President LeeAnn Mytz had a commitment and sent her regrets. Past President Cathy Skene chaired the club meeting, gave the Land Acknowledgement and called for the national anthem. Sarge Mike Dudar introduced the human handlers and therapy dogs in attendance as guests.

Saturday was the Concert to End Polio - Cathy was very happy to see members Jack & Joyce, Lloyd & Peggy, Dawn and Glenn at the concert, as well as many Rotarians, members of the Post-Polio Network and friends. Gord and Deb LeMaistre even came from Kenora. They were entertained by the Ecco Singers, Connor & Haelyn and Baltimore Road. There was also a 50/50 draw and a bag raffle with some happy winners.

TransCanada Brewing event in support of mental health is coming. Please, save the date: February 16th. That is a Tuesday and it’s the day after Louis Riel Day. Big Daddy Tazz will be entertaining and inspiring us.

CJNU Radio's annual pledge drive is this weekend. Charleswood Rotary is a member now. It’s their 20th anniversary so this is a biggie, Cathy reminded everyone. Please, if you’re caring for someone, remember to take care of your own needs as well. You can’t take care of someone else if you don’t take care of yourself. She is pledging to CJNU in memory of her cousin Susan, and for another reason.

Longtime CJNU member, and amazing Winnipeg philanthropist Bob Williams will be matching pledges on the morning of October 30th. But it’s a limited time offer - so plea help spend Bob’s money! CJNU supports so many worthy causes in the community, and are so deserving of support themselves. You can e-transfer to admin@cjnu.ca

This evening we have very special guests, Boo and Luca, who have their human handlers Kath Marie and Marcy Laird along. Kath led the presentation about CarePack (or Canine Assisted Response to Emergency), the program which takes trained dog therapy teams into emergency and community settings.

Many in the room have met therapy dogs in a variety of settings - hospitals, personal care homes and St. John’s Ambulance reading buddy - but this is new.

For more information visit: carepackbuddies.ca.

No fines and the 50/50 blue marble was not drawn tonight.

Our guest Kath got a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday".

Next Monday’s program is still a work in progress, but will be posted on the Charleswood Rotary website as soon as it’s confirmed, so stay tuned.