Past President, Steve Dunton opened the meeting by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pilar Parsons, Program Host followed with an invocation which stressed the Four-Way Test. Steve then thanked himself and Dave Renninger for checking us in this morning.
PROGRAM:
Pilar turned the program over to presenter, Suzanne Call Cryst, of Transition Health Solutions to discuss aging and things that caregivers can watch for. Suzanne is a sixth generation Stowite, as part of the Call family. Professionally, she is a registered dietitian but grew up doing lots of talking with seniors in her family, which led her to her current interest of problem-solving for seniors and their caregivers.
She offered some interesting statistics about Stow. 19.5% of the population is age 65 and over. In the United States, that figure is 18%. In Stow, there are about 4,000 households and 25% of those are single individuals. She also said that because people trust Rotarians, we are in a great place to help seniors. She explained that most of the life of a senior happens in snapshots as in visits to the doctor, and visits by family and friends. Therefore, the people who are in positions to help may just see one part of what is happening in a senior's life. It is important to notice when their mood is changing or that their gait is unsteady in the short amount of time they spend together.
Suzanne based most of her talk around “The Caregiver Safety and Red flags Check” which she created. It is attached to these minutes. The minutes will reflect her elaborations on those topics. Nutrition is often the first place that change starts. Clothes don't fit anymore and eating habits change. We were reminded that the brain needs carbs and that protein is very important for older adults. Medications may need to be adjusted over time due to weight changes, side effects or need. There may be a reason to look at the possibilities of meds in liquid form or those able to be crushed if large pills are difficult to swallow. Adjustments as to when to take the meds may be helpful, and having someone put the meds in boxes indicating when to take them, may be very valuable.
Since mobility issues are critical in the health of older adults. As older people become more prone to falls, it is necessary to make use of grab bars in the bathroom and difficult to navigate doorways. Railings on both sides of stairs or even the installation of an elevator can help an individual stay in their own home for a longer period of time.
Then there are the cognitive and emotional changes. It is so important to watch for these and to know that help is available for managing them. We need to be aware that too many cat naps can disrupt sleep and that heart issues stress the body's rhythm. Older adults can become angry about changes in their health and even see a rise in anxiety. The sense of dignity here is huge, as people may feel that their self-worth is being taken away. Therapists can be very helpful here.
Being aware of what is happening and then trying to help with the various issues does not mean you are overreacting, according to Suzanne, it means you are being proactive.
Contact Suzanne by e-mail at SCryst@msn.com or by phone at 937-620-7387 if you need to see education, guidance and support for older adults and those who care for them. Life is better when we watch out for each other!
BUSINESS MEETING:
Birthdays:
Dick Hall and Gail Moseley both have birthdays this week. We sang well to them.
Drawing: The pot will continue to grow again because the 10 of hearts was drawn by Mary Dula.
Foodbank: Steve explained that our next volunteer time is August 12 from 4:30-6:30. Last month we had 7 volunteers so we are headed in the right direction!
Shirts: Steve also told us that the order for Rotary shirts is about to go in. We want to be sure that the new members have the shirts, courtesy of the club, so be sure to sign in with your size next week. If you would like a crew-neck sweatshirt or hoodie, those will also be available for purchase. Next week is the last week to sign up.
Stuff the Bus: Sign in next week to help with this event on August 15 and 16 from 10:00-2:00 each day. We will be at Giant Eagle and Home Goods at the Stow-Kent Plaza and at Marcs on Graham Rd. to collect items for the Teacher Supply Cupboard. These will be just 2-hour shifts.
Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction: Gale Stawiery said that tickets will be printed soon for the October 14 event. The volunteer committee will meet this Monday, July 20 at 6:00 at the FOP Hall. Start thinking about donations of items for the silent auction, gift card donations or bottles of wine for the wine pull.
Football Books: Dick Hall says that the books are all out but that the stubs and money have not yet been returned for all of them. So, if you have unsold books, get them back to Dick NOW because other people are looking for books. If you have sold them, get the money and stubs back to him right away so that people can be entered to win.
Rubber Ducks: Jeff Film says that we will be attending the Rubber Ducks game on Friday, August 7. It is a fireworks night too. Tickets will be $15, and he will have a sign-up sheet next week.
Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting will be Friday, July 24 at 7:15 a.m. at City Hall.
Steve expressed thanks to Bob Sweitzer for continuing to write the weekly bulletin while Mary Parr is gone. Next week she will be back with us to officially begin her presidential duties.
Steve then closed the meeting by leading in the Four-Way Test.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Monday, July 20, 6:00 p.m. Meeting of the Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction Committee at FOP Hall behind The Church in Silver Lake.
Wednesday, July 22, 7:30 a.m. regular meeting at The Center when Marcie Kress will speak about Summit Reworks.
Friday, July 24 at 7:15 a.m. at City Hall. Board Meeting.
Wednesday, July 29, no morning meeting because it is a Fifth Wednesday. Gather at Zeppe's that evening at 6:00 for a social time. Sign up as you sign in.
Friday, August 7, attend the Rubber Ducks game in the evening.
Wednesday, August 12, 4:30-6:30 our Foodbank Volunteer time.
Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 10:00-2:00, Stuff the Bus for the Teacher Supply Cupboard.
Monday, August 17 at 7:00 Board Member Retreat at the FOP Lodge.
Wednesday, October 14 Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction in the evening. No morning meeting that day.
Respectfully submitted
Andrea Denton