Next Meeting April 19, 1999
Island Success Story - Seaman's
Speaker: Rundell Seaman
Chair: Peter MacDougald
Song Leader: Betty Gay
Greeters: James Macnutt Jane Brewster

President's Message

By now the special events associated with Easter Seals Saturday are over. I am sure they were very successful. Given the level of enthusiasm and participation it could not help but be successful. Thanks to the management and staff of Island Radio, and the many volunteers who helped make the telethon a success and who put in such an outstanding effort. It is very reassuring to see such an important project so strongly supported by the community.

Thanks also the CBC staff for the Sports Fun Day they held yesterday, and the strong support they continue to show for the Easter Seals campaign and the many Islanders who are helped by the funds raised. Throughout a difficult period the support of management and employees never wavered.

Easter Seals is another great partnership example of Rotary. As we witnessed at the kick-off meeting there are many individuals, and businesses who really get behind the campaign and make it work. Some like, Island Tel, ADL and Tim Hortons have been with us a long time and each year continue to devote time and energy to make it a success.

President Dan of Montague makes a good point. The three club partnership is a great example of us working together and it is something we should explore for other projects.

President-elect Richard, and a number of Rotarians, attended the Joy Riders event on Friday evening, and I am sure he will comment on it at today's meeting. I also want to thank Richard for taking my place today. Please be assured I will try to think about you. It might be hard, but I will try. Then again if it is a nice day.........

Bulletin Board

Birthdays

Apr 15 Regan Lewis
Apr 17 Richard Veinot

Many happy returns - Remember the Foundation, and don't forget to renew your drivers license.

Anniversaries

Apr 12 Wes & Connie MacAleer
Apr 15 Andy & Helen Likely

Congratulations and Best Wishes

RI Foundation Notice
Exchange to be paid

The RI Foundation Committee is presently accepting written applications from Paul Harris Fellow sustaining members or those wishing to become sustaining member who would like to contribute $100 Canadian and receive credit for $100 (US). As funds are limited the committee is accepting 30 applications on a first come, first serve basis. Please apply to Bob Sear, chair, or any member of the committee prior to May 10, 99.

Today's RI Foundation Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Rotary Foundation Committee meeting scheduled for today is postponed. Chairman Bob will contact the committee members to reschedule the meeting.

From the Donations Committee
Richard Veinot, Chairman

The Donation Committee moves the following donation for approval by the Rotary Club of Charlottetown on or after April 19, 1999

Charlottetown Boys and Girls Club, $1000 for their after school programme, from the Auction Account.

The following donation, from the Auction Account, was approved by the Board:

Queens Co. Music Festival $500.

Greeters

Today Kingsley Lewis Kim Griffin
Next Week James Macnutt Jane Brewster
April 26 Jim Cumming Lorne Moase
May 3 John Scales Mark Robertson
May 10 Lloyd MacLeod Jim Smith
May 17 Marilyn MacKinnon, Ted Van Lunen

If you are unable to act as Greeter on your appointed day, please make arrangements with another Rotarian to take your place.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR EASTER SEALS

April 12-16, 19-21 Ambassador's Tour
May 31 Wrap up meeting

Calendar Watch 1999

April 19 Rotary Board Meeting
April 26 Island Success Story - Hyndman's*
May 03 BDC Presentation*
May 10 Kidney Foundation Presentation*
May 24 Victoria Day - No Meeting
May 31 Easter Seals Wrap Up Meeting*

* Rotary Club of Charlottetown Meetings

EASTER SEALS KICK-OFF

The Easter Seals Campaign kicked off in fine style at the March 29th Rotary meeting. A host of dignitaries joined Rotarians in promoting the Easter Seals Campaign and what it means for many individuals.

This year the goal is $125,000.

The Chair of the Easter Seals committee, Jim Macnutt, gave an extensive overview of the many elements that make up the campaign, and the many organizations that are essential partners with Rotary in meeting the objective. Island Telecom provide the phone lines for pledges, as well as many of the people who answer the calls. The Confederation Centre is the site for the live presentation for the Country Hoedown, and employees donate much of their time to support the event. ADL, consistent sponsors of the TV Telethon have agreed to sponsor this years radio event. MicroAge does a tremendous amount of work in printing receipts, Timeless Technologies provides program back up, and Prince Edward Air are also involved in ensuring receipts get printed and mailed.

Jim outlined the fund raising activities. The main feature is the Hoedown and a full day of activities on Saturday, April 10, presented by CHTN, CFCY and Q-93. This includes a live event at the Charlottetown Mall as well as the evening performances at the Confederation Centre.

The Ambassador's Tour will visit 65 schools. Last year it raised more than $18,000. The Easter Seals Ambassador speaks at each stop. The tour is sponsored by Tim Hortons who provide the transportation and the organizational expertise.

The Mail Campaign involves the distribution of the Easter Seals package to every household in the province.

CBC will also be holding a special Sports Day on April 11th. It involves a fun skate and a hockey game with the Team PC MLA's.

MEET THE AMBASSADOR

Jeremy MacDonald - 1999 Easter Seals Ambassador

This year the Easter Seals ambassador is 11 year old Jeremy MacDonald of East Royalty. He attends Grade 6 at Lucy Maud Montgomery School. Jeremy has Cerebral Palsy, but that doesn't change his goals and interests. He is the same as many young people with an interest in hockey, baseball and harness racing. He reads and writes on his computer.

In addressing the Club, Jeremy stated "Everyone is created equally, everyone should be treated equally." Cerebral Palsy affects Jeremy's walking and balance. He has been to several hospitals for treatments, including the Shriners Hospital in Montreal.

Jeremy has attended Camp Gencheff since he was five years old. This year he is going to Teen Camp. He urged all to support the campaign, it is greatly appreciated.

DIGNITARIES SUPPORT EASTER SEALS

His Honour, Lieutenant Governor Gilbert R. Clements, says the work done each year is quite extensive and he praised the Montague, Summerside, and Charlottetown Rotary clubs and the people who support Easter Seals. He says "Easter is a time of new beginnings. Jeremy represents new hope and courage. Happy Easter and have a successful campaign."

Honourable Wes MacAleer, representing the Premier, presented a cheque to Jeremy in support of Easter Seals, and says the Island is "a community of caring and sharing people. As a Rotarian I am proud to be a part of this." Opposition leader Paul Connolly presented a cheque and praised Jeremy and his proud parents saying the Ambassador is a key person in the campaign, and he is sure this will be a successful campaign.

Mayor George MacDonald commended Rotary for the Easter Seals campaign which has "brought hope and happiness to many people." He says each of us has the opportunity to make our lives and the lives of others something special.

Mayor Basil Stewart was represented by Marion Arsenault, President of the Summerside Rotary club who presented a cheque on his behalf. She highlighted the value of the Ambassadors tour and his visit to Summerside.

Dan Hughes, President of the Montague club, says the manner in which the three clubs work together on this project is an example of what we should do more often. He praised the committee for their hard work.

Frank Lewis, CEO of Island Radio, presented a cheque and pledged the support of the management and staff in the Easter Seals effort.

MUZUMDAR SPEAKS TO CLUB

Doctor Muzumdar, Head of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, was guest speaker for the Easter Seals kick -off. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in addressing so many of the conditions associated with the Easter Seals campaign. He praised the work of Easter Seals, which he has first hand knowledge of during his 14 years at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He praised the focus on children saying they are often the most needy. Young people are in a period of growth so various treatments and devices may have to be changed a number of times in a relatively short period of time to accommodate growth changes in the body. He says while not everything can be cured, there is treatment.

Dr. Muzumdar used the example of a knee problem, caused by a tightening of the muscle, to point out how one condition affects many aspects of the body. The knee may bend because the muscle is too tight. That places stress on the joint which interacts with other muscles and joint such as the ankle and hip and causes them to shift as well. That may lead to changes in walking patterns which can affect the other leg and even the back. The one problem can have many secondary aspects. Treatment might involve therapy, or braces which may help correct the condition.

The Doctor called on Rotary and supporters of Easter Seals to "help us help children." He pointed out that children from all across the province are treated at the QEH.

50/50 draw: John MacInnis picked up $49, but his card playing expertise was no help in finding the Queens of Hearts. The jackpot remains at $500.

Attendance: 75.7%, with nine Scooters.

Makeups to March 29: Don Anderson, Neil Buchanan, Bennett Carr (2), Betty Gay, Umesh Gupta (2), Wes MacAleer, Tony Sosnkowski (2), David Thompson (2), Walter Cox.