Rotary Club of Oak Bay Meeting 26 April 2016 - Eileen L. on Post Polio Syndrome

Scribe:   Joan Firkins
Photos: Steve Sharlow

President Heather opened the meeting promptly at 12:15 pm with a glowing report on the Paul Harris Awards night and special thanks to Perry Bamji for his organization of the event, along with all others who assisted. 

PP Joan Peggs gave the invocation, after a robust singing of O Canada.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests introduced by Sandy Currie.

Visiting Rotarians: Kris Zmudzinski from Prince George and Tom Kofin from Edmonton South.

Guests:  Dr. Bruce Wright, guest of Steve Sharlow; Eileen Eby, guest of PP Jim Force; Debbie Hartz, guest of the club.

Mary Canty reported on the Health of the Club. Brian L sent a nice note thanking the club for members' good wishes as he battles his illness.

One new member induction took place today – Alyx Valdal, sponsored by Janna Gisler. President Heather presided, Lynne Murray and Janna Gisler assisted and Alyx received a standing welcome to our club and to Rotary! All members are asked to make themselves known to Alyx as she joins our Rotary family.

Announcements:

• PP Jim Force introduced Eileen Eby and presented her with 75 children’s books as a result of our literacy 1000x5 drive plus a cheque for $650 plus a $42 credit from Russell Books! Eileen thanked the club and especially Jim as he has worked tirelessly for this cause and was instrumental in the partnership with the other 11 clubs in Victoria.
  
• Jim also mentioned to the club that the goal for 2016-17 is to obtain a corporate sponsor for $5000 (over a 2 or 3 yr. period) so if anyone has any contacts, please pass them on to Jim.
• PP Joan Peggs indicated we are still looking for new flag subscribers for the May 23^rd kick off. All club members hopefully have subscribed to a flag, if it is possible for them to fly a flag at their home or place of business. A reminder flags can also be given as a gift! PP Jim Force asked for route captain volunteers to take over 2 routes – PP Tom C volunteered to do both – thanks Tom for stepping up to the plate!

More reminders:

• Club in a Pub on the last Thursday of the month at the Penny Farthing, on Oak Bay Avenue.
• May 3^rd and May 10^th meetings at the Oak Bay Rec. Centre
• Sign up for District Conference in Olympia WA June24-26^th
• Dues for 2016-17 are to be paid by July 1^st and you can give the treasurer a post-dated cheque

Rotarian of the Month

President Heather presented Perry Bamji with the pin for Rotarian of the Month for his excellent work in organizing the Paul Harris Awards night. Congratulations Perry.

Recipients of the Paul Harris awards in 2016 - Tania Miller, Bob McDonald and Hazel Braithwaite 

50/50:

Celebrations Master Ron Cooley did a masterful job of procuring fines from almost everyone in the room; Happy and Sad dollars added to the pot; guest Eileen Eby had the lucky ticket number but sadly she did not draw the black marble.

Guest Speaker:

Our guest speaker, our own Eileen L. was ably introduced by Nadia Hyde.

Eileen L with President Heather

Eileen is a polio survivor suffering from post-polio syndrome. She gave a very heartwarming and informative talk about her life after contracting the polio virus in August of 1952. Because of the polio virus, she suffered through many childhood illnesses, full blown polio, 2 miscarriages, 4 children who had numerous health challenges, and many symptoms of post-polio syndrome which she exhibits today.

Eileen is a shining example of someone who has overcome adversity to make a full life for herself, despite health limitations, and she is proud to be associated with Rotary whose number one goal is the eradication of polio. Eileen reminded us we are This Close and she looks forward to the day when polio will be eradicated. In her words, “We have all heard the statement “we are this close” – I do hope that polio is ended in the very near future. My life from the very beginning has been a challenge but in between the challenges there have been some times when wonderful memories have been created; I am very thankful for them.”

(Note from Scribe: If you were absent from the meeting on Tuesday, I’m sure Eileen would be happy to share some of her story with you so don’t hesitate to approach her at one of our meetings.)

Eileen was thanked by Janna Gisler and presented with the coveted Rotary mug!

The meeting closed with the playing of the national anthem of  Ecuador, in remembrance of their massive earthquake on April 16^th.