Members Absent: David Getzoff, Art Rosenblum, Ed Brautman, Davida Brautman, John Hamilton, Suzanne deKozan, Gloria Stubbs and Sandy Grant
Call to Order: The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Parkinson’s Support Group of Sonoma County (PSGSC) was called to order by Chair, Kathy Osbun at 10:15 a.m.
Thank you note: Kathy read a thank you note from Dana May Casperson. The Board had sent a card and gift in thanks for her service to the Board.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the January 20 meeting were approved with the following corrections: All references to “Sandy” should read, Sandy G. Under programs,
Rocksteady Boxing is the correct title of the exercise that was being demonstrated for the
PWP break out group. Greg, who presented the demonstration, is an Occupational therapist at Memorial Hospital, not a physical therapist.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy reported for Sandy G. who was absent. Income was $.68 interest, $22.83 from Oliver’s Community Card program and $105 from ticket sales to “Love Letters.”
Total income was $128.51. Dance for PD took in $45 over expenses leading to a $173.51 net income.
Dance for PD class will have a separate spreadsheet to show the 2015 excess fund we still have to spend.
Art reported to Kathy that all financial statements matched bank statements.
Programs:
Dance for PD: Nancy has brochures for the Dance for PD demonstration to be presented March 12 from 2-4 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall. This is an opportunity to bring wider attention to this program which has been so beneficial to many of our members. Nancy has placed notices in many newsletters and online boards that reach senior citizens and asked for further suggestions. She distributed the brochures to Board members to place in medical offices or other appropriate venues. Invitations should also go to family and friends. The class is working on a routine to perform that afternoon and there will be an audience participation demonstration as well. Refreshments will be served. Nancy said there were 33 participants in the last class meeting.
Singing Group: After discussion at the last Board meeting, Kathy talked to Jamie about making efforts to increase the number of participants in the singing group. If the group were to enlarge this would require a change of venue and that would involve increased expense and many logistical problems for Jamie and her class materials. They concluded that letting things go as they are until there was a pressing need to change would be best for the present.
Rocksteady Boxing demonstration: The demonstration was very well received and board members who were in the break out group thought that there was a lot enthusiasm for the program. A big drawback is the time required for participation. It was suggested that 3 times a week would give the most benefits but that is a big chunk of time when people are involved in other activities as well. Nonetheless, several from the breakout group wanted further information.
Facilitators for March: Marie Kay will check with John, Ann and Marc will also be available. Ann suggested that we look into a small self contained microphone that the
PWP can use in their break out groups. PWP have voice problems and hearing what is spoken is often a problem. Ann said she would look into that.
Speakers: Marc received some feedback after the February talk by John Forsayeth, PhD, who does research at UCSF into the causes of Parkinson’s. Several members felt he dismissed what to them had been a widely held view that pesticides was a factor in Parkinson’s. While some members were quite concerned about the presentation a number of others were favorably impressed with the talk. It was a program that did inspire quite a bit of conversation on the subject.
In March Dr. Nicholas Galifianakis will talk about non motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The speaker for April is still being considered.
There are several Parkinson’s related events coming up. Flyers for all will be available at the Library table or information will be sent out to the membership via email.
- NPF Moving Day in San Francisco May 1
- The Human Race in Santa Rosa May 7
- Partners in Parkinson’s Convention in Oakland May 14
- Parkinson’s World Congress in Portland Oregon, September 20-23
- Fundraisers:
The Human Race: Marc registered PSGSC as an eligible recipient of funds raised by participants. Marc was contacted by several people who wanted to participate and have the funds go to PSGSC. In the past PSGSC had participated in this race but the requirements for involvement became more than any member wanted to undertake. Now however, registering can be done online and does not require taking part in other parts of the program.
Publicity: Brochures are printed and Sandy G. will have them at the next meeting.
Sandy G. has also designed a new letter head and would like comments and changes from the Board. Several suggestions were put forward.
April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month:
PDF (Parkinson’s Disease Foundation) has sent brochures which will be useful in the Library displays that Marc, Ann and Sandy B. will place for April Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Kathy will check that we have the April Mary’s Pizza fundraiser.
Marie Kay will look into having an article or a notice in the Oakmont Newsletter about April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. She plans to contact Richard Duncan who leads the Oakmont Support Group about ideas he might have.
Data Base: There were 92 at the February meeting. This included 9 new PWP who filled out data forms.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. The next Board meeting will be
Wednesday March 16, 2016 at the Brush Creek Senior Living.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara France,
Recording Secretary