April 11, 2019: Doug Fyfe (Astronomy), John Wright will introduce, and Angus McDermid will give thanks.
Head Table: Our President Paul Roulston, invites, John Wright, Bert Clifford, Maryanne Wilson Cox, Gerry Culliton, Heidi Culliton, Colleen Devine and Carolyn Drummond, to join him at the head table.
Today at Rotary: “is Stratford Dementia Friendly” Ron Pozno from London, a Rotarian, was our speaker today. He is a retired special education teacher, an avid recreational pilot and he has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI is the decline with memory, language, thinking process, and judgement that are not normal age related changes. About three years ago Ron started to notice some of these changes, not remembering some things – doctors, friends and family dismissed this….you’re getting older. Ron indicated that all of his life he has been a planner, and has had his life plan in place. Ron sprang into action with a plan – you have to have a plan for today, tomorrow for the next stage, in order to deal with it. You CAN NOT go home and sit and wait…..you have to be out and about talking to your friends, enjoy life today every minute of it.
Ron Posno, who suffers from early stage dementia, spoke to us about how to prepare for and live with dementia.
Ron said he was asked “How did you feel when you found out”? – Ron said he was relieved – I can now do something about it. You have to accept the reality and make a plan on what you are going to do. Don’t be afraid to talk about it. Don’t be afraid to ask. As Canadian’s – when we greet our friends we call each other by name, the second thing we do is to ask “how are you” and our response is always “fine”. Ron suggests that you remind your friend who you are, and if he does not mention Dementia, ask him about it, so he knows that you can talk about it. Don’t tell them you are sorry – they don’t want or need your pity… you could be pushing him away. Deal with the reality, and accept what is happening, do what you have always been doing, continue to join your friends for coffee, golf, keep connected as long as you can.
In Sept 2018, Ron was featured on the CBC Sunday Radio where he spoke out on the right for medically assisted in dying. The law does not make any provision for advance request – which excludes people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ron is challenging this law and is determined to die on his own terms.
On closing Ron advice was to make sure that you get connected with the local organization for Alzheimer’s.
Ron was introduced by Clark Mitchell and thanked by Steve Lichty
Scribe: Ollie Henry
Guests: Today we welcomed: Debbie Diechert - Alzheimer Society, Sherry Ghuli - Alzheimer Society, Ann Snider, Mary Cardinal - Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, David Daglish – Stratford, Deborah Franke – Stratford, Jayne Dill – London, Myrna Inglis - Walkerton Rotary Club, Laura Pogson - Festival City Rotary Club
Draw: The prize today, donated by Linda Bathe, Gift certificate from Circle Foods and Pat Redshaw was the winner.
Rotary Announcements
Gerry Thuss presented last week's Catch the Ace winner, our very own Paul Siberry, with a cheque for his winnings of $157.
Rural Urban Night – Thursday, April 18 at the Rotary Complex – Social at 6, Dinner at 7. Tickets will be available at regular Rotary meetings starting March 7. $35.00 each. Reserved seating available for tables of 8 or more.
“Dinner, Ponies and Slots” On Friday May 31st the Social Committee has arranged a bus trip for our members to enjoy the excitement of playing the casino, harness racing and savouring the award-winning buffet dinner at the Top of the Fair Restaurant at Western Fair District in London. The cost of $65 per person is a great deal as it includes dinner, gratuity and motor coach transportation. This is an opportunity for your friends and family to join you and your fellow Rotarians to not work on a project but to just have some fun together. To reserve your seat contact Roger Black at 519-625-8588 or meblack46@gmail.com. Thanks!
The Stratford Festival would like to extend a special spring savings opportunity for the Rotary Club. See Little Shop of Horrors, an engaging musical comedy with a twist, and save!
TICKETS ONLY $16 – INCLUDING ALL FEES!
Enjoy matinee performances of the Little Shop of Horrors on the following dates:
- Monday, April 29
- Friday, May 3
- Tuesday, May 7
- Monday, May 27
B-seating zone only. Use promotion code 86228 to access this special offer.
I hope you can take advantage of this special offer. Directed by Donna Feore, Little Shop of Horrors is brought to vivid life from the creative team that brought you The Rocky Horror Show! Experience how love can grow, with this unique musical comedy.
Visit our website or contact our box office, at 1.800.567.1600 to take advantage of this offer, with our thanks.
Make-ups: No report.
April’s Attendance Committee: Walt Bathe (I/C), Gary Morris, Roger Black, Mark Smith, Tony Carter, Patti Riehl, Guy Chadsey, Rena Spevak Orr.
