2023 Aug 17 minutes

Rotary Meeting
Rotary Club of Vermilion
7:00 AM – August 17, 2023
Rotary Room
 
Meeting:
Members:
Mike W, Bruce, Robert, Rob, Dave, Kory, Laurel, Eugene, Kirby, Scott, Mike B, Rebekah, Dawn, Darlene, Erwin
 
Agenda
 
  1. O Canada/Four Way Test
  2. Introduction of Guests Olivia Elder, her Mother Connie and her Dog Rogue.
  3. Breakfast – Thank you to Team
  4. New Business
    1. Olivia Elder Presentation – Rebekah introduced Olivia and her Family – Olivia discussed her health issues (Functional Neurological Disorder – FND) and challenges that they have brought on. She discussed getting her service dog, and what her hopes are moving forward. FND has impacted her participation at school, and in what had been a very active social life. Olivia discussed the impact having her service Dog Rogue has had on her. She shared her goals to continue her education and to get into Neurological research. She discussed the costs associated with having a service dog. In addition to the cost of the animal there is a significant financial burden involved for training etc. Friends set up a GoFundMe page and she has seen remarkable support from the community. She hopes to attend the University of Alberta, but has also looked at the University of Calgary and Saskatoon. She discussed the difference between Service dogs and Emotional support, and Therapy dogs. Training will be ongoing as Olivia’s symptoms change. The dog will also begin Mobility training after age 2. Olivia had to purchase her service dog even though there are various organizations that provide service dogs, unfortunately those groups provide dogs for specific conditions that did not match with Olivia’s condition.
    2. Hearts and Hands Thank You Card. – circulated for members to read.
    3. District Governor Visit. This will be at community oven on the evening of Sept. 20th.
  5. Old Business
    1. Harvest Gala update – Kory - they met on Tuesday night with Shawn. Nov. 4th will be the Gala. Caterer is booked and they are narrowing down entertainment. The Chamber is going to Bartend in exchange for Bartending their event. Sign up sheets will be coming around looking for member to pitch in to make this event a success. The committee decided to have a price increase this year. The price will move to 75$ (up from 60$). Focus for this year will be on many of our recent projects as opposed to any one project we have coming up.
  6. Sargent in Arms. – Proud buck for anyone who wants to brag about anything.
  7. Adjournment.
Upcoming Events / Reminders
Aug 31 Offsite Meeting at the Co-Op Admin Building.
Sept 7 Rotary Partnership Presentation
Sept 9 Art in the Park
Sept 20th Social Event with Brent Collingwood at the Heritage Park Seniors Centre.
Sept 21st Brent Collingwood (District Governor) Meeting.
Sept 28 Vermilion Minor Ball Presentation