Business and Professional Women’s Group Conducts May Meeting

Seven members and guest Linda Pollitz gathered at Basil’s Italian Grill Restaurant on May 22 at 5:30 p.m. Pres. Sandy Moore welcomed everyone and led them in the Lord’s Prayer. She also thanked Cindy Keller for the lovely arrangements.

Following the delicious dinner, Keller introduced speaker Linda Pollitz, Program Manager of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of Northwest Ohio Chapter, to speak about Alzheimer’s. Pollitz has experience in the field of gerontology with 28 years and then 18 years of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association of the NW Ohio Chapter is to eliminate Alzheimer’s and other dementias through research and to provide and enhance care and support for all affected. Of course, it wants to reduce the risk of dementia through promotion of brain health. This chapter serves 24 counties which has an estimated 38,000 families who are experiencing the Alzheimer’s disease.

The NW Chapter of Alzheimer’s Assoc. is a private, non-profit organization funded through contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and by the various Area Offices on Aging of NW Ohio Inc. This NW Chapter provides several programs and services. It provides care consultations for caregivers and family members, 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900 or website at www.alz.org/nwohio) caregiver support groups, connection to online community (alzconnected.org), Medic Alert plus Alzheimer’s Safe Return (medicalert.org/safereturn), and early stage programs. Pollitz has private chat appointments every first Monday of each month at the Kenton’s Council on Aging from 1-3 pm. Call the Council on Aging at 419-673-1102 to schedule an appointment. Please remember that Pollitz does not diagnose people, but she will direct one to a doctor for that. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but one can work to provide other support.

Pres. Moore led the group in thanking Pollitz for her presentation and began the meeting. Sec. Norma Frederick read the April 24 minutes which were accepted. Connie Dietz stated that Golf for Love Inc. will be held on June 29 if anyone is interested. Treas. Dietz had her report filed for audit. She began accepting dues. A memorial for Vern Eldridge was accepted from Vanessa Brim. The pin fine and donations were voted to be added to the scholarship fund. Chr. Charlotte Spencer stated the Sunshine Fund was the same. Norma Frederick and Connie Dietz thanked BPW for their cards.

Director Sandy Moore reported for the Helen Mabrey Shoe Fund in May. She stated that $5,000 from the Hardin County Community Foundation has been deposited and a thank you note has been sent. No shoes were purchased in May, but she did pay for tax preparation, ordered new checks for the fund, and received the refund for recertification agent fee. All accounts agree with the bank.

Brim and Dietz had not received any completed scholarship applications at this time. Brim will send a reminder to the media. The scholarship will be decided at the Ladies Night Out on June 12. After a short discussion, all will meet behind Liberty Bank at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, and travel to Tony’s Restaurant in Findlay for dinner. Guests are welcome. Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned. All were wished safe travels.