[VIDEO LINK] Our meeting opened with our president in training, Jeff Ugoretz, leading us. As usual there was some open conversation, such as we might have would we be sitting around a table at the Radisson. Hopefully someday that will again be a reality!
Jeff started us off with the ringing of the bell, singingâŚnot ours, and the pledge. Dick Puccio gave us an Irish blessing to commemorate this month of March and the upcoming St. Patrickâs Day.
Dick Puccio had some audio issues that Andy offered to assist him with; but he was also met with some laughter due to his past âsoundâ experience.
When asked if there were any guests present Dick Puccio was quick to introduce his lovely granddaughter, Mary Jane, whom he said is no stranger to our current Rotary meetings.
Ernie introduced his guest, Lois McNaughten.
There was a bit of confusion as to which Rotarian was serving the Club today as Rick Davis was scheduled to photograph but Gil Sweet was filling in and Ted Goldwyn, who was slated for this month but is currently on leave, was to do Cogs but it was Wendy Winnett who was actually taking on the task.
Announcements:
Ernie stated that due to current conditions and that we have a dearth of editors, we will be transitioning to a Clubrunner format for our future newsletter. The style in which this will be presented with be quite different but actually more informative with a better overview of what is taking place in activities and service opportunities and related news events of interest to our members. Starting in April Cogs will be posted once a month, more in line with other clubs in our district; with focus on our committees, new members and other Rotary related events.
Ernie stated that due to current conditions and that we have a dearth of editors, we will be transitioning to a Clubrunner format for our future newsletter. The style in which this will be presented with be quite different but actually more informative with a better overview of what is taking place in activities and service opportunities and related news events of interest to our members. Starting in April Cogs will be posted once a month, more in line with other clubs in our district; with focus on our committees, new members and other Rotary related events.
Wendy reminded members that our Club is eligible for a District Simplified Grant and that we need to get applications in as the deadline is April 1. The applications will be reviewed and the one that has the best chance of qualifying will be chosen to send in. The board will have to approve the expenditure of money to cover the grant, as it gets repaid by the district once the project is complete.
Program:
Jeff had stated that this would be starting at 12:20 and it was! He introduced Jen Mullen, Kathleen Hallinan, Rich Fastiggi and Hari Sharma as possible presenters.
Jeff had stated that this would be starting at 12:20 and it was! He introduced Jen Mullen, Kathleen Hallinan, Rich Fastiggi and Hari Sharma as possible presenters.It was Rich that started us off with an extremely detailed overview of what he called, âthe good, the bad and the uglyâ in regards to the story of COVID-19. From its Chinese start at the end of 2019 the virus quickly spread all over the world. It ranges in people having no symptoms to 5% of the population having multiple organ failure. When one is exposed to the virus most often the symptoms appear within 4 to 5 days following. The first 1-3 days are when exposure to others can cause the virus to spread to others and often prior to the individual knowing they were exposed at all. The virus was eventually discovered to affect the inner lining of blood vessels causing the virus to have the ability to attack any number of organs and causing damage. Everyone is susceptible to this from young children to older adults but the older adults, along with those having health issues, are the most susceptible. For those recovering from this virus they may still experience symptoms, such as loss of smell and taste, fatigue, brain fog, etc. for up to 6 months.
The past 2 months have seen a downward trend in the spread of the virus for a number of reasons such as people having antibodies, use of masks, social distancing and getting the vaccine.
Rich touched on a number of therapies which have been used as well as some current medicines that have helped in this fight. Per his research approximately 518,00 have died from the virus with 80% being age 65 and older, more males than females and people of color being more susceptible than others. Also, he noted that variants of this virus are out there including one called the New York City variant.
He also touched on what could have helped this country in regards to doing a better job of controlling this virus at the outset.
Kathleen took over the Zoom stage, so to speak, next. She noted her time volunteering in quite a number of positions in the area, all of which involve helping others, including her work with the Painted Post fire department.
She noted a website for the state which may provide sites to get the vaccine: am-i-eliglible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.org. She stated that this site gets updated on Sunday mornings and may be the best time to check in. (Side note: many of the pharmacies do have the vaccine including Geroulds, Walgreens in Riverside and CVS in Ithaca, from my research todayâŚvery subject to change.)
Kathleenâs studies on the virus as well as her practical application with patients has revealed some strategies to help one be less susceptible to this virus. The first is Vitamin D followed by Zinc and Vitamin C. These have been shown to help the immune system. Once a patient has COVID-19 blood thinners have been shown to help, often with the patient having to stay on them for some time. She also noted a few drugs that have shown to be helpful in fighting this virus. Also, those with any type of vascular disease are very much at risk should they contract the virus.
Paul Tick asked if taking aspirin could help. Kathleen didnât totally discount that but stated it might help just a little. This was followed by Dave Anderson advocating for his 93-year-old friend, as to how he can possibly get the vaccine as he does not use the internet. A number of suggestions were given by some club members, including one from Rick Davis who stated that he just went into Gerouldâs and signed up on a small piece of paper to be in line for one. Another option is to call the Office of the Aging or call Steuben County.
50/50
John Brown was the big winnerâŚuntil he wasnât since he didnât pick the correct card.
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John Brown was the big winnerâŚuntil he wasnât since he didnât pick the correct card.
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