President's Message June 20

Posted by Ron Searfoss 
on Jun 20, 2016
 
Carrie Oesmann, Interior Designer of Bailiwick Interior Design (and member John Oesmann's wife) provided an excellent presentation last Thursday on the differences of Aging in Place versus Living in Place.
     
 
We want to stay in the home we have.
ALL Homes are Accessible, Comfortable and Safe - however ...
  • 1 in 5 people will have some form of disability in their lifetime.
  • Less that 15% were born with this disability
  • 1 out 100 people will be in a wheelchair in their lifetime
  • 11.6 million people need assistance walking
 
Visit Ability is another consideration - it refers to a new home that meets the minimum requirements for someone   with a disability to come to your home for a visit:
         - No-step entry door
         - Maneuverable doors and hallways
         - Accessible bathroom on the first floor
 
Carrie had first hand experience when helping her father deal with the challenges of moving into a 55+ community. As a result she pursued additional education and also certification as a ...
Another added value of Bailiwick Design and their ability to think outside the box!
 
Carrie spoke to the Challenges
Accessibility  - Doorways and Pathways
Mobility and Stability - Walking and Stairs
Reach and Grasp - Cabinets and Handles
Sensory Limitations  - Lighting and Design
 
Numerous examples of practical solutions were shown for your existing home, many DIY, dramatically improving access and function. As to New Construction she highlighted the need to address livability issues upfront and do not expect the builder to be the leader.
 
One area that really hit home with me was Vision and Aging.
Lenses thicken so colors seem dim and contrast is low
The aging eye is more sensitive to glare
     We need 3x more light when we are 60 than when we were 20!
     (This last one was a real “eye-opener” – I keep turning lights off and Jean keeps turning them on! Imagine that – she is right once again!)
 
Thank you Carrie for a very ‘enlightening’ presentation and a great deal of food for thought to help make our lives more livable at home!
 
Steve Bajan was accompanied by his wife and parents, Janis, Eddie and Shirley Bajan. And he won 50/50 again!
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR “RAFFLE / LOTTERY” WINNERS!!!
At our club meeting on June 16, five names were picked from those who contributed at least $100 to The Rotary Foundation this Rotary year. Each one will receive 300 points each towards their Paul Harris status (whether first or multiple).
The Winners:
Bernie Gardiner
Ellen Roberts
Rick Santee
Barb Seifert-Sigmon
Rick Santee
Remember, it's NOT about the money - it IS about the wonderful work done with the help of The Rotary Foundation!
Happy Father's Day 
Best wishes for all the Dads, Granddads, Stepdads and anyone who is “a dad to someone” in their lives. You are loved and appreciated and missed dearly if no longer with us. We thank you all for being part of our lives.                          
  
This Week’s Meeting
Please join us this Thursday, June 23rd when we will conduct our Morning Star Rotary Changeover meeting. We will install our new President, Officers and Directors for the 2016-17 Rotary year.  We look forward to the “Passing of the Gavel” through many of our Past Presidents. Please come and show your support for our incoming leadership team as they begin their roles going into the new Rotary year.    
 
If you would like to learn more about either Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Ron Searfoss at rsearfos@ptd.net or 610-504-1460.
   
Be a gift to your world!
President Ron