I did not take a photo of the speaker Lea Franks because her presentation was so arresting that I forgot to use my cell phone camera. For this newsletter, instead of posting a picture at the top, I am including quotes about caregivers to honor Lea and her work and also our members many of whom, if not all, have been caregivers at one time or another or even currently. "Humor and Musings" will return next week.

 

President Lon Shell called the meeting to order ringing the Kiwanis bell Billy brought back newly polished with new black detailing. It is looking sharp!

 

Lon reported that the Kiwanis baord meeting is next week on July 18th. He sent out a draft agenda to the board members requesting any additions be sent to him prior to the meeting. There is a lot of information about intern duty possibilities so if you have not looked at the email yet, please do so. If you are a board member and did not receive the board meeting email, let Lon know in case there is a problem with email addresses.

 

Rhonda said July birthdays will be celebrated at our meeting next week on July 18th. Jesse said it was his birthday today. Cheryl had her birthday yesterday.

 

Cheryl reported that December 21st is the date set for the next Pancake Day event. Billy will be starring as Santa Claus.

 

Jesse introduced our speaker and future member Lea Franks, Executive Director of "Acclaimed Senior Living," who has dedicated a great part of her life to services concerning caregiving for seniors. Her compassion is very evident. She began this journey in her teens when she starting helping her grandmother who was in a nursing home. The nursing home was understaffed, among other problems, and was not providing the very basics of regular meals and bathing. Helping out sparked her passion to do more in this field. She was offered a job there while still a senior in high school. She earned a Bachlor's degree in Business, became an H. R. Director and worked with a Task Force Team to check on nursing homes around Texas. What grew out of her work experience was the opening of assisted living facilities that do not have a nursing home atmophere. Attention to the needs of the seniors is paramount including meals specific for seniors's needs; physical activities for exercise; games and opportunities to do art. She stresses a home type setting with lots of light to help avoid Sundown Syndrome. A focus is made on dementia and memory care. "Acclaimed Senior Living," the latest facility she started in San Marcos, is run as a non-profit to help keep this type of care affordable for more people. They already have eight residents since their grand opening in late May with room for eight more. Please visit their website www.acclaimedseniorliving.org for more information.

 

July 18th: Haley Brooks, CASA

July 25th: Danny Arredondo, Law Enforcement Asso.

 

July 18th: Birthday celebration for July birthdays.

July 18th: Kiwanis Club board meeting. 5:00 p.m. at Sunflower Bank