Here are some challenges to our Club 717 patrons and members.

1)    Volunteer to the AIDS Committee of Durham

2)    Volunteers are needed for Pride Durham Inc.

3)    Purchase 1 or 2 toys and 1 or 2 food (canned) items per month then when Club 717 has its Food & Toy Drive at Christmas drop it off. This way you will not feel so financially stressed out at Christmas.

4)    You can also mail in or drop off your unused Canadian Tire Money to Club 717 and then we will use it only to purchase toys for the kids at our 2012 Toy Drive at Christmas.

Remember it is not how many toys or how much money you spend on the volunteer work or donations, but it is the feeling in your heart that you were able to make a contribution and a difference for someone that is in need.

Hello everyone and happy March!!!

Well it has been 4 months since I became a member of Club 717's Board of Directors and my how time truly seems to fly! This past few months, for me, has been replete with challenge and change and a growing excitement. We had an awesome New Year's celebration at the Club followed by a January and February full of great entertainment and exciting events. Please stay tuned as we continue to improve and increase our events. It is after all our 25th year and we intend to demonstrate to you why we will continue to stay in business for another 25 years. If you haven't already arranged for your 2012 membership, please get yours now so that you can be the first to know what we are planning! These are indeed exciting times!

We have made some very positive changes to Club 717's interior...we have added new and more comfortable furniture to enhance your experience with us, bathrooms have been painted, laser lights have been added and still more changes are coming. Why don't you come by and experience these changes for yourself and let us know what you think?

Spring is just around the corner and as things blossom anew giving a renewed sense of hope and energy, I personally am experiencing that renewal, hope and energy in our Board of Directors. We are pumped! And we invite you to share our excitement and commitment to positive change by becoming a Club 717 member!

Wishing you all the very best in your health, happiness and personal endeavours!

Karen

Vicepresident@club717.ca

Hello,
  

Wow time is flying by it seems like just yesterday this board stepped up and here we are 4 months in...

February was a busy month with some great show and events!!! Thank you to Jean Guy for putting on a great Valentines weekend it was alot of fun!!! There were some great shows with the Toronto Kings kicking off the month and Candice's Freedom 55 show ending off the month. Superbowl was a great success and the food and atmosphere was amazing!!! The Oscar Party was amazing the food was awsome and the prizes were great too. Congrats to Kelly, Jackie and Bob who were the winners in our "pick the winners" contest.

Well here we are looking at March and things are going to be really busy around the club with Mardi Gras coming up and the theme is Cirque De So Gay come and see the club transform into a Circus...There are some great shows happening in March with the UOIT fundraiser, Sofonda Cox coming back and everyones favourite the Toronto Drag Kings...

I would like to take a moment to thank the Board of Directors for all of their hard work on working hard to make the club a better place for you our customers!!!

A special thanks to John and Ed for all the extra things you guys do. Mike May and your crew thank you for always being there for us!!! Twiggy the paintings you did blew me away thank you!!!

Jay, Jean Guy and everyone else that helped out this month I thank you!!!

Well that is it for me for now.....

Entertainment@club717.ca

We have all witnessed when friends or loved ones are faced with difficult times in their lives. Many of them are so shaken up by the situation that they have no idea how to work through it, some may not even give you the slightest indication about what they are facing but mainly, we are sometimes to proud or stubborn to ask those we love for help.

In my personal experience - there have been times were I could have used the advice, guidance and support of a good friend or relative - and I know that most would be more than happy to help, but I was too proud to even ask. It is our nature to act out of kindness and compassion, but why is it so hard for us to ask for that kindness and compassion? We are so desensitized through media and the lack of personal communciation (hence this blog) that we don't even bat an eyelash when there are millions of people starving, dying because of war or disease, corrupt politicians, dictators murdering thousands of their own people, environmental catastrophes and greedy corporations. It is our responsibility to act and demand better of our society and of each other!

I have learned from my past that it is very important to ask for help when we most need it. I remember a moment in my life were my will and my heart was broken - I was living, but only as a black and white photocopy of my usual colourful self (lol). It was a point in my life where I needed the love and encouragement of friends and especially family. I assumed that most people would see my demeanour and initiate conversation by asking if everything was alright - I did not count on the fact that most people are uncomfortable in the simple concept of asking someone if everything was truly okay. In their defence - I also did not ask for the help I needed. Fortunately for me, the emotional pain was so overwhelming that I finally did seek the assistance I required to overcome this obstacle in my life. I am so grateful for it today!

We have to take a more proactive approach and be aware of those around us who may need our assistance - we don't have to pry, but we know those individuals who sit next to us at work, most of us know our neighbours and we know are friends and family very well. We must take notice to ensure their well-being because when we help them, we also help ourselves! When we give back (whether that is offering someone emotional, physical or financial assistance) the satisfaction and gratification we receive is much more worth it in the end.

I hope that by reading today's post it has sparked your desire to help someone in need. Put your intentions out into the universe and follow your heart. Together we can inspire others to make changes for the greater good of humanity and this planet. It all starts with you.

Love, light and joy to all of you!

With an outbreak of kennel cough in the Durham Region, many dog owners are wondering if they need to vaccinate.

Kennel cough is also known as Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis. Symptoms generally present 7-10 days after exposure and the worst symptom is a dry, hacking cough that sounds worse than it is. For most dogs this is not a serious condition and will run its course in 2-3 weeks. Antibiotics and cough suppressants aren't needed or much help as kennel cough is caused by a number of viruses, not bacteria; very much like our flu.

The most effective treatment is to either use a cold mist vapourizer or put them in a steam filled room. Vitamin C is a great anti-viral, vitamin E stimulates the immune response system, and vitamin A also boosts immunity. There are also several homeopathic remedies such as Drosera or Lachesis. Consult with your holistic vet to find the best plan of attack.

Like our flu, which has many strains, so does kennel cough. Vaccinating your dog, does not ensure that they will not contract this virus while at the kennel, doggie park, groomer, or even vet's office. Actually, they can pick it up almost anywhere there is a large, concentrated dog population. So, should you vaccinate?

If you are leaving your dog in a kennel or taking them to a doggie daycare facility, you might not have a choice. Many facilities require proof of vaccinations. Otherwise, feeding them a great diet and keeping their immune system strong is generally a better approach.

The right choice for you and your pet is one where you feel at peace with your decision. Inform yourself and choose wisely.

Take Care,

Corry Hamilton

905-697-2788

info@takingthelead.ca