Minutes of Meeting

November 20, 2003

Couldn't make it to the meeting and wondering what you missed? Learn
about what we discussed and the
guest speakers who enlightened us.


Executives in Attendance

• Caroline Chiasson – President
• Edith Scheliga – Treasurer
• Deanna Sterling – Secretary, Webmaster and Newsletter Editor

ET Advisor in Attendance

• Judy Arnold – Comcare Health Services

Guest Speaker

• Karen Kozak – Hollister Representative

• 19 members, caregivers and guests attended
   (in addition to the above)

   For the record, it should be noted that a young ostomate, age 12,
   and her mother, attended their first LDOA meeting as guests.

The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m.

Caroline Chiasson opened the meeting by making the following announcements.

  • Reminder that the Visitor Training Workshop is slated for March or April of 2004. Details to follow the closer we get to the new year.



  • Christmas Dinner Get-Together is on Tuesday, December 9th at the Swiss Chalet restaurant on Fanshawe Park Road across from Masonville Mall (same location as last year). Festivities to commence at 5:30 with supper ordered by 6:00. Caroline suggested that those who attend bring with them a small gift, something in the ballpark of $5.00, for the gift exchange later in the evening.



  • The Executive Committee has been considering registering LDOA as a charitable organization with the Government of Ontario which would entitle LDOA to issue tax deductible receipts for membership fees and monetary donations. The Committee has procured more information about the registration process from UOAC and will hold an Executive meeting to discuss same and then put forth the information to the members at a future meeting for further consideration.



  • The search for a Vice President continues. Responsibilities include: Assisting the President in arranging guest speakers, conducting the meeting if the President is unable to attend, and assisting with general matters concerning LDOA. Interested members may contact Caroline at 643-0124.

Judy Arnold answered questions from the group from 7:15 until approximately 7:30.

Deanna Sterling spoke briefly about UOAC's plans to revamp its web site and include information about all chapters across Canada. Seeing as how this plan has been "in the works" since August of 2003 and it is almost December, don't count on UOAC's site redesign taking place in the very near future!

Guest speaker, Karen Kozak, a representative from Hollister, gave a very informative presentation about peristomal skin care and Hollister's new product lines. Of the many products Karen discussed, the following are especially noteworthy.

LOCK 'n ROLL - New Image ostomy pouches without clamps! The new Lock 'n Roll closure system, available now on New Image Drainable Pouches, provides security you can feel – with no pouch clamps. The new Lock 'n Roll integrated closure system is available on either beige or transparent pouches and comes either with or without a filter. The integrated closure is located at the tail of the pouch. There is no more need to use a pouch clamp since there are plastic fasteners attached to the tail of the pouch to ensure security when locked into place. Roll the tail of the pouch three times in the same direction, press and feel the seal. Especially ideal for ostomates with vision and dexterity problems.

New Image Cut-to-Fit Flextend Skin Barrier, Floating Flange
Confidence assured with the floating flange; provides utmost security with the patented locking system that audibly "clicks" into place. Eliminates pressure on tender post-operative abdomens. Protects the skin over extended wearing time. Flextend skin barrier with tapered edges eliminates the need for tape.

Visit  Hollister's web site    for more product information details.

In addition, Karen discussed the latest and greatest in ostomy accessories, including pastes, powders, skin conditioning creams for itchiness, pouch deodorizing drops and odour eliminators. She provided plenty of free samples and advice on a one-on-one basis. Everyone had questions for Karen!

As there were many new faces, there was quite a "meet and greet" taking place over refreshments, while Karen dispensed her samples and wisdom.

Towards the end of the meeting, there were two draws in addition to the usual 50/50 draw. Talk about beginner's luck!

  • Newcomer Doug Pawley held the winning 50/50 draw ticket.


  • Karen Kozak brought with her a gorgeous holiday basket filled with confectioner's goodies, which was raffled off and won by first-time guest, Debra Dodds.


  • Heather Smith (member) donated an exceptional holiday swag, created by herself, which was won by Brenda Aspen (member).

Thank you Karen and Heather for your generosity, and congratu- lations to the winners.

The meeting concluded at 9:00 p.m.


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