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32 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2025 | Club W So, what was Club W up to this month? A lot! Our program director, Julie Baumer brought an interesting speaker to our June meeting. Her name is Kelly Allan, and she is founder and president of Caregivers Network Club. She is the bridge between people needing care and a vast array of resources. She is planning an annual picnic in October. And of course, on July 26 at 5 pm we will have our annual potluck dinner in the Palm Court. On Sat. May 31, a group of Club W members attended a production of Moonlight and Magnolias at the Broadway theater in Vista. The group also held our once-a-month Thursday luncheon at the Village Pie Shoppe. It was a beautiful day and "The Ladies Who Lunch" were able to dine on their patio. But these luncheons will not be able to continue, unless someone newly steps up to be in charge. And for anyone who does, there will always be Board members to assist you. And of course, we never lose sight of what we were originally formed to do. We are here to help when one loses a spouse. We offer support and hopefully a way to again start living your life with joy. We hope many of you join us at our July potluck. If last year is any indication, there will be enough food to feed a small army. If you would like to contribute samples of your "culinary expertise," contact one of the following ladies to let them know what you will bring. Sandi Royce, Bernadette Rose, or Elizabeth Westwater. And if you have creative abilities, we would love to have your help with centerpieces. We have our monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 am in the Abravanel Hall. If you are not familiar with our club, come to a meeting and see what we are all about. We would love to meet you. Written by Selma Leighton Pet Lovers Club PLC Members are invited to gather Sat., Aug. 2 at 8:30 on the Lanai for our annual brunch. It's a great way to meet other pet lovers we normally may not otherwise see. The Club will provide ham, bread, and coffee. Members are asked to bring a dish to share. Following brunch and a brief meeting, we will have a presentation by Dr. Kwane Stewart of Operation Street Vets. A graduate from the renowned Colorado State University Veterinary Program, Dr. Kwane has been a California practicing veterinarian for over 22 years. He has worked in nearly every part of the profession — honing his clinical and business expertise. Many years ago, during a five-year tenure as a shelter veterinarian in a struggling, depressed area of California, Dr. Kwane began to form a true understanding for those that struggle to afford health care for their pets. Over the past 10 years, Kwane has quietly volunteered his time traveling city streets of California giving free veterinary services to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. "For the past decade, I've been passionately motivated to impact the lives of pets and people experiencing homelessness. When I have spare time or if I happen to be driving home and see a pet and owner in need, I offer some assistance. A quick check-up for the pet, maybe some medication or food...it isn't a lot but sometimes giving a little can make all the difference. During my time volunteering, I've experienced some of the most genuine stories of love, compassion, struggle, and hope, and learned a lot along the way. For example, it is estimated that anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a pet. This work has been life-changing and truly inspiring but has also come with many challenges. Some of the pets I come across need treatment, sometimes life-saving treatment, that can be very costly and it's hard to say 'no' to a pet that's truly in need. That is why we started Project Street Vet — to shine a light on these stories and encourage others to give back a little, too." Dr. Kwane estimates that he has cared for over 1,000 pets through volunteer work prior to 2020, when Project Street Vet was formed. Today, he continues to lead the Project Street Vet mission with his inspirational message of "no judgment, just help" and hopes our growing team can continue to find and care for these families. Written by Ellen Kippel and Karen Hastings

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