Opening and Invocation led by Mary Jo Fenyn - she shared an Irish Blessing to honor St. Patrick’s Day.
Wellness Report – Helmuth receiving continued treatment for his back
Guests: Penny Gugino guest of Linda Werts , Quincy Mathis guest of Adam O, Malwina Plichta our exchange student
Visiting Rotarian: Frank Capozzi of Geneva Rotary
Announcements:
- Malwina will be transitioning to her new host family - Chris and Lorie Visingard. She also experienced her first “snow day”
- Reminder - next Thursday is a social gathering at RunAway Blue. Please RSVP to Holly Kreuser
- Adam O - needs some help on the Sponsorship Committee for the Family Festival
- Donna Johnson - on Thursday, 3/30 will be International Day. There will be some delicious international dessert - please let her know if you would be willing to bring a contribution.
- Linda Werts - will set up an international display beginning at 11:30 am on 3/30. These will highlight our various international projects. A couple of our sponsored refugees will be at the meeting to speak to us.
Happy Moments:
- Adam on his way to Florida
- Norma Reilly - was away for 6 weeks - went to Hawaii and hiked up Diamond Head; then were in Australia to attend a wedding - this was not the Rotary International Convention — a reminder that there is still time to register for the convention.
- Jeff Patchen - went on a cruise in the Caribbean - had a lovely time.
- Holly Kreuser - Grace has returned to Denmark to visit her past host families. Having a great time.
Wedding Anniversaries: Ted & Sharon O’Toole, 61 yrs; Bill & Karen Doebler, 63 yrs
Queen of Hearts. Sue Colacino did not pick the Queen - the pot continues to grow.
Program: Linda Werts introduced Penny Gugino from the Alzheimer’s Association. Penny serves as a program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester-Finger Lakes Chapter. She has been in the role since 2022. Within that public-facing role, Penny provides education and support throughout Wayne and Seneca Counties. She has been a member of the Walworth, Wayne County community for more than three decades and she has worked in the nonprofit realm for 15 years. She is passionate abut serving her constituents and the community she lives in, and has made it her mission to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
In the United States there are over 6 million people suffering with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. We spend over $345 billion for their medical care and support.
The journey with dementia is difficult - we are here to make sure no one has to take that journey alone. Currently there is no cure - there are some drugs to improve symptoms, but no cure.
Dementia is an umbrella term - and under this umbrella there are various forms such as Alzhemier’s. Most people are reluctant to see a doctor if they are experiencing symptoms. In New York state there are more than 410,000 over the age of 65 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The goal is to try to reduce the stigma associated with dementia.
How to help: Share your story as an advocate if you have an experience with someone with dementia; start a team for Walk to End Alzheimer’s or other fundraising program, host a program or listening session - have contact resources available in your church or business.
Visit the website at www.alzheimer’s.org
There is a help line and there are free education programs. There are also care givers support groups. They also offer early stage social activities at various locations. On April 20th there will be a Caregiver Conference at the Lyons Community Center.
Please email Penny if you want more information: plgugino@alz.org
Questions:
- greatest risk factor is age - there is some evidence of a genetic link
- difference between Alzheimer’s vs dementia — Alzheimer’s is one form of dementia
- Are there preventive behaviors — helping to keep your heart healthy and strong also improves your brain. Exercise and healthy eating for one thing.