Justin Oda and Lindsay King, Sleep Educators and CPAP Consultants with Shoppers Home Health Care-WellWise, presented today on OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) and CPAP therapy.

Sleep apnea is a major health care disability, with far ranging ill effects. It has been largely under diagnosed and appreciated up until recent times. It does affect many individuals, and this includes many outside the typical stereotype  (obese middle aged males).

Upper airway collapse/compression of musculature affects many and the manifestations are protean.

Justin and Lindsay comprehensively dealt with the definition, patho-physiology, clinical manifestations, subtypes, the typical "myths" explained, co-morbid conditions associated with OSA: leading to definitive diagnosis via referral (sleep study) and treatment options. 
 Of course leading the treatment options is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This has been a big break through for many an exhausted, poor sleeper, at risk for heart disease, stroke and even death.

The principle is quite simple.. a customized mask applies positive pressure that stents open the constricted airway: the proper oxygenation resulting creates a much desired clinical benefit.

 The talk was well received and a healthy dialogue continued past the noon hour. 

Justin and Lindsay are pictured around President Rod Morrison (in the centre). On the left flank Is Mat Diegel who thanked the speakers and revealed his own personal journey. On the right flank is Jaro Kotalik, an MD with personal experience also, who introduced the guests.

AT OUR CLUB January 21, 2020

The fine work of the non-profit, volunteer (par excellence) Hospice Northwest (not to be confused with St Joseph's care Group Hospice) was on display today as result of the presentation by strong support volunteer, business consultant Melissa McClement.

Hospice Northwest is not in the clinical management game, but in the provision of a plethora of services providing compassionate support to people and families dealing with end of life ((care and reality).

We learned of the 4 essential Service Areas: 
1. Caregiver Buddy (long term chronic illness clients)
2. Grief and Bereavement (trained counsellors at work)
3  Quick Response team (immediate support in crises)
4. Journey Home Team (a new program focusing on clients with housing vulnerability issues).

Hospice Northwest has a large and growing network of volunteers and clients. Currently in Thunder Bay alone there are about 282 clients.

Certainly fundraising is of importance (a registered charity) but maybe more important is "friendraising."
Rotarians and citizens in general can help the cause by social posting, word of mouth, fundraising and more (eg 50/50 draws etc).

Our own Sue Bailey had the floor to add expert, experiential nuggets as a veteran volunteer and expert on the subject (Sue was a 2016 Order of Ontario inductee for her pioneer work in this area).. She developed the curriculum for the Rapid Response Team and now the (new) Journey Home program.
Complex inter-familial situations at the bedside for example are assisted by the Hospice Northwest volunteers acting as neutral 3rd party counsellors.

This was a powerful presentation..an impressive volunteer based service so important to Thunder Bay is available.

Melissa is pictured beside the Rotary banner along with club member ( and thanker) Brian Thompson (far R- veteran social worker himself ), Sue Bailey (in pink) and( far L), President Rod Morrison.

 Check out Hospice Northwest  for details at www.hospicenorthwest.ca

 

Science North is a vital educator for youth in the north (for 35 years). The 2 sites in Sudbury are highly acclaimed. In Thunder Bay and environs (meaning the far north et al), the fine programming is expanding from the early days at Old Fort William, to Victoriaville and now far beyond. 

Strategic Planning Manager Marilyn Grudniski presented a polished overview of Science North in this region and it's expansion dream going forward.
Small groups of dedicated blue-coated scientists present a large array of science programming  through public and school outreach to those kids who desire it, all who need it and even adults, with a strong focus on reaching indigenous clients.
Programming is designed to be interactive, challenging and relevant to large numbers. Emily Kerton, senior scientist has been the spearhead for the past 10 years. There are many well executed events, including festivals, workshops (including remote learning at FNs), summer science camps and much more.
Currently the Board of Directors are engaged in planning for a possible new, major "physical presence" Science Centre in Thunder Bay (or even later in Kenora). The need is there.

Rotary is henceforth informed and any assistance in spreading the word or other means of assisting is welcomed.

 Marilyn is pictured with Past-President Bill Everitt (L) who introduced Marilyn, President Rod Morrison, and Rotarian Brian Thompson (R), who thanked the speaker by reiterating the importance of science teaching for youth in this area. Best wishes to Science North-TB into the future.


In addition, today was Kick-off Day for Rotary Radio Day(s), our major club fundraiser, supporting our service work. This year's co-chairs Brian Walmark and Bill Ulakovic as well as guests from Dougall Media 91.5 CKPR who for so many years have hosted us were on hand to rejuvenate and empower members for sales for the upcoming Rotary Radio Day of February 17th 2020.
There are a number of fun inducements added to this year's edition. New contributors supporting our work are encouraged to join in.

Pictured are Bill and Brian in the background, with old pals from CKPR 91.5, (L to R), Ann Snell, Rosa Tucci and Crystal Shields.

 

District 5580 Foundation Chair Keith Brokke (accompanied by wife Lynne) presented a comprehensive and very informative review today on the history, mechanics and results (most impressive) of the Rotary Foundation, relevant internationally, but specifically to District 5580.

The district is huge (174,000 sq miles) with 66 clubs and over 2700 members.

Keith is also the nominee elect for District Governor 2021-22. He was introduced by our own veteran Foundation Grant expert (Past DG himself) Roly Turner. These two have a long and successful partnership in Grant development and execution.

In essence, Rotary Foundation Giving goes in three directions: 1.the  Annual Fund; 2. Polio Plus and 3. Endowment Fund
The multiple giving options were again discussed with a club focus on Every Rotarian Every Year and Paul Harris Fellowships. Our club holds up well.

Keith detailed the Grant opportunities (via the Annual Fund): 1. District Grants (for local community projects, 2. Global Grants (formerly Matching Grants) and 3. World Community Service Grants..the unique "bricks and mortar"projects in diverse countries such as Guatemala (schools), Navajo country USA, Kenya and Chad (water), India (cervical cancer screening, Haiti (water filters), and many others. Very satisfying Service above Self..

Rotary is a top internationally rated  Foundation. The monies donated are wisely spent on helping large numbers of people and Keith and Lynne Brokke have brought this home again (Roly Turner has also of course schooled the club on this topic).

The club extends thanks to the Brokkes for their dedicated work. They are pictured with (L to R), Chair and President-elect Krysta Logozza Daniele (who mastered the job today), Sandy Lychowyd (Lakehead Rotary club and Area 16 Assistant District Governor), Past DG Roly Turner (Port Arthur Rotary club who introduced his good friend) and Jaro Kotalik (PA Rotary club Foundation Chair, who thanked the speaker) 

AT OUR CLUB OCTOBER 29/2019

Text by Brian Walmark
Photos by David Legge

Today's guest speaker at Rotary PA, Darth Vadar, spoke on Anger Management.  This project was inspired by the work of Evan Burrell, a Rotarian from Australia.  Evan is an actor and Super Rotarian who was a keynote speaker at the 2019 District Conference in Minot, ND.  He spoke on "Let's have fun in Rotary." His enthusiasm was infectious and Brian Walmark took up Evan's challenge to shake up the speaker series at local Rotary Clubs.  There was a lot of work and many Rotarians took up Evan's challenge and transformed his vision into reality.  The green light was given by President-elect Krysta Logozzo and President Rod Morrison who championed this project from the beginning.  Brian Walmark wrote the script and voiced the original recording with a lot of coaching from Daryl Bolton of Dougall Media who shared his years of professional experience and technical skills at the studios at 87 North Hill Street.  The recording was then given to Zenon Waschuk who worked his audio magic and transmuted Brian's audio file into the voice of Darth Vadar.  Kevin Hollaway acted as stage manager and operated the audio equipment to bring Vadar's voice to life in the Provincial Room of the Prince Arthur Hotel.  Thanks to the managers and staff at the Prince Arthur Hotel who supported us in every way!  Thanks to Noble Thomas and his team for videorecording Vadar's speech on Anger Management. And a special thanks to Michael Nitz.  Without him, today's speech would not have been possible. 

Lord Vadar with protagonist Brian Walmark

Vadar cuddles a Past-President (Brenda Winter)


Cast of characters in this phantasmagoria

AT OUR CLUB OCTOBER 15, 2019


Who better to represent the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada- Lake Superior District Chapter, today, than guest speaker and Fundraising Coordinator Marc Larocque?

Marc  was diagnosed with MS in 2005 after a bout of optic neuritis and following some puzzled clinical assessments.
He has most certainly had his ups and downs, and spoke candidly today of his journey.

He reiterated the importance of this common but very disabling neurologic disease in the Thunder Bay area and Canada (the highest rate in the world). The local chapter is very active in programming, fundraising and raising public awareness. 

In addition, PA Rotary allocated, this past year, funding to assist in a fine video, that was viewed today by the club attendees.
There is a lot going on in support and fundraising. All revenues remain local.

General information is at: info.ontario@mssociety.ca.
Questions? Support?--contact msnavigators@mssociety.ca (www.mssociety.ca; 1-844-859-6789).

The club is indebted to Marc for his hard toil and courage with MS and the MS Society of Canada.




Marc was supported today by Sandy Lychowyd, Regional Director (pictured with Marc on the right), Laurie Tulloch ,veteran MS advocate and local Fundraising lead (Pictured on left) along with PA Rotary President Rod Morrison.

AT OUR CLUB OCTOBER 1, 2019

(New) District Governor Richard C. (Rick) Bricker is pictured holding up the map of the massive District 5580 zone, along with wife Susan, Assistant DG Sandy Lychowyd, PA President Rod Morrison (far L) and PA Rotary Past Presidents Roly and Judy Turner. Roly is also a past District Governor.

(New) District Governor Richard C. (Rick) Bricker (rotaryrick1953@yahoo.com) has travelled with wife Susan from his Brainerd MN Club to introduce his visionary year and invigorate our club commencing his new District 5580 year.

His address confirmed a most interesting and eclectic personal background including his Dry Cleaning businesses, his appreciation for the huge challenges of child/youth abuse in all its forms and his joy at joining the Rotary family in 1986.

Peace Day Ceremony, September 21, 2019

(Tai Chi Garden, Prince Arthur's Landing)

Under a somber sky, yet a glorious fall day, a beautiful Rotary Peace Day Ceremony underscored the necessity for strong advocacy for peace in a troubled world.
There were many contributors, pictured below.

Thanks to Rotarians from all Clubs in Thunder Bay and to all guests for coming out. 

Let's Give Peace a Chance!

Thunder Brass welcomed the crowd.

 

Chair Fort William President Stephen Margarit explains the history of the Rotary Peace Pole.

 

Mayor Bill Mauro speaks on world conflict and peace initiatives.

 

Clifford Mushgquash, Lakehead Rotary Club President.

 

Nancy Proulx, President, Francophone Association of Northwestern Ontario.

 

 

 

 

Rachel Sebesta singing "Imagine" with Kevin Holloway on guitar.

 

Archdeacon Deborah Kraft reflects on Peace.

 

Kevin Holloway, Rachael Sebesta and Rotarians singing John Lennon sing "Give Peace a Chance". 

Laying flowers by the Peace Pole.

 

 

Take down by the Rotaractors.

 

Apologies:  missing a photo of  Irene Sottile, Chair Rotary Peace Day Ceremony delivering a message from District Governor Rick Bricker.

 

 

Reality check time today with a presentation on ABACO, Bahamas: Before and after Hurricane Dorion.

Stephen and Rhonda Bill know the area well. They taught at the Agape Christian School there from 2005-2009. They know the area as a beautiful part of the Bahamian archipelago and it's beautiful people. They are now back in Thunder Bay, but are right up on the massive catastrophe that has beset the island with hurricane Dorion.

Their slide show..before and after was stark and despite the hurricane psyche of the people (stoic to say the least), this one was like a "bomb went off." Sustained 180 mph winds. Massive destruction of infrastructure, nature and human lives.
 

 

It will take years to rebuild and months to claim the dead.

There are many ways outsiders can help. Stephen and Rhonda catalogued a number of pertinent agencies including one they support: MSC http://www.msccanada.org  Other notables include Shelterbox Canada (a Rotary International project partner) http://www.shelterboxcanada.ca and the Red Cross https://www.redcross.ca

They are pictured (centre) flanked by Past-President chair of today's meeting Warren Philp(centre-left), Past-President Laurie Tulloch (far L, who thanked the speakers) and Rotarian Brian Walmark (who introduced them and stressed how Rotarians can step up as people of action and escape being "comfortably numb."