When I dictated my message for the last newsletter back at the end of February when the weather was bitterly cold, I commented that just maybe it would warm up. Well, it certainly has!! April was spectacular, giving southern Manitoba a very early summer.
The March and April Chapter meetings were well attended, informative and enjoyed by all. In March, Heather Howie, a dietician from the Health Sciences Center, gave us advice on how those of us with ostomies handle food, what's good and bad for us. A very lively question and answer period followed. Then in April, after the Annual General Meeting, Gigi Elkie, from Hollister, gave a presentation in which she described some new products. Once again, very informative, with lots of questions and answers.
The annual meeting featured presentation of the audited financial statements for 2002, an annual visiting report and election of officers for the term beginning September 1, 2003. The visiting report indicates that we have maintained our 10 year average of 8 to 9 visits per month. Bill Aitken, Chair of the Nominating Committee, chaired the Election of Officers; all of the incumbents were re-elected.
Due to prior arrangements, our regular meeting rooms are not available on Wednesday, May 28th. Therefore our season ending Wine and Cheese party will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, 2003, in Rooms 202 - 03, 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Should you have items for the Silent Auction please bring them to the party.
As we have all been informed, and as no doubt some of you have discovered, the Materials Distribution Agency has moved to a new location at 1715 St. James Street, just south of the Notre Dame intersection. This much larger facility will allow MDA to offer its services much more efficiently and effectively. At our first chapter meeting in the fall, September 24th, Susan Boulter, Chief Operating Officer and Rhonda Boyd, General Sales Manager of MDA will be with us. They will be presenting a general overview of MDA operations and also be available to answer any questions about the distribution of ostomy supplies. They have asked us to supply them with a list of questions. Should you have any, please do send them to our mailing address or to me via email at myostomy@shaw.ca .
The United Ostomy Association of Canada annual conference and National Council meeting will be held this August in Saskatoon. More details and registration forms will be in the spring edition of Ostomy Canada magazine, which you should receive this month. I do hope that many of our members will be able to attend.
That's it for now!
HAVE A SUPER SUMMER!! BUT FIRST, SEE YOU AT THE PARTY ON JUNE 4TH!!
Dave
