The chill of Sept was evident as the Noon Rotarians assembled for their first meeting of the month. Kathy A was at the desk making sure payments for meals, dues and peaches made it to the correct place. Steve L smiled and shook our hand. Pete W providing the invocation, thanking the Lord for the abundance we enjoy and hopefully don’t take for granted. Wally C led us in song and a measure of exercise that accompied “li’l Liza Jane”. Our “Smile” drill still needs a bit of tuning so everyone is greeted and the song ends about the same time.
There were two visiting Rotarians, Tim Peterson and Michael Turthin from the Wahpeton - Breckenridge club. Pres Lori announced the winner of the Lazy Susan from the Rotary Open Golf Tournament was Ann W. Her name drawn from the six eligible for the prize. In last week’s baby photo contest six had correctly identified Steve L. Pete W name was drawn and he received a Lake Region Health Care deluxe mouse pad to recognize his ability and luck. Pres Lori informed us net income from the Rotary Open was $4133, budgeted amount $3720. and the Duck Derby brought in $3892. also exceeding the $3750. budgeted. The Rotary Minute quiz was preceded by yet another opportunity to indicate a willingness to author the Rounds and acquire Rotary Min Ins. Even though exchange student Luli was not in attendance the quiz was one Bob R designed to impress her-answers were Salvador, 16, July, brother and one. Would not be surprised if it surfaces again when she is present and you will have no problem matching the answers to the questions. Tim and Mike, visitors from the Wahpeton/Breckenridge club brought us up to date on the merger of the two clubs and passed among us with their fund raising football books.
Brags and Fines: Keith O thanked everyone for their participation in the peach sale effort, observed that it went the smoothest ever and that we should consider ordering more lugs next year, and requested remaining money be turned in.
Lori L enjoyed last weekend at Rollag with her dad, son and steam engine, unfortunately the steam engine broke down and won’t make it to Dalton.
Mary P had a birthday yesterday
Hal L and Donna celebrated 63 years of marriage with a trip to Itasca State Park
Pete W parted with $5.00 to thank those who led the peach sale.
Dave J reminded of us the Dalton Threshers Show
Kati J witnessed her son leave for college and daughter finish second runner up in something.
Randy K saw fit to let us know he was all agog about some football team in Fargo.
Program: Mark B was responsible for today’s program and introduced Marsha Erickson from the United Way. Marsha indicated last time she had an opportunity to speak to us she discussed what United Way does and this time it would be worthwhile to talk about why they cover the programs they do. United Way participates in funding a number of programs focused on child development. A key back grounding tool used when choosing among the efforts is the ACES Study. Marsha introduced Troy Haugen from Lakes Country Service Cooperative to acquaint us with the study.
Troy began by seeking agreement that what happened in an individual’s past will affect their future and went on to explain that to much stress on a developing brain will affect future health, and choices. Children subject to ACES (adverse childhood experiences) are more likely to endure excessive stress which result in increased future health problems and poor perform. Common ACES as listed by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) are; abuse- psychological, physical and sexual, neglect- emotional and physical, and household dysfunction-substance abuse, mental illness, battered mother, criminal behaviors and parent separation. Studies have been done by the CDC and others using the 10 ACES mentioned that conclude approximately half of children have experienced at least one ACE and health problems and substance abuse in later life increase as the number of ACES experienced increases.
The Minnesota Dept. of Health has conducted similar studies approximately every three years; the most current report is from a 2014 study. In Minnesota fifth, eighth, ninth and eleventh graders are surveyed using seven questions; is a parent in jail, an alcoholic or drug dependent and have you experienced verbal abuse, physical abuse, or sexual abuse or is there abuse between others in your home. Results showed 65% had not experienced any of the MN ACES, 19% had experienced one, 9% two, 4% three and 4% 4 or more. The Otter Tail County results are consistent with state results, 35% to 37% have experienced at least one ACE. Minnesota results cannot be compared with national results because the state chose to use fewer and somewhat different ACES.
Further and follow up studies consistently show that alcoholism, drug use, suicide attempts, depression, anxiety and risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, earlier pregnancy and immune system dysfunction increase as ACES increase. Examples; alcoholism occurs in 3% of the population who have not experienced any ACES , 5% of those with one ace, 8% with two, 10% with three and 16% with 4 or more. The numbers for depressive episodes are 16% with no ACES, 23% with one, 29% with two, 36% with three, and 45% with four or more.
Victims of ACES can be helped by surrounding them with layers of support and protective factors from individuals, family, school and community. The stronger these are the better the result. The best results are achieved when the child has a positive relationship with at least one actively engaged adult who serves as a good role model. In addition there are a number of system and asset based strategies in place attempting to deal with the challenge. United Way is involved with a number of them.
Mentioned during discussion was the Thrive event sponsored by Forward Fergus Falls scheduled at Legacy Hall, M-State beginning on Sept 11th at 6:30 pm. The first session is titled Resilience, the biology of stress and science of hope.
Thanks Mark for securing an excellent program. It validated what most of us suspected and offered some hope in improving things.
