Rotary Rays March 20, 2017

Posted by Olga McKellar

22 Rotarians and guests sat down for lunch at noon today. Robin was welcoming people as they arrived; Fred took attendance.President Bruce called the meeting to order at 12:10 . O Canada was sung and the usual toasts were drunk. Olga offered the Invocation.
A delicious lunch of soup, salad and substantial sandwiches , followed by banana loaf, was enjoyed by all.

Speaker: Jaclyn Turpin, a grad student who works with the Alzheimer Society, Oxford, as she continues her studies towards her Masters in Social Work at UWO, in London.

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Jaclyn did an excellent presentation with AV and print back up. She covered the many types of dementia and its prevalence, saying it is the #1 cause of disability in Canada today. 1/10 of Canadians have some form of dementia if they are over 65. Alzheimer’s is the most common form and is very difficult for those who suffer with it and also for those caring for such patients. Both need our help in the form of donations, volunteer hours, and emotional support. Early onset can hit people in their 30’s. There are genetic factors as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, lack of exercise and poor eating habits.
The early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include: memory loss that affects one’s day-to-day abilities; difficulty performing familiar tasks; problems with language; disorientation in time and space; impaired judgment; problems with abstract thinking; misplacing things; changes in mood and behaviour; changes in personality; and loss of initiative.
The disease usually takes 8-10 years from beginning to death.
Onset can be delayed by lifestyle which includes challenging your brain every day, moving and exercising daily, getting or keeping socially active, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
There are support groups in Oxford County for patients and for caregivers. Workshops and other educational events are available. 33% of funding comes from the Gov’t; 66% of funding is raised within the County.
Fred thanked Jaclyn and presented her with a certificate to vaccinate 50 children against polio in her name.

Club Business

We were all pleased to hear that Melissa gave birth to a lovely baby boy, Carson David, on St. Patrick’s Day. All are doing well. Yeah, Melissa!!!
Sympathy was offered to Holly on the death of her Father-in-law this week.
Lisa’s paint night has enough participants to be a go but there is room for more.
Sheets were passed around to sign up for Music Festival and for Meals on Wheels.
We were reminded of the Directors’ meeting on Thursday a.m.
People who have tickets for the CASS Comedy Night and who would like to go as a group for dinner prior are asked to let Bruce know. Any one thinking of going to the Woodstock-Oxford Fish Fry and would like to go in a group is also asked to let Bruce know.Lisa, our student, reported on a great road trip to Florida including 2 days at Disney with Francis’ family.
President Bruce reported that it looks as if we will receive a partial grant from the District. Every Club that applied is being reduced by an equal amount .
Stephen Sears announced that there will be a concert at 7 p.m. next Sat. in the SA Church. Mike Mahon will make a pitch re reducing suicides among young people in Oxford.
Bruce adjourned the meeting at 1:45.
Olga McKellar