Flag Salute & Invocation by Lance Calloway

Visiting Rotarians: DC Morse, Dave Morse

Welcome back Chuck Olson!

Irish GSE delegation: They are here starting tomorrow through Sunday. On Thursday they will attend two Rotary meetings (Thursday Sunrise and Whatcom North). There will also be a potluck Thursday night at Bill Gorman's house. Questions can be directed to Bill Gorman or Anna.

New member inductions:

Lesa Boxx is sponsoring Jody Bierman, who graduated from WWU in interior design, helped with Hospice House project, and volunteers for "Right Size Jail" (group engaged in finding the new jail location) and Marianne's House.

Bob Becker is sponsoring Debbie Kiene, a local banker with Washington Federal, who has two kids three grandkids.

Tonja explained the Rotary expectations, gave them their pins, packets and invoices!

Announcements

Fellowship event: Tuesday April 26th to see "Cats" at MBT $49/tix, and we'll have a pre-event dinner at the restaurant next door.

 

Bucks in the Bay

  • Bill Gorman been very busy, involved in too many organizations, but really has enjoyed and appreciated his year as president of our club;
  • Bill Boyd missed meetings while in Cabo, got wounded on the golf course;
  • Steve Spitzer was also in Mexico near Playa del Carmen, got bribed by the cops TWICE! Son home from heli touring, daughter will soon be having baby boy;
  • Rod Bring was in Mexico too, had a great time at Los Barriles (north of Cabo);
  • Marilyn Olsen missed meeting while in Sedona, entered her clay animal sculptures to City contest and she was NOT CHOSEN;
  • Lynn Templeton thanked Leena for help with son's mortgage, and thanked a bunch of other people!
  • Stew Ellison $250 sponsor for our BBRC Ski to Sea!
  • Leena's son turned 19 today!
  • Bryant complimented Debby, and said he spent a week up at Big White - 58 days of skiing this year!
  • Tim Krell turned 50 last week, skied, scored a soccer goal on his birthday, and had a great day in Seattle;
  • Gordon Plume also had a birthday, wife bought him a new bicycle, and he's expecting new grandchild!
  • Mike Kirkland welcomed Jody to the club, she did a great job with the interior of Hospice House;
  • Barry Kramer also thanks Jody for work on Hospice House, and his granddaughter is having her first birthday!
  • Stan Dyer doled out a lot of money ($200!), went to California last week on Amtrak, enjoyed fine dining, saw a cowboy version of King Lear, and has upcoming birthday (same day as Eddie);

Sergeant at Arms by Jane Carten
Today in trivia: Civil War started at Fort Sumpter SC, Yuri Gagarin first person in space, and it was the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle.

Program
Stew Ellison introduced Dr James Sorenson, Exec Director of Alzheimer Society of Washington.

We are entering the "Age of Alzheimer": Dementia is increasing as the population ages. In 2008 there was 5.2 million people with dementia; by 2050 there will be 16 million;

Dementia is age related: 10% of people over 65 have it, 50% of people over age 85 have it! Dementia is NOT a normal part of aging; more than just everyday forgetfulness, dementia makes independent life impossible.

Dementia is a mental disorder: It's progressive, irreversible, and impairs brain function.

Screening for dementia is essential, quick, safe, effective and beneficial (offered monthly at St. Luke's and at local senior centers);

Early diagnosis is important, to avoid and correct contributing medical problems, and helps to begin a transition.

Causes: Contributing factors may include hypertension, stroke, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, diabetes, and drug interactions.

  • Alzheimer's is only one form of dementia. Progressive, and recent memories are lost first and only old memories remain.
  • Vascular Dementia another form of dementia - from strokes - sudden changes.
  • Lewy Body Dementia: movement problems & visual hallucinations.

The local Alzheimer's Society was started in 1980 with a few support groups, and in 1983 was formally incorporated.

ASW's mission:
• support, knowledge and resources
• social awareness
• bring about improvements in the social and health care

We want to expand our services to surrounding counties as well.

Respectfully submitted, Stowe Talbot