But, for a moment let me say that last spring we completed four very successful bingos raising $6,000. This money is being used for special projects and start-up costs for our office. I would like to thank all those who took part in this very successful project.
This summer, three of us took part in two separate U.O.A.. conferences. In early August, Mike Leverick traveled to St. Paul, Minn. to attend the United Ostomy Association Inc. conference. If you have taken the opportunity to look at our website you will see that Mike had a fantastic time, meeting old friends and making new ones. Later in August, our Treasurer Rosemary Gaffray and I attended United Ostomy Association of Canada annual conference in Richmond, British Columbia. There we had the opportunity to once again meet with ostomates from all across Canada, to share experiences, renew friendships and make new ones. The presentations were varied and informative, ranging from a session on fashions for women to prostate cancer for men. A highlight was the Bertha Susan Okun lecture entitled "Yesterday and Today." Helen Manson, a retired E.T. nurse from the Vancouver area spoke on the early days of ostomy surgery right up to the present. She had a large table full of old ostomy appliances and most people reacted in great dismay seeing the type of appliance that was worn 40 and 50 years ago.
The three major social events of the Conference, the Renaissance Banquet on Thursday evening, the harbour dinner cruise on the Friday evening, and the closing banquet on Saturday evening were very enjoyable and great fun.
An unfortunate aspect of the Conference was the fact that UOAC President Les Kehoe was unable to attend because of health reasons. Vice-President Lorne Aronson took over and did a great job. Lorne presided at the National Council meeting on Saturday morning with great efficiency as delegates from all regions of the country discussed the business of U O A C. Elections for various positions on the executive and board of directors were held with all positions being filled. The financial situation is tight and a financial planner spoke about fund raising.
Awards were presented at the two banquets, which added greatly to the festivities.
The Conference was most enjoyable and congratulations must be given to Jim Degeer and the organizing committee for their efforts in hosting the conference. Next year's conference is in Halifax and the one following will be in Saskatoon.
Locally, this past June I was elected to the board of directors of the S M D Clearinghouse for a three-year term. At W O A we welcome Herb Abell as our new secretary. I know you'll do a great job, Herb!
That is all for now See you at the Chapter meeting on September 26th.
Dave Page, President W.O.A.
