Rodney Lamar Page began his violin studies at the age of 10.  Upon high school graduation he was awarded a music scholarship to Michigan State University where he earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in music education.  During his collegiate career, Rodney also studied piano developing into an accomplished pianist.  After graduating from college Mr. Page taught music in Michigan in the East Lansing Public School District and the St. Johns Public Schools District.  Following his teaching career Mr. Page became a highly sought out music clinician throughout Michigan.  Rodney currently resides in Lansing with his wife Kimberly and their two children, Jayden and Bryson.

Due to President Brewster being ill today, Mr. Dennis Fliehman presided over Rotary today.  He called the meeting to order at 12:29, and started with a brief recognition of all the veterans who have served.

 

Invocation:  Erik Larson delivered today's invocation.  he led a prayer that asked us all to be mindful of the opportunities before us to render our service, stressing that we should all be striving to make the world better.

 

 

Introduction of guests:

 

Julie Durham introduced today's guests.

 

1.  Jack Davis introduced Hari Kern for a third week in a row.  He was happy to announce that she is going to become a member of Rotary.

 

2.  Lesa Smith of Burcham Hills introduced Marcy Harris of the Respite Center.

 

3.  Julie Pingston introduced Jennifer Marsh who is looking to join our club from the East Lansing Club.

 

4.  Joel Hoffman introduced his grandson, Mitch McGaugh, who is off from school today.  His nickname is "Moose".

 

Remembrance Report:  To her knowledge, Pat Munshaw reported that the health of the club is great.

 

 

A story put together by News Anchors Sherri Jones and Mariah Hanson of  Channel 6 was shown.  it shared the story of East Lansing Medal of Honor recipient and 2nd Lt. Sherrod Skinner.  In particular, Mr. Skinner is recognized on a memorial outside the Hannah Community Center.  he grew up in the Glencairn Neighborhood, with George Nugent a neighbor of his.  Skinner was five years older than Nugent, having moved to Michigan from New England.  Skinner eventually went to school at Harvard, then fought in the Korean Conflict.  on October 26, 1952, ammunition ran out and Skinner told his men to feign death in an attempt to survive the battle.  Ultimately, Mr. Skinner took the full blast of a hand grenade by jumping on it - thus sparing the rest of the lives of his unit.  Mr. Skinner is buried at Arlington National Cemetery although the memorial at the Hannah Community Center is another place to remember this fine man from East Lansing - particularly on Veteran's Day.

 

A red badge was given to Felicia McMullen, who is with the American Cancer Society.  Michelle Reyanert was her sponsor.

 

Ken Beachler introduced John Dale Smith who, in turn, provided today's music.  He played all but the Coast Guard service songs, asking each Rotarian who served to stand for the song connected to his branch of service.  Today's songs included While the Army Goes Rolling Along (Army), From the Halls of Montezuma (Marines), Wild Blue Yonder (Air Force).  Anchors Away (Navy).

 

 

Dennis Fliehman introduced today's Chair of the Month and Chair of the Day, Sam Tucker.  Sam then introduced today's speaker.  Mr. Michael Patrick O'Connor, an EMU graduate with a Masters in Occupational Therapy and countless certifications.  Mr. O'Connor works with patients who have traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.  His passion and desire to help others contributes to his belief that it is a privilege to support catastrophically injured individuals. 

 

Mr. O'Connor is all about safety and prevention and volunteers with AARP's HOME FIT program.  This program helps people outfit their homes properly when physical imitations become an issue.  it emphasizes simple changes that can be made to one's home, keeping in mind that everybody requires something different.

 

One thing to consider when modifying your home is the costs associated with either not staying in your home or paying for services that allow you to continue living there.  The best solution depends on the person and circumstances.  For example, a private home health aide costs about $21/hour.  Adult day care outside the home costs $80/day or $20,800/year.  An assisted living facility generally costs about $3,250/month.  A semi-private room in a nursing home costs $7,960/month or $95,628/year.  A private room in the same sort of facility costs $8,608/month or $103,296/year.

 

Mr. O'Connor talked about the importance of universal design, that makes a home equally livable and safe for somebody eight years old and eighty years old.  He also talked about visitability.  Can people with limitations and equipment still maneuver the space?  Both universal design and visitability contribute to a home's livability.

 

Topics covered, that can be explore more thoroughly by contacting HOME FIT at AARP, include the following:

 

1.  Ramp installation or temporary ramping - what kind, how steep a grade, what style

2.  Grab rails and handrails - many options exist and they do not have to look institutional

3.  No-step landscaping to disguise slant into house for wheelchair access

4.  Pros and cons of mechanical lifts

5.  Avoiding trip hazards - anything over 3/4 inches high (such as door thresholds or rugs)

6.  Swing clear hinges - allow doors to open more fully for better wheel chair access (without tearing out an entire doorway)

7.  Handrails, surface choices, and lighting on stairs

8.  Electrical outlet placement

9.  Shower modifications - some are better than others (for example, avoid suction cup grab bars and certain kinds of Murphy seats)

10. Grab bars - depend entirely on the client for whom they are being placed

11.  Safety framing around toilets

12.  Accessible sinks

13.  Kitchen item placement - lower level microwave, combo washer/dryer

14.  Communication devices like Lifeline (that you carry as a necklace around your neck for easy help access)

 

Today's meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m..

 

Pam Miklavcic's email is:  tdppammiklavcic@gmail.com