The July 9, 2012 Kirkland Rotary Club meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by newly elected President Patti Smith.  The pledge was led by (?) can’t remember as I forgot I was supposed to be recording minutes.  Patti gave us some opening remarks about her presidential year and said that she would be focusing on our club’s 75 years of history throughout the year.  She thanked greeter, Makaylaa Powers, and scribe, Pat Dye (that’s when I remembered!).  Bill Woods shared some of our club’s history by reading from a booklet that described where early meetings had taken place and what dinner costs used to be.  Can you believe dinner for $1.50? 

 Guests:

 ·         Bill Perry – Bellevue Sunrise Rotary

 ·         Diane Kohn – guest of Scott Becker

President Patti then introduced Patty Sims, who, with her exceptional singing voice, will be leading us in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” each month to those Rotarians celebrating birthdays.  For July, those having birthdays were Bill Taylor, Pat Swenson, and Al Hoviland (he wasn’t there, but we sang to him anyway).

 

Announcements:

·         Megan Nakanishi thanked everyone who participated in the 4th of July parade, representing our club and the Duck Dash.  She thanked those who sold tickets that day and thanked Al Hoviland who created a Rotary Wheel to stick on the little red convertible in the parade.

·         Jerry Campo reminded everyone about the Family Picnic which will be held on July 23rd from 6 to 8 pm at Everest Park.

·         Patti reminded everyone that there will be a Board meeting at the Conover Insurance office this Wednesday from 4 – 5:30.

President Patti then introduced our speaker, Makaylaa Powers from Visiting Angels.  Her topic was “Healthcare and the Impact of the Exploding Senior Population”.  As part of her presentation she shared a lot of facts and figures, only a few of which are captured here.  In 2000, 21% of our population was 65+.  By 2030, that figure will increase to 31%.  At that time there will be more than 600,000 seniors over the age of 100, and that population is expected to expand to 2.5 million in subsequent years.  The upside is that seniors now are healthier, happier and more involved, with many working into their 70’s and 80’s.  Many are doing so to stay active but not necessarily for economic reasons. This expansion of seniors will create a housing boom.  This group will also volunteer millions of hours, making a huge impact on their communities.  The downside is felt in several ways:  on healthcare, and the impact on Medicare and Medicaid; politics; and families, as there will be a smaller pool of caregivers.  And those caregivers will also be aging.  All of this creates a need for home care.   Many are staying in their current homes, downsizing, or moving in with family.  Future trends include:  Intentional Communities with membership in “villages”(see vtvnetwork.org); skilled nursing (see thegreenhouseproject.org); foster care; and home care. Home care enhances healthcare for seniors, preventing unnecessary trips to the Emergency Room.  It is cost effective and provides improved physical and mental health outcomes.  Most seniors prefer staying home with care.   Makaylaa’s presentation elicited a lot of audience comments and questions.  Great job!

The Joker Pool raffle ticket holder was Bob Auslander, but he had no luck drawing the lucky Joker card.  I think we are now down to 10 cards and more than $4,458 in the pot.  Everyone bring your money next week!!!

Next week’s program will feature Melissa Covelli from the Gates Foundation who will be talking about Gates/Rotary Polio Eradication program.

The meeting was adjourned by Pres. Patti... Your scribe for an evening Pat Dye.