The Bulletin -- June 9, 2010 (#1043)

Above: BRIAN OSBORNE ADDRESSES THE CLUB ON THE TOPIC OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE. OSBORNE HOLDS A MASTERS DEGREE IN ACUPUCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE FROM THE NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OF ACUPUNCTURE. 25th Annual Rotary Golf Outing

BOB PARKS (L) AND BILL SMITH (R) TEAM UP FOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ROTARY GOLF OUTING ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9.

ROTARIANS CELEBRATE AFTER FINISHING THE 25TH ANNUAL ROTARY GOLF OUTING.

SUE LEBLANC AND ANNE CUTAIAR OUT ON THE COURSE.

Program: Brian Osborne, Alternative Medicine and Acupuncture.

Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine have a history that dates back more than 10,000 years. Brian Osborne, an acupuncture specialist and owner of Au Shen Whole Health, explained the basic of his work. Oriental medical theory is based on the idea that the body has a series of meridians running through it, which create a kind of electrical system. There are nearly 2,000 points along that system that acupuncturists use to help heal ailments.

Osborne said that acupuncture is a “question and answer” practice. “We actually have to listen to our patients,” he said.

In fact, Osborne’s teacher said that acupuncture is quite easy because the patient tells you exactly what is wrong with them. Other diagnostic tools are used to help identify imbalances in the body. You might think a migraine headache originates in the head, but that’s not necessarily the case. Factors such as diet, daily activities and emotional/mental stressors can manifest in the body in unique ways. A repeated action, such as lifting a baby in and out of a crib several times each day, may be the root of the migraine.

Osborne is quick to explain that if someone breaks a leg, the emergency room is where they belong. Once they see doctors who specialize in fixing those issues, working with an acupuncture specialist can help heal wounds more efficiently and effectively.

The North Country has been extraordinarily receptive to alternative medicine of this sort. Osborne said that virtually every medical practitioner in the region has made referrals to him at one point or another. In Osborne’s experience, bigger cities, such as Boston, still have a very “us against them” mentality. The way alternative and western medicine work so well together in our area is unique and refreshing and beneficial to everyone in the end.

Visiting Rotarians: Jim Bennett (Asst. District Governor)

Guests: Dave Hesse, Andy Allison, Jim Jock (Dave Kimmel)

This Week:

• Peter Ensel is holding a Fishing Tournament cleanup party at his place (25 Tom Miller Rd.) at 6:30 p.m. tonight (6/9). Volunteers are welcome.
• First Thursday will be held at the Naked Turtle June 10 at 5 p.m.
• Membership Committee will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday (June 16).
• A brief R.I. Convention meeting will be held next Wednesday (June 16) at 11:30 a.m. Learn about the House of Friendship and the projects our club is working on so you are able to speak about them during the convention.
• The next Board Meeting is Monday, June 14 at the CCC Dining Hall (PARC) at 12 noon.
• If anyone is thinking of traveling to the convention and wishes to carpool, please email Bonnie and let her know which day you are interested in. She will be finalizing vehicle plans this week.
  Please note the handouts on the table. It highlights the foundation’s projects. You can look up your contributions to the foundation on the website.
• If you haven’t yet volunteered for the R.I. Convention, there are still jobs going unfilled. Please step up if you are able as your help is needed June 18-21.

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Al Sweenor said he was proud to have weighed the 15 lb. 12 oz. winning lake trout at the tournament. He also took the Seton Academy 4th graders to the mouth of the Saranac River to release some salmon as part of an educational program called “Salmon in the Class Room.”
• Kit Booth noted that the Elk’s staff is taking up a collection for a 20-month old child whose father was severely injured in Afghanistan.
• Carol Blakeslee-Collin thanked Bob Parks for the Press-Republican’s part in the Museum Day. It was a great success.
• John Seiden announced the upcoming auction of the C.V. Tech house on June 23. There is no minimum bid, and the purchaser is responsible for moving the house to its final location.
• Rick Leibowitz gave $5 to announce an upcoming class on Tuesday, June 15 called “Demystifying Social Media” offered through the Small Business Development Center. Email Rick or call 564-2042 to register.
• David Bray said he was visited by several Rotarians from other clubs during the fishing tournament who lightheartedly wondered if their weigh-in time counted as a make up (Bonnie said it didn’t).
• Don Moore announced an Indi-Prov band that is performing tonight (June 9) at Olive Ridley’s at 8 p.m.
• Stan Ransom announced a Jeopardy-style game being played on Saturday, July 17, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the mall called “Take a Bite Out of Books.” Volunteers are needed as emcees, judges, timekeepers and answer keepers.

50/50: The pot is $1,820, and there are 32 cards left in the deck. Barb Straw drew the 6 of Spades.