Meeting Notes 2/14/2020

 

Valentines Everywhere

President Ron Harness called the meeting to order.

Chuck Hildebrand led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Jim Bates’ ‘Thought for the Day’, “Standing here today on Valentine’s Day makes him think of Jim Spilman saying to his wife, “You are the love of my life,” and “If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you make me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.” It’s a special day for all! Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Guests and Visitors

Guests or Rotarians: Diane Spilman with Jim; Edna Scheller with Paul; Roberta Dunham with Alan; and Toni Bramon with Gary.

Visiting Rotarians: Terri Abelar from Mission San Rafael.

Sunshine

Phil Brown mentioned that Jean was absent while recovering from food poisoning, however, he reminded us that Jean has a Valentine’s Day birthday and loves to celebrate so she sent a Valentine’s/Birthday cake for all to enjoy.

Marty Wickenheiser reminded us that Bob Mohr’s memorial service will be held at “George’s Place” i.e. Valley Memorial on Friday, February 28 at 1:00. (There is no lunch meeting scheduled.)

Special Thanks

President Ron thanked Peian and Christina for organizing the Recital at their home on the past Sunday. It was a beautiful day and 50 members and guests enjoyed listening to a variety if instruments and vocal presentations.

Jay Wayne noted that this type of weekend informal friendly gathering may appeal to the younger generation’s busy life style.

Announcements

College of Marin Music Faculty Recital

Peian invited members and guests to a College of Marin Music Faculty Recital to be held on Friday, February 21 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 22 at 3:00pm at the Performing Arts Building on the Kentfield Campus.

Rotary International Convention

Russ Ketron noted that this year’s International Convention will be in Hawaii from June 6-10. It is sure to be a sellout, so sign up soon.

District Assembly & District Convention

Ron Harness noted the upcoming District Assembly will be held on Saturday, March 21. Members are urged to attend to support next year’s President Chris DeGabriele.

The District Convention on May 5-9 will be on a cruise ship during its travel from San Francisco to Vancouver.

Just a Reminder...

Women of Rotary Summitt II

Christina Stroeh invited members to planning session on “Women of Rotary Summit II” to be held on Wednesday, February 26 from 5:00-6:30 at Mantra Wines, 881 Grant Ave., Novato. RSVP mandy.davey@compass.com.

You are Invited to a Garden Party!

Jim Spilman invited all to a “Garden Party” in San Marin on February 22, from 9:00-12:00. See Jim for details and garden tools needed.

Recognitions

Rene Prado announced a new business venture with his sister in addition to his Technical Consulting business.

Don Violin will be celebrating Gloria’s birthday.

Craig McCurdy will be celebrating his wife Susie’s birthday and he thanked all who participated in the “Record Setting Polenta Feed.”

Dave Kapranos’ daughter is looking at Colleges to attend. He is playing golf and planning to retire when he finishes his last two projects.

Alan Dunham bragged about his Granddaughter Melina who recently graduated from Barnard and Sciences-Po in Paris and is now working for the UN.

Suzanne Bales recently traveled with Tom to Easter Islands and then to Machu Picchu.

Jim Bates will be traveling to South Africa. He is happy that his two boys are doing very well....Thanks for being our Treasurer!!!

Program (Peian)

Maggie Shao introduced our speaker today–Terri Abelar who is also a Rotarian from Mission San Rafael Rotary Club.

Terri has helped thousands of seniors. Our Club member–Tiffany and her sister–Nicole are Terri’s staff.

Terri is a native San Franciscan, she has been CEO for 23 years and has lived in Marin for 10 years. She told a story that when she was 11 and half years old, she wanted to sign up to volunteer for the Red Cross, however, she was denied due to her age (min. 12 years old). But she filed an appeal and finally got her application accepted.

Terri mentioned in 2018, an estimated 54,000 seniors are living in Marin County. She went on to talk about some statistics of Medicare. You have to be 65 years or older to receive the benefits. Medicare also provides SOME home care. It also pays up to 100 days per year for care in a nursing home. She also mentioned it is illegal to hire a private care giver in some cases. It is better to find a caregiver service through a registered and licensed agency. Also, veterans can receive special benefits called “Aid & Attendance,” which will pay for a caregiver.

In general, the cost for 24 hours of in home care is very high, ranging from $ 725–$ 850 per day. Also, the cost for assisted living or nursing home can range from $ 4,500–$ 12,000 per month.

There are new trends that Medicare is looking for a way to pay for home care. Also, there are some non-narcotic plant based products which will help for sleep, anxiety and pain.

(I sure do hope every senior will stay happy and healthy ~~~)

The Winner

Dave Jones won the “Pot of Gold.”