UOACONNECTION

January, 2014 Volume 21 Issue 5

The UOAConnection is a publication of the United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc. This bulletin is published 10 times a year in both English and French (future) to provide greater communication to the chapters. Limited funds only permit circulation to chapter leadership who are encouraged to share the information with their members by including items of interest in their newsletters.
NATIONAL OFFICE: United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc. 344 Bloor St. West, Suite 501 Toronto, ON M5S 3A7

Presidents Message
7th, January, 2014 Greetings all, Happy new year to all our readers! As we start the new year, we all make new plans and set forth what we wish to accomplish in the coming year. Your UOAC board of directors met online on December 14, 2013. A great many items were discussed. One of the areas of concern was there has not been a chapter step forward to host the 2016 conference or the 2015 AGM. As a result, the board is considering not having biennial conferences and only holding AGMs once a year as a one day event. We realize that this goes against our wishes expressed in our five year strategic plan to increase awareness, but without the support of member chapters, a conference is not possible. It is not too late for your chapter to put together a bid to host the conference in 2016. If you are interested, please let us know. Mark your calendars now the 2nd Annual Canada Ostomy Day will be held the first Saturday in October, 2014. We extend an invitation to all chapters across Canada to join in the Stoma Stroll Awareness Walk. We are in the process of updating the twelve page procedure manual and will send to all chapter presidents in the next while. UOAC will set up the walk webpage for your city, provide you with posters, postcards and pledge sheets, provide you with a certificate of insurance, pay for approved expenses such as permits and first aid staff. The board of directors will continue to hold monthly online meetings (usually a Saturday at 9:00 a.m. CST). Any chapter president that is interested in sitting in as an observer is welcome. Please send an email to the office to get an invitation. Our next online meeting is Saturday, January 18. The Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act provides federal not-for-profit corporations with a new set of rules that are modern, flexible and better suited to the needs of today's not-for-profit sector. Our by-laws committee is working hard to have new by-laws ready for a vote at the AGM in St. Johns in 2014. Prior to that, we would like the chapters to look through and discuss the by-laws as well as the changes in the way that the organization will run. Packages have been emailed and mailed out to each chapter president as now our lawyers have had a chance to draft up the correct legal language. Member chapter feedback

Email info1@ostomycanada.ca
416-595-5452 FAX: 416-595-9924 TOLL FREE: 1-888-969-9698 WEBSITE: www.ostomycanada.ca PRESIDENT: Peter Folk VICE PRESIDENT: Ann Ivol TREASURER: Stephen Maybee SECRETARY: Carol Wells DIRECTORS: Ed Tummers Ruth Kenney John Molnar Lorrie Pismenny Andrea Manson Rosemary Gaffray

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is requested, and a special online meeting will be held with chapter representatives on March 8, 2014. See the email that was sent from the national office for further details The fall appeal letters went out in the mail in November and Im pleased to hear of all the generous donations. For some people, it is something that is planned for each year and the cause is near and dear to them. Thank you for your continued support. Membership dues were mailed out by national office in the last two months. If you have not sent in your dues yet, please do so soon. Ive sent a letter to all Ontario chapter presidents announcing the formation of an ad hoc committee between members of the United Ostomy Association of Canada and Ostomy Toronto to advocate for an increase in the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Grant. To ensure we are inclusive, we encourage you to review our request with your members for feedback. In addition, if you, or any of your members, would like to be involved in the process, please contact Amy Taylor-Mitropoulos (amyt@ostomytoronto.com), the committee chair, for more information. You will be informed as updates become available. In the coming months, we are asking you to nominate someone from your chapter for the Maple Leaf Award. The Maple Leaf Award is the most prestigious award presented by UOAC. It is awarded to a UOAC member or associate who has done outstanding volunteer service for the benefit of UOAC and its members. Any UOAC member is eligible to receive this award, with the exception of members of the Executive council. We are also asking for nominations for the Enterostomal Therapist Recognition Award. The ET of the Year Award is awarded to an E.T. nurse who has supported ostomates via involvement with his/her local chapter's activities and national functions. The award also enables UOAC members to acknowledge their E.T. nurse for their support and services. And as always, you can nominate someone for the Unsung Hero Award. The Unsung Hero/Heroes Awards are presented to those individuals who always work behind the scenes in any successful organization. They are also dedicated to UOAC, but do not seek the limelight. In fact they prefer to do their work and give their support in an unobtrusive manner. Past winners of these awards are listed on our website. All of these awards, plus the President`s Award, will be presented at the Awards Luncheon at the conference in St. John`s Newfoundland this summer. Our next biennial conference will be in St. Johns Newfoundland in 2014. Dates are July 31 to August 2. Our conference administrator is Delilah Guy, conference chair is Carol Wells. The St. Johns and Gander chapters are working together to put on a great conference. We hope to see you all there and take some time to tour around the Rock and enjoy the unique experience that is Newfoundland. Conference and hotel registration forms are already on our website, along with links to websites that show some of the other things you can go see when you visit Newfoundland. The link is: http://ostomycanada.ca/events/biennial_conference_of_uoac Again this year we will be asking for donations from individuals and chapters for raffle and auction items. And we will be asking for advertisements for the program booklet. Janet Paquet has agreed to do the program book this year. The theme this year is Ostomates Connect on the Rock. Hope to see you there! Peter Folk President, United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc. peter.folk@ostomycanada.ca

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UOAConnection

UOAC Conference 2016

We are looking for a host chapter for the year 2016. If any chapter is interested, please contact the national office for a Hotel Check List of the criteria required to host a conference.

Please note: We have stopped using the uoacan@astral.magic.com email address. From now on please send any communication to info1@ostomycanada.ca. Please update your address books and websites to reflect the new information.

Things to do in St. Johns, NL Guided Tours

Welcome travellers to St. Johns, the City of Legends, and North Americas oldest city. Perched on the sides of the hills sur rounding St. Johns harbour, and often wreathed in the misty fog that drifts in off the North Atlantic, St. Johns is steeped in history and the paranormal Dark alleys and laneways wind through the heart of the historic downtown area, and in the shadows lurk the shades of yesteryear. Walking through the town, one is surrounded by the memories of public hangings, duels, and horrific murders, passing over forgotten cemeteries and unmarked graves, past buildings known to be visited by those who have passed over to the other side Vengeful lovers, murdered soldiers, and mysterious fires await those who are brave enough to explore the secrets that lie in wait in St. John s darkest corners. Join us, if you dare.

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Built of Newfoundland and Irish bluestone and granite, the church is in the shape of a Latin Cross. A town clock and nine bells, including the two-tonne St. John's Bell, are located in the twin towers. The Basilica houses John Hogan's revered "Dead Christ", while the ornate Italianate ceiling is polychromed and highlighted in gold leaf. There are stained glass windows by Irish, French and English artists and a museum that holds interesting exhibits of the cathedral's

Commissariat House
This simple Georgian building was begun in 1818 and finished in 1820 as the offices and quarters for the Assistant Commissary General of Fort William. It has been restored, furnished and decorated to the 1830 period. It is a Provincial Historic site and is open during the tourist season for guided tours. Call 709 729 6730, E-mail commissariat@nf.aibn.com, or visit the website at http://www.gov.nf.ca

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Contd from Page 1 OFFICE COORDINATOR Carole Pew OFFICE CHAIR Stephen Maybee NATIONAL OFFICE ADDRESS 344 Bloor St. W., Suite 501 Toronto, ON M5S 3A7 OUTREACH Administrator: Andy Manson AWARDS : Ann Ivol (Leader) Delilah Guy (Member) PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AN OSTOMY: Lyn Atkins (Leader) Corry Stewart Dorosh (CoLeader) Pat Cimmeck , Karen Lindsay (Members) PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY (INDUSTRY, MEDICAL OTHER) Andrea Manson (Leader) Delilah Guy, Contacts from Hollister, ConvaTec, Coloplast, and Salts. Current CCAET President, Contacts from Crohns and Colitis, Colorectal Cancer Assoc. Bladder Cancer Canada, etc. ((Members) SASO: Betty Woolridge (Leader) Ann Ivol, Vacant (Members) YOUTH CAMP: Pat Cimmeck (Camp Administrator) Lisa Gausman, Karen Spencer (Members) 20/40: Angie Schickerowski (Leader) Andreja (Andy) Lampreht (Members)

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Website/Social Networking
During 2011,we have had 660,359 hits from 19,160 unique visitors. During 2012, there were 728,083 hits on our website by 27,019 unique visitors. During 2013, there were 513,260 hits on our website by 20,245 unique visitors. For an online map of chapters and districts, click here: http://www.ostomycanada.ca/maps/map.html You can type your postal code in the bottom right hand search box to locate your city or town and then zoom in to find your nearest chapter or satellite. If you have any comment on our website, please contact: John Molnar or Peter Folk through the national office email info1@ostomycanada.ca Our website is very popular, a great source of information and at least 6,350 other websites directly link to ours. More and more people are using the Internet to get Ostomy information and our contact form is used regularly to contact the office.

Unique Web Visitors (Year to Date) Number of Web Visitors (Year to Date) Web Hits (Year to Date) Facebook page likes Facebook group members Facebook Parents group members Discussion Board members Twitter Followers LinkedIn followers LinkedIn group members Google+ Circle members uoac1 group members Blog followers (Includes Twitter followers) Blog Hits YouTube Channel Views

20245 34233 513260 209 407 40 65 185 10 24 34 36 206 3094 404

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Contd from Page 4 GOVERNANCE: Administrator: Ann Ivol BYLAWS: Ed Tummers (Leader) Carol Wells, Lorrie Pismenny (Members) MEMBERSHIP Andrea Manson (Leader) Ann Ivol, Steve Maybee, Ruth Kenney (Members) NATIONAL OFFICE: Steve Maybee (Leader) Peter Folk, UOAC Office (Members) NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS: Peter Folk (Leader) Ann Ivol (Member) POLICIES & PROCEDURRES: Ann Ivol (Leader) Delilah Guy, Rosemary Gaffray (members) STRATEGIC PLANNING (ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN Executive Committee (Leader) Board of Directors, UOAC Office (Members) PRIVACY: Privacy Officer (Vacant) John Molnar (Member) COSS (DSS): Roger Ivol (Leader) Jean-Pierre LaPointe (Quebec Rep), Vacant (Pacific Rep), Gerald Dakiniewich (Prairies Rep) Angela McGinn (Atlantic Rep) John Molnar ( Southern Ontario Rep (Niagara; Brantford; Halton-Peel; Toronto; London), Roger Ivol (South Ontario Rep (Hamilton; Stratford; Kitchener-Waterloo; Winsor; Sarnia). Richard Olley (North OntariRep)Hamilton; Stratford; Kitchener-Waterloo; Winsor; Sarnia). Richard Olley (North Ontario Rep ADVOCACY: Ed Tummers Administrator Advocacy: Ruth Kenney (Leader) Delilah Guy, Lorrie Pismenny (Members)

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Donate To UOAC
The Canadian finance minister, Jim Flaherty, announced that the Canadian one cent coin is going to be phased out, so now's the perfect time to donate your pennies to charity! We have signed up to receive donations online through CanadaHelps.org. This is a handy way for you to make a donation without even leaving the comfort of your computer chair. Simply visit our website at: http://www.ostomycanada.ca/ and click on the image that looks like this:

This will bring up a secure website that will allow you to enter your credit card or PayPal information. Canada Helps will issue a donation receipt right away and email it to you.
Have you set up your 2014 monthly donations yet? It's easy and convenient. No cheques to write, no pledge payments to remember. Monthly giving allows you to spread your donation out over the year so that you hardly notice the regular deductions, and provides United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc. a steady, predictable income so it can work towards its mission. Set it and forget it. Here's how: . 1. Set up or log in to your Canada Helps account Remember that you need to have a credit card on file for monthly donations 2. Click the Monthly Giving tab. 3. Search for UNITED OSTOMY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA INC. 4. Click DONATE MONTHLY 5. Enter the details of your monthly donation. Visit our donation page: http://www.ostomycanada.ca/donations Peter Folk President, United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc.--

You can now donate to the United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc. through PayPal

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Chapter Information on the Website

Did you know that our website www.ostomycanada.ca had over a half million hits last year? A lot of the visitors visited the website to look for a support group in their area. Therefore, it is important that this information be kept up to date! Make sure when sending the information in to the UOAC office that the chapters contact information is current - phone number, email contact, newsletter availability, website, annual dues, meeting dates and times. Visit our chapters page on our website at http://www.ostomycanada.ca/chapters and let the UOAC office know via email if any of the information needs to be updated. Weve had at least one chapter past president contact the office to tell us that the website still included their phone number instead of the current president. Please check your chapters listing to make sure the updates have been done correctly!

Upcoming Events:

April15, 2014. Deadline for Maple Leaf & ET of the year. Regina Chapter 40th Anniversary May, 2014 Saskatoon Chapter 40th Anniversary May, 2014 June 3, 2014. Deadline UOAC Youth Camp Application June 29 - July 5th . UOAC Youth Camp July 31st - Aug 2nd, 2014. Conference in St. Johns, Newfoundland August 2nd, 2014 Annual General Meeting Delta Hotel, St. Johns, Newfoundland October 17, 2014 Deadline to comply with Canadas Not-for-Profit Act

Note: If your chapter has an upcoming event that you would like added here or on the national website, please email the details to Carol Wells through the national office email.

UOAC Annual General Meeting 2015

We are looking for a host chapter for the year 2015. If any chapter is interested, please contact the national office for a Hotel Check List of the criteria required to host an Annual General Meeting. Also contact your COSS representative for the Chapter Information Session manual.

Things to See in Newfoundland

Whether you like to plan in advance or just go with the flow, you'll never run out of things to do here in Newfoundland and Labrador. From outdoor adventures, wildlife and bird watching, to soaking up a bit of pub culture along with a plate of pan-fried cod and scrunchions. You could kayak with whales in the morning, jump on a tour boat and chase icebergs in the afternoon and round up the day with a meal at a world-class restaurant, followed by dancing the night away to live music. On another day, you might decide to walk to a museum like The Rooms, only to find the walk itself so rich in heritage and history that it becomes your entire afternoon's activity (not to mention shopping). The next day you could find yourself diving to shipwreck sites off Bell Island. You can spend hours hiking our famous coastal trails and afterwards take a refreshing swim in a pristine lake or relax your muscles in a spa. In the summer, hiking is a favourite activity, along with golfing, fishing and, of course, whale watching and boating. In the winter, snowmobiling, skiing, crosscountry skiing and snowboarding provide endless outdoor fun. And year round, our many cultural festivals and events including The Royal St. John's Regatta, Brigus Blueberry Festival and the Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival draw thousands. But remember, perhaps the best thing to do when you visit Newfoundland and Labrador is absolutely nothing at all. Relax, breathe clean fresh air and soak up the beauty and peace of your surroundings.

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FROM THE EDITOR

EDITORS MESSAGE I have always found that New Year Resolutions are SILLY, even INANE. In years past, I have sworn to lose weight (doesnt happen), get more exercise (nah not for me), shun the elevator and walk upstairs (really???), watch less television and read more (doh!!), age less (oh, if only), budget properly (thats not a bad one) and be nice to my fellow person (that comes naturally, eh?) So, as 2014 rushes in with a cold snap in the east, accompanied by heavy snow, I am resolving to do the following: 1. 2. 3. Those will do. You can see Im serious about listing all the things that will improve my life, and the lives of others. If I can accomplish those three things, I will be a better person, wealthier, healthier and wiser. I will contribute more to those around me. And I will let you know in December how I did. There is little doubt I can continue these resolutions past the best-before-date of February 1, 2014. One month is the usual quitting time for most people to absolve themselves of their strict resolve to be observant of their annual desires. Not me!! In July, Ill still be actively involved with 1. And maybe even 2. I might have stopped doing 3. for a week or so but I will get back to it. Youll see. As ostomates and members of Ostomy Canada, one resolution we should all make is to add members to our chapters. Many chapters are declining, some are closing, and it up to each and every one of us from executive members and those who attend chapter functions to find new ostomates. They are out there. Ostomy surgery is increasing but those having it seem to be unaware of the support groups available to them. It is incumbent on all of us to create awareness and urge our surgeons, physicians and ETs to inform their patients of our chapters. Were laden with people who have walked the walk and can talk the talk, offering personal advice, not heresay from many in the medical fraternity, as to how to live well with an ostomy. If each of us finds one member, ostomy chapters across the country will be healthier as will Ostomy Canada. Hows that for a resolution that is attainable? Joel Jacobson

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Jokes for Today

A first grade teacher had twenty-five students in her classroom, MI class. She presented each child in her class the first half of a well known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. Its hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are just 6 - year - olds, because the last one is classic although sad to see it said! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Dont change horses..until they stop Strike while.bug is close Its always darkest before.Daylight Saving Time Never underestimate the power of ...termites You had lead a horse to water but..how Dont bite the hand that..looks dirty No news is...impossible A miss is as good as a ...mister You cant teach an old dog new.....math

CONFERENCE: Delilah Guy (Administrator) Carol Wells ,St. Johns, & Gander Chapters (Members) INTERNATION RELATIONS: Pat Cimmeck (Leader) Lisa Gausman (Member) PUBLIC AWARENESS (INCLUDES COD&WOD): John Molnar (Leader) Delilah Guy, Carol Wells, Lorrie Pismenny (Members) FINANCE & FUNDRAISING Administrator: Vacant FINANCE: Steve Maybee (Leader) Executive Committee (Member) FUNDRAISING: John Molnar (Leader) Carol Wells, Andrea Manson, Roger Ivol, Steve Manson, John Delaney (Members) BURSARY: John Molnar (Leader) Roger Ivol, Andrea Manson, Rosemary Gaffray MARKETING & COMMUNICATION Administrator: Carol Wells CONNECTION: Carol Wells (Leader) Ann Ivol, Joel Jacobson, Lorrie Pismenny UOAC Office (Members)

10. If you lie down with dogs, youll.stink in the morning 11. Love all, trust.me 12. The pen is mightier than thepigs 13. An idle mind is...the best way to relax 14. Where theres smoke theres ...pollution 15. Happy the bride who....gets all the presents 16. A penny saved is..not much 17. Twos company, three..the Musketeers 18. Dont put off till tomorrow what...you put on to go to bed 19. Laugh and the whole world laugh with you, cry and.you have to blow your nose 20. Children should be seen and not.spanked and grounded 21. There are none so blind as....Stevie Wonder 22. If at first you dons succeed.get new batteries 23. You get out of something only what you.see in the picture on the box 24. When the blind lead the blind..get out of the way 25. Better late than...pregnant

OSTOMY CANADA:
Lisa Gausman (Leader) Lorne Aronson (Advertising), Elizabeth Lindner, UOAC Office (Members) PUBLICATIONS: Ann Ivol (Leader) Joel Jacobson, Andrea Manson (Members) SOCIAL MEDIA / WEBSITE: Peter Folk, John Molnar (Leaders) Andrea Manson, Lisa Gausman, John Molnar, Carol Wells

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PEG BOARD
LOOK FOR UNSUNG HEROES IN YOUR CHAPTERS. LET'S HONOUR THEM BY TELLING US WHAT THEY DO.
Surely there have to be men and women in your chapters who are doing all the little things that make the chapter tick. Email Joel Jacobson, UOAConnection editor, through the national office email at info1@ostomycanada.ca with their story.

2014 UOAC Conference in St. Johns

Delilah Guy has been appointed Conference Administrator for the 2014 conference in St. Johns. She will be working closely wi th St. Johns chapter president and Chair Carol Wells along with other members of the Gander and St. Johns chapters. Watch this spa ce for updates in the coming months! The dates for the Conference are July 31 August 2, 2014. We have the Delta St. Johns tentatively booked. Come see Canada`s coolest city to quote Danny Williams. The Conference Registration and Hotel forms for the 14th National Conference to be held July 31st, to August 2nd, 2013 at the Delta St. John's, St. Johns, NL will be available in the next issue of UOAConnection and on the WEBSITE www.ostomycanada.ca. More information will follow.