April 12, 2017

A heartfelt introduction of guest speaker Lynn Posluns was presented by JoAnne Korten, Past President of the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise, a long-time Rotarian and Friend of Rotary Toronto Eglinton. Lynn is the Founder and President of Women’s Brain Health Initiative, a global charitable foundation raising money for research and education to combat brain-aging diseases that affect women. In her professional career Lynn has held a number of senior executive positions within the Retail and Fashion industries. She is currently Managing Director of Cedarpoint Investments Inc., a private equity and alternative investments firm based in Toronto.

 

Throughout her career, Lynn has helped to raise millions of dollars for many philanthropic causes focused primarily in the healthcare industry. She has received numerous awards for her work some of which include: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the WXN's prestigious "Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women" Award, and the Top Ten High Achieving Women Award from the Rotman School of Management.

 

Lynn founded Women's Brain Health Initiative in 2012. Through her messages supported by research – Lynn has 'turned on the lights' for funders, governments, corporations, pharmaceuticals, moms, daughters and care givers around the world. In building the Women’s Brain Health Initiative brand, Lynn created an ever-growing network of top-level engaged community stakeholders who have joined the Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Lynn is supported by a remarkable family, all active fundraisers, philanthropists, volunteers --- passionate power houses when they see an individual, community, or cause in need.

 

JoAnne, currently Executive Director with Women's Brain Health Initiative, was pleased to put forth the nomination of Lynn Posluns as a Paul Harris Fellow for her tireless work creating, nurturing, and fundraising to support the work of Women's Brain Health Initiative, an obvious example of Rotary and "Service Above Self". JoAnne remarked "it seems fitting to have Lynn recognized by the Rotary Toronto Eglinton, a remarkable organization that has left its footprint around the globe and extended a helping hand to so many".

 

Lynn proceeded to give a powerful message describing her passion in the area of women's brain health and the need for gender specific research.  She alluded to a number of statistics showing women are at a greater risk for certain neurodegenerative processes. Well known factors such as hormones, stress, and the unpaid role as caregivers can put women at greater risk. Lynn suggested understanding the differences in men and women in areas such as hypertension, heart and stroke, diabetes, and depression also shows the correlation with brain health. Women's Brain Health Initiative supports research through The Wilfred and Joyce Posluns Chair in Women’s Brain Health and Aging, led by Dr. Gillian Einstein, and through a number of partnerships with the University of Toronto and other Canadian research programs.

 

WBHI also provides valuable and cut to the chase topical educational information and resources through their publications of "Mind Over Matter", speaking engagements, conferences and the Global Alliance where the organization holds a trusted and motivating leadership role. Their web site is also an excellent resource for more information on the work they do. When you have a moment visit: https://womensbrainhealth.org

 

Lynn has taken her message across Canada to inform and educate fellow Canadians on how to protect their brain health as they age and the importance of sex-gender research. On a positive note, the necessary research is providing useful information that by making healthy lifestyle choices on a healthy diet, getting enough physical exercise, keeping our minds active through mental fitness, stress reduction, and getting enough sleep, relaxation, and social interaction can impact better outcomes for women's brain health as they age. Whether research encourages those in their 20's to live a more active lifestyle, something proven to positively impact brain health, or encourages those who are older to modify lifestyle choices, there is opportunity to influence future brain health now.

 

A heart-felt and informed thank you by Mike H indicated Lynn's message was well received.  Mike described Lynn as an obvious leader, transformative in her actions, a creator of positive relationships and an inspirational and passionate speaker.

 

 

 

Representing Rotary District 7070, District Governor Jim Louttit, presented Lynn with a Paul Harris Fellow Certificate and Pin.  In 1905, Paul Harris organized the first Rotary club in Chicago for the purpose of fellowship and friendship. The club initiated its first service project in 1907 and through ongoing service Rotary has become a global international organization (Motto: Service Above Self). In 1957, Rotary International created a special namesake recognition in Paul Harris' honour, prompted by either a member's outstanding commitment to a Rotary club or by a non-Rotarian to his/her community. This recognition is supported by donations to the Rotary International Foundation.  Rotary International continues to use funds collected in Paul Harris' name for projects in their 6 areas of service focus.

 

Congratulations to Lynn Posluns, our newest Paul Harris Fellow!

 

 

 

 Apr 19 - Toronto Lawn and Tennis Club - 12:15 - 1:30

            Chris Snyder - creator the Rotary Club of Toronto's Aboriginal Service Committee

 

Apr 26 - Rotary After Hours (RAH)- 5:30 - 7 PM

            Morgan Wienburg of Little Footprints Big Steps will speak the relief efforts sponsored by District 7070 after hurricane Matthew in Haiti