This Rotor can also be found on the FRONT PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE,
on the right side (where it used to be).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Luther High School student, sponsored by Eastview will attend 'Adventures in Citizenship' May 26-30.
A Board meeting will be on zoom tonight at 5PM.
The 3rd Thursday of the month a supper is served at Souls Harbor. Peter Peters and Ron Okumura are assisting at the next supper. If you can assist in the future please let President Al know.
The 16th Annual Lyle Pyett Golf Tournament will be held July 5 at Tor Hill Golf Course. Many golfers are needed. Watch for updates from John Van Koll.
Eastview will sponsor a student to the senior RYLA camp at the end of July in partnership with the R.C. of Regina.
THE SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY-- A SOURCE OF SUPPORT AND HOPE WITH SEAN BARCHEL AND MARIA ALVAREZ!
President Al welcomed everyone to Eastview. Following the land acknowledgement, Jeanne Alexander introduced guest speakers, Sean Barschel and Maria Alvarez. Sean Barschel is the Executive Director of The Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan. He has been with the organization for over 5 years and during that time he held many different positions. Sean has a background in Psychology, obtaining his BSc major in psychology from the University of Regina. He has been volunteering with the Society for almost 8 years as a mental health advocate speaker in their partnership program. He believes in the mission of the society, which is to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental illness, is incredibly important and something he wants to contribute to for the rest of his life.
Maria Alvarez has been with the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan since 2004. She started off by telling her story of recovery at different venues. She was then a board member for a few years. Finally she was trained as a peer support worker and a facilitator which she has been doing since 2015.
Sean noted that the Schizophrenia Society is a non profit organization formed in 1982 by family members of patients with this illness, to find a unified way to help those dealing with the disease. Today 80% of their funding comes from the Sask. Health Authority while the Society fundraises for the remaining 20%. There is a partnership program with those who share their experience of living with the disease with groups from any area, such as the hospitals, the RCMP and others. This is Maria's role with the organization.
Maria spoke of her illness, defined as schizoaffective disorder which is schizophrenia and bipolar disease. For Maria, symptoms developed in her childhood progressing to psychotic symptoms as a young adult. She was treated in a psychiatric ward which helped her return to reality. The symptoms she described were alarming to her and those around her. At the time there was stigma around mental illness which resulted in patients experiencing shame. Fortunately after much suffering, she received treatment from a psychiatrist, new to her, and a new drug which has kept her symptom free for 19 years and able to advocate for and share her experience with those living with the disease. The organization provides a number of programs and support groups. Major fundraisers take place annually in Saskatoon and Regina. Sean and Maria, thank you for speaking to our club about this difficult and challenging disease. Maria, one can only admire your courage in what you do as you continue to live with the disease. Sean, thank you for your work with the Society. Your efforts are slowly helping us all understand the many facets of mental illness including schizophrenia.
Sean Barschel
Maria Alvarez
The Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
We have an opportunity to volunteer in support of an important fundraising project for the JDRF.
A schedule for where volunteers are required and more information about the walk can be found at the link below
If you are interested, you can reach out directly to the JDRF Volunteer Engagement Manager, Pam Aldred at paldred@jdrf.ca.
If you decide to volunteer please inform President Al or Sam Berg, chair of the Community Services Subcommittee of our club
The Family of Rotary
Today, May 15, Peter Neufeldt is celebrating his birthday and Vic Wiebe will celebrate his on May 19.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROTARIANS!
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Rotary Action Groups are making a difference all over the world. See more at: https://my.rotary.org/en/take-action/empower-leaders/rotary-action-groups and click on the Rotary Action Groups 2023 Annual Report
Some of the Rotary Action Groups
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
It was good to hear bits and pieces about the District! 5550 Conference held this past weekend in Moose Jaw.
In response to President Al's call for Happy Bucks, Peter Peters noted the message we received from Shelter Box that they have finally been able to move shelter boxes, which have been lined up for sometime, into Gaza. Our thoughts are with these brave people going into this area of uncertainty to help the desperate, injured and homeless.
Allen Hillsden was happy to note there was good representation from Eastview at the Conference in Moose Jaw, including our 3 faithful PDG's. The speakers were excellent.
Ann Grahame reported a Happy Mothers' Day despite the water supply being shut off as well as her supply of hot water. The happy part was when she finally had a warm shower.
Jayna was happy for Ann.--so much happiness in our club today.
Have a good week everyone. Enjoy summer!
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