Rockers For Recovery

EOV Reporters, Joey Blacquiere and Joni Miner recently had the opportunity to have a chat with Ryan Gallant about his up and coming fundraising event "Rockers For Recovery."

Joni - When did you come up with the idea for your fundraising event?

Ryan - That was first discussed last summer between my sister and I. I have Cerebral Palsy so I have always wanted to do something for it and my sister has always wanted to do something for Mental Health.

Joni – Okay, so it's kind of a combined thing between you and your sister.

Joey – The name of your concert, “Rockers for Recovery” is really cool. How did you come up with the name for your event?

Ryan – We thought of a couple of different names but decided on it because it's kind of like a rock show and it's to help others.

Joni - Are there any businesses sponsoring this event ?

Ryan - Island ReLeaf Glass on 224 First Street said that they would sponsor the event if needed.

Joey - Do you have representatives/from both the CP and Mental Health that will be

speaking at the event.

Ryan – Yes, Jenny Cooper, a mental health activist and Jeremy MacDonald will be speaking on behalf of Cerebral Palsy.

Joni - Are you hoping for this to become an annual event ?

Ryan – Yes, I am hoping that it will go over well and we can do it again next year.

Joey – How would you like to see this event grow?

Ryan -I Just hope that people will show up for it and have a great time.

Joey - You seem very passionate about this event. Can you share with our readers why it matters so much to you?

Ryan – Because the causes matter to me and the fact that I love music makes it important too.

Joni – A while back you mentioned in a Facebook post that this has been something you've aspired to for many years. Is it fair to say that organizing this event is the realizing of a major personal goal for you?

Ryan – Yes! Definitely! I always wanted to be in the events business. I always wanted to book bands for a living so, yes, this is a big deal for me.

Joey - How do you see your life changing after the event ?

Ryan - Not much. I just hope that people will see what I can do and trust me to do something like this again.

Joni - Who has been your major support people for the planning of this event ?

Ryan - My sister obviously and the DJ who is Island ReLeaf, as well, Tommy Bigger would be big, and Random Zero the bass player and lead vocalist.

Joey - Are you in need of volunteers?

Ryan - I could need some help in the area of sound and photography.

Joni – Who is playing at the event?

Ryan - Aaron Scott Earthquake are the headliners, Random Zero is an Alt Rock power trio from Summerside, Busted Skulls is a punk influenced metal band from Charlottetown PEI and the DJ Tommy Bigger is going to be there too so it's going to be an exciting night!

Joey -Are you having fun with this event ?

Ryan – Yes, I am having fun with the event. Some of it is kind of stressful - getting the people together and making sure that they are going to do the Job, that kind of thing.

Joni - Is there anyone besides the Silver Fox and the bands that you would like to give a shout out to?

Ryan – Yes. Island ReLeaf Glass. They've been very supportive people.

Joey - What has been your biggest surprises in organizing this event?

Ryan - Just the support from people. I really didn't expect this much support. It means a lot.

(From lt to rt - Joey Blacquiere, Ryan Gallant, Joni Miner)

Hear, Hear PEI program

On Wednesday, September 13th our EOV Reporters, Joey Blacquiere and Joni Miner met Rose and Mike Barbour of Hear, Hear PEI. Shortly after meeting Rose and Mike EOV contacted them and asked for an interview.

"Our struggles can make us stronger and better, if we allow them to. The choice is ours." - Rose Barbour

1. What inspired and motivated you to create “Hear, Hear PEI”?

Mike has had hearing loss for most of his life. In January 2017, I insisted that he get hearing aids again, after not having them for a few years. Hearing aids are very expensive so it is a big financial sacrifice to get them, but he really needed them so he went to find out what they would cost. The quoted price was between $4,000-5,000 for two hearing aids. We reworked our budget to make it possible for him to get a pair so he set up an appointment and got them. The high cost of hearing aids got us thinking about other people with hearing loss who, no matter how much they reworked their budgets, just wouldn’t have the money to get them so they go without. 

It was sad to think that the only thing standing in the way of someone having good hearing and being able to participate fully in life (hearing loss can be very isolating for many) was the cost of hearing aids. 

In that sense, hearing loss can be as much of a financial disability as a physical one since there is a solution for it but people can’t afford it.

We wanted to see if there was some way we could help so we started researching what was being done in other areas to help low-income individuals with hearing loss. This is where we learned about hearing aid recycling programs. We gathered as much information as possible and created our own PEI program that we call “Hear, Hear PEI.” Dalhousie University’s Audiology Department runs a hearing aid recycling program in partnership with the Lions Club. They were very helpful and answered all of our questions. 2. How long did it take you from the conception of the idea till you fitted someone with a hearing aid? We started researching and developing the program in January. By March, we had fitted our first recipient with a pair of hearing aids. It was pretty amazing to meet the person; she was so grateful! 3. In the developing and running of “Hear, Hear PEI”, was there anything that surprised you? Yes! We were pleasantly surprised at the support the program received right off the bat. We launched the Hear, Hear PEI blog to tell people about our idea for a hearing aid recycling program and how they could help us, and two days later, we were being interviewed on CBC Island Morning and a couple of days after that, we were on the front page of the Guardian. We were also invited to do an interview with a national radio program that had a regional office in Halifax.We were also surprised at the number of people who have unused hearing aids sitting in cupboard drawers because they didn’t want to throw them out. 4. You’ve had at least two radio interviews. What was the response to those interviews like? The response to the local radio interview was amazing! That is how Steve Wong, who is a hearing instrument specialist with PEI Hearing Consultants, first heard about the program. He immediately contacted us to ask how he could help. That was big for us because we knew that the program would not get off the ground unless we could find someone to work with our clients to fit them with hearing aids and do the follow up care that is required. Not only was he willing to help with that, he was passionate about the program and motivated to make it successful. He became part of our planning committee. He’s been here since the beginning and we can’t say enough good things about him! Annie Lee MacDonald who is the president of the PEI Chapter of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association also heard us on the radio. She sent an email to offer her assistance so we reached out to her. She joined our planning committee as well. Many Islanders also heard the radio interview or read the article in The Guardian. This led to many people emailing or calling to make arrangements to drop hearing aids off to us. We had a steady stream of people coming to our door to donate hearing aids. They were so happy that their old hearing aids were going to help someone else to hear. 
Murphy’s Pharmacies also came on board to help us. They have our posters and hearing aid donations boxes in all of their locations across PEI. This makes it more convenient for people to donate hearing aids.

None of these great things would have happened without the media attention to our cause. It helped us to get the word out to a lot of people.

5. How many islanders have you currently helped outfit with hearing aids? We’ve fitted 10 low-income Islanders with hearing aids so far. 6. You have very helpful and detailed instructions on your blog to make this process easier for islander’s applying. Do you have anyone on your team that can help folks with literacy problems fill out applications? We certainly try to provide as much information as possible on the blog so people are clear about the criteria and how to apply. Our application is only available through PEI Hearing Consultants at the time of the hearing test so individuals could certainly let Steve or Katie at their clinic know that they need help filling in the application. They would pass that information along to us and we’d reach out to the person. 

We would be more than happy to help anyone to fill in the application. 7. How has this experience changed your lives?
This experience has brought us in touch with many wonderful individuals that we would not have met otherwise from our planning committee members, Islanders who donated hearing aids, our hearing aid recipients and many more. It has also opened our eyes to the fact that any one of us can play a role in solving problems that can seem insurmountable on the surface. For instance, we knew that there were a lot of Islanders who had hearing loss but couldn’t afford hearing aids. We also knew that we could never personally afford to buy hearing aids for all of them. However, through the Hear, Hear PEI program, we are able to collect hearing aids across the Island that are no longer being used, and put them to good use in our program to help other Islanders to hear again. 8. Your lives were affected directly by the loss of hearing and the difficultly motivated you to do something to help others. Do you have any words of experience for readers who may also be struggling with a challenge? Prior to starting the Hear, Hear PEI program, I was an addictions advocate for five years. During that time, I reached out to many people across the Island and elsewhere who were either struggling with addiction themselves or, like Mike and me, they loved someone who was struggling with it. My message to them was to never give up. I think that applies to all struggles that we face. We have to find the strength to keep going. To do that, it is important to find a network of support among people who understand; people with lived experience, who get what you’re going through. For us, meeting other parents whose children were also struggling with addiction helped us through our darkest days. It also empowered us to speak out and advocate for better services for people struggling. We both came out of that challenge stronger people for having gone through it. Our struggles can make us stronger and better, if we allow them to. The choice is ours.

9. Visions tend to evolve and grow through time. What new goal/s do you see as possibilities for Hear, Hear PEI? Our ultimate goal for the Hear, Hear PEI program besides helping low-income Islanders to hear again, was to build a successful program and then find a non-profit group that would adopt it. This would professionalize it and ensure that it is sustainable well into the future. Mike and I both work full-time so had to limit the growth of the program so that it fits with our already busy lives. We know that Hear, Hear PEI has so much potential that a non-profit group could help it to reach. The program took off quickly and is now running smoothly so it was time to enter the next phase, which was to find a suitable non-profit to adopt it. We are currently working with one that is very interested in taking it on. If this happens, it will be wonderful for all involved.
10. How can our readers best assist you in your goal to bring hearing to Islanders?
If your readers have hearing aids to donate, they can take them to any Murphy’s Pharmacies location across the Island. If they know of anyone who has old hearing aids, they can tell them about the program and encourage them to donate their hearing aids. The number of people we can help depends on the number of hearing aids that we get donated so every hearing aid helps!

Murphy’s Pharmacies have hearing aid donations boxes in all of their locations across PEI. 

-------------------------------

EOV would like to thank the Barbours for taking the time to share their story with our readers and to thank them most of all for creating a program that has already helped several islanders hear again!

EOV members (Left) Joey Blacquiere as Reporter, (Middle) Catherine Dickson as editor, and (Right) Joni Miner as Reporter.

Why We Created Eye Opening Views.

As Eye-Opening Views reporters, we want to share the 'Why' of why we created the EOV blog.

In our lifetimes we have, now and then, been left out of things.

Sometimes because our family, friends and medical professionals care and look out for our well being. But sometimes because people didn't want to take the time to get to know us.

Being on the 'outside looking in' is something that everyone will experience in their lifetime. Unfortunately though some of us will experience being left out more than others and that can leave a person feeling like their story and even their life isn't as important as some other lives are ~ feeling like our contributions don't matter.

We at EOV believe all lives and their stories matter. So we want to gather stories ~ Your victories, your failures, your dreams, your fears, your disappointments and your passions.

Because life is for the living and we're alive!

And because your life and your story matters.

Summerside Lobster Carnival 2017 ~ Q & A with Culture Summerside's Marlene Campbell

In her interview with CBC about the Summerside Lobster Carnival, Lori Ellis spoke of the carnival this year going with a more nostalgic approach and it being a more concentrated celebration. Could you expand more on this?

The Summerside Lobster Carnival was started in 1956 to celebrate the role of Lobster in the Island way of life and to bring visitors to Summerside. It was four days in length The 2017 carnival is going back to its roots at the original site of Credit Union Place – once Cahill Stadium. It is joining back with the harness racing which is another passion of Islanders along with lobster. It is being reduced to three days, and the midway will play a big role in providing great entertainment.

 When researching the history of the carnival, Culture Summerside asked for Community feedback regarding this years carnival. What sort of response did you get back from the community? 

The community asked for the carnival to return to its roots and celebrate the carnival aspect over the festival aspect.

The carnival’s original mandate was to celebrate the role of lobster in Island culture and economy. How big of an impact did this original mandate have on choosing and selecting this years Carnival events? 

Very big. The lobster industry is very important in the Island economy and way of life and needs to be embraced and celebrated.

How has the community responded to this year's nostalgic concept? 

The feedback has been very positive and people appear excited. People from away are also calling to book tickets and get information

Are you still looking for volunteers? If so, in what capacity? How can people who are interested contact you? 

A - Yes. We need volunteers to help with the barricades for the parade on Saturday morning. Just call me at 902-432-1298.

Q - What are Culture Summerside's hopes for this year's Carnival? 

A - That the community spirit will be out in full force and people will have a wonderful time that will create memories that will match those of days of old.

Tell us why Islanders should mark this year's Summerside Lobster Carnival on their calendars? 

There is something for everyone regardless their age or budget.

(Click on the link provided below to go to the Summerside Lobster Carnival Website)

https://www.summersidelobstercarnival.website/

The EOV team would like to wish the Summerside Lobster Carnival a very successful 2017!

Did you know that the City of Summerside Has a Brand New Website?

https://summerside.ca/

One Day At A Time With PTSD (An Interview With Peter Demers)

Joni:

What are the steps for someone with PTSD to get medical help ?


Peter Demers:

First of all let me just say that people should always seek medical help and should consult with a doctor. Regardless of what your employment is or was, if you have a concern of any type (medically) always seek the advise of a professional.



Joni:

Do you take treatment for your PTSD, and if so, what kind of treatment do you take for your PTSD?


Peter Demers:

I am currently dealing with my conditions to the best of my abilities. I have made my concerns known to those who are knowledgeable and are willing to assist me in getting healthy.



Joey:

They say for the majority of PTSD sufferers, the symptoms disappear over time. Have you found this to be true for you?



Peter Demers:

I think in certain situations for some people it might be true but for me personally that is not the case. I find it to be a daily struggle. The important thing for those who do struggle daily is to seek help.



Joni:

Has your PTSD affected your relationships with family and friends, and if so, how ?


Peter Demers:

Yes. I have been dealing with PTSD for many years and it certainly has affected my family especially. It has been an educational process and  again through knowledge comes acceptance and through acceptance comes peace.


Joey:

If you could say one thing to people suffering with PTSD, what would you say?


Peter Demers:


The important thing is to seek medical help. Even if you are unsure. There are good treatments and facilities that can help. One thing that I have learned is that it is good to better educate yourself and others so that you can recognize the symptoms of PTSD and not ignore those who are hurting.

EOV Reporters, Joey Blacquiere and Joni Miner would like to say, "Thank you." to Mr. Demers for sharing his story with them.

Islander Day - A Time to Celebrate Family and Community

Islander Day was a vision of Robert Ghiz and the first Islander Day was celebrated in 2009.

Islander Day is a Prince Edward Island holiday celebrated yearly on the 3rd Monday in February. This holiday centers on family and community and gives people a day off to relax and have fun making memories with family and friends.

Whether born here or moved here, Islander Day is for all people who choose to live on PEI and share a love for the island.We, at EOV, would love to hear about the plans your community has for Islander Day! Please leave us a note and share your holiday fun!



EOV Team

Joey Blacquiere - Reporter
Joni Miner - Researcher