Aug.5, 2011 Briar Crier

BRIARCRIER

August 5, 2011, Friday at 12:00, former Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club

TODAY IN HISTORY

1914 – Transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. began between New York and San Francisco

Meeting Leader – Dean Dykeman

PLEDGE  -  Sy Yuter  PATRIOTIC SONG – Sy Yuter  PRAYER –  Rachel Leihbacher

HAPPY THOUGHTS  -  Ken – Japan won in soccer; Eric – that Reverend Higgins is here.

GUESTS – Reverend George Higgins, Rachel’s father

.ANNOUNCEMENTS -  Ann Cargill is a new Rotarian.  Kris’s radio show went well.  September 10^th is Community Day.  Rotary meetings will  be moving to Briar's Restaurant.

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Bob Maher – Infinity and Beyond

SUMMARY OF TALK

Dr. Bob Maher is the executive director of St. Christopher’s School and the Clark Academy of the Greensburg – North Castle Union Free School District.  He told us about the students accomplishments and scholarships.  He proudly noted class academic achievements and scholarships awarded.  Clark Academy valedictorian is headed to LaGuardia Community College in Queens, NY and the salutatorian is headed to Manhattan Fashion Academy of Technology.  Clark Academy’s marching band received a donation for uniforms for their drum corps.  Students have been building relationships with senior citizens who attend the town’s senior lunch program.  They have been developing social skills and some have developed strong bonds.  A wonderful and positive environment for these students. 

Elinor Yuter, Reporter

Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter

 

Briar Crier July 29, 2011

BRIARCRIER

July 29, 2011, Friday at 12:00, former Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club

TODAY IN HISTORY

1914 – Transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. began between New York and San Francisco

MEETING LEADER  – Dean Dykeman

PLEDGE  -  Paul Rosen  PATRIOTIC SONG – Sy Yuter  PRAYER –  Rachel Leihbacher

HAPPY THOUGHTS  -  Shelley – son happy at camp; Zen – Doris has had successful knee replacement; Paul –  college roommate visiting after many years; Ken – Japan won women’s soccer; Rob – son and daughter both engaged to be married

.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Shelley – The Club at Briarcliff will be hosting a barbecue on August 10^th; Kris – he will be on the radio and will be talking about Rotary

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Helen Lynch, District Governor, About Rotary.

SUMMARY OF TALK

Helen Lynch, nicknamed “the hugger”, is the District 7230 District Governor.  She spoke to us about the importance of the four way test which we recite at every meeting.  We were reminded by new International Rotary President Kalyan Banerjee of India to reach within ourselves to embrace humanity.  She emphasized three things this year. 

1. Family - where we let our hair down and feel most comfortable.

2. Continuity – when our habits are similar every year, but renew with new thoughts and ideas.

3. Change – this leads us with over 106 districts to work together and the future vision for Rotary local and international.

Future matching grants from International Rotary have to be over $25,000. So local chapters will have to combine big projects.

Elinor Yuter, Reporter

Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter

Briar Crier July 22, 2011

BRIARCRIER

July 22, 2011, Friday at 12:00, former Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club

TODAY IN HISTORY

1587 – An English colony fated to vanish under mysterious circumstances was established on Roanoke Island off North Carolina

Meeting Leader – Paul Rosen

PLEDGE  -  Paul Rosen  PATRIOTIC SONG – Sy Yuter  PRAYER –  Reverend Lee

HAPPY THOUGHTS  -  Paul Rosen back from Alaska, his guide lives in village of 1100 people and can't see Russia.  Elinor Yuter thanks Dr. Robert Amsterdam for laser gum surgery with no pain after.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Ernie – this year’s dues are due with waived 20% late payment if paid promptly.

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Peter D. Cimini, novelist – Missing and exploited children

SUMMARY OF TALK

This speakers task began in 2005 when he was asked to write an article on kidnappers and predators of children.  This led to his writing a novel, The Secret Sin of Opi.  An act of congress provided a clearing house for missing and captured children.  Most returned home unharmed.  Prior to 2002 police would wait 24 hours before investigating.  Brain affected predators emotions.  Their brains lit up and subjects started feeling sorry for their capture.  His fictional book explored the theme of Stockholm Syndrome and the effects of long term captivity.  He recalled Patty Hearst and others who were put in isolation.  Their captives formed bonds with their predator and in one case, when the predator died; the kidnapped person mourned his death.

Elinor Yuter, Reporter

Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter

Briar Crier July 15, 2011

 

BRIARCRIER

July 15, 2011, Friday at 12:00, Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club

TODAY IN HISTORY

1910 – The term  Alzheimer’s disease was used in the book “Clinic Psychiatry” by a German psychiatrist to honor Alones Alzheimer who identified the condition.

Meeting Leader – Dean Dykeman

PLEDGE  -  Sy Yuter.  PATRIOTIC SONG – Sy Yuter  PRAYER –  Reverend Dean Dykeman

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Venues being discussed for the future site of the Rotary Club.  No date yet.

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Lena Cavanna, Director, Blythdale Children's Hospital

SUMMARY OF TALK

Blythdale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY is a national leader in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of children with life threatening and complicated medical needs.  They treat patients from birth through age 19 regardless of economic status.  Their nursing staff provides expert care in a 92 bed inpatient hospital, a day hospital program and outpatient programs.  It is the only hospital in the state with an on-site pre K – 12 public school.  Their work starts when a child’s stay at an acute care hospital ends.  They provide individualized care and an unsurpassed therapeutic regimen.  They have experience with traumatic brain injuries, burns, organ failure, pre and post transplant, brain tumors, feeding disorders, and much more.  Their goal is to help the patients to return home.  Blythedale brightens the lives of the patients and gives them back their future.

Elinor Yuter, Reporter

Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter

Briar Crier July 8

BRIARCRIER

July 8, 2011, Friday at 12:00, Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club

TODAY IN HISTORY

1889 The Wall Street Journal was first published.

Meeting Leader – Dean Dykeman

PLEDGE  -  Dean Dykeman  PATRIOTIC SONG – Sy Yuter  PRAYER –  Reverend Dean Dykeman

HAPPY THOUGHTS  -  Rachel – Her son’s 23^rd birthday, Ken – son had a good medical checkup and grew 4 ½ inches in one year, Eric Messer – Thursday night lights in town was a great success, Eric Lebenson – appreciates all the good wishes during his recovery, Bob Maher had a sad announcement of a student recently killed in a drive by shooting after receiving his regents diploma, Ann Cargill back from a wonderful trip to Scotland.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Venues being discussed for the future site of the Rotary Club are Atria, Tuscan Grille and Briar's Restaurant.

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Lynda Nickelsen – Medicare

SUMMARY OF TALK

Several types of Medicare plans are available, company plans, like IBM, etc, Advantage plans which can pay for extra services like hearing aids, and original Medicare.  There are physicians who accept assignment with Medicare which means they agree to accept the 80% Medicare allows and the patient pays the 20%, unless they have a secondary policy.  There are physicians that do not participate with Medicare, however you can still see them but must pay the physician in full at the time of service and get reimbursed from Medicare.  You can be charged 15% above Medicare’s rates.  There are “freebies” which include wellness visits once a year, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc but ask the office up front so you are not charged.  Medicare pays for a second opinion.  Any procedure can be appealed if there is a denial.  Patients and physicians can request an appeal.  Hospital status must be obtained to see if you are an inpatient or an outpatient, especially when admitted to the emergency room.  The possible changes to Medicare under the Obama insurance plan is yet to be finally determined.  Physical therapy is covered up to $1800 per year but additional visits, if needed, must be requested by the ordering physician.

Call the Medicare hot line with any questions so you are not denied rightful coverage.  800-333-4114. Laws are changing every year so you must keep yourself informed so you are not denied rightful coverage.

Elinor Yuter, Reporter

Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter

NEXT WEEK – Lena Cavanna  from Blythedale Children’s Hospita

Briar Crier July 1,

BRIARCRIER

July 1, 2011, Friday at 12:00, Briarcliff Rec Dept, Briarcliff Manor NY Rotary Club

TODAY IN HISTORY

1863 The Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, resulting in a Union victory, began in Pennsylvania

MEETING LEADER – Dean Dykeman

PLEDGE  -  Dean Dykeman  PATRIOTIC SONG – Spontaneous   PRAYER –  Reverend Lee

GUEST –  Christine Cosentino

HAPPY THOUGHTS  -  Ernie is “good as new”; Shelley still has one puppy left; pictures from the Briars were taken by Zachary

ANNOUNCEMENTS –  .Rachel announced fireworks tonight in Ossining; Atria and Tuscan Grille being looked at for future meeting places; raising dues being considered for members.

SPEAKER AND SUBJECT – Dr. Rolande Hodel, Betty K. Lewis – HIV/AIDS in Camaroon, Africa

SUMMARY OF TALK

The two speakers talked about their mission to make Africa free of aids.  They were like Rotarians in the way they interacted with us because they also believe in service above self.  Dr. Hodel is a frequent speaker and brought us up to date with her program.  One of the children she spent time with did not call her auntie but called her mom.  The village has a population of  a few thousand, with one out of five who are HIV positive and it is spreading.  It has one clinic, one nurse and no doctor.  People may not even know they have it.  Antibiotics, antifungals, pain killers and IV fluids have been provided.  There is no infrastructure.  Dean presented Dr. Hodel with a check for $500.00 from Rotary to be invested and used to provide sewing machines.   Further detail may be found at http://aidsfreeafrica.blogspot.com/2011/07/briarcliff-manor-ny-rotary-club.html.

Elinor Yuter, Reporter

Rachel Leihbacher, Expediter