President Homer Nye: Opened the meeting: God Bless America / Pledge of Allegiance ;

Cindy Ruzak:  – Thoughts of Gratitude and Reflection: Cindy spoke of the recent devastation caused by the cataclysmic hurricane especially hitting Bahama Islands and it brought to her mind the appreciation for everything in life: e is only temporary and can be gone in a moment!

“Stop and Smell the Roses”, her favorite poem: To see the world in a grain of sand,

                              And Heaven in a wildflower,

                              Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,

                              And Eternity in an Hour.

• Music by: Ramona Pleva & Max Anderson Singing Duet to “I Got you Babe” (Cher & Sonny).

It was an outstanding rendition with much Applause.

• Introduction of Visiting Rotarians & Guests – Kate Redman

• Exchange Student Introduction: Carla Weaver- 4 students:

Arthur – Robotics, Ana – Mountain bike/kayak, Ayl (aisle)-Surgeon, Paul- basketball/leadership

Also – Rotary International Youth Exchange: Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 pm

NMC – Osterlin Room 204 – call for info;

• Announcements:

Rotary Charities: Greg Luyt – Grant proposal process – Grant to Seeds – Energy resources;

 Steve Wade – Survey for new programs of interest- See Steve for suggestions for the 100th anniversary.

• Ramona Pleva  - Change-maker songs workshop – October 9 & 23 – call for info;

• Program Introduction: Bruce Finlayson – Big Brother & Big Sisters -  introduced Tony Anderson:

     Tony – The Marathon Man – Tony recounted many of his 46 marathons (M4K) to date;

His goal is to complete four more that will take him around the USA. The 1st marathon was in 2003 Bayshore – He considers Traverse City to be his favorite & is very proud of the TC Runners Club.

      The toughest marathon for him was in Colorado and included “Pike’s Peak” 141,000 ft-

6 hours going UP and 3 hrs. Down.  Recalling these many memories was very emotional for him as recounted the injuries and recovery.

      Tony Anderson is very proud for founding the “Marathon for Kids” that he sponsors.

Jamie introduced our speaker today Melissa Thompson from the Alzheimer’s Association. Melissa has an impressive background that includes a degree from Central Michigan University! Fire Up Chips! Melissa is also a Rotarian with the Petoskey club.

Melissa asked who knows someone who has or had dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Every hand went up! The costs of neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise and will cripple not only our healthcare system but also take a massive toll on family members who are also serving as caregivers. 

• The Alzheimer’s Association exists as a voluntary health organization that offers support, care and research for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some facts:

• The Alzheimer’s Association has over 20,000 educational programs and workshops exist country-wide

• One of their campaigns is entitled Red + Blue = Purple

• Early-onset testing can identify risk factors for people in their late 40’s

• 600 walks happen across the US for Alzheimer’s

• That’s over 500,000 people

• $86 million raised

• Traverse City and Petoskey each have their own walks

• Locally over 700 people will walk in both events

• 88 teams locally will participate

• Approximately $130,000 will be raised locally

• The goal for TC walk: 500 participants

  • 68 teams

  • $105,000 raised

A profound question was asked by the deep thinker Sid Lammers during Q&A. He asked whether someone with Alzheimer’s can vote. Do they get an absentee ballot? Can they vote at all? Can their dog vote in their place? A very interesting question which at the moment remains unanswered.