Meeting Notes:
Larry Power Birthday – This week
Paul and Louise Puopolo 45th anniversary
Ray Danbrook – Silver anniversary with club 25 years
Dr. Willis Bengnwi – Membership introduction postponed to a future date
Upcoming Events:
Fri. April 30, 2021 – Kentucky Derby - Burbon Tasting event – details to follow.
April 14th- Community Builder and Rotarian of the Year (Gord Ferguson Award) Awards to be presented.
April 28th – New Community Service Project to be presented to the Club.
Information:
Catch the Ace – Mac Graham is now chair of marketing committee – Pot is now over $20,000
William (Bill) Kurt, has passed away. Bill was a former member of our Club. Bill was a Rotarian of the Year and in memory donations in his honour have been directed to our club.
Guest Speakers:
Lisa Talbot – Executive Director - KidsAbility Foundation and Linda Kenny, CEO– KidsAbility
Lisa noted that since 1999 our club has contributed over $560,000 to KidsAbility and there is a long history before then.
Linda through a Powerpoint Presentation spoke about the Specialized Feeding Program (focus of current Grant Request):
Kids with difficulties with eating can fail to meet growth milestones. Specialized Feeding Program is an assessment and consultation program comprised of Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietician, speech language therapist and medical teams.
Results 2020:
77 admissions, 98 visits
Including direct in person and virtual visits;
Full consultation with children’s full support team;
Success Stories:
4 year old Jonathan – history of pneumonia, choking and gagging. Had a swallow study and support team focused on chewing and swallowing skills along with eating positioning. Following this a range of foods were recommended and now Jonathan is much healthier and the family is able to have meals together.
Evelyn – 13 months:
Unable to eat by mouth. Fed with a feeding tube. Skills taught to family and Evelyn have had success in seeing Evelyn now eating soft foods and being able to digest foods orally.
Goals are to encourage self feeding, exploring new foods and providing tools to encourage growth and success.
Wish list to grow program:
- Ability to screen families with feeding concerns
- Additional support from a Registered Dietician
- In house training for existing staff
- Trail containers and packages for families – now all items are single family use
Lisa summarized the specific request to Club:
Program costs is $49,340/year. Grant request is for $15,000
Costs include – Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, program supports, etc.
Linda and Lisa shared a thank-you note from KidsAbility Staff and noted they realize how hard fundraising is these days and expressed gratitude for any support our club can provide.
Notes prepared by Brandon Flewwelling. April 7, 2021.
