Today’s meeting was jammed packed! Our personal pharmacist Mel Azcarraga from The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Parksville was on hand to administer flu shots to our folks.
Some were brave
some courageous
some heroic
some adventurous
some fearless
And some wimps
Theresa Coridor provided a very active exercise program today and was joined by special guest Michelle Stilwell who participated in the exercise therapy as well. Michelle reminded us that every movement counts in maintaining our fitness level.
Our guest speaker today was Marjorie Driscoll from the Workability Customize Work Program here in Oceanside. This program provides the opportunity for young people to learn without boundaries and to reshape their perception of their ability to work. The work program has two locations for their workers – 2nd Chance Thrift Store and The Pie Factory. Both are popular with our community. Check out The Pie Factory’s list of savory and fruit pies. To top of her presentation, Marjorie shared The Pie Factory apple scones. Delish!
Once again Oceanside Stroke Recovery members are overwhelmed with the folks that live in our community and make it a better place.
For the last 25 years, the Seaside Cruizers Car Club has hosted a weekend of events in Parksville & Qualicum Beach culminating with the Father’s Day Show ‘n Shine in downtown Qualicum Beach. The club donates their net proceeds from their annual event to local charities and other non-profit and community support groups.
Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society is honoured to receive a generous donation from the Seaside Cruizers Car Club. The funds will be used to help cover the costs of our therapy programs.
From Left to right: Kevin Varey – President, Seaside Cruizers, Kathy Eades – President, Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society, Kathleen Falvai – Co-ordinator, Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society, David Field – Vice-President, Seaside Cruizers
Strokes affect people in various ways. Each with a unique challenge. As a result, there are many types of therapy. Now, there is a new therapy option for Oceanside Stroke Recovery members who are paralyzed on one side of their body. Stroke survivor and member, Rick Turner learned about mirror box therapy as an effective way to re-establish brain pathways that have been damaged during a stoke. He built the mirror box and donated it to the society’s lending library. Available to all members at no cost, the library contains many resources to help in ongoing therapy and recovery.
The device helps give the user a neural workout and can be effective in the way the brain responds to stimuli. This type of brain training is called neuroplasticity. The device itself consists of a mirror that is positioned between the function and non-functional limb. The user looks at the reflection of the functional limb, while simultaneously hiding both actual limbs from their line of sight. Next the user performs exercises while watching the reflection of the intact limb move. Through the use of this artificial visual feedback it can be possible to relax or move the non-functional limb. Studies have found that this exercise can help rebuild neural pathways.
Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society has been providing therapy to stroke survivors and support to caregivers in Oceanside since 1986. This area includes Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Errington, Whiskey Creek and the surrounding communities.
A warm sunny day, a gentle ocean breeze and a very low tide was enjoyed by Oceanside Stroke Recovery members at the beachfront picnic in Qualicum Beach. The pot luck lunch was outstanding and could have fed many more! Lots of cowboy hats and clothing to accent the western theme! Wonderful to have grand children with us!
The 2018 Annual General Meeting was held on Friday, July 27 at the Community Room, 454 Morison Avenue, Parksville. Chair Kathleen Falvai reviewed the purpose of the AGM and thanked the Board of Directors and the volunteers for their work over the past year. Ron Fitzpatrick delivered the President’s report outlining administrative and required legal decisions made by the Directors on behalf of our members. Marie Randall provided the Treasurer’s Report outlining the fundraising activities to cover the expenses to run our programs. The new Board of Directors was appointed and approved by the members present.
OSRS Board of Directors 2018-19
President – Kathy Eades
Past President – Ron Fitzpatrick
Secretary – Paul Michaud
Treasurer – Marie Randall
Communications – Mary Jane Turner
Director – Robb Glazier
Director – Bernice Prier
Director – Rick Turner
Director – Anne Van Oostrum
Director – Bill Whitehead
Welcome Kathy Eades as our new President and thank you Ron Fitzpatrick for your work as President.
Benefits of Membership
As a member of Oceanside Stroke Recovery you will receive:
Ongoing therapy (Exercise, Speech, Art and Music)
Peer support
Caregiver counselling
Entertainment
Educational guest speakers
Social occasions
Opportunities to form new friendships
Membership fees are $45.00 per person (2018 season).
Strokes affect people in various ways. Each with a unique challenge. As a result, there are many types of therapy. Now, there is a new therapy option for Oceanside Stroke Recovery members who are paralyzed on one side of their body. Stroke survivor and member, Rick Turner learned about mirror box therapy as an effective way to re-establish brain pathways that have been damaged during a stoke. He built the mirror box and donated it to the society’s lending library. Available to all members at no cost, the library contains many resources to help in ongoing therapy and recovery.
