left the club. When names and Categories for the new members are obtained, they will be posted the mandatory seven days in this bulletin.
• Sabrina Corraini, who is a member of the Victoria Curling Club Board, mentioned that the Curling Club is looking for advertisers.  
• Jim Force reminded us that Rotaract is raising funds for Polio Plus and is asking members to collect bottles. He also reminded us about “Club in a Pub” this Thursday, and that the flag program is about to complete the last of the three flag installments this Labour Day Weekend.  
• Lorna Curtis, as AG for District 5020, informed us about the Victoria Club's Centennial celebration gala and invited members to buy tickets.

Brian was the master of ceremonies or the “whip” extracting the dollars in his usual amusing way.

Leslie introduced our guest speakers: John Edgell and Ken Snyder. Both presented slides and a PowerPoint on the Jaltemba Bay Community Center project.

John Edgell is a Club past president who comes from a long line of Rotarians; today he was nominated as an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay. He is a retired Investment Adviser, father of 3, and grandfather of 5. John presented the project goals and impacts on the local community. John has also mentioned that the Rotary Club in Mexico has applied for a Rotary Global Grant.

Ken Snyder is a graduate in Accounting from Woodbury University of LA, CA. He worked as an auditor for 8 years for the US Army and the US Dept. of Health & Human Services in Germany, California, Arizona & Colorado.  Ken also worked for 25 years as a financial and program administrator for the US Dept. of Health & Human Services in Washington, Oregon, Idaho & Alaska including 13 years as the federal program manager of the Head Start program, which is a comprehensive early childhood education program for low-income families. Ken served as the international president of Los Amigos de Jaltemba, in Mexico for more than 5 years. He also served as a founding member of the Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay, Nayarit in Mexico.

The Community Cultural Center
La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit, Mexico

Ken presented an impressive presentation of the Jaltemba Bay Community Center (left) project, the scope, the goals of the project, a list of milestones, and the budget, as well as resources required to achieve the project goals. For instance, for over the past 5 years, Los Amigos with the support of Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay, and several Rotary Clubs from Canada (including our Club) and the US have built 4 kindergartens and renovated 9 local schools. Now the project enters into a new phase, to expand and create new services for the community. The emphasis is on the children, building more classrooms, deploying computers linked in a local network with Internet access. The goal is to develop online educational programs, to maximize vocational training, and to build a youth leadership program.
Members in our club received Ken’s presentation with enthusiasm, for his and John’s great work and commitment to the project in Mexico. And thus, - a very informative, happy and worthwhile meeting closed with the singing of The Queen.  

An Inspiring Doggy Day at Oak Bay Rotary - August 20, 2013

Reporter: Sabrina Corraini

IMPORTANT: Please let George Pritchard know if you will be away in October, November, or December, as he is preparing the roster and wants to make sure those absences are taken into consideration. 

Brian Lamb hosted the meeting in Peter's absence.  Following the singing of O Canada, Lynne Murray said grace.

Peter Sou introduced the guests:

*         Penny and Rob Morton, on their annual visit to OBR from Wales

*         Jill Croft, Tom's wife

*         Sandy Currie and Carl Ivey, also guests of Tom Croft

*         Betty Pitt, Vicky Pitt's mother

*         Janna Malo, a guest of the club

*         Richard Acomba, guest of Joan Peggs

Announcements:

*         Claire asked again for club members to think of people to propose as new members as part of membership month, and Jim Force, Jack Petrie and Don O'Coffey all said they have names for the membership committee to pursue.

*         Sabrina Corraini then made an announcement that she's putting together a Youth Services committee and would like anyone interested in joining the committee to get in touch with her ASAP.  Phone: 250-953-8417, email: sabrina.corraini@nbc.ca

*         Brian then asked Heather Aked to make an announcement, noting that she would be following the trend of the parade of beautiful young women making announcements!  Heather said that we're trying to raise $1200 with the Thrifty Foods Smile Card, so if you want a Smile Card, go see Heather to get one.

Brian was not only president for the day, but also fines' master.  He asked questions from the Rotarian Magazine and fined the tables who gave the wrong answers.  For example: What is the ongoing annual cost of the fight against Polio?  $1 billion dollars per year!

Happy/Sad Dollars:

*         Ron Cooley gave happy dollars because he went to My Fair Lady put on by the Blue Bridge Theatre and it was excellent.

*         Vicky Pitt gave happy dollars for her roadtrip to Seattle and Portland with her sister and mother.

*         Bill Burns gave happy dollars because he recently spent time with his grandkids (4-yrs-old and 1-yr-old) and he's soon headed off to Scotland for a month.

*         Tom Croft gave $5 happy dollars because he said (in response to Brian's earlier comment) that the whole club is full of gorgeous women!

*         Penny and Rob Morton gave happy/sad dollars because they're happy to be back in Victoria for a visit, but likely won't be back for a year or so because some of their family will be living in Spain for awhile, so will visit Spain instead.

In his role as "president", Brian thanked himself for doing a great job as fines master!

Wendy Townsend won the 50/50 but didn't draw the coveted white marble, so the pot will continue to grow.

Lori McLeod, (above) needing no introduction, was our speaker. Lori spoke about the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation. They are not funded by government and rely entirely on donations and funds raised through special events. They have a small staff of only two full-timers, a few contracted employees, and a volunteer board.  Their mission is to ensure that the community supports and respects aging with dignity. There are 700 residents who are directly supported by the Foundation, and the Foundation has established scholarships and awards, too. March is Embrace Aging Month, which applies to all ages because no matter how old or young you are, you're still aging!  Lori promoted the idea of doing a joint fundraising event with the club, and will elaborate on that another time.

After talking briefly about the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation, Lori passed the mike to Lisa Markin and Rowan the golden retriever, who gave a wonderful presentation about Inspire Animal Assisted Therapy.  Lisa is an RN with 23 years of diverse experience in the field.  Rowan is a certified therapy dog who was trained for more than 2 years and knows over 55 commands.  Lisa and Rowan began their partnership in 2007 and are currently working with clients at the Aberdeen Hospital, which is a contract funded by the Eldercare Foundation.

Happy Honorary New Club Member

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is goal-oriented intervention with a highly trained animal, delivered by a health professional with specialised expertise in AAT.  The therapy is designed to improve physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning, and the process is documented and evaluated, just like any other healthcare treatment would be.

An important distinction is that AAT is not the same as the "Visiting Dog Program," which is where volunteers bring their pets to meet and greet patients. However, this type of program is the most common in Canada.

Lisa and Rowan work with two populations of clients: those in "active" rehab and those who live in residential care but still receive some rehab therapy. The clients play games and do activities with Rowan - often they will work harder without even realising it, just because a dog is present.  The games and activities work on multiple functions such as gross and fine motor skills (playing hockey or tying a handkerchief around Rowan's neck), and verbal skills (such as voice projection and vocabulary to call commands to Rowan).  The psychological benefits of AAT reduce anxiety, loneliness and depression, and increase self-esteem.  AAT provides an opportunity to provide and receive affection, which isn't as easily accomplished with typical therapy programs.

People respond in a positive way when an animal is present and AAT and the therapy becomes fun.

Rowan loves cauliflower!

 People may meet their goals faster when participating in the AAT program. Lisa recounted stories about her clients, and said sometimes clients will stand or walk for much longer, without even realising it, because they're standing or walking with Rowan. Being able to take Rowan for longer and longer walks motivates them to reach their goals.

Don O'Coffey thanked Lisa and Rowan and presented them with a Rotary mug as a gift from the club.

We all sang God Save the Queen and the meeting was adjourned.

Bulletin for August 13, 2013

Reporter: Vicky Pitt

Peter reminded everyone that the theme for this month is Membership and Extension.

Following the singing of O Canada, Jimmy “Appleseed” Force sang Grace “Oh the earth is good to me…”

Tav introduced the guests:

• Jacquie Bird, the Sergeant at Arms from the Penticton Club.
• Marcus Ludwig, a guest of Don O’Coffey
• Sandy Currie, whose host did not sign them in (tsk tsk)
• Erin Wright, our speaker.  
• Michelle LeSage, who Tav forgot to introduce, but when that was pointed out, he welcomed her warmly as well.

Announcements:

Barrie Mutter told us that he has three member referrals and that he is looking for three more ... so ... “Who do you know who might wish to join our club?”  Several members helped him meet his request.

Perry updated us on the Car Raffle. A total of $7,000 in tickets were sold the day of the draw (at the Oak Bay Car Show). $77,000 in tickets were sold in total for a net gain of approximately $50,000. As our club members did 12.5% of the shifts, our club should make something around $4,000 to $4,500. Perry thanked everyone who helped out, and especially acknowledged Lynn who did 8 shifts and Wendy who did 7.  The car was won by Christina Martinez and the cruise by Eileen Beddlington, both of whom purchased their tickets in May, so it pays to be early! Peter commented that as we had hoped to raise about $3,000 - $3,500, we have done really well.

Jim reminded everyone of the Flag Committee meeting immediately following the club meeting.  There are about 10 flags available for the September weekend at a cost of $20 for the one weekend.  Renewals for next year are $50 and can be purchased now - contact Jim.

Jacquie Bird presented us with a banner from her club and complimented us on our method of banner display. Unfortunately our club banners have yet to surface since the move, so we will owe her one.

President Peter reminded everyone that Heather has Thrifty Smile Cards if anyone needs a new one. This year the money raised will go to Macaulay School.

Lesley has started the countdown – it is 118 days - to Merrython. Watch for more info about the event as it gets closer!

John Jordan will be having a plant sale in support of the Rwanda project on August 24th and 25th.  Watch for more details next week.

Eugen jumped the cue for the Sgt. to brag about his wife’s glowing reviews for “My Fair Lady” (that was $1) before leaving early (another $2) for a meeting of the Blue Bridge.

Brian levied fines for those sitting at a table with no guest, as well as early leavers, and Cory, Giles, Mary, Mark, John E, Neil M, and Bob S - all for not signing in and making Lynn’s job of tracking attendance harder. Lorna was fined a dollar for staying at home and leaving all the travel agents wondering where their profits have gone.

Tav was fined, as Jim  Laing’s sponsor, for not educating Jim as to proper decorum in the club leading to Jim’s disclosures last April regarding his “arousal” which Brian maintained is not a topic of public Rotarian discussion. Brian then fined everyone else for not following Jim’s groundbreaking lead.

Around town:

Pablo’s and Peter’s tables were fined for not knowing what event was coming to the Saanich Fairgrounds on Aug 17/18, but Lorna knew and saved her table from a fine - it’s the RCMP Musical Ride. Mark’s table did know that the Dragon boats will be in the harbour - running away from the RCMP, according to Mark.

Birthdays this week – Cory, John E, and Don O’Coffey – Cory would not embarrass us by telling us his age but he threw $40 in the pot.

Wedding anniversaries – Len and Dallas (Is that why they are away on a cruise?)

Club anniversaries – Lynn (13 years) and Don O’Coffey (12 years)

Brian threw in a happy dollar for overhearing a couple of people talking about the water park and correctly working out that it is a (our) Rotary project.

Lynn was happy to announce that Ola (who was an exchange student of our club) is expecting her first child on November 1^st and also that Lynn’s nephew is travelling to Bogata. Batya was happy to be at the meeting. Anne was happy that Greg would be home today from the Arctic after 6 weeks and noted Vicky’s husband would be back the same day (Brian asked if Vicky was not happy too but she was too busy taking the notes for this bulletin to say anything. (Yes, she is  - Ed.)

Lorna won the draw but pulled a black marble.

Lori,  after getting the rowdier members of the club to hush up, introduced our speaker, Dr Erin Wright, an Audiologist who has recently opened a new location in Oak Bay. Erin began by asking if we could hear her!

Her talk was about new developments in hearing aids. First she explained that many clinics have been bought out by various manufacturers (who have also been buying out other manufacturers) and that it is a good idea to deal with an audiologist who is independent. Each company has its strengths and weaknesses and the manufacturer who owns a particular clinic may emphasize its hearing aids in preference to the aids of a different manufacturer, whose product may be a better fit for a particular patient. Being able to select the right hearing aid from across all the companies is what attracted her into independent practice.

The changes/developments in hearing aids include:

1)     Disposability – there is a small comfortable aid that fits 4 mm from the ear drum. It will last for about 4 months but then requires changing. These are purchased by subscription and are about 4 times more expensive than conventional aids but they work well for someone who has difficulty with putting their aids in.

2)     Bi-aural synchronization. This means the aids in each ear are synced to work together, which is more natural/comfortable than having them working independently and can help with recognizing the location of a sound (birdsong for example).

3)     Waterproof aids. These are good for people engaged in water sports and for children.

4)     Stereo zoom. This has to do with how the 2 or more microphones in the aid work and helps with directional focus in noisy areas.

5)     Duo phone. The sound from a telephone is transmitted to both ears.

6)     Bling – colours or rhinestones.

7)     Personalization. This refers to tweaking the aid to reflect the particular experience and requirements of the patient, as two people with the same hearing loss may experience the loss differently. For example, an adjustment can be done specifically for soft high-frequency sounds.

8)     Rechargeable – this is a new technology that has a way to go yet because the recharged batteries will lose strength during the day, especially with the higher performing aids which require more power. [Battery life/power is a major limiting factor on the development of hearing aids at this point.]

9)     Frequency transposition. If you cannot hear high sounds, the hearing aid shifts the sounds to a lower frequency where you can hear them better.

10)  Tinnitus masking. This is a way of allowing ringing in the ears to be less noticeable to your brain. Erin is taking part in a Beta trial of an aid dealing with this. If you know someone with severe tinnitus who would be interested in being in the trial, have them contact her ASAP.

11)  Remote control – you can even use an IPhone to turn the aid up or down.

12)  Connectivity – to cell phone, land line, music, computer  directly.

13)  Remote microphones – sends the sound directly to the hearing aid via Bluetooth - you can use this for listening to CBC if you direct stream the station from your computer.

Different options come from different manufacturers, and different activities require different features.  Erin recommends dealing with an independent audiologist and that you make sure he or she understands what sorts of activities you are involved with so that she/he can recommend the best aid for your situation. And yes, with the advent of music directly to the ear, hearing loss is more noticeable among the young now. Here's a short ABC News clip on earbuds and hearing loss.

Lorna thanked Erin for her highly informative talk and commented on watching many elderly ladies struggle with their hearing aids. Lorna loved the idea of aids with bling  and was glad that so many options were now involved, that Apple would get a piece of the pie, and that Erin was there to help people manage the maze of options and devices now available.

Tom then played, and we sang, and the meeting was done for another week.

The Rotary Club of Oak Bay - meeting of August 6, 2013 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

Reported by Jessica Van der Veen

Under the Chandeliers in the David Foster Foundation Theatre

Tom Croft was at the sign-in table, handling the cash with his usual good cheer. Thanks Tom! David forgot to activate the winning numbers on my draw ticket.  Thanks anyway David, just for being you.

Peter Lawrie began his President’s Welcome by reminding us that August is Membership Month – excellent timing seeing that our members brought a fine assortment of guests. Holly Jones (our Guest Speaker - Bob Schelle); Ryan Gisler (Tom Croft); Janna Malo (Tom again!); Mark Mawhinney (Joan Peggs); Richard Acomba (Joan again!); Dale Armstrong (Lori McLeod); & Jim Siberry (Peter Lawrie). 

Peter reminds us that membership has two elements – recruitment and also the engagement of members we already have. This is a good time to think about how you could intensify your engagement as a club member as we head into the fall. Speak to Claire and Barry if you have ideas to share – they are putting the final touches on our new membership plan.

Oh Canada just ain’t the same without you, Tom Lidkea.  Main thing:  We are in the spirit.  Happy Birthday to Peter as well.

Lunch:  Who wants more of those thin baked cheese wafers that garnished the salad? 

Health of the Club:  Mary Canty (who does a marvellous job of tracking us all) reminded us that a Memorial Service will be held for Hans Ockermueller (wife Lesley) this Thursday at McCall’s. To date, 24 club members will be in attendance.  Newell Morrison, also a Rotarian (retired), (wife Marg), helped found the Oak Bay Probus Club when Probus was only for retired Rotarians who lost their category when they retired! His service is to be held next week at McCall’s, either Monday or Wednesday; the obituary will be in the Times Colonist this weekend.

Joan Firkins spoke with pride about our club’s history of nurturing leadership in Rotary. The next wave begins with Lorna Curtis’ stint as our new Assistant Governor for district 4A. Brava and thanks for your service Lorna!

John Jordan’s Rwanda project received a matching community grant of $5,000. This will rebuild the houses of 20 widows and build 5 experimental eco-toilets. When John’s project is complete, the district will pay ½ of its cost.  Bonus:  John doesn’t want to go alone this time.  Trip to Rwanda anyone?  John is navigating and this will be an outstanding experience. John’s work defines creativity: He makes something out of almost nothing without destroying anything else. We are very proud and grateful for your project John.

Past President Joan Peggs reported that when she was arrested, over $1,000 bail money was raised to get her out. To top it all off, she won the draw. $18 dollars! The number of times this woman has been in jail and yet somehow, she still passes the Rotary Four Way Test! One of the great Rotary mysteries of our time.

Dr. John Snively spoke heartfelt words about the meaning he finds in our work and our fellowship as he prepares to take his leave of us. He will return for visits and will be working (with characteristic diligence and compassion) on the dental project in Guatemala – placing emphasis on prevention and education. John:  Your healing work takes place wherever you are. You are that kind of man. You have lightened our lives with your wisdom and generosity. Godspeed and please come back soon.

Phil Neroutsos introduced guest speaker, Holly Jones.
Holly (left) explained the structure that governs and motivates the Harbourcats baseball team.  She is a specialist who has worked her way up in the sports marketing field. Full of spirit, Holly spoke with pride about record turnouts for Harbourcats’ games and events this summer. The team comprises the top amateur talent coming out of collegiate baseball across North America and develops administrative know-how for the future of the sport as well. Main objectives are twofold:

• Build community and create entertaining and inspiring experiences for attendees;  and,
• Nurture talent by giving these future stars an intensive immersion in baseball while developing leadership and citizenship skills that befit these future role models. 

Seems like Victoria has embraced this concept and the Harbourcats are looking forward to future years in our community.

On behalf of the club, Bob Schelle thanked Holly for her presentation and presented her with a rare Oak Bay Rotary mug.