Our Last Meeting - Sharon Bamford - Canine Helpers Assistance Dogs for the Disabled

Sgt Richard called Deborah, our Chair today to come forward.
“I’m Deb Taylor - VP & P of V”
 
Welcome to our Speaker Sharon, our NYSF Student Charlotte & her mum Beynone, Kerry, Lee & Keanon. 
 
Welcome back Grahame & Ejike/me
 
Thanks for the photos Dave
 
Deborah managed to squeeze an International Toast out of President Jim.
 
Of course, it was to the Rotary Club of of Paris, which meets in the oldest restaurant in France, once a month, and it costs €200
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Deborah remembered Lyn Gahan, who passed away recently - She was the president of Probus Pelican Waters, was in the LNP, and in her working life was Deputy Headmaster at the Caloundra State High School. She was the first female President of the Rotary club of Caloundra. Her theme for the year was “mankind is our business.“
 
Deborah proposed a Toast in remembrance of Lyn.
 
President Jim delivered his report.
  • The Christmas party was a great success - a big thank you to Sue.
  • We have 31 members and five Honorary.
  • The Melbourne Cup trifecta netted us $3242, but there is still no winner “90 days”. $300 donated to brave buddies. Renae deserved the “best hat“ at the event. Bravery buddies donates dolls to children in hospital – They they send out “hundreds“ of dolls, which cost $30 each.
  • Mark and RES have been in the Philippines where they distributed Rotary T-shirts to the children at the orphanage.
  • Trees at the Duck Holes Creek to be planted on January 17 – they are in remembrance of the hundred years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. We will also have a breakfast meeting there.
  • 20th of December. We will meet in the Kings Beach pavilion and then walk up to the Centaur Memorial – James will “Bless the Fleet“
  • Grant application - a new trailer and defibrillate out for this CWA – $5000
  • Timber from Bunnings for the 268 crosses
  • Warren’s inducement “didn’t work”
  • Mark reported that the audit will be received early next year – then we can have our AGM.
 
Jim thanked everyone who had supported him for his year and he and gave Deborah a special mention.
 
Deborah introduced Charlotte
 
Charlotte has been accepted for the 2023 NYSF next year.
She will be starting in grade 12 at the Caloundra State High School.
She is the school Vice President.
“Prepare for the future”
Community – dad is a firefighter – Ambulance – relay for life.
Student Council
She has two jobs, one as a barista, and the other a bartender at the Baringa Tavern.
She has won multiple academic awards
Biology is her favourite subject, but she also loves maths and science.
She’s currently thinking of. pursuing medicine – hopefully to become a Surgeon.
She is excited about the broader knowledge to be gained through. NYSF.
She’s just got the timetable.
Deborah, thanks, Charlotte.
 
Bernie introduced Sharon to talk about Canine Helpers.
They started in Caboolture. with the aim of helping people to “be normal“
 
Sharon, thanked Rotary for the invitation to talk, and acknowledged Warren and Kerry who she has known through the Rotary Club of Ipswich
“Dogs“
Labrador dog, breeder, and Chesapeake retrievers
“Value of dog“ – they give people the will, and desire to get out in the community “Live on“ “back out“
“Read your dog“
Body language of a a dog can tell you much.
About 20 minutes before a diabetes medical event, your body starts to exude chemicals - dogs can recognise these
PTSD
Warren noted his dog helps with his PTSD
Dogs can be taught to press buttons, open doors, pick up things and carry bags.
Dogs can call the ambulance.
Unfortunately, there is no government funding because they are not “guide dogs“
Renée asked about the NDIS depends on Support Coordinator.
Deborah. talked about her disabled nephew who has grand mal seizures -  answer – “isn’t as easy as it sounds“
gives person a responsibility.
Five year wait for a dog?
Socialisation, obedience and the shopping centre test?
Bernie talked about “our Staffi“ and how good he was for Ron “but“ he is no good around other dogs.
Licking is a calming mechanism.
Harness – dogs should walk beside people not in front of them.
They sense & feel, nose & ears.
They need boundaries.
Chris “little shadow“ left side.
Creatures of habit.
Don’t take assistance dogs to a dog park, or let them run off leave socialisation.
Judy boundaries with kids
Children equal little mates.
Voice control.
Mother and pup interaction growl.
“worst thing, a child can do“ is to run around making noises.
Bernie asked about re-training.
Yes – but hard work. Refer to the public access test in shopping centres.
Lesley
Voice command, strange noises
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Richard. asked about flyers and Roger said he would add one to the meeting report (see below).
 
Jim and Deborah thanked Sharon and Jim was able to report he was “fully trained now“
 
Directors.
 
Darryl 20th. You need to RSVP.
 
Jim did the two up?
 
I missed that detail of Richards joke, but it was very condescending.
 
Deborah – Churchill – cats, dog, pigs – still wondering what that was all about