At our September 28th Chapter meeting, I had the pleasure of presenting Dave Page with a certificate in recognition and gratitude for his 9 years of dedicated service as President of the WOA. During Dave's tenure as President, he lobbied the Manitoba Government to eliminate all user fees for Manitoba ostomates. He avidly supported the FOWC by keeping the Chapter informed of this organization's efforts, saw to it that the Chapter was a member and encouraged donations (supplies as well as financing) to this cause. He represented the WOA at all UOAC Conferences but one and is one very well informed individual having made contacts with ostomates all across Canada and Internationally. He finished off his tenure as Co-Chair of the UOAC 8th Annual Conference hosted by our Chapter. Dave has since taken on the position as Chapter Co-Coordinator for the District Support Services and we wish him well in this endeavour. Dave has been very supportive of my taking over the office that he held for 9 years and although it must be very painful at times watching this greenhorn taking over the reins, he has been very gracious in sharing his wealth of knowledge. We are so delighted that he continues as Newsletter Editor. On behalf of the Chapter, Dave was also presented with an engraved brass business card holder, paper weight, and letter opener along with a BIG cake. Thanks for 9 great years Dave!
As I write this, we are working with the WRHA Logistics to help smooth out the transition to the supply depot at 59 Pearl St. Visitor Training session for 2005 has just been completed and we have a great group that will represent our Chapter well. Our Christmas party is coming up on Dec. 4th with great food, entertainment, and a chance to finish the year off with good cheer. Finding rides for those that need them to get to our meetings is on our wish list. More opportunities for rap sessions and health presentations are on our long range plans for the next while.
We have just come off a very successful Conference! Despite the hours of work that we as a Planning Committee put in, we came out of it with a valuable sense of being more like a family than just an organization. In the last two years I have also come to know and appreciate the talents, dedication, and organization of all the members of the Executive, the Planning Committee and our volunteers. As I contemplate this good fortune, I look forward to the next couple of years as an exciting challenge.
Regards,
Lorrie Pismenny
Cheers,
Dave Page
