Rotary Meeting Oct 11, 2016

Submitted by PDG Randy Brooks, Club Secretary

Meeting called to order by Jo Holt, President Elect, Pledge led by Randy Brooks and meditation led by Past President Maeve Johnson. 

Unfortunately it was a sparse turnout at the meeting today with only 10 members attending.  We do know that several members are on vacation and business trips. Please hurry back we need you!

Announcements:  Randy discussed that the Restoration Project has been canceled and added that the board will work on finding a new similar project.

Suelee: mentioned that “More Than a Bed” could use some help this Friday evening to help with caring for children while parents get a respite and have the opportunity to go out for a few hours. If you can help call Suelee or show up at the New Life Bible Church on Cortaro at 4 PM.

This Saturday, “Missing in America” there will be an interment of the remains (ashes) for I believe about 20 unknown military personnel that were “unclaimed” by family members from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam at the Memorial site in Marana.  This will occur at 10:30 AM. I hope we have a good showing at this event to honor the deceased heroes.

Maeve asked about volunteers for the El Tour de Tucson.  Jo is going to ask the Interact Club and Maeve will reach out to other clubs.  There is no such thing as too many volunteers for this project.

Maeve also has formed an ad hoc committee for the Food Bank to prepare gifts for those unable to get out of the home to obtain services.  The club will be donating gifts on the birthday of these that are unable to get out the home.

 

Guest speaker:

 

 Susan Reed, representing the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona.  Introduced by Randy.  Susan was his supervisor 32 years ago in Chicago.  Met once again this past year as her spouse is Kirk Reed of the Catalina Rotary Club and Governor Nominee for Rotary D-5500.

Susan discussed many of the myths about epilepsy including and not limited to: epilepsy is contagious (1500’s), need to be in colony’s 1800’s in England, Germany and the US, the list goes on and on. A few members and Susan stated they have family members that suffer from this disease.  Susan, a world class bike rider (she has crossed the USA twice on her bike and averages 1000 miles a month on her rides).  Discussed different types of seizures, including Tonic-Tonic (Grand Mal) and Absence (Petit Mal) seizures as well as partial seizures. She discussed first aid for seizures, DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE MOUTH, TURN HEAD TO SIDE AND DO NOT RESTRICT MOVEMENT. Remove any objects that could cause harm, only call 911 if the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, multiple seizures occur, normal breathing does not occur soon and if they are injured.  Susan discussed cultural concerns regarding epilepsy, a neurological illness ……. Including shame, bullying, lack of education, caregivers, depression, anxiety and isolation.  A few members asked if we could invite Susan back because we did not have time to ask questions.  Thank you Susan for a wonderful and thoughtful presentation.