Reported by Dallas Chapple
Our new President, Jim Force, welcomed everyone and told us about various Rotary Fellowship groups all over the world. Phil introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians:
Guests: Tanya Ponich (our guest speaker), Rosalin Mosychuk and Sunni Dixon who were accompanying her. Visitors: Gene and Alice Oliver from Fresno (but originally from Edmonton).
Mary spoke to the health of the Club and mentioned that Don O'Coffey is starting to feel better and was, indeed, out for coffee with 2 friends. We wish him well!
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| Heather Aked presented a cheque for $1,000 from Oak Bay Rotary for the Rock Heights middle school music program |
President Jim explained that club dues are coming up and that they are $220 per year with a 10% discount if you are under 35.
Social: President Jim invited all to the Club-In-A-Pub this Thursday at 5 p.m.
Lorna reported for Joan F., that our net profit from the Mardi Gras dinner is $21,436.17!!! Well done everyone! Our 5 year total is $104,434!!! Woowhoo!
Pablo donated $50 from his concert to the Foundation, as he donated $5 from every Rotarian who went to his concert.
Jessica reported that we have received resignations from John Snively, Leslie Rogers-Warnock and Richard Acomba. As Celebrations Master she wished Ron Cooley Happy Anniversary June 27th, and also Heather and Tim July 3rd. Perry Bamji and his wife are coming up for 44 years! Lorna is off in search of perfect shoes around the world, going to England, Ireland and celebrating her birthday in Morocco. John Jordan was congratulated for being honoured as Rotarian of the Year! Brian Lamb won the draw of approximately $13. Heather Aked thanked the club for raising $1,000 for the music program of her son's school, Rock Heights Middle School.
David Philip introduced our speaker (and she was later thanked by Ted Chambers).
Tanya Ponich was born with Down's Syndrome and a fighting spirit, 35 years ago in Edmonton. Mom and daughter made a deal when they left the hospital: Mom said I'll try to do my best if you will. It seems they both lived up to that commitment.
Dad had Parkinson's so they moved to Victoria when Tanya was 6. Schools here were not ready for integration. Tanya was finally allowed into a Montessori school on a trial basis. She went on to Oak Bay High were she found that teachers often didn't listen to her. Tanya sings in a choir and has gone on tour with them. The family moved back to Edmonton in 1995. One of Tanya's gifts is the ability to have a voice for and be an advocate of people with Down's Syndrome. The problem is getting others to stop and listen and to open their minds. People with disabilities need to be loved, cared for and understood. Tanya struggled with her weight and decided to change her lifestyle. She committed to a personal trainer and has been successfully working with Janey for 14 years. Janey pushes Tanya to always do better with her diet and exercise. Tanya lost 40 pounds and now loves to go shopping! As Tanya says, "We must be the captain of our own ship of health and wellness." Tanya was so concerned about the cost of continually going to the city recreation centre in Edmonton, that she had tea with the Mayor who went to council and got things changed so that people with disabilities can now use the city's rec centres for free.
Tanya thanked her Mom and sister Michelle for always being in her corner and posited that we all have been helped by our families. Tanya has also helped hospitals understand that their interns and nurses need more training in dealing with babies with disabilities.
Tanya closed with a statement that resonates with all of us: "Everyone has gifts. It is up to all of us to see them in others."
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